Bryan Reesman of New York’s Newsday has written a feature article about Judas Priest. Highlights from the story appear below.
Rob Halford discussing aging:
“I wonder where I’ll be on my 70th birthday..I’m going to make sure I’m onstage somewhere and getting ready to scream that out, no matter what condition I’m in, because it’s on my bucket list…The shelf life doesn’t really come into the metal world anymore, so that’s great for bands of the old guard like Priest and Maiden and now Metallica and Megadeth. It just proves what we’ve always said, that at the heart of it, it keeps us thriving and connected. It’s the music, plain and simple. It’s the music that matters.”
The Metal God on wanting to record a blues album:
I still want to do that blues album…I’ve always felt that that’s very much a part of my background and musical roots. I don’t know what kind of blues album I could do because there are so many different facets [to explore]. Maybe I’ll just mix it up. As far as stuff out of the metal world, I’m a fan of people like Michael Bublé and Michael Feinstein. I’ve always been a fan of Sinatra and Tony Bennett and Elvis. I’d love to hear what my voice would sound like in that kind of musical mix, with wind instruments, trumpets and sax, piano, just that big-band sound.”
Journey drummer Deen Castronovo was handed a suspended sentence and four years of probation after pleading guilty to domestic violence crimes on Monday, October 12th.
Castronovo, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree assault constituting domestic violence, two counts of menacing constituting domestic violence, unlawful use of a weapon and coercion. If he violates the terms of his probation, a sentence of five years and five months in prison could be imposed.
In a statement dated October 30th, Deen admits that he hit bottom and thanks the prosecutors for saving his life…
“Two weeks ago, I, Deen Catronovo, made a plea deal with Salem, Oregon prosecutors. I plead guilty to one count of coercion, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of assault 4, and 2 counts of menacing. Ref: Case #15CR23974 in Marion County Court.
Anyone who witnessed the events remains adamant that my abrasive behavior stemmed from the fact that I was at a drug-induced psychosis level of intoxication at the time of the occurrences. Otherwise, I am an easy-going guy who loves being a father and a musician.
After my Indictment in June, I completed a 75-day inpatient treatment program at the Hazelden Betty Ford Springbrook Center, the most comprehensive drug abuse treatment center in the State of Oregon. It was at Hazelden that I quickly realized how dire the situation had become. I made a vow to myself and my family to not only stay sober but to dedicate time telling my story, speaking to promote sobriety, being a good example to my sons and advocating for the rights and assistance of domestic violence victims. I hope by telling my story I can help prevent someone else from making the same mistakes I did.
Taking into consideration that I have been able to stay completely sober since my Indictment in June as well as the fact that I have continued domestic violence and drug counseling without any difficulties, Judge Jamese Rhodes sentenced me to four years of probation. The probation requires me to continue the domestic violence and drug abuse counseling.
At the sentencing I apologized to my ex-fiancé, Deidra, and her family for the hurt I have put them through. I continue to wish Deidra the best. I know Deidra is not at fault for my behavior nor the consequences I have suffered because of it. Again, I want to apologize to Deidra, her family, my family, my band-mates in Journey and the fans of Journey. I’m sorry I let you all down. I have hit my bottom and I’m taking the necessary steps to ensuring that this never happens again.
As devastating as this was for me it was far more devastating to Deidra and our children. Had it not been for her calling the police and the intervention of the prosecutors I’d probably be dead. I’m going to focus on my family, finding happiness in sobriety and helping others who might be going down the wrong path to avoid destruction. For now I’m taking it one day at a time and looking to discover what new path God has planned for me.”
Anthrax have revealed the title and the release date for their forthcoming album. The record will be called, For All Kings and will be available on February 26th, 2016. See the video announcement, the band created, below.
Anthrax also recently released a lyric video for Evil Twin from the forthcoming record, please click here to listen to the song.
“I was very affected by the Charlie Hebdo massacre as I have been with all of the shootings that have taken place at schools and movie theatres,” said guitarist/lyricist Scott Ian. “I can’t figure out what would cause someone to think that was the right thing to do. ‘I’ll show the world, I’ll make my God happy.’ It’s just such bullshit. I’m not bagging on religion, that’s not my intent, but people who go to that extreme, who feel they have become judge, jury and executioner over their fellow man because you or I don’t believe the same thing they do, I think that’s the Evil Twin of humanity. Writing words about that is my only catharsis.”
In other Anthrax news, the band recently announced that it will be releasing a special 30th anniversary edition of their classic album Spreading The Disease, on November 20th. Read more about this special release by clicking here.
Metallica will help celebrate Super Bowl 50 with a headlining set at CBS Radio’s third annual The Night Before concert.
As indicated by the name of the event, the show’s scheduled for Saturday, February 6th, 2016. Even though the Super Bowl will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the concert will be located at AT&T Park in nearby San Francisco.
Metallica’s James Hetfield broke the news of the band’s performance during an appearance on San Francisco station KITS-FM; according to a press release, the show will also include an opening set from Cage the Elephant.
“How cool is this?” enthused Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich in a statement. “Super Bowl madness, AT&T Park and Metallica all coming together in one over-the-top hometown gig. We are of course beyond psyched and extremely honored to be flying the flag for not only Bay Area music, but for heavy music in general at CBS Radio’s The Night Before 2016 edition. Get your dancing shoes ready, ’cause this is going to be one next-level, uniquely crazy event!”
Metallica have made a habit of playing at AT&T Park in recent years by hosting an annual Metallica Night at San Francisco Giants games. Earlier this year, the band expanded that tradition, bringing Metallica Night into the South Bay for a San Jose Sharks hockey game.
“We could think of no band other than Metallica worthy of headlining such a major event in San Francisco as the city plays host to the Super Bowl,” added CBS Radio president Andre Fernandez. The Night Before has quickly become an anchor of our annual concert lineup, and we are ready to share the energy and excitement of the show with thousands of music and sports fans. It’s going to be one of the most memorable nights in San Francisco music history.”
Metallica Fan Club members will have early access to tickets via a special pre-sale through the band’s site, while a separate pre-sale for Citi cardmembers is set to begin November 4th. General ticket sales begin November 6th at 1PM ET through Ticketmaster.
Stryper have released another song from their new studio album, Fallen, which was released on October 16th through Frontier records. Listen to All Over Again below.
To listen to other songs from this release, click on the highlighted song titles:
1. Yahweh
2. Fallen
3. Pride
4. Big Screen Lies
5. Heaven
6. Love You Like I Do
7. All Over Again
8. After Forever (Black Sabbath cover)
9. Till I Get What I Need
10. Let There Be Light
11. The Calling
12. King Of Kings
