Rock Daily

Original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward recently took to social media to share his thoughts about a possible reunion concert with his heavy metal bandmates. The rock legend wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram that responds to the rumors about a final Sabbath show featuring all of the original members, with Ward essentially saying that he’d love to get the band back together again one more time. “Hey ya, Bill Ward checking in regarding all the updates on a possible Sabbath show in England,” Ward writes. “I'm in for playing some of everyone's old favorites. Loved playing them then, I'd love to play them one last time. I'm not going to talk about my health publicly except to say, everyday I'm pretty good for 76 years old, I'm active musically every day, and I have a very busy and gratifying life. Love you all, all the f**king time. Bill." (Blabbermouth)

In a new interview with TribLive.com, Chevelle drummer Sam Loeffler revealed that the band's new album is tentatively set to be released around September or October. The record will be a follow-up to 2021's Niratias, and will mark the Chicago rock band’s first release on their new label, Alchemy Recordings, after a successful run on Epic. "We kind of did expect to have it done [already]. It's like pulling teeth," said Loeffler. "It's just torturous on my brother [Chevelle frontman and chief songwriter, Pete Loeffler]. It's torturous because there's just so many factors to making something great. And then the longer you can live with it, the more changes you're gonna make. So that makes you never want to put it out. You never want to pull the pin and throw the grenade because you're like, well, it gets better every time I look at it." (Blabbermouth)

Legendary Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood has teamed up with distinguished ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro to record a forthcoming blues album. Blues Experience is due out on October 18 via Forty Below Records. The duo just shared the first single from the record, a cover of the delta blues classic, “Rollin' N Tumblin',” which was made famous due to celebrated renditions by Muddy Waters and Cream. "Jake and I had a full let-it-all-go moment on this one!" says Fleetwood of their take on “Rollin’ N Tumblin’. "Jake let his hair down. A blues standard being given a wake-up call!" "Mick's energy when he plays is so infectious," adds Shimabukuro. "He's such an intense musician. He pushes everyone around him, and it's inspiring to see his facial expressions and watch his movement and the way he hits the drums." (Louder Sound)

Jack White and his band are set to play a benefit concert at the American Legion Post 82 in Nashville on Saturday (July 27). The intimate show is a fundraiser to get the legion a new sound sound system. White announced the gig with a post on Instagram, writing, “Nashville! The American Legion Post 82 needs a new sound system and Third Man Records & Jack White would like to recruit you to help. Come see Jack White and his band perform this Saturday, July 27 at the American Legion Hall for a benefit show.” Fans can sign up for a code that will get you a chance to buy tickets to the show. White clearly is enthused about the gig, writing in the comments, “garage punk show where the end result is the legion getting a new sound system? win win win +++ !!!” (Consequence of Sound)

In a new episode of the Scandalous Podcast, Slayer guitarist Gary Holt shares his thoughts about a variety of modern music superstars. The 60-year-old metal legend was quick to praise the biggest pop star of them all, Taylor Swift. “I love Taylor Swift. Why all the hate?” Holt said. “She's an extraordinarily hard worker. She's super f---ing nice to everybody, and people hate her. She's just the biggest pop star on Earth and more power to her. Taylor writes everything. And so, I give her credit. She's a songwriter.” But when the conversation shifted to Beyoncé, Holt changed his tone considerably. “Beyoncé will put out a song, and there’s 30 f***ing people on it,” Holt said. “How can 30 people write a song, all gathered together? Like you’re not a songwriter, Beyoncé. I think Beyoncé is the most overrated talent on Earth. I think she’s marginally talented." (People)

The shortlist for the U.K.’s coveted Mercury Prize has just been revealed. Leading the 2024 nominations are Charli XCX’s Brat, the Last Dinner Party’s Prelude To Ecstasy, Beth Gibbons’ Lives Outgrown, and Corinne Bailey Rae’s Black Rainbows. The Mercury Prize was first awarded in 1992, and it goes to the best album released by a musical act from the United Kingdom and Ireland. A panel of judges made up of music journalists and broadcasters selects the winner, with the panel chaired by Jeff Smith, head of music, Radio 2 & 6 Music. The rest of this year’s Mercury Prize shortlist is rounded out by Barry Can’t Swim’s When Will We Land?, BERWYN’s Who Am I, Cat Burns’ early twenties, CMAT’s Crazymad, for Me, corto.alto’s Bad with Names, English Teacher’s This Could Be Texas, Ghetts’ On Purpose, With Purpose, and Nia Archives’ Silence Is Loud. (Billboard)

Jane’s Addiction’s original lineup of singer Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and bassist Eric Avery have all returned to the studio and recorded the track, “Imminent Redemption,” their first new song together in 34 years. The last material the original members recorded together was 1990’s alternative masterpiece, Ritual de lo Habitual. “It is different this time,” the band said in a press release “To have everyone back together, releasing new music. It’s time. Welcome to the next chapter of Jane’s Addiction. ‘Imminent Redemption’ is only the beginning.” The song arrives as the band is in the midst of the classic lineup’s first tour together since 2010. This current run of shows began in Europe, where “Imminent Redemption” made its live debut, with the tour set to hit North America in September as part of a 23-city jaunt with Love and Rockets that begins on August 9 in Las Vegas. (Pitchfork)

Metallica are honoring their legendary late bassist Cliff Burton by launching Orion: A Tribute to Cliff Burton, a new exhibition featured on the band’s online museum. Orion is currently available to view on the Metallica Black Box museum on the band's official website, which is accessible to all their Fifth Member Fan Club participants. The online exhibition – the first of four planned exhibits on Burton – features a variety of old photos of him and the band, his personal letters, and video interviews with the beloved metal bassist.

“Though Cliff’s time with Metallica was brief, his impact and influence remain monumental through his music, our memories, and stories,” read a statement on Metallica’s website. “To celebrate our brother, we’ve dipped into our vault to share pieces of him that we’ve hung onto all these years. And because the ‘Metallica Cliff’ is just one side of him, we’ve recruited his friends, peers, and fans to join us in telling his story.” (Consequence of Sound)

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong shared the next offering from the upcoming benefit album for Jesse Malin, the New York City singer-songwriter who suffered a spinal stroke last year. Armstrong’s rendition of Malin’s “Black Haired Girl” is set to appear on Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin, with all proceeds from the album going towards Malin’s Sweet Relief Fund. The benefit album is set for release on September 20th via Glassnote Records. In addition to Armstrong’s single, the full tracklist for the 27-song album has also just been shared, with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Spoon, and Bleachers all involved.

“Jesse is a dear friend to me,” said Armstrong in a press release. “I love his songwriting. He is all heart… His passion is endless. Every time I’m in New York he goes out of his way to make me, my friends and my family feel at home. He’s always down for a laugh or a shoulder to cry on. Jesse, we love you and we’d do anything for you.” (Consequence of Sound)

The long-awaited first official trailer for the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, has just been released. And as was rumored, Timothée Chalamet does his own singing while portraying the folk legend. In the promotional clip for the film, Chalamet sings Dylan’s 1963 classic “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” while performing on the stages of the intimate Greenwich Village clubs in New York. A Complete Unknown is directed by Academy Award-nominated James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari, Walk the Line) and is set to hit theaters sometime in December.

The film also features Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie, and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger. The Dylan biopic brings to life the burgeoning folk scene of the early 60s era, straight through Dylan’s historic performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where the music legend notoriously left the folk scene behind and went electric. (Pitchfork)

Late Motörhead guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke will be immortalized in a 320-page biography and a 4-CD box set. Both the book and CD set will be released on September 6th via BMG. Make My Day: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Story of Fast Eddie Clarke was written by rock journalist Kris Needs along with Clarke’s widow, Mariko Fujiwara. The book recounts Clarke’s life and music career, highlighted by his celebrated time in Motörhead from 1976 to 1982. A press release for the book states: “Mariko and Eddie’s closest friends provide detailed insights into Eddie’s life, including growing up in Twickenham, topping charts with Motörhead, overcoming personal problems [and] finding happiness with Mariko.”

The 4 CD box set shares the name of the biography, with each disc focusing on different eras of Clarke’s career: Disc 1 (“The Early Years” featuring his work in Zeus, Continuous Performance, and Muggers); Disc 2 (Motörhead classics from Clarke’s era); Disc 3 (selected Fastway songs); and Disc 4 (“The Solo Years”). (Consequence of Sound)

John Mayall, the influential British blues rock icon, has died at the age of 90. He was the leader of the trailblazing group, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, which launched the careers of many future rock legends, including Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, who eventually went on to form Cream together; Peter Green and John McVie, who created Fleetwood Mac; Mick Taylor, the future guitarist in the Rolling Stones; and eventual Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention drummer, Aynsley Dunbar.

Mayall’s death was shared in a statement made by the musician’s family: “It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home yesterday, July 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world’s greatest road warriors.” Mayall died just months before he was set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where the blues legend was going to be honored with the Musical Influence Award. (Consequence of Sound)

Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Stage 1 tonsil cancer. The Athens, Georgia rock band has canceled their immediate shows scheduled in Asheville, North Carolina on July 25-27, and will likely adjust the remainder of their upcoming tour schedule while Herring gets treatment and recovers. The band shared the announcement in an Instagram post: “The Widespread Panic Family is sad to report that our Brother, Jimmy Herring, has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer. He will begin treatment immediately and is expected to make a full recovery. That part we’re happy to report. The Band will not be playing the upcoming Asheville dates. We will have a clearer picture of our future concert schedule in the next few days. We thank everyone for their concern and Blessings as Jimmy and his Family go through this healing process. Let the Healing begin.” (People)

Despite recent health issues that forced each of them to cancel a series of shows, Neil Young and Willie Nelson are both set to take part in this year’s Farm Aid. The benefit show is set to take place on September 21 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Young and Nelson will be joined by John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, and Jesse Welles. Since the inaugural Farm Aid in 1985, it has raised nearly $80 million in assistance to farmers.

“We’re energized to be back in New York,” said Nelson, Farm Aid’s president and founder. “The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future.” (Billboard)

Birmingham, England natives Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler are both starring in a new promotional video for their hometown soccer club, Aston Villa. The two Black Sabbath legends appear in a new clip that celebrates Aston Villa’s upcoming participation in the Champions League, as well as showing off their newly designed home jerseys for the 2024 season. The brief social media clip features past and present Villa legends and famous supporters of the club, and is soundtracked by Sabbath’s iconic heavy metal anthem, “Paranoid.”

Ozzy and Geezer start it off by sharing a phone call where they discuss playing at the club’s historic home stadium, Villa Park. “Ay, Geezer!” Osbourne says, while Butler replies, “Alright Ozz?” “Let’s play Villa Park!” “As long as I’m left wing!” Ozzy’s wife Sharon disclosed back  in January that Osbourne is planning two farewell shows in 2025 that will take place in Villa Park. Butler has since revealed that he had been contacted by Osbourne to perform at these shows. (Louder Sound)

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of Californication, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are releasing a unique new line of merch tied to their classic 1999 album along with the picturesque park system in their beloved home state of California. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band has partnered with the Parks Project for a limited-edition collection that pays tribute to Yosemite National Park. The Red Hot Chili Peppers x Parks Project Yosemite line includes three distinctive pieces – a graphic t-shirt, long sleeve tee, and a blanket – that combine images from the iconic California national park along with the Chili Peppers’ album art, song lyrics, and their “Californication” music video.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on this special collection,” says Jack Gray, president of the Parks Project, in a press release. “The designs, inspired by the stunning landscapes of Yosemite and the band’s boundary-pushing artistic style, perfectly align with our mission to promote conservation and inspire a love for the outdoors.” (Rolling Stone)

Black Sabbath legends Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi both have new branded products on their way, with Ozzy being the subject of an official coloring book, while Iommi is releasing his second signature cologne. Ozzy Osbourne: The Official Coloring Book is “coming soon” according to Fantoons, which has also created similar coloring books for Iron Maiden, Rush, and Frank Zappa. Fantoons describes Ozzy’s book as, “The only official Ozzy Osbourne coloring book has arrived! Revisit his entire solo discography through intricate illustrations by the award-winning Fantoons animation studio! Get ready for a unique book featuring Ozzy and the universe he built throughout his unmatched career.”

Iommi’s signature cologne, called “Deified,” continues his collaboration with Italian luxury perfume house Xerjoff. It will sell for $300 via Xerjoff’s website, and according to the product description it has notes of saffron, cinnamon, apple, rose, leather, papyrus, patchouli, moss, and musk. (Consequence of Sound)

Slash has canceled four dates on his current tour while he mourns the death of his 25-year-old stepdaughter, Lucy-Bleu Knight, the daughter of the guitarist’s current partner, Meegan Hodges. Slash shared news of her passing with a heartbreaking Instagram post that states: “Lucy-Bleu Knight (December 6, 1998), beloved daughter of Meegan Hodges and Mark Knight, stepdaughter of Samantha Somers Knight and Slash, sister of Scarlet Knight, stepsister of London and Cash Hudson, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, CA on July 19, 2024. Lucy-Bleu was an incredibly talented artist, a passionate dreamer, and a charming, lovable, sweet soul.” In the comments of the post, Susan Holmes McKagan, wife of Slash’s Guns N’ Roses bandmate Duff McKagan, wrote, “Words cannot express our deepest sympathy and condolences. Love you all so much.” (Consequence of Sound)

During a recent gig in Las Vegas, Sebastian Bach brought out his 11-year-old stepson Trace to join him for a performance of the Skid Row classic, “Youth Gone Wild.” Bach was taking part in a free show at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Vegas on Saturday (July 20th), and the ex-Skid Row frontman not only welcomed Trace onstage to play guitar, he also had his 35-year-old son Paris join in to play drums. Bach is touring in support of his new album released back in May, Child Within the Man, which is the ex-Skid Row frontman’s first solo album in 10 years. Bach has two more concerts scheduled this year, a support slot for Ace Frehley in Johnson City, Tennessee on September 20th, and an opening gig supporting Tesla in Mashantucket, Connecticut on September 28th. (Consequence of Sound)

Jerry Miller, the lead guitarist of the 1960s psychedelic rock group Moby Grape, died Sunday at 81 in his hometown of Tacoma, Wash. Miller’s passing was shared by his friends and family on social media, with no cause of death given. Miller was a well respected, influential musician, and he is widely considered one of the principal architects of the 60s San Francisco sound. Miller’s inventive guitar tones were so distinctive and original that Rolling Stone included him at No. 68 on a ranking of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. On Sunday, a text from Miller’s wife, Jo, was shared to the Moby Group fan page on Facebook: “Everybody flood the ether with Jerry Miller’s music. Play it all day long for me and him. And thank you all so much.” (Variety)