In doubt: Jason Bonham
Jason Bonham is among those bemused by Robert Plant’s recent comments about the chance of a Led Zeppelin reunion next year. In an interview laced with as much cheeky humour as serious reflection, the singer referred to Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones when he said: “You need to see the Capricorns – I’ve got nothing to do in 2014.” Drummer Bonham says on his Facebook page: “I just watched Robert’s interview, where he says he’s free in 2014. Not sure how to read it – what do you think?”
Anthrax frontman Joey Belladonna is philosophical about guitarist Rob Caggiano’s surprise departure from the band, and his even more surprising decision to join Volbeat. He says: “I just think he wanted to produce and try some stuff on his own. I don’t think there’s any hard feelings – in fact, we’re all in touch and everything. He was thinking about it for a while and just finally made the decision to move on.” Belladonna says of replacement Jon Donais: “I think the situation was right for him to come in and do it. Whether it will be a full-time thing we don’t know. We’re just taking it in our stride right now.” [FasterLouder]
Chicago blues icon Magic Slim has died at the age of 75. Real name Morris Holt, he played bass for Magic Sam in the 1950s, toured with Buddy Guy in the 1980s and continued to release albums up until 2012′s Bad Boy. He was missing the small finger of his right hand due to a cotton saw accident when he was young, and credited Hound Dog Taylor, who had one extra finger, for developing his career. Slim had been ill for several months. [American Blues Scene]
Gallows guitarist Stephen Carter has left the band two years after his brother Frank bowed out. The outfit, now fronted by Wade MacNeil, report: “We will be moving on as a four-piece like in the early days.”
Beatles survivors Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have paid tribute to early-days collaborator Tony Sheridan, who died aged 72 at the weekend. McCartney said: “Tony was a good guy who we knew and worked with in Hamburg. We regularly watched his late-night performances and admired his style. He will be missed.” Starr tweeted: “I had a great month in 1960/61 playing with him – was great.”
Hard Rock International have launched a new charity shirt in collaboration with U2. The Signature Series Edition 30 top is on sale now with 15% of the price going to Amnesty International. The Edge says: “I hope this shirt generates loads of cash. Plus there’s a guitar on it – so it’s a win-win as far as I’m concerned.”
Meanwhile, Scorpions singer Klaus Meine – whose bandmate Rudolf Schenker recently told Classic Rock why UK fans can’t see them play live – is auctioning his Harley-Davidson jacket for German music therapy charity Musik Hilft. Find out more.
Joe Satriani will release solo album Unstoppable Momentum on May 7. He says: “With 16 of the songs selected for the project, all heading in different directions and touching on a variety of musical influences, I realised I needed to assemble a new studio band. The idea was to crank up the energy level of the sessions, and allow for more individual expression of the material from each player. I pulled into Skywalker Sound with Mike Keneally on keyboards, Chris Chaney on bass and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. The chemistry between these awesome players was fantastic, and we blazed through all the tracks with everyone laying down amazing performances.”
Skid Row have signed a deal with Megaforce Records and they’ll release new EP United World Rebellion Chapter One on April 16 in the US, with an international date to be announced. Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo reports: “We’ve known the Megaforce family and their various incarnations since 1982. They have a sincere belief in what we’re doing and our vision, which is really rare today. Needless to say, this is a very exciting time for us.”
Doogie White and La Paz will release second album The Dark And The Light on May 27. Guitarist Chic McSherry says: “I have no ambition to be judged amongst the virtuoso guitar players out there, many of whom Doogie has worked with and is still working with on other projects. I have no illusions about where I stand next to those guys, many of whom are my heroes. I have just been lucky enough to write a lot of songs with Doogie, songs that we both really enjoy and are proud of, and then we get to play them with the great musicians in La Paz.” White adds: “I think we have made ourselves proud with this record. When all five of us are working together like that, it fair brings a smile to one’s face.”
Pearl Jam have officially notched up 10million sales of debut album Ten. Mike McCready says: “I’m happily shocked to hear that – wow! We had no idea that it was going to do that well. I just felt it was a really cool record and that I was in a good band.” [Billboard]