BLACK SABBATH will make a rare television appearance when they perform a new song in the season finale of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", on Wednesday, May 15. Said executive producer Don McGill, "When we first heard that BLACK SABBATH was interested in premiering a song on 'CSI' from their first studio album in 35 years, we were all really excited. So many of us are longtime fans,". "And seeing as the album is titled '13' and this is the finale of 'CSI''s Season 13, it seemed like the perfect match. We couldn't be more thrilled."

STEEL PANTHER have revealed that they will perform at the wedding of NICKELBACK frontman Chad Kroeger and pop singer Avril Lavigne. 

STEEL PANTHER drummer Stix Zadinia explains how the unlikely friendship with Kroeger came to be, saying, "We play a lot of shows, and we have weekly residencies in L.A. and Hollywood, and Chad was in L.A. for a while, and he would come to our shows and get up onstage and jam. We got to know him, and at one of the shows, we were like, 'Dude, we should write together!'" 
Kroeger contributed guest vocals to and collaborated on the song "It Won't Suck Itself" from STEEL PANTHER's 2011 album, "Balls Out".

Scott Weiland has extended his solo tour. The singer has announced a series of 7 shows on the west coast, starting May 29 at the House Of Blues in Hollywood.

The "Purple At The Core Tour" sees Weiland performing songs from the first two Stone Temple Pilots albums, 1992's "Core" and 1994's "Purple".

Scott says he is working on a new solo album with his touring band, The Wildabouts. You may remember in late February, Stone Temple Pilots announced the "termination" of Weiland from the band; the singer immediately challenged that move, calling it "something for the lawyers to figure out."

Jon Bon Jovi has denied a tabloid report that a contractual disagreement between he and Richie Sambora caused the guitarist to pull out of Bon Jovi's current tour on the day it was scheduled to kick off.

The front man told Statesman.com. "I think Richie's doing all right, (but) I haven't spoken to him. We were surprised. It was 3:30 on show day on Tuesday and we got a phone call that he wouldn't be there. It's a personal matter.

"Don't believe what you read on TMZ because it's the furthest thing from the truth."

This isn’t the first time Sambora has left mid-tour. A few years back he ditched the Jovis to seek substance abuse treatment at a rehab and, naturally, when he pulled out this time it led to speculation that he was back on the sauce.

Man, in a world where rockers are out to fleece you outta your last nickel, this is one of the coolest things a musician can do for fans.

Kid Rock will be going old school for his upcoming North American summer tour by only charging fans $20 for tickets in all sections of the venues.

The tour is set to kick off on June 28th in Bristow, VA and will conclude on September 15th in Tampa, FL. The trek will feature rotating support from Kool & The Gang, ZZ Top, and Uncle Kracker.

In addition to the cheap ticket prices, Kid Rock's team says they will be "lowering prices on everything from parking to beer for every show in every city, and as far as merch goes a tee shirt will only set you back $20.

"Everyone knows the economy is still hurting people across the country, but I didn't want that to be a reason why everyone couldn't get out and enjoy themselves on a summer night.  No hidden fees, no gimmicks.

"We're not sparing any expense on this tour, we're going over the top as always, but that doesn't mean we're going to ask the fans to pay more. If this works we're going to play to packed houses of fans who appreciate what we're doing. If it doesn't, might be a long summer. But someone has to go out there and fight these high prices and change things up.”

And what’s more? The Kid will be reserving the first two rows for every show as free upgrades for lucky fans that will be selected at random. 

Former AC/DC and Rose Tattoo bassist Neil Smith has died after a battle with cancer. He was 60. His family says in a statement:

"Neil is now in peace. There is not a person out there who has met him and not felt like their lives were better for the experience. He was a loving and devoted father, a loyal friend and all round generous person. He was larger than life, and his passing will be felt. Thanks to all his friends for their support and love, especially during the final stages of his life."

 RIP brother

"Room 24", a brand new song from Danish metal rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT, is available for free download right here. The track, which features a guest appearance by legendary Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond, comes off VOLBEAT's fifth studio album, "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies", which will be released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on April 5, in the rest of Europe on April 8, and in North America on April 9 viaVertigo/Republic Records/Universal Music.

Comments VOLBEAT guitarist/vocalist Michael Poulsen: "I'm a huge fan of MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND. Having King on the record is a huge privilege. Normally, it's not something he does. He wrote his own lines, and it is half my lyrics and half his. It's a weird, scary story, and he's the perfect person for it." 

 Guitarist Richie Sambora will not be performing with Bon Jovi during the current leg of the band's Because We Can tour.

The band posted a message on their website assuring fans that all of their scheduled shows will go on as planned and chalking Sambora’s absence up to "personal issues" and nothing more than that. Sambora has struggled with substance abuse in the past and has done several stints in rehab but if that’s the case now the band isn’t talking.

There’s no word on who’s going to fill Sambora’s snakeskin boots, but we’ll find out tonight when Bon Jovi plays in Edmonton, Canada.

 He seemed to be just fine here though...just sayin'. Stay tuned - this could get interesting!

Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST are celebrating their 40th anniversary with the release of the live concert Blu-ray and separate DVD called "Epitaph" on May 28. The footage was shot in London during the final show of their year-long "Epitaph" world tour, which the band claims will be their last large-scale world tour ever.
Priest aren’t retiring altogether, though. They’re currently at work on a new studio album that will mark the recording and songwriting debut of guitarist Richie Faulkner, who replaced the band’s co-founder KK Downing in 2011.

 Here's a taste of what to expect! I'm PUMPED to check it out!