Last week, 61-year-old AC/DC rhythm guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young officially left the band, a decision made after an undisclosed but reportedly very serious illness. This week, it was widely reported in Australian newspapers that that Malcolm is suffering from dementia, which can cover a broad category of brain diseases that cause the permanent loss of the ability to think and reason. Several outlets reported that he’d also suffered a stroke earlier this year and that he’s currently in a round-the-clock care facility. “If you were in the room with him and walked out, then came back in one minute later, he wouldn’t remember who you are,” said a source to the Sydney Morning Herald. “He has a complete loss of short-term memory. His wife, Linda, has put him in full-time care.”
Meanwhile, in an article in The Australian, former AC/DC manager Michael Browning said, “I have friends that are still involved and they keep me posted so I have known for a little while. I think it came on very suddenly. It’s shocking, it’s terrible. Sadly for AC/DC they’re losing their creator, their mentor — he’s the genius behind the band.” The sad news was confirmed by Malcolm’s own family later this week in a prepared statement to People magazine that read, “Malcolm is suffering from dementia and the family thanks you for respecting their privacy.” Every, single one of us here at the House of Hair is an AC/DC fan, and to Malcolm’s family and friends, you are in our thoughts and hearts.
Trixter guitarist Steve Brown (pictured right) has joined Def Leppard for several live dates, filling in while Vivian Campbell undergoes stem-cell treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Brown, who first played with Def Lep last weekend, will be on stage for the band’s upcoming dates in late October and early November. Campbell announced he was in remission in late 2013; he discovered the cancer had returned this year and is battling it with cutting-edge, high-tech treatments.
Wrote Vivian, “While I can’t say that I’m looking forward to the process ahead, I’m very much looking forward to what I feel will be a most successful outcome. Next year will be very busy for Def Leppard with a new album and a world tour, and frankly, I don’t think they would sound as loud without me, so I have no intention of letting the team down! See you all (with hair!) in 2015.”
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was the subject of a recent clue on the game show Jeopardy!! During the September 25th episode, a contestant selected the Classical Music category, and host Alex Trebek read this answer (pictured). The correct question: “Who is Antonio Vivaldi?” You may remember that Dave joined the San Diego Symphony earlier this year in a performance titled “Symphony Interrupted.”
The first-ever U.S. version of the Rock In Rio festival is scheduled for next May 8 & 9 and May 15 & 16, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Confirmed bands (so far): Metallica, Linkin Park, No Doubt, Deftones, John Legend (and many more to come). Multiple stages and a unique lineup for each of the days is on the agenda. Rock In Rio has a global 30-year history; over 7.4 million people have attended 14 editions, and more than 1,270 artists have performed in 85 days of the event. This will mark the first Rock In Rio on U.S. soil.
On a cool note, RIR has teamed up with MGM Resorts International and Cirque du Soleil to “redefine the modern music festival for U.S. audiences with a monumental combination of the biggest names in music and a fully immersive entertainment experience, all housed in a spectacular, custom-made ‘City Of Rock.’” The permanent open-air concert venue will be located on The Strip near the corner of Sahara Avenue, spread out over 37 acres and have the capacity for 85,000 people per day. It includes six stages, three themed Rock Streets encompassing the culture and music of the U.S., UK and Brazil, and a zip line that stretches 64 feet high and 600 feet long in front of Main Stage. Get us a ticket for that now!
Metal Church singer Ronny Munroe and the band have parted ways. In an official statement, Metal Church said, “After 10 years, four albums and many great shows and performances, lead vocalist Ronny Munroe will be leaving Metal Church to pursue other interests. This is regrettable, but understandable. We wish Ronny success with his new endeavors. To our fans, we want you to know that Metal Church is still very much alive and we will have some big announcements for you in the very near future.”
That’s professor Iommi to you! Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi tweeted this photo of his first day teaching music at Coventry University in the U.K earlier in the week. He was designated Visiting Professor of Music in June by the university, and he was also awarded the degree Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his outstanding contribution to global music last year. Said Department of Performing Arts head Dr. Sara Reed, “It is a tremendous honor to have Tony here with us as a Visiting Professor. His huge wealth of experience and musical knowledge is beyond value to our students.” As part of his new duties this fall, Iommi will work directly with students on their songwriting and composition skills.
Check out this quick sample of Alice Cooper covering The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” from the upcoming album, The Art of McCartney, due out on November 18.
In addition to Cooper, bands turning in covers include Kiss, Def Leppard, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, The Cure, Roger Daltrey (The Who) and more.
Ex-Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash says the kids of today aren’t interested in working for their success. In an interview with Ireland’s Independent.ie, Slash said, “’You know what’s wrong with the whole f***in’ entertainment business? Kids these days just want to grab a bunch of cash, do as little work, with as little integrity as possible, and just f***ing retire, man. You wanna know why I got into this business? Because I loved playing. I loved doing concerts. I loved recording. And that’s still what I’m in it for today.”
Have a listen to “I Forget To Breathe”, a brand new song from Mr. Big’s …The Stories We Could Tell.