Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler (that’s his mug shot) was arrested January 27 after a bar brawl at the Corkscrew Saloon in Death Valley, California. The 65-year-old was charged with misdemeanor assault, public intoxication and vandalism; he was later released “after detox and citation,” said the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department in a press release.
The press release in its entirety reads: “After the Inyo County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene and interviewed witnesses, it was determined that there had been an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation — resulting in an individual being struck, and a broken window. Terence Michael Butler [Geezer’s full name], a 65-year old man from Beverly Hills, California, was arrested for misdemeanor assault, public intoxication and vandalism. Butler was booked into the Inyo County Jail and released after detox and citation.” Butler thanked his fans for their support in a series of tweets.
Michael Vescera, who sang on two full-length albums for Yngwie Malmsteen, recently had a thing or two to say about the Swedish guitar maestro. During a press conference in Brazil, Michael said, “…I think the main thing with Yngwie — [fellow ex-Malmsteen singer] Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens and I were talking about this earlier — Yngwie could have been the biggest guitarist in the world today, by far. And he’s destroyed his career, just by burning bridges and just pissing people off. And it’s unfortunate, because he changed the face of guitar. And to be where he’s at today is kind of sad.” He added, “But, look, I don’t have anything bad to say about Yngwie. It was an experience. There was some crazy s**t that went on. But I wish him well, and I hope he straightens out his stuff and comes back. But… you know, we would need about two years [to tell our] stories [about] him.”
UFO is readying to release a brand-new album called A Conspiracy Of Stars on February 23 (Europe) and March 3 (U.S.). Have a listen to one of the new tracks called “Run Boy Run”. And check out the video teaser here.
Sweet boards! Iron Maiden is soon to release this set of three skateboards. Each skatedeck emblazoned with classic Maiden album covers including 1980’s self-titled Iron Maiden, 1981’s Killers and 1986’s Somewhere In Time. “Boards [are] produced with 100% hardrock U.S. maplewood taken from areas under re-forestation programs,” says Backstreet International Merchandise Limited, [They are] individually hot pressed to ensure uniformity and perfect lines. Each deck includes free Iron Maiden logo sticker.” Expected ship date is February 20.
VH1 Classic is premiering a new series called Rock Icons on February 21. The original documentary show will feature legendary rock artists in “10 groundbreaking 30-minute episodes that go past the veil of mystery and beyond the velvet ropes with in-depth, intimate portraits revealing who these rock stars really are, and the road that lead them to their iconic status today. Each episode is jam-packed with exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage with featured artists and key people who helped shape their exemplary careers.”
Among the rock heroes profiled will be Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Slash (ex-Guns N’ Roses), Rush’s Geddy Lee, Ted Nugent, Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx, Heart’s Ann Wilson and more. View the teaser video right here.
Check out the lyric video for “Hard Habit,” the new tune from Jack Russell’s Great White. It’s off his upcoming studio album, The Gauntlet, due out later this year.
