Rocklahoma Festival 2015: Inclement Weather Forces Band Cancellations, One Man Shot, and Two Missing
There was a lot going on at this year’s Rocklahoma Festival besides music; performances were canceled due to inclement weather; a man accidentally shot himself; and a pair of 20-year-old men went missing after attending the concert.
Tornados and heavy rain were whipping through the area, causing the cancellation of some acts on Saturday, including Linkin Park and Volbeat. Mayes County Emergency Management director Johnny Janzen told PryorDailyTimes.com: “In a tornado situation, they typically tell you not to get in your vehicle. However, there are no substantial structures at Rocklahoma that will house everyone. Metal poles make tents an unsafe option in the presence of lightning. So, really, your vehicle may be the safest option.” There were an estimated 30,000 people attending the festivities on Saturday who needed to find shelter.
Also on Saturday, the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office said that a man put a pistol in his waistband, and it accidentally went off, shooting him in the abdomen. There is no update on his condition, but he is expected to survive. Guns were not supposed to be allowed in Rocklahoma, but the sheriff’s office said that the Rocklahoma security staff did not have metal detectors or the means to fully search every car that entered the area. They anticipate filing charges on the victim.
And, two 20-year-old music fans who attended the festival in Pryor are missing. Cody Parrick and Ben Babar were last seen on Friday night, when they were supposed to leave the event for work but never made it. They were driving a silver 2005 Pontiac Montana minivan. Anyone with information concerning the two men’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Okmulgee Sheriff’s Office. As of press time on Thursday, they are still missing.
Sebastian Bach to Release Official Memoir
Sebastian Bach is set to release his official autobiography, “18 and Life on Skid Row.” Fans can expect the book to hit shelves and Kindles on January 19, 2016.
The book’s official description reads: “In this uncensored, unfiltered memoir, the musician and former frontman for Skid Row tells the story of how a choir boy became a mega-successful hair metal god, rode the wave of fame in heavy metal’s heyday, and came out alive on the other side when glam rock went the way of the cassette tape and the Walkman.”
And, Bach goes on to describe Skid Row bass player, Rachel Bolan, as “the band’s Bill Ward.” Bach – who was sacked by Skid Row in 1996 – says Bolan is the only member of the band who has a problem with him. Comparing the situation to that which exists between Black Sabbath’s estranged drummer Ward and frontman Ozzy Osbourne, Bach hints that jealousy could be at the heart of Bolan’s dislike of him.
He tells Metal Injection: “I’ve talked to all of those guys except the bass player, and he is the one that has it in for me. But I haven’t given that guy any reason to dislike me in 19 years.”
Sharon Osbourne “Slaps” Lars Ulrich
Sharon Osbourne had some interesting things to say about Metallica and their drummer Lars Ulrich in particular recently. “I feel like we’re their parents. We’ve known them from when they were so young, and seeing them all grow up, have their own families… And since Robert [Trujillo, former Ozzy Osbourne and current Metallica bassist] joined them, we’re even more connected with them. It’s family. You know, they are family. And [we have] so much respect for Metallica. And [I] just personally love each and every one of ‘em.”
Never one to hold back, after she made that touching statement she added: “[Metallica drummer] Lars [Ulrich] is a bit of a bigmouth. He needs a good slap sometimes, but we love him.”
Ex-Iron Maiden Singer Paul Di’Anno Says His Children Have Pushed Him To Stay Off Drugs
Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno, who has fought a long battle with drug abuse before finally getting sober, tells The Times Of India that he is still in recovery and credits his family for helping him stay clean.
“As much as what harm drugs cause you, what they do to your family is worse,” he says. “I have seen a lot of people lose everything they had money, a home and even their family because of drugs and feel it’s not worth it. The reality is that you can never be completely cured of them. Even today, I am in recovery. There are moments I slip too, but then feel twice as guilty later. It is my children who have pushed me to stay off drugs and I will do it for them.”
Paul Stanley launches “Royals & Rebels” Brand
Does he really need more bank? Guess so. Paul Stanley of KISS, has teamed up with Epic Rights to develop and launch an all-new lifestyle brand called Paul Stanley: Royals & Rebels. Included in the brand will be men’s fashion apparel and footwear, spirits, home décor, cookware and more. He’s already made millions from his signature musical instruments and his fine art. Look for the brand at retail in fall 2016.
Slayer will join forces with Anthrax and Kvelertak for a European tour in the fall supporting their new CD “Repentless”, due worldwide on Friday, September 11.
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, along with Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini, and former Megadeth drummer Shawn Drover, all sat in on a huge jam with members of AC/DC tribute band Highway to Hell and members of McBrain’s McBraniacs at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Seminole Casino in Tampa, Florida. The show was filmed for a new reality TV series in production called “Golf Rocks.”
Apparently, Roger Daltrey of the Who is allergic to marijuan smoke. He threatened to stop a concert at New York’s Nassau Coliseum after he smelled pot smoke in the audience which could cause his voice to shut down. Daltrey asked the fans to stop puffing and they stonily complied.
Ted Nugent’s dog Happy has survived and will make a full recovery after being injured in a fight with a wild boar. The poor pooch suffered a collapsed lung, and was near death, before doctors from the veterinary hospital at Texas A&M were able to stablize the dog.
Bon Jovi frontman Jon Bon Jovi has recorded a song entitled “Beautiful Day” for Finding Neverland: The Album, a concept album inspired by the new Broadway musical about Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie. The song, along with a short behind-the-scenes clip, can be seen on DailyHeadbanger.com.
Slipknot’s Knotfest will return to San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California October 23-25, 2015. More details and bands will revealed by June 29 when tickets go on sale.