Attention all bass players and keyboardists. . . SMASHING PUMPKIN mastermind Billy Corgin is looking for new help for an upcoming tour. Current bassist Ginger Pooley has decided to hang up her axe to raise her new baby. To submit your application, go to www.SmashingPumpkins.com
Speaking of Help Wanted ads, DRAGONFORCE announced the departure of vocalist ZP Theart due to “insurmountable differences of musical opinion”. A world-wide search for his replacement is underway as they start working on their 5th release. To send in your tape, go here: www.dragonforce.com/audition/
Former SYSTEM OF A DOWN screamer Serj Tankian will do two symphonic productions of his latest solo-release “Elect the Dead” later this summer in Atlanta July 9th and L.A. July 30th. The “Elect the Dead Symphony”, recorded live in New Zealand is out now.
CHICKENFOOT guitar god Joe Satriani will be hanging in our neck of the nation March 19th. He’ll be at the Sam Ash in Burbank Illinois from 7p-10p.
BEHEMOTH growler Nergal is facing 2 years in a Polish prison for destroying a bible on stage. In Poland it is illegal to insult someone’s religious beliefs.
AIRBOURNE will tour North America with BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE this Spring hitting Chicago’s Riviera Theater on May 22. AIRBOURNE’s new disc “No Guts, No Glory” was recorded here in the Windy City with producer Johnny K and is out now.
CHILDREN OF BODOM have gathered at the rehearsal space to start working on new material.
Not the that world was asking for it but STRYPER have decided to hit the studio to do an album of Cover Songs. The Christian-metallers will cover very un-Christian music by BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN, OZZY, JUDAS PRIEST, & others.
And finally. . . . AC/DC screamer Brian Johnson joined a few kids for a rousing rendition of “If I Had A Hammer” for the Music for Little People Foundation. The disc, entitled “Love & Peace: Greatest Hits for Kids”, also features WILLIE NELSON and country bumpkin Faith Hill. Look for it March 15th.