October 2004 News

Aggravation Over
Due to financial troubles, Aggravated Music Records (AM) is no more as of October 1. In the Glendale, California-based label's four-year history, it contributed 13 albums to our music world, including those of Light The Sky, Fastlane, The McFaddens, Roscoe, The Dean Malenkos, Limitpoint, New Brunswick, HOPE, and Fingers-Cut, Megamachine. They even made donations to PETA and a children's diabetes foundation. So, join us in wishing AM farewell, and hurry to their Website (www.aggravatedmusic.com) to buy up their titles and merch before it's all gone.

Bucking His Way to the Top
The Vans World Championships of Skateboarding ended September 26, and Bucky Lasek, a five-time X-Game gold medalist, became the 2004 Vans Triple Crown of Skateboarding Champion. As the overall winner, he took home $18,500 and a new Ford Ranger FX4. Vans has now created the first Bucky signature shoes, and you can check them out at www.vans.com.

Psychic TV Satanists?
The British industrial/psychedelic rock band, Psychic TV, was banned from their scheduled venue, St. John's Church in Gdansk, Poland, for their September 25 show. The Polish Catholic church's director, Lawrence Okey Ugwu, banned the group, saying they promoted anti-Catholic and pro-Satanist beliefs. Their show was relocated for the same day. Visit www.howlinwuelf.com for the details.

Longest Rock Song Ever
Minneapolis musician, Mark Mallman, known as the "Twin Cities' premier keyboard wild man," has accomplished the performing of the world's longest rock song. On September 6, Mallman played the 52.4-hour song with the help of over 60 rotating back-up musicians, and even played an encore. This doubled the record he set in 1999 with a 26.2-hour song. Learn more at www.mallman.com.

Distro Disturbance
Drive-Thru Records' five-year distribution deal with MCA/Geffen Records is finally over. We say "finally" because the deal allowed MCA/Geffen Records to take any of Drive-Thru Records' bands for their own roster at any time. Now, after careful research, Drive-Thru has signed a new distribution deal with Sanctuary Records. Visit www.drivethrurecords.com for more.

Super Fun
Supercade promises to combine video games and music like "never before." The Supercade event takes place in San Bernardino, California on October 2. 150 video games set to free play will be spread throughout an arena as dozens of bands play the stage, including Strung Out, The Aquabats, A Static Lullaby, Throw Rag, Rufio and Death By Stereo. Learn more at www.SupercadeMusicFest.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Rock Star Transforms to Film Star
Jenny McCarthy is planning to release her movie, DIRTY LOVE, sometime next year. The movie will feature Sum 41's Deryck Whibley in his debut acting performance as the love interest of Carmen Electra's character.

Broken Motorhead
Motorhead's U.S. September/October tour is canceled due to Lemmy (vocals/bass) suffering a severe foot injury during their European tour. Lemmy had ignored his doctor's warnings to stay off of his foot until it healed, and instead played their entire European tour. This caused the injury to worsen, and has caused the U.S. tour cancellation, but the band will be back for another U.S. stint in March 2005. Get the dates at www.imotorhead.com.

Stolen Gear Via Busted Windows
The Loud and Clear Records van was broken into and Via Satellite's (VS) gear was stolen in New York City. The van's back window was broken, and the band's two custom strat guitars, 1972 Fender Vibrolux amp, and suitcase full of BOSS FX pedals were stolen. However, VS pressed on in their tour with a slightly altered set. Read about it at www.loudandclearrecords.com.

Skateboard Scholar
The Tony Hawk Foundation has sponsored a $1,000 college scholarship for Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship finalist Ahmad Toure. Toure was awarded this scholarship for being an activist for skateboarders in his community. To learn more about the scholarship, visit www.skateboardscholarship.org.

The Matches Go Off
Next up in Kung Fu Records' live show DVD series, THE SHOW MUST GO OFF!, is The Matches. This one is already in stores, as of September 7. To listen to The Matches, visit www.kunfurecords.com.

Name Confusion
The California street-punk band Roustabouts has changed its name to American Static after confusion with the Oklahoma band of the same name. American Static starts a U.S. tour and releases their debut album on Street Anthem Records this month. Check it out at www.streetanthemrecords.com.

Get Your Metal Drumming Fingers Out
Orange County heavy metal band Horus Torus is looking for a drummer. If you think your drumming abilities are up to par, the band welcomes your response at www.horustorus.com.

Downloadpunk is Up
Downloadpunk.com is now live with over 30,000 songs from over 120 labels for you to download. The site focuses on punk, hardcore, emo, ska, indie rock, and metal genres and sub-genres. It offers easy search tools, 30-second samples, and reasonable downloading costs.

I Guess the Lookout was on Break
Lookout Records band Engine Down had their entire van and trailer stolen while they were touring in Houston, Texas. They are taking donations on Pay Pal to help them get back on their feet to continue their tour. Donate at www.lovitt.com/enginedownupdate.html or visit www.enginedown.com.

Bush versus Kerry
If you're having some trouble deciding who to cast your vote for on November 2, check out the presidential debates this month. There are three official presidential debates for this election, the first was held September 30, but the other two are on October 8 and 13. A vice presidential debate will be held on October 5. For more info on this, check www.debates.org.

American Idol Vandals Style
Enter The Vandals' very own version of American Idol, T.I.T.S. (Totally International Talent Search), and win some prizes, a chance to sing with The Vandals, or, even, a gold microphone and autographed guitar. All you have to do is send in a video of you singing one of The Vandals' songs off their latest album, HOLLYWOOD POTATO CHIP, to Kung Fu Records. Visit www.kungfurecords.com for rules, details, and samples of what has already been submitted.

Playing Favorites
Good Charlotte will be touring in support of their new album, THE CHRONICLES OF LIFE AND DEATH, starting October 21. On the tour are Sum 41 and Hazen Street and Lola Ray, which happen to be two bands off Benji's and Joel's (of Good Charlotte) record label. Check out www.goodcharlotte.com for dates.

Gravity Games Wrap Up
Gravity Games in Cleveland, Ohio wrapped up the weekend of September 18 with Sandro Dias and Paul Machnau winning best trick, Rodil Junior winning a street contest, and Rodil Junior winning on the vert.

THE Tour Heads Out
Head Automatica, The Bronx and The Bled will comprise the rest of the line-up for The Used's support tour for their newest album, IN LOVE AND DEATH. The tour starts October 9, so check out www.theused.net for dates. And if you haven't already bought the new album, which was released September 28, remember to do that, too.

The Abuse Murder
Paulette Valenzuela, singer for The Abuse, was found shot to death in her apartment August 7. The suspect was caught and charged by police within the next week. The police are still uncertain about his motive. The Abuse are not currently playing, but helped with the set-up of multiple concerts in remembrance of Paulette throughout September. See www.theabuse.com for more details.

Drive Thru Halifax
Halifax (pop-punk) has been welcomed to the Drive-Thru Records roster, and say they will start on their first full-length shortly. Until that hits stores, check out their EP, A WRITER'S REFERENCE, which will be available through Drive-Thru Records. Also, visit www.halifaxrock.com.

Mad Online Chatties
Mad Caddies released their latest on September 21, LIVE IN TORONTO: SONGS IN THE KEY OF EH, and humored their fans with a public online chat session on September 27. Read about it at www.fatwreck.com.

Liars Academy Theft
Baltimore band Liars Academy had over $15,000 of equipment stolen out of their trailer during their tour with Scatter the Ashes and Last Collapse. The crime happened on September 22 in their hometown. It caused dates to be missed on the rest of the tour, but the band managed to play Baltimore three days later. If you can help out in any way, e-mail liarsacademy@equalvision.com or visit www.liarsacademy.com.

Underground Music Galore
Tony Hawk's UNDERGROUND 2 track listing has been released. The video game will be in stores October 5, and will include everything from Frank Sinatra to Faith No More, Jimmy Eat World to Lamb of God, and Johnny Cash to Ministry. See the entire track listing at www.gamerfeed.com.

Lost and Found
Lost City Angels have left Nitro Records and signed with Stay Gold Records, which is an offshoot of Universal. The band is scheduled to start recording in November, and release their debut Stay Gold album in the spring. Visit www.staygoldrecords.com and www.lostcityangels.com.

Goodwill to Abacus
Abacus Recordings has just singed Long Island rockers The Goodwill. The band will concentrate on recording and touring for the rest of the year, with plans to release an album through Abacus early 2005. See www.abacusrecordings.com.

New Bassist Needed
Victory Records' Streetlight Manifesto, have announced the retirement of their bassist, Josh Ansley, from the band. He played through the final show (September 19) of their most recent tour, and the band started searching for a new bassist after that. Read more at www.streetlightmanifesto.com.

Green Day to Dabble in the Movie Biz
Green Day is considering having somebody write a screenplay based on their latest album, AMERICAN IDIOT, for a possible movie. They are also brainstorming on possible cameos in the movie, including Good Charlotte members. We shall see if anything comes of these daydreams.

Authority Zero Lives Up to Their Name
Arizona punkers, Authority Zero, were faced with near-riots (in a good, punk rock way) that caused their performance in Kansas City to be halted in the middle of their set. The venue had only planned for two-three thousand people, but eight-nine thousand showed up. And with only 20 security guards and no barricades, the only way to control the crowd was to shut the show down. Read about it at www.authorityzero.com.

End of a Punk Icon
Johnny Ramone passed away on September 15 at age 55 after fighting prostate cancer for the past five years. He died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home. Johnny was the original guitarist for The Ramones, leaving drummer Tommy Ramone as the only surviving member. R.I.P., Johnny.

A Different Emo Angle
An Angle's debut full-length comes out on Drive-Thru Records November 9. The band has been described as "emo without the depressed attitude," and has a variety of interesting instrumentations. Listen to them at www.authorityzero.com.

Gun Threats
PITCREW Skateshop in Frederick, Maryland was allegedly forced to cancel its tenth year anniversary celebration, due to a threat from the owner of a florist shop across the street from it. It was said that the florist has threatened to shoot any skateboarders, cops, and, even, the mayor at the planned street festival. The florist apparently did not want the festival to affect his business. So, PITCREW asks that anybody in Frederick affect his business in a different way: don't by flowers from the said florist.

Underoath Leaves Tour
Underoath dropped off their headlining tour with Stretch Arm Strong and The Chariot on September 28, saying that they needed to return home to help a friend with a problem. Stretch Arm Strong and The Chariot continued to play the remainder of the tour dates without Underoath, who promised to be back touring at the start of their stint with Coheed and Cambria on October 9. Check dates at www.underoath777.com.

Hail Underminded
Underminded released their CD, HAIL UNAMERICAN!, on Kung Fu Records on September 7. To get a little taste before buying, head to www.kungfurecords.com.

Unforeseen Signing by Prosthetic
Prosthetic Records has signed the Savannah, Georgia-based band Kylesa to their roster. Kylesa almost immediately took off to L.A. to begin recording. Learn more about them at www.prostheticrecords.com.

Burnt to Bleed
Drummer Dave Witte has left Burnt By The Sun, with the apparent intention to join Agoraphobic Nosebleed (ANb). He has practiced with ANb guitarist Scott Hull before, but it did not amount to anything until now. Visit www.agoraphobicnosebleed.com.

Holy Hurricanes
A series of hurricanes devastated the Southeast Coast this past month. Floods, tornados, and ruined towns were left behind by this year's hurricane season. Hurricane Jeanne seemed to do the worst damage in Haiti, tearing its already poor infrastructure to pieces, and leaving sewage filling the streets and thousands dead.

Bands Help Fight Breast Cancer
Strike Anywhere is supporting the Shirts for a Cure Project, which works to help underprivileged women fight breast cancer. The project involves bands donating a shirt design to be sold exclusively by The Syrentha J. Savio Endowment, who uses the profits to support the cause. Other bands who have participated include Thursday, Thrice, Taking Back Sunday, and Darkest Hour. Visit www.syrentha.org to purchase these shirts and learn more.

Raising Another Home Grown
Home Grown's newest EP, WHEN IT ALL COMES DOWN, will be released by Drive-Thru Records on October 26. Listen at www.homegrownonline.com.

Epitaph Surf/Skate
Epitaph Records will be coming out with five Union DVDs featuring "the best of the best in surfing and skating," according to Eptiaph. View E-cards and keep posted at www.epitaph.com.

Rock Against Bush
Rock Against Bush Tours have been invading our country for the past two years, helping punkers register and, hopefully, sway the vote. The current Rock Against Bush Tour started mid-September and involves Anti-Flag, Midtown, The Nightwatchman, Strike Anywhere, Epoxies, and The AKA's. Check dates on www.punkvoter.com.

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