October 2005 News

FRESH AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

Dead Kennedys will reissue their seminal 1980 debut FRESH FRUIT FOR ROTTING VEGETABLES - SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION on Manifesto Records with bonus material October 25. Along with the legendary songs comprising the album, a bonus 55-minute DVD documentary with new interviews (with East Bay Ray and Klaus Flouride) about the record and some of the earliest known live footage of DKs performing tracks such as “California Uber Alles” at San Francisco’s Mabuhay Gardens and “Holiday in Cambodia” shot during the band’s only live date in France, is also included. However, as may be expected, Jello Biafra “was asked to participate and chose not to,” according to a statement.

IT’S THE RAMONES WORLD - WE JUST LIVE IN IT

Not many museums in the world are dedicated entirely to a single rock band, but the Ramones can now add that to their list of accomplishments, as one opened September 16 in Berlin. Drummer Marky Ramone said it “could be the first of many,” adding, “just because it’s in Berlin, it doesn’t mean there can’t be one in New York, L.A., or London. It’s wonderful. I’m flattered.”

…MAKE THAT MARKY’S WORLD

In related news, Marky is finishing his book FAITH IN THE BACKBEAT, which he says, is “not a religious book. It’s just my times with the punk rock scene in New York,” he says. “[From] my audition with the New York Dolls all the way up to the Ramones’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [induction].” Moreover, says the drummer, “There’s a play coming out about the Ramones, and I have my radio show that I’m starting the last week in September on Thursday night on Sirius [Satellite Radio], from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. on channel 28. The station is called ‘Faction.’ I’m going to DJ on there once a week live,” playing live, rare, and archival Ramones material, as well as contemporary punk, and music that inspired The Ramones (think ’60s British invasion).

LOOSE NUT

Multi-media man Henry Rollins, who previously hosted IFN’s HENRY’S FILM CORNER, a series where he hosted showings of underground films, is tackling a new project for the channel. THE HENRY ROLLINS SHOW will break from IFN’s film-based coverage to become a wide-ranging talk show. IFN ordered a 20-episode run of the series for its first season. Rollins will begin work on the show as soon as he wraps up his latest spoken-word tour.

NO REST FOR BAD RELIGION

Fresh off their European tour, L.A.’s punk icons Bad Religion have announced scattered dates in the U.S. in support of last year’s stellar THE EMPIRE STRIKES FIRST. In addition, according to European retailer Cdon, the DVD of their fall 2004 performance at the Palladium will be released January 18 on Epitaph and will have a 5.1 surround mix.

DOCUMENTARY FOR JOHN

A documentary about John Lennon’s transformation into an antiwar activist has started pre-production, and aims to reach theaters next year, according to distributor Lions Gate Films. Entitled THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON, the film will be released to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the rock icon being granted permanent U.S. residency, despite the government’s strong efforts to prevent it. 

SHOCK TROOPS

October sees TKO releasing a brand-new DVD from U.K. Oi!/punk legends Cock Sparrer. Just a modicum of what WHAT YOU SEE… IS WHAT YOU GET contains: the complete Morecambe, England 2003 gig, extensive interviews, U.S. 2000 tour footage, band documentary, music videos, and complete discography.

THE BLACK DEATH

Three mice infected with the bacteria responsible for bubonic plague went missing at the Public Health Research Institute in NJ. Health experts claimed the public was not at risk, for even if they DID get outside the lab, they would have died early on from the disease. Federal officials said they’d probably never be accounted for, as they could’ve been stolen, ingested by other lab animals, or simply…misplaced. The FBI said it was investigating the matter. Bubonic plague is believed to have caused several epidemics or pandemics throughout history, but today, it can be treated with antibiotics, and about one-in-seven U.S. cases is fatal.

PMS AT ABACUS

Denver’s Planes Mistaken for Stars have joined the Abacus roster, and their next full-length will come out June 6 (No Idea, which released last year’s UP IN THEM GUTS and ’01’s FUCK WITH FIRE, will do the vinyl). This from the band: “Abacus are good eggs and if anyone has a problem with any of this start your own band or eat shit; either way try and have fun with it. Our future’s so bright we gotta wear shades. See you in June.”

TECHNOCRATIC MANIPULATORS

VOIVOD-D-V-O-D-1, Voivod’s first DVD release, will be out October 25, and covers the original line-up period (1983-1991). Included are all the ’80’s videos, plus rare live and studio performances of classic material. From the start, the Canadian thrash band’s goal was to sound completely unique and incorporate odd musical tempos and futuristic story lines into their songs, and in the process, influenced other thrash and metal bands with their one-of-a-kind style of performing and writing music.

BIGWIG UPDATE

Fearless Records has reported that the next Bigwig album will be released February 7, 2006. The band are planning on touring heavily throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe in support.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

On September 29, John Roberts was sworn in as chief justice of the Supreme Court. Last month we reported he was nominated to take the seat left vacant by Sandra Day O’Connor, but after presiding chief William Rehnquist died early-September, Bush nominated Roberts for the top spot. After bitter battling that led to a confirmation by the Senate Judiciary Committee, Roberts easily was confirmed by the Senate in a 78-22 vote. Bush has yet to announce his nomination for the second opening on the high court.

ONE MAN GOES THE WAY OF THE BOMBS

One Man Army’s Jack Dalrymple has joined U.S. Bombs, and will be playing bass on their new full-length due out in March 2006 on Thorp. The band will enter the studio in mid-October to begin recording their follow-up to 2003’s COVERT ACTION.

THE DANCE REVOLUTION CONTINUES…

Brien Worsham, former- AND now-current vocalist for North Carolina’s Secret Lives of the Freemasons, has RE-joined the band after UN-joining a mere week prior. The guys resumed their normal touring schedule, supporting their debut full-length THIS WAS BUILT TO MAKE YOU DANCE (Astro Magnetics), as if nothing ever happened. (Reasons for “unjoining” were not disclosed…) In reaction to the news, label owner Marc Debiak has announced plans to try and find a used Sega Genesis at a garage sale this weekend that will work with an old copy of MADDEN 96 he recently found in his mom’s basement.  “I can’t be bothered with all this band drama,” stated Debiak, “not when I still have half an iced tea to drink.”

HOT WATER TRIO

No Idea Records has released the infamous Hot Water Music/Alkaline Trio split EP on an LP picture disc featuring two new original paintings by Scott Sinclair. You can view the artwork for these fine mothers here: http://www.noidearecords.com/images/hwm_alk.gif. The split was originally released in 2002 on CD (only by Jade Tree Records) and features each band covering each other’s tunes. 

AMERICAN DREAMERS

China’s excellent street punk quartet Brain Failure will be hitting the road in October with Street Dogs and River City Rebels in support of their Thorp debut AMERICAN DREAMER. See www.brainfailure.com. In related news, Brain Failure will have a few tracks on the AMPED 3 snowboarding video game for X Box along with label-mates The Ducky Boys.  

IGNITE RECORDING

Having recently returned from their European headlining tour, SoCal hardcore/punk band Ignite are preparing to enter the studio to record their third full-length (and first for Abacus) in the middle of October with Cameron Webb (Motorhead, Silverstein).

Q: AND CHILDREN? A: AND CHILDREN

Finnish five-piece Children Of Bodom will release their follow-up to ’03’s HATE CREW DEATHROLL, entitled ARE YOU DEAD YET? October 25 on Spinefarm Records. The U.S. release includes a previously-unreleased bonus track. Along with the nine new studio tracks on their fifth album, COB also include a cover of The Ramones’ “Somebody Put Something in My Drink”.

YES, WE STILL CARE!

November 1 marks the release of Face to Face’s drool-inducing career retrospective SHOOT THE MOON: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION. Released on frontman Trever Keith’s new label Antagonist, the record will contain 19 of their greatest songs PLUS two new recordings and an extensive 28-page booklet that features in-depth liner notes and rare photos. The highly influential band, which has combined catalogue sales of nearly a million albums, formed in ’91 and officially broke up in ’03 (but did their farewell tour in the summer of ’04 to sold-out crowds nationwide).

SAN DIEGO’S BEST

At the fifteenth-annual San Diego Music Awards, As I Lay Dying were voted Artist of the Year, beating out such bands as Unwritten Law and Louis XIV. Said vocalist Tim Lambesis, “This award was truly a surprise! It would be one thing if the judges in some musical academy chose us, but this award means so much because it comes from
our fans. We were up against some great bands including three major-label favorites that we all respect. The people of San Diego have given us more support than we could ever ask for and we can’t thank you enough!”

SAN DIEGO’S BEST, PART DEUX

Underminded won Best Hard Rock Band at the San Diego Music Awards, but they don’t rest on their laurels, as they’re still touring on HAILUNAMERICAN! and working hard.

COPELAND AIN’T TOO SHABBY, EITHER

At summer’s end, Copeland was named Breakthrough Artist in Yahoo Music’s “Who’s Next?” competition, easily taking 45 percent of the vote and defeating Silverstein, Daniel Powter, and Steven Strait. The Florida-based foursome are currently touring the U.S. in support of their latest album IN MOTION (The Militia Group), with Daphne Loves Derby, Melee, and the Spill Canvas until November 7.  www.thecopelandsite.com

SO MUCH FOR THE EXHUMATION

45 GRAVE, legendary ’80s horror punk band were to be on tour after a 15-year hiatus, with original vocalist Dinah Cancer and a new lineup, including Lisafer (Nina Hagen/SnapHer/D.I.) and Rikk Agnew (Social Distortion/Adolescents/Christian Death), Jaime Pina (Chemical People, Jeff Dahl Band) and Mike “Thrashead” Sullivan (Bad Acid Trip, Naked Aggression). They had even played a CBGB’s benefit show prior to their scheduled jaunt with The Misfits. However, shortly after the announcement, the band pulled out because of “irreconcilable differences in the business practices of The Misfits booking agent, Artists Worldwide,” and 45 Grave decided to separate from their booking agency. Fear not, though, 45 Grave plan to pursue other tour opportunities that are presenting themselves both here and abroad, and plan to explore possibilities of new CD releases.

THE MILITIA GROUP SIGNINGS

Indie-pop five-piece fielding have signed with The Militia Group. fielding have opened for such acts as Sleater Kinney, Josh Rouse, Glenn Tillbrook (of Squeeze), and Quasi to name a few. The band are holding down a month-long residence at the Silverlake Lounge and look to release their self-titled debut October 18. Also new to the label: The Class of 98, who will be releasing their debut TOUCH THIS AND DIE in early 2006.

SUPERJOINT’S COMMISERATION

Superjoint Ritual was able to make it out of New Orleans safely prior to the devastation of hurricane Katrina. The band wishes the best for family, friends, and fellow citizens of the city who have experienced loss due to Katrina.

DEATH BY AVENGENCE

Following a torrid trek of headlining tour dates through Canada, and a support stint through North America with PENNYWISE, Death by Stereo (supporting their latest album DEATH FOR LIFE) will take to the road as main support for Avenged Sevenfold, now through December 2. www.epitaph.com

REBELS WITH A CAUSE

Even Hurricane Katrina couldn’t drown the spirit of New Orleans. But the survivors needed help, and nothing brings the underground community together like fellow rebels in need. Hence, a benefit show was performed September 25 at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana. For “Rebels with a  Cause,” New Orleans native Timbo Gruse and his band Speedbuggy USA were joined by Rory Justice, The Moonlight Cruisers, The Rocketz, The Henchmen, Crash Cadillacs, The Southerners, Los Griswolds, Voodoo Train, and special guest Rip Carson. Rather than just watch from the sidelines, Jessica Sojka, from Patch Eyed Punks cc enlisted the help of promoter Ruben Juarez of Grease Demon Entertainment to get bands and fliers together for the show. Phil Raves, from indie label Split 7, was also quick to lend any assistance needed.  

FIND OUT WHAT’S ON JOE ESCALANTE’S MIND

Vandals bassist/Kung Fu Records major domo Joe Escalante has updated his tour diary (www.kungfurecords.com/html/joesreport.htm) and promises that with his handy sidekick he’ll keep updating it with upcoming Vandals and Sweet and Tender Hooligans (the band Escalante just joined up with) shows. (One of the first updates, 8/20, discussed The Vandals’ triumphant return to NYC, playing a “save CBGB” benefit show - Joe, the crowd was right: you don’t get out there enough…!)

YEAH, IT’S CHEAP FUEL, BUT…DEAD CATS?

Christian Koch told Germany’s BILD newspaper that his organic diesel fuel - a mixture of garbage, cat roadkill, and other ingredients - is a sound alternative to consumer diesel. “I drive my normal diesel-powered car with this mixture,” said the German. “I have gone 170,000 km (106,000 miles) without a problem.” His patented “KDV 500” machine can produce the so-called “bio-diesel” fuel at about 23 Euro cents (30 cents) a liter, which is about one-fifth the price at gas stations. Koch said about 20 dead cats added into the mix could help produce enough fuel to fill up a 50-litre (11 gallon) tank. Unsurprisingly, the president of the German Society for the Protection of Animals said using dead cats for fuel was illegal, reassuring that “there’s no danger for cats and dogs in Germany because this practice is outlawed in Germany.”

ENDANGERED SPECIES - WHO NEEDS ‘EM?

As was expected, the House (by a vote of 229-193) approved an overhaul of the 1973 Endangered Species Act, the nation’s most powerful environmental law. The new bill, which was pushed by Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif), who says the rules of the original act burden landowners and lead to lawsuits while doing too little to save plants/animals, requires the government to compensate property owners if steps to protect species thwarts development plans. Also, it would stop the government from designating “critical habitat,” which limits development. Still, there’s hope, as approval in the Senate isn’t guaranteed.

NEW ON VICTORY

Victory Records is proud to announce the signing of two bands: The Autumn Offering (album out May ’06) and Long Island’s The Sleeping.

GHOST TOUR

In support of the new album, GHOST REVERIES, Sweden’s Opeth embarked on the North American leg of their world tour October 9 in Phoenix. They’ll be on these shores through mid-November. Supporting the band directly on this run will be Pelican (through October 22) then Nevermore (beginning October 24). Openers Fireball Ministry (through Oct 30) and Into Eternity (beginning Halloween) have recently been added.

BLOODIED BUT UNBOWED

Four peace activists (and members of Catholic Worker) were convicted September 26 for damaging governmental property when they spilled human blood on an American flag as a means to protest the war in Iraq, but were acquitted of the most serious charge against them, conspiracy to impede an officer of the United States. They were also found guilty of entering a military recruiting station for unlawful purposes when they splattered blood on the walls and windows of an Army and Marine Corps recruiting station near Ithaca, NY.

THE FILTH AND THE FURY

From October 19 until November 3, Toledo, OH’s The Fury will be touring with The Juliana Theory, JamisonParker, and June. Check www.thefurymusic.com for details.

BABY GOT BACK

Christian Slater took a plea deal that allows him to avoid jail time for grabbing a woman’s derrière in NYC in May after an argument with a cab driver and then a girlfriend. The shamed woman called police who arrested Slater and charged the actor with forcible touching, a misdemeanor. All charges have been dropped against Slater as long as he stays out of trouble for the next six months.

PLEDGE RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL

It’s looking as though the matter of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools might possibly head back to the Supreme Court, as a federal judge declared it unconstitutional September 14. The case in question was raised by Michael Newdow, the same atheist whose previous battle with the phrase “under God” was rejected in ’04 by the Supreme Court (Newdow didn’t have custody of his elementary school daughter on whose part he sued). This time, he filed the same case on behalf of three parents and their children. The judge said he’d sign a restraining order preventing the pledge recitation at school districts in Sacramento County, where the plaintiffs’ children attend school.

CHANGE’LL DO YOU GOOD

A Change of Pace will be on the road from October 26 until December 15 with Greeley Estates and My American Heart on the MySpace Tour. www.achangeofpacemusic.com 

LOSS OF BAND WITH SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

DC/Richmond-based Del Cielo have disbanded. Their output includes two full-lengths (one on Eyeball and one on Lovitt) and a number of seven-inches and compilations. They’ll be remembered as much for those works as well as their activism, as the band dedicated themselves to benefits, women’s rights organizations, and political causes. Drummer Katy Otto had this to say: “In the past four-and-a-half years, Del Cielo has surpassed what any of the three of us thought our band would be. It’s been an honor to travel around the country and meet people. Our band has existed through turbulent political times as well, and our final show [held September 23, was] a rock for choice event [and] seems fitting given our two most recent Supreme Court nominees. It’s been so fun and we are lucky to have had this experience!”

DECK THE HALLS

The Bouncing Souls give us ample reason to celebrate this season: they’ll be releasing a double-disc live set of their greatest hits, entitled BOUNCING SOULS LIVE. After pounding the East Coast and beyond for the last 15 years, the now-veteran live band have set out to follow up their TIE ONE ON EP with this career-spanning retrospective perfect for fans old and new, as they begin to write their follow-up to 2003’s ANCHORS AWEIGH (Epitaph).

RIGHTEOUS

Righteous Jams (now on Broken Sounds Records) go on tour October 15 and will be jumping on the Dropkick Murphys tour beginning November 10. See www.kungfurecords.com/tourdates/tourdates.htm for info.

KILLA DVD

Piebald’s DVD, KILLA BROS & KILLA BEES will be released November 8, and it’s filled with live footage and unreleased material. Also included is a CD of 17 unreleased B-sides.

15 MINUTES LATE FIND HOME

Chicago’s 15 Minutes Late have signed with Fearless. They’ll begin recording their debut LP with Sean O’Keefe (Hawthorne Heights, Fallout Boy) in November, and will tour immediately after. www.15minuteslate.com

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