2003

When “Headbangers Ball” returned to TV sets earlier this summer, metal fans rejoiced. Now, MTV2 – the show’s new home – is putting a little more icing on the cake and sending three bands out on the road to give some headbanging lessons in person. Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God, and Shadows Fall will rotate and co-headline the MTV2 Headbangers Ball tour, which explodes onto stages starting October 28 in Canada. Confirmed dates stretch into the beginning of December and more are expected to be added. Opening act Unearth will perform for the first leg of the tour, with God Forbid tackling the second part.
Fans can study up on their current metal by catching “Headbangers Ball” as it airs on MTV2 every Saturday night at 10 p.m. EST, or by picking up the MTV2 Headbangers Ball album.
Source Pollstar.com.

Aterna/jam band O.A.R. will be hitting the college circuit this fall. Following the university run, O.A.R. will step things up and headline a string of dates at larger venues, including a two-night stand at NYC’s Hammerstein Ballroom. O.A.R will also be opening for 311 on two nights in November in Providence, RI and State College, PA. The band just wrapped a stint aboard the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour where they shared the stage with N.E.R.D., Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and The Roots. In addition to rocking the mic, O.A.R. have seen the single “Hey Girl” from their major label debut, In Between Now And Then, hit the Top 40 chart.
Source Pollstar.com.

A DVD commemorating the closing of the famed San Francisco venue

According to a vague message posted on drummer Frankie Banali’s website, the 80s metal band Quiet Riot have apparently called it quits, although a DVD is still slated for release next month.
“There may be many of you who have questions as to the breakup of QUIET RIOT. There is nothing more I wish to add at this time other than I am disappointed that the band no longer exists. Beyond that, unless in the future I am given reason to make further comments, there is nothing further for me to say on this subject as I believe it to be inappropriate. I’d also like to add that it is my understanding that the QUIET RIOT DVD will still be released on October 7, 2003. Thank you for understanding.”
Source frankiebanali.com.

Instant Live and Coca Cola have teamed up with moe. to present the band’s fall tour. Now, all fans will have the chance at the end of each show to purchase soundboard CDs and walk away with them minutes later. Fans may note that this will not effect their regular taping policy, and know the band is excited to be the first to try this technology on a full-fledged tour.
Please check the tour page for participating shows.

The Disco Biscuits are bringing their New Year

The Flaming Lips will release a seven song EP called Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell on November 18th. It will be their second EP released this year following Flight Test, which featured Beck, Radiohead and Kylie Minogue covers.
The EP will include remixes of “Ego Tripping” and “Do You Realize?” as well as four new tracks including “A Chance at Christmas (Say It Isn’t So).”
Source Rollingstone.com.

Wilco will be appearing with Sonic Youth on the new PBS show “Soundstage” this weekend. Sonic Youth’s performance will deliver the usual part rock, part free-form noise, part avant-garde punk delivery, featuring a new song “Sympathy for the Strawberry.” Following Sonic Youth, Chicago-based Wilco will take the stage with their blend of idiosyncratic pop sounds from their most recent album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Highlights include “War on War” and “Jesus.”
Check your local listings or go to wilcoworld.net for further details.

Widespread Panic has announced plans for a two-night New Years run in Atlanta to close out the year before going on a previously announced indefinite hiatus. Claiming to be the only time fans can see the band in 2004, tickets are sure to go quickly.
All info can be found at the band’s website.

A Perfect Circle, whose second album, Thirteenth Step, arrived in stores Tuesday (September 16), has announced its fall North American tour. The current lineup which features Tool singer Maynard James Keenan, ex-Marilyn Manson bassist Jeordie White (a.k.a. Twiggy Ramirez) and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, made its live debut this past summer on a short club tour and some Lollapalooza dates.
October 31 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman ColiseumNovember 1 – Houston, TX – Reliant ArenaNovember 2 – New Orleans, LA – Voodoo FestivalNovember 4 – Pensacola, FL – Bay Front AuditoriumNovember 5 – Birmingham, AL – Boutwell AuditoriumNovember 7 – Tampa, FL – USF SundomeNovember 8 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach AmphitheatreNovember 9 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran TheatreNovember 11 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock LiveNovember 13 – Knoxville, TN – ColiseumNovember 14 – Memphis, TN – Mid-South ColiseumNovember 15 – Nashville, TN – Municipal Auditorium
Source launch.com.