News and Tidbits

 

Rumors abound that the following bands are to be on 2001 Ozzfest - Guns `N' Roses, Stone Temple Pilots, Slipknot, System Of A Down, Cold, Mudvayne, Tool and Nothingface. We'll find out when the Ozzfest tour starts up this summer and let you know.

 __Kiss' Gene Simmons and Metallica's Lars Ulrich will appear on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" in February. The show airs on ABC. Money will go to a charity chosen by the artist.

 __Most of you have heard by now that Jason Newstead has quit Metallica after 14 years in the band. He left because of "personal and private" reasons and because of physical damage he has done to himself while playing music over the years. Maybe he just got tired of hearing Lars whine.

Best of luck to Jason in his future endeavors.

 __Pantera has been nominated for a Grammy: "Revolution Is My Name" is up for the Best Metal Performance category. The Grammy Awards show will air on February 21 at 8 p.m.

Check listings for TV channels.

 __Michael Anthony of Van Halen has introduced a signature series bass line for Yamaha. The new bass will have chili pepper fret inlays and the first 500 made will be autographed. Check the Yamaha or Van Halen web sites for more info.

 __Megadeth will release a new album, The World Needs a Hero, in early May. The band line-up will be founding members Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson, drummer Jimmy DeGrasso and new guitarist Al Pitrelli, who has played with Alice Cooper, Widowmaker (with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister) and Savatage.

A tour will follow the release of the album.

 __Look for new albums this spring and summer from Testament, Fear Factory, Sepultura, Flybanger, Canderia, Unida, Slayer and more.

  

Well, that's all for me this month. I will have several CD reviews in next month's issue-really!

Thanks to everyone for sending show dates and such. Email me at pitnews@yahoo.com

Support all that is heavy!

See ya in the Pit!