Dillinger Escape Plan's Ben Wienman, Greg Puciato and Liam Wilson
Photo: Relapse Records

Last month, when the Dillinger Escape Plan revealed that founding drummer Chris Pennie had left the highly technical mathcore outfit to join progressive rockers Coheed and Cambria, no one wanted to believe it. The surprise move baffled the band's allegiant fans almost as much as it confused the Dillinger dudes, who started to wonder if Pennie had been fostering some strange, secret obsession with unicorns and minotaurs.

"We found out about him playing with Coheed on the Internet," explained guitarist Ben Weinman. "[Frontman] Greg [Puciato] forwarded me a link to an announcement, and I'm like, 'What?!?' At that point, though, he was just going to record with them — it wasn't like he wasn't going to play with us, but we were questioning keeping him in the band every day because it was embarrassing. But obviously, we felt that his talent was so needed for the band that we tried to make it work, and we let him go through this little midlife crisis or whatever it was, because we never thought he'd join that band over this band. It doesn't make sense. They're not Linkin Park. If you're going to sell out, sell out, you know?

"It's unbelievable, and the funny thing is, before all of this started going down, he used to make fun of that band, left and right," Weinman continued. "He'd imitate [Coheed frontman Claudio Sanchez's] voice and would say, 'They f---ing suck' and all this sh--. It's funny, because everybody just looks at us like, 'Huh?' And we had the same reaction. The other day, we were hanging out with [(+44) kitman] Travis Barker, [and] the guy we have playing drums with us now [Stolen Babies' Gil Sharone] is good friends with him, and he's a big Dillinger fan, and he's like, 'What happened to your drummer?' We told him, 'He quit and joined Coheed,' and he just looked so confused."

But Weinman said there wasn't one specific reason behind Pennie's departure. It had nothing to do with internal strife or a difference of opinion within the band. It wasn't a matter of not liking the direction Dillinger's new material was going in. It just was.

According to Weinman, Pennie also came under fire from the band's label, Relapse Records, for working with other bands on their records without first clearing it with them — for instance, Pennie lent his talents to the forthcoming Idiot Pilot LP Wolves.

"We're contractually obligated to a record label, and when you are in a contract you can't just go playing with other bands without getting permission," he explained. "That's just how it is. You can't just go playing on people's records and not deal with the business side of it. Chris would do that all the time and didn't want to deal with the legal side of it and didn't understand why he had to. We were breaching our contract because of it. Really, at the end of the day, he ended up doing a session gig with Claudio for something he was working on for a soundtrack, and I guess [Coheed] were looking for a new drummer and they asked him to play. I guess they offered him a bunch of money."

Ultimately, though, Pennie didn't record a single note for Coheed's upcoming album, No World for Tomorrow. Instead, the band recruited Foo Fighter Taylor Hawkins for the task, leaving Pennie "a fill-in drummer for Taylor Hawkins. He's basically the f---ing live player for that dude."

Now that Dillinger have found a replacement for Pennie in Sharone, Weinman said the band can once again focus on finishing Ire Works, the much-anticipated follow-up to 2004's Miss Machine, which is being produced out in California by Steve Evetts (Sepultura, He Is Legend) and is being earmarked for an October release.

"When Chris hears our record, he's going to feel like a real a--hole," Weinman said, with confidence. "He blew it. This guy Gil we have playing on this, his drumming is unbelievable on this record. Some of the best drumming we've ever had on any of our records. And now, Gil is going to be known as the guy for this kind of thing. This would have been the record that set Chris up as a drumming dude — as a session guy, a clinic guy — and now, Gil's already got all these companies doing ads based on him playing on this record."

Dillinger Escape Plan will tour in support of Ire Works this fall. First, they'll head over to Europe for a run of gigs with Meshuggah, and the guitarist said the plan, for now, is to bring the same package over to the States this winter. As for how the record sounds? Weinman said fans can expect it to be "just as diverse as" Miss Machine.

"On this record, it's just sort of like a combination of almost everything we've done in the past, but on overdrive," he said of the album, which will include the tracks "Black Bubblegum," "Death's Head Moth" and "Saigon Whore." "Everything is just right. We figured it out. And everything is pretty emotional, too. Everything's really super angry, even when the music isn't all that aggressive. With these songs it's like, 'Oh, you're about to get complacent with where you're at with this song,' and then, all of a sudden, it hits you in the ass again and jerks you around. It's like being on a f---ed-up roller coaster."

The rest of the week's metal news:

Belgian grindcore quintet Leng Tch'e have hired drummer Tony Van den Eynde to replace founding member Sven de Caluwé, who quit in June because he was no longer enjoying the gig. "Many people heeded the call when the word was out that we needed a new skinsman and it was a tough decision to make in the end," the band said in a statement. "But we believe Tony has all the skills to take us to the next level. His power and technique will baffle you all." The new Leng Tch'e lineup will debut later this month with two performances in Holland. ... Cleveland thrash band Skeletonwitch have finished recording their debut album, Beyond the Permafrost, which is scheduled for release September 18. The disc was recorded in June with producer Corey Smoot (GWAR, Municipal Waste). Skeletonwitch will tour with Withered from July 13 in Nashville through July 28 in Savannah, Georgia. This fall, the band will hit the West Coast with Nachtmystium. ...

Hardcore metal musclemen Throwdown have posted two new songs, "Holy Roller" and "S.C.U.M.," on their MySpace page. Both tracks come from the band's upcoming album Venom & Tears, which is scheduled for release August 7. "We kinda went back to our roots as far as what got us into playing music, rather than sticking to what got us into hardcore," said vocalist Dave Peters in a statement. Throwdown are currently headlining the Ernie Ball Stage on the Warped Tour, and will remain there until the tour ends August 25 in Los Angeles. ...

New York metalcore bruisers It Dies Today will begin selling raffle tickets today to help fight leukemia. The tickets can be purchased at the band's merch table on the Warped Tour. Prizes include Fernandez guitars, Burton snowboarding gear, It Dies Today limited edition T-shirts and other merch. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and a specific child in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is battling the disease. Frontman Jason Wood is from Grand Rapids and chose the charities because of a recent experience with the disease. "My best friend, Chad Harjar, passed away from leukemia last year, and it really affected me because of how close we were and how similar our life aspirations were. We were in bands together and we were really ready to go some place. I joined It Dies Today a few months after his death, and he was the person who I wanted to share the experience with the most." The It Dies Today raffle will continue through August 10 in Buffalo, New York. ...

Alter Bridge, the band featuring three former members of Creed, have signed to Universal Republic Records and will release their new album in the fall. And, they swear, it won't sound anything like their former band. "The material we've been working on is really aggressive and I think it's the best work we've ever done," said guitarist Mark Tremonti in a statement. "We're very excited about beginning this chapter in our lives and career." Alter Bridge's debut One Day Remains came out in 2004. ... Heaven and Hell have added several shows to their fall tour, which they claim will be their last dates together before the members part ways. The fall tour launches September 5 in Binghamton, New York, and runs through October 6 in Irvine, California. As previously mentioned, Queensrÿche and Alice Cooper will open. After the tour, singer Ronnie James Dio is expected to work on a new album with his band Dio, and guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler are expected to begin work with Ozzy Osbourne on a new Black Sabbath record. ...

To coincide with the Heaven and Hell Tour, on August 28 Queensrÿche will release Sign of the Times: The Best of Queensrÿche. The package will be available in single and double disc sets. Both feature 17 career-spanning tracks and the 2-CD set features 15 rare and previously unreleased recordings including the newly written "Justified," recorded with original guitarist Chris DeGarmo, who left the band in 1997. ... 36 Crazyfists have signed with Ferret Music and plan to release a new album in 2008. ... Montalvo, California's The F---ing Wrath have completed their debut album, Season of Evil, which is scheduled for release in August. An extensive tour will follow. ...

Members of Exodus, Death Angel and Forbidden are planning to attend the July 14 premiere of the film "Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal" in San Francisco. "I am totally stoked," said Exodus guitarist Gary Holt. "After all, San Francisco was the birthplace of this monster called thrash metal, and it is only fitting that it receives a proper showing right where it all started. After seeing the movie, all I could say was it's about time; and it couldn't have been done any better." ... Slipknot guitarist Mick Thompson plays a guest solo on the tenth album by Malevolent Creation, Doomsday X, which comes out July 17. A video of the studio recording sessions can be seen at SlickDrummer.com, where the new record can be streamed in its entirety.

• Dillinger Escape Plan
• Throwdown
• It Dies Today
• Coheed and Cambria
• Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy
Photo: Terry Woodside

OK, so it's not exactly Biggie vs. Tupac or even Lindsay vs. Hilary, but the beef between Alter Bridge and the Living Things isn't going away.

After initially issuing a polite disagreement to Living Things singer Lillian Berlin's claim that his band was accosted onstage in Switzerland by a member of Alter Bridge and the band's crew Wednesday (see "Living Things Say They Were Attacked Onstage By Alter Bridge, Band's Crew"), Alter Bridge took a few days to mull Berlin's story and came out swinging with a lengthy message posted on their Web site.

"Anyone who knows or has worked with the Alter Bridge bandmembers or crew members knows that these allegations are preposterous," the letter stated. "Alter Bridge regrets that we have to give this matter any attention at all since we view this as an obvious attempt to gain publicity by a band trying to manipulate headlines for their own gain. Therefore, we will not mention the name of said band but will instead call them 'The Opening Band.' "

Lillian Berlin told MTV News on Thursday that his brother, drummer Bosh Berlin, and band guitarist Cory Becker were attacked onstage Wednesday night during a show at the Rohstofflager club in Zurich, Switzerland, by Alter Bridge's crew and at least one member of the band because of comments Lillian made from the stage.

"We were in the middle of our second song, and I had some stuff to say about the current administration and the way they're handling the Iraq war," said Lillian, who claimed his comments resulted in someone in Alter Bridge's camp rushing the stage with an American flag, setting off a struggle that injured two Living Things members and forced the band to cut its set short.

The letter posted online by Alter Bridge — the band formed by former Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, drummer Scott Phillips, bassist Brian Marshall and ex-Mayfield Four singer Myles Kennedy — vehemently denies the Living Things' account.

"Alter Bridge fully supports every American's right to free speech. ... If any band chooses the stage to address their political views and to take shots at the current U.S. government, that is their right.

"However, it is not their right to slander our country and its people in the process. With freedom also comes responsibility — to the truth and to freedom itself. ... We believe the Opening Band spoke from ignorance that night, and has subsequently lied and embellished the events in support of that ignorance while doing interviews about this incident."

The letter claims that during Berlin's "political statement" — which the singer characterized as a monologue about receiving an invitation to a Republican fundraiser at the White House — the opening act shouted obscenities and "repeatedly yelled 'F--- America! ... I hate America!' "

"Regardless of anyone's political views this is simply ignorant, offensive and unacceptable," the letter states. "Alter Bridge stood up for America that night, and we will stick up for ourselves now in explaining this situation."

According to Alter Bridge, a fight did occur onstage, but it did not involve any of the band's members, who were in the dressing room at the time. Alter Bridge claim that during the Living Things' "anti-American diatribe," a technician pointed with pride at Mark Tremonti's guitar rig, which was draped with an American flag cover. "Upon seeing this, members of the Opening Band immediately charged him," the band said.

"Our crew member was attacked for pointing at a symbol of the very freedom that allows free speech!" the statement read. "It is ironic and sad that a band who claims to be making statements against war while hiding behind freedom of speech is so quick to commit violence against someone else simply exercising that same right."

Alter Bridge claim that several members of their crew took to the stage to protect Tremonti's equipment and when the dust cleared, a member of the Living Things screamed, "I guess now we'll have to sue you," backstage.

In addition to comments on the Alter Bridge Web forums in which fans of that band dispute Berlin's account, a letter to MTV News' "You Tell Us" from Gibson of Geneva, Switzerland, states, "I was in the crowd during the Living Things concert, and from what I witnessed, [Berlin] is not telling the truth. In any case, the Living Things were onstage to make music, not talk politics."

While Berlin did not confirm or deny Alter Bridge's account of the scuffle, he did offer a response to their response. "Those thick concrete walls that Alter Bridge said they were behind while we performed seemed to have distorted their perception," he wrote in an e-mail to MTV News. "I am an American citizen who is disappointed, like many others, with the current White House and their mishandlings of our nation. We deserve a better government in our fine country. I believe in my heart that if Alter Bridge had heard what I'd REALLY said they'd be standing beside me in solidarity."

• Alter Bridge
• Living Things

Living Things (file)
Photo: Karl Walter/Getty Images

Living Things singer Lillian Berlin is used to people taking issue with his Bush-bashing stage patter. Hell, three years ago at the Gypsy Tea Room in Dallas, he got pistol-whipped and nearly shot by three men outside the club because of his comments.

But the provocative band's singer thought he might be safe from attack onstage, especially in the bastion of neutrality that is Switzerland. 'Fraid not, Lillian.

The 26-year-old singer/guitarist said his brother, drummer Bosh Berlin, 21, and the band's touring guitarist, Corey Becker, were attacked and beat up onstage Wednesday night during a show at the Rohstofflager club in Zurich, Switzerland, by the crew of the band Alter Bridge and at least one member of that band. The Alter Bridge camp is refuting those claims.

"We were in the middle of our second song, and I had some stuff to say about the current administration and the way they're handling the Iraq war," Lillian said. "The Swiss were all behind us, and the crowd was cheering me on. I was talking about this letter I got inviting me to a Democrat-bashing dinner at the White House. And we went into our fourth song, and some goon from that Creed band [Alter Bridge features three former members of Creed] came out swinging an American flag and then threw it at our drummer, Bosh."

Lillian said he thought the interloper was an excited member of the audience so he ignored him, but then on the other side of the stage, Becker was being "trampled" by two Alter Bridge crew workers and a member of the band, whose name Lillian said he didn't know.

"I was still unaware at this point that these weren't crowd people, so I started screaming for security to get them offstage," Lillian said. "The only reason I knew it was a guy from that band was because I met him backstage, and he had some sports team's ski cap on."

Alter Bridge are the band that was formed by three former members of Creed — guitarist Mark Tremonti, drummer Scott Phillips and bassist Brian Marshall — and ex-Mayfield Four singer Myles Kennedy after Creed's dissolution in 2004 (see "Life After Creed: Alter Bridge Look To A Stapp-Free Future").

A spokesperson for headliner Alter Bridge — who recently parted ways with their label, Wind-Up Records — denied the Things' version of the incident. In a statement issued Thursday night (June 15), the band stated, "Alter Bridge was not happy that this band chose to deliver anti-American statements to their audience.

"However, no Alter Bridge bandmembers were onstage, and their crew was in their designated working areas during this supposed incident. Alter Bridge thinks this is just a weak attempt by the opening band to drum up press for themselves. Alter Bridge will have no further comment on this as they are finishing up their extremely successful European tour and returning shortly to the U.S. to start work on their second album."

A source close to Alter Bridge even said it was the Living Things who started the fight backstage.

Lillian said the Living Things were forced to abandon the gig less than halfway through. As his band walked backstage, Lillian said, Alter Bridge and their crew yelled, "We love America," at the bandmembers, and a woman in their entourage said, "I love where I'm from, and you are shameful." According to Lillian, Bosh has a black eye and an injured left hand that made it difficult for him to play during the band's gig in Austria on Thursday, and Becker has black-and-blue marks on his neck from being choked, a black eye and a swollen nose.

Lillian has made a habit of speaking his mind during the band's shows, burning pictures of President Bush onstage using a pistol-shaped lighter and pretending to flog women in dominatrix gear while wearing a Bush mask (see "Living Things Make Political Point With Guitars, Blow-Up Dolls"). The group's 2005 Ahead of the Lions album is also full of incendiary songs like "Bombs Below" and "Bom Bom Bom," but Lillian said he never imagined another band would attack him onstage for "exercising our freedom of speech."

The two groups shared a bill again on Thursday at the Nova Rock Festival in Nickelsdorf, Austria, but Lillian said he did not see any members of Alter Bridge all day.

• Living Things
• Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge (file)
Photo: Wind-up Records

Bad news for any diehard Creed fans out there waiting for a reunion: According to former Creed/ current Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti, it's never, ever, ever going to happen.

In the upcoming issue of Guitar One magazine, Tremonti puts all hope of a new Creed album or tour to rest — permanently — and says he wants fans and journalists alike to know Alter Bridge isn't something he's doing just to pass the time. It's his band, now and forever (see "Life After Creed: Alter Bridge Look To A Stapp-Free Future").

"There have been a lot of rumors and misconceptions in the press, where they say, 'Yeah, we just had an interview with [ex-Creed frontman] Scott [Stapp], and he said you guys are definitely getting back together, that it's just a matter of time,' " he said. "It waters down what we're trying to do with Alter Bridge. Alter Bridge is not a side project by any means. There is no way in the world that Creed would get back together — unless it was for world peace."

Creed were arguably the biggest rock band of the late '90s, selling more than 24 million records and stringing together one chart-topping hit after another. But last year, after months of trying to write songs for a fourth album, Tremonti announced Creed were finished, citing Stapp's lack of commitment as the main reason for the split (see "Creed Break Up").

Stapp denied Tremonti's charges, instead blaming the breakup on his health issues — stemming from anti-inflammatory medication he took for injuries from a 2002 car crash — and a desire to spend more time with his young son (see "Scott Stapp Breaks His Silence").

But whether he's committed to it or not, it's been Stapp's decision to perform material he and Tremonti had written in Creed that has angered Tremonti the most (and even further scuttled any hopes of a reunion).

"He's still out there playing Creed songs with a pieced-together pawnshop band. Scott [Stapp] and I discussed that during the breakup," Tremonti said. "Since we wrote the songs together, we decided that if we were no longer together, playing them would be unfair to Creed fans and all the guys in the band. It's made me angry, because I thought we had an agreement."

Since the Creed breakup, Stapp has not been playing shows, but he did perform a version of Creed's "Higher" at the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Awards Ceremony, held in New York last December.

A spokesperson for Stapp's — and Alter Bridge's — label, Wind-Up Records, said Stapp was unavailable to comment on the Guitar One piece, since he's in the studio working on a solo record, though "in the near future, Scott will share his feelings — about the past, present and future."

According to Wind-Up, there is no release date set for his solo debut. Alter Bridge continue to tour behind last year's One Day Remains and are working on material for a follow-up.

• Alter Bridge

Coldplay (file)
Photo: Capitol Records

Coldplay will kick off their "biggest-ever world tour" on June 27 with a series of outdoor stadium shows in the U.K. According to a message sent out to subscribers at Coldplay.com, the band will be announcing further details of its tour in the coming weeks. For the first time, the group also publicly mentioned a release date — or at least a release month — for its still-untitled third album, writing that it would be released in June. ...

In day two of the Michael Jackson trial, journalist Martin Bashir tried to be excused from testifying, but his attempt failed when the judge decided he could choose which questions to answer or not. The prosecution played his documentary "Living With Michael Jackson," which the judge instructed the jurors to consider some parts of as evidence, other parts as hearsay. Jackson dabbed at his eyes during the playing of the documentary, and he threw up his hands seemingly in frustration during Bashir's testimony. Jackson's attorney also told jurors that Jackson would take the stand. ...

In a reunion slightly less likely than last year's Pixies capitulation, indie rock heroes Dinosaur Jr. will get together for the first time in 15 years to play the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan (July 29-31). Singer/guitarist J Mascis has reportedly ended his decade-plus feud with bassist Lou Barlow, and the pair are expected to rejoin drummer Murph for a string of summer theater and festival shows in Europe, tentatively followed by North American dates, according to a spokesperson at Merge Records, which is reissuing the band's first three albums on March 22. ... Red Hot Chili Peppers have written 35 songs for their next album and will hit the studio this month to record them. "We're so in love with the songs we wrote," singer Anthony Kiedis said. "We're working really hard." ...

Jennifer Lopez is now "enemy number one" for PETA, which plans to target the singer in a new campaign since her clothing line Sweetface uses so much fur. Animal-rights activists plan to storm her Times Square record singing at Virgin Records on Tuesday (March 1) by showing film footage of animals being skinned alive juxtaposed with images of J. Lo dressed in fur in her latest video. The footage was shot during an investigation of fur farms in China. "There is nothing remotely 'sweet' about the torture deaths of animals killed for fur," PETA's Dan Mathews said in a statement. ... Mötley Crüe will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday at 4 p.m. The rockers will arrive via choppers. ...

The upcoming flick "Batman Begins," which explains the origins of the elusive Bruce Wayne and other aspects of the iconic superhero, will hit screens on June 17 in both regular theaters and IMAX theaters. ... Singer/pianist John Legend will head to Miami this month to headline one of the three Sunset Sessions for the M3 Music Summit, a gathering that merges music, technology, art, fashion and multimedia. Legend will perform on March 24 at the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel. ... The Recording Industry Association of America filed its latest round of copyright-infringement lawsuits on Monday, targeting 753 people it suspects of illegally distributing songs online. Since September 2003, the RIAA has sued 9,100 individuals and settled with more than 1,900, according to an RIAA spokesperson. ...

The estate of late Damageplan/ Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott will most likely be split right down the middle between his brother, Damageplan/ Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, and his father, country and western songwriter Jerry Abbott, according to the Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The Abbott family's lawyer, Steve McClure, told the paper Dimebag had no formal written will at the time of his death. This, however, has not fueled familial bickering over his assets, which were estimated at $700,000, McClure said; that total does not reflect Dimebag's music-publishing rights, a value yet to be determined. Paul will more than likely serve as the administrator of his slain brother's estate. Meanwhile, Paul appeared onstage with Disturbed and Anthrax during a benefit concert honoring Dimebag's memory in Chicago on February 23 — the first time he performed since the onstage murder of his brother on December 8, 2004. ...

Alter Bridge, the band that's made up of old Creed boys plus singer Myles Kennedy, are set to headline the fifth Jägermeister Music Tour, kicking off in New York on March 29. The group will be joined by Chevelle tour alums Future Leaders of the World and Texas newcomers Submersed. ... Post-punk legends Gang of Four are heading out on a reunion tour of North America in May. The band — singer Jon King, guitarist Andy Gill, bassist Dave Allen and drummer Hugo Burnham — recently played a string of U.K. shows, the group's first since 1981. Following their May 1 date at the Coachella Festival in Indio, California, Gang of Four will play a pair of dates at the Fillmore in San Francisco May 2-3, then trek across the continent before winding down in Philadelphia on May 21. ...

Barenaked Ladies have finished the pilot for their sketch-comedy series for FOX. "It's us getting into strange situations, hijinks, we slap the stick occasionally," singer Steven Page said recently. The Ladies are also writing their next album as well as music for a production of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada. ... The Wonder Stuff are about to strut some new stuff — the U.K. band, known for such bouncy alt rock hits as "The Size of a Cow," "Cartoon Boyfriend" and "Don't Let Me Down, Gently," is back with its first new studio album in 12 years, Escape From Rubbish Island, due out March 22. The group is also heading out on the road, starting April 4 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The 23-date trek winds up May 8 in New York. ...

2.28.2005

Apparently Britney Spears doesn't want any beef with Paris Hilton — or her lapdog, Tinkerbell, either. In the wake of her boast, "I think my dogs are so much cuter than Tinkerbell," Spears has now released a statement on her Web site saying, "I was just being silly and of course I think that Tinkerbell is very cute." The pop diva even hopes to set up a play date for their miniscule canines. ...

Jury selection continued on Monday (February 28) in the perjury, obstruction and false-statements trial of rapper Lil' Kim. On Friday, several potential jurors who had voiced critical opinions about the musician's lifestyle (one responded in a juror survey that "crime seem[ed] to be part of the hip-hop culture") were ousted from consideration by U.S. District Judge Gerald Lynch, according to New York Newsday. Lil' Kim is accused of lying to a grand jury about a February 21, 2001, shooting she allegedly witnessed outside New York radio station Hot 97, which involved her two bodyguards. ... R&B singer/producer Gerald Levert was arrested Friday in Cleveland after confronting police at a downtown intersection, according to The Associated Press. Levert was cited on charges of driving under the influence and impeding the flow of traffic, then arrested on charges of obstructing official business, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer after he stopped his vehicle near where another motorist had been pulled over by police. Levert and the driver of another vehicle approached the officer and demanded to know why the other vehicle had been pulled over. They were told to leave but refused, and Levert became agitated and allegedly shoved an officer, who used pepper spray to subdue him. ...

Sum 41 might be taking the mature route on their new album, Chuck, and the video for their new single, "Pieces," may feature lead singer Deryck Whibley wandering the streets of Los Angeles all by his lonesome, but that doesn't mean they're above a good old dirty play on words: hence, the Go Chuck Yourself Tour. The first few dates of the North American trek have been announced, and the first two — April 7 and 8 in Toronto — are actually makeup shows from the gigs Sum canceled when Whibley fell ill with blistered vocal cords. The first U.S. date is April 12 in Buffalo, New York, with other shows scheduled for Philadelphia; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; and Kansas City, Missouri. Unwritten Law and Hawthorne Heights will open. ... Handsome Boy Modeling School are taking their curriculum on the road beginning March 28. The hip-hop duo will kick things off in Los Angeles and will tour from April 1-8 with Buck 65, and from April 9-20 with k-os, with the trek ending in New York. ...

Missed Morrissey on his tour? Don't get depressed — Morrissey feels your pain, so he's releasing a live CD and DVD from the tour behind his recent release, You Are the Quarry. The DVD, "Who Put the 'M' in Manchester," was filmed on May 22, 2004, at the singer's homecoming/birthday show in Manchester, England; while the CD, Live at Earls Court, was recorded at the end of the tour. Both will hit stores on March 29. ... Tiffany, the flame-haired 1980s teen pop sensation, is back ... again. This time, she's teamed up with new electronic dance act Second Sun for a duet, "He Said She Said," on their album Inside Out. The LP is set to drop on April 19. ...

Black Sabbath tributes by metal bands are a dime a dozen, so the newest disc of musical homages, Everything Comes & Goes: A Tribute to Black Sabbath, is definitely a change of pace. Due April 5, the nine-track disc will feature reinventions of Sabbath songs by a collection of unusual suspects including electronic laptop artist Four Tet, Japanese noise group Ruins and beatmaking Björk collaborators Matmos. ... Meanwhile, Kieran Hebden will release his fourth Four Tet album, Everything Ecstatic, on May 31. ... Los Angeles alt-rock club Spaceland — at the heart of the Silver Lake scene — is about to turn 10 years old, and to celebrate, a missing-in-action Silver Lake band is reuniting, and possibly for more than one night only. Lutefisk, who last played five years ago for Pop Defect's farewell gig, "return with fresh skills, new guitars, and a love of loudness that has never wavered," guitarist Beale Dabbs said. The show, on March 5, also includes local bands Sissybar, Velouria, Buck, Longstocking and a few "surprises." Just remember who else is from Silver Lake — and you might have an idea of who could swing by. ...

The Eagles are preparing to release their entire original vinyl Asylum Records catalog in one box set. Eagles Box, a limited-edition, nine-disc set, will include their seven chart-topping albums released between 1972 and 1980, featuring such singles as "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Desperado." The set, which will hit stores on March 15, will also feature the debut of the band's "Please Come Home for Christmas/ Funky New Year" single on CD. ... Dan Snaith may have lost his moniker Manitoba in a lawsuit from Handsome Dick Manitoba, but it won't stop him from making music. His debut under the name Caribou, The Milk of Human Kindness, will hit shelves April 19. ...

• Coldplay
• Dinosaur Jr.
• Jennifer Lopez
• John Legend
• Red Hot Chili Peppers

A host of celebs came out Monday night to help Usher celebrate the re-release of Confessions. Naomi Campbell, Nick Cannon and Farnsworth Bentley were among those who attended the party at New York's Butter nightclub. The retooled Confessions features three new songs, including the Alicia Keys duet "My Boo." ...

P. Diddy has been ordered to pay $35,000 a month in child support to the mother of his 10-year-old son, Justin, according to Reuters. In New York's Westchester County Family Court, Judge David Klein upheld an August ruling that had set the payments based on a yearly income of $50 million for Diddy. The hip-hop mogul was also ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and retroactive support to the boy's mother, fashion stylist Misa Brim. ...

He has all the reason in the world to smile, but Xzibit's new single has to do with ice grills. X-to-tha-Z has chosen "Hey Now (Mean Muggin')" as the official first single off his Weapons of Mass Destruction LP to follow up the street jam "Mutha Mutha." X's album has now been slated for a December 14 release. ... Cash Money has pulled together Juvenile's hottest tracks for a greatest-hits collection. Bounce anthems "Back That Thang Up," "Ha" and "Set It Off" are only a few of the songs on the hit list. The Greatest Hits, set for release October 19, will be Juve's last Cash Money production and marks his official departure from the label. ...

Even after the finale of the Vote for Change Tour on October 11, Bruce Springsteen's work to oust Bush from office won't be complete. The rocker will host another Vote for Change concert in his home state of New Jersey at East Rutherford's Continental Airlines Arena on October 13. The bill will include Springsteen and the E Street Band, John Fogerty, Jackson Browne and Springsteen's wife and E Street Band singer/guitarist, Patti Scialfa. Tickets for the show will go on sale via Ticketmaster on October 6 and range from $75-$100. ... A month's worth of new tour dates will keep Alter Bridge on the road through mid-November. Shows in Vancouver (November 1); Seattle (November 2); Green Bay, Wisconsin (November 11); and the final new date in St. Louis (November 14) are in support of their debut album, One Day Remains, which dropped in August. ...

If you thought Nine Inch Nails' quintessential album The Downward Spiral sounded good, it's about to get a lot better. A double-disc CD/SACD version (stereo, high-resolution stereo and 5.1 surround sound) of the 1994 LP is set for release November 23. The companion disc features remixes, demos, B-sides and non-album tracks. Also due that same day is a DVD audio version of the album that pairs remastered versions of the original tracks with an image gallery and the videos for "Closer," "March of the Pigs" and "Hurt." ... Former NIN drummer Chris Vrenna, who played on The Downward Spiral, will soon hit the skins on Marilyn Manson's Against All Gods Tour, filling in for the injured Ginger Fish, who suffered broken bones and a severe concussion when he fell off his drum riser in Germany on September 24. ...

Wireless-phone carriers are now getting into the digital-download game. On Tuesday (October 5), AT&T Wireless launched the mMode Music Store, which allows users to download songs to their cell phone for 99 cents apiece. Those songs can later be transferred to a PC. ... The Black Eyed Peas have signed a deal with Motorola and T-Mobile that will allow fans to win concert tickets, meet the group members and visit them during the shooting of their next music video. One fan will also get the opportunity to create the official ring tone for BEP's new album, which will be available as a download. Motorola and T-Mobile customers will also get first listens and exclusive content. More information is at www.blackeyedpeastour.com. ...

The Daniel Pearl Foundation, formed in memory of The Wall Street Journal reporter slain in Pakistan in 2002, will rally musicians to promote Harmony for Humanity, a series of concerts being staged worldwide as part of Daniel Pearl Music Day. Artists who have signed on to pay tribute to Pearl from October 8-17 include Elton John, who will perform "Daniel" in Las Vegas; and R.E.M., who will dedicate their October 13 performance at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles to Pearl's memory. So far, hundreds of artists — both amateur and professional — in 29 countries have pledged to dedicate their shows to Daniel Pearl Music Day, and more can register at www.danielpearl.org. ... The Roots, Third Eye Blind, the Coup and Michelle Shocked have signed on to the second annual We the Planet Music and Activism Festival, organized by Julia Butterfly Hill's nonprofit Circle of Life. The event takes place November 13 at Oakland, California's Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, with the goal to raise environmental awareness and social consciousness. Last year's event drew 10,000 people. ...

Starting November 3 in Chicago, the Donnas will hit the road with the Von Bondies and the Starlite Desperation. The tour wraps December 1 in New York. ... According to a new study by professors at Wayne State University and Auburn University, listening to country music might hurt a lot more than just your social standing — it might also weaken your will to live. The professors studied radio stations in 49 metropolitan areas, and found that the greater the amount of country music played, the higher the suicide rate among listeners. The study found that country's recurring themes of "marital discord, alcohol abuse and alienation from work ... nurture a suicidal mood" in listeners. ...

It just got cheaper for Sigur Rós fans to covet the Icelandic band's catalog. Their 1997 debut, Von, which had previously been available only as an import, will get a proper domestic release by One Little Indian on October 26. ... The Music will promote the October 19 release of their new album, Welcome to the North, with a North American tour beginning October 14 at the CMJ festival in New York. The outing, which includes dates with Velvet Revolver and Incubus, ends November 23 in Portland, Oregon. ... Celebrity DJ/producer Mark Ronson has teamed with entertainment executive Rich Kleiman to launch Allido Records. "Mark asked me to serve as the Damon [Dash] to his Jay-Z," Kleiman said. The New York-based label serves as home to Chicago MC Rhymefest and Australian soulster Daniel Merriweather. ...

10.04.2004

Gwen Stefani will open the American Music Awards on November 14 with a performance of her debut solo single, "What You Waiting For?" ...

Dorian Moore, the producer of Nelly's "Tilt Ya Head Back," told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the song was originally meant to be a duet for Nelly and Britney Spears, but that Jive, Spears' label, pulled out because the song sounded too "urban." Moore said that Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson were considered next before Aguilera eventually landed the song. ... Britney Spears' mother wrote in to the singer's Web site about how surprised she was at her daughter's recent last-minute wedding. "I know I've said we've had a whirlwind week before, but this one took the cake!" she wrote. "We were ALL surprised. And that's really saying something because it is very unlike Britney to be able to keep a secret." After some shock and some lingering thoughts about the other plans that had been made, Lynne Spears said that "there were happy tears." "The kind of wedding Britney had — small and intimate, with a grand celebration in the works for later — was always my dream and I couldn't have been happier," she added. "On top of it all, Britney and Kevin have a brand new beautiful home which they are going to be moving into ... it reminds us of the kind of landscaping you would find in rural Mississippi — with the creek, trees and overgrown greenery. Getting their home in order will be Britney's next project." ...

Louisiana state judge Alan Green was indicted last week on corruption charges after a lengthy investigation of the Jefferson Parish courthouse in which authorities say he took more than $20,000 in bribes. Green was the judge presiding over the murder trial of rapper C-Murder, who is currently facing a mandatory life sentence for the crime. ... Fantasia will portray her idol, Aretha Franklin, on an upcoming episode of "American Dreams." Meanwhile, the "American Idol" winner is working with Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupri, the Underdogs and Rodney Jerkins on her debut album, due November 23. ... Jerkins is also producing tracks for Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, Tyra Banks and his wife, Joy Enriquez. The Orlando, Florida-based producer is recording his own instrumental album, Versatility, due early next year. ...

The three-CD/DVD Nirvana box set will hit stores on November 23, the band's label, Geffen, confirmed Monday (October 4). ... The Pixies have added two New York shows to wrap up their North American fall reunion tour, both on December 18 at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Mike Watt and the Secondmen will open the 7 p.m. show and 50 Foot Wave will open the midnight show. ... Two albums for the price of one, a sneak preview of another LP and previously unreleased songs — Cormega is offering it all on October 19. Mega's albums The Realness and The True Meaning are being re-released as a two-for-one special-edition CD. Included as a bonus on the set are the records "Squad Up" and "How We Ride," which features Tupac Shakur. Mega will also be giving fans a sample of his previously unreleased Testament LP, which was recorded several years ago and will finally hit stores on February 22. ...

Mandy Moore is now a brand — the singer has launched a line of vintage contemporary tees called Mblem, featuring classic lyrics like Blondie's "Gonna getcha, getcha, getcha," as well as nostalgic family photos. "I'm a real jeans-and-T-shirt kind of girl," Moore said in a statement. "I'm constantly searching for the perfect T-shirt, so I figured I'd just create my own." ... Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children — which took place Saturday in Las Vegas and featured performances by John Mayer, Josh Groban, India.Arie and Faith Hill — ended up raising more than $6 million for charity. "It is gratifying to know that the money we raised tonight will directly benefit children who require our immediate assistance," the tennis star said in a statement. The money raised benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit organization assisting at-risk youth in Vegas. ...

Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, has won his battle with throat cancer and will be able to join his bandmates for a new world tour, according to CNN. After a four-month struggle with the disease, which included six weeks of radiotherapy treatment at a London hospital, the 63-year-old Watts has reportedly been given a clean bill of health. ... The Rolling Stones are documenting their 2002-2003 world tour with a two-CD live set. "Live Licks," out November 2, features guest appearances from Sheryl Crow on "Honky Tonk Women" and Solomon Burke on "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," as well as 11 tracks never before released on a Stones live disc, including "Neighbours," "Monkey Man" and "Rocks Off." ...

Tom Waits will only play one show in the U.S. this year: October 18 at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. The gravelly voiced singer's 20th album, Real Gone, which features Marc Ribot on guitar and Brian "Brain" Mantia on drums, is due out Tuesday. Waits is considering a U.S. tour next year. ... Banyan, Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins' side project, will release Live at Perkins Palace on October 12. Former Minutemen/ Firehose bassist Mike Watt, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and former Death Row Records session musician Willie Waldman join Perkins on the album. ...

• Usher
• Juvenile
• Alter Bridge
• Nine Inch Nails
• Xzibit

Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy
Photo: Wind-up

Despite being in the sort of difficult position that maybe only Sammy Hagar could relate to, Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy is nothing but optimistic.

"Some guys get into the music business for chicks and fast cars," he said, "but I definitely did it 'cause I want to make people happy."

Almost three months after Alter Bridge formed from the ashes of Creed (see "Creed Break Up"), Kennedy is growing into his role as the new lead singer for former Creed members Mark Tremonti (guitar), Scott Phillips (drums) and Brian Marshall (bass). "You don't have any ego trips or people getting out of hand," he said of the ease with which he's filled the shoes of ex-Creed singer Scott Stapp.

Literally leaping into the new project with an initiation that included bungee jumping, Kennedy said he found the tight bonds between the other members of the band to be an asset.

"Mark and Scott," he says, "they know each other so well musically that it's as if they have a MIDI-cable connected to their brains. ... It's a wonderful thing."

More than just a surrogate lead singer, though, Kennedy played a significant role in the realization of Alter Bridge's debut, One Day Remains, which bowed at #5 on the latest Billboard 200 chart. Kennedy co-wrote five songs on the album, including the single, "Open Your Eyes," which shares more than just a passing wail with Creed's grandiose style.

After years fronting the Mayfield Four, Kennedy was working on a solo album when he got a call to come into the studio and lay down vocals on a few Alter Bridge tracks. He's still adjusting to the fast rise to fame after taking over for one of the most infamous frontmen of the last few years.

"Last time we were in Manhattan, I was somewhere and people were staring at me and I though there was maybe something hanging out of my nose," he said. "Then someone came up to me and asked if I was that guy in the video."

Though Kennedy lacks Stapp's now infamous introversion, he does relish his time out of the spotlight. "I'm pretty anal about making sure I can sing the next night," he says, "so I generally try to get back to the hotel and get as much shut-eye as possible or I can't sing the next day."

The singer will be seeing a lot of the inside of hotels across the country later this month when the band embarks on its first headlining tour on September 23 in Pontiac, Michigan (see "Creed Ex-Members Taking Alter Bridge On The Road").

Prior to the big tour, however, Alter Bridge have been warming fans up to the new group with a radio acoustic tour. Kennedy said he's surprised by how quickly the fans have embraced Alter Bridge. At an Indianapolis show, he said, "like three hundred folks showed up and we played about six songs and they already knew a lot of the words, and when we played the single they were singing so loud I couldn't hear myself."

Still, Kennedy knows there's more work to do and new fans to win over. After the tour, he said, the band plans to work to "establish awareness to the public so people know who we are. ... We'll be out indefinitely. We'll be out trying to preach the gospel of rock and roll."

• Alter Bridge

Ashlee Simpson (file)
Photo: Geffen

Despite the arrival of three new albums in the top 10, the top two LPs on next week's Billboard albums chart won't budge, allowing Ashlee Simpson's Autobiography to retain the #1 spot for the second straight week.

In its four weeks on sale, Simpson's debut, which moved another 263,000 copies last week, according to SoundScan, has been on top for three of them, selling more than 1.2 million along the way. It slipped to #2 two weeks ago to let Now That's What I Call Music! 16 assume the position.

Now will now slip to #2, having sold more than 247,000 copies. In its three-week shelf life, the hits compilation — with contributions from Outkast, D12 and Beyoncé — has sold more than 1 million copies.

Shyne's Godfather Buried Alive leads the pack of new albums by selling more than 157,000 to come in at #3. The album was recorded while the rapper was incarcerated at New York's Clinton Correctional Facility, where he continues to serve a 10-year-sentence for his role in a 1999 shooting that involved P. Diddy. Though Shyne said that the album's quality transcends its prison cachet, he did admit it's a bit of a curiosity when an MC spits behind bars.

"If people didn't feel the music I made, they wouldn't be interested," he said. "But you see a lifestyle. You see what I do and then go back and listen to the record, then you see, 'OK, he really did that.' It brings a bit more reality and a bit more truth to it ... But if [the single 'Jimmy Choo'] wasn't a good song, it wouldn't matter."

Mobb Deep's sixth album, Amerikaz Night Mare, the Queensbridge duo's follow-up to 2001's Infamy, will trail Shyne at #4, having sold more than 108,000 copies. At #5, Mark Tremonti and Scott Phillips make their return to the chart's upper reaches with Alter Bridge's One Day Remains, the first post-Creed offering since the group broke up earlier this year. While a far cry from the Creed-size numbers the guitarist and drummer are used to, One Day Remains, fronted by the single, "Open Your Eyes," still moved a respectable 95,000 copies.

The rest of the top 10 finds Usher's Confessions falling two spots to #6 (with more than 88,000 copies sold); Jimmy Buffett's License to Chill slipping four spots to #7 (77,000); Gretchen Wilson's Here for the Party moving from #5 to #8 while cracking the 1.5 million mark in total sales with last week's 76,000-copy tally; Prince's Musicology dropping a pair of rungs to #9 (73,000); and Avril Lavigne's Under My Skin dropping four places to #10 (70,000).

Riding the wave of the single "I Like That," which features Chingy and Nate Dogg, smooth crooner Houston will debut at #14 with his first album, It's Already Written.

Elsewhere, Maroon 5's Songs About Jane lands at #12, while the soundtrack to "The Princess Diaries 2," driven by the Kelly Clarkson single "Breakaway," will take an 11-spot leap up to #16. And Jessica Simpson's In This Skin increased its weekly sales by 19 percent to re-enter the top 20 at #20, up from its previous spot at #26.

Other notable debuts on next week's chart include Kidz Bop Kids Vol. 6, the latest in the line of records featuring children covering pop songs, at #23; the compilation Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2, featuring Green Day, Foo Fighters and No Doubt, at #45; Sammy Hagar's Definitive Collection at #75; the "Garden State" soundtrack, featuring Coldplay, Nick Drake and the Shins, at #125; Rise Against's Siren Song of the Counter Culture at #136; and Mystikal's best-of set, Prince of the South ... The Hits, at #140.

• Ashlee Simpson
• Shyne
• Mobb Deep
• Alter Bridge
• Houston

Shyne's <I>Godfather Buried Alive</I>
Photo: Gangland Records Corp.

This week's battle of the cash registers involves a couple of heavyweight new releases.

In this corner is jailed rapper Shyne, who signed a record deal with Def Jam from behind bars to house his imprint, Gangland Records. His second album, Godfather Buried Alive, is his first in five years and features the much-talked-about "For the Record," in which he disses 50 Cent, who called him a punk on a New York radio station.

In the opposite corner is the heavy-hitter for the rock set, Alter Bridge, the band formed from the ashes of Creed. The new group releases its debut album this week, One Day Remains, on the heels of first single "Open Your Eyes."

Havoc and Prodigy, a.k.a. Mobb Deep, are back in action this week with their latest release, Amerikaz Nightmare. The album features the Kanye West-produced "Throw Your Hands."

Also out this week is the second volume of the Rock Against Bush compilation. This installment features previously unreleased tracks from bands including Green Day and Bouncing Souls, plus rare tracks from the Foo Fighters and a host of others.

Also out this week are albums from a Stills-less David Crosby and Graham Nash (Crosby-Nash), a cat-glasses-toting Lisa Loeb (The Way It Really Is), a right-here-waiting Richard Marx (My Own Best Enemy), Teedra Moses (Complex Simplicity), Kool Keith & Kutmasta Kurt (Diesel Truckers), Ari Hest (Someone to Tell) and Rise Against (Siren Song of the Counter-Culture).

Out Tuesday, August 10:

• Alter Bridge - One Day Remains (Wind-Up)
  Buy Now: One Day Remains (Wind-Up)
  Read: "Life After Creed: Alter Bridge Look To A Stapp-Free Future"
• Michelle Anthony - Stand Fall Repeat (Burn and Shiver)
• Ataxia - Automatic Writing (Record Collection)
• Athens Boys Choir - Rhapsody in T (Daemon)
• Burrito Deluxe - The Whole Enchilada (Luna Chica)
• Clouseaux - Lagoon (Dionysus)
• Codetalkers - Deluxe Edition (Deep South)
• David Crosby and Graham Nash - Crosby-Nash (Sanctuary)
• Das Ich - Lava (Metropolis)
• Death Threat Now - Now Here Fast (Triple Crown)
• Julia Fordham - That's Life (Vanguard)
• Jeffrey Foucault - Stripping Cane (Signature Sounds)
• Rachel Fuller - Cigarettes & Housework (Universal)
• Richie Furay - In My Father's House (Friday)
• GBH - Cruel & Unusual (Idol)
• A Girl Called Eddy - A Girl Called Eddy (Anti)
• The Good Life - Album of the Year (Saddle Creek)
• Owen Gray - Shook, Shimmy & Shake (Trojan/Sanctuary)
• Grendel - Prescription: Medicide (Metropolis)
• Andy Griggs - This I Gotta See (RCA Nashville)
• Ari Hest - Someone to Tell (Columbia)
• Houston - It's Already Written (Capitol)
  Buy Now: It's Already Written (Capitol)
  Read: "Houston Scores Club Hit With Help From Chingy, Nate Dogg"
• K's Choice - 10: 1993-2003 Ten Years Of (Vanguard)
• Robert Earl Keen - No. 2 Live Dinner (Koch)
• Emer Kenny - Parting Glass (Triloka/Artemis)
• Kidz Bop Kids - Kidz Bop 6 (Razor & Tie)
• Kool Keith & Kutmasta Kurt - Diesel Truckers (Oglio)
• Mark Lanegan Band - Bubblegum (Beggars Banquet)
• Lhasa - The Living Road (Nettwerk)
• Lisa Loeb - The Way It Really Is (Rounder)
• Malibu Storm - Malibu Storm (Rounder)
• Charlotte Martin - On Your Shore (RCA)
• Richard Marx - My Own Best Enemy (EMI/Capitol)
• The Mendoza Line - Fortune (Bar/None)
• Minor Times - Making Enemies (Level Plane)
• Mobb Deep - Amerikaz Nightmare (Violator/Jive)
  Buy Now: Amerikaz Nightmare (Violator/Jive)
  Read: "Mobb Deep Blinded With '80s Science For 'Twisted' Beat"
• Mono Chrome - Collapse and Sever (Metropolis)
• Teedra Moses - Complex Simplicity (TVT)
• Mourning September - A Man Can Change His Stars (Floodgate/WEA)
• Muffs - Really Really Happy (Five Foot Two/Oglio)
• Michael Powers - Onyx Root (Baryon)
• Rachel Proctor - Where I Belong (BNA)
• Rise Against - Siren Song of the Counter-Culture (DreamWorks)
• Rolling Blackouts - Black Is Beautiful (Record Collection/True Love)
• Shindig - The Beginning Is Your End (Undecided)
• Shyne - Godfather Buried Alive (Def Jam)
  Buy Now: Godfather Buried Alive (Def Jam)
  Read: "Shyne Album Inspired By Supermodel Shoes, Pacino Films"
• Slim Cessna's Auto Club - The Bloudy Tenent, Truth and Peace (Alternative Tentacles)
• Tracy Spuehler - It's the Sound (Tracymusic)
• Paul Thorn - Are You With Me? (Back Porch)
• Tin Hat Trio - Book of Silk (Ropeadeope/Artemis)
• Unbunny - Snow Tires (Hidden Agenda/Parasol)
• The Upsidedown - Trust Electricity (Reverb)
• Velvet Crush - Stereo Blues (Action Musik)
• Wailin' Jennys - 40 Days (Red House)
• Yellow Swans - Bring the Neon War Home (Narnack)
• James Zabiela - Alive (Renaissance/System)
• Various artists - A Trip in Lounge (Varèse Sarabande)
• Various artists - Crunkin' G Style (Dmaft/Oglio)
• Various artists - Is It Rolling Bob?: A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan (Sanctuary/Ras)
• Various artists - Rock Against Bush Vol. 2 (Fat Wreck Chords/Punkover)
  Read: "No Doubt, Foo Fighters, Yellowcard On Rock Against Bush Vol. 2"
• Various artists - Touch My Heart: A Tribute to Johnny Paycheck (Sugar Hill)
• Various artists: Soundtrack to "Code 46" (Koch)
• Various artists: Soundtrack to "Garden State" (Sony)
• DVD: Hilary Duff - "That Girl Can Rock: The Concert" (Buena Vista/Hollywood)
• DVD: Nana Mouskouri - "Nana Swings: Live at Jazzopen Festival" (Philips)
• DVD: Various artists - "Lords of the Underground" (Thump)

August 17:

• Ryan Cabrera - Take It All Away (Atlantic)
• Saliva - Survival of the Sickest (Island)
  Read: "Saliva: Foaming At The Mouth"
• Talking Heads - The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (Rhino)
• Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous (Warner Bros.)

August 24:

• R. Kelly - Happy People/ U Saved Me (Jive)
  Read: "R. Kelly Giving Happy People Some Inspiration"
• Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying (Curb)
• Jason Mraz - Tonight, Not Again — At the Eagles Ballroom (Elektra)

August 31:

• Björk - Medulla (Elektra/Asylum)
• Jill Scott - Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds 2 (Sony)
• Insane Clown Posse - Hell's Pit, Version 1 (Psychopathic)
• Insane Clown Posse - Hell's Pit, Version 2 (Psychopathic)
• Various artists - Passion of the Christ: Songs (Wind-Up)

• Shyne
• Alter Bridge
• Mobb Deep
• Lisa Loeb
• Kool Keith

Alter Bridge (file)
Photo: Wind-up Records

Three former members of Creed are taking their new band, Alter Bridge, out on the road.

The group — which includes Scott Stapp's ex-bandmates Mark Tremonti, Scott Phillips and Brian Marshall and new addition Myles Kennedy (formerly of the Mayfield Four) — will head out on its first tour this fall in support of its debut album, One Day Remains, which will be released on August 10.

The trek will kick off in Pontiac, Michigan, at Clutch Cargo on September 23, continue through December, and start up again in January. Dates are currently scheduled through October 23; more shows will be announced shortly.

The band will hit mid-size venues across North America. "We are definitely not going to start out touring arenas," Tremonti said. "I think we are going to concentrate on playing some other venues ... and really start over from the grass roots. We want ... to earn every fan all over again."

Alter Bridge tour dates, according to their label representative:

• 9/23 - Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo
• 9/25 - Cleveland, OH @ Odeon Concert Club
• 9/26 - Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre
• 9/28 - Minneapolis, MN @ Quest Club
• 10/1 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
• 10/2 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave/ Eagles Club
• 10/4 - Toronto, ON @ The Guvernment
• 10/5 - Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock Cafe
• 10/7 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
• 10/8 - Boston, MA @ Avalon
• 10/9 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
• 10/12 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Rock Club at Station Square
• 10/13 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
• 10/15 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
• 10/16 - Atlanta, GA @ Roxy Theatre
• 10/17 - New Orleans, LA @ Voodoo Music Experience
• 10/21 - San Antonio, TX @ Sunset Station
• 10/22 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater
• 10/23 - Dallas, TX @ Gypsy Ballroom

For a full-length feature on Alter Bridge, check out "Life After Creed: Alter Bridge Look To A Stapp-Free Future."

• Alter Bridge
• Creed

Alter Bridge live at Buzzfest XV in Houston, TX 04.23.2005

• Alter Bridge

MTV.com LIVE: Alter Bridge Photos 08.11.2004

• Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge live at the Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans, LA 10.17.2004

• Alter Bridge