Warrant
Photo: Columbia

On The Record: Emo Overload

Recently, Maureen Callahan wrote a piece for the New York Post about Crush Management, the NYC cadre that shepherds the careers of Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, the Academy Is ... and Armor for Sleep (or, as Callahan puts it, "basically any band that a 13-year-old girl with a blog and a Hot Topic habit obsesses over").

Aside from providing readers with some genuinely bananas quotes from songwriter/ rock-and-roll vampire Butch Walker about credibility (especially considering this is on his résumé), the article is excellent primarily because it floats the hypothesis that the artists Crush represents are basically the modern-day equivalent of Warrant or White Lion: good-looking, commercially successful bands that no self-respecting music fan would be caught dead listening to. Hair-metal acts for the MySpace generation.

And if that's true (and it probably is), then that raises the question: Are we currently living in the Trixter/Winger era of the genre? Has emo-punk — a term that, at this point, is so indefinable that it somehow encompasses My Chemical Romance, Panic and Cute Is What We Aim For, three bands that are neither particularly "emotional" nor particularly "punk," unless you count ripping off Queen, dressing up like a marionette or being terrible as such — become so same-y, so formulaic and so watered down that it now borders on self-parody? Is 2007 really just 1989 but, you know, worse?

Well, yes.

Let's compare: Both hair-metal and emo-punk acts exist almost primarily on the aesthetic plane — the obvious connection here is the hair — and count among their chief reasons for success the physical attributes of one bandmember (be it Kip Winger's toothy grin or Pete Wentz's, um, pouty lips). As a result, both appeal primarily — nay, almost exclusively — to young girls, those who, as Callahan puts it, are "not yet ready for real rebellion." Both are critically derided, save one act that is begrudgingly admired by critics (Extreme, MCR). And while both do, in fact, rock, no dyed-in-denim rock fan would ever admit to liking them (i.e. a Metallica fan would've never said, "Skid Row is kind of awesome," inasmuch as no Linkin Park fan would admit that "Boys Like Girls totally brought it last night").

And, of course, there's the songs, which tend to tackle serious issues in seriously bantam-weight ways (Skid Row's "18 and Life," Taking Back Sunday's "A Decade Under the Influence"); the overtly crass accessibility (hair metal, by definition and execution, was tailor-made for radio, whereas emo-punk is neatly customized for MySpace players); and, uh, the fact that both genres died (or are dying) under the sheer weight of "bands" operating underneath their respective umbrellas.

The comparison brings up several rather, uh, troubling questions: Are MCR and FOB this generation's Guns N' Roses and Metallica — i.e. rock acts that are actually pretty awesome yet won't be truly recognized for their brilliance until all other pretenders to the throne die off? Who will be the 2007 version of Firehouse? (Coheed and Cambria?) And will we all, in 20 years' time, clamor for a Taking Back Sunday reunion tour?

And — perhaps more importantly — when emo-punk finally does die off, what will take its place? We all know that hair metal begat Nirvana, primarily because Kurt Cobain was the very antithesis of hair metal's Pablum and posturing (but also because Nirvana were a great band). So what will succeed emo? If history is correct, it'll be a band as far removed as possible from Fall Out Boy, one that plays totally insincere, totally ripping rock, and one fronted by a totally un-hirsute, totally ugly dude.

Which totally describes the Bronx, who are, coincidentally, also managed by Crush. There is no escape.

B-Sides: Other Stories I'm Following This Week

No Doubt write songs without Gwen; Gwen totally reminded she used to be in a band. (See "New No Doubt Songs Ready To Roll — Once Stefani Is.")

I think the RATM clock countdown could've ended more anticlimactically. Actually, wait ... no I don't. (See "Rage Against The Machine Clock Counting Down To Wisconsin Concert.")

Also on "Transformers" fans' wish lists: Bumblebee to be played by "totally hot chick," move out of parents' basement. (See " 'Transformers' Fans Wanted Peter Cullen — Not Clooney — To Voice Optimus Prime.")

Cleaning Out My Inbox (Or "Interactivity, While A Touchstone Of So-Called 'New Media,' Is Actually Overrated And Kind Of A Waste Of Time")

Last week's edition of BTTS (see "White Stripes Give Radio Station A Case Of The Stupids, In Bigger Than The Sound") caused a mini-maelstrom on radio stations across the country, which resulted in my inbox being overstuffed with e-mails from super-angry listeners and irate rock jocks (meaning a 150 percent increase in letters from dudes named "LAZLO," "CHAOS MOTOR" and "DASH"). Some — read: most — were just exercises in profanity, but a few actually included a coherent sentence or three, so I'm including them here.

"There is a much, much, much bigger issue here. Every album this year has leaked. Every single album. Modest Mouse, 5 weeks before. Chevelle, a month. Manson leaked a month ago. Queens leaked 3 weeks ago. Lots and lots and lots of people have access to this music. If the record company still wants to use radio as a tool to expose new music, it sounds completely insincere and a lot of times like an outright lie to have World Premiers and debuts of songs and albums that are not new. Even if the label were to come to us and ask us to host an exclusive stream of the album on our website and we could point to that rather than playing it, that would be great too. They don't though. They are no longer able to control the time of the release of these albums. We can sit here and debate whether that's good, bad or indifferent, but regardless, it happens and we've got to find a way to deal with it. To kick and scream and stomp and wonder where the good old days of album artwork and getting excited for new music Tuesday went is a waste of time. That's what we're doing."

-Spike, music director, Q101, Chicago

"Mr. Montgomery, as a DJ at my school's student radio station, I can tell you that we are encouraged to play any leaked material we have obtained from an outside source, and we do this because we know our rights as a station, and because it's what listeners want to hear. Was this stupid of Q101 to do, knowing what a nutjob Jack White can be? Probably. But does that mean they shouldn't have done it to avoid the wrath of Mr. White? No, not really. I'm no expert in media law, but I hope this clarifies a few things. Thanks."

-Garrett Lawton, WIUX, Bloomington, Indiana

"Wait ... hang on ... someone at MTV actually has an opinion that is somewhat relevant, and is allowed to voice it, in print no less, and borders on amusing? WTF? I guess I should tune in again, maybe you guys aren't just hanging out with the lead singer from Filter and showing 4th rate quasi-reality half-hour bullsh-- anymore."

-Ted Taylor, somewhere in the wilds of the Internet

"I just read your article about the radio station playing a leaked copy of the White Stripes' new album. While I agree with you that it wasn't the most intelligent thing for them to do, do you actually believe that it was because of them that it was later found on P2P networks? If anything, it would have just created more awareness that it was out there to be had — but on the internet, you don't need much to get the word out. ... While I agree it was wrong, I don't see the harm. If anything, it generates interest in the album. The people who are going to download it illegally are still going to no matter where they hear it first. Oh, and what the hell is wrong with the Squirrel Nut Zippers?"

-Doug Turley, Edwardsville, IL

"Hola a todos, es un agrado para mi comunicarme con ustedes y enviarles una información de mucho valor para los interesados en adquirir Bienes Raíces únicos de nuestro hermoso país que es Chile ...A continuación verán algunas fotos de una Hacienda que posee mas de 7000 (Siete Mil) Hectáreas de terreno, cuyos paisajes absolutamente envidiables hacen de éste, un paraíso de lugar, tanto comercial como personal para quienes gustan de la naturaleza, el agua, la nieve, la vegetación, las riquezas mineras y todo tipo de apasionados deportes extremos. En su interior hay una extensión plana, llamada planicie de la Luna, la que puede ser usada como pista de aterrizaje en tiempos y condiciones aptas para el vuelo. El valor comercial de esta Hacienda supera los $1.400.000.000."

-Francisco Javier Salgado Contreras, Antuco, Chile

Questions? Concerns? Drop me a line at BTTS@MTVStaff.com.

• Taking Back Sunday
• Warrant
• Trixter
• White Lion
• My Chemical Romance

Hey, what's up fellow metallers, how goes it? Iann Robinson here, still in L.A. finishing up some work for "Headbangers Ball," which we all know hits this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on MTV2. Working Metallica's "mtvICON" was fun. They shredded through the old stuff and I gotta say, I thought Rob really brought it. I haven't had much time to listen to anything, but I'm hoping the new 16 record is waiting for me when I get back to New York. If you guys wanna do something cool for yourselves, then check out this month's Terrorizer magazine. It's the first magazine of two on the history of thrash metal, and it totally rules. Gotta give a shout-out to the Dark Realm record store in Downey, California (where James Hetfield once lived). They were really amazing to me when we shot some stuff there for "HBB." That is one of the greatest metal record stores ever. They have everything, so check it out if you're ever there or online. Well, enjoy this week's news, and hopefully I'll have some stuff to recommend to you next time. Stay metal and stay true:

In Flames will kick off their next North American tour, featuring Chimaira, metallic hardcore outfit Unearth and fellow Swedish metal merchants Soilwork as support, June 26 in Toronto. In July, In Flames will drop Trigger, featuring remixes, the video for "Cloud Connected," a new song called "Watch Them Feed" and a cover of the socially conscious '80s Genesis hit "Land of Confusion." ...

Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan may be moonlighting as a 600 Racing Legends driver, but that's not gonna delay any of the band's summer plans. If anything, it'll mean they'll be able to get to their gigs faster. This summer the '80s metal band will release a new album, Thickskin, on their own Skid Row Records. The band will begin a tour with Poison and Vince Neil in Mankato, Minnesota, on May 23. ... Politically minded thrash metal band Nuclear Assault will release their first record in nine years, Alive Again, on July 1. The group is on tour through July 13 in Buffalo, New York. ...

Cattle Decapitation have parted ways with drummer Dave Astor, who was tired of touring. He has been replaced by Michael Laughlin from the group Creation Is Crucifixion. Cattle Decapitation will enter the studio at the end of May to work on a new song for the upcoming metal compilation album Uncorrupted Steel 2. ... Coal Chamber bassist Nadja is auctioning off several of her basses, including the one she played when she auditioned for the group. If you have the coin and the interest, head to nadjaonline.com. ...

Seattle's Himsa will support Courting Tragedy and Disaster (June 17), their first album through Prosthetic Records, with both their current tour with Bleeding Through and several dates with Eighteen Visions, Atreyu and Underoath. The metallic hardcore band will also appear at the New England Metal Fest in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the Syracuse, New York, Hellfest. ...

Dark Realm Records has announced plans to release several demos from Possessed on CD as well as a tribute record to the long defunct seminal California band, whose Seven Churches album helped shape the death, black and thrash metal genres. The tribute album will reportedly feature, among other artists, Cannibal Corpse, Vader, Marduk, Absu and Sadistic Intent with a guest appearance by Possessed's Jeff Becerra on vocals. ... Speaking of Sadistic Intent, they are in the studio working on The Second Coming of Darkness with Agent Steel's Bernie Versailles producing. ... Initial pressings of Arch Enemy's forthcoming Anthems of Rebellion will include a limited-edition bonus CD full of live songs recorded in 2002 and 5.1 surround sound mixes of album tracks. The album is scheduled for an August 27 release. ...

—Compiled by Iann Robinson, Ryan J. Downey, Jon Wiederhorn and Robert Mancini

• Metallica
• In Flames
• Skid Row
• Nuclear Assault
• Cattle Decapitation

Scott Weiland
Photo: Jason Campbell

Just three weeks after their television performance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," metal and fan sites on the Internet are buzzing about who will be the lead singer of "The Project" — a group composed of ex-Guns N' Roses members who've yet to find a name. On the short list? Sebastian Bach and Scott Weiland.

The band — which features Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum — most recently performed "Paradise City" with guest vocalists B Real and Sen Dog from Cypress Hill at the end of March, and also played a short set with guest vocalist Gina Gershon at a Sundance party in January (see "Gina Gershon Fronts Ex-GN'R Members At Sundance Concert"), but speculation about a more permanent frontman is centering on two top candidates (see "Former Guns N' Roses Members Form Band, Don't Rule Out Courtney Love As Singer").

Bach has the most buzz, since he posted a few oblique comments in early April on his Web site that suggested he was about to join a new band. Following an explanation of why he was no longer in the touring production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the former Skid Row singer wrote that he had been "working with one of the biggest bands in the world and will now pursue that collaboration with full force." He later elaborated with a second post that bragged less and revealed a bit more. "I am jamming with some well-known friends of mine," he wrote, "but I have no control over what is gonna happen with that. We shall see."

Bach wasn't specific, but recent news of his audition for the Project lent weight to the possibility that Bach's "biggest band" and his "well-known friends" from Guns N' Roses were one and the same. The rumor was also supposedly confirmed on a fan site for Izzy Stradlin, who is not an official member of the Project but has been collaborating in their songwriting process. Following the posts on Bach's Web site, in a post on www.izzy-stradlin.com, Stradlin said, "Sebastian Bach has announced on his official web site that he is working with the Project!"

While he never named the band outright, Bach's posts also opened him up to some ridicule for his use of hyperbole. "You're working with Metallica? Linkin Park? Aerosmith? The Rolling Stones? Kiss?," wrote cynical Metal Sludge columnist "Ozzy Stillbourne." "Oh — are you referring to Slash's Snakepit Part 2? Yeah, I know when I think of one of the biggest bands in the world I think of Slash's singerless band (sarcasm mode turned off)."

Despite the conflicting reactions of glee and outrage at the supposed news of Bach joining the band, Slash's camp is quick to note that the band continues to audition other possible singers, and that no one has been selected yet. Slash spokesperson Arlett Vereecke confirmed that Sebastian Bach is in the running along with 500 other hopefuls (see "Not Another Reality Show: Ex-Guns N' Roses Members Document Singer Search"). Another source close to Slash said that while Bach does have a great position, it is not definite and several other singers are on the 'A' list.

According to a source close to the Project, the name at the top of the 'A' list is Scott Weiland. News of the Stone Temple Pilots singer's audition broke late last week. Before this audition, Weiland was said to have begun work on his second solo album with producer Josh Abraham. That could be put on hold if he wins the gig. "You don't bring in Weiland if there is no chance that he would be selected," a source close to Slash said. (Which singer do you think should be the new frontman for the Project? Take our poll.)

One sign that signals Weiland has the lead over other candidates is his inclusion on work submitted by the Project for soundtrack consideration. "They just did some songs and presented it to film companies," Vereecke said. At least one of those tracks feature Weiland's vocals.

One problem — besides Weiland's possible commitments to his band and his solo work — could prevent Weiland's further participation. Sources close to the Project and to Weiland say that the singer is either in or about to enter a 30-day rehab program. "They're leaning toward Weiland," the source close to the Project said, "provided he wants to do it when he gets out of rehab. They're trying to reach out to help with his sobriety."

Weiland's label spokesperson said STP are "on hiatus" and that "we are not aware of Weiland's specific activites at this time."

What about other singers still waiting for a callback? Besides previously reported hopefuls, Travis Meeks (Days of the New), Mike Matijevic (vocals for Mark Wahlberg's character in "Rock Star," Steelheart, Steel Dragon), and Todd Kerns (Age of Electric, Static in Stereo, Todd Kerns Oddity) are now on the list. It was rumored that Mike Patton from Faith No More and Butch Walker from Marvelous 3 were asked to try out, but both supposedly declined.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row
• Slash
• Stone Temple Pilots
• Guns N' Roses

Sebastian Bach
Photo: Spitfire

After being arrested for drug possession, disorderly conduct and for making terrorist threats on Wednesday, former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach issued a statement on Saturday asking people not to jump to conclusions without knowing his side of the story.

What that side of the story is remains unknown, as Bach, whose real name is Sebastian Bierk, didn't address specifics of the incident, deciding instead to save that story for court.

"There is a report in the press about an unfortunate incident that occurred three nights ago in a restaurant," the statement reads, referring to a bar fight that caused his arrest at the Lincroft Inn in New Jersey (see "Sebastian Bach Arrested For Drugs, Threats In Bar Scuffle"). "In this country, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and I ask everyone to consider that, when reading press reports about the incident. I look forward to proceeding with this matter in a legal setting, where the truth will become known."

Police in Middletown, New Jersey, said that Bach allegedly shoved and threatened to shoot a bartender who had refused to allow him outside with a drink. According to the police report, police also found five grams of marijuana and four packets of rolling papers in the singer's jacket.

Bach posted $10,000 in bail and was released from the Monmouth County Correctional Facility on Thursday. The case was transferred from the Middletown Township Court to Monmouth County Court, which has yet to set a court date.

The Lincroft Inn staff, Bach publicist Carol Kaye and Bach's wife/manager, Maria Bierk, declined to comment.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

Sebastian Bach
Photo: MTV News

Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach was taken into police custody for making terrorist threats and for drug possession on Wednesday.

Police in Middletown, New Jersey, said that what started as a simple bar fight got serious when Bach, whose real name is Sebastian Bierk, threatened to get a gun and shoot a bartender at the Lincroft Inn, a threat police say Bach continued to make even after his initial arrest for disorderly conduct.

Witnesses told police that Bach initially wanted to go outside for a smoke and a bartender wouldn't allow him to take his drink outside. According to witness accounts, Bach then shoved the bartender, and other bar patrons jumped in to stop the scuffle. Once Bach was removed to an area near the kitchen doors, he allegedly told the people holding him that he wanted to go home, get a gun, come back and shoot the bartender as well as others with whom he had the initial fight. "Don't you know who I am?" witnesses say he asked them.

Once authorities arrived, close to 9 p.m., Bach was asked to calm down and lower his voice. According to the police report, he refused, continuing to curse at the bartender and even asking to be arrested. Upon searching him, police found two bags — or five grams' worth — of marijuana and four packets of rolling papers.

At the Middletown precinct, police say Bach continued his verbal tirade, directing it at the detectives attempting to explain the charges against him. Police said he yelled, "F--- you, cops, you're all a bunch of f---ing idiots." Police asked if he understood why he was arrested, and Bach replied, "Yeah, because I like to smoke a lot of weed."

"While he was in the holding cell, though, he had a very serious look on his face," Sgt. Joe Capriotti said. "And he continued to make threats. He said, 'I'm going to go shoot [the bartender]. No, I'm going to go beat him up and then shoot him. Wait 'til you see what I do.' "

Because Bach allegedly continued to make threats, police called a judge who increased Bach's bail to $10,000, Capriotti said. "That's a pretty high amount for a bar fight," he said. Bach posted the bail and was released from the Monmouth County Correctional Facility on Thursday. A court date remains to be set.

The Lincroft Inn staff, Bach publicist Carol Kaye and Bach's wife/manager, Maria Bierk, declined to comment.

Bach was previously arrested and tried on charges of mayhem, two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault and battery following an incident at a concert in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Skid Row was opening for Aerosmith on December 27, 1989. In that case, Bach also faced $10,000 bail, which he posted at the time of his arrest. He later received three years probation.

In that incident, Bach was accused of attacking concertgoers by tossing a bottle from the stage and then leaping into the crowd. One person was kicked in the head, and another, a 17-year-old female, was hit in the face, breaking her nose and skull. Bach returned to the stage to finish the gig after the scuffle, in which he said was antagonized by some of the concertgoers in attendance, one of whom had hit him with a bottle, which is why Bach said he threw it back into the crowd. The incident was caught on videotape.

Five years after Skid Row imploded (see "Bach Skids to a Halt"), Bach revitalized his career by appearing on Broadway in runs of "The Rocky Horror Show" and "Jekyll & Hyde" (see "Sebastian Bach: Kickin' Broadway's Ass"). He's now the host of VH1's "Forever Wild," which airs Friday nights at midnight, and has shows booked at New Jersey's Stone Pony for March 29 and 30.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

"How High" thespian Method Man is set to appear on the NBC series "Third Watch" as a gang leader who wants revenge against the Russian mob. The first of Meth's three appearances will be February 25 on part one of an episode titled "Superheroes." ... The Strokes' Is This It came in second to Bob Dylan's Love and Theft for Album of the Year in the Village Voice's annual Pazz & Jop Critics' Poll, which hit streets Wednesday (February 13). A point-based poll of 622 music journalists nationwide determined Björk's Vespertine as the year's third best LP, while the White Stripes' White Blood Cells and Radiohead's Amnesiac occupy the #4 and #5 slots, respectively. Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On" was deemed the top single by an overwhelming margin over the place horse, Gorillaz' "Clint Eastwood" (a complete list can be found at www.villagevoice.com). ...

Turntablists the X-ecutioners, political rappers the Coup and human orchestra Kenny Muhammad will embark on the inaugural 20-date Adrenaline Tour on April 3 in Austin, Texas. The outing pairs musical performances with the Adrenaline Theater Film Festival, sneak previews of the latest action sports movies. ... Cutthroat game show "The Weakest Link" is rounding up your favorite acts from days of yore for an all-star edition set to air in April. Various charities will depend on Coolio, Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Sheila E, Deborah Gibson, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Edwin McCain, occasional Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and country singer Lila McCann to win them some money. ...

Sheryl Crow threw herself a star-studded 40th birthday party at the El Rey Theatre Monday night, according to the Los Angeles Times. Crow performed some songs from her forthcoming C'Mon C'Mon album for guests such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Dwight Yoakam and some actual, paying fans. ... Michael Jackson, Sting and Barry Manilow will be inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music's Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13. Movie theme specialist Randy Newman and husband-and-wife team Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson will join them in being honored at 33rd annual induction dinner at New York City's Sheraton Hotel. ...

Prince will be popping with a mini tour next month. He's lined up six dates in support of last year's The Rainbow Children starting March 1 in Saginaw, Michigan, and ending March 10 in Cleveland. ... Progedelic Welsh band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci kick off a 12-date North American jaunt on February 27 in Los Angeles and hit Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and more before closing up March 13 in New York City. ... Following their stint on the SnoCore Rock Tour, Local H will play a dozen Midwest and West Coast shows to promote their fourth album, Here Comes the Zoo, due March 5. The trek begins March 6 in Milwaukee and wraps March 23 in Denver. ... Nils Lofgren, the longtime guitarist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, will release his 11th solo album, Breakaway Angel, in mid-March. The record includes "Driftin' Man," which Lofgren co-wrote with Lou Reed. ...

02.12.02

"Don't Let Me Get Me," the second video from Pink's Missundaztood, will premiere on February 16. Plans for a spring tour are in the works, according to Pink's spokesperson. ... Adema were forced to drop off the Projekt: Revolution bill for at least three shows following an unspecified family emergency. Monday night's show in Lowell, Massachusetts, featured only Cypress Hill, Linkin Park and DJ Z-Trip, and the lineup will be the same for Tuesday (February 12)'s gig in Fairfax, Virginia, and Wednesday's performance in Philadelphia. ...

U2 won Major Tour of the Year and Most Creative Stage Production in the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards, which were presented February 9 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Other winners included Alicia Keys (Best New Artist Tour), George, Washington's the Gorge (Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue), Los Angeles' Greek Theatre (Red Rocks Award for Best Small Outdoor Venue), Dallas' American Airlines Center (Best New Major Concert Venue), Los Angeles' Staples Center (Arena of the Year) and Las Vegas' the Joint (Nightclub Venue of the Year). ... Our Lady Peace lead the list of nominees for this year's Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys, with five nominations, followed by Nickelback and Leonard Cohen with four and Sum41 with three. Nickelback, Sum41, Barenaked Ladies, Alanis Morissette and Nelly Furtado will be among the performers at the Juno Awards ceremony April 14 in St. John's, Newfoundland. ...

N.E.R.D., the hip-hop group comprising superproducers the Neptunes and rapper Shay, put a modern-day funk spin on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in the Hype Williams-directed video for their next single, "Rock Star." The trio's debut album, In Search Of ... is due March 12. ... Speaking of Hype Williams, the director will release "The Hype Williams Video Collection" on VHS and DVD on April 30. The collection features 10 of Williams' vintage clips for the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Craig Mack, LL Cool J, Ja Rule, Jay-Z and Nas, with the DVD boasting bonus features such as running commentary by Williams, a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a shoot and interviews. ... Donnie Wahlberg, the ruffneck member of late-'80s boy band extraordinaire New Kids on the Block, may get another chance to work his acting chops on the small screen. Having surprised critics with subtle turns in films such as "The Sixth Sense" and "Ransom" and HBO's "Band of Brothers," rapper-turned-actor "Marky" Mark's big bro has been cast as a detective in the pilot for the NBC cop drama "Boomtown," according to The Hollywood Reporter. ...

Sting's 2002 Rainforest Benefit Concert will take place at New York's Carnegie Hall on April 13, with a lineup to be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket prices range from $150 for a single rear balcony seat to $50,000, which covers a private first tier box that seats 16, two backstage passes, two reserved tables at the party, acknowledgement in the evening's program, Rainforest Foundation membership, and 16 concert mementos. ... Mick Jagger recently shot the video for "Visions of Paradise," the second single from his album, Goddess in the Doorway, with director Dave Meyers (Janet Jackson, Dave Matthews Band). Actress Jennifer Jimenez ("Blow") stars. ... Bonnie Raitt will launch a three-month tour on March 30 in Madison, Wisconsin, to promote her upcoming 16th album, Silver Lining, due April 9. She will perform her latest single, "I Can't Help You Now," on "The Late Show With David Letterman" on April 24.

• Method Man
• The Strokes
• Bob Dylan
• The White Stripes
• Björk

"How High" thespian Method Man is set to appear on the NBC series "Third Watch" as a gang leader who wants revenge against the Russian mob. The first of Meth's three appearances will be February 25 on part one of an episode titled "Superheroes." ... The Strokes' Is This It came in second to Bob Dylan's Love and Theft for Album of the Year in the Village Voice's annual Pazz & Jop Critics' Poll, which hit streets Wednesday (February 13). A point-based poll of 622 music journalists nationwide determined Björk's Vespertine as the year's third best LP, while the White Stripes' White Blood Cells and Radiohead's Amnesiac occupy the #4 and #5 slots, respectively. Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On" was deemed the top single by an overwhelming margin over the place horse, Gorillaz' "Clint Eastwood" (a complete list can be found at www.villagevoice.com). ...

Turntablists the X-ecutioners, political rappers the Coup and human orchestra Kenny Muhammad will embark on the inaugural 20-date Adrenaline Tour on April 3 in Austin, Texas. The outing pairs musical performances with the Adrenaline Theater Film Festival, sneak previews of the latest action sports movies. ... Cutthroat game show "The Weakest Link" is rounding up your favorite acts from days of yore for an all-star edition set to air in April. Various charities will depend on Coolio, Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Sheila E, Deborah Gibson, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Edwin McCain, occasional Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and country singer Lila McCann to win them some money. ...

Sheryl Crow threw herself a star-studded 40th birthday party at the El Rey Theatre Monday night, according to the Los Angeles Times. Crow performed some songs from her forthcoming C'Mon C'Mon album for guests such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Dwight Yoakam and some actual, paying fans. ... Michael Jackson, Sting and Barry Manilow will be inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music's Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13. Movie theme specialist Randy Newman and husband-and-wife team Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson will join them in being honored at 33rd annual induction dinner at New York City's Sheraton Hotel. ...

Prince will be popping with a mini tour next month. He's lined up six dates in support of last year's The Rainbow Children starting March 1 in Saginaw, Michigan, and ending March 10 in Cleveland. ... Progedelic Welsh band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci kick off a 12-date North American jaunt on February 27 in Los Angeles and hit Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and more before closing up March 13 in New York City. ... Following their stint on the SnoCore Rock Tour, Local H will play a dozen Midwest and West Coast shows to promote their fourth album, Here Comes the Zoo, due March 5. The trek begins March 6 in Milwaukee and wraps March 23 in Denver. ... Nils Lofgren, the longtime guitarist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, will release his 11th solo album, Breakaway Angel, in mid-March. The record includes "Driftin' Man," which Lofgren co-wrote with Lou Reed. ...

02.12.02

"Don't Let Me Get Me," the second video from Pink's Missundaztood, will premiere on February 16. Plans for a spring tour are in the works, according to Pink's spokesperson. ... Adema were forced to drop off the Projekt: Revolution bill for at least three shows following an unspecified family emergency. Monday night's show in Lowell, Massachusetts, featured only Cypress Hill, Linkin Park and DJ Z-Trip, and the lineup will be the same for Tuesday (February 12)'s gig in Fairfax, Virginia, and Wednesday's performance in Philadelphia. ...

U2 won Major Tour of the Year and Most Creative Stage Production in the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards, which were presented February 9 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Other winners included Alicia Keys (Best New Artist Tour), George, Washington's the Gorge (Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue), Los Angeles' Greek Theatre (Red Rocks Award for Best Small Outdoor Venue), Dallas' American Airlines Center (Best New Major Concert Venue), Los Angeles' Staples Center (Arena of the Year) and Las Vegas' the Joint (Nightclub Venue of the Year). ... Our Lady Peace lead the list of nominees for this year's Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys, with five nominations, followed by Nickelback and Leonard Cohen with four and Sum41 with three. Nickelback, Sum41, Barenaked Ladies, Alanis Morissette and Nelly Furtado will be among the performers at the Juno Awards ceremony April 14 in St. John's, Newfoundland. ...

N.E.R.D., the hip-hop group comprising superproducers the Neptunes and rapper Shay, put a modern-day funk spin on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in the Hype Williams-directed video for their next single, "Rock Star." The trio's debut album, In Search Of ... is due March 12. ... Speaking of Hype Williams, the director will release "The Hype Williams Video Collection" on VHS and DVD on April 30. The collection features 10 of Williams' vintage clips for the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Craig Mack, LL Cool J, Ja Rule, Jay-Z and Nas, with the DVD boasting bonus features such as running commentary by Williams, a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a shoot and interviews. ... Donnie Wahlberg, the ruffneck member of late-'80s boy band extraordinaire New Kids on the Block, may get another chance to work his acting chops on the small screen. Having surprised critics with subtle turns in films such as "The Sixth Sense" and "Ransom" and HBO's "Band of Brothers," rapper-turned-actor "Marky" Mark's big bro has been cast as a detective in the pilot for the NBC cop drama "Boomtown," according to The Hollywood Reporter. ...

Sting's 2002 Rainforest Benefit Concert will take place at New York's Carnegie Hall on April 13, with a lineup to be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket prices range from $150 for a single rear balcony seat to $50,000, which covers a private first tier box that seats 16, two backstage passes, two reserved tables at the party, acknowledgement in the evening's program, Rainforest Foundation membership, and 16 concert mementos. ... Mick Jagger recently shot the video for "Visions of Paradise," the second single from his album, Goddess in the Doorway, with director Dave Meyers (Janet Jackson, Dave Matthews Band). Actress Jennifer Jimenez ("Blow") stars. ... Bonnie Raitt will launch a three-month tour on March 30 in Madison, Wisconsin, to promote her upcoming 16th album, Silver Lining, due April 9. She will perform her latest single, "I Can't Help You Now," on "The Late Show With David Letterman" on April 24.

• Method Man
• The Strokes
• Bob Dylan
• The White Stripes
• Björk

It was the kind of news story that you e-mail to friends for a chuckle: "Sebastian Bach Does Broadway."

Yes, the very same Sebastian Bach whose multi-platinum success was exceeded only by his bad-boy hijinks as the lead singer of Skid Row was headed to the somewhat tamer world of musical theater. But after garnering nothing but standing ovations since assuming the lead in "Jekyll & Hyde" earlier this month, Bach is the one doing most of the chuckling.

"In rock and roll, you get limos, beautiful girls, booze... I miss it," Bach joked as he relaxed in his limo after a recent show with a cold beer in one hand and his wife in the other. The singer, his wife, and some select friends were being whisked off to a cast party at New York's Harley-Davidson Café last week which was staged to welcome Bach to the fold.

While he seems to be easing into the role of Broadway star, Bach never really saw the move to theater as an easy one. The frontman and his lanky, tattooed frame and long, party-ready locks were on the road touring behind Bach's solo album "Bring 'Em Bach Alive" when the call came to audition for "Jekyll & Hyde." After playing the House Of Blues in Hollywood, Bach flew to Manhattan to try out for the role.

"I just walked in, and if you're going to try out five guys and you're going to have a scream-off, I will win," [RealVideo] Bach recalled. The singer notes that he "screamed [his] gonads off" and returned to the road unsure of his Broadway fate.

"We were in New Orleans, and my agent called me and said, 'Can I ask you a question? How does it feel to wake up today and be a Broadway leading man?'" Bach recalled.

But when the party was over, Bach worried that perhaps his golden pipes had written a check that his acting chops couldn't cash. "To be honest with you, I didn't think I could memorize that many words."

He buckled down, rehearsed scenes with his bandmates and crew members while touring, and eventually settled into the dual role, though he notes that he feels more at home in the role of the murderous rogue Hyde than his prim and proper alter ego Dr. Henry Jekyll.

"I realized that if you set your mind to something, dreams can come true... and a couple of nightmares as well," Bach said.

So far, the singer-turned-thespian is garnering rave reviews from his theater-trained castmates, as well as the fans who turn up outside the stage door of the Plymouth Theater each night looking for autographs and snapshots.

"I was a fan of his before this, but oh my God, he was incredible," Lisa Margaroli said after catching Bach's act. Margaroli (who lists "I Remember You" as her favorite Skid Row song, for the record) remembered getting the news that Bach would be hitting Broadway, and said, "I was like, 'I'm going no matter what. Whether it's great, whether it's bad, I'm going,' but he's fabulous."

Bach's unlikely Broadway success is even more impressive given the fact that just across the street, three-time Emmy winner and "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer could not keep a production of "Macbeth" afloat for more than a few weeks.

"Maybe he should start a band, go out on the road for a couple months, and try it again," Bach said.

As for Sebastian, he'll be hitting the boards in "Jekyll & Hyde" though October.

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

After making the rounds in support of his recently released solo effort, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach will spend his summer on Broadway.

• 5/2 - Louisville, KY @ Coyote's
• 5/3 - Lexington, KY @ A1A
• 5/4 - Nashville, TN @ 328 Hall
• 5/5 - Chatanooga, TN @ The Bay
• 5/6 - Charlottsville, VA @ Trax
• 5/7 - Pasadena, MD @ Daytona's
• 5/9 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
• 5/10 - Manchester, NH @ Chantilly's
• 5/11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
• 5/12 - Sea Bright, NJ @ Tradewinds
• 5/13 - Plainview, NY @ The Vanderbilt

• Sebastian Bach
• Skid Row

It looks like Skid Row is back... sans Sebastian Bach.

-- Sorelle Saidman

• Sebastian Bach
• Ted Nugent
• Skid Row