Merry Metal Christmas - Jingle Bells and Silent Night

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's metal Santa songs. Today, we have 2 "traditional" songs metal-style.

Merry Metal Christmas - I Am Santa Claus and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

For those of you who celebrate Christmas (and those of you who don't) here are some lovely metal Christmas songs to get your Christmas Eve moving. Check out the Top "10" (there are actually 12) here with videos included. 

Randy Blythe Official Statement

Here is the official statement from Randy Blythe:

(http://www.beastandtheharlotmusicreview.com/2012/08/randy-blythe-official-statement.html#!/2012/08/randy-blythe-official-statement.html)

Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.

1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight- I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said "We are glad you are home, Randy". You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.

2. I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else- make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.

3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.

Mouse-keeping...Would you like to be fluffed today?

Just wanted to write a quick note about some housekeeping things.

First, I'm not a a fan of censorship and will allow pretty much any kind of comment on here. I will not allow any direct attacks on myself or any bands or members. That's not to say that you can't disagree with me or even post your opinions, but do so in at least a somewhat respectful manner. And if possible, include why you think whatever it is you feel... That might give me more to write about and people are likely to take you more seriously. I've only had to remove one comment and hopefully it stays that way. Now, let's all be grown ups.

Next, you may notice a new labels toolbar at the top of the blog. If you click on any of those labels, it will bring you to any post tagged under it, which makes finding specific things much easier.

If anyone has a topic you want me to write about, let me know. As long as it's music related, I can likely make it happen. Email me via the link on the right of the page or send a message on Facebook. Also, if you know of (or are on) a band you want me to review or talk to, let me know.

Last thing... Is anyone artistically talented enough to create a logo for this page? I'd really appreciate it and would give whoever it is full credit and maybe a little something for their time and trouble. Let me know, send me an idea, and we will work it out.

Thanks for making this a success (kinda)... We are right around 2500 hits. Share the page, like and share the Facebook link and keep reading.

Update: Randy Blythe and Knotfest Lineup

News came down today that Randy Blythe was released from a Czech jail on bail. In a closed session, it was decided that he could be released with the only condition that the bail be paid (which it had been previously). He boarded a flight back to the US shortly after his release. He may still need to return to the Czech Republic for a trial regarding the 2010 death of a fan. It is reported that his defense team has a strong case. Randy said he is relieved to be out of jail and that it wasn't bad, but "it wasn't exactly fun."
Related to the news of his release is the news that Lamb of God has been put back on the Knotfest bill and will be playing both shows (Aug 17 in Iowa, Aug 18 in Wisconsin).
Check out the video below to hear Randy's interview after his release. He is expected to release an official statement soon.

Destruction of the Local Music Scene

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but there has been a gradual destruction of the local music scene. Actually, most people don't notice because they aren't out there and that is the problem. Venues are closing, bands aren't playing out and when they do there isn't as much of a crowd. It makes me sad and angry every time I go to a show and I see only a handful of people. Here are some things you can do to help the local music scene get back on its feet and stay there:

1) GO TO SHOWS
First and foremost, get out and go to shows. Go see bands you love, go see bands you like, go see bands you've never seen before. The important thing is that you get out and to the shows. That is the number one way you can show your support for the bands, the music, and the scene. If there are no asses in the seats (or barstools), then there is no reason for venues to stay open and book bands. This is especially important for genres like metal where there is not as broad of a following as mainstream music.

2) BUY CDS and MERCH
While you are at the shows, check out the bands' merch booths. T-Shirts, hats, CDs, DVDs, anything they have to offer. Remember that these local bands aren't rich and famous. They have day jobs (sometimes more than one) and put their own money in to record albums and have t-shirts and other merchandise made just to get their names out there. They play in a band because they truly love it, not because they're paid millions to do it.
 
3) GET YOUR FRIENDS INVOLVED
When you go out to shows, drag your friends with you. Post information about bands on your Facebook or other social networking pages - photos, videos, band pages and websites, and anything else you can. Get the word out about the bands you find and love.

4) ENCOURAGE RADIO PLAY
Many radio stations have a local music platform. In Madison, WI, 94.1 WJJO has the JJO Local Stage every Sunday at 9pm. You can call in and requests the local bands you want to hear on the radio (608-321-0941 in Madison).  I'm sure bands like to hear their music played on the radio and it gets it out to that many more people.

 So basically, get involved. Get out and enjoy some music. Show the local scene that you want it to stick around otherwise one day there won't be any more.

Concert Update: Knotfest Lineup Change

Due to the current situation with Lamb of God's Randy Blythe still being denied bail and still incarcerated, Lamb of God and Dethklok have cancelled their tour and will not be at Knotfest. So far, one replacement has been announced as Machine Head was added to the lineup and another one should be added in the next day or two.

The lineup is still completely awesome. On Saturday August 18th, 2012, Slipknot will be joined by Deftones, Serj Tankian, Cannibal Corpse and many more in Somerset, WI at the Somerset Amphitheater. Tickets are only $45 and still available!

In the News: Randy Blythe

Randy Blythe Arrested on Suspicion of 

Manslaughter in Fan's 2010 Death

Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was arrested last week on suspicion of manslaughter in the 2010 death of a fan who repeatedly rushed the stage. Ultimately, it is alleged that Blythe pushed the fan back into the crowd after the 3rd time he rushed the stage. He hit his head, slipped into a coma and died two weeks later as a result of the injury.

It was originally announced that the singer was released on bail and ordered to remain in Czech Republic until the investigation is completed, but has now been released that he posted bail but they are still holding him and refusing his release. The rest of the band has returned to the US and is requesting that fans do not inquire about the case as it would be "irresponsible" for them to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Blythe's family, friends, band mates and the entire metal community have rallied around him.  Supportive messages are being seen from Chris Kael (Five Finger Death Punch), David Draiman (Disturbed), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Slash, Scott Ian (Anthrax) and other big names in the metal community. Many are citing the December 8th, 2004 shooting death of Dimebag Darrell while on stage.

Unfortunately, sometimes bands have to fear for their safety as public icons. In my opinion, the fan should have been escorted out and should not have been given the chance to rush the stage and Blythe 3 times. Also in my opinion, Blythe had every right to defend himself from a fan that was behaving erratically and unpredictably. Yes, fans jump on stage. And yes, sometimes bands don't mind. However, if a fan is removed from the stage twice, then obviously they shouldn't be on stage. The fan's death is sad. It really is. But should we really hold Randy Blythe responsible for something that was not malicious or (in my opinion) negligent?

The Apocalyptic Nightmare Journey by M. Shawn Crahan

Calling all Maggots! Great news on the Slipknot front. First, Shawn Crahan's (Clown) book The Apocalyptic Nightmare is being released next Tuesday, June 19th 2012. And for all of you Madisonians, he will be at Barnes and Noble West on Thursday, June 21st 2012 for a meet and greet and book signing. Check out the B&N Event here.
In addition to Clown's new book, the first annual Knotfest is coming up in August. They will start in Council Bluffs, IA on August 17th and be in Minneapolis, MN (actually, Somerset, WI) on August 18th. I have my tickets already, do you? Knotfest will feature Slipknot, Deftones, Lamb of God, Dethklok, Serj Tankian, Cannibal Corpse and more.
The Knotfest website describes it as:

"This day of reckoning will be the darkest and the most brutally sinister awakening in heavy music performance history!

An apocalyptic world of fire and madness awaits you as you enter the gates to sinister surprises emanating from around every corner! Be very aware upon entering the grounds that no one is considered safe.

Featuring two heavy hitting stages of hard music, this day and night of Knotfest is guaranteed to make your blood pump and your ears bleed.

The big top will be filled with SLIPKNOT memorabilia, interactive art installations and other surprises.

At nightfall, all bets are off! The PAGAN world WILL go off in a riotous mindfuck!

Fire and light WILL blur your senses. You WILL feel and smell the sickness. The smell of KNOTFEST alone WILL cling to your attire for months to come.

Go ahead, take your chances on the RING OF FIRE carnival ride. Destroy your life's aggression in drum circles with members of Slipknot taking place on mangled frames of forgotten metal.

Leave your official mark on graffiti walls and take your chances walking through the slipknot museum.

An event that will attack all five senses is awaiting you at KNOTFEST 2012."

Check out the website here.

Of course, it will be sad to see Slipknot without The Pig (Paul Gray/#2), but the best way to carry on his memory is to carry on the music. I hope to see everyone both at the book signing and at Knotfest.

The Blacktooth and Art of the Flesh

Make sure you check out the new metal magazine called The Blacktooth that I previously wrote about here and sign up to get the print copy! There's a lot of great material already posted online.

I previously reviewed a show that featured Seven Signs, Breech and Art of the Flesh, an awesome up and coming band from Illinois. My interview with Art of the Flesh can be found on The Blacktooth website now.

Slipknot headlining the Mayhem Festival 2012

The lineup for the 2012 Mayhem Festival has been announced. Slipknot will be headlining and will be joined by Slayer, As I Lay Dying and other great bands. Check out the link here for ticket information, lineup, and anything else you could possibly want from Mayhem.

I've been to this festival before and I must say that the face-melting metal, special events, and awesome lineups are can't miss. If you have the chance to go to this tour, then GO!

Today in the News: Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath Diagnosed with Lymphoma

Ok, ok... I know this isn't local or regional and I swear I'll get out to some more shows soon. But, as a lover of all things rock and metal, I do like to share national and international band news (both good and band) with others who might be interested. Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with lymphoma, but the plans for the first album in 33 years are still on track. Check out this article about this news (text below) and send out any good thoughts that you have for him. And since we're on the subject - anyone who wants to get me his book, "Iron Man," I would greatly appreciate it.  :)

Article written by Billboard Staff


Billboard.com Photo from quoted article



Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma but a new album for the legendary metal band is still on track, it was announced Monday.



Iommi, 63, is currently working with his doctors to determine the best course and "remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery," a statement said.



In November, the group -- Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward -- announced album and tour plans. While the statement does not indicate whether live dates will be affected, the band continues to write and record their first album in over three decades. Rick Rubin will produce the group's comeback album, which is expected to be released in fall 2012 through Vertigo/Universal.



The metal pioneers are scheduled to headline Download Festival, which will take place between June 8-10 in Donington Park, England.

Since the original lineup came together in 1968, the English metal pioneers have scored album sales of 15 million, according to the RIAA. Between 1970 and 2007, Black Sabbath have had 22 entries on the Billboard 200, and their biggest-selling effort -- 1970's "Paranoid," which featured classic rock tracks like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs" -- has sold 1.6 million in the SoundScan era.

The lineup of Osbourne, Iommi, Butler and Ward released its last album, "Never Say Die," in 1978; the disc has sold 133,000 copies in the SoundScan era. Osbourne split with Black Sabbath in 1979 and went on to a hugely successful solo career, with hits like "Crazy Train," "Mr. Crowley" and "Shot in the Dark." He rejoined the band in 1997 and toured on-and-off with them through 2006, but the only new material produced was two songs tacked onto a 1998 live album.

Iommi, who wrote extensively about the band in his recent book "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven & Hell With Black Sabbath," told Billboard.com that he regrouped with Osbourne, bassist Butler and drummer Ward at Osbourne's California home in early 2011 to play some music "for a bit of fun, and to see if we could all play. It was good, but it was just purely, 'Let's have a go and see what happens.'"

Metallica's Black Album is the Number 1 Selling Album of the Last 20 Years (News Reprint)

(Reprinted from Loudwire - please note that I did not write this and you can find the original link here)

Photo from Gibson.com

by: Graham "Gruhamed" Hartmann

Billboard and Nielsen SoundScan have just released a list of the top-selling albums of the SoundScan era (1991-2011). Coming in at No. 1 with more than 15 million units sold to date is Metallica‘s self-titled 1991 disc, aka The Black Album.

Metallica are the most successful band in metal history regarding album sales. The thrash giants have sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Metallica also came in at No. 4 on SoundScan’s top-selling artists of the past 20 years, only being topped by Garth Brooks, the Beatles and Mariah Carey.
The Black Album topped the charts in eight countries and delivered some of metal’s most legendary tracks such as ‘The Unforgiven,’ ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and ‘Enter Sandman.’

Metallica recently celebrated their 30th anniversary as a band by four small club dates for their fan club members in San Francisco. Some of the biggest names in metal came out to share the stage with Metallica during the four-day celebration such as Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford as well as former Metallica members Jason Newsted and Dave Mustaine.

Metallica are set to release a B-sides album of songs recorded during the ‘Death Magnetic’ sessions on Jan 30. titled ‘Beyond Magnetic.’

Top 10 Highest-Selling Albums of the Nielsen SoundScan Era

												TOP 10 SELLING ALBUMS
												(1991 – 1/1/2012)
															Artist			Units Sold
												1			‘Metallica,’ Metallica			15,735,000
												2			‘Come On Over,’ Shania Twain			15,513,000
												3			‘Jagged Little Pill,’ Alanis Morissette			14,714,000
												4			‘Millennium,’ Backstreet Boys			12,168,000
												5			’1,’ Beatles			11,985,000
												6			Soundtrack, ‘Bodyguard’			11,829,000
												7			‘Supernatural,’ Santana			11,772,000
												8			‘Human Clay,’ Creed			11,574,000
												9			‘No Strings Attached,’ N Sync			11,122,000
												10			‘Falling Into You,’ Celine Dion			10,790,000

In Memory of... Paul Gray

Photo from this news article

Paul Gray (Slipknot) April 8, 1972 – May 24, 2010

Paul Gray, co-founder, bassist, and songwriter of Iowa band Slipknot, was also known as #2 and The Pig. Gray was born on April 8, 1972 in Los Angeles, California but later relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. In 1995, he helped form the band Slipknot and was one of the three remaining original members when he passed away in May of 2010.

As Slipknot's bassist, Gray was the only member who remained in the same role in the band for the entire time that he was a member. He also sang back up vocals for some of Slipknot’s songs, especially when lead singer Corey Taylor’s voice and throat got tired and hoarse. He was well known for his pig face mask, thus the nickname The Pig, and the black death mask he occasionally also wore.

In addition to Slipknot, Gray was also in VeXX, Body Pit, and Anal Blast and has toured with Unida and Reggie and the Full Effect as a substitute bassist. Albums released by Slipknot include Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat (1996), Slipknot (1999), Iowa (2001), Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses (2004), 9.0: Live (2005) and All Hope Is Gone (2008). Personally, Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. is my favorite since it was the very first Slipknot album I ever heard and it was one of the first 5 metal albums I heard, leading to my current status as a metalhead. 

Known for his awesome stage presence and amazing charisma both on and off stage, Gray was an icon in the metal world. His death on May 24^th, 2010 in a hotel room in Des Moines, Iowa shook up the metal world, leaving many of us wondering if The Nine would ever be the same without him, or if Slipknot would even continue. Autopsy reports later confirmed that his death was caused by an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl and he also had signs of significant heart disease. Gray had a history of drug problems, including an arrest after a car accident in June 2003.

No matter what the cause of death, the loss of Paul Gray was devastating to his family, his fans, and his brothers in Slipknot. Even the band Mushroomhead, which had a long standing feud with Slipknot, stepped up to express their sadness and ask for an end to the feud. Former Slipknot guitarist Donnie Steele has stepped up to try to fill #2’s shoes as the touring bassist beginning in 2011. I haven’t seen Slipknot since the loss of Paul Gray, but hopefully will have the chance soon. One man doesn’t make the band and I love this band, but I’m sure it won’t ever be quite the same.

See the video below of the press conference with Slipknot following Paul Gray's death.

Check out Slipknot's website here.

What is... METAL

What is… METAL?

Buy t-shirt here (photo from site)

There are so many different forms of music and often it is hard to differentiate between them.  Sometimes, a band can fall into more than one genre or subgenre. First up on our list of “What is…” is metal.

Metal is characterized by certain distinctive features, including strong and vibrant drums, especially bass drum and often a double bass, forceful and dynamic vocals, guitar distortion and power chords. While these are not always hard and fast rules for metal, they are often key components.  Many subgenres of metal also include these characteristics, although sometimes the subgenres include other characteristics or exclude one or more of these. Vocals in metal can run the gamut from melodic singing to deep growls and carnal screams. Most importantly, metal is loud. The main characteristic is an assault of sounds that are akin to chaos and war, but in reality are usually fairly ordered. Metal is often associated with death, anger and masculinity.

Metal originated in the United States and the UK in the 1960’s as an alternative to the slower tempo available music. It is a spin-off of many things including rock, blues and punk. There are still subgenres of metal that represent these genres in the universe of metal, including metalcore. Some of the original metal bands included Iron Butterfly, Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. Other bands like Pink Floyd, Cream, The Beatles, Grand Funk Railroad, and Blue Cheer also released heavier songs during the formative years of metal that would fall into the genre, even if the rest of the band’s songs don’t technically fall into the genre. These songs helped form metal and also became the basis for some of the subgenres.

As music progressed and the genre progressed through the 1970s and 1980s, more bands came into the scene and many subgenres were formed. Metallica, The Obsessed, Melvins, Quiet Riot, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister and Poison also came out during this time. Today, there are so many metal options that I’m not even sure where to start. Anthrax, Bullet For My Valentine, Megadeth, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, Sepultura, Dream Theater, Children of Bodom and Slipknot are some bands that come to mind.

Although not as good of an indicator, fashion and gestures are also ways to tell if the band you are watching is metal. The fashion has changed quite a bit since the big hair metal bands of the late 1970s and 1980s, but artists in metal bands still often have long hair or non-mainstream hair, such as mohawks. They usually have tattoos, wear leather or denim, and often have t-shirts featuring their own influences in the metal world. Of course, I’ve seen many different looks on stage at a metal show so there is no all-encompassing “look.” Gestures including head banging, “devil horns” hand gestures, and fisted arm thrusting are all pretty good signs. In addition to the somewhat characteristic looks of the artists, the fans also follow many of the same fashion trends. Fans of metal are also referred to as Metalheads and come in all shapes and sizes and many of them do not always "look the part." If someone who didn't know me, for example, tried to guess what kind of music I like most based on what I looked like, my guess is that they wouldn't be able to determine that I'm a metalhead.

Still not sure that you know what metal is? Well, that’s ok – me either. If a band is very obviously one genre or subgenre, it is easy to figure out but sometimes bands blend different sounds and characteristics to create something that is not easily identified as a specific genre.

Something to look forward to: posts about identifying the subgenres of metal including Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Power Metal, Industrial Metal, Progressive Metal and Nu Metal.

New Website/Magazine for Metalheads!



Photo from The Blacktooth's Facebook page



We've all been waiting for something like this... well, at least I have. It was part of the reason I started this blog. The new website The Blacktooth is up and running! It is about metal culture and music. There are videos, opinion pages, band profiles and more. I heard about this just last night at the Seven Signs show (that post will come later) and after checking it out today, I'm in love. It is an online community and information source for people who love all things metal. There are tons of places for people who like rock to go, but its hard to find good information on metal.

Check out this video that was on the site about mosh pit etiquette. The only thing I would add to it is to stress that if someone falls in the pit, PICK THEM UP.

              Check out The Blacktooth HERE.

Revolver Magazine posts tributes to Dimebag Darrell from friends

Check out the interviews and tributes from Dimebag Darrell's rock friends on Revolver Magazine's website:



Photo From this link



Judas Priest’s Rob Halford Pays Tribute to Dimebag Darrell - Revolver Magazine

 

Zakk Wylde Pays Tribute to Dimebag Darrell - Revolver Magazine

 

Anthrax’s Frank Bello Pays Tribute to Dimebag Darrell - Revolver Magazine

Today in History: Dimebag Darrell of Damageplan and Pantera Killed

Seven years ago today, Dimebag Darrell and four others were killed at a concert in Columbus Ohio. As a tribute, I am posting the MTV article that immediately followed the event. Please note that I did not write this - the link is available at the beginning and end of the post and the authors are credited below the title.



Photo from http://www.damageplan.com/


(This article reprinted from the original MTV announcement on December 9, 2004 - the day after Dimebag was shot)

Dimebag Darrell, Four Others Killed In Ohio Concert Shooting

By Robert Mancini, Gil Kaufman, Ryan J. Downey and Jennifer Vineyard

Dimebag Darrell, guitarist for Damageplan and Pantera, was killed during a shooting spree at a Columbus, Ohio, nightclub Wednesday night. He was 38.
Darrell, real name Darrell Abbott, was among the five people killed during the incident. Also dead are the gunman, 25-year-old Nathan Gale of nearby Marysville, Ohio; Damageplan bodyguard Jeff Thompson, 40; fan Nathan Bray, 23; and Erin Halk, 29, who worked at the club. Gale also wounded three people.
Damageplan had just begun their first song in front of approximately 250 people at Alrosa Villa when the gunman jumped onstage, made a comment about Pantera, and began firing at close range into Darrell's body, shooting him several times before opening fire on the crowd (see " 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott: A Larger-Than-Life Guitarist And Human Being").
A patrol officer nearby, James Niggemeyer, heard the call of shots fired at 10:18 p.m. and by 10:20 p.m. had snuck inside the club through a back door, according to public information officer Sergeant Brent Mull. After entering, Niggemeyer, who had no backup, confronted the gunman onstage, where he observed one victim and Gale holding a hostage by the neck.
"The officer was able to strategically gun this guy down before he was able to kill his hostage, and it appeared that he was about to kill his hostage," Mull said at a press conference Thursday (December 9). "The suspect had the hostage in a headlock situation and had his firearm out shooting, and it's believed he was about to take his gun to the hostage."
But the hostage wriggled out of the way slightly, Mull said, and the officer was able to kill the shooter with a single shotgun blast as the hostage escaped uninjured. Police said Gale, whose arrest record lists him as 6 feet 3 inches tall and 225 pounds, used a Beretta 9 mm semiautomatic handgun and reloaded once during the shooting. Gale's prior arrests were all nonviolent, and included driving with a suspended license and trespassing.
Police have not confirmed the names of the three wounded victims, but the club's manager told the Dispatch that one of them was a security guard who had tried to wrestle the attacker's gun away. Damageplan reps say the other two wounded were tour manager Chris Paluska, who is in critical but stable condition, and drum tech John "Kat" Brooks, who was scheduled to be released from the hospital Friday.
"If the officer hadn't acted when he did and how he did, we'd probably be looking at more dead, because this guy was actively shooting," Mull said. Following the incident, police took more than 200 patrons onto three city-donated buses, where they were interviewed by some 60 police detectives.
"The ones that were inside and witnessed this ran for their lives and were in fear for their lives," Mull said. "They are victims too, and we want to take care of them."
In 911 tapes released Thursday, one caller tells the operator, "There's been a shooting! Somebody's shooting! He's shooting the band, oh sh--, he's still shooting!" Another is heard frantically telling the 911 operator, "We need to get out, we need to get out! I can't, I can't get out."
One concertgoer, his jeans torn and soaked with blood, told CNN he jumped onstage and attempted to give Darrell CPR before paramedics arrived.
Police have interviewed friends and relatives of the shooter, attempting to establish a motive for his actions. "We may never know the motive for this," Mull said, "unless he left a note somewhere else."
One eyewitness, 37-year-old food vendor Medhat Mokhtar, told MTV News that he saw Gale lingering outside the club prior to Damageplan's set. Gale paced near Mokhtar's food cart and only entered the club when Damageplan's performance began. Shortly thereafter, Mokhtar noticed concertgoers fleeing the club and screaming, and the vendor headed inside to see what the disturbance was. He said he then made his way to the stage where a crowd had gathered around the wounded Darrell. "I tried to push them away, but people loved him too much. The people were kissing his hands and his feet and trying to give him CPR," Mokhtar said.
Searching Gale's residence is the next step of the investigation, as is analyzing amateur video footage taken of the incident, which homicide investigators are looking at now, Mull said. The venue had no surveillance footage. Mull also said he had been told there was no metal detector at the club, though he could not confirm that at press time and a club spokesperson could not be reached.
As word of Dimebag's death rippled through the metal community, the news was met with shock and sadness (see "Ozzy, Dave Mustaine, Jonathan Davis Remember Dimebag Darrell").
"I'm speechless," former Rob Zombie/ Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rob Blasko Nicholson said. "This is totally unreal. Dimebag is a f---ing legend and this is total bullsh--."
(Click for photos of Dimebag Darrell in concert through the years.)
"This is insane and this is beyond travesty," Killswitch Engage frontman and former Damageplan tour partner Howard Jones said. "This is beyond anything I've ever heard. This shouldn't happen in or outside of the rock and metal community. He will be missed and mourned as a person, as a musician, and as a friend."
"Let's for a second forget that I even knew him, [and focus on] just the fact that this was allowed to happen," Slipknot singer Corey Taylor said. "If somebody can jump onstage with a gun and shoot one of the most influential guitarists of my generation, what's next? If this is allowed to happen, what the hell? What does that say? Just that somebody would think this was a good idea in his own insane world, what does that say about where we're at right now? It's definitely given me pause. I'm an entertainer as well as a musician, so I have to look at this and think not only has one of my really good friends died, but what if that had been me?"
Damageplan also features Dimebag's brother, former Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul; singer Patrick Lachman and bassist Bob Zilla.

You can find the original link here.

Top 10 Reasons We Love 94.1 WJJO

Top 10 Reasons 94.1 WJJO is the best rock radio station ever (in no particular order)

1) The Morning Show

The 94.1 WJJO morning show is on every weekday morning from 6:00am to 10:00am and stars Johnny Danger, Greg Bair, The Biatch and Kid Snuff. It is by far the most entertaining morning show in the Madison area (and probably on the planet). This unique morning show has features like the Mr. Skin Minute, First and Last Laugh, plenty of great interviews with everyone from comedians to musicians to television stars to strippers and porn stars, and of course the Fake at 8. For those of you who live under a rock and don’t know what the Fake at 8 is, it is when women call in to the radio station to do a fake (usually) orgasm on the air for the chance to win prizes – usually concert tickets. The show also has weather, sports and news, although the news portions generally turn into debates about various topics, which just makes it that much more amusing.  Want to check out more? Go to the Morning Show website.

2) Biatch

I know I mentioned the Biatch in the morning show, but you know what? She deserves her own bullet point. She is funny, witty, entertaining, and relates well to the listeners whether it is on the air or out at events. She gives the other morning show staff a hard time (especially Johnny Danger) and keeps them from running away with the show. Oh yeah, she’s also just plain awesome. Check out her Facebook page here.

3) JJO local stage

Kurt Baron hosts the JJO Local Stage every Sunday night at 9:00pm. The Local Stage is dedicated entirely to local music and bands, which is extremely important to the support of local music and helping bands move up in the difficult entertainment world. WJJO also has a locals only CD compilation that they put together. Since I am a huge supporter of local music and love finding new bands, the JJO Local Stage is an excellent platform to learn about new bands and listen to local bands on the radio.  Visit the Local Stage website.

4) JJ-Overdrive

Every weeknight at midnight is JJ-Overdrive, which is devoted to hard, fast metal. It is an hour long and includes both old and new metal.  I don’t catch it very often, but when I worked third shift, this was definitely the only thing on my radio from midnight to 1:00am. No one else plays hard metal and I often wish JJO would play more of it throughout the day, but an hour specifically set aside for it will have to do for now.  Get more information online.

5) Tickets/Contests

WJJO offers many contests in order to win tickets, merchandise, gift certificates and free beer. They have Text-to-Win months where each day there is a chance to text in for a specific prize. Many weekends they have text to win prizes and have “Tat-Tuesday” which is a text to win for tattoo gift certificates. Additionally, they have online auctions, band meet-and-greets, and tons of other great prizes.

6) Band Camp

Starting in 2004 with a fairly small lineup, WJJO Band Camp is now a yearly all day concert event that has grown exponentially. It has featured many great bands like Damage Plan, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Dope, HURT, Nonpoint, Clutch, All That Remains and TONS more. By far my favorite concert event of the year with decently priced tickets and great ticket deals. While I miss the first Band Camp because it was smaller and had true local bands, I still look forward to going every year. You can see pictures and more on the Band Camp page. 

7) RadioActive in the community

In addition to everything else, JJO also takes part in many awesome charity events and takes a special interest in causes. They are often attempting to “Save the Ta-Tas” through their partnership with Ultimate Arts Tattoo’s “Sticking it to Breast Cancer” and their Second Baseman shirts. Other events are available at their website. Find out how you can get RadioActive.

8) Music

Music is the most important part of any music radio station (imagine that) and JJO has it covered. They play new music, old music, hard rock, metal, and everything in between. There is generally a pretty good mix of music, although sometimes during the day the brand new singles get a little repetitive. Overall, awesome mix of music that keeps me entertained 24 hours a day.

9) The Wham Bam Tailgate Jam

Join the morning show crew for 2 hours before every Badgers football home game at Buckingham’s on Regent Street in Madison. They broadcast live, talk to fans, talk to the other team’s fans (if anyone is willing to talk to them), bring merchandise and have a full out party before every Badger home game. Also includes a Badger breakdown with a spread by Kid Snuff.

10) Sound Lounge

The Sound Lounge is a live show and listeners can win tickets to get in and watch bands, ask questions of guests, and just party in the morning with the Morning Show crew. The show often includes bands playing live, sports stars (previously featured Ron Dayne), and other guests and is in an intimate room, so listeners can get up close and personal.

Want to learn more about JJO? Their website has a lot of great stuff to check out.

Why do YOU love JJO?