Following-up on our post a couple of days ago confirming thrash metal icons MEGADETH will be returning to perform in Dubai, UAE for the second time as the headliners for the upcoming Mutt Rock Festival taking place on December 9th. We thought we'd share a recent full set posted on Youtube of the band's performance in Gothenburg, Sweden back in July during their Big 4 tour in Europe.

Setlist:

1. Trust
2. In My Darkest Hour @ 4:50
3. Hangar 18 @ 11:25
4. Wake Up Dead @ 17:14
5. Head Crusher @ 20:57
6. Symphony Of Destruction @ 25:52
7. Peace Sells @ 29:43
8. Holy Wars @ 34:12

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Dave Mustaine compares between former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman and current axeman Chris Broderick. He also goes on to talk about a new MEGADETH album currently in the works. Stating that:

"It's gonna be heavy and not slow heavy like Black Sabbath or Trouble. It's very, very fast heavy." Mustaine also revealed that the album would pull together a variety of unrecorded material from throughout the band's career, "Some of the songs are old, some are new. Some were written this morning. Some back in the early stages of my career — songs that weren't previously recorded."

Click here to read the entire interview.

Could the panel of judges at the Grammys be more irrelevant? It's like whoever is picking the nominees is still using a gramophone, and not by choice.

Every year, I decide to build up enough interest to go through the list of nominees of Hard Rock and Metal and not a single time have they managed to put together a worthwhile list. It's not that the list is unfair or anything, but a 5 year old at the mall can put together their annual list of "best-of."

Anyway, here's the nominees:
(If you were slightly surprised (by even one bit) by any names on the list, please do tell me why.)

Best Metal Performance:

• Iron Maiden, “El Dorado”
• Korn, “Let the Guilt Go”
• Lamb of God, “In Your Words”
• Megadeth, “Sudden Death”
• Slayer, “World Painted Blood”

Best Hard Rock Performance:

• Alice In Chains, “A Looking In View”
• Ozzy Osbourne, “Let Me Hear You Scream”
• Soundgarden, “Black Rain”
• Stone Temple Pilots, “Between The Lines”
• Them Crooked Vultures, “New Fang”

Head down to METAL ASYLUM on November 19th for the first ever MEGADETH tribute night in the UAE.

The show will include a special performance by JOE'S BAND (Megadeth Tribute Band), local veterans XCEED and alternative rockers CHILD LOCK.

Show starts at 9 pm and wraps up around 3 am at Aussie Legends at Rydges Plaza, Dubai. Tickets cost 50 DHS (13.99 USD) and can be purchased at the door. The show is for 21+ only.

[Press Release]

MetalSucks has posted an exclusive excerpt from DAVE MUSTAINE's new autobiography "Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir," released Tuesday, with the blessing of the book's publisher. That excerpt is below. And as if that wasn’t enough, MetalSucks is also giving one lucky NYC-area reader a chance to get five minutes alone with Dave Mustaine before his book signing this coming Tuesday, August 10 at Barnes and Noble Fifth Avenue in NYC! Five runners-up will also received autographed copies of the book.

The excerpt:

The actual fight didn’t happen right there. They call it a hang fire, like when there’s an unexpected delay between the trigger of a gun being pulled and the actual discharge of the weapon. You know it’s coming, and there’s no stopping it. It’s just a matter of time. James and I alternately cursed at each other and refused to speak, until eventually we were both in Ron’s house, preparing to rehearse, and tensions boiled over. There was another round of accusations and insults, more cursing, more threats.

“You keep talking like that, I’m going to punch you in the mouth,” I said.

“Fuck off!”

In the middle of this exchange, Ron walked out of the bathroom and into the living room. He and James went way back, and despite the fact that James often treated him like shit, Ron instinctively defended his friend.

“You hit him, you’ll have to hit me first.”

“Shut up and sit the fuck down,” I said.

And then James jumped to Ron’s defense. “You touch him, you’re going to have to hit me first.”

Jesus, I thought, what is this, some kind of fucking game show?

I realized I would have to make a decision.

“Okay, you win,” I said, and with that I threw a right cross that landed flush against James’s face, turning his mouth into a pile of bloody Chiclets.

Enter to win

Last week, I posted about the Big Four (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax) performing a cover of Diamondhead's "Am I Evil" live on stage together for the first time. But the video was recorded during the concert's screening in a cinema.

A pro shot version of the performance is now available online, and can be viewed below:

This is one awesome thrash metal supergroup. It's like a badass orchestra of badasses (and Joey Belladona...) completely slaying a badass Diamond Head song (Am I Evil.)

The video was recorded with a camera during the live screening in a cinema, so far that's the best quality available of the performance on the youtubes.

But, where's Tom Araya?

Megadeth released a new song titled "Sudden Death" which will appear exclusively on the new Guitar Hero game Warriors of Rock, you can check out the song in the video below, where it's being played live at the recent E3 Expo, that took place on June 15th to the 17th.

Revolver Magazine's Chris Krovatin recently caught up with Slayer's Kerry King in Austria and Megadeth's Dave Mustaine in Warsaw, Poland to get their thoughts on the current "Big Four" tour that includes, METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX.

Excerpts from the interview can be read below:

Revolver: How did the "Big Four" tour come about?

King: It was something that was trying to be made happen, so it just took everyone signing off on it. I gotta tell you, man, I can't believe, in the 27 years since we put our first record out, that no one's tried to make this happen. Because now that it is happening, it's so cool, it's so important, that every territory in the world wants it. I don't know what took so long.

Mustaine: We had some opportunities to do these festivals, and we had been doing the Carnage dates [with SLAYER], which were of course so popular in the States and Canada. For me, personally, I didn't see it coming… Having dinner with Lars [Ulrich] the other night, he told me that he had talked to SLAYER's tour manager a year and a half ago about whether or not this was gonna happen, and I thought, God, I'm so glad I didn't know about this a year and a half ago, because I would've had to spend every day with that "I've got a big gig coming" brain.


Revolver: For a long time, it seemed like there was bad blood between you guys, specifically between SLAYER and MEGADETH, and MEGADETH and METALLICA. What squashed that beef?

King: Before we did the Australian and Japanese run with MEGADETH, I was reading the Revolver SLAYER issue, and reading this interview we did with Dave. And I just couldn't remember why I wasn't friends with this dude anymore — I could not remember what I was upset about. So we get to the airport, and I saw him coming out of the lounge, and I came up, shook his hand, and said, "Hey, dude, I don't think I've talked to you in about 15 years!" We have a shitload of dates coming up, and honestly, when I've talked to him, I remember the guy I dug 25 years ago.

Mustaine: We've just learned how to step back see what we stand for in the world, the "Big Four," and how each band has contributed to that in its own way. I had a huge turnaround on my whole outlook at life walking into this tour, these dates, with just a brand new relationship. The first person I talked to was [METALLICA guitarist] Kirk [Hammett]. We talked for a while, and then at dinner, I sat next to James [Hetfield] and Lars, and it was cool to look at it — just how much we changed the world… Twenty years ago, this tour probably wouldn't have happened — we were all young, and we weren't dealing with the fame too well.


Revolver: What do SLAYER represent in the "Big Four?"

King: We represent all that is evil in the "Big Four," and historically, I think we've represented thrash the best, but it's funny, just how these four bands from this same movement went off to become different entities.


Revolver: What about MEGADETH?

Mustaine: Our lyrics are a little deeper than some of the others, but we're each different in that way — SLAYER's lyrics are really different from ANTHRAX's. We're really just like a four-paned window, you know — four different vantage points, all getting across that same message.


Revolver: Since METALLICA is headlining these shows, Kerry, should they be worried about getting blown off the stage by one of you?

King: The one thing I'm not happy about — and we didn't know this until we got here — is that it's not always the "Big Four" in a row. Some days, there are bands in between us, and that's kind of a bummer. A night ending with ANTHRAX, MEGADETH, and SLAYER would be brutal. I have nothing against those other bands, but I didn't know about that. But yeah, we open for METALLICA some nights. I've seen METALLICA twice on this tour, and they may not have all the spiel and bells and whistles they had in the States, but they've been killing it. They're pros, man, they'll have no problem. That said, man, our set's brutal, and it ain't there to make friends.

Click Here to read the entire interview

[Source: Blabbermouth]

Photo Credit: MetalInjection.net

So it's really happening. Thrash Metal's "Big Four," Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax will in fact be performing on the same bill as part of this year's installment of Sonisphere Festival in Bulgaria.

The show will be airing live around the world in select cinemas. Metal Hammer UK announced earlier today the full list of cinemas around the U.K. that will be airing the show:

"Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax are to have their show in Bulgaria on June 22nd broadcast to cinemas all over the world. A statement from the bands reads: “For one night only, metalheads around the world can experience history: On Tuesday, June 22, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax perform on one stage together, and through the wonders of satellite technology, you can be part of this historic concert event, broadcast exclusively to select movie theatres around the world. Beyond the limited European festival dates, there are not additional tour dates planned for this extraordinary line-up.”

It makes it a little clear why Anthrax had to rush back to Joey Belladonna, since touring is not in John Bush's heart anymore, and he wanted to keep his artistic integrity by not re-recording some other dude's material for the next Anthrax album, I applaud John for his decision.

I also hope that backstage footage from the show, would be made available. Because with Lars, Kerry King, and Dave Mustaine's cocks egos in the same venue, only the skies the limit for hilarity.

Click Here to head to Metal Hammer UK for the full list of dates

Once the news broke out about the passing of legendary front man Ronnie James Dio (DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell) musicians from all over the world started updating their online statuses, to pay respect to one of Metal's most beloved (and probably most respected) front men.

The following are just a small chunk from Twitter, Facebook and other websites:



Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell):

"Yesterday 16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am LA time.

I’ve been in total shock I just can’t believe he’s gone. Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, we had some fantastic times together.

Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much.

He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. I can honestly say it’s truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years, his music will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Wendy Dio who stood by Ronnie until the end, he loved her very much. The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional. I’ll miss you so much my dear friend.

RIP - Tony"

Iron Maiden:

"It is with huge sadness we hear that Ronnie has lost his battle against stomach cancer, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Wendy and family at this terrible time.

"From his earlier years in ELF, BLACK SABBATH and DIO, right through to his most recent days fronting HEAVEN & HELL, Ronnie, time and again, proved his genius as a frontman, always giving his all to his fans and his music.

"Ronnie was not only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm, intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact with. A longstanding friend of MAIDEN, we played many shows together over the years and we will all miss him greatly.

"The world has lost an irreplaceable talent and, first and foremost, one of the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet."

Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth):

"I saw the news last night and I hated them.

"Ronnie James Dio is gone…. I love him almost like a family member, and I feel empty and lonely knowing he's not around anymore. He sits on my wall as he has since my family moved in here. Can't bring myself to hear him sing right now, even though I think it might be comforting if I did.

"I was fortunate enough to meet him and share a few drinks with him once, and it's a memory I will treasure to the end of my days. He blew my mind, quite honestly.

"Thank you, Ronnie James Dio, for everything!

"Our collective condolences goes out to his families and friends and the musicians that were fortunate enough to work with him.

"I was thinking about this for quite some time, and I think we can say for sure that even if he was taken from us too soon (100 years from now would've been to soon), I'm sure he felt happy with his life and what he had achieved. But it hurts, though, it really fucking hurts…. I can't stop thinking about it.

"There is a massive hole in my heart.

"Love you, Ronnie. Rest in peace.

"Your fan, Mikael Åkerfeldt"

Slash:

"RIP Ronnie James Dio, one of the best Heavy Metal singers of all time."

Robert Flyn (Machine Head):

"MACHINE HEAD had the opportunity to open for HEAVEN & HELL in May of 2007, and having never met or toured with Ronnie James Dio, it was a HUGE honor for all of us.

"He was a powerhouse singer. Incredible tone, and grit. His voice onstage was FUCKING LOUD!! Shockingly loud!! We were lucky enough to watch from side stage almost nightly, and all of us were blown away by how loud his voice was."

Chris Jericho (Fozzy/ WWE Superstar):

"Can't sleep...only Dio can soothe me through the pain I feel from his loss. The moon is just the sun at night..."

David Ellefson (Megadeth):

"He was truly one of the 'good guys' in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a que and learn from. We are all fans of his and he did many great things for MEGADETH and its members, starting starting as far back as his 'Dream Evil' North American tour in which we were the support band during the 'So Far, So Good...So What' tour. . . I'm very thankful to have gotten to know and tour with him in both MEGADETH and with Tim 'Ripper' Owens.

Wendy Dio (Ronnie's wife/manager) looked after Ripper's European tour where we played several shows with HEAVEN & HELL and we got to have many good moments with Ronnie during that tour.

He is missed by us all."

Shawn Drover (Megadeth):

"I am at an absolute loss right now upon hearing that Ronnie has passed away. I had the pleasure of touring both Canada and America in 2007 when Megadeth toured with "Heaven and Hell" (Black Sabbath in my eyes) and I swear to you he is 1 of the nicest human beings I have ever met, period. Many a night on that tour, Glen and myself would have amazing conversation's with Ronnie about his career, etc. fully knowing he had probably told these stories 10,000 times to people and yet he answered every question I had with a big smile.

I can recall so many times making eye contact with Glen sharing the exact same thought - "Dude, I can't believe we are hanging with RONNIE JAMES DIO!!!!!" If you are lucky enough in your lifetime to actually meet 1 of your idols (let alone tour with them) and they turn out to be even nicer than you could have envisioned, that is something you would truly treasure. Lucky for me, I will cherish those memories forever..................."

Arch Enemy:

"Today is an immensely sad day for the heavy metal / hard rock community as we mourn the loss of one of the most amazing talents in the genre. Ever. "A master of his craft and a true gentleman. Funny, smart and witty. He will be much missed by the ARCH ENEMY camp. "

Dio's voice will echo in eternity!"

*Update:

KISS:

"We mourn the tragic passing of the great Ronnie James Dio. In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him. We will miss him.

Paul, Gene, Tommy and Eric"

Judas Priest:

"We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio - our condolences and love go to Wendy and Ronnie's family - Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.

ROB, GLENN, K.K., IAN & SCOTT"

Scott Ian (Antrhax):

"Dio, Italian for God. Words won't do the man justice so we won't even try. Horns up always!"

Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour):

"One of the strongest, purist and consistent singers of all time. Ronnie sang like he lived -- all out, from the heart, with so much honesty and joy. He was a great man with a smile and a handshake for fans and peers alike. He spoke his mind and stood his ground for decades. I will miss him dearly."

Kerry King (Slayer):

"Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly recreated live the amazing things he did on record,"

"It's odd how things get taken from you quickly...I just saw him a month ago. I know I was lucky to have known Ronnie. One of the nicest guys in the business without a doubt. He will be hugely missed."

Killswitch Engage:

"It's a very, very sad day in metal, and this one hits pretty hard. Dio was one of the greatest metal singers of all time. His soaring vocal lines even to this day, strike a chord in me that few other singers can come close to. Even in his old age, Dio rocked harder and more on point then 99% of the singers out there.

He is truly a musician's musician; a model for the new school to aspire towards. A man who stuck to his guns, and played the type of music HE wanted to play...and extremely well at that!"

Feel free to add any Ronnie related quotes or links in the comments section, and they will be added to the post.

This space will be updated shortly.