Newsbites: 1979 Who tickets to be honoured on 2012 US tour

Back at last: the Who in the late 70s

Unused tickets from a cancelled Who show in 1979 will be honoured on the band’s upcoming US tour. Bosses at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, say anyone who’s kept their $14 pass from 33 years ago can exchange it for a current $127 version. The original show was cancelled by the city’s mayor following violence at other concerts, and the Who haven’t been back until now. Venue general manager Lawrence Lepore says: “Somewhere, someplace, someone’s got it stashed. The question is, are they willing to give it up? If they are, we’re willing to take it.” [Billboard]

The J Geils Band have reunited for a US tour – but they’re playing without guitarist John Geils, who’s siding with their former record label in a battle over ownership of the name. Singer Peter Wolf says: “Unfortunately John’s decision to align with Francesca Records has hindered working relationship,” but adds: “To rock it up once again with the J Geils Band gives us a chance to share a body of work that we created, and enjoy performing.”

Slayer frontman Tom Araya is sorry that guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who remains sidelined after suffering a near-fatal spider bite in 2011, isn’t on tour to share the band’s current experiences. “On this trip more than others it’s dawned on me that he’s not there,” says Araya. “The audiences have been very favourable – capacity crowds. I look out and think, ‘Geoff, God, where are you? You worked 30 years for this; you should be here.’ He should be enjoying this part of his career. I can’t wait for him to come back.”

A rare copy of the Beatles‘ first US album has sold on eBay for £9581. Introducing The Beatles was only on sale for 10 days in 1964 before being superseded by follow-up Meet The Beatles. The hard-to-find disc included their first single, Love Me Do, and Twist and Shout.

Slipknot percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan wants his son to replace him in the band when the time comes to bow out. He says: “My oldest boy is going to take over my slot. He was sitting on the stair in diapers wearing my mask with sticks while we were downstairs learning how to be a band. When I leave, it won’t be like my son came in and tried to fill my place. I’m going to hand over the throne and say, ‘Hey, I can’t to it any more. You do it. You’re my blood.’” [Pulse of Radio]

An exhibition of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia and photographs will celebrate the iconic guitarist’s rise-to-fame era. Hear My Train a’Comin’: Hendrix Hits London includes his blues record collection, fan letters and clothing. Over 100 items will be on display for a month starting on July 27 at the Hospital Club in London. Find out more.