Newsbites: Bon Jovi daughter drug charges dropped

Jon Bon Jovi‘s daughter won’t face charges following her drugs overdose. Stephanie Bongiovi, 19, was arrested after being found unresponsive in her college dormitory. A second person was also charged after police found heroin, marijuana and drugs paraphernalia on the premises. But District Attorney Scott McNamara has dismissed the charges, citing New York’s “Good Samaritan 911 law.” It says anyone suffering an overdose, or seeking help for someone else who’s overdosed, can’t be prosecuted for possessing small amounts of heroin. The statute was designed to reduce deaths by removing fear of arrest from those in need of assistance.

Saxon frontman Biff Byford says he aimed for “less tricks and more power” on their upcoming album Sacrifice. He explains: “My brief to the band was to be raw, be real and not be afraid to look back at the old classic material for inspiration.” Sacrifice is released in February.

Kiss frontman Paul Stanley says there’s nothing wrong with being a freak. He reports: “I’m proud to be one. I’m not rebelling against anything because the ultimate rebellion is to live your own life your own way. Anyone who thinks being a successful person rules out feeling like a freak – sorry. The two co-exist proudly. You can become a big success because you’re a freak, and that’s the ultimate win-win.” [Noisecreep]

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will release a new album in March, but they haven’t yet revealed any details.

Robert Plant, Duff McKagan, John Fogerty and many others have signed a letter arguing against internet radio service Pandora’s attempts to have their royalty rates cut. Pandora wants to pay less to play tracks, and in 2007 successfully argued for a temporary rate cut. Now they want it to become permanent. The musicians’ letter says: “Pandora’s principal asset is music. Why is the company asking Congress to gut the royalties thousands of musician rely upon? That’t not fair and that’s not how partners work together.” Pandora boss Tim Westergren says a lower rate will create jobs and lead to more income for musicians in the longer term.

Rush have revealed details of their 2112 reissue range. Two deluxe and one super-deluxe pack with go on sale on December 17, including the band’s first-ever comic book. The three-piece have confirmed plans to record two shows on their current tour for release as a live DVD at a later date. [Prog Magazine]

Tom Morello says it doesn’t feel like 20 years since Rage Against The Machine released their self-titled debut album. The guitarist explains: “There’s no crystal ball we could have looked into when we were writing these songs that would have told us we’d be talking about this record over two decades later. We’re able to take pride in the fact that, in the history of rock music, there has never been a more popular band with as radical politics as Rage, nor has there been a band with more radical politics than Rage that has been as popular. That is the lasting testament to the first shot fired by this album, and how it continues to resonate with rebels around the world.” [Billboard]

Machine Head mainman Robb Flynn says he’s recovering well from the emergency hernia surgery that forced the band to cancel their immediate touring plans. He’d known he needed medical attention for some time but hoped to delay it until next year, but after he experiencing serious pains, doctors told him to go under the knife right away. He’s expected to make a full recovery.

Chickenfoot will release a career-spanning box set on January 25. I+III+LV includes both studio albums and their limited-edition live album.

James Iha will play a brief European tour in support of new solo album Look To The Sky – his first in 15 years.
December 4th: London, UK – Bush Hall
December 5th: Paris, France – La Maroquinerie
December 6th: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bitterzoet
December 8th: Lisbon, Portugal – Vodafone Mexefest

Roadrunner Records president Jonas Nachsin has left the label. He spent 20 years with the firm, which was recently severely downsized. Mike Easterlin, general manager of the Fueled By Ramen label, will also become general manager of Roadrunner.

Fish has announced a UK tour for May 2013:
May 17: Aberdeen Lemon Tree
May 18: Glasgow O2 ABC
May 19: Gateshead Sage
May 21: Stockton Arc
May 22: Stamford Corn Exchange
May 23: Warrington Parr Hall
May 25: Holmfirth Picturedrome
May 26: Bilston Robin 2
May 27: Milton Keynes Stables
May 29: London Islington O2 Academy
May 30: Bath Komedia
May 31: Tavistock Wharf