Newsbites: Viv Campbell slams ‘gutter press’

Fury: Viv Campbell

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has lashed out at “gutter media” after gossip website TMZ reported his divorce papers included a request to deny spousal support to his former partner. Campbell says: “It’s been reported that I’m filing for divorce and seeking joint child custody. That much is true. However, it was also erroneously reported that I’m seeking to deny spousal support when in fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Those who know me will attest that I’m going out of my way to be as generous and accommodating as possible to my ex. However, the damage is done; my character and name are sullied because TMZ chose to publish without checking the facts. Since then that ‘truth’ has been picked up and carried by various news sites around the world and further purported as fact.”

Michael Dunford, guitarist with prog band Renaissance, has died after suffering a brain haemorrhage following the first leg of the band’s US tour. He was rushed to hospital on Monday night and died the following day without regaining consciousness. Renaissance haven’t announced how his passing will affect their future plans. [Prog Magazine]

Black Sabbath will release a limited-edition vinyl box set of the albums featuring the band’s original lineup. Nine records from Black Sabbath to Live At Last are included alongside their debut seven-inch single Evil Woman, a hardback book featuring five tour programmes and a download voucher. The Vinyl Collection: 1970-1978 will be on sale on December 12.

Meat Loaf has thanked fans for their support after he underwent knee surgery earlier this week. A spokesman says: “Meat will be checking out for two weeks while he starts the recovery process. He’s incredibly thankful to have such an overwhelming amount of support and goodwill.”

Perry Farrell says Jane’s Addiction won’t continue the themes they explored on 2011 album The Great Escape Artist on their next record. The frontman reports: “It’s not going to be a continuation. I thought it would be a great idea – but it didn’t make a big enough splash. If it had made a bigger splash I would have continued. However, I just came up with this other twist to the next record.” It’s due out in 2013. [Rolling Stone]

Wendy Dio says there’s a reason the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund focuses on men’s health. She explains: “We find that men don’t get checked. Women are very good – men have to be dragged there. But we’re trying to raise awareness that early detection saves lives.”

Queen drummer Roger Taylor is releasing a solo record next year and wants fans to choose the tracklist. He’ll make tracks available online and let the public vote over whether they appear on the record or not.

Nightwish mainman Tumoas Holopainen says Floor Jansen will continue as the band’s temporary singer throughout next year. He reports: “What happens after that and whether Floor will continue, we don’t even want to think about yet. Anything is possible, but nothing will be decided before 2014.” [Prog Magazine]

Muse will tour the UK and Europe in 2013:
22 May: Ricoh Arena Coventry, UK
25 May: Emirates Stadium London, UK
26 May: Emirates Stadium London, UK
1 June: Etihad Stadium Manchester, UK
4 June: Amsterdam Arena Amsterdam, NL
7 June: Olympic Stadium Barcelona, ES
10 June: Stade Dragao Porto, PT
15 June: Stade de Suisse Berne, CH
18 June: Werchter Festival Site Rotselaar, BE
21 June: Stade de France Paris, FR
22 June: Stade de France Paris, FR
26 June: Stade Charles Erhmann Nice, FR
28 June: Stadio Olimpico Turin, IT
6 July: Stadio Olimpico Rome, IT

Bret Michaels will release a solo record, Good Songs & Great Friends, on February 26, featuring Jimmy Buffett, Gary Rossington, Ricky Medlocke, Joe Perry, Micahel Anthony, Ace Frehley and others. The album consists mainly of covers but includes two new tracks.

Steve Howe isn’t sure if it will be possible for Yes and Asia to tour together again. He says: “It wasn’t an easy thing to pull off. There were some complications, but musically it was successful.” [Prog Magazine]

UFO keyboardist Paul Raymond will tour the UK early next year to support the release of solo album Terms And Condtions Apply, due out on January 28.

The Jam will release a box set of their six albums on December 3, to mark the 30th anniversary of their sudden split in 1982.