Newsbites: Metal channel to bring back classic MTV era

An online TV station is promising to recreate the era of MTV when it supported rock and metal. Heavy Metal Television will launch on November 15, offering music videos, news and interviews with full concert shows broadcast at weekends. Speciality programming is being planned for the future. Find out more.

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson wants his band to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – but not for himself. He says: “I’m really happy for the fans who feel it’s important, and I hope we’re inducted for their sake. It never really mattered to me, but at the same time it’s nice to be nominated.” [NorthJersey.com]

Tim Ripper Owens does not appear on Yngwie Malmsteen‘s latest album, the guitar virtuoso has confirmed. The former Judas Priest frontman had been part of Malmsteen’s band since 2008, but recent scheduling clashes connected with his Dio Disciples role ruled him out of appearances.

Richie Sambora has been forced to cancel three US solo band shows after being ordered to rest his voice. The Bon Jovi guitarist is recovering from laryngitis. His next scheduled appearances are in California in November.

Mike Dirnt admits Green Day‘s forced downtime as a result of Billie Joe Armstrong entering rehab is frustrating – but important. The bassist says: “My friend’s life is in danger and that’s all I care about. He’s in the middle of some really big things, but we’re going to pull through. Tre Cool and I will be standing here for Billie.”

Former Motley Crue frontman John Corabi will tour the UK and Ireland in November, performing an acoustic set featuring material from his Crue era, classic rock covers and songs from his new album Unplugged.
12/11: Ipswich Railway
13/11: Sutton-on-Ashfield Diamond
14/11: London Star of Kings
15/11: Dublin Pint
16/11: Galway Monroe’s
17/11: Belfast Auntie Anna’s
18/11: Edinburgh Bannermans

Ex-drug addict Duff McKagan believes illegal substances have less myth and mystery surrounding them these days. He says: “Rock and roll definitely has the stereotype of being connected to drug use. The cliche has been earned. But it seems like drugs have finally lost the status of being a mystical and romantic part of the rock persona. Maybe we’ve seen to many implode with public meltdowns, and worst of all, death.” [Seattle Weekly]

A new book takes a philosophical look at Black Sabbath, analysing the band and their music from the perspective of academic theory. Black Sabbath and Philosophy: Mastering Reality examines topics and themes which explore the band members and their reasons for doing what they do musically. It’s written by fan and philosophy professor William Irwin. In the book’s seventh chapter, Greek theologian Aristotle actually joins the band. The book promises to offer “a deeper appreciation and understanding of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ronnie James Dio – and it may just introduce you to your own mind.”