Newsbites: Scaccia killed by heart attack

Mike Scaccia, left, with Rigor Mortis

Mike Scaccia died of a heart attack, it’s been confirmed. The Ministry and Rigor Mortis guitarist collapsed on stage in Fort Worth, Texas, at the weekend, shortly after having asked for the venue’s strobes to be switched off. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office notes Scaccia was suffering from heart disease and have ruled his death as natural. Rigor Mortis bandmate Bruce Corbitt, who was also on stage at the time, has announced plans to launch a fundraising campaign for the 47-year-old’s family. The singer says: “There will possibly be a tribute/benefit show to honour Mike and also raise money to help them. I understand that it is Christmas time, and I know Mike wouldn’t want this to ruin that for anyone. He would want us all to know he went out doing what he loved doing, surrounded by everyone he loved. He would want us to block this out and enjoy our Christmas with our families and loved ones.”

Metallica‘s appearance on Spotify appears to have reduced the band’s album sales. Based on patterns from the previous three years’ worth of December sales, transactions were 15% below expectations on the week their catalogue appeared on the streaming service. During the second week sales were 35% below expectations. In the previous two years sales had been boosted by 60% – this year the figure was 27%. [Billboard]

Europe will mark the 30th anniversary of their debut album with a unique performance at 2013′s Sweden Rock festival. A statement explains: “The stage show will be one of the greatest, if not the greatest of the band’s career. Certain very special guests will appear. The setlist will be composed from Europe’s entire nine-album discography. The performance will be filmed for a DVD release.”

Dave Meniketti hopes Y&T will release a new record in 2014. He reports: “We usually do best when we take some time off to concentrate on writing. I would suspect we will all be writing during any bits of time off we have in the upcoming year. When we have enough material to know we’re close, then we’ll sort it all out. I have no idea when the next CD will be done – I’m hopeful that it will be by 2014, which will be the band’s 40th year anniversary.” [Bam]

Former Motley Crue singer John Corabi accidentally took up smoking again after a near four-year break – and his tour manager is to blame. Corabi explains: “He took me to this bar in Italy that had 11 different flavours of grappa. It’s literally the residue of the bottom of the barrel when you get wine, so it’s really strong. But John Corabi doesn’t know this ‘cause he’s a fucking idiot. They set up 11 shot glasses and pour me a little bit of everything. I get completely inebriated, and at some point in the evening, I caved and I decided to have a cigarette. Next morning, I wake up with a hangover and this really weird, familiar taste in my mouth. Fuck, I totally smoked last night. We got on a train to Milan, and literally two hours later, I swear to God I would have blown a farm animal for a fucking cigarette! I am totally hooked again. How did that happen? I’ve been smoking for the last seven or eight months again, but my new year’s resolution is to try and quit again.” [Bravewords]

Anvil have completed work on the follow-up album to Juggernaut Of Justice. Frontman Lips says: “We’re all finished recording Hope In Hell. We went to the Rainbow Bar & Grill and had dinner. It was great seeing Lemmy sitting playing his usual slot machine. The recording came out killer – it should be out in April or May.”

Guitarist Eric Almstrom has left Bullet. The band say: “This decision is well thought through and there is absolutely no hard feelings between Erik and the rest of us. This is Erik’s choice and his reasons are his own. We wish to thank him for the ups and downs, hardships and fun times we have experienced together. We will be back early next year with new shows.”

Former Stormtroopers Of Death men Danny Lilker and Billy Milano have formed a new outfit named United Forces after one of their best-known tracks. Also in the lineup are Nick Barker and Anton Reisenegger. Frontman Milano says: “I’m not out to reinvent myself at my age. I just want to have a lot of fun with this.” Guitarist Lilker adds: “It’s gonna be really fun to get together with some good friends — who are also great musicians — and play some earsplitting, hardcore-tinged thrash metal! And obviously, we know how to do just that.”

Love/Hate will tour the UK starting in March:
Mar 25: London Underworld
Mar 26: Grimsby Yardbirds
Mar 27: Edinburgh Bannermans
Mar 28: Newcastle Trillians
Mar 29: Bradford Gasworks
Mar 30: Sutton-in-Ashfield Diamond
Mar 31: Wakefield Snotty Fox
Apr 1: Crumlin Patriot
Apr 3: Wolverhampton Slade Rooms
Apr 4: Cardiff Bogiez
Apr 6: Rugby Vault

Peter Frampton is planning a star-studded tour in 2013, and blues great BB King is the first to have signed up. Frampton says: “I’m so honoured. I can’t wait to speak to him and thank him.” The Guitar Circus shows will take place over three weeks in August. [Billboard]