Newsbites: Mustaine backlash continues

Furore: Mustaine

Amid the furore surrounded Dave Mustaine‘s “Nazi America” comments – in which he accused US president Barack Obama of staging mass shooting incidents then refused to take back his words – several rock musicians have expressed their own thoughts on the Megadeth mainman’s rant. Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue says: “Mustaine is a fucking asshole. I can’t imaging how deep this cuts the victims’ families. He owes every family an apology, as well as our great country.” Testament vocalist Chuck Billy says: “I think he must be back on drugs to even think what he is saying makes any sense. There is freedom of speech, then there’s just putting your foot in your mouth.” Craig Locicero, guitarist with Forbidden, says: “These shootings are a possible catalyst to eradicate the right to bear arms in this country. It’s beautiful music to the ears for those who crave division amongst our citizens. So while Dave supposedly shoved his feet into his mouth once again, I say he’s close to the truth. A lot closer then most people want to accept.” [Blabbermouth]

Bosses behind the recently-announced Bon Scott docudrama are looking for a producer to take charge of the project. Rob Liotti, who’s writing the script and will play the AC/DC frontman, says: “This is a movie about a music icon. Therefore, the right producer clearly considers monetary investment and return on investment, but the passion needs to be there as well. We are open-minded as to whom that person or company may be.”

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora says his new solo album, Aftermath of the Lowdown, has proved to him that many people face the same problems in life. He reflects: “This record is basically about my stuff, and what I found out is that my stuff is pretty universal. So I really felt like everybody can relate to these lyrics and make them their own.” The album is released on September 18. [Rolling Stone]

The author who collaborated with Rush drummer Neil Peart on a book based around new album Clockwork Angels says the two works can be enjoyed separately. Kevin J Anderson explains: “You can enjoy the noel fully without listening to the album, even if you’re not a Rush fan. But the two should be greater than the sum of the parts.” An audiobook edition will be available, narrated by Peart himself. [SciFiPulse.net]

Black Country Communion‘s third album will be released on October 30. Glenn Hughes, who fronts the supergroup consisting of Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian, recently said: “With this album I’ve had the luxury of being able to write for six months. I’ve been left as the keeper of the keys to write. We’re really, really happy.”

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will guest at the opening of Mick Fleetwood’s self-named restaurant in Maui. The iconic percussionist says: “Steven is ecstatic – he desperately wanted to be here and help out. He’s having a nice break from a hectic tour schedule and it’s incredible luck he will be on the island.”

Killswitch Engage bassist Mike D’Antonio has admitted singer Howard Jones didn’t just leave the band, and they thought hard before rehiring original frontman Jesse Leach. The changeover was announced earlier this year, and D’Antonio reports: “Howard didn’t quit. It became very apparent we had to move on without him. We heard Jesse was coming back in the band even before he said he wanted to be back in. He did eventually contact us and said he was excited to come back, but there was this little management voice in the back of our heads saying, ‘Make sure you make the right call on this.’” [Boston Globe]

Chickenfoot frontman Sammy Hagar is selling one of his prized cars – and wants to do his best to make sure a fan can afford to buy it. The Shelby GT500 Coupe 2007 Mustang won’t be sold via an auction site; instead Hagar says: “Instead of putting it up where it will cost way more than most can afford, I’m selling it for no markup and I’ll do the hand-off in person. Bought it new, hardly any miles, but Mikey and Chad put a few on during Chickenfoot III sessions. I’ll autograph the car and throw in some goodies.” Find out more.

Guitarist Jeff Tuttle has left the Dillinger Escape Plan with the aim of making movies. Both sides saying the move is amicable. Tuttle comments: “The years I’ve spent with this band have been the greatest in my life. I’e seen and done so many things I never thought possible and I will be forever grateful.” The band adds: “We hope he enjoyed and finds creative fulfilment in film school and his future endeavours.”

The dentist who last year paid $32,000 for John Lennon’s tooth has given a tiny section of the memento to his sculptor sister for inclusion in a bust of the Beatles icon. Kirsten Zuk, sibling of Michael, says: “This is like a time capsule. It will contain his DNA.” The work will be displayed in Edmonton, Canada, to help raise funds for a children’s charity. Meanwhile, Lennon’s murderer, Mark Chapman, will attend his seventh parole hearing later this week. [Jam]

Motorhead have released two clips from upcoming DVD The World Is Ours Volume II: Anyplace Crazy as Anywhere Else. It’s released on September 21 in Germany, September 24 in Europe and October 9 in North America and includes live shows from Wacken, Sonisphere UK and Rock in Rio shot during 2011.