Newsbites: Randy Blythe trial begins

In court: Randy Blythe attends his trial in Prague

Lamb of God singer Randy Blythe made his first appearance in court in the Czech Republic yesterday, to answer charges relating to the death of fan Daniel Nosek in 2010. If found guilty he could spend up to ten years in jail. Blythe, who’d cut his trademark long hair off, made no comment to press. He told the Prague court: “The death of a fan is heartbreaking. I’m not a man who runs from his problems, but I do not wish to be punished and suffer the consequences of an act I did not commit. I never saw Daniel and I never came in contact with him.” The trial is expected to continue until Friday.

Former Whitesnake drummer Brian Tichy is delighted he’s been replaced by Tommy Aldridge, who’s back in David Coverdale’s band for a third stint. Tichy – who decided to concentrate on new outfit SUN – says: “Tommy is an idol of mine. I’m so glad he’s back in – he’s like rock royalty on the drum set. He’s badass.” [Something Else]

Sammy Hagar is filling Chickenfoot‘s year off by working on new material with his band the Waboritas, also featuring bassist Michael Anthony. The singer reports: “I think Mikey and I will just go out and do some stuff – more shows, maybe a proper tour, and possibly even a new record.”

Former Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes says he’s working on a new record, due for release later this year. He left Lizzy in 2009, after which a proposed project with drummer Mike Portnoy collapsed, with the ex-Dream Theater man saying Sykes wasn’t interested in working. But the guitarist’s website reports: “John is currently working on a fifth studio album. The title is undisclosed but we are told this has had a lot of time taken on it and there are some fantastic guest musicians on board.”

Metallica manager Cliff Burnstein has defended the band’s decision to stream their catalogue on Spotify, even though it caused an immediate drop in record sales. Burnstein says: “There is a point at which we would make more money through subscription services. We calculate that point at approximately 20 million subscribers.” Spotify currently has over five million paying subscribers.

Nikki Sixx says there’s one main reason for the hold-up in Sixx AM’s next album. “The biggest problem is that I’m in Motley Crue,” says the bassist. “It takes up a lot of time. I think at some point I would like for Sixx AM to be a bigger priority as far as a live act than it is now.” [Loudwire]

Sebastian Bach has reunited with guitarist John 5 for his next album. The singer says: “We are both looking forward to it. There’s going to be some superior axe shredding going on the new disc, coming your way soon.”

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine says the band’s 14th album has now been recorded. “Mixing has begun and you’ll have something to hear soon,” he reports. “I’m so pumped!”

Primal Scream will release new album More Light on May 6, featuring guest vocals from Robert Plant – and it was made without the help of drugs. Frontman Bobby Gillespie says: “Nobody’s fucked up any more. We were a bit erratic before. Now we’re consistently good.” He says the record is “modern, psychedelic rock’n'roll.”

Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament is waiting for the band to decide whether to release an album this year; and if they don’t he’ll focus on his other outfit, RNDM. He says: “There’s a lot of ideas floating about right now. I hope it comes out this year at some point. If it doesn’t, we have another RNDM record ready – if RNDM’s my band for the year, I’m stoked.” [Rolling Stone]