Newsbites: Randy Blythe trial delayed

On hold: Randy Blythe in court

Randy Blythe‘s manslaughter trial will be delayed until next month after the Lamb of God singer’s lawyers asked for a postponement. Blythe will return to the United States until proceedings begin again in Prague on March 4. The delay was agreed after an essential witness was too ill to attend the court. Blythe said earlier this week via his Instagram account: “I have heard of some people talking smack about the Czech Republic. This not how it should be. This is a very sad case, not something to rage at people you do not know over. I am not angry with the Czechs at all. A fan of my band is dead – what do I have to be angry about? I am an innocent man, but I am also a very sad man right now. To not be sad in this instance would be inhuman.”

Baroness‘ tour bus driver is to face criminal charges as a result of the crash that left the band seriously injured. Norman Markus, a 39-year-old German, will appear in Bath Magistrates’ Court on April 5, accused of dangerous driving, using a vehicle with defective brakes, breaching a weight limit, taking insufficient rest periods and using a vehicle in a condition likely to cause injury.

Queens Of The Stone Age have recruited Elton John to guest on their upcoming album. John confirmed the news while speaking to Dave Ghrohl, who’s recorded drums for the record, on US TV. Josh Homme’s guest list on the follow-up to 2007′s Era Vulgaris features Mark Lanegan, Nick Oliveri, Trent Reznor, Brody Dalle and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters.

Troggs guitarist Cliff Britton has paid tribute to singer Reg Presley, who died on Monday after a cancer battle. Britton says: “He was a very positive character who had a weird and wonderful sense of humour. A good and very reliable bloke to work with.” Presley retired in 2012 after being diagnosed with the disease but remained close to his bandmates, who continue to play with guest vocalist Chris Allen. He last saw the Troggs perform just before Christmas. “Reg was singing along in the wings,” Britton remembers. “It was very nice to have him there.” [BBC]

Paul Rodgers will play a one-off show with Deborah Bonham and her band on March 30 at The Venue in Chichester. The event will raise funds for Willows Animal Sanctuary the Mount Noddy Animal Centre. A live auction on the night will include items contributed by Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Chickenfoot and more.

Maynard James Keenan has ruled out a Tool album in 2013, despite previous reports that work was well underway. The vocalist says: “No new disc. I have not written any songs, so, no, there is nothing.”

Sebastian Bach still believes a Skid Row reunion is on the cards despite his replacement Johnny Solinger insisting it’s “not going to happen“. Bach comments: “It’s like a no-brainer. I make my living still singing those songs along with my solo material, so it’s very easy for me to walk up to the microphone. So I don’t see what the hold-up is.” [VH1]

A 25-year-old man has pled guilty to being part of an Anonymous attack on Kiss star Gene Simmons’ websites. The attack took place in 2010 after Simmons argued the music industry should react strongly to online piracy, saying: “Sue everybody. Take their houses, their cars.” Kevin George Poe faces up to a year’s probation including as much as six months of house arrest. [Smoking Gun]