Newsbites: Tate tells fans to ‘hang in there’

Message: Geoff Tate

Queensryche singer Geoff Tate has told fans to stay calm despite the band’s future being in doubt after the rest of the outfit formed Rising West without him. His message via KISW 99.9FM is: “Just hang in there. Everything’s moving along and everything’s looking good.”

Hawkwind‘s founding bassist John Harrison has died at the age of 69. His record label revealed he passed away in his sleep on May 26, two days before his 70th birthday. He’d been suffering from Huntingdon’s disease. Former bandmate Huw Lloyd Langton says: “John was an integral part of Hawkwind’s formation and eventual success. His honest, solid character held the whole thing together in that first year of the group’s existence – in more ways than one.”

Rush are planning to take a string section on tour with them so they can better render tracks from new album Clockwork Angels. Guitarist Alex Lifeson says: “It’s just something different for us. I can’t wait to hear what it sounds like.”

Zakk Wylde wants his funeral to follow in the spirit of a Viking warrior’s ceremony. In a fan Q&A he says: “They’d take me out on a boat and light me on fire, then everybody would talk about what a jackass I was and get hammered. Maybe people would get pregnant.” [Frontarmy]

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced details of their 18 new track releases. They’ll put out nine vinyl singles with one songs on each side, with digital releases available at the same time. August 14: Strange Man / Long Progression; September 11: Magpies / Victorian Machinery; October 2: Never is a Long Time / Love of Your Life. The fourth, fifth and sixth release dates are November 6, December 4 and December 18, with two more due in 2013, but track titles have not yet been published.

Sebastian Bach says former Skid Row bandmates Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo and Rachel Bolan blocked hit track I Remember You from appearing in the Rock of Ages movie – because they don’t like money. The singer says: “Snake and Rachel have an aversion to cash. I don’t know why. They wanted it in the movie but they said no because money is bad.”

Black Veil Brides have cancelled the remained of their European tour following the death of Andy Biersack’s grandfather. The singer reports: “I feel it is necessary for my own grief that I take time to attend his funeral and celebrate his life with my family. We promise to make up missed dates the next time we’re in this part of the world.”