Newsbites: Lifeson named greatest Canadian guitarist

Honour: Alex Lifeson

Alex Lifeson of Rush has been named greatest Canadian guitarist by national broadcaster CBC. He heads a list including Jeff Healey, Neil Young and Randy Bachman. His band, who have finally been shortlisted for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next year, are to be inducted into Guitar Center’s RockWalk later this month. In December Rush’s breakthrough album 2112 is to be re-released in multiple formats. [Prog Magazine]

Linkin Park have sent a message of support to the family of a fan who was killed ahead of their concert in Cape Town, South Africa, this week. She was one of 20 people injured when an advertising scaffold blew down in strong winds. The concert went ahead with the band unaware of her death. They say: “We wish to express our deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died. Though we have no relationship with the sponsor or the entity responsible for erecting the structure, we take the safety of our fans seriously.”

Journey have been forced to postpone five dates on their US tour after singer Arnel Pineda was diagnosed with severe throat inflammation. They’ll return to the stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 16. The missed gigs will be rescheduled for January and February.

Former Alice Cooper band guitarist Steve Hunter has been treated for an irregular heartbeat. Doctors in Phoenix, Arizona, spent 19 hours returning his heart to normal operation. It’s believed he’ll make a full recovery.

The Darkness have confirmed details of the first leg of their 2013 Let Them Eat Cakes world tour. It kicks off in the US on January 10 and ends in New Zealand on April 8. UK dates take place in March:
Mar 01: Sheffield City Hall
Mar 02: Manchester Apollo
Mar 03: Glasgow Barrowland
Mar 05: Newcastle City Hall
Mar 06: Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Mar 07: London Hammersmith Apollo

Eric Clapton is auctioning an ultra-rare watch which is likely to sell for more than £2.5m next week. The Patek Philippe chronograph is one of two made from platinum. A total of 310 watches will go under the hammer at Christie’s in Geneva on Tuesday, with an expect combined value of £10m. Clapton recently sold a painting for a record £21.3m. A letter from Beatles star John Lennon to the guitarist is also about to be sold.

Uriah Heep drummer Russell Gilbrook has recorded drums for Edguy mainman Tobias Sammet’s upcoming Avantasia album. Sammet called Gilbrook after Kiss drummer Eric Singer couldn’t make himself available. He says: “Russell is a killer drummer, a real powerhouse. I remembered having seen Heep a few years ago and I was really impressed by the way he mistreated his poor little kit – beating it to pieces like a monster while still keeping the dynamics and the groove. I knew if I‘d be in need of a drummer one day, I’d try to work with this guy. And now after the recording has been completed, I know that it’s been a very good decision.”

Scorpions singer Klaus Meine’s mother Erna has died. She was 92. He says: “She was a fighter – we were so hoping she would be able to make it. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.”

Korn will reunite with former guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch for two festival shows next year. He’ll appear with the band at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park on the weekend of June 7-9 in Germany. The band describe him as a “special guest.” Meanwhile, they’ve revealed they have 15 tracks written for their next album – which will veer away from their recent experimentation with dubstep music.

Ex TNT singer Tony Harnell will play a charity show with Guns n’Roses guitarist Bumblefoot next Friday, November 16, to raise funds for victims of tropical storm Sandy. Meanwhile, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora will donate the profits from his November 13 solo concert to the Red Cross, to be spent on helping those who suffered during the weather event.

Blink 182‘s Mark Hoppus has sent his best wishes to Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, who’s still in rehab after his onstage meltdown in September. Hoppus says: “I hope Billie’s good, I hope that the band is in a good place and I wish them nothing but health and success. They’re an amazing band and really cool guys.” [CBS Local]

Kings of Leon will play six dates in the UK next summer:
June 12: London O2 Arena
June 13: London O2 Arena
June 24: Manchester Arena
June 25: Manchester Arena
July 9: Birmingham LG Arena
July 10: Birmingham LG Arena