Newsbites: Slash scores Slasher movie

New blood: Pustulus Maximus of Gwar

Slash has started work on the score for his movie company’s first production. Slasher Films are working on the horror film Nothing to Fear. The guitarist says of the music: “It’s really coming together – sounds awesome so far.” The firm are planning to make two releases a year.

Anette Olzon, who split with Nightwish yesterday, will no longer update her official blog. She says: “It was a way for me to keep in touch with Nightwish fans. Now this chapter has ended, there is no need for me to do this, and from today I close it. Stay kind to others and live life easy.” The singer has also reverted to her real surname, Olsson.

Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington has fond memories of working with one of his icons, bluesman Albert King. “He was such a character,” Rossington says. “I remember he was late for a show, and he came driving up in a Cadillac. He got out, took his guitar and just walked onstage, plugged in – there was a house band backing him up – and just started playing without a care in the world. He broke a string during his set, and he changed it right there in the middle of a song. Just pulled an E string out of his pocket and put it on while he sang – he didn’t miss a beat. He always blew my mind with his music, but just seeing the way he acted on that stage – what a guy!” [Music Radar]

Papa Roach are streaming new album The Connection on AOL Music.

Gwar have unveiled new guitarist Pustulus Maximus, who replaces Flattus Maximus (Cory Smoot) following his death on tour last year. Frontman Oderus Urungus says: “Naturally we were devastated by the passing of Flattus. But we turned that grief into rage and set about the task of finding a new guitar player. The first thing we did was sound the mighty Horn of Hate, and alert all Scumdogs, scattered across the galaxy as they are, as to what had occurred. What people didn’t know about Flattus was that was is part of a huge tribe of brutish warriors, The Maximus Clan. They are at the core of any Scumdog Legion worth its blood! Planet Maximus is just crawling with them!” Pustulus will make his first appearance on a track set to be revealed soon, described as  “a special song no other band would play because it is so fucking hard.”

Surviving Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones will attend the October 12 premiere screening of their new concert movie, Celebration Day, at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Ugly Kid Joe have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the making of a video for new track I’m Alright. The band say: “Only with your help and generosity can we make this thing happen. We have lots of cool merchandise – some very rare and limited – and even a special experience on the set to offer you. Your donations will go directly to the making of this video, from renting the gear to hiring a kick-ass crew and sending it through post-production to be completed.” Find out more.

Journey guitarist Neal Schon releases his new solo album, The Calling, on October 23. He says: “It’s a really spontaneous, well-rounded, very musical record.” The all-instrumental work features Schon on guitar and bass with drums by former bandmate Steve Smith, with guest appearances by keyboardist Jan Hammer.

Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel married fiancee Marta Peterson, keyboardist with Bleeding Through, at the weekend. The couple met when their bands toured together in 2010.

The Cult have detailed a limited-edition digital-only “prequel” to current album Choice of Weapon. The ten tracks are the works in progress which led up to the completion of the official record. Frontman Ian Astbury says: “These songs were turned over and over, forged in long rehearsals and writing sessions, and emanated from challenges both personal and professional. Weapon of Choice will be released on October 16 and remain on sale for two months.

While CDs are unlikely to ever be as collectable as vinyl, some items have attained impressive values in the 30 years since the format was launched. Coldplay’s limited-edition first EP, Safety, is worth $1500; Nirvana’s 1994 UK-only promo disc for Pennyroyal Tea, which was never circulated, can bring in up to $2000; and an unreleased Japanese album by Prince called My Name Was Prince sells for $5000. [Journal of Musical Things]