Too Heavy to Hug #637
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Too Heavy to Hug #637

Welcome to THTH, Forte’s premier source of all things heavy, hard, fast and metal. By the time you read this the dust will have settled from the fallout of the announcement that Axl Rose will front AC/DC for the rest of their world tour. The complete public disbelief, then dislike, then disdain that Axl Rose could front AC/DC came as somewhat of a surprise to myself. Is it because for so long fans claimed AC/DC as an Aussie act (they’re like 40% Australian)? Are fans that protective of AC/DC that there’s no way an American could front the band? Are fans that worried about change that, like, the world will fall apart without Brian Johnson singing live with AC/DC? I really don’t understand how this news has been met with such a negative response.

Sure, AC/DC gigs will probably not begin on time anymore, that’s almost a given, but that’s probably the only thing to worry about. I seriously thought Axl Rose fronting AC/DC was like the ultimate pairing, the new ultimate supergroup, a wet dream… for bogans. It’s a fact that a majority of Australian AC/DC fans are bogans and it’s also a fact a lot of bogans still listen to Appetite For Destruction and probably the Use Your Illusion discs.

How do I know this? Unfortunately, I live in an area that isn’t bogan but is near bus stops or shops where bogans might hang out and I drive past in my Ford and I see the mullets and band t­shirts and Holdens.

In the metal world, if an equivalent happened where, say, Corey Taylor was to front Machine Head because Robb Flynn became deaf, I’m positive that news would be met with reactions from curiosity to elation.

In other news

Iron Maiden will be flying into Oz on their Ed Force One (piloted, of course by Bruce Dickinson). Melbourne’s show will be at Rod Laver on Saturday May 9.

Kvelertak’s new album Nattesferd will be released on Friday May 13.

Katatonia will release their new album Fall Of Hearts on Friday May 20.

Motorhead’s last two shows in Munich on November 20 and 21, 2015, were recorded and will be available on Friday May 27. The live album entitled Clean Your Clock will be available in various formats.

Lacuna Coil will release their new album Delirium on Friday May 27.

Spanish thrash metallers Angelus Apatrida will play Melbourne’s Bendigo Hotel on Saturday May 28.

Deafheaven will be at the Corner Hotel on Friday June 3.

Fear Factory will play the Prince Of Wales on Saturday June 4.

Brisbane band Chronolyth are touring the country to support their new album Atrophy and you can catch the guys at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge on Friday June 10 or a soon to be announced venue in Melbourne on Saturday June 11.

Death Dealer will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Monday June 12.

Swervedriver will be at the Corner Hotel on Thursday June 23.

Cog will play two Melbourne shows, one on Thursday 14 July at Melbourne’s Max Watts and one the next day at 170 Russell.

Drowning Pool will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Saturday July 30.

Crytopsy with supports Whoretopsy and I, Valiance will be at the Northcote Social Club on Saturday September 8.

Immolation will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Friday September 23.

Bullet For My Valentine, Atreyu and Cane Hill will be at 170 Russell on Tuesday October 25.

If you have any news about local metal bands, shows or albums, let THTH know by emailing to [email protected] or get in touch via Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug