Within two weeks of losing Lemmy we now say goodbye to glitter pop legend David Bowie; also to cancer. It’s not the best start to the new year, but these things happen. Both men left a long, rich musical history and legacy that will no doubt last many future generations of music lovers. We also say goodbye to Iron Chic guitarist Jason McCallister. He was just 36.
Well, the much speculated Guns N’ Roses reunion is definitely, 100% happening! The band is set to co-headline Coachella this year alongside electro pop pioneers LCD Soundsystem (who are also reforming) and Calvin Harris. These shows will serve as a warm-up for a full-blown, honest-to-God north American stadium tour which may (just may) then work itself around the world. So while Axl, Slash, Duff and Dizzy are confirmed to be taking part, the rest of the touring line-up is not yet 100% confirmed. While it’s rumoured that the band will be fleshed out by CURRENT members of the band on drums and rhythm guitar, it’s now come to light that Guns co-founder, rhythm guitarist and lead songwriter Izzy Stradlin is also in talks about being involved with the band’s future plans. Izzy has always been a little low key about Guns, not to mention camera shy, so I can understand his lack of fanfare. Original drummer Steven Adler, on the other hand, has been hoping and praying for two decades for another chance to play with Guns N’ Roses, often loudly and publicly, but no mention of him has been made- until now. Sources close to the band say they WILL involve Steven in the reunion to a DEGREE. What that means, however, is anyone’s guess. Perhaps they’ll let him come out on stage every night to guest drum on a couple of songs… Watch this space!
Don’t forget, UK old school punk rockers GBH return to Melbourne next month for the first time in three years! Catch them at the Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood on February 26.
Anybody who missed Perth alt-rockers Jebediah at the Barwon Club earlier this month missed out on a blinder of a set- I had no idea I knew so many of their songs!
Can you believe Punk Rock Bowling is already on the horizon for this year? Yikes! The Las Vegas punk institution this year has a frickin’ BLINDER of a lineup in place; Flag, Descendents, the Exploited, H20, Flogging Molly, Buzzcocks, Millencolin, Face To Face, Youth Brigade, 88 Fingers Louie, Subhumans, Dag Nasty, Dwarves and countless others on one gigantic three day bill. Damn it! What is our problem?! Australia needs in on this!
Sunday March 13 sees US punks Total Chaos take over the Reverence Hotel in Footscray, with special guests No Idea, Wolfpack, Spew N Guts and more. Ace keen!
Until next time, kids, slip slop slap! I’ve always WANTED to say that!
Written by Christopher Cruz