Following the release of AFTERSHOCK - Motorhead made an official statement regarding their "postponed" tour dates: Lemmy says: "We have made the decision because I am not quite ready to hit the road yet, and am working my way back to full fitness and rude health. Don't worry - I'm not about to start promoting veganism and alcohol-free beverages, but it is fair to say that I personally have been reconfiguring areas of my life to make sure I can come back fitter and stronger than ever." Read more...

The members of Metallica were asked in the latest issue of Q magazine if the band were "Beliebers" -- a.k.a. fans of pop singer Justin Bieber -- after Bieber recently claimed that the Metallica songs "One" and "Fade To Black" were his "jams." Frontman James Hetfield replied, "Are we Beliebers? Yes." while drummer Lars Ulrich offered, "Is it possible to have respect for him without being a Belieber? I think the kid's really talented and obviously to go through what he's going through at that early age must be a mindf***. So the fact that he still goes out there and does it, I admire that and I think he's super talented, so I guess I am kind of a Belieber. Read more...

The Black Keys, Linkin Park and fun. are among the many artists offering personalized band sneakers in a new online auction, according to Audio Ink Radio. The eBay sale will benefit several important organizations, including the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which raises funds to promote breast cancer awareness and provide diagnostic breast care services for those in need. Eighty pairs of specially-designed Converse sneakers are being offered in the auction, which is called "In Their Shoes." Each pair is autographed and personalized by the artists and bands. Money raised from the auction will be sent to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or another charity picked by the artists. You can check out the various sneakers up for grabs via this link: http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=Sneakers+for+Charity&LH_Auction=1 or by simple searching "Sneakers for Charity" on eBay! :) Read more...

We know Tool have a new album in the works - so here's an update: The person inside the Tool circle who usually posts news at the band's official website has published a somewhat lengthy new update, in which he writes, "A couple of weeks ago I visited the Tool loft to try and get some kind of idea as to how things were progressing with the writing sessions now that the band was back hard at it. Well, I am happy to report that there has indeed been a lot of progress as far as new material goes, especially with the lengthy so-called 'epic' piece that the guys have been arranging for quite some time now." The post continues that before the band put on their instruments, everyone in the room listened to the demos they had recorded at the previous session. The insider writes, "Judging from the smiles on their faces, it seemed that, for the most part, (the band members) liked very much what they were hearing and that after some finishing touches, the 'epic' tune would be ready for Maynard (James Keenan, vocals) to do his thing." Read more...