ROB CAGGIANO LEAVES ANTHRAX
Wow, this was a bit of a surprise. Guitarist Rob Caggiano has quit Anthrax. He’s been their lead guitarist since 2001, aside from a short break while Dan Spitz returned for a mid-noughties reunion of the Among The Living line-up. Caggiano says, “This is an extremely difficult and emotional decision for me to make but my heart is just steering me in a different direction right now. Scott, Charlie, Joey, Frankie (and John Bush) will always be part of my family and this decision doesn’t change the way I feel about that in the slightest.” Anthrax released this statement: “Rob has been an integral part of Anthrax for so many years. While we are sad that he is leaving, we wish him nothing but great success going forward, and hope to share the stage with him again sometime down the road.” So where to from here? Judging by his Twitter stream, Dan Spitz seems to either be hinting that he’s back, or is gunning pretty hard for the job. Virtuoso shredder Rusty Cooley is also keen for the job, tweeting to anyone and everyone connected with the band to ask how to lock down an audition. Whoever gets the gig, they’ll be here for Soundwave.
BRIAN TICHY LEAVES WHITESNAKE
Whoa, looks like that’s two musicians who made ‘quit band’ their new year’s resolution. Drummer Brian Tichy has just announced his departure from Whitesnake. The decision follows an accident whereby Tichy busted his collarbone although the two events probably aren’t related. Tichy will be on deck for the Bonzo Bash, a huge celebration of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham’s influence on the world of percussion. It’s part of the NAMM Show, the annual industry-only musical instrument trade show. The Bonzo Bash will feature Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses/Adler), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Virgil Donati (Steve Vai), Chris Frazier (Whitesnake/Steve Vai), Gene Hoglan (Dethklok), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Mike Portnoy (Flying Colors), Rikki Rockett (Poison), Simon Wright (AC/DC), Jonathan Mover (Joe Satriani) and many more playing their favourite Led Zeppelin songs on a Bonzo replica Natal kit.
THE NAMM SHOW
Speaking of the NAMM Show, I’ll be there again this year (January 24-27), so if there’s anything you’d like me to check out and report back on, email me at [email protected] and I’ll see what I can do. There will be plenty of new seven and eight string guitars and accessories coming out this year for you djent fans, I can tell ‘ya that much.
Gig Alert: Rise Of The Rat
With powerful harmonised guitars, driving rhythms and biting social commentary throughout, Rise Of The Rat is a band full of energy and flare. Previously members in HBlock101, Karl Mautner (vox/lead guitar) and Rick Munro (lead guitar) have been making music together for over 10 years and in that time have honed their skills in the art of writing catchy and intelligent three and a half minute rock songs. Longtime friend Emanuel Gadze (bass, ex-Voodoo Lovecats/Dead Things) and Nick Grant (drums, ex-Dead Things) complete the line-up. They’ll be launching their debut CD on Saturday January 19 at the Reverence Hotel in Footscray.
Embodied’s Last Drinks
After 15 years of debauchery, Melbourne death metal bastards Embodied are tired and hung-over and just can’t be arsed anymore. So they’re going on an extended hiatus, perhaps never to return. They’ve just knocked out a final EP of new and un-released songs and will be flogging it off as they smash one last bloody heavy metal mess at The Tote on January 11 alongside Intense Hammer Rage, Fuck…I’m Dead, Captain Cleanoff and German sicko’s Cock And Ball Torture. Come down for a last drink, say g’day and buy their leftover CD’s and shirts on the cheap as they ravage their bodies one last time for your depraved entertainment. Speaking of Cock And Ball Torture, this is their first trip down under after 15 years of general pitch-shifted, porn-influenced Gore/grind depravity.
