You might remember that a few weeks ago, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong lost his shit after his set got cut short at a radio festival. The next day, he apologized and checked into rehab. This isn’t the best timing, as the band just released an album, ¡Uno!, with the second and third albums coming soon (¡Dos! on November 13). The band was also slated to play the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience in New Orleans on October 27th. That’s been canceled, but the band have found a pretty solid fill-in, as Metallica are now slated to play with them.
“We got a message about two days ago asking us if we were able to fill in for Green Day because Billie Joe was having some issues,” guitarist Kirk Hammett told Fuse. ”We discussed it between the four of us and we all said, ‘Yeah.’ It would be a great thing for us to do and it would also be great to help out Billie Joe because he’s a friend of ours and we love Green Day. If we can help them out in any way possible, we’re always happy to do it because we love those guys. It’s a honor for us that they approached us and asked if we could fill in.”
That’s a win-win. Voodoo attendees still get a multi-platinum rock band, Armstrong is hopefully getting the help he needs before the band begins their world tour in late November (unless those dates also get cancelled) and Metallica will hopefully get the allotted time they need, lest they lose their shit and start smashing instruments. There’s no word on whether they’ll do anything special, like playing any of their albums back to front like they did at the Orion Fest.
Devildriver bassist Jonathan Miller has revealed that he will be entering into rehab for alcohol and drug addiction. Miller released the following statement regarding his decision:
“To all Devildriver fans and friends, I wanted to give you an update on my status as far as my health is concerned. Regarding the past two European tours, I was either forced to leave by my own accord or asked to leave by my band/managment. I have been touring with Devildriver for almost the past ten years and the drugs and alcohol have finally caught up with me. I realized this when I ended up in the ICU on my birthday last week.
I need to make a change so that I can save my own life and keep the friends that I still have left. I know that a lot of Devildriver fans seek me out first as the one to party with because I consider myself a very social person who is quite outgoing, personable and friendly. That was all fun in my 20s touring with the band, but as I am entering my early 30s, I can feel the damage catching up with me mentally and physically. I don’t want to burn out prematurely before my time on this Earth is up.
On January 1st I will be entering an intense rehabilitation program in order for me to reclaim my health and the person who I once was. I will not be doing the Canadian tour in January or the Australian tour in February and March. This is for my own good. I need to come out of rehab with a sound body and mind. After I complete my rehabilitation I hope to see all Devildriver friends and family as soon as I can.”
It is very courageous of Miller to be so open about his addiction and that he is seeking out help. Hopefully he will be able to rejoin Devildriver on tour soon. We wish him the best of luck.
[pic via]
Escape The Fate, who last week had the highest metal debut on the charts, has revealed that bassist Max Green has entered into rehab for a drug and alcohol addiction. This has forced the band to pull out of the remaining dates on their European tour with Bullet For My Valentine.
Singer Craig Mabbitt released the following statement regarding Green’s decision:
“Max needs his friends and family by his side, so we’re not gonna leave him. Max is one of my best friends and has never done this band wrong in any way shape or form. It’s very honorable of him to admit he has a problem and wants to seek help for the longevity of his life and this band. I’m so sorry to the fans, but so proud of Max. He needs our love and support through this rough time in his life, so let’s give it to him. Our soldiers never let us down and we will be back to play Europe and the two London dates very soon. We love you guys.”
However you feel about the band, it’s good to see that Green is fighting his demons now rather than letting them get the best of him in the future. It’s also refreshing to see his band mates showing such strong support for, when they easily could have hired a fill in for the remaining dates. Our best wishes go out to Green, his friends and family.
[Picture via]
Guitarist Kirk Windstein (also of Down and Crowbar fame) has revealed that he will not be joining Kingdom Of Sorrow on Ozzfest and at other scheduled shows this Summer. Filling in for the shows will be Kenny Hickey from Type O Negative, who previously filled in for Windstein when he had touring commitments with Down in 2008.
The reason behind missing the band’s upcoming appearance is so he can enter into an AA program. Windstein released the following statement:
“Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking a much-needed break and will not be joining my bros in Kingdom Of Sorrow for Ozzfest. I have entered the AA program and am turning over a new leaf. 25 years of gigging and touring has taken its toll and my drinking is now preventing me from being the healthiest, best player that I can be. It’s been a fun ride, but I’m ready to tackle this sober and look forward to being at the top of my game with all of my projects!”
Bandmate Jamey Jasta (also of Hatebreed) added the following:
“The road is no place for Kirk right now. He has begun to address his problems so he can lead a happy and healthy life and continue to rock with Down, Crowbar and Kingdom Of Sorrow. I only want the best for him and I feel like sitting this tour out is a step in the right path.”
It’s unfortunate that Windstein will be absent from what arguably is the band’s biggest tour this year. At the same time though, it’s glad that he is seeking help for himself. Maybe sobriety will keep him from getting regrettable tattoos. We wish him the best.
You might remember that a few weeks ago, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong lost his shit after his set got cut short at a radio festival. The next day, he apologized and checked into rehab. This isn’t the best timing, as the band just released an album, ¡Uno!, with the second and third albums coming soon (¡Dos! on November 13). The band was also slated to play the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience in New Orleans on October 27th. That’s been canceled, but the band have found a pretty solid fill-in, as Metallica are now slated to play with them.
Posted by Bram Teitelman on Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Rehab