I totally forgot yesterday would have been Jimmy THE REV Sullivan’s 31st birthday! Jimmy’s Mom communicated with fans yesterday. She wrote in part, “Tempering the sadness of missing Jimmy these last two years has been the outpouring of love, hugs, thoughts, prayers, and wishes — from his last music recorded and performed so emotionally by his brothers on Nightmare — from the kind sentiments expressed by his peers and those he looked up to in magazines and notes — from hugs and stories friends and relatives have shared — to the remembrances posted online and tokens left or given to us in person by you, his A7X family. The family you choose is as important as the family you are born into, and Jimmy chose his extended A7X family well.” She added she’s tried to collect all the items left at her son’s grave every week by visitors, saying, “You have left so many heartfelt notes, drawings, pictures, poems and tokens . . . No tokens have warmed my heart more though, than recently finding three 2-year-sober coins, as well as more than a dozen more ranging from 1-day to 1-year, proudly left for Jimmy to see.” The drummer’s mother concludes, “On this his birthday, I wanted to acknowledge and thank you all for this comfort. Happy Birthday Jimmy — best remember him by jumping into life with all you have in you and living with hope, enthusiasm, love, and a bit of uninhibited silliness.” Oh, man, play some A7X really loud today in honor of Jimmy!….Oh brother! Now Wes Scantlin‘s ex-wife wants her pre-nup annulled so she can grab royalty money from Wes. Talk about kickin’ a man when he’s down, eh?….Van Halen did a huge rehearsal show the other night in LA at the Fabulous Forum, the old Lakers’ venue, for family and friends. Slash tweeted about it. Said it was amazing to see and hear. I guess they were celebrating news their new album will probably debut at Number One on the charts next week. Did you buy their album? What do you think of it? Let me know! Also, to my Black Keys friends, I am happy to report hardDrive, although a little late to the Black Keys party, will have an interview with their lead singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach when the band plays Madison Square Garden Mar 22. Listening to El Camino now!…..Carolina Rebellion was announced today! The show is May 5th at at Rockingham Speedway. The line up: Shinedown, Korn, Evanescence, Staind, Five Finger Death Punch, Slash, Chevelle, Volbeat, Halestorm, P.O.D., Adelitas Way, Redlight King, New Medicine, Weave the Fate, Paper Tongues, Ghosts of August. On Friday night, a special performance from Foxy Shazam with Lez Zepellin, One-The Only Tribute to Metallica. Plus if you went last year, there are many improvements this year, including an RV and tent campgrounds. Here’s an excerpt from the press release: “When our fans speak, we listen,” commented Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the festival for AEG Live. “We personally responded to every person who sent us comments, and because of that important feedback, our motto this year is ‘Let’s double it!’ Double the number of entrance points into the festival, double the number of concession stands, double the number of merchandise stands, and double the number of locations for free water…We’re taking the steps to make Carolina Rebellion an upgraded experience for everyone.” In addtion, all ticket prices will include parking to ensure quicker access to the parking areas, and earlier entry into the parking areas and will be allowed, along with earlier door times, to better alleviate the traffic and lines. The inclusion of the new Camping Packages will encourage fans to arrive on Friday starting at 10am and stay until Noon on Sunday, thereby relieving traffic congestion on Saturday. Further improvements to amenities include: a larger box office area for will call pickup, shade locations in public areas and the Hangover Recovery VIP Lounge area inside the festival grounds to allow those with VIP Lounge tickets to have a special place to enjoy the event. Tix on sale to general public Fri Feb 17, but internet sales start on Wed Feb 15-16. For more: www.carolinarebellion.com…Visiting the hardDrive studios today: EDISUN with BLACK SUNSHINE‘S and celebrity extreme skier MATT REARDON! Celebrating a birthday on Saturday: HR of Bad Brains is 56, Craig Jones # 5 of Slipknot is 40, and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park is 35! Have a great weekend! Sniff, no football! I am having withdrawls! But I have Downton Abbey on Sunday! 🙂
