Pouring rain here. Wish we could send some out to the west coast to help our friends who are being affected by those terrible fires. And to our firends in the midwest, hang in there. And the states being pounded by Andrea. Geez, Mother Nature is really pissed off at us, isn’t she?…..Pulse Content reports Metallica‘s second annual Orion Music + More festival takes place this weekend (Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th) on Belle Isle in Detroit, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers sharing co-headlining duties and acts such as Rise Against, Deftones, the Silversun Pickups, Bassnectar, Gogol Bordello, Foals, Tomahawk, The Joy Formidable, The Bronx, Dropkick Murphys and more all showing up to play. Although last year’s inaugural edition was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Metallica frontman James Hetfield was asked at a press conference on yesterday (June 6th) about what the band wants to see this weekend that’ll keep the event in the Motor City: “Well, hopefully we see some smiles. We’re not expecting this thing to break even for a while, really. It’s a long term investment, and as a band who’s done lots of things over 30 years, this is another adventure. We’re trying to help make a stamp on music history. So at the end of the day, it’s not about us making money at all.”….Five Finger Death Punch has pushed back the release of its fourth studio album by one week, from July 23rd to July 30th. The disc is the first half of a two-record set titled The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell, with the second half due to arrive sometime this fall. A 35-second snippet of a new song called “Dot Your Eyes” can be streamed in a new clip posted online at YouTube. Singer Ivan Moody told us the band turned down tour offers last year to instead focus on making the new record: “The thought process was, get it while it’s hot. You know, we love what we do, man, and I don’t want to be one of those bands that we write an album, tour for two years and then take a year and a half off. That’s not what I’m about and we’re not getting any younger. It just seemed like the logical thing to do — get back in, really get to the grind, and now that we get to go back and co-headline with Rob Zombie on Mayhem Festival this summer, it all kind of ironed itself out.” The deluxe edition of The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell, Volume 1 will come with a bonus 15-track live CD titled Purgatory (Tales From The Pit), plus a redeemable limited-edition T-shirt. A box set limited edition will be available for pre-order at the band’s webstore on June 18th. It contains the deluxe version of the album with the bonus live CD, an early free download of an exclusive new track, a Five Finger Death Punch lunch box and assorted other collectible items. The album features guest appearances from In This Moment singer Maria Brink, Soulfly frontman Max Cavalera, Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta and Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, who contributes to the first single, “Lift Me Up.”….Korn recently completed work on its 11th studio album, the first to feature founding guitarist Brian “Head” Welch since 2003’s Take A Look In The Mirror. With singer Jonathan Davis saying not long ago that he thinks the new disc is the best the band’s ever done, we asked guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer for his assessment: “It’s heavy metal with lots of melody. Jonathan’s lyrics are — the way he elaborates and articulates on different subjects, his melodies are so killer. I can’t wait for people to hear it.” We’re working on a killer promotion for ya, so hardDriveRadio Radicals who are Korn fans like me, stay tuned!…Speaking of Korn, they’ll be on the Monster Energy Aftershock festival Sep 14-15. Tickets are on sale today. www.aftershockconcert.com …..Marilyn Manson reached out to offer well-wishes and compassion to Paris Jackson, 15-year-old daughter of the late pop legend Michael Jackson, who reportedly attempted suicide on Wednesday morning (June 5th) by both slashing her wrists and swallowing a number of pills. According to TMZ, Paris allegedly “threw a fit” hours before her suicide attempt because she was denied permission to attend a Manson concert. After learning about the incident, Manson reportedly wrote a note to Paris saying, “I hope you feel better. You will be on my guest list anytime you want.” Other reasons for Paris’ actions allegedly included stress in school, boy trouble, the untimely death of her father and an upcoming court appearance regarding his passing. Other reports have speculated that bullying may have led to Paris’ suicide attempt. A source told E! News that Paris had recently been bullied in school and had been feeling like an outsider and struggled to fit in. At press time she was still in the hospital but said to be “doing well.” ….Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins‘ trial on 23 sexual offenses, including two charges of raping a baby, has been set to begin on November 25th, according to BBC News. The proceedings are expected to last around a month and the 35-year-old musician will remain for now in police custody. Watkins pleaded not guilty to charges on Monday (June 3rd), via a video link to the courtroom from prison. He said in a statement, “I deny all the allegations made against me and will continue to fight to the end to clear my name.” Watkins is alleged to have participated twice in the rape of an infant less than 12 months old, and is also accused of conspiring to commit a third assault. Watkins also faces charges of possessing, taking and making indecent photographs of children — the oldest of them dating back to March 2007. Two women aged 20 and 24 are facing the charges alongside Watkins, with both also denying them.Sad….Celebrating birthdays this weekend: Today, Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction is 46. Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots is 47, Prince turns 55 and former SNL cast member Bill Hader is 34. On Sunday, sexy Johnny Depp turns the Big 5-0! Have a great weekend, y’all. (Thanks Pulse of Radio)
