D.R.I. Guitarist Undergoes Emergency Surgery

According to blabbermouth.net, founding member and guitarist Spike Cassidy of hardcore/metal crossover pioneers D.R.I. underwent emergency surgery late last week for a severe blockage caused by the reversal surgery he had just three weeks earlier. He is now in a regular hospital room being watched closely for signs of infection since his intestines were so stretched out from the blockage.

Commented Spike's fiancée, Jana Perry: [Spike's] prognosis is good. However, he will need to stay in the hospital another week, give or take a couple days.

Needless to say, all D.R.I. shows that are scheduled for the month of October are now canceled and hopefully we can re schedule them all at a later date.

We are bummed. We were looking forward to seeing friends and doing to those shows.

In 2004, Cassidy was diagnosed with colon cancer. He underwent surgery (a one-foot section of large intestine was removed through an eight-inch incision in his stomach on March 27, 2006), radiation and chemotherapy and was previously said to be winning the battle against the disease.

For more information on how you can donate to the Spike Cassidy Cancer Relief Fund, go to this location.

DRI Tee to Benefit Spike Cassidy's Cancer Fight

DRI have launched a new t-shirt design to benefit Spike Cassidy's fight against cancer. He has been fighting his battle for the last several years and the bills are mounting. 100% of the proceeds from this exclusive shirt will be donated to the Spike and the family to help with the bills.

After seeing several of their reunion shows over the past few years, I wan to see them keep the music coming, and maybe have a chance to write a few new tunes, and doctor bills can devastate a family be sure to follow the link to buy yours for only $19.95 and help him keep thrashing for years to come!

Black Sabbath to Play Lollapalooza

The rumors were all over this week about Black Sabbath playing Lollapalooza, and now those rumors have been confirmed. As the oddest addition to the line up, Sabbath will be playing one of their only US dates in August at the now stationary Chicago festival. As the only metal act at the festival, if you plan to make an appearance I simply beg you to wear some evil metal garb to make a point.

The one really great thing with this news is that Tony Iommi appears to be recovering well from his battle with cancer. Not well enough to do a full tour, but at least a show at Download and Lollapalooza. The flipside is still the question about Bill Ward and an actual reunion of the full band. No word whether they will be able to reconcile or who will be sitting in on the skins in his place. We'll see what happens in August!

Tony Iommi Diagnosed with Cancer

Sad news released today, Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with Cancer. This on the heels of the Black Sabbath reunion with Ozzy, this statement was released via the band:

“With the news that Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time. Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan–the “IRON MAN” of Rock & Roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery. 

This comes as Black Sabbath…–Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums)–are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the UK to continue to work with Tony. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

Keep him in your metal thoughts, and send some good stuff his way, we want to hear a ton of new tunes from Sabbath, and anything else he has to offer! To a speedy recovery Mr. Iommi!

Lamb Of God Singer Loves Breasts

I love breasts too, and we all need to pitch in to save them. Randy Blythe, lead singer of Lamb of God is helping to ensure we are taking care of one of the best commodities in the United States. Wearing a kilt and pink corpsepaint, he has raised nearly $5000 for Breast Cancer Research on a 60 mile walk. I know many survivors, I make a little light of it, but this is a really great thing he is doing...to see more of his adventures and follow him on twitter @lambvox