Shocker: K.K. Downing Quits Judas Priest

On the eve of their farewell tour, guitarist K.K. Downing quit Judas Priest. Color me stunned. Quite frankly I don't think anyone saw this coming. Downing has been playing with the band for more than 40 years.

In a statement on the official Judas Priest website the band announced Downing's retirement. Guitarist Richie Faulkner will perform on the upcoming tour.

Also part of the statement:

"Having thought long and hard about how to proceed, Rob, Glenn, Ian and Scott unanimously agreed that they should go ahead with the tour and not let the fans down all around the world."

Judas Priest plans to play songs from every one of their studio albums on the Epitaph tour. The tour begins in June.

What do you think about this? In my opinion, I am now considering Judas Priest officially "dead."

Who Remembers RUST?

Anyone remember Greek rockers RUST? I gotta admit, these guys were a new one on me until I saw one of their vids pop up on YouTube. They are sort of a heavy/progressive metal hybrid and a true joy to discover. What do you think?

Glam Is Back; Tracii Guns To Perform on 'The Price is Right'

Yes, you read that headline correctly: Tracii Guns, of our beloved L.A. Guns, will perform on The Price is Right. The game show airs Monday-Friday here in America.

Tracii wrote this on his Facebook page:

"Just found out I get to shred on The Price is Right next Tuesday and it airs May 9. I will be playing the Dean guitar that the contestants will be bidding on...I only get 10-20 seconds so, I gotta just shreddddddd!"

Yep, Tracii will be demonstrating a prize guitar, which I think is pretty cool. Now be sure to set your DVR!

Bon Jovi Nominated for 'Billboard' Awards

Bon Jovi snagged two nominations for the upcoming 'Billboard' awards. The New Jersey rockers are nominated as "Top Touring Artist" and "Top Duo/Group."

That's not too shabby.

In the "Top Touring Artist" category, Bon Jovi is up against Michael Buble, Lady Gaga, U2 and Roger Waters. In the "Top Duo/Group" category, Bon Jovi is up against the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum, Linkin Park and U2.

Also, if you're curious about the "Top Rock Album" category...well...here they are (and I'll keep my opinions to myself):

The Black Keys for Brothers
Jack Johnson for To The Sea
Kid Rock for Born Free
Linkin Park A Thousand Suns
Mumford & Sons for Sigh No More

Watch the awards live on ABC on May 22 at 8 p.m. ET.

Wildstreet/M3 Pre-Party Information and Ticketing

Wildstreet will play the night before the M3 Rock Festival on May 12 at Sonoma's Bar and Grill in Columbia, Maryland. If you'd like to go to the show, you need a ticket, right? Well, I have show information!

Tickets are just $6 in advance (plus $2 for shipping and handling  in the U.S. The S+H fee is per order, not per ticket. Tickets will be sent via certified mail).

Click to order your tickets!

You can buy tickets at the door the night of the show, but they will be very limited. In addition to Wildstreet, Sin 4 Sin and Baby Jayne will perform.

James Durbin Sings 'Heavy Metal' on 'American Idol,' Zakk Wylde Helps

Get ready American Idol haters and bitchers (is that a word?!) one in the same! James Durbin sang Sammy Hagar's "Heavy Metal" last night as part of "Songs from the Movies" week. The song "Heavy Metal" is from the movie of the same name.

I called James' song choice on Sunday on an American Idol forum. I was very pleased with myself that I was right! I didn't expect to see guitarist Zakk Wylde with James, but that was just added cool. I was instantly amused by all the haters on Facebook...and random message boards. James has Tourettes and Asperger's syndrome. The kid can sing. He wants to bring metal back ("Give metal a chance, America!" was the plea) -- so let's support him. Watch.

QUEENSRYCHE and LIVING COLOUR Added to Shiprocked 2011!

Queensryche and Living Colour are now part of the ShipRocked bill. The cruise sails November 14-19, 2011 and leaves out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Along the way, visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

QUEENSRYCHE is celebrating their 30th Anniversary in rock this year with the release of their 12th studio album titled, Dedicated to Chaos, slated for release via Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud in early summer, followed by a major support tour. Since the band's inception in 1981, they've sold over 20 million albums worldwide and have performed in over 22 countries. The band -- consisting of original members Geoff Tate (vocals), Michael Wilton (guitar/vocals), Eddie Jackson (bass/vocals) and Scott Rockenfield (drums) along with recent addition Parker Lundgren (guitar) -- remain world renowned for their innovative, trend-setting sound and continue to enjoy incredible success, performing for sold-out audiences worldwide.

LIVING COLOUR is an American funk metal band from New York City, formed in 1984. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, hard rock and heavy metal. Their lyrics range from the personal to the political. The band were prominent members of the Black Rock Coalition during the late 1980s and early 1990s (a movement which also featured Fishbone and 24-7 Spyz). Living Colour rose to fame with their debut album Vivid in 1988. Although the band scored a number of hits, they are best remembered for their signature song "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1989, and their highest charting single "Type." They were also named Best New Artist at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

ShipRocked will feature live performances by Buckcherry, Queensryche, Hinder, Hellyeah, Sevendust, Living Colour, In This Moment, Lynam, Broken Teeth and Rival Sons! ShipRocked sails on the MSC Poesia. Cabins are on-sale now at getshiprocked.com, or by calling 1-888-438-9509! Book yours today!