Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell died early Wednesday (January 28th) at his home in Orange Park, Florida, at the age of 56. The Associated Press reported that Powell called 911 at 12:55 a.m. claiming that he was having difficulty breathing. EMS workers performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m. Powell had a history of heart problems and had missed an appointment for a cardiac evaluation the day before his death. A police spokesman said that a heart attack is suspected and that no autopsy is planned. Memorial plans are still pending.

The band issued a statement on their official website lynyrdskynyrd.com saying, “A Great Loss — Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We will post more info shortly. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you.”

Lecherous Nocturne – new album out now; US tour approaches

Perseverance. Determination. Integrity – Three words that unmistakably describe South Carolina’s Lecherous Nocturne. Formed by guitarists Kreishloff, Chris Lollis and vocalist Hohenstein, the group has ignored every musical trend that has sprung up around them for nearly a decade, all the while building on and refining their sound through two critically hailed releases – 2003’s self-titled EP, 2006’s debut full-length Adoration of the Blade (Deepsend Records) and their intense, relentless live shows.

Lecherous Nocturne are preparing to assault the US on the upcoming Metal Maniacs sponsored Grind Your Mind 2009 tour beginning late February alongside Embryonic Devourment and Sol Asunder, with more live dates and tour action to be announced soon.

Lecherous Nocturne live:
3/03/2009 Chic’s Billiards – El Paso, TX
3/04/2009 Reno’s Chop Shop – Dallas, TX
3/05/2009 Jet Lounge – Houston, TX
3/06/2009 Dragon’s Den – New Orleans, LA
3/07/2009 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
3/08/2009 The Dungeon – Orlando, FL

Black Tide is being featured on MtvUs new artist show, The Freshman, which spotlights emerging artists with the chance for one of the videos to get an add into rotation on the channel the following week.  Black Tide’s video for Shout is up this week and you can visit freshmen.mtvu.com to vote.  The band will kick off a tour with Escape The Fate in February, and they will be on Warped Tour this summer.

Anthrax will celebrate their 25th anniversary by releasing a new album, Worship Music, and introducing the world to their new singer, Dan Nelson. Worship Music is set for a June release on Megaforce Records. It is the bandís first new studio album in six years and they are planning a full world tour.

“This album has been in the making for two and half, maybe three years,” says drummer Charlie Benante. “Scott Ian, Frankie Bello and I got together and just started putting some songs together. This was pretty much the way Spreading the Disease was done, too – we wrote those songs without a definite singer in mind.  Then, in October of 2007, I was talking to [producer/guitarist] Rob Caggiano who said he found this guy in Long Island who he thought would be really good – Dan Nelson.  So I did some research, called him up, and flew him out to Chicago.”

Bello added, “Dan brought in the obligatory ‘breath of fresh air,’ but it really was. He has a killer voice and he’s a good guy, and really fits Anthrax.  The guy sings like nobody I’ve heard – I’m really proud of what he’s done.  This is the new Anthrax.  Yes, it does sound different, but it’s in the same heavy/melodic vein.  I don’t compare it, I just see it as, ‘I love the challenge of having a new Anthrax.’”

The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival will be back this summer with Slayer and Marilyn Manson co-headlining the bill. The festival is set to kick off July 10 in Sacramento, CA and will hit 27 cities in the U.S. and Canada.  Also on the main stage with Manson and Slayer will be Bullet For My Valentine and another guest that will be announced in the coming weeks.  The Jagermeister stage will feature Trivium, All That Remains, God Forbid and the Jagermeister Battle of the Bands winner. The Hot Topic stage will feature Cannibal Corpse, Job For A Cowboy, Behemoth, Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel.  Mayhem tickets will go on sale to the public on April 24.

In FLORIDA:

8/11 Tampa, FL
8/12 West Palm Beach, FL