photos by Justina Villanueva, words by Black Bubblegum

one of the tamer pictures in this set

"There are many artists clamoring for the now-vacant title of Hardest Working Man in Show Business, but my vote goes unquestionably to Hank Williams III. The reason is simple: I've never seen another performer play three completely different (yet equally raucous) sets without taking a break in between... Starting off with a traditional country set, ...Williams took the audience on a musical tour of the American South, churning out both original and classic yarns based on tales from West Virginia, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. ...From there, he [went] into the Hellbilly part of the night with Assjack, bringing out singer Gary Lindsay to help belt out rockers like "Six-Pack of Beer," "Country Heroes" and "Life of Sin."... [and] It really wouldn't be a Hank III show without a final punk rock set, paying particular homage to GG Allin and the Murder Junkies (GG's brother Merle and drummer Dino took the stage for a song), the band went through several hellacious, industrial-strength tracks and... after much sound and fury--not to mention equal parts spilled beer and blood--the show came to a frenzied, sweaty end." - [Zena Metal]

Those who don't know have probably guessed by now... yes, Hank III is the grandson of Hank Williams and son of Hank Jr. Interestingly enough, Hank was not the only kin to country royalty at Music Hall of Williamsburg that night (6/24). Lucky Tubb, who is serving as the opener on the Hank III/Assjack tour, is the great nephew of Ernest Tubb, considered a pioneer of country music.

The Hank III tour soldiers on, with a couple weeks left in the US, and a European tour after that. All tour dates and more pics from MHOW show (some NSFW?) on 6/24 are below. And, yes, that is real blood. And yes, vocalist Gary Lindsay did wash off the gushing blood (which gushed heavier while he choked himself with a mic cord) with cans of Guinness...

Continue reading "Hank III & Assjack & Lucky Tubb @ MHOW - (bloody) pics "

by Black Bubblegum

EyehateAnselmo: Mike "IX" Williams and Phil Anselmo at Hellfest in France (vivosi8)

They should call this tour Eyehatebigbusinesspornconformity with a crowbar, ritually.... As discussed, Down is hitting the road with the Melvins. That tour will hit NYC on September 11th with a show at the Nokia Theater in Times Square. Tickets go on AMEX presale today/Wednesday 6/24 at 10am, with regular Joes/Janes gettin' theirs on Friday at noon. All dates, with more likely to be announced, below.

Although there is no official indication that the Down tour will also feature long-rumored touring partner Weedeater, their merch company (which also happens to be Ryan Patterson of Coliseum) writes that "WEEDEATER joins MELVINS and DOWN for an incredible package tour in July". Maybe they meant September. We'll let you know when we get official word! In the meantime, Weedeater is playing NYC on July 9th at Cake Shop (CANCELLED), one of a few confirmed dates that the band has laid out for the coming months. All dates below.

In related news, Phil Anselmo's ex-bandmate in Superjoint Ritual and Arson Anthem, Hank III, is currently on the road with his band Assjack and will be at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Wed 6/24. Tickets are still available. Assjack (Hank III's death metal band) is touring to promote their upcoming debut album due via Curb Records on Aug 4th. All dates below.

Just one day after Melvins play the stages of Nokia, the band will play to an entirely different crowd up at Kutscher's for ATP New York. ATP New York's lineup also includes Autolux and Sleepy Sun, as well as Boredoms, Boss Hog, Deerhunter, No Age, and many more. Tickets are available here.

Down recently played Hellfest in Clisson, France along with Eyehategod, Torche, Amebix, and many many others. Phil Anselmo (of Down, Pantera) joined Eyehategod on stage to perform "Sisterfucker" from their classic LP Take As Needed For Pain.

Kylesa also played Hellfest SANS founder/guitarist Philip Cope, who is having passport issues and will join the band by next week. Video of that Cope-less performance is below.

Torche are coming to NYC soon too, and with Harvey Milk. Tickets are still available for their show at Music Hall Of Williamsburg on July 26th.

All tour dates and live videos of Weedeater and Down below...

Continue reading "Melvins tour w/ Down (and Weedeater?), play NYC (tix) before ATP NY ++ Hank III tour w/ Assjack (dates) & more"