Tool to Re-Release Opiate. But You'd Better Plan Ahead

Opiate, Tool's debut EP from 1992, will get a limited re-release through the band's official website. Although the band hasn't said what format they'll use (Vinyl? CD? Something weirdly Tool-ish like cassette?), it will be a physical release--and there will only be 5,000 copies.

The PRP reports:

The 5,000 copies will be broken down as 5 x 1,000 runs with each set featuring a variation of the exterior graphics and included bonus items which include a new stereoscopic image for fans to use with their glasses from the 10,000 Days packaging.

The packages will only be available via TOOL‘s website (www.toolband.com) on Mar. 26 and there will be no pre-orders. A limit of three packages from each of the 5 x 1,000 versions will be in place. More details to be announced soon.

Oh, and that image on the rigth?  That's part of the artwork.

Bono, Gabriel, Palmer and More to Speak at TED 2013 This Week

Well, this will be an interesting session.  TED 2013 started today in Long Beach, California.  

Peter Gabriel is also going to speak.  Between the two of them, I think my brain might explode.  And I'd still have to get in to see Amanda Palmer.

The full list of speakers can be found here.  Thanks to Larry for the heads-up.

Nine Inch Nails to Tour Again Through 2013 and 2014

Those who though the Wave Goodbye tour really meant goodbye can rejoice.  Trent is resurrecting NIN with a brand new band.  

This includes Eric Avery, best known as the bass player for Jane's Addiction, and Adrian Belew, extraordinary guitarist with both King Crimson and David Bowie on his resume.

Here's a statement from Trent:

NOTE FROM TRENT:

Nine Inch Nails are touring this year.

I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas, which led to some discussion on performing, which led to some beard-scratching, which (many steps later) led to the decision to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be, and the idea of playing a show. Calls were made to some friends, lots of new ideas were discussed, and a show was booked - which led to another, which somehow led to a lot of shows.

The band is reinventing itself from scratch and will be comprised of Eric Avery, Adrian Belew, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis, Ilan Rubin, and me. The first shows will begin this summer, followed by a full-on arena tour of the US this fall, and lots of other dates worldwide to follow through 2014.

Lots of details and dates to come. See you soon.

TR

Thank God.

Travis Barker of Blink 182 Mixes It Up with an Australian Promoter

Think you've been involved in an online fight?  Try this one between Blink 182's Travis Barker and Aussie promoter AJ Maddah regarding Travis' no-show because of his fear of flying since his plane crash.  Classic Rock Magazine has the story:

The promoter behind the Australian Soundwave touring festival blasted Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker at the weekend for taking a third of the band’s appearance fee despite not taking part in the series of shows.

But after Barker shouted him down on Twitter, he was forced to accept he’d got his facts wrong.

AJ Maddah was responding to a fan query on whether refunds would be available for fans who didn’t want to see Blink playing with stand-in sticksman Brooks Wackerman, who was hired after Barker admitted he couldn’t overcome his fear of flying in order to make the shows Down Under this week.

Click to read more ...

A Clue to Freddie Mercury's Unknown Final Resting Place

After Freddie Mercury died on November 24, 1991, he was given a funeral presided over by a Zoroastrian priest three days later.  Only about 35 people attended.  Once it was over, his body was cremated at Kensal Green Cemetery in West London.  The only person who knows where his ashes are is former partner, Mary Austin.

But now a clue has emerged.  A memorial plaque has been found in that cemetery with the inscription "In Loving Memory of Farrokh Bulsara."  That was Freddie's birth name.

The plaque also reads in French “Pour Etre Toujours Pres De Toi Avec Tout Mon Amour” ( "So I Can Always Be Close To You With All My Love.")  There's also a single letter marking:  "M."  Mary Austin? Mary still lives in Freddie's home, having inherited it from him.  

So has the mystery been solved?  Not really.  There are competing theories.  Read more at the Telegraph.