Merry Slashmas

Slash took to his Myspace blog on Wednesday to issue a holiday message and also to update fans on what he has been up to and provide the latest update on his forthcoming solo album. Here is what he had to say:

Metallica Make History

Metallica received a big Christmas gift from Nielsen SoundScan with news that their Black Album has reportedly earned a historic distinction. BW&BK has the story:

Metallica’s self-titled album from 1991 (known as the black album) has surpassed Shania Twain’s 1997 CD “Come On Over” to become the best-selling album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales for Billboard on March 1, 1991. Metallica has sold 15,490,000 copies whereas Come On Over has sold 15,487,000.

Whitesnake Singer Accused of Lipsynching

Does Whitesnake’s frontman David Coverdale lipsynch, or as our UK friends call it, mime to pre-recorded tapes? One of his peers says that he saw him do it and isn’t to happy about the practice. Blabbermouth has the story (and the video):

Spain’s The Metal Circus recently conducted an interview with legendary vocalist Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen) about the new Sunstorm album, “House Of Dreams”, his upcoming concerts in Spain with Big Noize, the Russian connection and the fact that Ritchie Blackmore won’t ever reform Rainbow.

Bon Jovi Threaten Tribute Band

Tribute bands beware. Flattery may get you sued! Metal Underground has this tale of woe for a all female Bon Jovi tribute group: A legal letter from the law firm Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman to the girl group Blonde Jovi has surfaced and states, “It has recently come to our attention that your band is using the mark and name Blonde Jovi in connection with live musical performances; more specifically, a Bon Jovi tribute band.

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood cautioned for assault

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, 62, has been cautioned by police for common assault following an incident in Surrey earlier this month.

The incident took place in Claygate High Street in Esher on 2 December.

Steven Tyler Enters Rehab for Painkiller Addiction

Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler has entered a rehab facility for pain management and an addiction to prescription painkillers resulting from 10 years of performance injuries, PEOPLE has learned.

“With the help of my family and team of medical professionals, I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford,” Tyler says in a statement released to PEOPLE.

No action over Stone Roses’ Ian Brown arrest

Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown has been released without charge after being questioned on suspicion of assaulting his wife.

The 46-year-old was arrested in west London last month but has now been told he will face no further action.

Mexican model and actress Fabiola Quiroz has a nine-year-old son with the singer.

Hard Rock Legend Loses Cancer Fight

Influential Australian hard rockers Rose Tattoo had sad news for fans on Tuesday, “We’re very sad to announce that Rose Tattoo founding member and guitarist Mick Cocks lost his battle against liver cancer and passed away today, on December 22th,” they said in a statement on their website.