The digital comic book (available free online as a PageFlip and a CBR archive) is described as “Soul gathering with a little rock n’ roll“.  Essentially, the comic book is an anthology of four dark stories that consider the moments before death. The story of Freddie Mercury titled “Prince of the Universe (A Requiem)” reflects on his life as a pop star and his miss-steps that ultimately lead to his death. The comic story like Freddie Mercury is complex and multi-layered. We think that you will gain a different perspective on the rock god and you will once again mourn the loss of this immense talent.

Black Opus Vol. 1 is available from Dog Star Comics as a free digital comic book. While Dog Star Comics isn’t charging any money for this exceptional comic book, we recommend that you support Dog Star Comics by making a small donation to encourage their continued work of producing excellent comics.

Important Links:

Dog Star Comics Home Page
Black Opus Vol. 1 Information
Interview with the writer Donnie Lee

Here’s “Oh Pretty Woman” from the CD:

Full Press Release from Eagle Rock and Universal Music:

Instantly recognizable in vocals, songwriting and style, Roy Orbison was a musical pioneer.  One of the few artists to have worldwide recognition in all forms of music – pop, rock ‘n’ roll, spoken word, and country – he received Grammys in all categories, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. On August 10, Eagle Rock Entertainment will pay homage to Roy Orbison upon the release of The Last Concert CD [MSRP $13.98].

Originally released as a limited run via iTunes in 2008 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing, The Last Concert is now available on CD for the first time. Recorded on December 4, 1988 in Cincinnati, just two days before his sudden death, this was the last time Roy ever performed. This collection of fourteen songs, including seven top ten singles, is the exact order of his show that evening. This includes one of the most loved Rock ‘n Roll songs ever, “Oh, Pretty Woman,” as well as his Grammy-Award Winning “Crying” and “Dream Baby.” This historic performance is untouched by mixing and enhancements – it’s pure, honest, unmistakable Roy.

Following Roy’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, in 1989, Roy became the second singer to ever simultaneously have two posthumous Top 5 albums (King of Hearts, Mystery Girl) on the Billboard charts (the first was Elvis Presley). In addition to his inductions into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Nashville Walk Of Fame, Orbison was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, the Library of Congress added “Oh, Pretty Woman” to the National Recording Registry.

The Last Concert CD is a rarity in these days and times because it is historically correct—it is a trip down memory lane, capturing one of the best rock ‘n roll singers of all time. You don’t really get to know an artist until you go to a live performance, and this particular concert, on December 4th, 1988 was the very last time that Roy Orbison performed. It is an incredible example of Roy’s on-stage presentation, in which he always gave stellar, near-chilling performances. It is a must-have in any record collection.

Track Listing:
1.) Only The Lonely
2.) Leah
3.) Dream Baby
4.) In Dreams
5.) Mean Woman Blues
6.) Blue Bayou
7.) Candyman
8.) Crying
9.) Ooby Dooby
10.) Go, Go, Go (Down The Line)
11.) It’s Over
12.) Working For The Man
13.) Lana
14.) Oh, Pretty Woman

Taking place at the The Hall Of Liberty in Los Angeles on May 30, the event will commemorate the life of the frontman who died from stomach cancer earlier this week.

According to the Ronnie James Dio Facebook page, organisers have acquired discounts for a number of local hotels for those travelling in.

Meanwhile, Dio’s wife, Wendy, has requested that in lieu of fans sending flowers, that they should instead donate to the Ronnie James Dio ‘Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund’, by sending donations to: Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604, USA.

Via NME

“I can truly say I’ve never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans — he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning.” — Geezer Butler

Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.

On a personal note, Ronnie James Dio is and will remain one of my favorites. His stylized lyrics and persona inspired me in my youth and continued to provide me with escape and enjoyment in my adulthood. RIP.

• Ozzy Osborne headlines
• Motley Crue headline
• Rob Halford takes the main stage for a career retrospective including tunes from Judas Priest and Fight
• Devildriver and Nonpoint round out the bands on the mainstage

Ozzfest will have a second stage to melt your face:

• Fan favorite Zak Wylde will bring out his Black Label Society
• Also to be seen: Drowning Pool, Kingdom of Sorrow, and Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours and Kataklysm

Tickets go on sale May 22. Dates for the 2010 Ozzfest reads like this:

Sat, Aug 14 – San Bernardino, CA – San Manuel Amphitheater
Tue, Aug 17 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amp.
Thurs, Aug 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
Sat , Aug 21 – Hartford, CT – Comcast Theater
Sun, Aug 22 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna
Tue, Aug 24 – Boston, MA – Comcast Center

Here’s what Ozzfest.com had to say:

More than 15 years after OZZY OSBOURNE debuted OZZFest, the defining blueprint for hard rock tours and festivals returns this August in six American cities with an explosive bill co-headlined by OZZY and, in their first-ever OZZFest appearance, Mötley Crüe—touring together for the first time with OZZY since he invited the group on their now legendary 1984 arena tour. Expect the energy to go way off the charts at the all-day extravaganza of music and deranged merriment.

The 2010 OZZFest–back after taking a year off in 2009 and the 2008 one-off stadium spectacular in Dallas, TX with OZZY and Metallica headlining–will kick off August 14 in San Bernardino (the birthplace of the first OZZFest in 1996) and then make stops in Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Camden, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA and Boston, MA. Live Nation will promote the tour nationally.

The main stage will feature full sets from Ozzy, Mötley Crüe and Rob Halford (who last appeared on OZZFest in 2004 with Judas Priest), performing songs from his solo career along with material from Judas Priest and Fight. DevilDriver and Nonpoint will round out the main stage line-up. Second stage headliners and six-time OZZFest veterans Black Label Society will be joined by Drowning Pool, Kingdom of Sorrow, and Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours and Kataklysm.

Each OZZFest date will include 13 bands on two stages with music beginning at 1:00 PM. In addition, concert-goers can once again visit the OZZFest “Village of the Damned” featuring a mix of interactive activities, shopping and entertainment throughout the venue concourses.

These OZZFest dates mark the first concerts in the U.S. in connection with the June 15 release of SCREAM (Epic Records), the OZZFest’s founder’s first album in three years and 10th studio album overall. OZZY’s band consists of his OZZY’s new guitar player, Gus G., bassist Blasko, drummer Tommy Clufetos and keyboardist Adam Wakeman.

A master of melody, hooks and conceptualization, Robert brings a diversity of his songs online which he plays, sings, records, and engineers himself. His songs are a product of spending his formative years playing in dive bars, pool halls, and every other joint that would hire him and his various bands to strap on a guitar. Raised on Rush, Iron Maiden, Elton John and the Beatles, his songs reflect his influences and the road rash that touring and life sometimes provide.

Robert said in an interview with Rock n Roll View, “My intention with the site is to be an outlet for my songs. I’ve written so many songs over the years and I’ve built my recording studio over time… I think it’s high time that I give other people the chance to hear some of this stuff that’s been keeping me up late. If I’m lucky, a few other people will find these songs interesting.”

The site has been online for a couple of weeks, and already archives almost enough music for two album. True to Robert’s influences, you’ll find songs that span many genres. Dawn you headphone or earbuds for Beatles-esque adventures, piano ballads, guitar driven angst, multilayered progressive, from pop to rock. The thread that binds all the songs together is the sophistication and maturity of the song writing.

You can listen to the songs of Robert B Mullins, read his lyrics and keep up with his life in the studio at www.rbmullins.com. Follow Robert using Twitter or RSS to keep up with the onslaught of rock n roll.

As a rock n roller what is more important to you “Detroit Rock City” or “Dancing Queen”? You don’t have to answer the question. The answer is obvious. The God of Thunder will smite them.

For those that are interested, you can check out the ceremony tonight on Fuse. Check your local listings.

The inductees…
Performers
ABBA
Genesis
The Hollies
Jimmy Cliff
The Stooges

Non-Performers
David Geffen
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil
Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry
Jesse Stone
Mort Shuman
Otis Blackwell

I’m thinking that I would like to see an extended jam session with Steve Martin and GWAR. I’d pay big bucks to see that. I’m sure you can expect to see a jam session with Stevie Wonder and Jeff Beck. Superstition in all its glory is written all over this thing. Clutch is back along with Blues Travelers and Les Claypool. Who is this Daryl Hall guy? Does he belong on the stage?

Jay-Z. What a laugh. I don’t get this guy. Can someone enlighten me? I think Bonnaroo could have spent their money better. That’s all I’m going to say about that. Where is Widespread Panic? I’d also like to see Blue Oyster Cult make one appearance. Its hard to beat a live performance from that legendary rock band.

We’d like to hear your thoughts.

Bonaroo Line Up So Far…

Dave Matthews Band
Kings of Leon
Stevie Wonder
Jay-Z
Tenacious D
Weezer
The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs perform “Dark Side of the Moon”
The Dead Weather
Damian Marley & Nas
Phoenix
Norah Jones
Michael Franti & Spearhead
John Fogerty
Regina Spektor
Jimmy Cliff
LCD Soundsystem
The Avett Brothers
Thievery Corporation
Rise Against
Tori Amos
The National
Zac Brown Band
Les Claypool
John Prine
The Black Keys
Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers
Jeff Beck
Dropkick Murphys
She & Him
Against Me!
The Disco Biscuits
Daryl Hall & Chromeo
Jamey Johnson
Clutch
Bassnectar
Kid Cudi
Baaba Maal
Kris Kristofferson
Medeski Martin & Wood
The xx
GWAR
Dan Deacon Ensemble
Tinariwen
Wale
Deadmau5
The Melvins
Gaslight Anthem
Miike Snow
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Dr. Dog
They Might Be Giants
Punch Brothers
Isis
Blitzen Trapper
Blues Traveler
Miranda Lambert
Calexico
OK Go
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Martin Sexton
Lotus
Baroness
Dave Rawlings Machine
Mayer Hawthorne and the County
Japandroids
Jay Electronica
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Ingrid Michaelson
The Dodos
Manchester Orchestra
The Temper Trap
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Tokyo Police Club
The Entrance Band
Local Natives
Brandi Carlile
Mumford & Sons
Rebelution
Diane Birch
Monte Montgomery
Julia Nunes
The Postelles
Lucero
Here We Go Magic
Hot Rize
Neon Indian
B.O.B
Needtobreathe

Lars Ulrich of Metallica said “Who would have thought that more than 25 years after its inception, thrash metal’s big 4 would not only still be around and more popular than ever, but will now play together for the first time…what a mindfuck! Bring it on!”

“It’s about fucking time this happened,” says Slayer’s Kerry King, “and about time the fans finally get what they want. This is fucking awesome.”

Scott Ian of Anthrax had this to say: “People have been talking about these four bands playing together since 1984. That’s twenty-six years of expectation!! And the thing is, I believe not only will we live up to the expectations, we will shatter them! No other four bands as influential as the four of us have ever done this. Imagine if THE BEATLES, STONES, THE WHO and ZEPPELIN had done shows? Or SABBATH, PRIEST, MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD? Well, I may be getting into some rarified air here but as a fan, that’s how big I feel this is.”

“This is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for heavy metal fans to see the four greatest heavy metal bands in American history back together on one stage,” concludes Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine. “If there are any heads left at the end of this festival that haven’t banged, they don’t belong there.”

For more information in the coming days check Sonispherefestival.net.

After the flurry of rumors that Led Zeppelin would be getting back together for a tour after their triumph at the one off show at the O2 Arena in London, I am extremely pleased that John Paul Jones is making his way out into the world again to perform for the masses. Seeing John Paul Jones has been a rare thing since Led Zeppelin was no more. I have had the fortune of seeing John Paul Jones play live not once but a few times at Bonnaroo. When you see him play, you can get a hint of the power of Led Zeppelin in the 70′s.

We don’t know much about Them Crooked Vultures. It seems that they are keeping pretty tight lipped about what is coming and what is to be expected. Here’s what we know.

• Them Crooked Vultures is made up of John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) on bass, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) on drums, and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar and vocals.
• They have been writing songs together since 2005.
• They have recorded an album.
• They have been playing live shows since August.
• The rumor is that their self titled album will be out before the end of the year from Sony.

Want to hear some of this music they have written. Head over to HD Music Videos Online to see a live video recorded by a fan: Them Crooked Vultures: Elephant. You can read a review of their debut show in the US over at a Detroit rag, The Crooked Vultures Unveils Itself at the Fillmore. Josh Homme did an interview, you can read more about what was learned over at MOG in You can Blame/Thank Dave Grohl.