Watch The Press Conference For The 2012 Revolver Golden Gods Awards - Starring Some Of Your Favorite Artists!

America’s only Hard Rock and Heavy Metal award show is back for 2012! The fourth annual REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARD SHOW presented by Epiphone® will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. For the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Here is the press conference for this epic event, watch it now!




Cast your vote now at Golden Gods Awards.com. The nominees for the 2012 REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS presented by Epiphone® are:

Best Guitarist, presented by Epiphone®:

- Jinxx and Jake Pitts (Black Veil Brides)
- Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch)
- Willie Adler and Mark Morton (Lamb of God)
- Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
- Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick (Megadeth)
- Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu (Trivium)

Best Drummer, presented by Drum Workshop®:

- Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
- Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch)
- Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters)
- Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
- Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
- Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)

Best Vocalist, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink®:

- Sebastian Bach
- Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides)
- James Durbin
- Amy Lee (Evanescence)
- Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch)
- Jonathan Davis (Korn)

Album of the Year, presented by Marshall Amplification®:

- Anthrax, Worship Music
- Evanescence, Evanescence
- Five Finger Death Punch, American Capitalist
- Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
- Korn, The Path of Totality
- Lamb of God, Resolution

Best Live Band, presented by Samson/Zoom®:

- Avenged Sevenfold
- Foo Fighters
- Guns N’ Roses
- Judas Priest
- Seether
- Tool

Most Metal Athlete:

- Gina Carano (MMA fighting)
- Brian Deegan (pro motocross)
- Evan Longoria (MLB baseball)
- Dirk Nowitzki (NBA basketball)
- Mitch Petrus (NFL football)
- CM Punk (WWE wrestling)

Comeback of the Year, presented by Eagle Rock Entertainment®:

- Anthrax
- Dream Theater
- Evanescence
- Ministry
- Slipknot
- Van Halen

Riff Lord:

- Scott Ian (Anthrax)
- Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society)
- Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)
- Munky (Korn)
- Slash
- Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

Paul Gray Best Bassist, presented by Dean Markley®:

- Frank Bello (Anthrax)
- Michael Anthony (Chickenfoot)
- Fieldy (Korn)
- David Ellefson (Megadeth)
- Nikki Sixx (Sixx:A.M.)
- Wolfgang Van Halen (Van Halen)

Best International Band, presented by Musicians Institute®:

- Behemoth
- Lacuna Coil
- Rammstein
- Sepultura
- Meshuggah
- X Japan

Most Dedicated Fans:

- Asking Alexandria
- Avenged Sevenfold
- Black Veil Brides
- Evanescence
- Falling in Reverse
- HIM

Related links:
Click here to cast your votes for the 2012 Revolver Golden Gods Awards
Click here to purchase your tickets on Ticketmaster.com

Update From Sharon Osbourne About Tonny Iommi & The Bill Ward Situation!

Last Thursday, February 9th, Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne made the a statement regarding the Bill Ward situation with Black Sabbath. When asked if Ozzy, Geezer Butler and guitarist Tony Iommi have found a replacement for the band's original drummer, Bill Ward, she replied, "You know, I don't know. I honestly, honestly don't know. It's all up in the air. The one thing that is for sure is that SABBATH are in the studio with [producer] Rick Rubin and they are going on tour. That's all I know. And Tony is doing brilliantly well."

According to many sources, Bill's replacement would be Tommy Clufetos from the Ozzy Osbourne band. Stay tuned for more information!

Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal



Related links:
Black Sabbath

Sharon Osbourne Denies Allegations That She Fired Bill Ward From BLACK SABBATH!

Earlier this week, it was rumored that Sharon Osbourne had fired drummer Bill Ward from BLACK SABBATH, after Bill Ward made the following statement:

"At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK SABBATH album and tour," stated Ward. "However, I am unable to continue unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

To this the remaining members of BLACK SABBATH replied:

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current BLACK SABBATH plans... We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!"

Today, Sharon Osbourne twitted the following statement:

"I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath. I don't manage the band, I manage my husband (Ozzy Osbourne)."

According to many sources, Bill's replacement would be Tommy Clufetos from the Ozzy Osbourne band. Stay tuned for more information!

Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal



Related links:
Black Sabbath

Sharon Osbourne Fires Bill Ward From Black Sabbath?

In an unprecedented move, we have just been informed by a reliable source that Sharon Osbourne has fired drummer Bill Ward from BLACK SABBATH! This all comes after Bill Ward made the following statement:

"At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK SABBATH album and tour," stated Ward. "However, I am unable to continue unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

To this the remaining members of BLACK SABBATH replied:

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current BLACK SABBATH plans... We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!"

According to many sources, Bill's replacement will be Tommy Clufetos from the Ozzy Osbourne band. Stay tuned for more information!

Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal



Related links:
Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath To Record & Tour Without Bill Ward!

Last week, drummer Bill Ward made a statement regarding the status of the reunion of Heavy Metal legends Black Sabbath: "At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK SABBATH album and tour," stated Ward. "However, I am unable to continue unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band."

The remaining members of Black Sabbath (Ozzy, Osbourne, Tony Iommy & Geezer Butler) have announced that they will continue recording the NEW album without Bill Ward. In other words, as of right now, there wont be a proper Black Sabbath reunion. This is a huge punch in the stomach to all the fans that want to see the return of Black Sabbath's classic lineup! Here is their statement:

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current BLACK SABBATH plans... We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the U.K. with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!"



Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal

Related links:
Black Sabbath

BLACK SABBATH To Record & Tour Without Bill Ward?!

It seems like the drama behind the BLACK SABBATH camp never stops. In an unprecedented move, legendary drummer Bill Ward has made it very clear that he will not be able to partake in the recording session for the NEW SABBATH album and any any subsequent touring, unless he is given a "fair agreement". Here is his official statement regarding this matter:

"Dear SABBATH fans, fellow musicians and interested parties,

"At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the BLACK SABBATH album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band.

"Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with [fellow original SABBATH members] Tony [Iommi, guitar], Ozzy [Osbourne, vocals] and Geezer [Butler, bass]. And on [November 11, 2011], again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference.

"Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me.

"Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with BLACK SABBATH.

"Since the news of Tony's illness, and the understanding that the band would move production to the U.K., I've spent every day getting to or living in a place of readiness to leave. That involves something of a task, and as I've tried to find out what's going on with the U.K. sessions, I've realized that I've been getting 'the cold shoulder' (and, I might add, not for the first time). Feeling somewhat ostracized, my guess is as of today, I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign 'the unsignable contract.'

"The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, I also have to stand for something and not sign on. If I sign 'as is,' I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a Rock musician.

"I believe in freedom and freedom of speech.

"I grew up in a hard Rock/Metal band. We stood for something then, and we played from the heart with honesty and sincerity. I am in the spirit of integrity, far from the corporate malady, I am real and honest, fair and compassionate.

"If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved SABBATH fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original BLACK SABBATH lineup as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to SABBATH is intact.

"So here I am. I lay my truth down before you. I'm good to go IF I get a 'signable' contract.

"I don't want to let anyone down, especially BLACK SABBATH and all the SABBATH fans. You know I love you. It would be a sad day in rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few.

"My position is not greed-driven. I'm not holding out for a 'big piece' of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. I’d like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago.

"After the last tour, I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract. I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that I've brought to BLACK SABBATH since its beginning.

"That's the story so far.

"Stay safe and stay strong.

"I love every single one of you."

- Bill Ward



Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal

Related links:
Black Sabbath

The 2011 News Story Of The Year: Black Sabbath Reunites - Tattoo Tribute Available!

On 11/11/11 at 11:11 A.M, the Heavy Music community gathered at the Whiskey A Go GO in Los Angeles, California. The occasion? The pioneers of Heavy Metal, the legendary band Black Sabbath, announced during a press conference that they will be recording a NEW album in 2012 with the master of the boards Rick Rubin! The band also announced that they are planning a World Tour (initial tourdates listed below)! Black Sabbath has also been confirmed to headline next years Download Festival on June 10th, 2012!

According to Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath have already written a handful of songs for their first NEW studio album in 33 years, and are planning to enter the studio in early 2012.

In order to pay tribute to the legacy of Black Sabbath, and to their decision to reunite once again. On 12/2/11, Horns Up Rocks founder Jo Schüftan headed over to Powerful Magic Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY and got a tattoo of the Black Sabbath emblem in tribute to the godfathers of Heavy Metal. Here is a video recap which features snippets of Black Sabbath's press conference, as well as the tattoo session. Sit back relax, and don't try this at home! \m/



Black Sabbath European tour-dates:

- May 18: Moscow, Russia - Olimpiski
- May 20: St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
- May 23: Helsinki, Finland - Hartwall Arena
- May 25: Stockholm, Sweden - Stadium
- May 29: Bergen, Norway - Bergen Calling Festival
- May 31: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
- Jun. 02: Malmö, Sweden - Malmö Stadium
- Jun. 04: Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhalle
- Jun. 10: Donnington, UK - Download Festival
- Jun. 12: Rotterdam, Holland - Ahoy
- Jun. 15: Bilbao, Spain - Azkena Rock Festival
- Jun. 17: Nantes, France - Hellfest
- Jun. 19: Paris, France - Bercy
- Jun. 22: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
- Jun. 24: Milan, Italy - Gods of Metal

Related links:
Black Sabbath