Joining the ranks of many musicians, including The Heroin Diaries scribe Nikki Sixx, as well as Velvet Revolver bandmate and axe guru Slash, alt-rock statesman Scott Weiland has inked a publishing deal to write an autobiography, but his eventful rock'n'roll lifestyle has begun to overwhelm his effort towards the book. "It's a weird thing," the Velvet Revolver frontman said backstage at the American Music Awards. "You make a lot of records, write a lot of songs, but all of a sudden you go into a whole different vein, and it's a little bit scary to dive into."
According to Reuters.com, Weiland, 40, will collaborate on the book with David Ritz, author of the lyrics to Marvin Gaye's tune "Sexual Healing," who has also co-written autobiographies for Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, among others. He did not reveal the name of the publisher. But Slash, present during the interview, had a little advice for Weiland and his new project: "Just jump in, and once you get going you can't stop."
Kate Nash's 'Bricks' U.S. Bound
Due to her ever burgeoning stateside popularity, Brit songbird Kate Nash -- featured in the November issues of Spin -- will finally release debut LP Made of Bricks in the U.S. The album, which Nash recently discussed with SPIN.com, will arrive to store shelves Jan. 8 via Geffen. The album, produced by Paul Epworth (Muse, Babyshambles, Bloc Party), will preface a soon-to-be detailed U.S. tour in 2008.
Fall of Troy Bassist Leaves Tour
Tim Ward, bassist for Seattle-bred hard rockers Fall of Troy (watch a video interview!), has departed the band's current tour opening for Coheed and Cambria in support of Manipulator, states a band website post. "We have been in a band with Tim for almost six years now and we love him very much, but he is burnt out on touring right now," read the message from frontman Thomas Erak and drummer Andrew Forsman. "So he is going to drop off of this tour with us to go home and take some time off. No hard feelings from us."
Filling in will be the band's close "friend Frank," who the post calls an "amazing musician, person, and someone that has been close to us as a friend, and around the band the entire time we've been playing." Furthermore, the post confirms Fall of Troy is not breaking up: "This is NOT the end of this band, in ANY, way, shape or form!"
