Interesting news from the rock world

- Alice in Chains are back and are playing a few club dates around the US this spring with a number of guest vocalists. I don't see how they could possibly replicate the unique and tortured sound of Layne Staley, and I think that some things are just better left alone. AiC was one of the few grunge-era bands worth remembering, in my opinion. If they want to carry on, at least change the name of the band. And please, for the love of God, retain your dignity and do NOT sign on to do the second edition of CBS' Rock Star this summer.

- An envious Axl Rose is trying to stir up shit between the members of Velvet Revolver. I don't believe Slash would badmouth anybody, much less Duff and Weiland. Axl should just pack it in and come to grips with the fact that he singlehandedly ruined the next Stones/Aerosmith instead of trying to pit his (successful) former bandmates against each other. (On a side note, I hear VR is going to release a DVD of their last tour, which was one of the most pleasant live surprises I've ever seen. They also played AiC's classic "Dirt" in it's entirety prior to taking the stage. Great stuff.)

- I predict that the New Cars/Blondie tour will be the biggest money loser of the year. How can anybody call themselves the Cars minus Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr? What a farce. And who the hell is Todd Rundgren, anyway? Really.