Styx Bassist Honored by Texas Senate, Pantera Drama + More News

Styx bassist Ricky Phillips was honored by the Texas Senate last week. Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) welcomed the musician to the Texas Senate, where he was honored on the Senate floor with a resolution commemorating his musical career.

"Mr. Phillips' music has touched the lives of millions of people across the globe for more than forty years. Now, he calls Texas home. I am delighted to welcome Mr. Phillips to the Senate," Senator Lucio said.

P.O.D. will headline the Jersey Calling Concert Series on April 26 at the Strand Theatre in Lakewood, N.J. The show will benefit the non-profit organization Helping Hands of New Jersey as it works to rebuild communities ravaged by Hurricane Sandy last fall. The concert is the first in a series and will also feature Static Summer and other special guests. The show is all-ages. More information is available here.

Just so you know, all money raised will be used to purchase building materials, while labor and services are donated and supplemented by volunteers. The organization also supplies N.J. shelters with food, clothing, personal hygiene products, and more.

In news that should shock not a single Pantera fan, former drummer Vinnie Paul has said he has no interest in speaking with singer Phil Anselmo. While Anselmo has extended olive branches in the press, VP is having none of it and does not want to rekindle the friendship. His feelings have not changed on this matter.

In an interview with the Hanger 19 radio show, Paul said, "I just don't have any interest in it, man. I'm happy doing what I do, I'm enjoying being in a band where everybody really enjoys being around each other, likes each other. And I just don't have any interest in living in the past, man. I wanna move forward in my life and that's all there is to it." As stated, this is not new news, but it is another affirmation that Paul is not desiring of a reconciliation and has not wavered. [Blabbermouth]

With a week to go until the release of Infestissumam, you can listen to the new Ghost B.C. song "Monstrance Clocks," which is streaming online. Check it out the group's latest creepy epic here.

Skeletonwitch are in the studio, working on their fifth album with Converge's Kurt Ballou. [Lambgoat]