AC/DC Wine Now Available in the US, Duff Joins Slash on Stage + More News

AC/DC: The Wine is here. After launching to great success in Australia, the selection of four vinos is now available for your consumption pleasure. The varietals are named as follows: Back in Black Shiraz, Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon, Thunderstruck Chardonnay and Hells Bells Sauvignon Blanc. The beverages are purchasable at Total Wine + More. [Via Press Release]

Ex-Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow and bassist/guitarist Freddie Vidales have teamed up with former Nevermore drummer Van Williams in a new project. They are working diligently on new material. Barlow, who retired from IE in March of 2011 in order to spend time with his family as opposed to touring, said, "Well, though we are still in the early stages of progress, we are really excited about what we are hearing thus far. We hope that you have patience with us as we continue with this creative process and search for a record label that will help us bring our music to you all in the best way. Thanks for all your support.... More to come!" [Blabbermouth]

Over the weekend (July 13), Duff McKagan joined his current Velvet Revolver bandmate and former Guns N' Roses cohort Slash on stage at Showbox SoDo in Seattle, Wash. The rock vets performed Appetite for Destruction classics "It's So Easy" and "Paradise City" together. "Thanks to Duff McKagan for coming down & jamming a couple tunes as well. Made it a perfect night. #itssoeasy#," said Slash on his Twitter account after the show. [Metal Edge]

Dead City Records, a NY-based indie hardcore punk label, will digitally release 10 classic European HxCx records and splits from the likes of Right Direction, Warzone, One Night Stand, Ultimatum and M-Town Rebels on July 31. The centerpiece of each release is frontman Dave Reumers, who said, "This music was released between 1989 and 2002. I've wasted half my life screaming nonsense into a mic thinking I was Mick Jagger, but I wouldn't have done it any other way." Reumers continued, "I'm glad I was part of this and I was lucky to be in so many bands that helped spread the hardcore, punk, and metal sound throughout Europe in the early days. If you still dig our music in this day and age there's no hope for you anymore. Enjoy!"

John Franko, owner of Dead City, said, "Right Direction CDs and LPs have been out-of-print and impossible to find for years, and it is an honor for me to make these releases available digitally for the first time ever. As one of the forefathers of the European Hardcore Movement, Right Direction and all bands related to the M-Town Holland scene have always provided us with top notch music. While taking influences from early American punk, hardcore, and metal bands, I always found Right Direction ahead of their time when it came to talented musicianship and amazing vocals and lyrics. Truly a diverse band and am amazing group of guys I am proud to call my friends." [Dead City Records]