GUNS N’ ROSES. Droppin’ the mic. Followin’ an Australian lady bein’ hit in the face by the mic Axl tossed into the crowd after final toon ‘Paradise City’, the frontman says he’s no longer gonna perform the ritual. Says Axl,“In the interest of public safety, from now on, I’ll refrain from tossing the mic to the fans”. Which is both sensible and a shame. I mean, Ax, mate, why do you have to ‘toss’ it? Couldn’t you just place the mic in a nice gift box an’ gently hand it to a crowd member?

DEVIN TOWNSEND. These B&P columns are s’posed to be about fun, but, sometimes the reality of reality rears it’s ugly head an’ ya can’t ignore it! The Devster has been talkin’ ‘bout tourin’ bein’ more expensive than ever. “There’s no way to keep it within cost,“ he sates,” – there’s NO WAY”. It’s soberin’ and it SUCKS! So, the next time yer at a club gig, just remember to appreciate the struggle that band may have gone through to entertain you for a night. For those about to Rock – we salute you more than ever!!

ALICE COOPER. Billion Dollar Baby. Everyone’s fave shock rocker recently staged the Annual Christmas Pudding Fundraiser in Arizona! And, no, I’m not puddin’ you on – it’s a REAL event! Big Al does it every year, hence the ‘Annual’. Said an excitable Coop regardin’ the excitement, “We are excited to be celebrating our 2Oth year with a stellar line-up of talent who dedicate their time and passion to help us raise funds for our Rock Teen Centers”. Exciting guest-stars included Rob Zombie an’ Sammy Hagar. So, yeah, good on Alice, musta raised a quid or two.

TWISTED SISTER. Released by Rock And Roll Beauty, it’s what every girl’s been waitin’ for – a Twisted Sister makeup collection! And, apart from the garish slap, the limited-edition range also includes cosmetics bags, nail decals and, bizarrely…a mirror!? I, of course, wasted no time in gettin’ Mr Dee Snider round to personally embellish me with the subtle shades.  And, voila – Xmas Panto here I come!