--Lamb Of God Singer Issues First Statement Following Prison Release

Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe is opening up about his recent stint in a Czech prison.  The singer was jailed in Prague for nearly five weeks after his arrest on June 27th in connection with the 2010 death of a fan at one of the heavy metal band's concerts in the European city.  He was finally released last Thursday after posting bail, and arrived back in the U.S. on Friday.  Blythe released a statement on Monday, explaining that he was "truly humbled" to hear about all "the voices that were raised on [his] behalf" while he was incarcerated.  He adds that he was treated fairly by both the authorities and inmates at Pankrác Prison, and he continues to "steadfastly" maintain his innocence.  But Blythe has no plans to "hide" in the U.S. and will return to Prague to stand trial if he is brought up on official charges.  Prosecutors have yet to do that, but are reportedly expected to charge him with "bodily harm of 4th degree resulting in the death of a fan."

Blythe says the accusations leveled against him are "ludicrous and without qualification," but he admits his opinion doesn't matter.  He also sympathizes with the family of the victim, explaining that he too knows what it feels like to lose a child.  He says they deserve "some real answers" rather than a, quote, "media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer."


--Ted Nugent Claims Obama "Represents Everything Bad About Humanity"

Ted Nugent remains just as fired up against President Obama as ever.  In an interview with Florida's "Broward-Palm Beach New Times," the Motor City Madman was asked to describe both the president and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney as if they were each bands.  In his response Nugent explains that he doesn't want to "attempt to connect" the candidates with bands, because "out and out politicians are anathema to rock-n-roll."  Then Ted continues, saying he's "saddened to admit" that when it come the important issues, quote, "Obama represents everything bad about humanity and Romney pretty much all that is good," adding that it's "really that stark."

Nugent has a history of Obama bashing.  Earlier this spring he made some inflammatory remarks against the president inspired more than just media headlines.  The rocker received a visit from the Secret Service in April after he said at a National Rifle Association meeting that he'd either be dead or in jail by the spring of 2013 if President Obama is re-elected in November.  But after agents spoke with Nugent, Secret Service reps said they had resolved the matter with Nugent and no further follow up would be needed.


--Judas Priest Enjoying Seeing The Constitution

Judas Priest's Rob Halford says the Chick-fil-A controversy is the U.S. Constitution in action.  The openly gay metal singer tells NoiseCreep.com that as a fan of America, the Constitution, and the First Amendment, he feels the "people at Chick-fil-A have the absolute right to say and do what they want."  He also says it's "great" that those who support restaurant president Dan Cathy "have been showing up in droves" to spend their money and peacefully assemble, while those who disagree with him have "gone out and boycotted the company."  Halford adds that it's "wonderful" to see Cathy's comments spark open discussions about the gay rights issue, even if it wasn't his intention to do so.

Regarding his own feelings on same-sex marriage, Halford says he definitely disagrees with Cathy.  But he adds that he respects the businessman for standing up for his beliefs.


--Rush Being Added To Hollywood's RockWalk This Fall

Rush is earning a new honor.  The Canadian band is among 2012 RockWalk inductees.  The Guitar Center sidewalk gallery on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard recognizes rock, blues, and R&B artists who have made significant and lasting contributions to music.  Rush's induction ceremony will include singer-bassit Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart making their handprint block for the Walk.  The event is scheduled for November 20th -- the day after Rush performs at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles on their "Clockwork Angels" tour.  The trek, in support of the band's new album "Clockwork Angels," will begin in Manchester, New Hampshire on September 7th, and wrap up in Houston, Texas on December 2nd.

Rush is one of three RockWalk honorees this year.  Alanis Morissette will be inducted on August 21st, and the Latin rock band Mana will be added on September 17th.


--New Jimi Hendrix Exhibit Opening To Commemorate 70th Birthday

A new Jimi Hendrix exhibit sheds new light on the late guitar icon's rise to fame.  "Hear My Train a Comin': Hendrix Hits London" addresses the rocker's days in Britain in the mid-1960s, when he launched his career as the frontman of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.  The exhibit will feature instruments, costumes, albums, and photographs along with memorabilia from the personal collection of the late Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.  Many items in the exhibit have never before been publicly displayed.  "Hear My Train a Comin'" is launching in conjunction with what would have been Hendrix's 70th birthday.  He was born in Seattle on November 27th, 1942.  The exhibit will open at the Experience Music Project Museum in Jimi's hometown on November 17th.  Highlights are on display now at The Hospital Club in London.


--NBC Responds To Osbourne Claims Of Discrimination

NBC is denying Sharon Osbourne's claims that the network discriminated against her son Jack Osbourne because he has multiple sclerosis.  Osbourne, the wife of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, told the "New York Post" she would not be back for another season of NBC's "America's Got Talent" because the network dropped Jack from the upcoming military exercise show "Stars Earn Stripes" after he announced his M-S diagnosis.  In a statement Monday, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said although it did not ask Jack to participate in the competition it did offer Jack two "substantial alternative roles on the show," adding that he declined them both.

Greenblatt said because of the physical nature of the show all potential participants are required to undergo medical screenings to ensure they can safely participate.  He also said the network has "the deepest affection for Sharon Osbourne and consider her to be part of the NBC family."  Both Sharon and Jack acknowledge that Jack did not sign a contract to appear on the show but said there was a verbal agreement.  "Stars Earn Stripes" premieres next Monday on NBC.


--Jailed Russian Punk Band Gets Support From Madonna

Imprisoned Russian Punk band Pussy Riot can add the Material Girl to their growing list of supporters.  During a tour stop in Moscow, Madonna said it would be a tragedy if the trio serves any more jail time.  The pop icon says she believes art should be political, adding that it has always served as a reflection of what's going on socially.  Maria Alyokhina, Nadeshda Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina Samutsevich are currently on trial for staging a protest at a Moscow church back in February.  The trio stormed the altar and called on the Virgin Mary to get rid of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.  They have been charged with hooliganism, and could face up to seven years behind bars.  In addition to Madonna, Sting, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other celebrities have come out in support of Pussy Riot since their arrest.


--Today's Birthdays

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is 54.
Hatebreed singer Jamey Jasta is 35.
EMF guitarist Ian Dench is 48.


--Today In Rock History

In 1964
"Time" magazine gave The Beatles' movie "A Hard Day's Night" a bad review.

In 1971
Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, also known as Flo and Eddie, recorded "Just Another Band from L. A." with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.  It's the last Zappa record on which the duo appeared.

In 1974
J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf married actress Faye Dunaway.  The marriage lasted five years.

In 1979
Led Zeppelin played its last UK show at Knebworth Park.

In 1985
Mick Jagger's girlfriend, model Jerry Hall, gave birth to a boy they named James Leroy Jagger.

In 1987
The lawsuit against Ozzy Osborne over a teenager's suicide, which was allegedly prompted by Ozzy's "Suicide Solution," was thrown out of court.

Lindsay Buckingham quit Fleetwood Mac.

In 1991
Axl Rose was charged with assault and property damage relating to a riot at a Guns 'N' Roses concert in St. Louis.

In 2006
The series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" made its debut on A&E.

In 2008
Iron Maiden requested to be withdrawn as a contender in the Vodafone Live Music Awards' Best Live Return category, explaining that the group's touring career has continued uninterrupted over the years.  Band members said the nomination was "very flattering," but added, quote, "we are not quite sure where we are returning from."