--Bono: No Specific End Goal For New U2 Album

Bono has fans a little worried with comments about making them wait a decade or even longer for a new U2 album.  The frontman recently told "The Sun" that he and his bandmates are in a "fine fettle" and ready to make what will be their 13th studio effort.  Bono adds that they're all "mad for it at the moment," but he explains that they won't put it out until they get it right -- and they don't care if it takes another ten years or "never happens again."  He also revealed that he and the guys have been calling the new album "Ten Reasons to Exist," and jokes that they "might have at least six of them."  U2's last release, "No Line on the Horizon," came out 2009, and spawned the U2 360 Tour, the highest grossing concert trek in history.


--Hollywood Undead, Black Veil Brides Debut In Top Ten

A number of rock acts are enjoying some time near the top of the Billboard 200 this week.  Hollywood Undead debuts at number two on the album tally with "Notes from the Underground," which Nielsen SoundScan says sold 53-thousand copies in its first frame.  That's the group's highest chart position yet and their second biggest sales week.  Meanwhile, Black Veil Brides also achieved a career best with their new album, "Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones."  The record bows at number seven after moving 42-thousand copies last week.  Elsewhere, the Lumineers' hold strong at number eight with their self-titled debut, and Dropkick Murphys start at number nine with their latest effort, "Signed and Sealed in Blood."  This week's number one album comes from Christian singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin.  His "Burning Lights" sold 73-thousand copies.


--Jack Russell Marking 10th Anniversary Of Station Fire With Benefit

Jack Russell, who now fronts his own version of Great White, continues to raise money for the victims from The Station fire.  The rocker is slated to mark the tenth anniversary of the tragedy with a special acoustic concert next month in California.  Great White Featuring Jack Russell guitarist Robby Lochner will join Jack for the show, which will feature a mix of White's hits along with other selections.  Russell says that even ten years later his "heart aches for all the families and friends of the victims whose lives will forever be changed by this terrible tragedy," and they'll "always be" in his prayers.  He adds that while he also "lost many friends that night," he "can't begin to equate that to the loss of a family member."  Russell's "Benefit for the Station Fire Memorial Foundation" show will take place at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, California on February 7th.  Additional information is available at the venue's website.

Great White guitarist Ty Longley was among the 100 people who were killed in the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island on February 20th, 2003.  More than 200 others were injured in the blaze, which was sparked by the band's pyrotechnics.


--Ted Nugent Up For Golden Moose Awards

Ted Nugent is getting special recognition for his outdoorsmanship.  The rocker is in the running in three fan-voted categories for the 13th annual Golden Moose Awards.  His Outdoor Channel series "Ted Nugent: Spirit of the Wild" is a contender for Fan Favorite Best Overall Series and Fan Favorite Hunting Series.  Meanwhile, Ted is among those up for consideration for Fan Favorite Host.  The Outdoor Channel's 13th Annual Golden Moose Awards will take place in Las Vegas Thursday, in conjunction with the Shooting and Outdoor Industry Trade Show.

Nugent's show was in the running in these same categories at last year's event, and captured the Best Overall and Host honors.  In 2012 the Hunting Series nod went to "Bone Collector."


--Alice Cooper Explains How He Reconciled Shock Rock, Golf

Alice Cooper admits he'd "much rather be a rock singer than a golfer."  But he still has great passion for the game.  Cooper tells "The Los Angeles Times" he also has an affinity for it.  He recalls the first time he ever played golf, saying he "picked up a seven-iron" and hit the ball "right down the middle."  Alice says his innate abilities impressed his teacher, who called him "a natural."  But he realizes that golf is the antithesis of his stage persona, and that his "Alice" character would "think golf clubs are weapons."  Cooper adds that when he started golfing he was in "the strange situation" of being "the king of shock rock" who was "playing the game all of the kids' moms and dads play."  He says he resolved his dilemma with "something even more dastardly" -- becoming a better golfer than those parents who disapproved of his music.  Alice explains that now, the kid who isn't allowed to go to his show can tell his dad that "the same guy with the makeup and the snake can take you out" and "beat you in golf."

Cooper is golfing this week for charity.  He's among the celebrities taking part in the Humana Challenge in Palm Springs, California.  First round play begins Thursday and continues through Sunday.  The Golf Channel will provide coverage of the event each day from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern.


--Stevie Nicks Teaming With Lady Antebellum For "CMT Crossroads"

Stevie Nicks is sharing her talents with the country crowd.  The Fleetwood Mac frontwoman is set to team up with Lady Antebellum in Los Angeles to tape an upcoming episode of "CMT Crossroads.".  An air date for the show hasn't been set as yet.  "CMT Crossroads" pairs up country stars with performers from other musical genres to play each other's songs and discuss their influences to see where their musical paths intersect.  Between them they'll have plenty of material to choose from for their set.  

This year marks Nicks' 40th anniversary as a recording artist.  She began her recording career with the release of 1973's "Buckingham Nicks," the self-titled album from her duo with Lindsey Buckingham.  Her hits with Fleetwood Mac include "Landslide," "Dreams," and "Rhiannon," while her solo hits include "Edge of Seventeen" and "Stand Back."  Lady A has three chart-topping albums to their credit, along with a host of number one hits such as "I Run To You," "Need You Now," and "Just A Kiss."


--Today's Birthdays

Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is 65.
Steve Earle is 58.
Paul Young is 57.
The Bangles frontwoman Susanna Hoffs is 54.
Former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke is 49.
Kid Rock is 42.
Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson is 35.
She & Him singer and actress Zooey Deschanel is 33.


--Today In Rock History

In 1969
Led Zeppelin's debut album was released in the U.S.

In 1970
The Doors recorded their show at the Felt Forum in New York, portions of which were used for the album "Absolutely Live."

In 1972
A section of Highway 51 in Memphis was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard.  The road passes in front of Graceland.

In 1973
Alice Cooper released the album "Billion Dollar Babies."

In 1981
Singer Vince Neil joined Motley Crue.

In 1996
Pink Floyd were among those inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1996
The Velvet Underground and David Bowie were among the artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2001
Bassist Jason Newsted announced he was leaving Metallica.

In 2002
Metallica frontman James Hetfield and his wife celebrated the birth of their third child, Marcella Francesca.

Creed's "Weathered" marked its 8th consecutive week at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2006
Guitarist Zakk Wylde received a star on the Hollywood RockWalk.

Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and Distillers' singer Brody Dalle celebrated the birth of their daughter, Camille Homme, in Los Angeles.

In 2007
Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, singer Ronnie James Dio, and former Missing Persons drummer Terry Bozzio were inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk.  The three were added together under the Legends of Rock banner.

In 2008
Gene Simmons was fired from NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice."  While his run on the series was rather short, he still earned 20-thousand-dollars for his charity, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.