WEEKEND METAL UPDATE

The blog press may stop rolling over the weekend, but the Metal never does. Making headlines this weekend were THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, VAN HALEN, a reunited PRETTY BOY FLOYD, HELLYEAH (feat. Vinnie Paul), LINKIN PARK, and P.O.D.

Buddyhead.com reports that the “reunited” SMASHING PUMPKINS will consist of bassist Ginger Reyes (ex-HALO FRIENDLIES) and guitarist Jeff Schroeder (ex-THE LASSIE FOUNDATION) in addition to Billy Corgan and original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain. What’s up with Billy always having chick bass players? Not that there’s anything wrong with that… it’s just curious. In an interview with RollingStone.com, original guitarist James Iha confirmed he will not be part of the project.

Wolfgang Van Halen, the 16-year-old son of VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen and the projected replacement for VH bassist Michael Anthony, has told People magazine that he isn’t disappointed there will be no VAN HALEN tour this summer following his father’s decision to check himself into rehab. “My dad’s taking care of himself,” he said. “I also think I’m too young for the experience, because I know there are a lot of bad things out there.” Thanks for that, Wolfgang.

’80s LA glam rockers PRETTY BOY FLOYD have announced plans for a reunion tour, and have posted a brand new track on their MySpace page. Shockingly there are no members of L.A. GUNS rumored to be involved.

Best Buy is offering an exclusive version of HELLYEAH‘s self-titled debut album, which comes out tomorrow, April 10. The bonus will feature an acoustic/demo version of “Alcohaulin’ Ass” as a bonus track, and will cost $9.99.

In the “yeah right” department, LINKIN PARK‘s Chester Bennington told Billboard.com in an interview that he hates nu-metal; about 10,000 other Blabbermouth readers also found this to be the definition of hilarity. Meanwhile in the “who cares” department, Christian-rockers P.O.D. have reported that recording for their new album is going smoothly.

Happy Monday, everyone.

-VN