Musicians respond to violence. Black Stone Cherry announce a foundation and Battle Beast present a new singer. Garbage 12/14 Garbage Speaks Out Garbage vocalist Shirley Manson addresses the attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Two gunmen open fire, killing at least 15 people and injuring 40. During a concert later in the day Manson says, “I think the only thing we can do really, as people who do not believe in all this separation and all this intolerance, all we can really do is really try and profess our love for one another.” Rob Reiner 12/14 “This Is Spinal Tap” Director Dies In Apparent Homicide Rob Reiner, director of the Rock band mockumentary, “This Is Spinal Tap,” and the sequel, “Spinal Tap Il: The End Continues,” dies with his wife Michelle after both suffered “lacerations consistent with a knife” at their Brentwood, CA home. Reportedly there is no sign of forced entry. The victims’ son Nick is arrested in connection with the crime. Reiner, a two-time Emmy-winning actor for his role in the landmark television series “All In The Family,” later became a director. In addition to the “Spinal Tap” films Reiner directed “Stand By Me,” “The Princess Bride” “When Harry Met Sally” and “A Few Good Men.” Reiner was 78 years old. Jack White 12/15 Jack White Responds To Trump Following the death of director Rob Reiner President Trump uses the somber occasion to insinuate that Reiner’s vocal opposition to his administration led to his eventual death.  In response, Jack White calls out the President on Instagram. “To use someone’s tragic death to promote your own vanity and fascist authoritarian agenda is a corrupt and narcissistic sin. Shame on you Trump and anyone who defends this.” Battle Beast 12/15 Battle Beast Part Ways With Vocalist The band releases a statement: “After six albums and 13 incredible years together, we announce that Noora Louhimo is leaving Battle Beast to focus on her solo career. While we are saddened by her departure, we fully support her decision to pursue new creative paths — something she hasn’t been able to explore wholeheartedly with the demanding schedule of Battle Beast.” Marina La Torraca 12/16 Battle Beast Present New Singer Marina La Torraca replaces longtime Battle Beast frontwoman Noora Louhimo, “One story ends, another begins,” says the band in a statement. “We’re excited to start this new chapter and introduce you to the new voice of Battle Beast, Marina.” Marina La Torraca is a Brazilian vocalist from São Paulo. Marilyn Manson 12/16 Marilyn Manson Case Dismissed A Los Angeles judge dismisses a sexual assault and battery lawsuit filed by Marilyn Manson’s former assistant Ashley Walters. Judge Steve Cochran rules that the evidence showed that Manson’s former assistant’s claims fell outside the statute of limitations. Journey 12/16 Journey Rocks Finale The “current members” of Journey’s touring band perform on the season 28 finale of the NBC singing competition show “The Voice.”  But singer Arnel Pineda and keyboardist Jonathan Cain are not able to appear the show. Journey, with help from show coaches Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg and Reba McEntire, play a medley of “Lights,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Journey is there to promote their upcoming farewell tour. Jane’s Addiction 12/17 Jane’s Addiction Disbands & Resolve Disputes Frontman Perry Ferrell and his bandmates announce the band has broken up but have “resolved their differences” over the singer’s onstage altercation with band guitarist Dave Navarro during a ’24 that forced the cancelation of the band’s reunion tour.  “Jane’s Addiction will remain the work the four of us created together,” reads a statement. . Black Stone Cherry 12/18 Black Stone Cherry Foundation Black Stone Cherry’s All I’m Dreamin’ Of Foundation is announced, “This is something we have been passionate about and wanted to make happen for some time, and we thought this was as great a time as any to launch it,” states the band, The Foundation‘s mission is to help fund and champion community arts and music programs. ### The post December 14th – December 20th appeared first on RockinTown.