Trouble In Black Country : Is New Supergroup Featuring Bonamassa, Hughes, Bonham & Sherinian Doomed To Go Down Like A Lead Balloon?

As previously reported, the album from the highly anticipated "Supergroup"- consisting of guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, KISS) - is done and in the can in anticipation of a September 2010 release.

Now comes word directly from the album's producer, Kevin Shirley that the project may have imploded before even the album's release, due to that oh too familiar of the seven deadly sins -greed. Apparently on the part of some of the musicians' management teams.

Writing on his Facebook site, Shirley says :

"Black Country looks to have imploded, with a completed album in the can! We set out as friends and lovers of music, to make something special. Then the managers got involved... and kept changing their wants, ultimately demanding EVERYTHING! I can't absolve all the musicians - but one I can completely absolve, is the one who actually has a career and has just been voted Best Guitarist in the World (Joe Bonamassa) - who was 100% open ALL the way. And he doesn't ride on anyone's coattails... see below. Maybe they'll come to their senses.... I'm not holding my breath".

Shirley then later went on to amend his statement, by adding :

"OK - I have been urged to amend this - like everything on the Internet, things get twisted! I believe there is a salvage operation to rescue survivors from the downed BC plane. I have just had a big conversation with Glenn (Hughes), who is mortified about the situation, as he has really put his heart and soul into it. I love Glenn. Here's the salvage plan ... See Moreguys - everyone is equal. It's that easy. Cut out the cancer that is anyone greedy, and this thing will rock. Morality rules..... managers try to. I am mad too!!!"

So there you have it folks. Possibly yet another great collaboration between talented musicians which may never see the light of day, due to some putting commerce completely over art. It's a cancer which has been a scourge of the industry for years. One which has led to the bland, soulless offerings foisted upon the public which fill the airwaves and charts of today. There's an old saying which goes, "Greedy, Greedy makes a hungry dog". From the sounds of things, there will be some hungry pooches very soon. Unfortunately it may be the fans who suffer when these sort of squabbles get in the way.

That being said, we here at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock wish all involved the very best of success, and hope that any strife can be worked out.