What’s In A Name?

So the tour’s name was changed from Bloody Holly Festival to the less controversial “Pedal to the Metal Tour 2009,” but not because of complaints from Buddy Holly’s people.

The real reason is because Guitarist Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society was forced to pull out after Wylde was hospitalized and subsequently diagnosed as having multiple blood clots in his lungs and legs, the promoter said.

“With him out, we have to redo all of our materials anyway,” tour organizer Wes Nessman told Lubbock Online. “With him out, we need to focus on the bands that are playing, and not this other stuff.” Other bands on the Sept. 2-9 series of shows in Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona include Mudvayne, Static-X and Suicide Silence.

Another reason Nessman is “happily walking away from the name” is because Buddy Holly’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, is said to be in negotiations to revive Lubbock’s Buddy Holly Festival, according to Lubbock Online. Nessman said he wasn’t “trying to aggravate” anybody by sticking to the Bloody Holly name, which he said younger people view simply as a play on words and don’t associate with the rock pioneer.

Wylde’s wife made a few Twitter posts Aug. 29 saying he is at home and stable in Los Angeles but it might be a long recovery process.

Fans hoping to see Wylde and his band can get refunds from their place of purchase.

The tour includes a sideshow attraction between acts called Hellzapoppin, which includes “guys that stick needles in their faces and throw darts at each other … you know, that kind of stuff,” Nessman said.