Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament was the victim of a violent attack during a robbery outside Southern Track recording studios in Atlanta.

Rolling Stone reports that Ament lost of over $4,320 worth of goods and $3,000 in cash when robbers smashed the windows of a rented jeep and grabbed a Blackberry before demanding more money.

The bassist was apparently chased and knocked to the ground, sustaining a head injury. The robbers, who stole Ament’s passport, then disappeared in a waiting black Nissan Maxima.

The incident was captured on CCTV but no arrests have so far been made.

(PR) Guitar Center will take its iconic “Legends Collection” on the road beginning May 23 for a 4-city tour that will make weekend stops in Fountain Valley, La Mesa, San Francisco and Hollywood.

The “Legends Collection” will feature three of rock’s most famous guitars – Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” Fender Stratocaster and Gibson ES-335, as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny” Fender Stratocaster. Purchased for over $2.4 million from the Clapton Crossroads Centre charity auction at Christies New York in 2004, these three guitars are among the most treasured guitars in rock history.

Assembled in 1973 by Eric Clapton himself from the parts of several guitars, Clapton played “Blackie” almost exclusively on stage and in the studio from 1973-1985, recording hits such as “Cocaine,” “I Shot The Sherriff,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Further On Up The Road,” “Lay Down Sally” and various live versions of “Layla” as well as being featured on several album covers and videos. His Cherry Red Gibson “ES-335″ was used to record Cream’s versions of “Badge” and “Crossroads” as well as many other historical performances during the 40 years he owned it. Steve Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny,” which Guitar Center purchased for $623,500, was used to record his classic love songs including “Lenny” and “Riviera Paradise.”

Home to the largest collection of vintage instruments in the nation, Guitar Center is also proud to showcase a hand-picked selection of its most rare and sought-after vintage guitars as part of its Vintage Road Show. With Vintage locations in Hollywood, Nashville and Manhattan, Guitar Center’s vintage collection includes hundreds of the rarest and most valuable guitars, amplifiers and other instruments, including an impressive assemblage of ’50s and ’60s Strats and Les Pauls, handcrafted archtops, Jazz Basses, P-Basses and more.

Vintage guitar enthusiasts can visit the “Legends Collection” and Vintage Road Show at the following locations:

May 23-24
Guitar Center Fountain Valley
18361 Euclid Street
714-241-9140

May 30-31
Guitar Center La Mesa
8825 Murray Drive
619-668-8400

June 20-21
Guitar Center San Francisco
1645 Van Ness Ave.
415-409-0375

June 26-28
Guitar Center Hollywood
7425 Sunset Blvd
323-874-1060

(PR) Gliss’ tour van was broken into last night as the trio was sleeping at a hotel in Newark, N.J. following their performance in Philadelphia. Among the items stolen was a 1979 Fender Precision bass that frontman Martin Klingman received from his grandfather as a child.

The band, who is currently in the midst of their “Stimulus Package Tour,” with labelmates Takeover UK, is not letting this minor setback deter them. Their show at Union Hall in Brooklyn will remain as scheduled, as is their extensive jaunt across the U.S. They’ll join Von Iva later this month.

While the band is disheartened about the theft, they are hopeful they will be reunited with their gear. “It’s always a cryin’ shame when you walk up to your van or car and find out that some lost, sad person has broken in and taken the sweetness from your life,” exclaimed Klingman. “My grandfather gave me a 1970′s Fender P-Bass years ago when I was a wee lad. I don’t care about the money… the sentimental value of the bass that was stolen last night will never be replaced.”

If you have any information, the band asks that you contact them: glissgear@gmail.com
Bass serial # is either S899012 or S899013.

GLISS ON TOUR

May 6 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Union Hall*
May 8 – Plymouth, Pa. @ Infamous Art Gallery*
May 9 – Danbury, Conn. @ Heirloom Arts Theater*
May 11 – New York, N.Y. @ Piano’s
May 12 – Washington, D.C. @ DC9
May 13 – Raleigh, N.C. @ Pour House Music Hall
May 15 – Norfolk, Va. @ The Boot
May 25 – St. Louis, Mo. @ The Firebird **
May 27 – San Antonio, Texas @ Rock Bottom **
May 28 – Austin, Texas @ Emo’s **
May 30 – Dallas, Texas @ Sue Ellen’s Vixen Lounge **
June 2 – El Paso, Texas @ Bombardiers **
June 3 – Tucson, Ariz. @ Plush **
June 5 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Roxy **
June 6 – San Francisco, Calif. @ Slim’s **
June 8 – Kennewick, Wash. @ The Red Room **
June 9 – Portland, Ore. @ Doug Fir Lounge **
June 10 – Seattle, Wash. @ Studio Seven **
June 12 – Sacramento, Calif. @ The Kennel Club

* with Takeover UK
** with Von Iva