Members of Slayer said Jeff Hanneman died of alcohol-related cirrhosis. The guitarist died May 2 at a hospital in Hemet, Calif., at age 49. It was initially theorized that Hanneman’s death had something to do with a suspected spider bite that led to a case of necrotizing fasciitis, nearly costing him his arm. The band disclosed Hanneman’s cause of death on its website Thursday, and a publicist said Friday that the determination was made by his attending physician. The statement says Hanneman was not aware of the extent of damage to his liver until his final days. The band also said it is planning a public celebration of Hanneman’s life later this month.
Officials in Georgia have decided to move the boyhood home of Little Richard to spare it from a highway construction project. Macon Mayor Robert Reichert made the announcement Friday. Born Richard Wayne Penniman, Little Richard grew up in Macon’s Pleasant Hill community, which was later divided by the construction of Interstate 75. The “Tutti Frutti” singer’s boyhood home faced demolition to make room for the expansion of the interchange where I-75 meets Interstate 16. City officials said the home will be relocated to a lot near the Pleasant Hill community garden. The house will be used as a resource center.
The next Star Wars movie directed by J.J. Abrams will be shot in a galaxy far, far away from Hollywood- Britain. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said the company has reached a deal with British Treasury chief George Osborne to make Star Wars: Episode VII in the United Kingdom. Parts of all six previous movies were made in Britain. Star Wars maker Lucasfilm was bought last year for $4.05 billion by The Walt Disney Co., which has announced plans for a new trilogy of films. The first new movie is due for release in 2015.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 05/12/2013