Monday, September 6, 2010

Rock News for Monday 6th September, 2010

Original E.L.O. Cellist Mike Edwards killed in freak accident

(Mike Edwards Image from www.bbc.co.uk)

Mike Edwards
1948 - 2010

Mike Edwards the original cellist with the Electric Light Orchestra and who played on early E.L.O. releases E.L.O. 2, On The Third Day and El Dorado, has been killed in what can only be described as a freak accident.
A huge bale of hay, crushed him in a van that he was travelling in.

Here's part of the story from the BBC website.

Cellist Mike Edwards, 62, died instantly in the accident on the A381 in Halwell, Devon, on Friday.
Police believe the 600kg bale fell from a tractor on nearby farmland before rolling on to the road.
Mr Edwards was identified using photos and YouTube footage.
He was with the Birmingham band from 1972 to 1975.
The musician, who lived in Totnes, was a founder member of the classical Devon Baroque orchestra.

A close friend and chairman of the Devon Baroque Orchestra had this to say, "He was simply the nicest guy and a brilliant musician," Angus Gordon, told BBC News.

Mr Edwards was due to play with the medieval folk band Daughters of Elvin on Saturday evening.
Officers believe he swerved into another vehicle as his van was struck by the bale at about 1230 BST.
The other driver was not hurt.
Initially police had difficulty in tracking down Mr Edwards' relatives but a spokesman said officers had now traced his brother David in Yorkshire.

Sgt Steve Walker, of Devon and Cornwall police traffic unit, described the crash as "a tragic accident".
The Health and Safety Executive is investigating what has been described as a "farm accident".
The full BBC story can be read here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-11195393

Former E.L.O. drummer Bev Bevan paid tribute to Mike with these words, "He was a chubby little chap with a big black beard and the most amazing grin," said Bevan, who now presents on BBC WM.
"He became a bit of an extrovert and very popular with the Americans."
Bevan went on to say, "It was hard to find cellists to play in a rock and roll band because they had to be classically trained,"


"They immediately went on long American tours with us and it was a startling change of lifestyle playing cello in a classical orchestra and playing in a rock and roll band."
Bevan added that Edwards soon began to express himself on stage.

"He used to play 'Air on a G string' using an orange instead of a bow."
Bev Bevan's words from:

A tribute on the E.L.O. 'Face the Music' fansite said: "Mike quickly became a crowd favourite with his exploding cello and rather unique solo party piece that involved playing the cello with a grapefruit."
The E.L.O. fansite 'Face The Music' can be found here: www.ftmusic.com/
Sympathies and condolences go out to Mike's family and close friends.

Classic Dio double live album and new DVD of Japan only video release to be reissued

The Ronnie James Dio Facebook fanpage has released information regarding a couple of Dio releases from the classic Dio era.
One is the ‎"Super Rock in Japan 1985" video that was released in Japan only on VHS and this will be released on 2/15/11 on DVD, CD and a Deluxe Fan Pack with the DVD and CD!
The show was only ever released in Japan on VHS!
An image of the original back cover can be found here:
Quite how many tracks will be included with the new release, is anyones guess?

The other release is a double CD set of 'Dio Live at Donington.'
http://www.blabbermouth.net/ posted this info on the release' track details:

"Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987" track listing:
**NOTE: This track listing has not been officially confirmed.**

CD 1: 1983
01. Stand Up and Shout
02. Straight Through The Heart
03. Children Of The Sea
04. Rainbow In The Dark
05. Holy Diver
06. Drum Solo
07. Stargazer
08. Guitar Solo
09. Heaven And Hell
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. Starstruck
12. Evil Eyes

CD 2: 1987
01. Dream Evil
02. Neon Knights
03. Naked In The Rain
04. Rock 'N' roll Children
05. Long Live Rock 'N' roll
06. Rock 'N' Roll Children (reprise)
07. The Last In Line
08. Holy Diver
09. Heaven And Hell
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. All The Fools Sailed Away ~ The Last In Line
12. Rainbow In The Dark

This has just been posted at the Niji Entertainment Group Facebook page: 'The art, CD and sell sheet are final for Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987! We can't wait to show it to you! In stores on 11/9!'
 
UK melodic rock outfit Newman announce guitarist departure and new member arrival!
 
NEWMAN PART WAYS WITH GUITARIST NEIL "NOG" RICHARDSON

Newman have parted ways with guitarist Neil 'Nog' Richardson, this wasn't an easy decision to make but due to Nog's increasing commitment to his personal and family life it was felt that in the interest of both parties the time had come to move on. Steve and the rest of the band would like to thank Neil for his great contribution to Newman and wish him all the very best for the future.

And to the new arrival ....

SHAUN BESSANT ANNOUNCED AS NEW GUITARIST FOR NEWMAN


The band are very pleased to announce that the new guitarist of Newman is none other than the very talented Mr Shaun Bessant. No stranger to the live and recording scene, Shaun has played in various bands over the last 20 years including Tightrope, The Unknown, Sensured, Chinchilla, Wild Strawberries, Upfront, Mafia, and more recently Bizr and Kranefly. As a session guitarist he has lent his services to various recording projects such as Nomad an Oxford-based collaboration between vocalist Abi Strevens, composer Mark Arnold, lyricist Andy Hart and producer Nat Duke.

Steve Newman comments "As soon as we started running through the songs, myself, Dave, Nic, and Paul, knew immediately that Shaun was the right fit for this band. He's definitely brought something new and exciting to the table and we're all looking forward to taking this out live and having a great time !!"

Shaun's first show with the band will be at the Heroes on the 25th September followed by the Firefest Festival at Nottingham Rock City on 31st October. click here for more details:

Soundclips of Steve Lukather's new album available


The Steve Lukather website has just updated the info on Lukather's new album 'All's Well That Ends Well' and added soundclips of all the songs. Check it all out at the albums section.

He's set to release his new solo album on Monday 11th October 2010 in Europe and Japan, and in February 2011 in the USA and at iTunes.

The album will be released in 3 versions:
M 7308 1 Vinyl.
M 7308 2 Jewel case CD.
M 7322 2 Limited Edition Digibook (first print run and Europe only).

Extended booklet with exclusive studio pics, liner notes from producer CJ Vanston, track by track line notes from Luke and a personal message from Luke.

Lukather: "I’m very excited because I have some great new music. I tried for a personal best and worked very hard on all aspects of music. It’s a journey that’s for sure. It is a VERY personal record. You have to check it out in October and tell ME. There is plenty of music on there, almost 50 minutes. That's ENOUGH. Records used to be no more than 38 minutes tops! Keeps your attention.”
For more information on Steve Lukather go to:  http://www.stevelukather.net/

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