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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Rock News for Tuesday 14th September, 2010

WHITESNAKE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

September 2010 - Whitesnake have announced keyboardist Timothy Drury is leaving the band to pursue a solo career...


"For over seven years now I have been fortunate enough to travel the world, to play and sing my heart out and to share the stage with David Coverdale as a part of Whitesnake.
I've learned so much from David Coverdale and this experience, about following one's heart, about being authentic, about never letting fear prevent one from pursuing one's destiny.

More than ever, I see the value of what I can express as a composer and producer, photographer, songwriter, singer... as an artist. That is why I must now say my goodbyes to you all and take my leave to pursue some very important creative projects that have been brewing for some time now.

I am currently preparing for my first photography show in the Winfield Gallery in Carmel where I will be performing my cinematic music at the opening and projecting my images and video on screens. The event will be happening as part of the Carmel Art and Film Festival, October 6th through the 10th. http://carmelartandfilm.com/ "

Whitesnake singer David Coverdale said... "We are sad to lose such a valued member of the band, but, we understand, support & sincerely wish Timothy every success in his solo career & thank him for a great, fun journey together."
At this time the band are focusing on finishing the new studio album before seeking a replacement keyboard player.
For the full statement from Timothy please visit http://www.whitesnake.com/

QUIET RIOT BACK IN BUSINESS WITH NEW SINGER AND UPCOMING TOUR


After the tragic passing of co-founding Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow in 2007, many figured that the band was over. But while going through the vaults of vintage video material for an upcoming documentary of the band's history, the spark was reignited once more for drummer Frankie Banali to kick QR back in gear. The easy part was filling the guitar and bass slots - as former members Chuck Wright (bass) and Alex Grossi (guitar) promptly signed on. However, having to fill DuBrow's large shoes was no small task.

A longtime fan of heavy metal, singer Mark Huff came to Banali's attention while fronting a California-based Van Halen tribute band (that focused on the "Sammy Hagar era"). A true Cinderella story, Huff auditioned via a cattle call audition, promptly blew Banali away, and got the gig. After getting the blessing from DuBrow's mother to carry on with Quiet Riot (and to celebrate her son's music), the group was ready to rock once more.

Quiet Riot hit mega-success with their first-ever US release in 1983, the classic 'Metal Health.' Spawning two hit singles that have gone on to become synonymous with heavy metal - "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Metal Health" - the 'Metal Health' album went on to become the first-ever metal US debut to hit the #1 spot on the Billboard album charts, and resulted in a solid year of sold-out arena shows and non-stop MTV video airplay. However, it was the DuBrow-Banali-Wright-Grossi line-up that proved to be DuBrow's favorite touring line-up (and also, most stable).

Quiet Riot is currently firming up plans for a full U.S. tour - their first in three years. And with the aforementioned documentary on the horizon, and the band's music being used in hit films ('The Wrestler,' 'Tropic Thunder'), video games ('Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's'), and even musicals ('Rock of Ages') - as well as QR being name-checked in songs by Weezer and Ben Folds - Quiet Riot remains a major force in heavy metal. And soon, you will get a chance to bang your head once more to Quiet Riot, at a concert venue near you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

In addition to the info above, the band has posted classic Quiet Riot tracks featuring new singer Mark Huff on vocals. They state that these tracks will NOT be used for commercial purposes.
Go here to hear the tracks: www.officialquietriot.com/#pressrelease

Fancy getting an autographed copy of Stan Bush' new release?


Stan Bush, the man who is about to release his 13th studio release, 'Dream the Dream' this Wednesday 15th September, is making a special offer to fans who want to order his new release.
This message shared through Stan Bush' MySpace page:

To all my friends and fans on MySpace,

Thanks for supporting me and my music in the past. Whether you've been with me since "The Touch," or just discovered me through "In This Life," your support means the world to me.

This week, my brand new CD "Dream The Dream" is being released (on Wednesday, September 15th.) It will be available for download as well in iTunes - in fact, it's already listed there ahead of schedule.

For those of you that buy the CD through http://www.larecords.com/ on the release date (Wednesday,) I will personally autograph it for you. It's just my small way of saying "thanks" for supporting my music. Give this new one a try - you won't be disappointed!
Stan

Sounds like a pretty good deal!
His MySpace page is: www.myspace.com/116446489


Voyage (Featuring Hugo) line up new live shows

The rather good sounding Journey tribute band, Voyage featuring the impressive Hugo on lead vocals, have announced some new live shows.
They shared this message with fans of the band:

Dear Friends,
Hope you all had a great summer. Thanks again for all your amazing support. We have a bunch of shows coming up and hope to see you all there.

October 2010
Saturday October 9 - Nutty Irishman - Bayshore, LI/NY
Friday October 15 - Canal Room - NY, NY
Saturday October 23 - Starland Ballroom - Sayerville, NJ
November 2010
Saturday November 13 - Penn's Peak - Jim Thorpe, PA

Come join us on FB and Myspace:

BIG COUNTRY ARE BACK!

Legendary 80's rockers Big Country are all set to return to the stage and have announced 4 UK shows to take place in January 2011. More may be added.

The band exploded onto the scene in 1983 with anthemic songs such as 'Fields Of Fire' and 'In A Big Country' which were culled from their classic debut album 'The Crossing' which sold several million worldwide. They followed up with a number one album 'Steeltown' and released 8 studio albums all of which entered the Top Ten. Big Country released 28 singles 5 of which were also Top Ten.

Approaching their 30th anniversary, the band are lining up concerts for a period of celebration that will not only embrace their illustrious past but also honour the life and times of original lead singer, guitarist and co-founder Stuart Adamson, who passed away so tragically in 2001. Taking on the mantle of lead singer and joining the band for these dates and more will be Mike Peters of fellow celtic rockers The Alarm.

"I first met Stuart on stage at a U2 concert in Hammersmith Palais back in 1983" says Mike Peters. "Bono introduced us to his audience as being "part of the the new breed" and Stuart was literally passed up onto the stage by the fans and I shook his hand as I handed him a guitar - an unforgettable entrance. The last time I saw him was also on stage with Big Country at Glasgow Barrowlands for the last night of the Final Fling tour in 2000, when we sang Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Freeworld' together. When Bruce Watson called and asked me to sing for Big Country, it was something I didn't need to think twice about. I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans again and playing a part in keeping the spirit of Stuart Adamson alive and celebrating the music of a band I have loved from near and afar for the whole of my adult life".

Bass guitarist Tony Butler says "To play again as Big Country was something that was only going to happen if we could find someone who could compliment the band and sing the songs in the way they need to be sung - with heart and soul. Mike Peters from The Alarm has stepped in to fill the premise. It's about time the songs got another airing, and we think Stuart would be pleased too".

The new line up consists of:
Tony Butler - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Mark Brzezicki - Drums and Vocals
Mike Peters - Vocals and Guitar
Bruce Watson - Guitar and Vocals
Jamie Watson - Guitar

Dates are:
January 2011
Wednesday 5th Newcastle O2 Academy
Thursday 6th London Islington O2 Academy
Friday 7th Birmingham O2 Academy
Saturday 8th Liverpool O2 Academy

All shows are on sale from Saturday 11th September @ 9am via http://www.gigsandtours.com/ or on 0844 811 0051. Tickets are priced £20 regionally (£22.50 London).

The band's official website http://www.bigcountry.co.uk/ will be selling tickets from Wednesday 8th September.

Journey's Deen Castronovo to release solo album

It seems that Journey drummer Deen Castronovo, plans to go ahead and release a solo album! Cool!
The band - Journey - has currently been recording new material with producer Kevin Shirley and perhaps it's already done, based on the fact that they were recording last year .... Since then or between now and then, Shirley has produced the new Black Country Communion, new Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, etc, etc ...
So when we're going to actually see the new Journey album - 2011? - is anyone's guess in reality!
The other three artists mentioned have or are just about to release their albums.

Anyway, I guess latest Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda has been bored, as he's been doing live shows with his own band amid rumours of inner band rifts - Already! Neal Schon even did some solo gigs too and now it seems Deen Castronova is recording or working on a solo album.

He's posted a couple of recent updates at his site.
This posted on August 28th:
Deen called to give us an update on what he's been up to since Journey is taking the year off from touring. Deen's been spending a lot of time with family, particularly his two sons. This Sunday he leaves for California to begin recording with Journey guitarist Neal Schon on a new cd that will also include Marco Mendozza. Looks like we're going to be hearing a lot from Deen with the new Journey cd, his work with Neal and one other gig that should be very cool if everything comes together. Check back often for updates!

Then more recently this posted September 7th:
A new update from Deen....he's still in the studio with Neal Schon and Marco Mendozza and they have recorded some killer new music! Also, two big announcements: First, Deen has his first SOLO album in the works. We can't share all the details yet but Deen is super excited about this new project and will fill us in with all the details when he can. Also, check back here in a few days to purchase your own Deen Castronovo t-shirt. All proceeds will benefit the Salem Boys and Girls Club, Deen's charity of choice! More details to follow later this week! Deen sends his best to everyone and is looking forward to seeing you all in 2011!
The man has more than proven on tour that he can hit those Steve Perry high notes while playing the drums, so I think we should be in for a real treat with his solo record!
Keep tabs on what develops here at: www.deencastronovo.net/

Rumour doing the rounds that Triumph 2011 tour is off!

There was talk a while back via the Van Halen newsdesk site - www.vhnd.com/ - that had hinted that Van Halen would be back for a big tour in 2011 with Triumph as special guests.
Well, if you read the interviews with the various Triumph members scattered about all over the web - As well as the one I did with Gil Moore earlier this year http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-gil-moore-triumph.html - and to be honest, Rik Emmett has been saying all along that it's all down to Gil ...
Mike Levine has been telling everyone it seems, that it quite likely to happen ...
Gil - Well, I think the guy is just too committed to Metalworks studios and will not let go of the reins, which I personally think is sad.
I think they would be fine without him and perhaps he is just using that line, as he doesn't feel up to touring again. He kind of indicated that in how tough it was to get back to playing again for Sweden Rock Festival and Rocklahoma in 2009.
I'd love to see them tour again and really think they should, but realistically I don't believe Gil is up for it.
Huge shame if you ask me.

Rik Emmett has just done another pretty good interview which you can check out here on the Addictedtovinyl.com site:

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