Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Rock News for Tuesday 30th November, 2010

Yes, I'm back folks! Hopefully Paypal and Ebay come through for me and things aren't as bad as I thought ... That said, once this matter is cleared up, I think I may just pull out of Ebay for a while, the whole identity theft thing, credit card theft / fraud, call it what you will is just too scary. I really don't need that right now or anytime. Sad but true, that after 9 years as an Ebay user, my account becomes compromised.
Enough on all that though, you're here for the latest and greatest in the world of rock, right, so here you go!

Mr Big exclusive video from 'What If ...' through Frontiers

Yes, lets kick things off with a treat from those wonderful people at Frontiers records and give you a video from Mr Big as a taster or teaser - Read as applicable! - from their forthcoming album, 'What If ..."
The album is due to be released in Europe on January 21st, 2011. - What about a US release dates guys?!

So here's the new video from Mr Big entitled 'Undertow.' Enjoy!


Europe, I guess you are giving the US a run for their money, in the fact that you folks seem to be more supportive of certain bands from the 80's and 90's in the melodic and hard rock world, when it comes to new material. i.e. Supporting album sales.
Japan of course, always seems to be there for live shows and paying the bands from that era the big bucks to come over and play just one or two shows.
It really sucks, that US radio simply does NOT play enough of the great new material that these classic hard rockin' bands are still releasing these days.
So here's my plea to all those US Radio stations out there ... Come on US radio, why not?
You know these bands sell out shows again and again on US turf, so why can't you radio programmers allow this new material to be heard. It's clearly good stuff! You are missing out and depriving fans who are out of touch, of knowing what their favourite bands are doing these days. OK, rant over ...
Don't forget folks, the new Mr Big album WILL be out in 2011!

Keep up with the band at: www.mrbigsite.com/

Rush 'Time Machine,' North American Dates Revealed

Canadian rockers Rush have confirmed that 'The Time Machine Tour' will visit new cities throughout North America and play a few return engagements beginning March 30th in Ft. Lauderdale and running through April 22nd in 2011 with dates in Greensboro, Nashville, Louisville, Toledo, Hershey, New York’s esteemed Madison Square Garden, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Hamilton, Montreal and Baltimore.
The tour also returns to North America in June with performances in select markets that will include cities such as New Orleans, Austin, Vancouver and a very special return play in Los Angeles – more information on these dates and more soon!

Tickets for RUSH go on sale in select markets beginning December 6th at http://www.livenation.com/

Tickets for the Rush performances will go on sale in Hershey, Detroit and Baltimore beginning Monday, Dec. 6th, with additional on-sales to follow.
To benefit the relief efforts in Haiti, one dollar of each ticket sold will be donated through several charities including “Doctors Without Borders”.
Rush will also contribute a portion of their proceeds at the culmination of the tour.

For Rush Fan Club tickets, as well as fan club exclusive merchandise offers, visit http://rush.musictoday.com/
For Rush Time Machine packages, visit http://www.livenation.com/Rush-tickets/artist/807344

Please check all updates on the http://www.rush.com/ tour page for all updates:

Phil Kennemore Benefit - A special Y & T New Years Eve event with very special guests!


On December 31st, 2010, a gig will take place at 'The Avalon' in Santa Clara, CA featuring Y & T and some very special guest, friends.
The event taking place is in aid of raising funds to help Y & T man, Phil Kennemore deal with some of his medical costs, after Phil was sadly diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer.

Very special guest performances and unique auction items available at the event. Other auction items available at the Y&T web site. Tickets available at the Avalon and online.
Breakfast offered at the end of the night.

Special guests who have volunteered to perform*:
•Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
•Don Dokken
•Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
•Vinny Appice (DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell)
•Sean McNabb (Dokken, Montrose)
•Loren Gold (Roger Daltrey)
•Paul Bostaph (Testament)
•Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper)
•Joey Alves
•Leonard Haze
•...and more to be announced! Check back often for updated performer list.

Thanks to some of the many friends who have donated items/services to help:
Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot)
•Joey Allen, Erik Turner and Warrant
•Jeff Scott Soto
•Eric Martin and Mr Big
•Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake)
•Twisted Sister
•Robb Reiner, Lips and Anvil
•Primal Fear
•Tigertailz
John Taylor Dismukes and Capstone Studios
Timothy Drury
George Bisceglia / Bisceglia Guitars
Ron Capps
Frank Aresti / D'Addario Strings, Evans Drumheads, Planet Waves
Joey Tafolla / JTM Merchandising
Scott Ferrara / EMG Pickups
Dean Markley Strings
San Jose Pro Drum
Yamaha
Diana and Rob Jensen / Testarossa Winery
KFOX
e design
An extra huge thanks to the Avalon for donating 100% of the ticket proceeds to Phil.
* Subject to change due to artist availability.

Otherwise, feel free to donate to Phil's fund right here:


Simple Minds line up 'The UK Forest Tour 2011'


Simple Minds are to play a 'Greatest Hits UK Forest Tour' next summer, playing a series of dates in spectacular woodland locations as part of Forestry Commission Live Music.
Special guest support for all dates will be Starsailor front man James Walsh.

Money generated by Forestry Commission Live Music ticket sales is spent directly on the nation’s woodlands, benefiting everything from butterflies to mountain bikers.
Commenting on the tour, Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr said, "We've never done the forest gigs before so we are really looking forward to performing in such beautiful places."

Confirmed Simple Minds - Greatest Hits Forest Tour Dates:
June 2011
Fri 10 June Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, Nr Goudhurst, Kent.
Sat 11 June Thetford Forest, Nr Brandon, Suffolk.
Fri 17 June Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
Sat 18 June Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nr Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.
Fri 24 June Dalby Forest, nr Pickering, North Yorks.
Sat 25 June Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffordshire.
July 2011
Sun 03 July Delamere Forest, Delamere, Cheshire.

Tickets cost £35.00 (subject to booking fee)
These dates look set to be very special indeed.
Look forward to seeing you there!

Steve Lukather performs at KLOS radio All Star Xmas show in L.A.

Steve Lukather's website is currently plugging an upcoming gig in L.A. that will feature a killer all star line up.

Announcing the 95.5 KLOS Mark and Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre Thursday, Dec 16th, 2010 benefiting the Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center.
Tickets will be available at http://www.ticketwood.com/. Mark & Brian's All-Star Band features Steve Lukather alongside, Peter Frampton, Paul Rodgers, Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, Mark Bonilla, Tal Wilkenfeld, Gregg Bissonette, Slash and many more.

"BIG LIFE" NEW UK ROCK PROJECT 

Just over ten years years ago, former Praying Mantis lead vocalist Mark Thompson-Smith (Ex-Idol Rich, After Hours) released a solo album entitled 'A Far Cry From New Jersey,' which picked up a number of favourable reviews if I recall correctly and since then, his career has bounced around a little, but he did some tour work with British glam rockers, The Sweet too. Since then he's been doing odd session work here and there and playing gigs mainly in southern England.
Some of his session work, included working with his old mate Steve Newman, helping Steve out on some of his Newman releases and it was this connection that eventually led to the 'Big Life' project.

The 'Big Life' album featuring Mark Thompson-Smith and Steve Newman is now complete.
The guys are very excited about this new album and the few people who have heard songs from it have shared their enthusiasm. It's going to be an album to look out for in 2011.
A label and release date is currently in negotiation, We will have more details very soon so watch this space!!!

Eric Clapton Announces Additional Dates of 2011 TouringU.S. AND CANADA DATES ADDED TO CLAPTON'S 2011 SCHEDULE!

Directly on the heels of Eric Clapton’s recent new album 'Clapton' released to strong critical acclaim, the artist announced initial dates for his 2011 touring that will encompass the West Coast of the U.S. in the Spring to be followed by a run of shows in Ireland and the U.K. in May 2011.

Critics have been raving about the latest Clapton album as a new and inspiring body of work by one of the world’s most legendary guitar players. Co-produced by guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, the album features an all star cast of musical collaborations starting with the legendary JJ Cale, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond—and the sessions later added guests including Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint, and Derek Trucks. Clapton created a collection that touches on everything from century-old traditional brass bands to little-known country blues to brand-new originals. The result is both relaxed and revelatory, and unlike anything the guitarist has done in his legendary career.

Clapton has assembled an impressive band for the 2011 tour which will consist of long-time touring partners: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) along with Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists.
Ticket On-Sale Information -- Check local ticket agencies for availability and pricing

CURRENT LIST OF NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
FEBRUARY 2011
Friday, Feb 25 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
Saturday, Feb 26 Seattle, WA Key Arena
Monday, Feb 28 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena

MARCH 2011
Wednesday, March 2 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Thursday, March 3 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
Saturday, March 5 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sunday, March 6 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
Tuesday, March 8 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk
Wednesday, March 9 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk


Previously Announced International Dates
FEBRUARY 2011
Monday, Feb 14 Singapore Singapore Indoor Stadium
Friday, Feb 18 Hong Kong, China Hong Kong Asia World Arena

MAY 2011
Monday, May 9 Dublin
Tuesday, May 10 Belfast
Thursday, May 12th Glasgow SECC
Saturday, May 14th Cardiff International Arena

Royal Albert Hall (London, England)
May 17, May 18, May 20, May 21, May 23, May 24, May 26, May 27, May 29, May 30

JUNE 2011
Monday, June 6 Helsinki, Finland Hartwall Arena
Wednesday, June 8 Stockholm, Sweden Ericsson Globe
Thursday, June 9 Oslo, Norway Norwegian Wood Festival
Saturday, June 11 Herning, Denmark Jyske Bank Boxen
For more details go to:
www.ericclapton.com/

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