Rock News for Saturday 9th January, 2010

Live Nation and Ticketmaster one step closer to merger

It seems stockholders at both Ticketmaster and Live Nation - the two main controllers of live concert and major sporting event ticket sales - at annual meetings held Jan. 8, voted to approve the proposed merger between them.

Sometime back, top representatives within Ticketmaster claimed that this moved would be good for concert goers and that they would look to removing the much dispised additional Ticketmaster / Live Nation fees and charges that annoy us all so much!

Additional costs that on occasion may put a $100 concert ticket at around $130 - 150!

Basically, so many of these increased and outrageous fees and charges have been making shows too expensive for the average concert goer and are now making it similar to many big sporting events, an occasion that will only be for the wealthy rich folks.

Sad indeed if these companies are allowed to continue in this way.

Pollstar posted this yesterday, as they've been following this very closely:

On the Live Nation side, more than 99% of the shares voted were cast in favor of the merger, according to a LN statement. The company’s stockholders also approved all other proposals submitted to a vote, including a proposal to change the company’s name to “Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.” following the completion of the merger.

Ticketmaster's statement was nearly identical, with more than 98% of shares voted in favor of the merger.

http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/01/08/704596.aspx

The story also covered through the Associated Press here: http://www.inform.com/article/Live%20Nation%2C%20Ticketmaster%20shareholders%20OK%20merger

Scorpions forthcoming new album, "Sting In The Tail" artwork revealed

Well, not too much more info on this release yet except, The Scorpions have just revealed the artwork for new album "Sting In The Tail."

The new album will be released on March 19. This information was given out here:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/scorpions-reveal-album-artwork/#more-28164

At the Scorpions website: http://www.the-scorpions.com/english/ I don't see the artwork but there is the information about their upcoming tour, which indicates the album must be about done!

Rock drummers from Pink Floyd and Radiohead in Sudan peace effort

While I know this isn't a "rock" project, it's something involving people from the rock world, prepared to get involved and try to do something to help.

The "Beats For Peace" campaign is an effort to try and prevent further bloodshed in the Sudan.

According to reports about the campaign - this one posted on the BBC news website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8449743.stm

includes contributions from the drummers from Pink Floyd, Radiohead, The Killers and the Police.

The short film / campaign video track behind this project can be viewed here on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPM5Wepff1o

The film they've is one of a series of events being held in 15 countries calling on world leaders to do more to avoid a return to civil war.

Rock News for Friday 8th January, 2010

Well, not a whole lot to update you with today and yes, I know it's late in the day too!

I have a pretty exclusive interview I'll be posting soon, that I did with someone special back at the end of October last year ... I know, I know, why so long ... Well, I could go on, but that would just drag out the pain more! LOL!

So, what do I have for you here?

UFO's Vinnie Moore solo tour in 2010

Yes, current UFO guitar maestro Vinnie Moore will set out on a European tour this year, which sounded at first like it could put paid to any possible new UFO product or dates, but hold on ... It's only for February, phew!

He also adds this on his tour dates page, "UFO dates for 2010 to be announced shortly."

Now that's what I'm talking about!

This was posted through Vinnie's site: http://www.vinniemoore.com/vm/news.htm

Vinnie will be doing a solo tour in Europe during February 2010.

Believe it or not, this is the first real solo tour that he has done with his band in Europe.

He has put together an exciting new line up that is sure to turn some heads.

The band members are

Vinnie Moore - guitar

Mike DiMeo - keyboards and vocals (ex Riot, Masterplan and The Lizards)

Aquiles Priester - drums (Hangar)

Lars Lehmann – bass (Uli Jon Roth)

The band will be playing lots of Vinnie’s music from over the years, as well as some covers with Mike on vocals.

Please show your support by coming out to a show, or by spreading the word online. Thanks for your help.

These Dates are now confirmed. More dates to be added soon – please check back.

February 2010

04 - Italy - Rome - Crossroads

05 - Italy - Scandiano - Corallo

06 - Italy - Trofarello - Il Peocio

10 - Italy - Pisa - Borderline

11 - Turkey - Istanbul - Jolly Joker Balans

12 - Turkey - Ankara - 312 Club

13 - Italy - Mozzate - Motorockas

16 - Belgium - Verviers - Spirit 66

17 - England - London - Underworld

19 - Spain - Las Palmas - Telde Theater

20 - Spain - Bilbao - Sala Rockstar

23 - Austria - Vienna - Reigen

25 - Greece - Thessaloniki - Mylos Club

26 - Greece - Athens - An Club

In addition to these dates, Vinnie will also be appearing at the annual NAMM show:

Vinnie will be signing autographs at the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA on January 15 and 16 2010.

Catch him at:

Dean Guitars and Engl Amplifiers.

Dean Guitars Booth

Friday - 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Saturday - 11:00am-12:00am

Engl Amplification Booth

Saturday 1pm - 2pm

Dean will once again be webcasting LIVE from their booth. Go here for details:

http://www.deanguitars.com/namm10.php

Great White - Station Fire gig survivors to finally get compensation, almost ...

The tragic event that happened almost 7 years ago now, that took the lives of 100 rock fans at a Great White gig at The Station rock club, as well as the bands' guitarist at the time Ty Longley, looks close to finally paying out some settlement to the survivors.

In a story posted through Rolling Stone, it seems: " ... a federal judge yesterday (Jan. 7th) approved a plan to start issuing over 300 settlements to the victims and their families, the Providence Journal reports. The plaintiffs in the case will reportedly begin to receive money from the $176 million settlement fund in a matter of months, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ronald R. Lagueux said.

More of the story details here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/01/08/settlements-for-victims-near-in-2003-great-white-nightclub-fire/

The week in AC/DC ...

This posted at http://www.acdc.com/ today:

Happy New Year, eyeryone! We're just over a week into 2010 and things have already started heating up for AC/DC, with this week's announcement of two additional dates on the band's summer European calendar--one in Bern, Switzerland and one in Warsaw, Poland.

Tickets for the Bern show have already sold out and tickets for the Warsaw show go on sale on Monday the 11th at 10am local time. Members of the AC/DC Fan Club enjoy special access to tickets from a grouping of reserved tickets not available to the public.

In case anyone had any doubt about the massiveness of the "Black Ice" Tour, this week Pollstar released their lists of the top tours of 2009 and AC/DC found themselves right there amongst the best. On the list of the top 50 worldwide tours, they had the second biggest tour of the year, behind only U2 and in North America, the Black Ice Tour was the fifth biggest tour of the year. Outstanding!

This week was also a call for celebration in the AC/DC camp, as on Wednesday, guitarist and AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young celebrated his 57th birthday. For years, Malcolm's been providing us with punishing rhythm guitar, so of course, we'd like to wish him a heartily happy birthday. Keep on shreddin', Malcolm!

For those about to rock in New Zealand and Australia, with less than three weeks until AC/DC lands down under, it's time to start getting pumped. As the shows approach, we want to hear about all the badass things you have planned for the shows. Following the band all the way from Melbourne to Perth? Shaving "AC/DC" into your back hair for the Auckland show? Breaking your brother out of jail for the Sydney shows? Head over to the forums and let us know!

...and with that, we close the book on another edition of The Week in AC/DC. 'Til next week

To be honest, that's about it right now.

I hope to get 'that' interview up and a few reviews next week!

Have a great weekend!

Rock News for Thursday 7th January, 2010

Any Nickelback fans out there? Guess what? They've announced more live dates!

Well, as Nickelback's latest release "Dark Horse" continues to shift more and more copies, the band have moved with it, to add more tour dates!

With the band just about to play some major UK dates, a bunch of new US dates have been added plus a few more Canadian dates tagged on the end for good measure, which will currently see them touring into June 2010!

 

Pollstar had posted details yesterday actually, but I only caught this today.

http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/01/06/704093.aspx

Here's the current tour dates for the band:

Date City Venue Tickets

January 2010

Sun 01/17/10 Liverpool, United Kingdom Liverpool Echo Arena

Tue 01/19/10 London, United Kingdom Wembley Arena

Thu 01/21/10 Basel, Switzerland St. Jakobshalle

Sun 01/24/10 Linz, Austria Intersport Arena Linz

Tue 01/26/10 Mannheim, Germany SAP ARENA

Wed 01/27/10 Luxembourg, Luxembourg Rockhal

Fri 01/29/10 Oberhausen, Germany Konig - Pilsener Arena

Sat 01/30/10 Munich, Germany Olympiahalle

February 2010

Mon 02/01/10 Hamburg, Germany Color Line Arena

Fri 02/05/10 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai Festival City (Appearing at "Gulf Bike Festival" )

April 2010

Tue 04/06/10 London, ON The John Labatt Centre

Thu 04/08/10 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Fri 04/09/10 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Sun 04/11/10 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place

Tue 04/13/10 Washington, DC Verizon Center

Wed 04/14/10 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum

Fri 04/16/10 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center

Sat 04/17/10 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum

Mon 04/19/10 Orlando, FL Amway Arena

Wed 04/21/10 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

Fri 04/23/10 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center on sale 1/16

Sat 04/24/10 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

Mon 04/26/10 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center on sale 1/16

May 2010

Wed 05/05/10 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena on sale 1/23

Fri 05/07/10 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome on sale 1/16

Sat 05/08/10 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum on sale 1/16

Mon 05/10/10 Nampa, ID Idaho Center on sale 1/16

Fri 05/14/10 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena on sale 1/23

Sat 05/15/10 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center on sale 1/16

Tue 05/18/10 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena on sale 1/16

Wed 05/19/10 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena on sale 1/23

Fri 05/21/10 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center on sale 1/16

Sat 05/22/10 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

Mon 05/24/10 Minneapolis, MN Target Center on sale 1/16

Tue 05/25/10 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha on sale 1/23

Thu 05/27/10 Fargo, ND Fargodome on sale 1/23

Sat 05/29/10 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre

Mon 05/31/10 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome

June 2010

Tue 06/01/10 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

Thu 06/03/10 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place

Foreigner's Kelly Hansen, "I'm no puppet!"

Former Hurricane frontman, Kelly Hansen who took on the extremely challenging role of replacing one Lou Gramm in the band Foreigner, has spoken to UK Classic Rock magazine to make clear, that he is NOT, lone original member and band leader, Mick Jones' puppet!

Lead vocalist Hansen refuted claims that guitarist Mick Jones tells him how to interpret the band’s classic songs such as "Cold As Ice" and "I Want To Know What Love Is."

“I half-read an interview with [original Foreigner vocalist] Lou Gramm where he assumed that Mick must be telling me how to sing the songs,” Hansen told Classic Rock.

“Well, it can’t be further from the truth. Mick and I are of a like mind about what the songs need. I’m trying to perform them in a sincere way, from the heart. Just to clear the air on that point.”

Jones spoke up to also say, “As far as Kelly or any other vocalist is concerned, it’s not simply a matter of being able to sing the songs,”

 “I detected something in Kelly from the beginning. I could tell right there and then that he wasn’t just singing the songs, he was interpreting them. It wasn’t karaoke; he definitely got into the songs and made them come alive.”

 

Interesting stuff indeed, read more on this here: www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/foreigner-vocalist-hansen-im-not-mick-jones-puppet/

 

"Can’t Slow Down," Foreigner’s first new studio album in 15 years, gets a European release through EarMusic/Edel on March 1.

 

JANUS CONFIRMS TOUR DATES WITH CHEVELLE STARTING FEBRUARY 8 IN SUPPORT OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ‘RED RIGHT RETURN’ DEBUT ALBUM.

“EYESORE” CONTINUES TO SOAR UP THE ACTIVE ROCK CHARTS

January 7, 2010 -- Revolver has described JANUS as a band that sounds like “Deftones getting Disturbed because their Chevelle stalled when the alt-metallers were just 30 Seconds To Mars.”

The Chicago band----David Scotney (vocals), Johnny Salazar (drums), Alan Quitman (bass), Mike Tyranski (guitar/programming) — will soon be able to show everyone that they live up to such a compliment. Once a current trek of headlining shows concludes, JANUS will perform a month’s worth of dates with Chevelle starting February 8 in Boston at the House of Blues. They’ve been touring non-stop to promote their debut album, RED RIGHT RETURN, since its release September 22, 2009 on REALID Records, through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group.

The album’s explosive first single, “Eyesore,” is currently spinning on over 50 Rock radio stations nationwide, and is approaching Top 20 on the Active Rock charts. A video for the track—directed by Noah Shulman (Sleepless City Productions)--can now be seen on the band’s Myspace and YouTube pages.

“This musically versatile band is locked and loaded for a nationwide takeover…This band is a hard rock dream team.” -- News 4U

“There are a few bands, given the opportunity, could take the radio by storm. JANUS is a perfect example of this type of band. If they were given the chance, and played on some larger radio stations alongside all of our alternative ‘favorites’ (sound-alikes), they could earn themselves hordes of fans.” -- http://www.absolutepunk.net/

“There’s no need to beat around the bush here--RED RIGHT RETURN is a near flawless affair…the group accomplished with RED RIGHT RETURN what many bands strive for their entire careers. From the tight and pinpoint precision of their musicianship to their enviable and poetic penmanship, Janus are years and years ahead of the pack. RED RIGHT RETURN is an orgasm to 30 Seconds to Mars fans seeking the next generation, so all you bandwagon folks leftover from “The Kill” would be damned not to take a flyer. I’ll digress and give Janus the floor, because they not only deserve your undivided attention, but also earn it with RED RIGHT RETURN.” -- http://www.tunelab.com/

“RED RIGHT RETURN is phenomenal, a massive piece of near perfect modern rock sensibilities. This masterpiece is truly driven by outstanding hooks fueled by frontman David Scotney’s vocal multi-tasking…This is as captivating and engrossing as rock records come--it is polished and well produced. There is no doubt that the boys put a lot of time into Red Right Return, and it shows…This is a record that will stick with you, a characteristic many rock albums sadly do not boast. It shouldn’t be long before this Chicago quartet rightly takes their place atop modern rock’s throne. Hell, with how good RED RIGHT RETURN is, they very well might be considered rock music’s ‘it’ band right now. Janus is one of the best modern rock bands on the scene today, and with their talent and an album like RED RIGHT RETURN, these guys might be an unstoppable force.” -- http://www.chicagoathome.com/

Check out JANUS at any of the following stops:

DATE CITY VENUE

Headlining shows:

Thu 1/21 East Lansing, MI The Small Planet

Fri 1/22 Bay City, MI State Theatre (with Pop Evil)

Sat 1/23 Chicago, IL Best Buy (2pm acoustic performance)/The Cubby Bear

Fri 1/29 Nashville, TN Exit/In

Dates With Chevelle as follows:

Mon 2/8 Boston, MA House Of Blues

Tue 2/9 New York, NY The Fillmore

Wed 2/10 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel

Fri 2/12 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory

Mon 2/15 Columbus, OH Lifestyles Communities Pavilion

Tue 2/16 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre

Wed 2/17 Fort Wayne, IN Piere's

Fri 2/19 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room

Sat 2/20 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre

Sun 2/21 Waterloo, IA McElroy Auditorium

Tue 2/23 Rapid City, SD Barnet Arena

Wed 2/24 Fargo, ND The Venue

Fri 2/26 Sioux City, IA Convention Center

Sat 2/27 Grand Island, NE Heartland Arena

http://www.janusmusic.com/

www.myspace.com/janus

www.twitter.com/janus

www.youtube.com/user/januschicago

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janus/98001662723

"Sonisphere Festival" at Knebworth, UK to feature hard rock and metal acts galore!

With a line up that boasts Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, The Cult and Rammstein to name a few, the weekend of Friday 30th July - Sunday 1st August 2010 is sure to one to leave those with hearing problems, completely shot afterwards!

Seriously though, a major rock event in the UK, in the tradition of Monsters Of Rock and Download, no doubt it will be a massive success.

For tickets and much more information go here: http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com/

Rock News for Wednesday 6th January, 2010

Status Quo ARE also playing Australian dates! :)

It seems I missed plugging Status Quo's Australian dates coming up in March, as I just had pointed out to me by some old British friends who now live in Adelaide!
Specifically the concert on Sunday 14th March Clipsal 500 (V8 Car race), at the after race show in Adelaide.

Here's the list of Quo dates in Australia for March 2010:

Date:                Venue:
Wed 10th Mar Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, Australia, Australia (Support: The Screaming Jets) http://www.chuggentertainment.com/

Thu 11th Mar Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia (Support: The Screaming Jets) http://www.chuggentertainment.com/

Sat 13th Mar Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Australia (Support: The Screaming Jets) http://www.chuggentertainment.com/

Sun 14th Mar Clipsal 500 After Race Concert, Adelaide, Australia
http://www.chuggentertainment.com/  and http://www.clipsal500.com.au/the_concerts

Wed 17th Mar Challenge Stadium, Perth, Australia (Support: The Screaming Jets) http://www.chuggentertainment.com/

That better Sarah and Mike? :) Enjoy the gig, at least they're coming your way, I wish they'd come back to the States again! That show will also feature another great band in Noiseworks, as well as Ian Moss and Mental As Anything.

3 Doors Down To Perform During Halftime at the Arizona Cardinals Playoff Game

Just posted through the bands MySpace page:  www.myspace.com/3doorsdown

3 Doors Down have put studio time on hold this week to head west for the NFC Wild Card Playoffs!

The band have been invited back by the Arizona Cardinals to perform at their halftime festivities in hopes of being the lucky charm they need to advance in the NFC Playoffs this Sunday, January 10! In January 2009 they made their first appearance at University of Phoenix Stadium for the Cardinals Wild Card victory over Atlanta.

3 Doors Down will be performing two of their #1 hits, including Billboard’s #1 Mainstream Rock Song of the Decade “Kryptonite” and “Its Not My Time” at halftime, kickoff is scheduled at 2:40pm MT.

Ted Nugent stirring things up again ...

It seems Motor City Madman Ted Nugent is in the news again, following his recent interview with Royal Flush Magazine that’s sure to tick off liberals and endear him even more in the hearts of conservatives.

Entertainment website Pollstar posted this opening salvo from the interview with "The Nuge" to start their story coverage of the whole thing.
He stated that he hates Pam Anderson the most, respects “welfare brats” the least and thinks President Obama should be jailed.

Crazy stuff you think? Go to Pollstar to read more, right here:
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/01/06/704198.aspx

Uriah Heep'ster Mick Box continues his column writing for UK rock magazine Classic Rock

Apologies to Uriah Heep fans for not mentioning this before and bringing it to your attention, but sole Uriah Heep original member Mick Box, has over the last couple of months, become a bit of a columnist for UK magazine, Classic Rock.
I've read a few of his posts and must say it's great reading, entertaining stuff from Heep wrapping up their final European 2009 tour dates, to travelling back home, the hard way and then some!
The regular piece has been titled after Mick's trademark statement, 'appy Days: The Mick Box column.
Go here to read the 15th and latest installment:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/appy-days-the-mick-box-column-no-15/

UFO fans, Andy Parker recent Blog update posted

UFO drummer Andy Parker is the bands main spokesperson these days it appears, when he's not doing interviews, he seems to be the only band member posting any update or blog through his own site or the bands!

I just saw the update posted today on the UFO website: www.ufo-music.info/news.htm but put simply it's a plug for Andy Parker's own: www.mr-parker-rocks.com/news.htm

He actually did the posting on Christmas day or at least that's how his message is posted.

Here's just a little of what Mr. Parker has to share:
" ... time for me to update you all on the happenings in UFO land. It's been some time since my last entry (September, I believe) and needless to say a lot has transpired in the last three months. We took to the road at the beginning of October for the 2009 U.S. tour and I had fully intended to fill you in on our exploits when I returned home in early November.

As usual we started with a couple of days rehearsal in Wilmington, DE, being joined once again by the excellent Mr Rob DeLuca on bass guitar. Many thanks to Don and co. at Sabion Rehearsal Studio and to the manageress at Chili's for returning my mislaid credit card. We then spent the next two weeks criss-crossing the eastern part of the country, Springfield, Akron, and then Milwaukee. Here I hooked up with friend and drum maker extraordinaire Jim Beier, and took posession of my new snare drum (see the gear page). Then on to Pittsburgh, where after a well-deserved night off in a local restaurant, Vinnie (Moore), Rob, Batttttty (UFO's webmaster) and myself waited *three* hours for a cab to take us back to the hotel. Zzzzzzzzzzz!! If there are any out-of-work cabbies reading this, Pittsburgh's the place to be! Next stop Poughkeepsie, Sayreville, then B.B. Kings in NYC. Nice to see Steve Lobmeier from D'Addario and our good pal Mr. Eddie Trunk at the show. Then Sellersville, where Rob entertained his entire family and I got to meet Vinnie's close friends and neighbours, the lovely Hillary and her husband Jeff, and eat one of the best steaks I've ever had into the bargain. Many thanks to Dan and Alyson at the Sellersville Theatre for their hospitality."

Andy goes on to share more info on other dates, before then leading into moving on from US dates to the European dates:

"That concludes the U.S. dates, now on to Europe. As I mentioned earlier the brief gap between the U.S. and Europe seemed non-existent and November 16th saw us conducting 'business as usual' in Germany. Thanks to the fact that we had just finished the U.S. run, and we could now play the set in our sleep, no rehearsals were needed and we went straight into the tour. Not wishing to subject you all to Parker's version of 'War and Peace' I will try and be brief. In the space of twenty-three days, we played nineteen shows in seven different countries. Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Spain and Switzerland. They were all very well attended and the crowds really enthusiastic, especially the Spanish shows where the venues sounded more akin to soccer stadiums than rock clubs."
To read the whole message from Andy, go here: http://www.mr-parker-rocks.com/news.htm

Rik Emmett featured in Premier Guitar Magazine

This posted today on Rik Emmett's website: http://www.rikemmett.com/news/

January 6th, 2010 Rik Featured in the January issue of Premier Guitar Magazine!

Rik has been prominently featured in a wonderful article in Premier Guitar (January 2010) titled “Those Daring Young Men and Their Doubleneck Guitars: A Brief History of Multi-Neck Players”. Also available in print, you can read the online version here:
http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2010/Jan/Those_Daring_Young_Men_and_Their_Doubleneck_Guitars_A_Brief_History_of_Multi_Neck_Players.aspx?Page=2

Foreigner's "Can't Slow Down" available for Pre-order in UK and Europe

OK this just seems crazy to me, but FINALLY ..., Foreigner are about to have their "new" - Cough, cough - album "Can't Slow Down" released in Europe. Why do I say finally?
Well it was released in the USA through Walmart as a double CD and single DVD set back in the Fall (October 2009) and was their first top 30 Billboard album since "Inside Information" back in 1987.
Why they wait 5 more months before releasing it in Europe is beyond me?

This was posted today on the bands website: http://www.foreigneronline.com/

January 6, 2010 - 'Can't Slow Down' Now Available for Pre-Order in the UK & Europe!

Can't Slow Down is now available to pre-order in the United Kingdom and Europe at select UK online retailers! The release date for this UK/European version is scheduled for 1 March, 2010 and is priced at £8.99. The release will include the new album and a live DVD.
You can pre-order it through these sites:
http://www.play.com/
http://www.hmv.com/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Rock News for Tuesday 5th January, 2010

Rolling Stones, no 2010 dates say their PR folks

Following various rumours of the classic rock band having tour plans for 2010, the PR company behind the Rolling Stones, Rogers and Cowan made this statement on behalf of the band, as posted at http://www.pollstar.com/:

“Following recent UK media speculation, The Rolling Stones would like to make it clear, there are no plans at the moment for the band to tour in 2010.”

There was nothing posted at the PR company's website: http://www.rogersandcowan.com/ and likewise the Rolling Stones website had nothing posted, www.rollingstones.com/ but Pollstar obviously got the scoop from somewhere ...

Rocker Lenny Kravitz says he's not guilty of leaking Michael Jackson's "Another Day" song

Popular rocker Lenny Kravitz has apparently been suggested as the leak source, since "Another Day" was a song he recorded with Michael Jackson before the pop star passed away and went so far as to post the message on a You Tube video for 'his fans' that he's not guilty.
Billboard posted the story today here:
http://www.billboard.com/#/news/lenny-kravitz-denies-leaking-michael-jackson-1004056624.story

He states that the leaked version runs only one minute and thirty seconds, whereas he says he has the full version that he recorded with Michael Jackson locked away in a vault and that it wasn't even mixed yet.
You can watch the You Tube video right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL7wOwoGSNw&feature=player_embedded

John Sykes album releases updates via his MySpace

Ever since John Sykes quit the Thin Lizzy line up - That he incidentally pushed longer serving members Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton to ressurect after the passing of band frontman Phillip Lynott. - following rumours of his planned 'supergroup,' rock fans have been waiting with baited breath, to see what developed ...
Well, so far nothing has been shared by Sykes on any supergroup that he's a part of, although some speculation suggests it maybe with Glenn Hughes (Ex-Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes / Thrall, etc.), again, nothing firm has been revealed. I wonder how much longer he'll hide away?!

Meantime, he figures he'll plug some hard to find releases that are now being made available again, as advertised through his MySpace page:

Tuesday, January 05, 2010 - CD/MP3 now available
The John Sykes 'Chapter One' compilation and Blue Murder 'Screaming Blue Murder' live album (which until now has been difficult to find) are now available from CD Baby and on iTunes. See the link on the MySpace home page: http://www.myspace.com/johnsykesofficial

Joe Bonamassa slight update on 'supa groupa ..."
UK Classic Rock magazine - www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/ - is hot on the heels of various super group rumours that are doing the rounds and sure enough, in one that could be linked to my post yesterday regarding Glenn Hughes, they posted this from blues rocker Joe Bonamassa from info on his Twitter page:
www.twitter.com/JBONAMASSA

Joe Bonamassa has hinted that he is involved with a new band. He’s written the following on his Twitter page:
“Supa groupa starts tomorrow (January 2). Been writing all week. I am very excited to see a bunch of friends and crank up the super bass plexi.”
Given the fact that Glenn Hughes has announced he’s fronting a hot new band, could it be that Bonamassa is the guitarist?
I'm sure something will be revealed very soon!

Rock News for Monday 4th January, 2010

PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT - August 20th, 1949 - January 4th, 1986. Gone but never forgotten.

No update right now, but just wanted to pay tribute to the guy who in my opinion was the greatest frontman to the best live rock band I have ever seen live, Thin Lizzy!

RIP Phillip Lynott, you may be gone but you are never forgotten.

PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT - August 20th, 1949 - January 4th, 1986.

Status Quo announce more European tour dates
More 2010 Shows. 

Today on Status Quo's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/statusquo40 new European tour dates have been announced, fresh on the back of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt OBE awards.


Tickets are on sale for Quo at the Thy Rock festival, Denmark in June, and for gigs in Norway, Denmark and Finland in March and Sweden in July 2010.
http://www.statusquo.co.uk/tour09-10.html
 
Glenn Hughes, ready to rock again?

Rumours are rife about former Trapeze, Deep Purple man Glenn Hughes getting back to his rock roots again.

Earlier today, www.melodicrock.com posted a notice along these lines, making me believe Mr. McNiece there knows something! :)

He's posted on his website that veteran producer Kevin Shirley has remastered Deep Purple's "Come Taste The Band" album and the website - http://www.glennhughes.com/ - goes on to point people to follow these kind of daily comments on Twitter at http://twitter.com/glenn_hughes:

"On my way to Malibu, where Kevin Shirley is remixing Come Taste The Band... 010 is gonna start off with a BANG!!! GH"

"Was with Kevin Shirley 2day in Malibu...Mixed Dealer and I need Love ...yesterday YKOM and Gettin' Tighter, we have been sendin' David (Coverdale) Mixes"

"Happy New Year to you all...its all startin' off in the Studio, recording this weekend with our new Band...My Music will define me, love,GH"

"I'm on my way to the Studio...it is the first day of our new Band..wish us well..its gonna Rock.. And you're gonna get it!! GH"

"And God said...Its Time to Rock 'n Roll....GH"

"The new Band has now runnin'...it is a spectacle...with the most amazin' players..an orgasm for the mind!!!! GH"

"We are all stayin' in Malibu...Gab is @ breakfast with me now...be @ the Studio @ 10.30am...Starbucks in Hands...GH"

"The new Band is a MINDBLOWER... I Repeat A MINDBLOWER.... GH"

"Off to the Studio with the Band stoppin' @ Starbucks as we are all Coffee Freaks,recorded the Basic tracks to 3 songs yest + four more 2day"

Some indications are that he's moved on with blues rocker Joe Bonamassa after some December gigs late last year. Another name linked is possibly John Sykes, but again at this time these are just rumours. Drummer's names mentioned have been Tommy Aldridge, Chad Smith or Joe Bonamassa's drummer Bogie Bowles. Again, nothing confirmed ..., yet!

It all sounds very promising, I hope we get something soon.

Jimmy Page to tour ..., so says Pollstar

Pollstar today posted this news headline that Led Zeppelin guitar legend Jimmy Page has announced plans to tour in 2010, including an appearance at the inaugural Show of Peace concert on April 17 that will be globally televised from the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing.

They then go on to add, that it is unclear what or who the Jimmy Page tour would include, but he apparently told Sky News in the UK that he has new material and intends to take it to the stage in 2010.

One small detail is that there are no other dates besides the China show published ...
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/01/04/703850.aspx