Saturday, February 6, 2010

Rock News for Saturday 6th February, 2010

Steven Tyler is not suing Aerosmith, but warning issued

It seems the whole shambles that is currently surrounding Aerosmith or maybe moreso, Steven Tyler versus Joe Perry, may soon come to a head.
While at this time Tyler is not suing Aerosmith for going ahead without him, Tyler's lawyer has apparently issued this warning to Aerosmith via the bands management.
Pollstar posted this notice yesterday in their story on current goings on:
Skip Miller (Tyler's attorney), has fired off a cease-and-desist letter to Aerosmith manager Howard Kaufman asking that the Front Line Management co-founder “immediately cease and desist from engaging in acts and conduct to the harm and detriment of your own client, Aerosmith, and our client who is one of its members.”
Pollstar went on to note:
The purported letter, which was alluded to but not confirmed by sources close to both parties, comes on the heels of a flurry of stories suggesting that Aerosmith is, or is about to begin, interviewing singers to temporarily step in for Tyler while he continues recuperating from a broken shoulder and alleged subsequent painkiller addiction.

Have to say that all does not sound good and even if Tyler now comes back on board with Aerosmith, it sounds as if the relationship could be as strained as say the Journey situation between Steve Perry and Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and Ross Valory and also that within Styx between Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw and JY Young.
With all that has gone down already, I think we can probably guess Aerosmith will not be hooking up with Tyler again in the future, unless it's money driven. 

Rudolf Schenker launches 'ROCK YOUR LIFE' website

Scorpions guitarist Rudolf Schenker has launched a website, after his book of the same name.
Rock Your Life has all kinds of info on it including meet and greet opportunities for booking signing sessions for his new book about how he views life.

Rock Your Life - This book is not about material success, but about success in life.
No pain, no gain, by the sweat of one’s brow? No way! Rudolf Schenker is living proof that the exact opposite is the case. With strong determination, he followed a different path. His top priority – that he should enjoy what he was doing. In this book, he describes how he came to adopt this maxim, why it works and how you too, can make it your motto in life. It includes a wealth of exciting anecdotes from the 40-year history of his band Scorpions.

WILDESTARR OFFER SMASHING INTRODUCTION WITH FIRST-EVER VIDEO, ‘ARRIVAL’
You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the fast-rising metallic duo, WildeStarr, are certainly off to a great start with their recently released clip for the song “Arrival.”
The video is a visually stunning sci-fi work of art combining dark elements of Blade Runner, Batman, The Outer Limits, and classic film noir.

The dramatic visuals are a perfect compliment to the power and intensity of WildeStarr's headbanging fury - and metalheads will soon get the opportunity to check out this striking clip.
WildeStarr's Incredible symphonic melodic metal blends new and old influences to create a unique and original sound.
Comprised of guitarist Dave Starr (who originally came to the attention of metalheads as the bassist for such acts as Vicious Rumors and Chastain) and singer London Wilde (who re-defines female-fronted metal), the group’s debut album, also titled ‘Arrival,’ was just issued on Furnace Maximus Records, and has racked up some impressive accolades.

Just a few of the many comments from the metal community regarding WildeStarr....

Michael Fischer from http://www.knac.com/ says, "WildeStarr ‘Arrival’ is a progressive rock masterpiece! Hands down this is the best record of 2009!”

http://www.whiplash.net/ says, "WildeStarr ‘Arrival’ has such power that this disc has already been considered by many as the best debut of 2009. And this writer fully agrees!"

http://www.concreteweb.be/ adds, "With WildeStarr ‘Arrival,’ you get a truly powerful album which will be instantly liked, nay loved by most power metal fans, and will probably haul over most female-fronted band-haters to the ‘other side’ as well!"

UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore says: "Dave and London open up a big ole can of melodic heavy metal whoop ass on this one. At times the tunes remind me a little of Dream Theater. This CD definitely rocks heavily!" And now with their new video clip for “Arrival,” the duo are geared up to pick up more fans worldwide.

To view the video, please visit http://www.wildestarr.com/
For more information, visit:

Sorry, not much other news out there right now really folks!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Rock News for Friday 5th February, 2010

Daughtry and The Super Bowl

Daughtry just posted this today on their MySpace page:

Celebrate the Super Bowl with a special performance by Daughtry during Sunday's NFL Tailgate Party. The band will be performing a 45 minute set of music including their current hit single "Life After You" as well as material from their second #1 album Leave This Town. The NFL Tailgate Party airs at 3:45pm EST on CBS...be sure to tune in!!
http://www.myspace.com/daughtry

Whitesnake looking to tour again Spring 2011

(Whitesnake live 2009 - Picture: Alun Williams)

The stream from Whitesnake MySpace has posted the following brief message:

"Whitesnake will be touring most likely in Spring 2011 in support of the new studio album."http://www.myspace.com/whitesnake

Good news hopefully, as the last 'Good To Be Bad' album was a great release in many rock fans eyes.
Here's hoping David Coverdale will be back on form again and not put himself through the embarrassment he had to endure last summer through losing his voice.
Good luck DC!

Bon Jovi to play full albums during The Circle World Tour
Billboard - http://www.billboard.com/ - have posted details, from a Bon Jovi press conference call where it seems the band is planning to dig deep into its back catalog and maybe even play some albums in their entirety for the group's upcoming 'The Circle' World Tour.

With 135 shows in 30 countries lined up until August of 2011, guitarist Richie Sambora told Billboard.com during a conference call with reporters that "to keep ourselves interested and happy we're going to be picking songs from different records and kind of intersect them into the set as time goes on ...We try to give the crowd the songs they want to hear, obviously. That's very important 'cause the fans came to hear those songs. We love to play them, so it's not a big deal. But we're gonna go back and play stuff that we haven't played in 20 years...stuff off the first album, stuff off the second album that we haven't played in God knows how long. So it's gonna be a lot of fun."

He went on to add that the band plan to take advantage of multi-night stands at the new Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Five nights) and the O2 Arena in London (Firfteen nights) to stage a few special events. "We might do 'Slippery When Wet' in its entirety, or 'Lost Highway' in its entirety," he said. "I'm sure we'll do 'The Circle' in its entirety a few times on this tour, 'cause we're really proud of this record. We're going to be doing a lot of different stuff."


Sammy Hagar to bail out Aerosmith mates?

Rumours are now doing the rounds that that classic Red Rocker Sammy Hagar may put Chickenfoot 2nd album plans on hold in favour of joining Aerosmith for the world tour that is currently being lined up minus Steven Tyler ...

UK's Classic Rock magazine online has today posted this claim based on 'good authority' rumours they have heard.
Hagar's camp, manager John Carter meanwhile refuted this claim saying, '“Good authority must mean The Enquirer because his Led Zep gig conflicts with the Aerosmith job.
“Seriously, Sam is very happy to be going into the studio with Chickenfoot to start the second album in April.”

Me personally, I thought Chickenfoot was a side project for these guys especially as Joe Satriani has just released a new double live CD set and DVD called "Live in Paris - I Just Wanna Rock!" 
Satriani also has solo tour dates lined up all through March 2010:

Also, Sammy always tends to tour EVERY summer with his Waborito's ... I'd be surprised if he didn't tour this summer as the guy gets such a buzz out of playing live, more than most performers who often see it as a chore after so many years of doing it.
Nothing on his website: http://www.redrocker.com/index.php

Then again, would he be doing The Other Half gigs with Michael Anthony or was that just a one off?
Of course, if he were offered the Aerosmith gig instead ... Well, if you were in his shoes, what would you do?
It really leaves a lot of possibilities doesn't it? I'll keep you posted on any updates I get! :)

Some brief news bits and pieces ....

Steve Lukather new album recordings - Luke is letting fans follow his daily progress of recordings right here:

Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes is mellowing out with some Motown dedicated shows down under, running from February through March. Check for more details here: http://www.jimmybarnes.com/

The Grammy's this year provided awards for a couple of classic rockers.

AC/DC - On Sunday night, in front of the show's biggest audience in six years, AC/DC won their first ever Grammy Award.
28.5 million viewers watched as AC/DC walked away from the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards show with the trophy for Best Hard Rock Performance for "War Machine" from their latest album, Black Ice.
Of course, we mean "walked away" only figuratively as the band is currently on tour in New Zealand, where it is estimated that they will play to 1 in 40 citizens.
AC/DC has previously received seven nominations - three for their work on Black Ice - but the Best Hard Rock Performance award presented to them for "War Machine" marks the first time they have won.

Judas Priest - Judas Priest won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance!!!!
We are so knocked out - what a fantastic night!! Absolutely thrilled!
 
Other rock winners were:
The Best Rock album was won by Green Day for 21st Century Breakdown
Record of the Year was won by Kings of Leon for Use Somebody.
Best Solo Rock Vocal went to Bruce Springsteen for Working on a Dream.
Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals - Kings of Leon for Use Somebody.
Best Rock Instrumental Performance won by Jeff Beck for A Day In The Life.
Best Rock Song - Kings of Leon for Use Somebody.
 
Finally ....
An update from Georg at AOR Heaven  (http://www.aorheaven.com/)
 
AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R 05/02/2010

Howdy melodic rockers,
Plenty of goodies coming your way due next week – highlights are without a doubt the new Mike Tramp solo CD and the debut from the Australian Glam-melodic rockers Hansel. Along with quality releases from the likes of Rage or Dawn Of Silence and some great re-issues from Giant and FM this should be pretty much attracting for a nice shopping trip at AOR Heaven !

In label related news we do have signed a deal with Bangalore Choir which includes the re-issue of their much sought after classic debut “On Target” in digitally remastered format incl. a video clip due late April and a brand new album later this year.

Chris Laney has delivered the master tape for his brilliant new album “Only Come Out At Night”, which will get released by late April. Expect a superb slice of Def Leppard flavoured melodic rock with some Sleaze elements.

Next to mention are the brilliant Swedish melodic rockers Grand Illusion, which just finished the mastering for their awesome new album “Brand New World” – pure melodic rock bliss.

Last but not least Mark Mangold sent me over the rough mixes for the new recorded versions of “Fools Game” (Michael Bolton) and “I Found Someone” (Cher), which were both co-written by him and which both will be part of the Drive She Said Best Of Collection (remastered) which also will see the addition of two brand new songs.
I can easily say that I’m really proud of our rooster which gets stronger and stronger !

Have a great week
Georg

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Brief Rock News Update for Thursday 4th February, 2010

Jet US Tour Dates posted at Pollstar 

Aussie rockers Jet it seems have lined up some US tour dates, at least according to Pollstar, they are not yet visible on their own site.

Dates announced through Pollstar are as follows:

Date City Venue Tickets


Fri 03/05/10 Toronto, ON Opera House Concert Venue

Sat 03/06/10 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights

Sun 03/07/10 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom

Tue 03/09/10 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club on sale 2/5

Thu 03/11/10 Richmond, VA Hat Factory

Sat 03/13/10 Columbia, SC TBA

Mon 03/15/10 Little Rock, AR The Village

Tue 03/16/10 Baton Rouge, LA Varsity Theatre

Tue 03/23/10 Seattle, WA Showbox At The Market

Wed 03/24/10 Portland, OR Roseland Theater

Sat 03/27/10 Las Vegas, NV Caesars Palace

Mon 03/29/10 Aspen, CO Belly Up Aspen

Tue 03/30/10 Colorado Springs, CO Black Sheep
Check here at Pollstar for more updates: http://www.pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=46274&SortBy=Date&mv=1
 
Meantime, check out this video of Nic Cester from Jet joining Muse onstage to jam AC/DC's Black in Black. Not bad!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA0L30GA2ts&feature=player_embedded
 
More news updates later today ....

News Update ...

Hi again folks,

Busy time right now with one thing and another and this sickness that I can't seem to kick! Grrr!
Sorry for no news updates yesterday but hope the CD review was interesting enough for you?

I will will update with news later today, but some personal stuff to deal with this afternoon.
Thanks for following Chambers of Rock!

Keep on rockin'!

Alun :)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Ace Frehley - Anomaly CD review

Ace Frehley – Anomaly CD review


OK, here’s the thing I really wanted to like this new CD from Ace Frehley, as all the hype before it was released had much promise and I have a soft spot for the Space Ace too.
It’s been what, about 18 years since his last Ace Frehley solo studio work?

Here’s another thing, I have 2 great friends who have both been massive Ace Frehley fans for a number of years, I’m talking from since the glorious Kiss days and they both have different takes on this album. One says after that long between albums, he should’ve given us something better. The other guy says, he liked the humour and also how positive an album it was, even with the rehab inspired songs on it, but that’s their takes on it ... They are both die hard Ace Frehley fans though ...!

Me? I love opener ‘Foxy and Free,’ it’s got the total sleaze you would expect from Ace, but it rocks with a great fun vibe and his playing rips! Reminds me a little of Frehley’s Comet stuff.
The lead single of the album was ‘Outer Space,’ Ace’s statement that “He came from Outer Space …” and he’s, “… sick and tired of the human race.” It’s a really punky, grungy track that's pretty average for me.

‘Pain in the Neck’ is also kind of 70’s new wave meets grunge like for the most part, except for the odd bridge in the middle and for me doesn’t really go anywhere. It almost begs to kind of be a Kiss track, but it sounds a little short of making the grade. You won't forget the chorus though …
I must say on first play of this CD I was curious to hear the cover of Sweet’s 'Fox on the Run' and first time around, I wasn’t too sure, but now I think he’s done a great job and given it a little more too!

'Genghis Khan' is almost a sub-Zeppelin groove along type track, no verses here but part chorus, “So long Genghis Khan … Now you’re gone, so long.” Running at just over 6 minutes it’s OK, but really doesn’t go anywhere. Yes, Frehley rips it up in here throughout, but I don’t know. Doesn’t do it for me …
In 'Too Many Faces' he’s back to more familiar Frehley for me, almost Frehley’s Comet style again, even if it’s a little short on lyrics. Nice guitar work.

Ace’s song for peace in 'Change the World,' it’s almost George Harrison like to a degree, with a jangly guitar sound throughout, until Ace rips into the solo then it picks up a little. Sadly though, it doesn’t really go anywhere again.
The instrumental 'Space Bear' next and what’s going on here? It’s almost like a sub-Kiss type darker vibe track that gives Ace time for a little self indulgence during the solo and beyond, but really kind of repetitive for me.

The acoustic driven 'A Little Below the Angels,' tells tales of Ace’s over indulgences of excess, before picking up the pace about halfway through. He even has his daughter talking on here, asking if he’s ever seen an angel. Then she and friends throw in some angelic harmony vocals to lead the track out. Cute.

Then it’s back to the darker side of Ace in ‘Sister,’ with the trashy, punky, yet powerful vibe to it, but also brings to mind the classic Frehley track 'Rock Soldiers' to a degree.
‘It’s a Great Life’ is a kind of pop / rock chug along feel to it, brings to mind more familiar Ace sounds again.

Closing track 'Fractured Quantum' I know picks up where 'Trouble Walking's' 'Fractured 3' left off and 'Fractured Mirror' from the first Ace solo record, 'Fractured Too' from 'Loaded Deck.' I guess a ‘pleasant’ instrumental guitar track for Ace to wrap up.

I really have played this CD again and again on road trips in the car and really tried to give it more opportunity to grab me, but sadly it really hasn’t.
Sure, there are moments when it’s great Ace fun stuff, but I kind of thought it might have had something a little more special to it. It’s not bad, but for me not great.
Rating: 3 out of 5.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Rock News for Tuesday 2nd February, 2010

Melodicrock Fest 2 Update - Elgin, IL. USA

Andrew McNiece the man behind probably the best known melodic rock site out there, http://www.melodicrock.com/ has almost all he needs to give details on all the live acts.
The first Melodicrock Fest took place in South Bend, IN 3 years ago to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the website and featured some awesome names from the world of rock including, Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger - as well as Christian Cullen and Joel Hoekstra who were then announced as Night Ranger members), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.), Jimi Jamison, Jim Peterik (Ex-Survivor), Gunnar and Matthew Nelson (Nelson), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey, Soul SirkUS, etc), Kevin Chalfant (The Storm, The Vu) as well as other great acts, all in one days performance!
It was a great event, as my wife and I can attest to, along with the fans that made the trip from all over the globe to be a part of it.
So now 3 years on, Andrew is ready to do it again, prepare for Melodicrock Fest 2!
This posted today at http://www.melodicrock.com/
MelodicRockFest 2 will be held in the Chicago suburb of Elgin, on the weekend of Friday April 30 - Sunday May 2. The line-up is just days away from being revealed - a few last minute back and forth details need to be sorted and then you'll know ASAP!

But here are a few details I can reveal now.
Saturday will feature 8 acts and Sunday will feature 7. There is the chance of someone being added at the last minute, but that'll be included in the announcement coming up. Both nights feature name headliners. Bands worthy of the title!

There will be a VIP ticket issued, but strictly 200 tickets only! The ticket will get folks into the Saturday and Sunday show plus an exclusive Friday night acoustic show/Meet & Greet (with as many artists as possible), which will feature 3 or 4 exclusive artists doing unplugged sets. Full details of the VIP deal included with the show launch.

The venue is a newly renovated bar - a 1000 capacity - with standing room on the floor and a smaller balcony, but a restaurant attached for those needed rest periods!
So there will be 200 VIP tickets for the weekend and 800 general tickets available for each day/the weekend.
Tickets will be on sale RIGHT HERE! Tickets will be sold by MelodicRock.com via Paypal on a first come first served basis. Hopefully we can sell this baby out! I expect tickets to go on sale on February 15th or 16th. Tickets will then be posted out in a few weeks time.
Ticket prices:
Weekend VIP Pass (200 only) - US$175
Saturday Day Ticket - $55
Sunday Day Ticket - $55
Saturday/Sunday Combo - $100

Slash new album for release in May, but Classic Rock Mag gets exclusive deal!
UK Classic Rock magazine online has just posted this info as an exclusive for Slash fans.

Slash’s debut solo album, 'Slash,' won’t be released until May in the UK – but Classic Rock will be selling a very special Slash fan-pack on the newsstands from April 7.
The fan-pack will include an exclusive Slash tribute magazine plus an expanded 15-track version of the guitarist’s hotly anticipated solo album.
The Slash fan-pack comes with a 132-page one-off deluxe edition of Classic Rock dedicated to Slash.
The Slash fan-pack also comes with an giant A1-size Slash poster and a collector’s edition Slash patch.

Roadrunner Records will be releasing the normal Slash album on May 10 – but it will not include two bonus tracks that will be available with the Classic Rock Slash special.

The bonus tracks are:
* Baby Can’t Drive featuring Slash alongside Alice Cooper and The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger.
* An amazing cover of Guns N’ Roses’ Paradise City featuring Slash assisted by Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and Cypress Hill.
That’s 15 brand-new tracks from the guitar hero – including additional collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, Kid Rock, Lemmy, Iggy Pop and more.

Details of pre-ordering can be found here along with all the other album information:

"We Will Remember Them" charity song backed by Paul Rodgers 
In an effort of support for the troops fighting overseas and those lost, Paul Rodgers has posted a plea on his website for people to support the cause and but the charity song, "We Will Remember Them."

With the recent news that more service personnel have fallen in Afghanistan, taking the total killed to over 250 since operations begain in the country in October 2001, we encourage fans to buy the CD or MP3 of "We Will Remember Them" as ALL money raised from the sale of the single will go to Help 4 Heroes and The Royal British Legion.



Thank you fans for your support!

Asia announce new album name, 'Omega' will be released in April.
No artwork yet and a very brief announcement from the band at their website yesterday:

New Album Announcement - Monday, 01 February 2010

The band is proud to announce that their forthcoming studio album, "Omega," will be released in April. Please check back for more details shortly.

UK Classic Rock Magazine added a little more on this announcement even so far as to throw out, since Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, that perhaps this is the last Asia album?

Current tour dates for the band as follows:
Europe
Apr. 24 - Rome, Italy
Apr. 27 - Winterthur, Switzerland
Apr. 28 - Graz, Austria
Apr. 30 - Paris, France
May 1 - Uden, Netherlands
May 3 - Nuremburg, Germany
May 4 - Pratteln, Switzerland
May 6 - Reichenbach, Germany
May 7 - Bochum, Germany
May 8 - Osnabruck, Germany
May 9 - Bonn, Germany
Japan
May 13th – Tokyo, Japan
May 14th – Tokyo, Japan
May 15th – Yokohama, Japan
May 17th – Osaka, Japan
May 18th – Nagoya, Japan

Frontiers Records to release AURAS anticipated debut album “New Generation” on March 19th in Europe and April 6th in the USA.

February 2010 – Hailing from Brazil, Auras is one of the most exciting new acts to hit the AOR-rock scene in the past few years and with the release of their debut album 'New Generation' they are ready to prove the world that acts such as Journey, The Storm, Toto and Survivor have found a credible heir from South America!
Auras was formed in the beginning of 2007 by singer Gui Oliver and guitarist Ferpa Lacerda. Tired of playing in cover bands and feeling they were musically mature enough, both musicians decided to write some new music.


The first song coming out of this collaboration Hungry Hearts was sent out to several producers and musicians around the world, gathering some very warm response. Gui and Ferpa therefore kept on writing more material until their songs landed on Frontiers Records desk who some immediately some concrete interest, making Auras the first band from South America to sign with the label.

New Generation is the result of years of hard work and faith in our music, explains Gui Oliver. It sounds corny, but it’s really a dream that came true especially for a Brazilian band where this kind of music is not very popular. We really have to thank Frontiers for their trust and support.

Being a real band, not just a studio project, Auras had their live debut supporting their idols Jeff Scott Soto and Jimi Jamison in Curitiba, Auras hometown. Hearing the band play, Jamison mentioned that Auras songs took him back to the eighties and reminded him of the great bands of that period.

Artists like Toto, Journey and Survivor, tells Gui, are known worldwide and in Brazil it’s not different: their classic hits are still on the radio. Their music touched me in different ways. It was not only the beautiful and amazing melodies, but their songs also had great lyrics. Ferpa also grew up in a very musical family and this kind of music was always part of his life. Definitely melodic rock and AOR in Brazil is not for the masses but we have a faithful and loyal audience. We received lots of emails of people saying how proud they were of us about the album.

During the recording process the great jazz drummer Edu Sallum, who had already played with Rafael Moreira (Pink, Christina Aguilera, Rockstar INXS, Paul Stanley), joined the band, and the local studio musicians Matheus Brandon and Hemerson Vieira helped to complete New Generation. The album was finally mixed and mastered to sonic perfection by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm, Place Vendome, Khymera etc.).

Love, dreams, faith and hope are what Auras music is all about.
New Generation includes the following tracks:
Beauty Of Dreams (previewed on Rock The Bones vol. 7 compilation); Forgive and Forget; Never Give Up; In My Arms; Reach Out; New Generation; Forever In Your Eyes; Hungry Hearts; That’s the Way Love Goes; Keep On Loving You; Out of Love; Love To Survive. Includes Beauty of Dreams videoclip.
Samples can be heard by visiting Frontiers records site here:
www.frontiers.it/default.aspx?tabid=73&cond3=where ItemID=553

Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp™ USA 2010

2010 will celebrate another opportunity for people to fufill lifetime dreams of being a rock 'n' roll star, well, at least for a day or so!

You can spend the time being educated by the rock stars that you look up to and have done so for year too!
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp™ is the ultimate music experience. For the novice and the expert, the amateur and the aficionado, we make rock n' roll dreams come true. Simply stated, our mission is to bring people's musical fantasies to life!


Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp™ is a one-of-a-kind event that brings music lovers of all levels together with rock 'n roll stars - and that brings those music lovers the unforgettable opportunity to move from spectator to a member of the band, sharing the stage, sharing the limelight with living legends.

As a participant in a Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp™, you are treated like a rock star. You'll live the rock n' roll lifestyle day in and day out, learning or perfecting your knowledge of an instrument, practicing and jamming with your band mates and learning the ins and outs of the music business - all in the company of some of music's brightest stars.

This year between February 23rd and 28th, if you sign up you will be right there alongside,  Bret Michaels, Dave Mason, Michael Anthony, Ace Frehley, Mark Farner, Kip Winger, Bruce Kulick, Rudy Sarzo, Lita Ford, Spike Edney, Steven Adler, Rami Jaffe, Gary Hoey, Sandy Gennaro, Teddy Andreatis, Richie Kotzen, Ron Nevison and believe me, the list just goes on!
 
Past Camp's have had campers working alongside The Who's Roger Daltrey, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, The Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman, The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, and Joe Walsh from the Eagles. Campers have recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, performed at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, shared the stage with KISS' Paul Stanley and Motley Crue's Vince Neil and listened to tales about life on the road with Bret Michaels of Poison. Other celebrity Rock Stars that have attended Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp include Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Pete Best (The Beatles original drummer), Jack Bruce (Cream), Micky Hart (Grateful Dead) Jon Anderson (Yes), Jane Wiedlin (Go-Go's), Max Weinberg, Joe Satriani, Stevie Vai, Cheap Trick and dozens more! You never know who will show up at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp.


What's the cost though right?
The Headliner Package - 5 1/2 day Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Experience. February 23rd - 28th. $6,999 more details... - http://www.rockcamp.com/hollywood2010.html#headliner
 
The Rockstar Package - 3 1/2 day Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Experience. February 25th - 28th. $4,999 more details... http://www.rockcamp.com/hollywood2010.html#rockstar

The Groupie Package - Give your spouse a taste of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Our 3 1/2 day campers can purchase the "Groupie Package" for $499. Our 5 1/2 day campers can purchase this package for $699. more details... http://www.rockcamp.com/hollywood2010.html#groupie

For more details and so much more, go to: http://www.rockcamp.com/ Go on, live your dream!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Rock News for Monday 1st February, 2010

Message from Saxon regarding St. Georges Day gig
This message was posted through the Saxon MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/planetsaxon regarding their plans to NOT play a gig in the UK on St. Georges Day.

Hi from planet Saxon,

A bit of news from the hard side.

Unfortunately we will not be playing a Saint Georges day concert this year, every one feels we have played a lot in the UK two tours last year and they were amazingly successful, there may be some festival shows in the UK but we have no info on these yet.

We are doing festivals across Europe in summer, South America is a possibility and maybe some shows in North America, we should know soon.
That's all for now.

Keep the faith,
Biff Byford

After a little "Evolution" it's time for singer Hugo to take a new "Voyage!"
After former Valentine frontman and solo artist Hugo finished with his Journey tribute act Evolution, it seems he's determined to stay the course, perhaps trying to stake his claim to the Steve Perry crown?
He has certainly released some classy solo work, certainly in "Hugo" and "Time on Earth," where he clearly shows he has the Perry gift of voice. 
An announcement has just been made that he indeed does have a new Journey tribute band, "Voyage."
Check out their new website here: http://www.voyageband.com/

At this time there are only a few shows lined up, but right now it seems the big plug is for his - appropriately arranged - Valentines special event on February 13th. Here's the flyer:
  
Any die hard Michael Bolton fans out there?
The guy really has not flown the flag for rock for many a year, but there was no doubting the guys' pedigree so to speak.
Michael Bolton really broke into the rock arena with his own hard rock band Blackjack who also featured fromer Kiss guitarist Bruce Kullick and the travelled Sandy Gennaro on drums, they even toured with Ozzy Osbourne.
He then released some respectable albums in 'Michael Bolton' and 'Everybody's Crazy' before starting to soften with 'The Hunger.' 'Soul Provider' wasn't a bad commercial pop/rock album, but it showed clearly the man's intentions to move on from the mainstream rock genre.


New York, NY (February 1, 2010)—Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton’s Live at the Royal Albert Hall, a mesmerizing night of music, will be released on the DVD and Blu-ray formats.
Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to present this evening of music on May 4.

Recorded at the famed venue in October 2009, this 110-minute DVD offers an array of tunes, spanning Michael Bolton’s 25-year career. Bolton’s voice, saturated with sensuality and soul, soars on his hits, such as Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” “How Can We Be Lovers,” “Soul Provider,” Ray Charles’ “Georgia On My Mind,” and Percy Sledge’s “When A Man Loves A Woman.” Dipping further into America’s treasures, songs “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Summertime,” “Crazy Love,” and “That’s Life” are embellished by his band and all-female brass section. “Murder My Heart,” a song he co-wrote with Lady Gaga, from his upcoming CD "One World One Love" (released domestically May 4), is also highlighted in this set.

Additionally, a performance of “Nessun Dorma,” an interview with Michael, and the “Countdown” documentary, a 7-minute feature showing the day at the venue leading up to the show are part of the bonus features. The Blu-ray also boasts the bonus track “New York New York.”

Selling more than 50 million records, packing arenas worldwide, and earning multiple Grammys, Michael Bolton has cemented his legacy. His expert ability to craft the perfect love song, as evidenced by Barbra Streisand and Laura Branigan, and his collaborative work with artists as diverse as Luciano Pavarotti, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, KISS, and Kanye West, shows Bolton has mastered the art of transcending genres. He will tour internationally throughout 2010. This concert will also air on PBS in March.

Track Listing:

1.) Soul Provider
2.) Said I Loved You
3.) Hope It’s Too Late
4.) To Love Somebody
5.) Dock Of The Bay
6.) You Don’t Know Me
7.) Summertime
8.) Fly Me To The Moon
9.) That’s Life
10.) Murder My Heart
11.) When A Man Loves A Woman
12.) How Can We Be Lovers?
13.) Steel Bars
14.) Times Love And Tenderness
15.) Can I Touch You There?
16.) Crazy Love
17.) Georgia On My Mind
18.) How Am I Supposed To Live Without You?
19.) One Love

DVD Bonus features:
Bonus Track “Nessun Dorma”
Interview with Michael Bolton
“Countdown” Documentary

Blu-ray Bonus features - Bonus track:
New York New York

He's also about to set out on a North American Tour:

3/7/10 Lakeville, PA Caesars Pocono Resorts
3/9/10 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
3/11/10 Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
3/13/10 Atlantic City, NJ Harrah’s Atlantic City
3/15/10 Easton, PA State Theatre Center For The Arts
3/17/10 Peekskill, NY Paramount Center For The Arts
3/30/10 Torrington, CT Warner Theatre
4/14/10 Ivins, UT Tuacahn Amphitheatre / Center For The Arts

Women in Rock, rockin' on with the Lilith Fair Tour 2010

Maybe you're thinking, come on Al, how rock is that really?
Well, look again my friends as I know some of these women can rock and I bear witness to having seen it myself before!
Check out the latest press release on this annual event via: http://www.lilithfair.com/

Loretta Lynn, Heart, Norah Jones, Cat Power, Gossip and More Added to the 2010 Lilith Tour Line-Up

January 21, 2010 (New York, NY) – The 2010 Lilith Tour is pleased to announce exciting line-up additions to the summer touring festival: Loretta Lynn, Heart, Norah Jones, Cat Power, Sia, Gossip, La Roux, Beth Orton, Ceci Bastida, Erin McCarley, Frazey Ford, Julia Othmer, Kate Nash, Lights, Missy Higgins, Lissie, Marina & The Diamonds, Priscilla Renea, Rosie Thomas, Melissa McClelland, Toby Lightman and Elizaveta. More major artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Additional Cities Announced
Additionally, 15 more cities have been revealed, with more to come in the next few weeks: Edmonton, San Diego, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Hartford, Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Houston and Austin.

More artist thoughts on joining the 2010 Lilith Tour:
Country legend Loretta Lynn:
"I'm happy they wanted me on this Lilith tour. I have never done shows just with other girl singers before. When I first started out, they said girl singers couldn't sell records or concert tickets. We've come a long way since then and we're gonna have a big time out there!"

Rock duo Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart:
"We are thrilled that Lilith 2010 is in our future ... to be a part of all that depth and power will be beyond exciting! This is stunning intent for women of the new decade.”

Australian singer/songwriter Missy Higgins:
“Lilith Fair was always one of those things that I wish I'd been a cool enough kid to know about and go to! But even if I had known about it then, I would've been on the other side of the world here in Australia. I've always secretly hoped they'd bring it back so that I could beg to be a part of it! Needless to say I'm really excited to have been asked, especially as this is the first Lilith to be taken to the new generation.”

The 2010 Lilith Tour previously announced a multi-platform media partnership with ABC Entertainment, which entails creative collaboration in weaving confirmed artists and Lilith across ABC’s programming and online in the months leading up to and during next summer’s tour, including ABC’s physical presence at each tour date. More details to follow.

Full list of artists announced so far:
A Fine Frenzy, Ann Atomic, Ash Koley, Beth Orton, Brandi Carlile, Butterfly Boucher, Cat Power, Ceci Bastida, Chairlift, Chantal Kreviazuk, Colbie Caillat, Corinne Bailey Rae, Donna Delory, Elizaveta, Emmylou Harris, Erin McCarley, Erykah Badu, Frazey Ford, Gossip, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Heart, Ima, Indigo Girls, Ingrid Michaelson, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Knapp, Jill Hennessy, Jill Scott, Julia Othmer, Kate Nash Katzenjammer, Ke$ha, La Roux, Lights, Lissie, Loretta Lynn, Marina & The Diamonds, Mary J. Blige, Meaghan Smith, Melissa McClelland, Metric, Miranda Lambert, Missy Higgins, Nneka, Norah Jones, Priscilla Renea, Rosie Thomas, Sara Bareilles, Sarah McLachlan, Serena Ryder, Sheryl Crow, Sia, Sugarland, Susan Justice, Tara MacLean, Tegan and Sara, Toby Lightman, Vedera, Vita Chambers, The Submarines, The Weepies, Ximena Sarinana, Zee Avi

Full list of cities revealed so far:
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Calgary, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Edmonton, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Montreal, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, DC and West Palm Beach

Follow @lilithfair on Twitter for the most up to date information.

Bret Michaels releases new single "Nothing To Lose" and announces new tour
 
"Nothing To Lose" will be released by Bret Michaels this coming Tuesday, February 2 exclusively from iTunes! So get your copy from them Tuesday! Hope you enjoy it!
Tour dates are starting to be announced for the "Roses & Thorns World Tour"!

ROSES & THORNS TOUR DATES
March 2010

DAY, DATE CITY, STATE VENUE

Fri, Mar 12 Fargo, ND The Venue @ The Hub
Sat, Mar 13 Clear Lake, IA The Surf Ballroom
Thu, Mar 17 Chicago, IL Joe's Bar
Sat, Mar 27 (7:00P.M.) Primm, Nevada, Primm Valley Resort / Star of the Desert Arena (B*M*B)

To hear a clip of the single and get the latest news and tour dates as they become available stop by http://www.bretmichaels.com/
 
World Stage write up / review available from 10th Anniversary Gig. 

Over at www.jimpeterik.com/ self described, webscribe and music junkie Paul Braun has posted a lengthy write up on events from the gathering late last month in Chicago of Jim Peterik's (Ex-Survivor, Pride Of Lions, etc)  special project World Stage.

Jim Peterik seriously knows a who's who of folks in the music industry and can certainly pull together a very respectable line up, as he has shown previously and again recently.
So, I won't steal anything from the guys write up, except to say that it sounded like a great night not to have been missed, but sadly all too many did but that's not to say it wasn't a great night!
Go check it all out right here:

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Rock News Update for Sunday 31st January, 2010

Scorpions say they are done, but it may be just on the touring front ...

Indeed, can you really imagine The Scorpions coming out on stage aged 70 trying to rock it up to "Rock You Like A Hurricane?" Hmmm, probably not.

It does seem clear that this will be the last Scorpions world tour, that by the way is likely to last at least two years, based on what they've said on their own website: http://www.the-scorpions.com/english/
In the meantime guitarist Rudolf Schenker has been telling Billboard's Gary Graff that they will continue to release previously unreleased material, be it live stuff or archive gems DVD's and or CD's. This from Billboard:

Their first priority, of course, is putting out the final Scorpions studio album, "Sting in the Tail," on March 23, then commencing a two-year, five-continent world tour on March 15 in Prague, with North American dates planned for June-September. The tour will also be filmed and recorded for potential future release.

"We will sit together after we take a vacation and make a list and then come out with different (releases)," Schenker says. "We`ll make a plan and then come out year by year with some surprise kind of stuff."

Schenker went on to add that the current group members are looking towards a non-Scorpions future too. Guitarist Matthias Jabs has a musical instruments store in Munich, while drummer James Kottak has his own band. Schenker himself is looking towards publishing his book, "Rock You Live," in the U.S. and plans a collaboration with his brother and former Scorpions bandmate Michael Schenker - which he says may include Scorpion's singer Klaus Meine as well.
Read it all here:

REO Speedwagon launches computer game, "Find You Own Way Home" and adds some interesting tour dates
FIND YOUR OWN WAY HOME, A COMPUTER GAME FEATURING REO SPEEDWAGON!

In "Find Your Own Way Home" the gamer plays the role of a Hollywood reporter who has been on assignment with the legendary rock band, REO Speedwagon. Tonight the band's new album debuts and there's a star-studded album release party at a fabulous oceanfront estate. You'll be doing a report live from the red carpet.

But as the busy day is unfolding, and you prepare for tonight's broadcast, and the gala event to follow, an unexpected mystery-adventure will begin. REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin doesn't show up for pre-party interviews. When, hours later, still no one knows Kevin's whereabouts, you have the chance to be the hero tracking down clues to locate the missing star.
Throughout the game, several REO tracks from their latest album as well as some of their classics are used.
More info on this and more REO updates here: http://www.speedwagon.com/news.php

Beyond the band gaming activities, they are about to hit the road starting again in February with their best mates Styx and 38 Special. Dates so far:
 
February 24, 2010 - Rockford Metro Centre, Rockford, IL
REO SPEEDWAGON/STYX/38 SPECIAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 25, 2010 - Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, IL
REO SPEEDWAGON/STYX/38 SPECIAL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 26, 2010 - Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
REO SPEEDWAGON/STYX/38 SPECIAL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 28, 2010 - Lucas County Arena, Toledo, OH
Reo Speedwagon/Styx/38 Special
Keep up with all their live dates here:

Pat Benatar's Biography - Between a Heart and a Rock Place on sale June 15th, 2010

This news from Pat Benatar's website: http://www.benatarfanclub.com/news.shtml

An on-sale date of June 15, 2010 has been announced for Pat Benatar's biography, "Between a Heart and a Rock Place". Pat talks about her life, rock 'n roll and how her generation changed music forever. The book release is set to coincide with her 2010 summer tour. For more information, check the Harper Collins Catalog site. Several sites, including Amazon, are also accepting preorders.
 
Also mentioned their is Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo's 2010 Tour plans.
It seems Pat and Neil will be touring with REO Speedwagon this summer. Scheduling of the tour has begun. A few dates are already on sale. Keep up to date by checking the schedule page.
and

Delay in news postings - Sunday January 31st, 2010

Hi all, sorry nothing posted yesterday on the news, I was totally wiped out.
Hoping today I'll get something up on the site later.
Thanks for your patience folks!