Rock News for Saturday 13th February, 2010

Hi all, apologies for no news yesterday some crazy family stuff and preparation for our first band rehearsal since last September! So ... Just couldn't get here folks.

Anyway, here's to a Saturday where I'm happy to say my home football team (In the UK), won for the first time in ages, in a crucial local derby cup game and got through to the next round! 'nuff said! :)

To the news!

Status Quo's Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt receive OBEs at Buckingham Palace

(Status Quo picture courtesy of http://news.bbc.co.uk/ )

Status Quo's Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt who were included in the Queens New Years honours list for OBE's, were yesterday presented with their medals from Her Majesty.

The two rockers described being appointed OBEs as the most exceptional moment of their musical careers.

The story on the BBC's website and brief interview with both the guys can be viewed here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8512939.stm

Eric Clapton lines up Crossroads 2010 show

Eric Clapton the guitar legend, has lined up his Crossroads guitar festival for 2010.

The date confirmed for the event is June 26 at Toyota Park, in Bridgeview, Ill., just outside the Windy City.

Guitarists lined so far for the one-day event include B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Doyle Bramhall II and Buddy Guy as well as ZZ Top and the Allman Brothers Band, Vince Gill, John Mayer and Sheryl Crow are all planning to appear.

Other artists to play at Crossroads include Steve Winwood, Sonny Landreth, Bert Jansch, Joe Bonamassa, James Burton, Earl Klugh, Robert Cray, Albert Lee and Hubert Sumlin.

All profits from the festival will benefit the Clapton-founded addiction treatment and education facility The Crossroads Centre, located on the West Indies island of Antigua.

For all details and updates on the event go to:

http://www.crossroadsguitarfestival.com/

Uriah Heep adds 2 new North American Tour Dates

Classic rockers Uriah Heep, who will be playing their first tour in the USA since 2002 have added 2 new dates to the previous 7 already announced in June / July 2010.

The 2 new dates are as follows:
Sat. 06/19/10 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Sun. 06/20/10 Wilkes-Barre, PA The Kirby Performing Arts Center

Please note - these dates ARE confirmed but the Venue websites may not be showing them on their calendars yet.

The tour will be in support of both the Wake The Sleeper and Celebration releases, as it's been so long since the band played in the USA.
For full tour dates, go to the band 'live dates' page here:
http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/livedates.php

Me personally, I'm still hoping for something close to Detroit!
For all other great 'Heep stuff go here:
http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/

Winger to be supported on UK tour by the reformed Airrace

UK Classic Rock magazine has recently posted that on US rockers Winger will be joined by recently reformed UK AOR band Airrace for all dates except the ones in Glasgow and Belfast.

Airrace, whose original line-up featured Jason Bonham on drums, reunited last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Shaft Of Light debut, playing the Firefest event at Nottingham Rock City and supporting both Tesla and Thunder on separate UK tours.

Current Airrace drummer is Simon Dawson, formerly of The Outfield.

Dawson joins original members guitarist Laurie Mansworth, vocalist Keith Murrell and keyboard player Toby Sadler, plus second guitarist Dean Howard and bassist Dave Boyce.

Northern Ireland’s Stormzone are looking most likely to open for Winger in Belfast.

Stormzone who are managed by former Tygers Of Pan Tang vocalist Jess Cox, are set to release of a new album called Death Dealer through SPV Records on April 26.

It was co-produced by Neal Kay of Iron Maiden/Heavy Metal Soundhouse fame.

For story details go here:  http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/airrace-stormzone-to-support-winger-in-uk/

The tour dates so far are:

March 2010

Bristol Academy 2 Mar 22

Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms Mar 23

Manchester Academy 3 Mar 24

Dudley JB’s Mar 26

Belfast Spring & Airbrake Mar 27

Glasgow Cathouse Mar 28

Newcastle Academy 2 Mar 30

Leeds Rio’s Mar 31

April 2010

Sheffield Corporation Apr 2

London Islington Academy Apr 4

Stage Dolls Release new album 'Always' February 26th, 2010

26th of February is the date that everybody with an interest in rock music should make a note of, as this is the day when Stage Dolls – one of Norway's best bands through more than a quarter of a century – are releasing their seventh studio album. The title "Always" underlines that this is a band you always can trust. And simultaneously with the release, the band can mark the 25th anniversary of their debut album, "Soldier's Gun".


Life on the road has been almost endless for Stage Dolls since - especially in Norway, but between concerts the boys have found the time to visit Nidaros Studio – where they made their earlier records – and the result is their new, in total 7th studio album, "Always". Torstein Flakne co-produced it with Ronny Wikmark, who also mixed it with Stage Dolls' former producer, Bjørn Nessjø. The American back-up singers from their success album "Stage Dolls" are also featured, so everything suggests a classic Stage Dolls album.

Stage Dolls are: Torstein Flakne (guitar, vocals); Terje Storli (bass); Morten Skogstad (drums)

Tracklist: 01.Always, 02.Raining On A Sunny Day, 03.Rollin', 04.Highway's Open, 05.Eye Of My Heart, 06.Better Off Pretty, 07.Taillights, 08.Saturday Night, 09.Where The Blacktop Ends, 10.My Strangest Friend
http://www.stagedolls.com/

Rock News for Thursday 11th February, 2010

Mark Knopfler to hit USA and Canada in April

Former Dire Straits mainman Mark Knopfler who last year released his latest album, 'Get Lucky' is soon to embark on a set of dates covering the USA and Canada during April. 

Dire Straits split in 1995 and he's given no indication to want to reform the band whatsoever.

If you want to catch him live solo though, here are those dates:

Date City Venue Tickets

April 2010

Thu 04/08/10 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre

Fri 04/09/10 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Sat 04/10/10 Portland, OR Keller Auditorium

Sun 04/11/10 Eugene, OR Hult Center For Performing Arts

Tue 04/13/10 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre

Wed 04/14/10 Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center For The Arts

Thu 04/15/10 Temecula, CA Pechanga Resort & Casino

Fri 04/16/10 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre

Sat 04/17/10 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre

Sun 04/18/10 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre

Tue 04/20/10 Denver, CO Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre

Wed 04/21/10 Kansas City, MO The Midland By AMC

Thu 04/22/10 St. Louis, MO Fabulous Fox Theatre

Fri 04/23/10 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre

Sat 04/24/10 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre

Sun 04/25/10 Minneapolis, MN The State Theatre

Tue 04/27/10 Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Theater

Wed 04/28/10 Buffalo, NY University At Buffalo

Thu 04/29/10 Toronto, ON Massey Hall

Fri 04/30/10 Montreal, QC Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier

May 2010

Sat 05/01/10 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand At Foxwoods

Sun 05/02/10 Washington, DC Warner Theatre

Tue 05/04/10 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre

Wed 05/05/10 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre

Thu 05/06/10 New York, NY United Palace

Fri 05/07/10 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre

Sat 05/08/10 Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre

Sun 05/09/10 Albany, NY Palace Theatre

QUINTESSENTIAL CANADIAN ROCKERS APRIL WINE TO BE INDUCTED TO CANADIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, ON

“With the release of their debut album in 1971, April Wine kicked off a remarkable run of hit records both in Canada and around the world,” said Melanie Berry, President & CEO of CARAS. “For 40 years, the band has given music fans great songs to rock to and live shows to remember. Their induction to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame is exceptionally deserving, and highlights a long history of musical accomplishments.”

“To be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame is a tremendous honour; and on behalf of all April Wine members, past and present, a heartfelt thank you to the CARAS. I look forward to the presentation in Newfoundland on April 18th,” said Myles Goodwyn, lead member of the band.About April Wine

In 1969, vocalist/guitarist Myles Goodwyn, guitarist David Henman, drummer Ritchie Henman and bassist Jimmy Henman, came together to form April Wine in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The success of their debut selftitled album and hit lead single, “Fast Train,” gave way to the sophomore release of 'ON RECORD,' produced by the legendary Ralph Murphy. The album spawned April Wine’s first No. 1 Canadian hit, “You Could Have Been A Lady,” originally recorded by UK’s Hot Chocolate but which became hugely popular for the group and cracked the US Top 30 charts. Spurred by another cover single, Elton John’s “Bad Side of the Moon,” ON RECORD went on to achieve gold status but would be the last album recorded with the Henman brothers. Goodwyn and Jim Clench, who replaced Jim Henman on the previous album, forged on to continue April Wine’s success with the introduction of new members Jerry Mercer and Gary Moffet. Reinvented with an edgier, flashier look and sound, the group’s subsequent album 'ELECTRIC JEWELS' showcased the writing talents of Goodwyn and Clench with hits such as “Weeping Widow” and “Lady Run, Lady Hide.” It was around this time when the newly formed April Wine embarked on their first national tour, The Electric Adventure, pioneering the use of pyrotechnics and lighting displays that revolutionized concert production. With a steadily growing fan base and rising success, it wasn’t until the release of 'STAND BACK' (1975) that April Wine began their real rise to Canadian rock icon status. The album was the group’s first double platinum achievement, with classics “Tonight is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love,” and “Oowatanite.” In 1976, April Wine became the first Canadian band to achieve platinum advance sales for the album, 'THE WHOLE WORLD’S GOIN’ CRAZY,' and the resulting tour was the first to gross one million dollars.

Their next album, 'FOREVER FOR NOW' (1977), also went platinum and marked another milestone for the band with their all-time best-selling Canadian single, “You Won’t Dance With Me.” That year the band further enhanced its instrumental prowess by adding third guitarist Brian Greenway, growing the foursome to five.

It was also in 1977 when April Wine infamously posed as the ‘smoke screen’ for The Rolling Stones who decided to record 'LOVE YOU LIVE' at the El Mocambo Club in Toronto. April Wine was billed as the headliner for a charity event with a group called ‘The Cockroaches’ – but of course, to the audience’s surprise and delight, The Cockroaches turned out to be The Rolling Stones. This show was captured for a live record, 'LIVE AT THE EL MOCAMBO,' which became another platinum success for April Wine. The group went on to tour the U.S. with The Stones, and was also requested to join such heavyweights as Styx, Journey and Rush on their tours.

The seventh studio album, 'FIRST GLANCE' (1978) would prove to be the group’s turning point. The single, “Roller,” made April Wine an international success becoming their first gold record outside of Canada; and remained on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart for 11 weeks, mirrored by the album’s 11-week stay Billboard’s 200 Album chart. April Wine followed up with 'HARDER…FASTER' in the summer of 1979 – one of the group’s the hardest rock album ever recorded. The album included such powerful songs as “I Like To Rock” and “Say Hello” which went to the top of the charts in Canada. Both FIRST GLANCE and HARDER…FASTER went gold and platinum in the U.S., and reached double and triple platinum in Canada.

International success continued to blossom during the ‘80s with the release of 'NATURE OF THE BEAST' and lead single, “Just Between You and Me,” hitting Billboard’s Top 20, Billboard’s Album Rock Track and Billboard’s 200 Album charts. The single became April Wine’s biggest U.S. hit and skyrocketed the album to platinum status.

On top of selling more than seven million records worldwide came countless accolades and awards. By 1983, April Wine had already won two Felix Awards and cumulated an astounding 11 JUNO Award nominations. Tour demand also hit fever pitch with the group performing throughout Canada, the U.S., England and Germany. Two more studio albums followed, 'POWER PLAY' (1982) and 'ANIMAL GRACE' (1984) which would be April Wine’s last album following the decision to part ways, but not without a final farewell tour.

Eight years passed before fans would see April Wine together again on stage. In July of 1992, April Wine played to a sold-out audience in Manitoba, before hitting cities across Canada and the U.S. playing 80-100 shows a year. 'ATTITUDE' Their 13th studio album went gold, and given the success of the single “If You Believe In Me,” the band proved that they still had it.

Over the next decade, April Wine continued to tour extensively and added a few more studio albums to their extraordinary catalogue of studio, live and compilation albums, DVDs and videos. Although the group has evolved over the years and band members changed, their music has remained distinctly April Wine. They have persevered and given fans rock ballads and anthems that will forever be etched in music history. Most recently, April Wine received The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, and to this day continues to perform across North America.
For more information about the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, or to download photos of April Wine,
go to http://www.junoawards.ca/ JUNO Week takes place April 12-18, 2010, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, culminating in the live broadcast of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS, Sunday, April 18 on CTV.

Sponsors of the 2010 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund,” with commitments from The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John’s and Radio Starmaker Fund.

Sponsors of The 2010 JUNO Awards broadcast include Chevrolet, Garnier, Pepsi and Rogers.Web Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: http://www.junoawards.ca/
CTV’s JUNO Awards website: www.junos.ctv.ca
CARAS website: www.carasonline.ca

April Wine official website: http://www.aprilwine.ca-30/-

Bret Michaels adding more tour dates

Following Bret Michaels digital download release release of his new single 'Nothing To Lose', the tour dates are being lined up, to back it up!
Er, what about an album then Bret?
Will Poison tour this summer ..., hmmm ....
Dates as follows:

DAY, DATE CITY, STATE VENUE

Fri, Mar 12 Fargo, ND The Venue @ The Hub
Sat, Mar 13 Clear Lake, IA The Surf Ballroom
Mon, Mar 15 Dubuque, IA Mississippi Moon Bar
Wed, Mar 17 Chicago, IL Joe's Bar
Thu, Mar 18 Hayward, WI LCO Casino
Fri, Mar 19 Red Lake, MN Seven Clans Casino
Sat, Mar 20 Clive, IA Seven Flags Event Ctr
Tue, Mar 23 Flint, MI The Machine Shop
Thu, Mar 25 St. Louis, MO Ameristar Casino
Fri, Mar 26 Kansas City, MO Ameristar Casino
Sat, Mar 27 Primm, NV Primm Valley Casino
Mon, Mar 29 Green Bay, WI Oneida Casino
Tue, Mar 30 Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Wed, Mar 31 Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Bingo Casino

April 2010
Fri, Apr 2 Nashville, TN Wildhorse Saloon
Fri, Apr 9 Ardmore, OK Heritage Hall
Fri, Apr 9 Ardmore, OK Two Frogs Grill**
** After Show Party
Fri, May 28 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Casino

Kevin Chalfant to hook up with Gregg Rolie Band!

Kevin Chalfant, the man that has 'that' Steve Perry voice, just posted this little teaser through Facebook tonight:
"Here's what I know of soooo far. Kevin Chalfant will appear with THE GREGG ROLIE BAND :
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at The Mississippe Coleseum Biloxi, MS
Saturday, June 19, 2010 Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville, CT.
Friday, September 3, 2010 Wind River Casino Riverton, WY
More dates are pending.
Performing the best of Santana ...and Journey music LIVE. Who knows, maybe a few other favorites too....

Late News Update for Wednesday 10th February, 2010

Ronnie James Dio - Health Update from Wendy Dio

(Picture courtesy of http://www.myspace.com/dioofficial)
Doctor's Report / 5th Chemo

Since my last update, we have been back and forth to Houston three times for tests and chemo treatments, an emergency run to St. Joseph’s for another blood clot, an ultrasound and another cat scan. We met with Dr. Ajani, Ronnie’s oncologist, on Monday, and he was very pleased with the treatment so far. Some tumors have gone and some have shrunk. He says we have a long road to travel, but we are on the right path. Going back and forth to Houston is getting old, with all the cancelled and delayed flights and some of the rude Continental staff, the same boring food at the hotel (I think we have eaten everything on their horrible menu!), but…when we get a good report from the doctor, it is all worth it. The only food Ronnie says he can taste is Indian curry; everything tastes like metal (HEAVY metal?) because of the chemo. We did, however, have a nice breakfast with Carmen and his mother on Friday. He is still waiting for his bone marrow transplant.

I am so sorry if I have upset any of our friends for not returning calls or emails, but please understand that it is so draining for me to go over and over to everyone about Ronnie’s progress. This is why I thought that if I wrote an update once a month, everyone can know of Ronnie’s progress at the same time. The Fan Club just delivered a huge sack of mail, and we have been reading all the wonderful cards and letters you have all sent. Thank you all so much – it keeps our spirits up knowing you all love Ronnie so much and wish him well. Ronnie and I have a great support system: Simon, who does so much; Geezer and Gloria (she has been my strength, everyday she listens to me, whether I am happy or not); Sheila and Jacqui, friends for 25 years who would go anywhere or do anything for Ronnie or I; Mike Carden, a cancer survivor who is always available to talk to; Rudy, Vinny, Doug, Scott, Big Scott, Lois and Wyn; my colleagues at work – Marchele, Lynne, Carmen, Anthony and Diana; Dr. Mena, Dr. Chu and our wonderful Dr. Kapoor, who is available 24/7 for us and spent his whole Sunday day off with us at the emergency room, and of course Dr. Ajani, who mixes his magic cocktail of chemo and gives us hope.

Ronnie takes a walk everyday in the park and keeps busy with his music and watching sports. He was really mad that he missed the Super Bowl because we had to fly back to Houston on that Sunday, as his chemo started at 8:00am on Monday. He is in real good spirits and will be going to the studio next week to listen to the mix of the Heaven and Hell DVD that will be released later this year. He is itching to get back on tour, and with the good reports and all of your prayers and good energy, I think he is going to make it. Bless you all.

Wendy

Rock News for Wednesday 10th February, 2010

DREAM THEATER - Lines up 2010 South American Tour

Prog-Metal band Dream Theater has announced a bunch of dates in South America, in fact covering 6 countries there and all in March and ALL within just 3 weeks! Impressive or what?!

In addition the Mike Portnoy-endorsed BIGELF - http://www.bigelf.com/ - will continue their trek across the globe under Dream Theater's wings by joining DT as their Special Guests for their March 2010 shows in Mexico and South America.

Dates announced are as follows:

Date, City /Location, Venue

Thu Mar 11, 2010 Santiago, Chile Movistar Arena Tickets

Fri Mar 05, 2010 Monterrey, Mexico Esenica

Sun Mar 07, 2010 Mexico City, Mexico National Auditorium

Mon Mar 08, 2010 Guadalajara, Mexico Diana Theater

Sat Mar 13, 2010 Buenos Aires, Argentina Luna Park

Tue Mar 16, 2010 Porto Alegre, Brazil Pepsi On Stage

Thu Mar 18, 2010 Curitiba, Brazil Master Hall

Fri Mar 19, 2010 Sao Paulo, Brazil Credicard Hall

Sat Mar 20, 2010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Citibank Hall

Mon Mar 22, 2010 Lima, Peru Jockey Club

Wed Mar 24, 2010 Caracas, Venezuela Poliedro

For all things Dream Theater follow: http://www.dreamtheater.net/

Bad Company offers 'Rock and Roll Fantasy (Live)' -- Free MP3 Download

Following on from my post yesterday for Bad Company, they are now offering up a free download track from their new live album set. This from their MySpace site:

Bad Company have a new release in stores today titled 'Hard Rock Live,' and AOL Radio has a free MP3 download of 'Rock and Roll Fantasy (Live)' from the release. The song was originally released over 30 years ago on the 1979 studio album 'Desolation Angels.'

http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/02/09/bad-company-rock-and-roll-fantasy-live-free-mp3-download/

'Hard Rock Live' is the reunion concert from Bad Company that occurred on August 8, 2008 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. The release can be purchased on iTunes, DVD or Blu-ray -- all of which include a bonus audio CD.

This free MP3 download from Bad Company is only available for two weeks at the link below.

Make sure you download it before it's too late! If you need help on how to download a free MP3:

http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/02/01/how-to-download-a-free-mp3/

Gowan releases THE RETURN OF THE STRANGE ANIMAL

GOWAN RESURRECTS THE OMINOUS SPIRITUS WITH THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OF STRANGE ANIMAL AND A SPECIAL CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Toronto, ON – On March 23rd, 2010 one of the best selling Canadian albums of the 80’s, GOWAN’s Strange Animal will be re-issued as a special edition CD+DVD by Linus Entertainment.

2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the initial release of Strange Animal, an album that defined the Canadian sound in the 1980s, going Triple Platinum, and hitting #1 on sales and radio charts with the dramatic singles “A Criminal Mind” “Guerilla Soldier”, “Cosmetics” and “You’re a Strange Animal”.

Now a full time member of STYX performing at stadium concerts around the world and a bona fide rock icon, Gowan is celebrating his Canadian rock legacy with the re-issue of Strange Animal and a special concert at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario on May 7th and 8th, where he will perform the album in its entirety with his band, which includes Todd Sucherman of STYX on drums, as well as members of his original band from 1985.

The limited edition CD+DVD package includes the fully re-mastered album, and a bonus DVD containing a 20 minute documentary of the making of Strange Animal – which was recorded at the studio in Tittenhurst Park in Ascot, England - the home and studio where John Lennon lived and recorded the “Imagine” album. The four now iconic music videos which accompanied the hit singles from 1985 are on the DVD, two new previously unreleased recordings and videos produced by Gowan, a live video version of “A Criminal Mind” performed by Gowan with STYX, and new original animations based on the characters original conceived and developed by Gowan for Strange Animal.

Joining STYX in 1999, Gowan has spent the last decade touring the world, playing the Superbowl twice, the Tokyo-dome, Wembley Arena, visited the White House, and performing “A Criminal Mind” for hundreds of thousands of adoring STYX fans at packed stadiums, all of whom have now learned what we Canadians have known since 1985. Man, you’re a Strange Animal.

Gowan and his band will be performing live in concert May 7th & 8th, 2010 at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Tickets for these shows will be available beginning at noon on Friday, February 12th, at the Fallsview Casino Box Office (on any show date) or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-833-3110 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca.

More info on the new album is available here: http://www.gowanstrangeanimal.com/

A New Dawn in Rock is coming ... Another teaser video trailer

A new rock site is on the way and is due to be launched on February 20th, beyond that much information there is nothing, nothing that is except this You Tube trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXZmv8J02L8

Rock News for Tuesday 9th February, 2010

BAD COMPANY HARD ROCK LIVE CD / DVD now available

Posted through the bands MySpace page:

Bad Company: Hard Rock Live (CD+Bonus DVD) (CD)

Also available in Blu-Ray Disc + Bonus CD

The classic rock event of the year!

Live reunion concert from Bad Company, featuring:

Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs & Simon Kirke performing a one night only sold-out show at

The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on August 8, 2008.

Featuring 17 hit songs!

Bad Company, Honeychild, Sweet Lil' Sister, Burnin' Sky, Gone Gone Gone, Run with the Pack,

Live For The Music, Seagull, Feel Like Makin', Movin' On, Simple Man, Rock Steady,

Shooting Star, Can't Get Enough, Rock n' Roll Fantasy, Ready for Love, Good Lovin' Gone Bad

Available through Amazon:

On Blu-Ray:

http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Company-Hard-Blu-ray-Bonus/dp/B002XUBDQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1265666742&sr=1-1

CD + DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Company-Hard-Rock-Live/dp/B002YP4EOW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1265666772&sr=1-12

Bret Michaels - 2010 "Roses & Thorns" Tour Dates Announced

Following the release of the new single from Bret Michaels, 'Nothing To Lose' featuring ... - Oh boy! - Miley Cyrus through Amazon here:

   http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-to-Lose/dp/B0036JHAAU/ref=dm_att_trk1?ie=UTF8&qid=1265214558&sr=1-2-ent

and through I-Tunes here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nothing-to-lose-single/id353182330

The following Bret Michaels upcoming shows have been announced:

Date: Time: Venue: City/State:
March 2010

Mar 12 2010 7:00P - The Venue @ The Hub (B*M*B) Fargo, North Dakota

Mar 13 2010 7:00P - Surf Ballroom (B*M*B) Clear Lake, Iowa

Mar 17 2010 7:00P - Joe’s Bar Chicago, Illinois

Mar 23 2010 7:00P - The Machine Shop (B*M*B) Flint, Michigan

Mar 25 2010 7:00P - Ameristar Casino (B*M*B) St. Charles, Missouri

Mar 26 2010 7:00P - Ameristar Casino (B*M*B) Kansas City, Missouri

Mar 27 2010 7:00P - Primm Valley Resort / Star of the Desert Arena (B*M*B) Primm, Nevada

April 2010

Apr 2 2010 7:00P - Wildhorse Saloon (B*M*B) Nashville, Tennessee

Apr 9 2010 7:00P - Heritage Hall (B*M*B) Ardmore, Oklahoma

Apr 9 2010 11:00P - Two Frogs Grill (Official After Party) Ardmore, Oklahoma

May 2010

May 28 2010 7:00P - Hard Rock Casino (B*M*B) Biloxi, Mississippi

Anyone remotely interested in Guns 'n' Roses?

It seems the band Guns 'n' Roses or Axl Rose and his backing band to most people, don't want to play North America just yet, although they seem to have lined up a number of live dates in South America.

Those dates are not yet posted through the bands website, but it seems Pollstar have got hold of information on some South America dates in March / April 2010:

March 2010

Sun 03/07/10 Brasilia, Brazil Ginasio Nilson Nelson

Wed 03/10/10 Belo Horizonte, Brazil Mineirinho

Sat 03/13/10 Sao Paulo, Brazil Estadio Palestra Italia

Sun 03/14/10 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Praca da Apoteose

Tue 03/16/10 Porto Alegre, Brazil Gigantinho

Thu 03/18/10 Montevideo, Uruguay Estadio Centenario

Sat 03/20/10 Buenos Aires, Argentina Estadio River Plate

Mon 03/22/10 Santiago, Chile Club Hipico

Thu 03/25/10 Lima, Peru Estadio Monumental

Tue 03/30/10 Bogota, Colombia Simon Bolivar Park

April 2010

Thu 04/01/10 Quito, Ecuador Estadio Olimpic Atahualpa 

Europe - Almost Unplugged (Live)

Europe – Almost Unplugged - Live at Nalen, Stockholm.

CD review (US Release on MVD Audio)

Most people will remember Europe for the ‘parp, parp’ of that big or should I say mega hit, ‘The Final Countdown’ back in 1986 or as Bon Jovi ‘wannabes,’ which to be honest is a huge injustice on both counts.

While I recognize that it was indeed for me ‘that song’ that got me to listen to the band, it also made me dig into their back catalogue after reading interviews with the band at the time, as they quoted their influences as UFO, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, etc and I just had to go listen to other stuff.

The earlier stuff ‘Europe’ (1983) and ‘Wings of Tomorrow’ (1984) to me frankly put Bon Jovi to shame and at the time I was into Bon Jovi wanting to see them live, opening for Kiss in 1984, rather than Kiss!

So you see, with all the typical stigma attached to the Swede’s with the poodle perms, it was hard to put across to general public to say you liked Europe, when sadly … - Thanks to Final Countdown – so did all the little screaming girls, so you were often sniggered at!

Moving swiftly along to the new millennium years, when the band reformed they stunned many by releasing the dark and heavy, ‘Start From The Dark’ album. It is killer!

2006 release 'Secret Society' was good too, although I personally think ‘Start …’ was stronger.

Anyway, in 2008 Europe decided to do a pretty special gig at “Nalen, Stockholm, Sweden,” which was to be broadcast live through their website as a Pod-cast, with a string quartet joining them for a semi-acoustic performance. I can remember staying up late here to watch this and loved the show!

The band were totally on form and also paid tribute to some of their heroes that night, with some cover songs and I for one was hoping and praying that this would have been recorded for a later release.

Clearly it was as I have the CD here to review, sadly in the USA the DVD was not made available. A great shame.

They kick off things with ‘Got to have Faith’ from ‘Start from the Dark’ and this is done completely different, almost soulful at times but it works for the set up of the evenings events.

Joey Tempest has long since parted with the perm and the guys look these days like typical rockers.

Tempest’s voice is also one of those instantly recognizable tones and he’s not lost anything.

‘Forever Travelling’ from ‘Secret Society’ is a mid to up tempo rocker well presented here in an acoustic form.

From the same album, ‘Devil Sings The Blues’ has some of the more older Europe style about it and I love the song and this arrangement equally does it more than justice. It’s awesome guitar work from the very talented John Norum which picks up the edginess of the song, as well as some pace here too. Norum who plays from an old school rock background, that often reminds me of classic Thin Lizzy or UFO, great stuff!

So to the first of the evenings cover songs in Pink Floyds ‘Wish You Were Here’ and really if it wasn’t Tempest putting his own stamp on it, I think Floyd themselves would be more than happy with this musically.

Ballad ‘Dreamer’ next from their ‘Wings of Tomorrow’ release, shows that traditional classic rock type structure to it, that the band had originally mastered and have since grown and grown with. Love that piano intro.

OK, this next song gives me goose bumps when I hear it, UFO’s 'Love to Love' with a truly excellent interpretation of the song and the Michael Schenker influence on Norum shows clearly, as he has this down to a tee!

What a great song and Europe deserve a huge pat on the back for how they’ve pulled this off, although the string quartet gives it that extra special touch to the original. Class!

No ‘parp, parp’ in the version of ‘The Final Countdown’ presented here and again, all power to the band for making these arrangements which all must’ve taken some time in rehearsals. Great job guys!

‘Yesterday’s News’ was a track from the ‘Prisoners in Paradise’ era, although didn’t feature on an album until their ‘Best of’ releases started to appear, became a popular live favorite. It’s kind of rocking bluesy stuff and no complaints on its inclusion here semi-acoustically done, although lost is the bass in there a little during the guitar solo. Love the Hammond organ jamming from Mic Michaeli, good stuff here!

A little Led Zeppelin tribute up next with ‘Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You.’ None too shabby either!

‘Hero’ from ‘Start from the Dark’ is a little like a right up to date ‘Carrie’ paced tune, although it seems to be more of a tribute to the bands fans for being there for them throughout the bands ups and downs.

Alright, time for me to be very impressed again as the band provide a high voltage version of Thin Lizzy’s 'Suicide.'

John Norum’s playing again is spot on! He’s right there every little detail and the band is so tight, as they are throughout the whole performance. Great job lads! I’m well impressed!

‘Memories’ comes from the bands very first album, starts slow but then picks up the tempo, for a contagious ‘Whoa, whoa, Memories,’ chorus. I dare you not to sing along. Some arpeggio stuff from Norum too. Nice.

I remember the video for ‘Superstitious’ back in the UK in 1988, yeah, a little cheesy, big pyros but big Hammond organ rock stuff too. Here it’s done again with the acoustic drive from the guitars, some audience participation too. All in all still sounds very good and boy, I wish I’d been there the night they did this!

They close events with ‘Rock the Night’ and again Tempest gets the audience involved to wrap things up, full blown electric rockin’ stuff for grand finale, Norum riffing like a king!

Two guys I haven’t mentioned here at all, Ian Haughland and John Leven also deserve much praise as the backbone of the band and keep it strong throughout.

This is a live album I can happily play again and again as the band were clearly having fun and gave their all for some very fortunate fans that night.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Rock News for Monday 8th February, 2010

Melodic Rock Fest 2 Line Up announced!

Andrew McNiece the man behind the great rock website http://www.melodicrock.com/ and a great 10th Anniversary celebration of the site back in 2007, with the first Melodic Rock Fest has just announced a great 2 day line up for the weekend of May 1st and 2nd.

Some of the best names in melodic / hard rock have signed up to play the show.

It will take place at:

The Roadhouse

200 Prairie St. Elgin, Illinois 60120, USA

(Northwest Of Downtown Chicago)

Saturday May 1

Y & T

Danger Danger

Eden's Curse

Terry Brock (w/Valentine - Replacing Hugo)

Rock Sugar

Eclipse

Talon

Farcry

Sunday May 2

Winger

W.E.T.

Ted Poley (Danger Danger singer solo performance)

Jimi Jamison (Ex-Survivor)

Kevin Chalfant (The Storm, The Vu and more)

Crown Of Thorns

7th Heaven

Bombay Black

Tickets On Sale THIS FRIDAY! February 12

Tickets on sale at MelodicRock.com / MelodicRockFest.com

via PAYPAL secure Online Sales

Ticket prices:

Saturday Day Ticket - $55

Sunday Day Ticket - $55

Saturday/Sunday Combo - $100

Weekend VIP Pass (Limited to 250 tickets only) - US$175

Friday April 30 - Acoustic Show / Meet & Greet Night

A Special Night for VIP Ticket Holders ONLY!

Line up:

Alias

Rob Lamothe

Mecca

Rock Sugar

UK's High Voltage festival add's more names! 

UK Classic rock magazine and Metal Hammer's summer festival titled High Voltage, already looked like being a great event for rockers everywhere with names like E.L.P., ZZ Top, Foreigner, Uriah Heep, Heaven and Hell (Dio fronted Black Sabbath), Asia, Marillion, Black LAbel Society and so many more already announced, fans of the genre will be happy to learn that yet more acts have been added!

Today Classic Rock magazine online has annonced the following 5 additions:

DOWN (headliner on Metal Hammer stage)
JOE BONAMASSA (main stage)
THE ANSWER (main stage)
MAGNUM (prog stage)
GARY MOORE (main stage) - Hopefully playing a rock set?

For more details on this annoncement:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/high-voltage-festival-more-bands-added/

for the High Voltage gig website:
http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/

Priest to reissue British Steel and what a reissue!

Well, Classic Rock magazine have also got the scoop on another great piece of news too.
On May 10th, Judas Priest will reissue their classic 'British Steel' and what a special edition it will be!
Last year I was fortunate enough to catch the band live celebrating the 30th anniversary of British Steel's original release in 1980.

(Judas Priest live 2009 - Picture by Alun Williams)
The reissue will feature not one but two additional discs (If you buy the deluxe version.)!
The standard reissue will feature 2 additional tracks on the CD with bonus tracks Red, White and Blue and Grinder recorded live.
Then there's the DVD recorded on last summer's successful tour at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena in Hollywood, Florida with the following track listing:
1. Rapid Fire

2. Metal Gods
3. Breaking The Law
4. Grinder
5. United
6. You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise
7. Living After Midnight
8. The Rage
9. Steeler
10. The Ripper
11. Prophecy
12. Hell Patrol
13. Victim Of Changes
14. Freewheel Burning
15. Diamonds And Rust
16. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming

The 3rd disc in the deluxe edition features a CD of the live show. Same track list as DVD.
Story from Classic Rock magazine:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/breaking-the-what-priest-plan-british-steel-re-issue/

New Avantasia Video featuring Klaus Meine

(Picture courtesy of www.the-scorpions.com/english)
On April 3rd the new Avantasia albums "The Wicked Symphony / Angel Of Babylon" will be released. As previously reported the album will feature a long list of guest musicians such as Klaus Meine (Scorpions), Eric Singer (KISS), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS), Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Jon Oliva (Savatage), Bob Catley (Magnum), Michael Kiske (Helloween), Jorn Lande (Masterplan) and many more. Last week a video clip was shot for the song "Dying For An Angel" featuring Klaus Meine.
http://www.tobiassammet.com/eng/index.php

Uriah Heep Update!

North Anerican Tour


Confirmed dates for the 1st North American Uriah Heep tour since 2002 are now listed on the Live Dates section.
http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/livedates.php

06/18/2010 Chattanooga TN Riverbend Festival - Bud Light Stage TN

06/20/2010 Wilkes-Barre, PA Kirby Center for the Arts PA
06/22/2010 New York NY B.B. King Blues Club NY
06/24/2010 St. Charles MO Ameristar Casino St. Charles MO
06/25/2010 Kansas City MO Ameristar Casino & Hotel Kansas City MO
07/02/2010 Algona IA Freedom Park IA

Uriah Heep will be promoting both the 'Wake the Sleeper' and the 'Celebration' releases (Marking the band’s 40th anniversary).
Mick Box and the band look forward to meeting their USA fans again !
Stay tuned for additional gigs and dates !
Please Note:
Additional dates are being negotiated and will be released as soon as they are confirmed. Fans should not buy tickets unless they are confirmed first and listed at this website on the Live Dates section.
You are advised NOT to buy any tickets unless the gigs are confirmed at http://www.uriah-heep.com/

Aerosmith related news - Kramer and Whitford Perform Live!

Over at Aerosmith's website, an announcement has been made about a one off gig that Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer will be performing at on February 28th, 2010.
House Of Blues, Boston, MA.
It will also feature another great name Barry Goudreau (Ex-Boston, Delp/Groudreau)as well as the Blues Brother Jim Belushi!
This was posted at the Aerosmith site:

THE KRAMER / MONTGOMERY BLUES BAND presents GUITAR LEGENDS OF ROCK AND BLUES WITH BRAD WHITFORD, BARRY GOODREAU (former member of the group BOSTON), JOHNNY A, GEORGE McCANN, AND THE JAMES MONTGOMERY BAND WITH DAVID HULL (from THE JOE PERRY PROJECT) AND SETH PAPPAS, AND THEY ARE JOINED BY THE UPTOWN HORNS (from the ROLLING STONES AND JAMES BROWN ) AND BLUES BROTHER JIM BELUSHI!! It does not get BIGGER THAN THIS!. Much of the proceeds will benefit 2 great charities and ERNIE AND THE AUTOMATICS (with 2 former members of the group BOSTON) WILL OPEN AT 7 P.M. SHARP. THIS WILL BE THE BIGGEST BLUES GUITAR EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES!!! BUY EARLY - TICKETS ARE CHEAP!! We just want to raise $$ for 2 good causes!
Tickets through here:
www.houseofblues.com/boston
Posting link here:
http://www.aeroforceone.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/1247310/pid/302766