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Friday, April 2, 2010

Rock News for Friday 2nd April, 2010

Frontiers Records announces the release of Y&T first studio album in 13 years
Entitled “Facemelter” the new album will be released on May 21st in Europe


Napoli, March, 2010 – Y&T, featuring original members Dave Meniketti (vocals and lead guitars) and Phil Kennemore (bass), along with longtime members John Nymann (guitar) and Mike Vanderhule (drums) have recorded their first studio album in 13 years, aptly titled “Facemelter” to be released in Europe on May 21st on Frontiers Records.

With a discography of 18 albums and three greatest hits collections, Y&T has sold over four million albums since their 1974 inception. The band has toured with numerous Rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Mötley Crüe, receiving constant and extensive airplay with hits such as Forever, Rescue Me, Mean Streak, and Summertime Girls. Y&T songs have been featured in a multitude of movies and television shows, including Real Genius, Out of Bounds, Baywatch, and Hunter. After five US top 100 albums, songs that tipped into the 40s, two Bammie Awards, and many international television appearances, Y&T’s hits are still played nowadays on classic rock radio stations everywhere. Y&T’s high-energy music still captivates legions of fans around the globe, proving Y&T’s music timeless.

As the title indicates, Facemelter - the anticipated new recording - is a hard rockin’, song-oriented album that lives up to its name: it captures the band’s raw energy and tightness that they’ve become known for. Featuring heavy grooves, powerful guitars, and strong melodies, the band shows their versatility, delivering a range of high-energy rockers, mid-tempo head-bangers, modern rock grooves, majestic ballads, and signature Y&T rock anthems. To mark the return, the band engaged John Taylor Dismukes - the same artist who designed covers for Y&T’s classic albums “Mean Streak,” “Black Tiger” and “In Rock We Trust” - to create the amazing art of the new Facemelter.

“What a great feeling to dive back into making new Y&T music,” states Dave Meniketti. “After being away from it for this long, the anticipation of writing a new CD worth of material was, at first, a bit scary, but as soon as we started up I was happy to find how natural it was to get right back in it again. I think we're going to have to keep this up, because musically and emotionally, we still have a lot to say!”

“It's ridiculous that we waited so long to make a new record,” states Phil Kennemore. “In creating new music for Facemelter, I rediscovered the most important thing for any artist, and that is to continue creating . . . it feeds my soul. My hope for Facemelter is that people might just find a few new favorite Y&T songs.”

"We recorded together to capture as much of a live feel as possible which I feel is the strong point of the band," adds Mike Vanderhule, while according to John Nymann, “The chemistry we have between us makes it so easy to develop ideas. Now that we are ignited with new material, I can't wait to bring it to the stage.”

Face-melting is a term that has been with Y&T since the mid-’70s, when a rabid fan ran backstage and told the band, “you melted my face,” which inspired the group’s first publishing company: “Facemelting Music.”

If you haven’t yet taken Y&T’s new album for a ride, grab your leathers, strap yourself in, and prepare to have your face melted.

“Facemelter” includes the following tracks
Prelude, On With The Show; One Life; Shine On; Wild Child; I Want Your Money; I’m Coming Home, If You Want Me; Hot Shot; How Long; Gonna Go Blind; Don’t Bring me Down; Blind Patriot; Losing My Mind*
* Bonus track included on the first pressing in digipak
Y&T are:
Dave Meniketti - lead vocals, lead guitars
Phil Kennemore - bass guitar, vocals
John Nymann - guitar, vocals
Mike Vanderhule - drums & percussion, vocals
Confirmed Summer Tour Dates in Europe:
June 2010
June 10 ~ Solvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
June 12 ~ Donington, UK - Download Festival
June 15 ~ Köln, Germany - Underground Cologne
June 16 ~ Zwolle, Netherlands - Hedon Podium
June 17 ~ Dordrecht, Netherlands - Bibelot
June 19 ~ Clisson, France - Hellfest

Weblinks:
 
Five More Shows Added to United In Rock Tour!
Five more shows have been confirmed for the UNITED IN ROCK Tour with Foreigner, Styx and Kansas, shown in bold below! All five shows have a public on-sale date scheduled for 4/9!
All shows with Foreigner closing are shown below by an asterix next to the date. The remaining shows will have Styx closing, and special guest Kansas will be opening for all shows.
Shows confirmed so far are as follows:

Date City Venue VIP Pre-Sale On Sale
May 2010
*12-May Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre
13-May Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge River Center Arena
14-May Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre
15-May Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
18-May Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre
19-May Ontario, CA Citizens Bank Arena
21-May Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
*22-May Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Events Center
23-May Jackpot, NV Cactus Petes Casino
*25-May Concord, CA Sleep Train Pavilion
*28-May Billings, MT Metrapark Arena
*30-May Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 2010
1-Jun Grand Island, NE Heartland Event Center
*3-Jun Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
4-Jun Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
5-Jun Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion
7-Jun Atlanta, GA Chastain Park
9-Jun Cary, NC Koka Booth Amphitheatre
*11-Jun Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre
*12-Jun Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live
13-Jun Gilford, NH US Cellular Pavilion
18-Jun Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
*20-Jun Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion
*24-Jun Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion
*26-Jun Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
*27-Jun Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Don't see your city? Check out the list below to see if Foreigner, Styx, and Kansas are coming to a city near you!
+ You won't want to miss this line-up!
Salt Lake City, UT
Wantagh, NY
Indianapolis, IN
Milwaukee, WI
Omaha, NE
Lampe, MO
+The cities listed here are subject to change.

Scorpions - Last Ever Tour to Asia Announced

While still in the process of booking and selling out dozens of new dates in Europe, North- and South-America, Scorpions have announced their last ever tour to Asia. As part of the "Get Your Sting and Blackout World Tour" the band will be touring the Asian continent in February 2011. Klaus Meine explains: 'Throughout our career we have always loved to play in the Asian countries and to its diverse cultures and people. When we announced our final World tour earlier this year, fanmail started flowing in from Japan to Jakarta from Abu Dhabi, India and the Pacific Rim States and so it is a logical step for us to visit all those beautiful countries one last time and to celebrate with our fans.'


Europe April Fools joke revealed!

I guess one of my news stories yesterday was indeed a prank!
I did think it a little strange at the time!
The band Europe has just announced this today:

02 / 04 / 10 - THOUSANDS PUNK'D IN APRIL FOOLS DAY PRANK

OF COURSE THE PURCHASE OF ROCKKLASSIKER FM WAS AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE!
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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Michael Bolton - Live At The Royal Albert Hall DVD review

Michael Bolton – Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Vision)

Sadly these days – for many rock fans – Michael Bolton is not the man he once was and is today best known to millions of housewives who just love the old crooner that he seems to have become.
That said a good guitarist friend of mine, a year or so back said he went with a lady friend, to go and see Michael Bolton live and came away saying, ‘You know what Al, at first I begrudged paying the ticket price, but by the end of the night, I realized it was a really good show and he impressed me and his band.’

So what to think about the Michael Bolton current validity as a singer, rock star and musician today, especially when you think back to the late 70’s when Bolton was in hard rock act Blackjack, with rock guitarist Bruce Kulick?
They even toured as opening act for Ozzy Osbourne, oh how the times change!

Bolton does have some good rock releases too in ‘Michael Bolton’ (1983) and ‘Everybody’s Crazy’ (1985), while in 1987 ‘The Hunger’ was a clearer indication of where he was headed with more ballads, but he still pulled in some classy rock guests on this release; Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon and Randy Jackson – Yes, today’s American Idol judge! – all from Journey, along with names like Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen), Eric Martin (Mr. Big) and David Glen Eisley (Giuffria, Dirty White Boy) on backing vocals too.

‘Soul Provider’ in ’89 was really the most obvious pointer of where he was going directionwise.
That said he also got recognized for his songwriting talents by many people and has written songs that have helped other artists to sometimes achieve a little unplanned success. Laura Branigan, Cher, Kiss, Kenny Rogers and many more too.

Since then he’s covered soul classics, band big songs, sung alongside opera legends Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras not to mention artists like Patti LaBelle, Céline Dion and BB King to name just a few and he’s even released an album called ‘Bolton Swings Sinatra.' I think it’s clear we won’t see another rock album from Michael Bolton again, that said his last album ‘One World, One Love,’ featured the promising single ‘Just One Love.’

OK, that’s a lot of background on the man, Michael Bolton, so what does this DVD offer?
Well, the man has still got his distictive voice, of that there’s no doubt and an impressive, big backing band, that includes one time AOR man Michael Thompson on guitar and musical director / guitarist Chris Camozzi can play a bit too as we see here clearly.
The crowd in London’s Royal Albert Hall though, was clearly filled with mostly the older, more mature women …

Opening with a very lengthy – over 6 minutes – ‘Soul Provider’ before continuing on the same path as he starts, with ‘Said I Loved You But I Lied,’ ‘Hope It’s Too Late,’ ‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘(Sittin’ on) The Dock Of The Bay,’ he has the audience in the palm of his hand from the start, giving them exactly what they wanted.

Now it’s serious crooner territory with, ‘You Don’t Know Me,’ ‘Summertime,’ ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ and ‘That’s Life,’ which are all very respectable and sure, it shows the guys ability to switch things around here and there.

He then gives us the song he co-wrote with current pop favorite, Lady GaGa in ‘Murder My Heart,’ mmm. Probably the less said about that, the better, although the presentation here isn’t too bad, with the exception of the ‘overdone’ handclaps of the modern day ‘R & B’ sound, Michael Thompson’s tasty guitar sound helps much.
Bolton then moves out to appear in the middle of the crowd for, ‘When a Man Loves a Woman.’

Now he switches into some of his better late 80’s material with, ‘How Can We Be Lovers,’ which seems to get the most audience participation of the evening. Then it’s ‘Steel Bars’ and ‘Time, Love and Tenderness,’ which were a little refreshing here.

‘Can I Touch You There’ next, then slips into that zome that really doesn’t work for me, then ‘Crazy Love’ and a nice version of ‘Georgia on my Mind.’
He then does an impressive presentation of the huge ballad ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,’ with just the piano player and of course the Royal Albert Hall ladies choir for the chorus.
He closes the set and DVD of the show with what I will say is a better new song in the single, ‘Just One Love,’ which has a good full band backing sound and big hook in the chorus and then he’s done.

There’s a pretty reasonable and lengthy interview with the man as well as the bonus feature here, but it does seems that he’s rather avoid going over his rock era. Shame.

I really can’t knock the guys talent or the backing band and overall performance, it’s just that this really isn’t a rock DVD.
I covered this release here, because I admire the guys earlier rock work and his ability I guess to adapt in many different genres today.

Rating:
Overall performance / presentation 4 out of 5
For me personally, musical appeal: 2 out of 5.
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Rock News for Thursday 1st April, 2010

Happy April Fools Day Everyone or All Fools Day as others say!
Now, what trick news stories lay ahead for us all today?
Will name artists ticks us with their announcements?
Will I trick you? LOL! You figure it out!
Have a great, fun day folks!

Scorpions US Tour News Update + new album enters Billboard Top 30

German rock legends The Scorpions have just announced a very select set of tour dates in North America, so far ....?
Just 10 dates in the US and just 3 in Canada have been announced, to support their latest release, 'Sting In The Tail.'
They do say later in the release that over 30 dates are planned over 2 months ...
Strange, as the 13 dates announced are actually already crossing into a 3rd month?!
As to support acts, Ratt have been telling people they will support The Scorpions on certain dates (Not confirmed by The Scorpions), but here the press release indicates Cinderella or Dokken on specific dates.

Disappointing news right now then for many US fans, who are lapping up the excellent new album - Review to be posted here soon. - released here just over a week ago and have helped it be placed in Billboards Top 30 albums.

Here's the press release and news update from their site released yesterday:

THE SCORPIONS - one of the most successful rock bands in the world - have hit another career milestone. Their new and final album, 'STING IN THE TAIL,' released March 23 via Universal Music Enterprises, entered the Billboard Top 200 charts at #23, marking the band’s highest chart debut in over 20 years.
The album also landed at #6 on the Rock Albums chart.

Sting In the Tail features the anthemic single “Raised On Rock,” which is #2 on the Classic Rock Mediabase chart and adds to their remarkable list of hits including “Rock Your Like A Hurricane,” “Wind of Change” and “No One Like You”. The album is a true return to the classic and unmistakable hard rock sound that has allowed the band to remain an influential and powerful force in rock music throughout their career.

The Scorpions - KLAUS MEINE (vocals), MATTHIAS JABS (lead guitar), RUDOLF SCHENKER (guitar), JAMES KOTTAK (drums) and PAWEL MACIWODA (bass)--have also announced the dates for the North American leg of their “GET YOUR STING AND BLACKOUT” world tour in support of the new album. The German rockers will be celebrating 40+ years in music on this final outing--set to kick off June 18 in Holmdel, NJ--that will take them around the globe through 2012, with special guests supporting along the way, including Cinderella who will help jump-start the tour and heavy metal/hard rock band Dokken.

“Scorpions is a live band,“ asserts MEINE. “Totally, 200%, this band was always about live concerts. We always wanted to go on stage and play in front of our fans. From the very beginning, from the smallest clubs to the biggest arenas and stadiums around the world, the passion to be a live band has never changed.” And when asked why the band decided to retire after all these years together, SCHENKER stated, “We want to celebrate [with] a big party around the world. We've had a really great career, coming out from Germany and showing people that rock can come out of Germany. I think we started as a gang built by friendship and musicality, and going and showing that the Germans can rock" (LiveDaily; 1-28-10).

With over 30 North American shows planned, the two-month summer tour will take the band, known worldwide for their mega, arena hard rock and over 100 million records sold, to such cities as Baltimore, MD, Jones Beach, NY, Toronto and Milwaukee. As they make their way west, they’ll stop in Albuquerque before hitting the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles July 29. (See dates below with more to be announced)
Scorpions have partnered with I Love All Access to offer a variety of VIP ticket packages

Check out the SCORPIONS on the “Get Your Sting and Blackout” North America Tour:
** denotes Cinderella supporting + denotes Dokken supporting
June 2010
** Fri 6/18 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center April 10 via http://www.ticketmaster.com/
** Sat 6/19 Baltimore, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion Now via Ticketfly
** Tue 6/22 Jones Beach, NY Jones Beach Theater April 10 via http://www.ticketmaster.com/
** Fri 6/25 Quebec City, QC Pavillion de la Juenesse April 10 via http://www.billitech.com/
** Sat 6/26 Montreal, QC Bell Centre April 10 via http://www.geg.ca/
Sun 6/27 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre April 9 via http://www.ticketmaster.com/
July 2010
Fri 7/2 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest TBA via http://www.ticketmaster.com/
Sat 7/24 Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre
Mon 7/26 Albuquerque, NM The Pavilion TBA via http://www.livenation.com/
Thu 7/29 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theater TBA via http://www.ticketmaster.com/
Sat 7/31 Ontario, CA Citizen’s Business Bank Arena TBA via http://www.ticketmaster.com/
August 2010
+ Fri 8/6 Roseburg, OR Douglas County Fairgrounds
+ Sat 8/7 Ridgefield, WA Amphitheatre at Clark County April 3 via http://www.ticketmaster.com/

More details and video clips here:

 Magnum - Slight update

Thanks to Annie for the Magnum newsletter update on new album and a few festival appearances!

New Magnum Studio Album
Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin are back at Mad Hat's Studio working on new material for the next Magnum album, with the songs already written the task is now to cut these down to the songs that will eventually end up on the album.

The new album will have a World wide release through Steamhammer / SPV. It is a little to early to predict a release date or title but we'll keep you up to date via the website and newsletter with progress.

Meanwhile Magnum's Festival Appearances 2010:
May 2010
22 May 2010 Trondheim Rock Trondheim, Norway
June 2010
9/10/11/12 June 2010 Sweden Rock Festival Sölvesborg, Sweden
July 2010
25 July 2010 High Voltage Festival London, UK
30 July 2010 RBCS Derbyshire, UK
For all things Magnum, keep it here:

NONPOINT SINGLE ‘MIRACLE’ TOP 25 ON ROCK CHARTS

TOUR DATES WITH SEVENDUST & PAPA ROACH - New album ‘Miracle’ out May 4th

LOS ANGELES – The single “Miracle’ from Florida hard rock quartet Nonpoint is top 25 on all hard rock radio formats, and showing no signs of slowing down. The forthcoming album, also titled 'Miracle' will be released May 4th. Nonpoint has also confirmed upcoming tour dates with Sevendust (see below)

Jose Mangin, host of Octane on Sirius XM says about Nonpoint, “ There’s no mistaking their powerful and intense live shows over all these years have added fuel to their songwriting craft. I’m totally not surprised ‘Miracle’ is catchy as hell and doing as well as it is! Florida has a new kind of hurricane and there’s nothing you can do about it but step back and let it happen.”
Blake Patton, the Music Director at WJJO in Madison says, “ Madison and JJO have known the power, presence and attraction of Nonpoint for years. This time Nonpoint has raised the bar even higher with a stellar new tune. ‘Miracle’ is testing higher and getting more reaction than ever before.”

The album was produced by Greg Tribbett and Chad Gray of Mudvayne / HELLYEAH and will be released on the band’s own 954 Records in partnership with Rocket Science Ventures / SONY / RED on May 4th, 2010.

NONPOINT with Sevendust, Day of Fire and Hail the Villian:
April 2010
April 21 Knoxville, TN @ The Valarium
April 22 Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
April 24 Columbia, SC @ Jillian’s (with Papa Roach)
April 27 Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Lounge
April 29 Houma, LA @ The City Club
April 30 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
May 2010May 23 Columbus, OH @ Rock on the Range

Check out the debut video for Miracle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVF2yycr5vw
For the latest news and tour updates: http://www.nonpoint.com/

Airtime's Liberty Manifesto now made available as download

Airtime the hard rock side project featuring Rik Emmett (Triumph) and Mike Shotton (Von Groove) that produced the much praised 'Liberty Manifesto' release in 2007, has just had the now much sought after release, made available through Rik Emmett's website store:

Over the past few years since it's original release, this album has changed hands through eBay or Amazon and other places for prices - That I've seen ..., as I've been looking! - up to $50 and over in some cases!
Now the full album can can be downloaded via Rik's site for $9.99 or bought as individual tracks.

More details on the project:
Rik and Michael Shotton’s studio writing projects evolved into an unapologetically classic, hard, melodic rock album that has some progressive leanings – a labor of love that’s life-affirming and liberating, featuring mature lyric themes, polished songwriting and arranging, and challenging ensemble instrumentation.
Emmett revisits a style he’d left in ‘93.

From the production/engineering chair, Shotton convinced Emmett to play all the bass tracks, then to take over lead vocal duties as well. The Rick Andersen mixes sparkle, aided by the mastering expertise of Nick Blagona [Deep Purple, Tea Party, April Wine: engineer for The Police, Rush, David Bowie].
For Emmett and Shotton, Airtime has been a defining and deeply satisfying experience that they take a fierce pride in.

Europe (The band) interesting acquisition made
 
Now then, is this a true or false story, I can't say ... Any Swedish readers here that know how true this may or may not be regarding the band Europe?
This just posted at the band's website today, yes, April 1st!
 
EUROPE TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF STOCKHOLM'S ROCKKLASSIKER 106.7 FM!

FOLLOWING SEVERAL MONTHS OF DISCREET NEGOTIATION,STOCKHOLM'S LEADING ROCK RADIO STATION "ROCKKLASSIKER" HAS BEEN PURCHASED BY EUROPE THE BAND THROUGH PRIVATE SALE.

EUROPE'S MANAGER PETRI H. LUNDEN COMMENTED: "ROCKKLASSIKER FM HAS BEEN THE SECOND HOME OF EUROPE DRUMMER IAN HAUGLAND WHO DJ'S AT ROCKKLASSIKER WHEN THE BAND ARE NOT ON TOUR. EUROPE HAVE ALWAYS LENT THEIR SUPPORT TO THE STATION, SO WHEN IT CAME UP FOR SALE LAST NOVEMBER, THE BAND DECIDED TO NEGOTIATE ITS PURCHASE".

SINGER / SONGWRITER JOEY TEMPEST ADDED: "SWEDEN IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS EXTRAORDINARY ROCK ACTS, AND THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF ROCKKLASSIKER FM, WE INTEND TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE OUR PROUD ROCK CULTURE. ITS EXCITING FOR US AS MUSICIANS. WE INTEND TO TAKE ROCKKLASSIKER FORWARD AND CONTINUE TO APPEAL TO IT'S VERY LOYAL FANBASE".

ROCKKLASSIKER STATION MASTER STAFFAN ROSELL COMMENTED: "SINCE THEIR COMEBACK, EUROPE HAVE MADE SOME VERY SOUND MOVES BOTH AS ARTISTS AND AS BUSINESSMEN, AND THIS REPRESENTS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER NOT ONLY FOR THEM, BUT ALSO FOR THE STATION".

OWNERSHIP WILL BE TRANSFERRED ON APRIL 16TH TO THE BAND'S COMPANY HELL & BACK AB.
TUNE IN TO ROCKKLASSIKER FOR MORE INFO ON THE SALE.

Nazareth announces Canadian Tour Dates

As well as many other tour dates already confirmed by classic rockers Nazareth that run through the rest of the year, they've just announced the following Canadian tour dates, some with Canadian rockers Headpins :

June 2010
June 30 - Edmonton, AB at the River Creek Casino, Canada with Headpins
July 2010
July 2 - Coquitlam, BC at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in the Boulevard Casino, Canada
July 3 - Vernon, BC at Funtastic, Canada
July 8 - Estevan, SK at The Orpheum, Canada
July 9 - Regina, SK at the Regina Casino, Canada
July 10 - Brandon, MB at the Trails West Inn, Canada
July 12 - Thunder Bay, ON at the Rockhouse, Canada
July 13 - Winnipeg, MB, Canada
July 15 - Calgary, AB, Canada private party with Headpins
July 16 - Lethbridge, AB at Coyote Joe's, Canada
July 17 - Calgary, AB at the Deerfoot Casino, Canada with Headpins
July 23 - Halifax, NS at Casino Nova Scotia in the Schooner Showroom, Canada
July 24, 2010July 24 - New Brunswick TBA, Canada
For the rest of their live dates - I can tell you there's none in USA at this time. :( - go here:
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 31st March, 2010

SEVENDUST LAUNCH U.S. TOUR, PRE-ORDERS IN SUPPORT OF 'COLD DAY MEMORY' - OUT APRIL 20TH.

PRE-ORDER THE AUTOGRAPHED ALBUM AND RECEIVE THE SINGLE, "UNRAVELING", NOW:

SEVENDUST--Lajon Witherspoon (vocals), Morgan Rose (drums/vocals), Clint Lowery (guitar/vocals), Vince Hornsby (bass/vocals), John Connolly (guitar/vocals) — are currently putting the finishing touches on a headlining tour with Drowning Pool and will take a much-deserved break before heading out to do it all over again in April and beyond. The band will be world premiering the DVD portion of the album and doing a special acoustic gig at the Hard Rock Cafe in their hometown of Atlanta, GA the night before release, April 19th. Details and ticket information TBA.

The band's eighth studio album, 'COLD DAY MEMORY,' comes out April 20 on their own 7Bros. Records, through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The album—produced by Grammy® nominated Johnny K (Disturbed, Staind, 3 Doors Down, Plain White T's)—is the band's first new album with their original line-up back together with Lowery’s return after his departure in 2003. Sevendust’s new single, “Unraveling”, is #17 and rising on the BDS Active Rock chart – It’s the most well received single in the bands history and has a chance to be a crossover smash. Buy "Unraveling" on http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unraveling/id356146568?i=356146602

To make the tour extra special, Ticketmaster is offering an "Ultimate Memory Fan Package" bundle, which pairs a ticket to the show with an autographed copy of COLD DAY MEMORY and a meet and greet with the band. Further info can be found on Ticketmaster by doing a search for Sevendust tickets http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&q=sevendust&search.x=0&search.y=0

Confirmed tour dates:
DATE CITY VENUE
April 2010
Mon 4/19 Atlanta, GA Hard Rock Cafe (DVD Premiere & Acoustic Set) - Details TBA
Tues 4/20 Kennesaw, GA 6:30pm - Best Buy In Store Signing (850 Cobb Place Blvd NW - Kennesaw, GA 30144)
Weds 4/21 Knoxville, TN 5:30pm - Disc Exchange In Store Signing (2615 Chapman Hwy - Knoxville, TN 37920)
Wed 4/21 Knoxville, TN The Valarium
Sat 4/24 Tampa FL St. Pete Times Forum (WXTB 98 Rockfest)
Sun 4/25 Ladson, SC Ladson Fairgrounds (LiveX 2010)
Tue 4/27 Fayetteville, AR George’s Majestic Lounge
Thu 4/29 Houma, LA The City Club
Fri 4/30 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
May 2010
Tue 5/4 Springfield, VA Jaxx
Wed 5/5 Richmond, VA The National
Fri 5/7 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
Sat 5/8 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Café
Sun 5/9 Syracuse, NY Westcott Theatre
Wed 5/12 Lancaster, PA Chameleon Club
Fri 5/14 South Bend, IN Club Fever
Sun 5/16 Flint, MI Machine Shop
Sat 5/22 Columbus, OH Crew Stadium (Rock On The Range)


Pre-Order w/signed booklet: http://sevendust.hasawebstore.com/

Frontiers Records announces the release of PRETTY MAIDS 13th studio album

Preceded by the digital only release of the single “Little Drops of Heaven”, “Pandemonium” is out on May 14th in Europe and June 8th in the USA.

Napoli, March, 2010 – Danish Dynamite Rockers Pretty Maids will release their anticipated new album “Pandemonium” on May 14th in Europe and June 8th in the USA. “Pandemonium” is the band’s 12th studio album and their first full length release over the last four years. A 90 secs. preview of the single “Little Drops of Heaven” is now available for streaming on http://www.prettymaids.dk/ and on the band’s and Frontiers myspace sites (www.myspace.com/pmaids / www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords ).

Produced by Jacob Hansen (who has also worked with Volbeat, Rob Rock and Beyond Twilight between others), “Pandemonium” with its melodic approach is a definite return to the “Future World / Red Hot and Heavy” era of the eighties, but with an updated sound and freshness that consolidates that Pretty Maids are as strong as ever.

“I think this new record shows the band in its finest moment”, says singer Ronnie Atkins “that’s definitely our best effort in many years and the spirit in the band is higher than ever”.

This album also introduces keyboard player Morten Sandager as a permanent member of the band and his impact is evident on the tracks of the cd, particularly on the hauntingly melodic new single “Little Drops of Heaven” which will be released – only as a digital download, as an exclusive teaser leading to the album’s release, on April 13th worldwide.


Written in the fall 2009 and recorded in the winter 2010, “Pandemonium” will be supported by several festival appearances during the summer of 2010 and then followed by a full scale European tour in Oct/Nov 2010.
“Pandemonium” tracklisting includes:
Pandemonium, I.N.V.U., Little Drops of Heaven, One World One Truth, Final Day of Innocence, Cielo Drive, It Comes at Night, Old Enough to Know, Beautiful Madness, Breathless, It Comes at Night (remix)*.
* Bonus track available first pressing in digipak
Soundbytes here:
http://www.frontiers.it/default.aspx?tabid=73&cond3=where ItemID=565

Pretty Maids:
Ronnie Atkins - vocals
Ken Hammer – guitars
Kenn Jackson – bass
Allan Tschicaja - drums
Morten Sandager - keyboards

Weblinks:


NEWMAN ANNOUNCES UK LIVE DATES 2010

Just announced over at Newman's website, more live dates for the band in 2010. Here's the press release:

We are very pleased to announce that Newman will play the following dates in support of the new album "The Art Of Balance"

Friday 6th August - Cambridge Rock Festival, Barton

http://cambridgerockfestival.co.uk/

Saturday 25th September - The Heroes, Portsmouth
Sunday 31st October - Firefest Festival - Nottingham


.........more dates to be added very soon and more details and links on the Live page:


16 SECOND STARE To Release Self-Titled Sophomore Album BONNIE AND CLYDE - To Hit The Active Rock Airwaves Soon!!
From CRÜE FEST 2 2009 to Join Forces with COLD and NONPOINT on Tour 2010
“16 SECOND STARE” OUT APRIL 27TH on Goomba Music

HOLLYWOOD, CA (March 29, 2010) – Gaining ground in an industry that is tough as nails – The band that is sweeping the USA with their industrial metal is the Hot Ticket to see this year and out with Billboard charting band COLD. 16 SECOND STARE breaks new sonic ground with their new self-titled album releasing April 27 on Goomba Music.
With an aggressive sound, in the veins of Rob Zombie, NIN and Marilyn Manson - Their new self-titled record, 16 SECOND STARE is ready to take their place in the vanguard of the international metal scene. Fueled by the ferocious vocals of Chris Davis, who stepped out from behind his drum kit to prowl the stage like a madman, and driven by the onslaught of guitarist Angry Tim Shanks, the band has been winning legions of fans with its uncompromising stage show. During the summer of 2009, on the road with Crüe Fest 2, 16 SECOND STARE showed what they were made of winning over huge crowds with their radical onslaught. Now they're unleashing an equally radical album.

16 SECOND STARE took a year to make and, during that time, the band underwent a transformation. "I started singing lead and everything clicked into place,' says singer and drummer Chris Davis. “We used to think about radio play, but this time decided to go for the jugular. We're going to get right up in your face and if people like it, that's fine. If not, fuck'em. Anyone who's seen us live knows we kick ass, so we decided to kick ass in the studio too. Making Chris the singer was the best move we ever made.”

Come out and hear the Hot Ticket of the year, 16 SECOND STARE on tour now with COLD and NONPOINT.

MARCH 2010
Wed 31 Chico CA Senator

APRIL 2010
Thu 01 Santa Rosa CA Last Day Saloon
Sat 03 Los Angeles CA Roxy
Sun 04 Tempe AZ Marquee
Tue 06 Albuquerque NM Sunshine
Wed 07 Lubbock TX Jakes
Fri 09 Abilene TX Midnight Rodeo
Sat 10 Odessa TX Dos Amigos
Sun 11 Corpus Christ TX Brewster Street Ice House
Tue 13 Jacksonville FL Freebird
Wed 14 Ft Walton FL The Swamp
Fri 16 Melbourne FL County Line Saloon
Sat 17 Orlando FL Firestone Live
For more information go to http://www.16secondstare.com/

Asia First 2010 US Tour Dates Announced
This just posted over at Asia's website:

First 2010 US Tour Dates Announced
Asia are pleased to be able to start announcing forthcoming dates on their US leg of the 'Omega' tour:

3rd August 2010 - Birchmere, Alexandria VA
5th August 2010 - Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe PA
6th August 2010 - North Fork Theatre, Westbury NY
7th August 2010 - Showboat. Atlantic City NJ
8th August 2010 - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield CT
More dates will be announced shortly; the US leg runs through 8th September 2010.


JOHN 5 To Perform & Speak At The Grammy Museum MARCH 31ST @ 7:30 PM

HOLLYWOOD, CA (March 2, 2010) – Guitar virtuoso John 5 will perform live followed by a Q&A about the studio, recording, touring and other topics at the Grammy Museum on March 31st. This event will include a signing session to end the evening’s excitement.

John 5 has compiled one of the most impressive resumes in rock. In addition to his own solo work, his commanding riffs combined with his composition skills have most recently earned him a coveted spot playing with rock icon Rob Zombie. Join us as he demonstrates his masterful techniques, breaks down his signature gear, talks about life on the road and songs from his latest album, 'Requiem.'

John 5’s credentials include his famous stint with shock rocker Marilyn Manson, his current gig with Rob Zombie, but also includes diverse work with some names you might not expect, including Lita Ford, K.D. Lang, David Lee Roth, Meatloaf, Salt-N-Pepa, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others. Surprisingly, to many, John 5 has an ardent love of bluegrass music and has the chops to prove it (just listen to “Sugar Foot Rag” from 2004 solo album 'Vertigo').

We have the opportunity to offer reservation seating for the first few rows of this event. This is first come first serve. If you would like to make a reservation please send an email to john5store@hotmail.com and in the subject field put "Reserve Seats". This has limited seating so reserve your tickets now!
The Grammy Museum is located at 800 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015. For Further information online, visit http://www.grammymuseum.org/

John Lennon "Rare and Unseen"  Coming to DVD May 18, 2010
A collection of rare footage, original rare film and videos of the band, newsreels and photographs from private collections.

Wienerworld and MVD Visual are proud to announce the DVD release of John Lennon "Rare and Unseen" on May 18, 2010. (Released February 22 in the UK)

The next title of the "Rare and Unseen" series takes an inside look at the rock musician, singer-songwriter, author and peace activist who made it as one of the world's most successful solo artists after his departure from the Beatles in 1969: John Lennon.

From his musical and songwriting input with the Beatles (especially his partnership with McCartney) to his astronomical solo career, Lennon has written some of the most popular music in rock and roll history. After the Beatles, Lennon enjoyed a successful solo career with such acclaimed albums as 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band' and 'Imagine' and iconic songs such as "Give Peace a Chance" and "Imagine". His final album, 'Double Fantasy,' was released less than a month before his death.

This brand new DVD release is a collection of rare footage featuring original rare film and videos of the singer, newsreels and photographs from private collections.
Featuring:
· Man of the Decade - Aired once in 1969 and unseen since
· Aquarius - Unseen since the 70s
· Weekend World - Thought wiped and unseen out of the UK
· Frost - never released on DVD
· Plus opinions from Phil Collins, Len Goodman and Tony Barrow
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Update Notice - Wednesday 31st March 2010

Hi all, serious apologies for lack of news yesterday and today ... It turns out it wasn't just my ISP, but the PC ran into registry errors and then some!!
Anyway, literally just got this baby up and running again ..., just before posting this note!

I will provide some updates and some press releases today, that I have received yesterday and today and here's hoping tomorrow should be back to business as usual!
Also, one DVD review almost completed - before it all crashed ...! - that may surprised a few that I'm even covering it, but ..., there you go, that's me, more open minded as the years roll by!
So, cheers for now folks, keep it here, updates coming soon!
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Monday, March 29, 2010

** Exclusive Additional News Update for Monday 29th March, 2010 **

*Exclusive Update*
Scorpions US Tour plans update - Extensive US Tour planned for 2011

I've just learned through The Scorpions US management contact, that this year the band will only be playing a few select US tour dates and that a full US and Canadian tour in support of the new 'Sting In The Tail' album, will not take place until 2011. The reasons behind this, are not 100% clear at this time, I would only hazard a guess that some deal on exclusive festival rights may have come into play, but then you kind of wonder why, 2 other US dates and 1 Canadian date are also taking place? Read on ...

As of right now, the band is confirmed in the USA to play and headline, 2 major festivals 'M3 Rock Festival' in Maryland on Saturday June 19th - Details here: http://www.myspace.com/m3rockfestival - and 'Summerfest 2010' in Milwaukee on July 2nd - Details here: http://www.summerfest.com/flash/#.

Currently aside from these 2 events, Pollstar is showing the band playing PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ on the 18th June (Warm up gig?) and 2 other shows inbetween both festivals:

Tue 06/22/10 Wantagh, NY Nikon At Jones Beach Theater - http://www.jonesbeach.com/
Sun 06/27/10 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre - Through http://www.livenation.com/

I would strongly advise that you check confirmation of those shows first, to confirm they are accurate.
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Rock News for Monday, 29th March, 2010

Detroit legend Bob Seger plans Fall tour

His last studio release 'Face The Promise' and subsequent tour impressed a hard old rocker like me, even though the guy had been off the scene for what seemed a lifetime to many of his fans ...

Yes, Bob Seger looks like like following up where he left off, when he finished his last tour that took him through dates from 2006 into 2007, a sure sign that his old faithful fans had missed him.
Last Friday 26th March, he told local another Detroit radio legend, DJ Dick Purtan who after 45 years in broadcasting, was retiring from WOMC-FM (104.3), that he wants to tour again this Fall and Seger added, “And of course we'd play here.”
Dates look like being in or around October, so keep checking to see if you want to catch him.
I can vouch that it was a very impressive show last time around, when I caught him at the Palace of Auburn Hills. My review of that show - from my time writing for http://www.classicrock.about.com/ - can be found here:

Read the story from Detroit's Free Press here on current Seger talk:
Bob Seger's site can be found here: www.bobseger.com/ 

ROBERT PLANT AND THE BAND OF JOY TO TOUR U.S.A
JULY SHOWS TO INCLUDE MATERIAL FROM NEW ROUNDER ALBUM

Burlington, MA – Robert Plant has confirmed a 12 city North American tour. Beginning in July, this 1st leg of shows which will be followed by further dates in the fall will preview material from a new album. Featuring a diverse group of musicians - Patty Griffin, vocals, Darrell Scott, multi instrumentalist/vocals, Byron House, Bass/Vocals, Marco Giovino, drums and percussion/vocals, including co-producer Buddy Miller, guitar/vocals. The album is set for release on Rounder, late summer/early fall.

Kicking off in Memphis on July 13th (see full tour schedule below) the tour will feature Plant and the ’Band of Joy’ - the same musicians who also appear and play on the album.
Says Plant: “It’s been a blast working on these new songs…and I’m enjoying such creativity and vitality. It’s been a remarkable change of direction for all of us and as a group we all seem to have developed a new groove.”

In recent weeks Plant has been in the studio working on the planned release, which will be his first since 'Raising Sand,' the multi-platinum, 6-time Grammy® winning collaboration with fellow Rounder artist Alison Krauss. Krauss has most recently been recording with her longtime band Union Station, and will be touring with them this summer. The pair do not expect to announce a new album or tour in the coming year, though when asked about the collaboration, Plant says: “Oh yes, Alison and I get together quite often … and sometimes we dance.”
**On sale dates will vary throughout March & April. See below for ticket links and information to purchase.

Robert Plant and the Band Of Joy Tour Dates:
July 2010
13 Memphis, TN - The Orpheum Theater
15 Little Rock, AR - Robinson Center Music Hall
16 Tulsa, OK - Brady Theater
18 Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino Amphitheater
20 Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theater
21 Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater
23 Dallas, TX Meyerson Symphony Hall
24 Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
26 Austin, TX - Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater
28 Mobile, AL - The Saenger Theatre
30 Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
31 Miami, FL - Bayfront Park Amphitheater

Serpentine stirs thing up with 'A Touch of Heaven.'

UK AOR band, Serpentine featuring ex-Shy and TNT man Tony Mills on lead vocals, appear to be causing all kinds of a stir here and there, although I can't say I've heard the new album, 'A Touch Of Heaven,' so personally I can't comment.
The guys over at UK's Classic Rock magazine stumbled on the band offering a free download from the album, a track called 'Whatever Heartache.'
Go here for details on that:
Meantime here's the press release on their album, from label AOR Heaven:

SERPENTINE's debut offering 'A Touch Of Heaven' is the culmination of two and a half years of work and dedication of a band founded by trio Gareth David Noon, Gareth Vanstone and Chris Gould. When Noon returned from a vacation in 2007, an excited Vanstone informed him of the availability of axe-slinger Gould. Noon recalls: "Gareth Vanstone and I had been writing rough material for a few years with no actual goals. It wasn't actually until 2007 when we set up a jam session with Chris Gould that the whole thing actually started to take shape, and Serpentine was truly formed. It was strange actually because Chris and I had fleetingly met before then at a Judas Priest gig in 2006. He happened to be a friend of Vanstone's brother and he heard some of our rough demos. We met up on a Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon we had finished a basic cut of our first song. It was instant chemistry."

Fast-forward to the winter of 2008 and a chance encounter at a recording studio in Blackwood, South Wales between Gould and Shy drummer Bob Richards, which was to be the catalyst for Serpentine to hit top gear and get the band off the ground after 18 months of songwriting as a trio. Less than a month later, Tony Mills (Shy/TNT) and his world reknowned, stratospheric vocals became the voice of Serpentine, and the band spent the next few months completing the demos for what has become the band's debut album, 'A Touch Of Heaven'. In the summer of 2009, the band - with new members John Clews (Guitar) and Charlie Skeggs (Drums) in tow- decamped to M2 Studios in Staffordshire to begin reshaping their rough demos into what can be heard on the record, with Mark V Stuart (Magnum) and Sheena Sear twiddling the knobs behind the desk.

'A Touch Of Heaven' is to be released in 2010 by Marquee Avalon in Japan and AOR Heaven in Europe in February and March respectively. We hope you enjoy it.
Tracklisting:
1) A Touch Of Heaven
2) Whatever Heartache
3) Lonely Nights
4) For The Love Of It All
5) Let Love Rain Down
6) In My Blood
7) Fashion
8) We Belong
9) Love Suicide
10) Unbreak My Heart
*11) Bridge To My Heart (Japanese Bonus Track) 

Scorpions to be inducted into Hollywoods Rock Walk 

Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine, Matthias Jabs, James Kottak and Pawel Maciwoda of The Scorpions will be inducted into Hollywood’s RockWalk on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at noon. The Scorpions - who have sold over 100 million records worldwide - will be honored by fans with a special ceremony at Guitar Center in Hollywood.

This marks a very special occasion for the Scorpions: with the March 23 release of their new album, 'Sting in the Tail' (via Universal Music Enterprises) and a three-year, five-continent mammoth tour, one of the most successful rock bands in the world will be ending their career. It will be the most adventurous if not greatest project of the band: hundreds of shows, hundreds of thousands of fans, countless miles on a plane and tour bus.

It has been 35 years since the original formation of the legendary German hard rock band Scorpions drove their rickety red VW bus from one small pub to another, from one back yard to another, in their home state of Lower-Saxony to unpack their equipment and rock on. Five years earlier, in the little town of Sarstedt, Rudolf Schenker had given the band its name. From the very beginning the band showed signs for a promising career.

From an “Echo” for “Life Achievement” (2009) and “Best National Band” (1994) to the “World Music Award” (1994), there aren’t many noteworthy awards the Scorpions have not received. The accomplishments throughout their career have built a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow: they drew more than 150,000 spectators between Manaus and Rio on the last big South America tour, sold out stadiums in Greece last summer, jam-packed venues in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Mumbai and performed at “Monsters Of Rock.”

Hollywood’s RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Blues and R&B. The Scorpions handprints will reside alongside the handprints, signatures, and faces of other equally accomplished musicians and innovators such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker and Earth Wind & Fire among numerous others.
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