CHAMBERS OF ROCK

A blog dedicated to coverage of rock news, reviews of CD's/DVD's, live gigs and interviews with musicians who have made rock music great! Coverage of hard rock, classic rock, AOR and popular melodic rock music across the genre. This blog is the creation of Alun Williams, a Brit now living in Michigan whose previous credits include writing for the following sites: www.classicrock.about.com www.classicrockrevisited.com and www.rocknrolluniverse.com (Now gone) I hope you enjoy your visit here!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Rock News for Friday 9th April, 2010

Another 'new' Uriah Heep 2 CD collection released April 26th

It seems strange that this should even be allowed to happen, but happen it has!

So soon after Uriah Heep's, not so long ago release of 'Celebration,' a re-recording of many of their classic songs plus 2 new ones to celebrate 40 years as a band, here come another one!

I guess it does have Mick Box's blessing as it was put together with his help, so here we go again!

ON THE REBOUND - A VERY ‘EAVY 40th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

Release Date: 26th April 2010

This 2-Disc set honourably and ‘umbly marks Uriah Heep’s 40th Anniversary as one of the U.K.’s most prestigious Heavy Rock bands.

From their first full length album release in 1970 (Very ‘Eavy, Very ‘Umble) right through to their storming come-back with Wake The Sleeper in 2008, On The Rebound: A Very ‘Eavy 40th Anniversary Collection with its homage artwork to that first record, showcases at least one track from every studio album throughout the band’s entire career and as the title suggests, it’s the heavier material that we’ve chosen to represent Heep’s grit and determination and as a salute to the sheer beauty that is a well struck power chord.

Compiled in conjunction with band leader Mick Box, the release is unique in its content from any other collection that has gone before and its ‘shuffle-ready’ running order can be enjoyed in equal measure from the die-hard fans to the younger iPod generation who might be discovering Uriah Heep’s music for the very first time.

Included in the selection is a bonus track from the Wake The Sleeper sessions which sees its very first release here.

Here’s to the 50th!

Tracklisting:

DISC ONE:

1. On The Rebound

2. Overload

3. Stay On Top

4. Fallen Angel

5. The Wizard

6. Cry Freedom

7. Love In Silence

8. One Way Or Another

9. I Hear Voices

10. Sweet Talk

11. Blood Red Roses

12. Woman Of The Night

13. The Time Will Come

14. Different World

15. Something Or Nothing

16. Sweet Lorraine

17. Free Me

18. Lady In Black

19. Easy Livin’

DISC TWO:

1. Light Of A Thousand Stars

2. Free N’ Easy

3. Weekend Warriors

4. Stealin’

5. You Are The Only One (previously unreleased)

6. Look At Yourself

7. Voice On My T.V.

8. Rockarama

9. It Ain’t Easy

10. The Hanging Tree

11. Return To Fantasy

12. Words In The Distance

13. The Other Side Of Midnight

14. Whad’ya Say

15. Blood On Stone

16. Too Scared To Run

17. Gypsy

http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/news.php

Frontiers Records signs MOTLEY CRUE singer VINCE NEIL for the European release of his new solo album.

“Tattoos and Tequila” out in Europe on June 4th anticipated by the digital only release of the title track single on April 16th.

Napoli, April 2010 – MOTLEY CRUE singer Vince Neil upcoming solo album “Tattoos and Tequila” has been signed by Frontiers Records for release on June 4th in Europe. The album’s title track will be released as a digital download and will be available April 16th in Europe at all digital shops. The music video along with the single was made available for download on http://www.vinceneil.net/ earlier this year, but now it can also be seen on the Frontiers Records Youtube channel following this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PfWPtAsIF8

Vince Neil recorded the new album in the winter of 2009 together with his band, formed by bassist Dana Strum, guitarist Jeff Blando (both of Slaughter) and drummer Zoltan Chaney. The album will include 2 new songs: “Tattoos and Tequila” and “Another Bad Day” both produced by Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard etc), plus a selection of classic cuts from some of the Rock giants that have influenced Vince Neil throughout his musical career. The cover songs were produced by Vince and Jack Blades (Damn Yankees, Night Ranger).

(Album cover artwork)

In a recent interview Vince Neil stated: “This album has nothing to do with Motley Crue, Tattoos and Tequila is basically my life” and definitely the new record shows a new, yet familiar side of Vince’s abilities.

(Single cover artwork)

“Tattoos and Tequila” tracklisting will include:

Tattoos & Tequila (Album Version); He's A Whore (Cheap Trick); AC/DC (Sweet); Nobody's Fault (Aerosmith); Another Bad Day; No Feelings (Sex Pistols); Long Cool Woman (The Hollies); Another Piece Of Meat (The Scorpions); Who Will Stop The Rain (Creedence Clearwater Revival); Viva Las Vegas (Elvis Presley); Bitch Is Back (Elton John); Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers (ZZ Top)*

* Bonus track available on first pressing in digipak

VINCE NEIL

As frontman for Mötley Crüe, Vince Neil came to exemplify all things rock and roll: the sound, the look, the outrageous lifestyle. Neil’s unmistakable voice leads some of the greatest rock songs of this generation including “Shout At The Devil,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol Situation,” and the recent “Saints of Los Angeles,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in early 2009 for Best Hard Rock Performance.

As a solo artist, Vince’s Top 200 Billboard albums, Exposed (which reached number 13 on the Billboard Albums chart) and Carved In Stone have spurred the hits “You’re Invited (But Your Friend Can’t Come)” (co-written by Neil with Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw), “Can’t Have Your Cake” (co-written by Neil with Steve Stevens) and “Sister Of Pain” (co-written by Neil with Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw).

When he is not performing or raising money for charity (the foundation founded as a tribute to Vince’s daughter Skylar whom he lost to cancer in 1995, to date has raised over $2 million to help combat childhood cancer), Neil is also an accomplished businessman overseeing his latest entrepreneurial efforts which include Feelgoods Rock Bar and Grill in West Palm Beach and most recently in Las Vegas; Vince Neil Ink, a Las Vegas based body art shop; Tres Rios tequila and Vince Neil Aviation.

Weblinks:

http://www.vinceneil.net/

www.myspace.com/vinceneilofficial

http://www.frontiers.it/

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

MOTLEY CRUE Confirmed Summer Dates in Europe

July 2010

Jul 31, 2010 Knebworth Park (Sonisphere Festival) Knebworth, UK

August 2010

Aug 7, 2010 Stora Skuggan (Sonisphere Festival) Stockholm, Sweden

Aug 8, 2010 Kirjurinluoto (Sonisphere Festival) Pori, Finland

Rik Emmett and Dave Dunlop Announce US Fall Club Tour 2010

Rik Emmett & Dave Dunlop (a.k.a. “The Troubs”) will be hitting the road this fall for a small club tour. These will be intimate, up-close-and-personal shows with a little bit of everything – the old, the new, and of course Rik & Dave’s humor – making each performance unique & memorable. These shows are not to be missed….hope you can make it to one (or more)!

FRIDAY, September 24, 2010 - PITTSBURGH, PA

Club Cafe

56-58 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-431-4950

http://www.clubcafelive.com/

Showtime: 7:00 PM (doors open 6:00 PM)

Tickets $30

SATURDAY, September 25, 2010 - CLEVELAND, OH

The Winchester

12112 Madison Avenue

Lakewood/Cleveland, OH 44107

216-226-5681

http://www.thewinchester.net/

TWO SHOWS: 7:00 & 10:00 PM

Tickets $20 per show

SUNDAY, September 26, 2010 - DETROIT, MI

The Magic Bag

22920 Woodward Avenue

Ferndale, MI 48220

248-544-3030

http://www.themagicbag.com/

Showtime: 9:00 PM (doors open 8pm)

Tickets: $20

FRIDAY, November 5, 2010 - CAMBRIDGE, MA

Club Passim

47 Palmer Street

Cambridge, MA 02138

617-492-7679

http://www.passimcenter.org/

Showtime: 7:00 PM

Tickets $33 in advance, $35 day of show

SATURDAY, November 6, 2010 - PHILADELPHIA, PA

Tin Angel

20 South 2nd Street

Philaelphia, PA 19106

215-928-0770

http://www.tinangel.com/

Showtime: 7:00 PM (doors open 6:30)

Tickets $35

SUNDAY November 7, 2010 - NEW YORK, NY

City Winery

155 Varick Street

New York, NY 10013

212-608-0555

http://www.citywinery.com/

Showtime: 8:00 PM (doors open 6pm)

Tickets: $25, $30, & $35

***PLUS***

Rik & Dave will be performing in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey this Saturday April 10th!

For more info on this gig (as well as a complete listing of all tour dates) visit the “Shows” page of Rik’s website: http://www.rikemmett.com/shows/

Deep Purple announces additional July 2010 Tour Dates

Deep Purple fans in the USA, don't get excited just yet as unfortunately, these are not dates for here, but ... and I'm just hoping ..., that looking at the full tour dates listing at their site - Link at the bottom. - there is a big gap in August / September this year with no dates listed. :)

Here's hoping, a fall US / Canadian tour perhaps?!

Otherwise they have dates all over the rest of the world from April to December 2010.

JUST ANNOUNCED - Deep Purple adds several dates to their summer 2010 tour:

Sat 7.3.10 - Sønderborg, Denmark

Mon 7.5.10 - Turku, Finland

Tue 7.6.10 - Joensuu, Finland

Thu 7.8.10 - Langesund, Norway

Fri 7.9.10 - Sarpsborg, Norway

Sat 7.10.10 - Kilafors Bollnas, Sweden

Sat 7.17.10 - Cordoba, Spain

Stay tuned for more tour announcements for 2010 and be sure to check out the complete tour listing to see when Deep Purple is coming to a city near you!

Full Deep Purple tour dates here:

http://www.deeppurple.com/index.cfm/pk/content/pid/413303

Aussie rockers Jet line up homeland tour

Late last year Jet released their 5th album, 'Shaka Rock' and have been doing tour dates here and there to promote the release and now they have lined up some dates back home, for their Aussie fans!

By the way, if anyone missed it, they also are currently offering up a free download of an acoustic version of "Seventeen" featuring Nicole Atkins for FREE! - If you sign up for their newsletter.

http://www.jettheband.com/news/9951

To those tour dates then:

Date Location Venue Activity Tickets

September 2010

Sep 7, 2010 - Tamworth - Australia Regional Entertainment Centre

Sep 9, 2010 - Wollongong - Australia Entertainment Centre

Sep 10, 2010 - Melbourne - Australia Rod Laver Arena

Sep 14, 2010 - Goodwood - Australia Derwent Entertainment Centre

Sep 16, 2010 - Adelaide - Australia Memorial Drive Park

Sep 18, 2010 - Sydney - Australia Sydney Entertainment Centre

Sep 24, 2010 - Perth - Australia Supreme Court Gardens

Sep 26, 2010 - Darwin - Australia Gardens Amphitheatre

Sep 28, 2010 - Cairns - Australia Cairns Convention Centre

October 2010

Oct 1, 2010 - Townsville - Australia Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Oct 3, 2010 - Mackay - Australia Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre Showgrounds

Oct 7, 2010 - Rockhampton - Australia Rockhampton Showgrounds

Oct 8, 2010 - Kings Beach - Australia Caloundra Music Festival

Oct 9, 2010 - Toowoomba - Australia University of Southern QLD
Oct 12, 2010 - Bruce - Australia University of Canberra

Oct 13, 2010 - Albury - Australia Albury Sports Ground

Oct 15, 2010 - Bendigo - Australia Bendigo Showgrounds

Oct 16, 2010 - Ballarat - Australia North Gardens

More tour info here: http://www.jettheband.com/events

Glenn Hughes UK Tour Dates Annonced

No more news on his supergroup project with Jason Bonham, Joe Bonamassa and Derek Sherinian, but he has confirmed the following UK tour dates on his site for later this year:

July 2010

31st Rock & Blues Custom Show - Pentrich, UK

September 2010

23rd Academy - Manchester, UK

24th Picturedrome - Holmfirth, UK

25th O2 ABC - Glasgow, UK

27th The Sage - Gateshead, UK

28th Robin 2 - Bilston, UK

29th Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, UK

http://www.glennhughes.com/tour.html

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 8th April, 2010

Rush Announces their 2010 North American “Time Machine” Tour

Toronto – Thursday, April 8th 2010) - Rush – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart – is without question one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, equally famed for both its virtuoso musicianship and provocative songwriting.

Announced today, The Time Machine Tour is an evening with Rush, where they will perform their classics, give a taste of the future – and for the first time ever – feature the Moving Pictures album live in its entirety.

The band is currently working on their 20th studio album with producer Nick Raskulinecz (co-producer from 2007’s Snakes & Arrows) and in addition to their classics plan to showcase a few new tunes live this summer.

“We were off for a year and a half, and now it's just pouring. Everything is totally crazy and there's not a minute left in the day. We've got these half-dozen songs, and we'll probably go in the studio and work on a couple of them and see how it goes, perhaps release something – and I say perhaps – and then we plan on being on the road,” says guitarist, Alex Lifeson.

This summer’s Live Nation promoted tour will visit approximately 40 cities throughout North America beginning June 29th in Albuquerque, NM and finishing October 2nd in West Palm Beach, FL with stops along the way in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Holmdel, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington, and more along the way.

Rush has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and garnered untold legions of devoted and admiring fans. According to the RIAA, Rush's sales statistics place RUSH third after The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band.

Released in 1981, Moving Pictures was their most successful album, certified 4x Platinum and features some of Rush’s most well known songs and perennial radio favourites Tom Sawyer, Limelight and the Grammy-nominated instrumental YYZ.

“Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage” a documentary created by filmmakers Scot McFadyen & Sam Dunn (whose filmography also includes: “Iron Maiden; Flight 666,’ “Metal, A Headbangers Journey” and “Global Metal”) will premiere at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival on April 24th followed by the Canadian premiere at Toronto’s Hot Docs festival on April 29th. The band was also recently showcased in the comedy “I Love You Man” where they play themselves in a concert scene featuring actors Paul Rudd and Jason Segal as ubra-fans, a performance which has exposed the band to a whole new generation.

Inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame this past March alongside Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Gordon Lightfoot, Rush has also been nominated for multiple Grammy awards and won a number of Juno Awards. They were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and bestowed the Order of Canada in 1997. Consistently celebrated and respected worldwide, Rush is the most successful Canadian rock band of all time and they remain one of the biggest grossing arena rock bands ever.

Tickets for Rush Time Machine Tour will go on sale beginning April 16th in San Francisco, Uncasville, Saratoga Springs, Denver, Chicago, Wantagh, Seattle and Holmdel at Livenation.com. Tickets for performances in Milwaukee, Sarnia and Syracuse go on sale April 17th, check local listings for ticket information.

Citi® cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets through Citi's Private Pass® Program beginning April 13th in select markets. For complete presale details visit http://www.citiprivatepass.com/

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: http://www.rush.com/ and http://www.livenation.com/

Carl Palmer selling drum kit, hard up for cash?!

Just saw this at E.L.P., Asia, Qango drummer, Carl Palmer's website:

http://www.carlpalmer.com/

'Own a piece of Rock N Roll History Carl Palmer Drum Set Available on eBay'

So if you're interested go here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Carl-Palmer-of-ELP-and-ASIA-Gretsch-Drum-Kit_W0QQitemZ250610218088QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Drums_Percussions_MJ?hash=item3a59887468

It even adds this at the bottom of the eBay ad:

'Schedules permitting, Carl is prepared to personally deliver the drum kit to the winner bidder anywhere in mainland UK together with a certificate of authenticity.'

Aerosmith / J.Geil Band - Fenway Park gig update

As posted late yesterday, Aerosmith and J.Geils Band will be playing a special hometown show at Fenway park, home of the Boston Red Sox on August 14th.

This little additional note from the site as an update to yesterdays posting:

On Saturday, August 14th Aerosmith and The J. Geils Band will descend upon Fenway Park to deliver the grandest slam to their hometown crowd. For the first time ever, the Bad Boys of Boston will be bringing their brand of major league rock straight to Fenway Park.

(Photo from http://www.aeroforceone.com/index.cfm)

During Wednesday's Red Sox-Yankees game, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith and Peter Wolf representing the J. Geils Band appeared in the booth alongside Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo in the bottom of the fourth to announce the event.

AF1 VIP ticket package pre-sales begin (right here on http://www.aeroforceone.com/) Monday, April 12th at 10am EDT. Don't get shut out, make sure you've got your AF1 Membership to participate.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April l7th through http://www.livenation.com/ and by phone at 1-800-514-3849. Tickets will not be available at the Red Sox ticket office. For more information on AEROSMITH, including fan club pre-sale tickets, go to http://www.aeroforceone.com/

Eddie Van Halen new book, in his own words

This story from the Van Halen News Desk:

http://www.vhnd.com/

Guitar World has just published a new book, Guitar World Presents VAN HALEN, which is in stock & shipping now at Van Halen Store. (Although the official release date is April 15th)

We at the VHND are happily surprised to discover that this book contains 3 early “Lost Interviews” with Eddie Van Halen which were conducted in ‘78, ‘79 & ‘80 that have never been published! That alone is worth getting the book for. Additionally, 10 classic interviews with Edward from the pages of Guitar World magazine are included.

“Eddie Van Halen In His Own Words: The inside story of the world’s greatest guitar hero and his legendary band! Featuring a complete history and in-depth interviews from every phase of his spectacular career.”

No musical entity has been more closely associated with Guitar World magazine over the years than Edward Van Halen – the man who, in the late seventies and early eighties, changed the course of guitar history. This collection of classic and new interviews with the great Edward tells the real story behind his earth-shaking technique, brilliant songwriting, and relationship with both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar. This is the authoritative book – revised and updated with new exclusive interviews and information on one of the greatest rock bands of all time and the guitar god at the center of it all.

The VHND highly recommends supplementing your bookshelf with this book. 266 pages. 14 black and white photos. Size 6″ x 9″. Softcover. Just $14.95. Order your copy now!

Note: Some people are asking if this is similar to the out-of-print “Guitar World Presents Van Halen” book published by Guitar World in 1997. Although 7 chapters are indeed exactly the same as the original book, half of the new book wasn’t in the old version. There are 4 new chapters which are taken from various Guitar World interviews that weren’t in the original book, plus 3 new “lost interviews” from ‘78 - ‘80 which were never published anywhere. Additionally, there are 14 photos which are new.

..... and finally ....

The rock website formerly known as http://www.rocknrolluniverse.com/ has risen from the ashes ...
Well, not quite but the man behind the original site, 'Rikki Rocket' who also goes by a number of alias' including one known as 'Picklehead' - Don't ask me, the guy just likes to have fun! - is keeping his site's legacy up with a refreshed rock forum.
The forum there is a place that is not really for the faint hearted, the people there tell it like it is, but I will say that the majority of posters there, do know their hard rock, classic rock and metal!
The forum will offer - starting now! - the opportunity from time to time to win hard rock CD's, right now offering the prize of '5 Mystery Hard Rock CD's' as the current prize.
All you have to do is register and tell him your name ..., alias or otherwise!
It can be scary there ... You have been warned!

'Picklehead's Hard Rock Universe' can be found right here:
http://rnruniverse.proboards.com/index.cgi?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Quick Late Update - Wednesday 7th April, 2010

*Aerosmith to headline hometown Boston outdoor show*

Just been made aware of this update tonight that I thought I'd share with you folks right away!

I will of course post a regular news update tomorrow, Thursday as well. :)

This Aerosmith news just posted from their MySpace page:

America's greatest rock and roll band is bringing you a very special event!

On Saturday, August 14th Aerosmith and The J. Geils Band will descend upon Fenway Park to deliver the grandest slam to their hometown crowd. For the first time ever, the Bad Boys of Boston will be bringing their brand of major league rock straight to Fenway Park.

Ticket pre-sales begin Monday, April 12th at 10am EDT.

Don't get shut out, make sure you've got your AF1 Membership to participate.

http://www.aeroforceone.com/index.cfm//shop.cfm/pk/category/ac/join

Free - Forever Free DVD Review

Free Forever – DVD review (Eagle Vision)

When I was growing up and hearing music – Which I really only started to get seriously interested in, when I was about 11. – I was into the likes of Status Quo, ELO, Slade, The Strawbs and The Sweet, to name a few and the 70’s had just arrived. The thing was my older brothers were into the earlier rock type stuff from the 60’s, I remember some Jimi Hendrix, The Faces, Pink Floyd, Cat Stevens as well as some 70's T-Rex and some stuff like …, Free.

So I had an awareness of it, but at that age it really wasn’t grabbing me but ..., it IS music that I have now come to appreciate, ahem, with age!

Anyway, so here we have ‘Free Forever’ a double DVD set of various bits and bobs of Free stuff, but sadly it is mostly just about 1970 and kind of focused around their appearance at the Isle of Wight festival in the UK, that same year. Also, there's something strange to me with this DVD coming out now, is that the date shown on when this package was all compiled, was in 2006 by David Clayton, 4 years back.

Another peeve here is that you know when you sometimes get into a new song and then get really sick of hearing it again and again on the radio, TV, etc, well … I used to like the Free track 'Mr. Big,' but to be honest on this compilation of material, 'Mr. Big' seems to show up again and again and by the end of getting through this, I really didn’t want to hear the song again for sometime!

It’s tragic that Paul Kossoff died so young after having been so caught up in the whole drugs mess.

Sad indeed.

To the material here on offer then, it starts with 3 video’s from German TV at the Beat Club and, ‘Man, that’s psychedelic video, man …!’

The tracks performed are 'Mr. Big,' 'Fire and Water' – Love this song! – and 'All Right Now' and wow, check out those flares, platform soles and hair!

Funnier still is the exact opposite that you see today – or should I say 2006 - on these guys, is short hair and very well in shape characters in Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser in each of the accompanying interviews throughout. I must say, these interviews are pretty good to follow. Entertaining stuff!

The Granada TV (UK) performance is a pretty good recording, but check out how stiff the audience was at the time! Maybe some suspicious substances doing the rounds to keep them mellow!

This show captured the band playing, 'Ride on Pony,' 'Mr. Big,' 'Songs of Yesterday' where they all get into it and loose, 'I’ll Be Creepin’' and 'All Right Now' which they are giving their all, but polite applause is all they get!

After this there’s the original ‘promo videos’ as they were at the time for, ‘All Right Now,’ ‘The Stealer’ – Great and much overlooked track! – and ‘My Brother Jake.’ There’s also ‘Love You So’ written by Kirke / Rodgers after Kossoff’s death, which isn’t that different from Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes’ to be honest. The video is made up of photos of Paul Kossoff as a tribute and then ‘Wishing Well,’ which must’ve been recreated later in the early 80’s as the lorry, sorry, truck that the girl gets into to drive away in, was ‘X’ reg., which was 1981/2.

It was entertaining that one, if cheesy, whilst the others were standard fare generally, but still good to watch.

Then there’s the bonus stuff here, with Top of the Pop’s footage, an Australia interview where I think the signs of exhaustion were starting to set in, where the band were being driven and driven to gig more and more.

There’s other video’s and some silent film too along with more interview material, including Paul’s brother Simon Kossoff, where he shares about the film that follows with Paul meeting his Dad, David Kossoff for fish and chips no less!

Who knows what they discussed, as David Kossoff had long campaigned against drug use, following Paul’s death.

Weird and wacky video’s from Andy Fraser, with his spiritual / exotic music follow here.

Disc 2 is a little disappointing, as it’s focused on the Isle of Wight festival performance, but it’s basically audio footage through 8 tracks, supported by photo images and you almost wonder why this disc wasn’t perhaps made a Dual Disc format, i.e. CD/DVD, so fans could play the tracks in their cars or wherever. Then what follows here is what video footage from the event was captured and that covers just 3 songs in ‘Be My Friend,’ ‘Mr. Big’ and ‘All Right Now.’

Then again, various other bonuses of photo’s and individual camera access for the Isle of Wight performance, so you can just stick with one view or another, etc. Then all the interview footage rolled into individual interviews with Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, Andy Fraser and Simon Kossoff and then that’s about it really.

Some great footage here to see and again, I’m baffled by why if this is just being released now, why is the most recent date on the package shown as 2006?

It’s not indicated anywhere that it’s been remastered in any way or form so that really kind of throws me?

RIP Paul Kossoff, your guitar work was a certainly something special, that the world has lost and it was a tragedy, like so many other rock stars who threw away their lives at so young an age.

Your memory will certainly live on though.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Rock News for Wednesday 7th April, 2010

EUROPE: SPECIAL GUESTS AT UK SONISPHERE FESTIVAL!

EUROPE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AS SPECIAL GUEST AT THE SONOSPHERE FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY JULY 30TH. THE 3 DAY EVENT, LOCATED AT KNEBWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE IN THE UK, WILL RUN FROM JULY 30 - AUGUST 1ST. THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES IRON MAIDEN, RAMMESTEIN, MOTLEY CRUE, ALICE COOPER, IGGY AND THE STOOGES, SLAYER PLUS MANY MORE BANDS.

A YEAR SHY OF THEIR MEMORABLE HEADLINE SET AT LAST YEAR'S BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL, SWEDEN'S BIGGEST HARD ROCK BAND EUROPE WILL JOIN THE SONISPHERE CAST, HOT ON THE HEELS OF THEIR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED STUDIO ALBUM "LAST LOOK AT EDEN" WHICH FEATURES THE SINGLES "NEW LOVE IN TOWN" AND THE TITLE TRACK.

"AFTER A SUCCESSFUL GIG AT BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL IN 2009", SAYS LEAD SINGER JOEY TEMPEST, "WE'RE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO BE ABLE TO PLAY SONISPHERE UK 2010. EVERYONE IN THE BAND EUROPE GREW UP LISTENING TO BRITISH ROCK AND TO BE ABLE TO PLAY SUCH A GREAT FESTIVAL AS SONISPHERE IS REALLY SOMETHING ELSE. UK IS THE CRADLE OF ROCK. WE'RE JUST GONNA HAVE TO CRANK IT UP TO "12" AND PLAY OUR SCANDINAVIAN BUTTOCKS OFF. CAN'T WAIT!".

IF THE RAVE REVIEWS EARNED FROM THEIR HEADLINE SET AT THE BOA EVENT ARE ANYTHING TO GO BY, THEIR SET PROMISES TO BE ONE OF THE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS, AS THE BAND PERFORMS SONGS FROM THEIR NEW ALBUM INCLUDING "THE BEAST", "NO STONE UNTURNED" AND "GONNA GET READY", AS WELL AS CLASSICS INCLUDING "ROCK THE NIGHT", "SUPERSTITIOUS" "SCREAM OF ANGER" AND OF COURSE, "THE FINAL COUNTDOWN"..

http://www.europetheband.com/homepage.html

Want a Free Download of Ratt's "Eat Me Up Alive?"

The opening track from Ratt's first album in over 10 years, "Eat Me Up Alive" marks the band's long-awaited return to their signature Ratt n' Roll form.

Brimming with Sunset Strip attitude and featuring a killer, timeless riff that has been a staple in Ratt’s music, setting them apart from the pack for over 30 years now, this track is an absolute must-hear, so go and get it for free for a limited time RIGHT HERE:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/eatmeupalive/

The new album, Infestation is out April 20th, but you can pre-order your copy now:

http://store.roadrunnerrecords.com/RATT-Infestation?partner=roadrunner

Album Tracklisting:

1. Eat Me Up Alive

2. Best of Me

3. A Little Too Much

4. Look Out Below

5. Last Call

6. Lost Weekend

7. As Good as it Gets

8. Garden of Ede

9. Take a Big Bite

10. Take Me Home

11. Don’t Let Go

http://www.therattpack.com/

Judas Priest's K.K. Downing and Ian Hill interview on Bruce Dickinson's BBC 6Music Rock Show

K.K. Downing and Ian Hill interview on Bruce Dickinson's BBC 6 Music Rock Show this coming Friday 9th April:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/bruce_dickinson/

The 'Listen Back' link will be live from after the show for one week.

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/default.asp

JEFF BECK TO PERFORM ON “IDOL GIVES BACK”

Emmy Award-winning IDOL GIVES BACK welcomes Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck as performers on this year’s event, airing Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Additional artists scheduled to perform and appear to be announced.

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, IDOL GIVES BACK has made history by raising over $140 million for charity to date. This year’s special will help raise awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities, including Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation. As previously announced, News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T and ExxonMobil will return as corporate sponsors of IDOL GIVES BACK and will generously donate to the historic Emmy Award-winning television event. Viewers will once again be able to make donations during and following the show. In addition, the week’s voting results will be revealed, sending one of the finalists home.

This year, the special music event will feature performances and appearances by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars – as well as a few surprises. In previous years, IDOL GIVES BACK has welcomed President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, P!nk, Céline Dion, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller and others.

Viewers can be a part of something special this year and help those in need by joining the “Help Me Give Back” program, an online initiative that empowers individuals and teams to raise money for IDOL GIVES BACK at www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback

The Union offers this competition to meet The Union and watch the band soundcheck

THE UNION the band formed by LUKE MORLEY, formerly the guitarist for legendary UK rock band THUNDER and ex WINTERVILLE vocalist/guitarist PETER SHOULDER are giving their fans the chance to meet them and watch the band soundcheck, with a little competition.

This from the band's website:

'Competition - meet The Union and watch the band soundcheck'

As this is our first ever tour we wanted to try try something a bit different. We are offering the opportunity on every date for 4 people to meet Luke and Pete before the show, and then stay to watch the band soundcheck.

To be a winner you will need to do the following:

1. Own a ticket for one of the shows on our forthcoming UK tour which starts this Saturday April 10.

2. Answer the following 3 questions correctly: 1. At which famous London club venue did The Union make their live debut last December? 2. At which major rock festival are The Union appearing this summer? 3. Which of the band plays guitar left handed. Is it Luke or Pete?

Email us at lukeandpete@theuniononline.com putting "Soundcheck Competition" in the subject line, and tell us what the three correct answers are, and which show on the tour you are planning to attend.

Winners will be drawn and emailed the day before each show, so make sure you keep checking your email.

The Union Aftershow "meet and greet" news

In addition to the soundcheck competition, we are also going to be issuing invitations to a few of you to join us for a short reception after the show each night. Space is obviously limited in the venues we are playing on this tour, but we genuinely value the opportunity to talk to some of you and we'll be doing our best to make it work.

The people who receive these invitations will be selected at random from those of you who have been the most active on our share campaign, so if you want to snag an invite, you know what to do!

To apply for an invitation, please email us at lukeandpete@theuniononline.com putting "Meet & Greet" in the subject line, and tell us what you've have been doing to promote the band for our share campaign, and which show you will be attending.

We will let the winners know 24-48 hours before the show.

http://www.theuniononline.com/

and finally ....

Interesting to note what UK Classic Rock magazine has just picked up on over at the Rush website on their homepage ...
The band has started a clock ticking down to something, which will it seems be revealed tomorrow.
New album? New tour? New DVD? Farewell tour? Who know's, but check this out for yourselves here:
http://www.rush.com/

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Best British Rock Concert of All Time - Live at Knebworth CD review

The Best British Rock Concert of All Time - Live at Knebworth

20th Anniversary reissue (Eagle Records)

This concert that took place back in 1990 was generally a show that featured winners of the ‘Silver Clef award.’ The Silver Clef award was given to artists who have actively support charities such as Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the Brit School for Performing Arts.

Artists here include the likes of Eric Clapton, Status Quo, Genesis, Elton John, Dire Straits, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd and Cliff Richard and the Shadows to name most here.

Ironically the 2 CD set here starts with Tears for Fears, who in fact were not winners of the award, but were invited as special guests, probably due to their popularity at the time of the gig.

All these artists have many great tracks in their repertoires and this could’ve easily been a 5 or 6 CD set for sure if not more, but unfortunately this is just a 2 disc set highlighting – if you will – the best of the show, so artists on here typically only got about 2 tracks each on these discs.

Tears for Fears open proceedings here with ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World,’ which actually has a tasty guitar solo at the end. Good start.

They then give us a really extended version of ‘Badman’s Song’ from their very good ‘Seeds of Love’ album.

Onto Status Quo then next, who are known best to many as the 12 bar masters in the rock world, but surprisingly their first number here is crowd sing along song, ‘Dirty Water’ from their ‘Rocking All Over The World’ album. Great stuff that brings back many fond memories of seeing Quo live when I used to live back in the UK.

Next, another Quo’s classic in ‘Whatever You Want,' and I can just imagine the British audience at Knebworth, all jumping up and down to this one. Quo were always a great people mover and a Quo crowd was a party crowd!

They finish their bit with the song that perhaps most people – in the UK – associate with them, in John Fogerty’s ‘Rocking All Over The World.’ Great stuff that the crowd clearly lap up here.

Remember Cliff Richard and The Shadows? Ha ha perhaps not for many, but that was how these 2 artists started out with success in the 60's, before Cliff took on a very successful solo career, likewise The Shadows too, with lead man Hank Marvin.

They give us, ‘On the Beach’ and ‘Do You Wanna Dance’ which are very ‘pleasant’ shall we say.

Next up, former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant with 3 of his solo tracks starting with rocker ‘Hurting Kind’ from the ‘Manic Nirvana’ album, along with slower number number ‘Liar’s Dance’ from the same album. Nice.

‘Tall Cool One’ next from ‘Now and Zen’ before Jimmy Page joins Plant for Led Zep’s ‘Wearing and Tearing,’ as they totally rock out. Go guys!

It’s really Phil Collin’s set next, but he introduces ‘some old friends of mine …,’ as Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford make the set a Genesis one as they close out the first disc. First with ‘Mama’ before the ‘Turn It On Again Medley’ paying tribute to many of their influences with snatches from, 'Somebody To Love; Satisfaction; Twist and Shout; Reach Out I’ll Be There; You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling; Pinball Wizard; In The Midnight Hour’ before finishing ‘Turn It On Again.’ Excellent stuff.

Phil Collins kicks off disc 2 with his solo ‘Sussudio’ track, at a lengthy 7 plus minutes, before Eric Clapton gives us a seriously extended version of the Cream classic ‘Sunshine of Your Love,’ clocking in at almost 12 minutes, including an over 7 minute drum solo, why? Why not another Clapton track? Weird?!

Next the credit is given as Dire Straits although it’s just 3 of the bands line up in Mark Knopfler – Who I guess was Mr. Dire Straits – and John Illsley (Bass) and Guy Fletcher on keyboards, with ‘I Think I Love You Too Much,’ a great track with house backing band filling in the other slots.

Side note – I love the late Jeff Healey version of this track.

Time for the flamboyant Elton John to take the stage next with up tempo version of ‘Sad Songs’ and a ripping ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,’ for the Knebworth crowd.

An extremely funky version of ‘Coming Up’ with some scratching(?!) and what have you going on, for the start of Paul McCartney’s set what the heck?! His band included his late wife Linda McCartney on keys and backing vocals, also Robbie McIntosh (Guitar, vocals), Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens (Keys, vocals), Hamish Stuart (Bass, Guitar, Vocals) and Chris Whitten on drums.

Then it’s ‘Hey Jude’ time with the song that seems to get dragged out more and more by whoever seems to play it and don’t get me wrong, I used to really love most of the song, except for how long it does get dragged out for!

This one runs for just over 7 minutes for you.

Pink Floyd close things here with the excellent ‘Comfortably Numb’ for starters at almost 9 minutes long, then ‘Run like Hell’ plays out well as the final number on here.

It’s a good compilation CD, sure a couple of moans and gripes from me, but overall not a bad album.

Sadly, it’s just a reissue, nothing new, no new tracks or additional disc(s), but if you don’t have this, it’s not essential, but an interesting one perhaps for fans of any of the artists involved.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Rock News for Tuesday 6th April, 2010

Hey all, well, we've just had an incredible stormy morning with some serious golf ball and bigger size hailstones coming down here, amidst a huge thunderstorm, but that's passed now so, just a gloomy Tuesday afternoon, here in Michigan.

Not too much news for you today, kind of quiet out there on all counts, so I'm trying to get some reviews wrapped up to post for you folks.

Have a great week!

GARY HOEY On Tour With JEFF BECK

HOEY PERFORMS ACOUSTIC SETS ON EXCLUSIVE DATES

HOEY’S CLINIC TOUR EXTRODINAIRE ALL SPRING

HOLLYWOOD, CA (April 5, 2010) – Axe-slinger Gary Hoey is embarking on an exclusive run of tour dates with Jeff Beck and will perform acoustically an array of favorites. These shows come in the middle of Hoey’s spring run of National guitar clinics running up and down the East Coast.

These clinics start April 6 in Allentown, PA and continue till the end of May.

Hoey has been busy on many projects and 2010 is no different. He is currently wrapping up his latest album 'UTOPIA,' which will release on his own label Wazoo Music. Hoey also recently participated in Rock n’ Roll Fantasy camp where he joined an amazing line-up of rockstars such as Michael Anthony, Ace Frehley, Mark Farner and many more. This year’s camp was filmed for a new VH1 Classic reality show shot by reality show master Mark Burnett.

Hoey also recorded Jeff Beck’s “El Becko” and is on the upcoming release of the 'Les Paul Dedication – Guitar Masters Volume 3,' releases this summer. In late June, he will appear in Bangkok, Malaysia and Tokyo and of course the year will wrap up with Hoey’s Annual Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour beginning in mid November, stopping in approximately 20 US cities. Its Hoeys continual hard work and drive for his fans that make him one of the most sought after guitar guru’s in the business.

With a collection of 16 albums and five top 20 Billboard hits, it’s clear to see why Gary Hoey is listed in the top 100 greatest guitar players of all time. Whether Hoey plays rock, blues, surf or Christmas, Hoey’s command of each style makes his live show one of the most exciting on the circuit today.

GARY HOEY TOUR ITINERARY – SPRING 2010:

April 2010

April 06: Allentown, PA Dave Phillips Music & Sound Clinic

April 07: Wheaton, MD Washington Music Clinic

April 08: Catonsville, MD Bill’s Music Clinic

April 09: Virginia Beach, VA Alpha Music Clinic

April 12: Boston, MA Daddy’s of Boston Clinic

April 13: Portsmouth, NH Daddy’s of Portsmouth Clinic

April 14: Concord, NH Strings & Things Clinic

April 16: San Francisco, CA Nob Hill Masonic Center (w/ Jeff Beck)

April 19: San Diego, CA 4th & B (w/ Jeff Beck)

April 20: Exeter, CA Orange Blossom Junction

April 23: Houston, TX Fuller’s Guitar Clinic

April 24: Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre (w/ Jeff Beck)

April 25: Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Live @ Grand Prairie (w/ Jeff Beck)

April 27: Tulsa, OK Brady Theatre (w/ Jeff Beck)

April 28: Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre (w/ Jeff Beck)

April 29: St. Louis, MO Fabulous Fox Theatre (w/ Jeff Beck)

May 2010

May 06: Weymouth, MA South Shore Music Clinic

May 07: Hamburg, NY Music Exchange Clinic

May 08: Rochester, NY House of Guitar Clinic

May 11: Gaffney, SC Hames Music – Clinic

May 12: Marietta, GA Ken Stanton Music Clinic

May 13: Augusta, GA Portman’s Music Clinic

May 14: Daytona Beach, FL Total Entertainment Clinic

May 17: Manchester, NH Daddy’s Junky Music Clinic

May 18: Peabody, MA Daddy’s Junky Music Clinic

May 19: Augusta, ME Musician’s Choice Clinic

May 20: Brewer, ME Mark’s Music Clinic

May 30: Syracuse, NY NY State Fair Grounds

July 2010
July 09: Salisbury, MA Tupelo (Salisbury) Music Hall

July 10: Londonderry, NH Tupelo (Londonderry) Music Hall

July 22: New York City, NY BB King’s

August 2010

Aug 13: Costa Mesa, CA OC Fairgrounds

Aug 14: Redondo Beach, CA Brixton South Bay (tent)

For more information go to:

http://www.garyhoey.com/ or

www.myspace.com/garyhoey

Bon Jovi adds Kid Rock on select 'Circle' Tour Dates

Pollstar has learned that rockers Bon Jovi, currently on tour in support of their latest smash hit album, 'The Circle,' have added rock rapper Kid Rock to a few of their upcoming shows.

These being:

July 9 in E. Rutherford at Giants Stadium;

July 15 in Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium;

July 17 in Winnipeg at Canada Inns Stadium;

July 20-21 in Toronto at Rogers Centre;

July 24 in Foxboro, Mass., at Gillette Stadium;

July 28 in Regina, Saskatchewan, at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field

and

July 30-31 in Chicago at Soldier Field.

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