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, June 4, 2010

Rock News for Friday 4th June, 2010

Extreme’s 'Take Us Alive' Concert Premieres on the HDNet Concert Series June 6th at 8:30 PM EST.

THE FULL VERSION OF THIS CONCERT WITH BONUS VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE NOW ON DVD

HOLLYWOOD, CA (June 3, 2010) - Multi-platinum band EXTREME’s newly released live concert DVD 'Take Us Alive,' will premiere on the HDNet Concert Series, June 6th at 8:30 PM ET.

The band performed and recorded this "in your face" live concert in their hometown of Boston at the House of Blues. This is EXTREME’s first live DVD/CD showcasing their flawless performance of all their biggest hits, including "Hole Hearted," "Get the Funk Out," and the number one hit "More than Words," as well as songs from all their records.

HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming and will be broadcasting a tailored version of EXTREME's 'Take Us Alive' concert starting in June. If you miss the first airing, the concert will repeat that night as well as on June 13th at 5:50 PM ET followed by a regular rotation so check the listings.

HDNet Take Us Alive trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfPt4eYcVGk

The HDNet networks are available in the U.S. and Canada via:

* DIRECTV

* DISH Network

* Charter Communications

* Comcast

* Insight Communications

* Mediacom Communications

* NCTC Affiliated cable systems

* Verizon Fios

* Bell Express Vu

* Star Choice

* Shaw

* Cogeco

About EXTREME:

To date, the Grammy-nominated EXTREME have released five albums, plus a greatest hits set—selling over 10 million records worldwide. They also achieved a #1 hit single, “More Than Words”—from their 1990 multi-platinum album Extreme II: Pornograffitti—on the Billboard Hot 100, which they followed with the Top Five “Hole Hearted.” Although these two acoustic hits brought the band great mainstream success, the band’s trademark sound has always been more a mix of hard rock funk—fueled by guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt’s signature style, Gary Cherone’s resonant vocals and socially conscious lyrics, Pat Badger’s rock solid bass, and the hard hitting Kevin Figueiredo on drums.

Weblinks:

http://www.extreme-band.com/

www.myspace.com/extreme

http://www.frontiers.it/

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

http://www.hd.net/

Y&T Newsletter time!

Thanks to all who attended the Facemelter CD release concert for another sold out Y&T show at the Fillmore. The band appreciates the love and support you all showed for the new material. The band was thrilled to have their buddy Don Dokken open the show, and what a great job he did.

Y&T also included a fitting tribute to Ronnie James Dio.

You can see a video clip of Y&T's tribute to Dio on the Y&T multimedia page.

http://www.meniketti.com/multimedia.html

FACEMELTER HITS THE STREETS

Y&T's new album "Facemelter" is receiving rave reviews from the European & American media. The first week of its release, Facemelter entered the Sweden metal charts at #3, the Swedish album charts at #21, #40 in Germany, #67 in the Netherlands. You can see the track listing and hear a preview of the songs on the Y&T web site. Facemelter was released May 21st on Frontiers Records, and on Meanstreak Music Co in the US.

The Japanese release is June 23 on King Records. The US version is available from our web store.

FACEMELTER SWAG

Y&T's new Facemelter shirt is so hot that we've already sold out!!! Place your order now as the next batch will be available to ship mid-June.

The new shirts sport the Facemelter cover art (created by John Taylor Dismukes) on the front and tour dates on the back. New shirts for the ladies are also available with the gold Y&T logo and the Facemelter title on the front. Visit our web store to see all the new items and hear a preview of the album.

http://store.meniketti.com/

Y&T SHOWS

Details for each of the shows below are on the TOUR DATES page of the web site.

http://www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html

2010 - Stay tuned...more 2010 shows to come!

USA

July 2010

July 16 ~ Portland, OR - Peter's Room @ Roseland Theater

July 17 ~ Seattle, WA - Studio Seven

July 18 ~ Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory (all ages)

July 21 ~ Dacono, CO - The Roadhouse

July 22 ~ Colorado Springs, CO - SODO

July 24 ~ Wichita, KS - Midwest Rock Fest (all ages)

July 29 ~ Middleton, WI - Scatz Nightclub

July 30 ~ S Barrington, IL - Penny Road Pub

July 31 ~ Midlothian, IL - Papa T's

Aug. 2010

August 1 ~ Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom

August 4 ~ Pittsburgh, PA - Hard Rock Cafe

August 5 ~ Allentown, PA - Sterling Rock Room (all ages)

August 6 ~ Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance Theatre (16 & over)

August 7 ~ New York, NY - BB King Blues Club (all ages)

August 8 ~ Springfield, VA - Jaxx

August 11 ~ Fort Worth, TX - Rock Dogs

August 12 ~ Corpus Christi, TX - Zeros Hardrock Club

August 13 ~ Houston, TX - Warehouse Live

August 14 ~ San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live (all ages)

August 15 ~ El Paso, TX - Zen-Meister Bar

August 19 ~ San Jose, CA - Music in the Park (all ages)

August 20 ~ Reno, NV - New Oasis (all ages show)

August 21 ~ Sacramento, CA - The Crest Theater (all ages)

August 26 ~ Hollywood, CA - Key Club

August 27 ~ Tempe, AZ - Club Red

August 28 ~ Las Vegas, NV - Feelgoods

Nov. 2010
November 19 ~ Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theatre

November 20 ~ Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theatre

Europe

June 2010
June 10 ~ Solvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

June 12 ~ Donington, UK - Download Festival

June 13 ~ Taino (VA), Italy - Festa della Birra (free show)

June 15 ~ Koln, Germany - Underground Cologne

June 16 ~ Zwolle, Netherlands - Hedon Podium

June 17 ~ Dordrecht, Netherlands - Bibelot

June 19 ~ Clisson, France - Hellfest

Sept. 2010

September 27 ~ Belfast, N Ireland - Spring & Airbrake

September 28 ~ Dublin, Ireland - The Village

September 30 ~ Cardiff, Wales, UK - Millennium Music Hall + special guest Tigertailz

Oct. 2010

October 1 ~ Manchester, UK - Manchester Academy

October 2 ~ Bradford, UK - Bradford Rio's

October 7 ~ Glasgow, Scotland, UK - O2 Academy Glasgow

October 8 ~ Newcastle, UK - O2 Academy Newcastle

October 9 ~ Nottingham, UK - Rock City

October 12 ~ Ipswich, UK - Corn Exchange

October 14 ~ Southampton, UK - The Brook

October 15 ~ Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy Birmingham

October 16 ~ London, UK - O2 Academy Islington

October 20 ~ Paris, France - Le Trabendo

October 22 ~ Haarlem, Netherlands - Patronaat

October 23 ~ Uden, Netherlands - De Pul

October 25 ~ Verviers, Belgium - Spirit of 66

October 26 ~ Bruchsal, Germany - Fabrik

October 28 ~ Prague, Czech Republic - Exit Chmelnice Music Hall

October 29 ~ Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal

October 30 ~ Isernhagen, Germany - Blues Garage

Nov. 2010

November 2 ~ Hamburg, Germany - Ballroom Hamburg

November 5 ~ Zaragoza, Spain - Sala Devizio

November 6 ~ Valencia, Spain - Durango Club

November 7 ~ Madrid, Spain - Sala Heineken + special guest Lynch Mob

*Schedule subject to change. Be sure to verify with each venue.*

Check the web site TOUR DATES page for the most up-to-date concert information.

Thanks for your support!

Black Country Communion, yes, really and the album should be out in September!

Yes, I know I already plugged this a week ago, but it really looks like it's on and sounds promising!

Black Country Communion is a devastating head-on collision between American and British rock influences—a true supergroup that delivers a titanic rock experience greater than the sum of its supremely talented parts.

The seed for Black Country Communion was planted when legendary frontman and bass guitarist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Hughes / Thrall, Trapeze) and master blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa combined forces on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event.

The brainchild of producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Journey, Led Zeppelin), the band added to its rock lineage with powerhouse drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper).

Named after the industrial area in Britain where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised, Black Country Communion began rehearsing and recording tracks written by both Bonamassa and Hughes at Shangri-La Studios in early 2010.

Their new Album, which has yet to be named, will debut in September 2010.

http://www.bccommunion.com/

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Michael Schenker - Live in Donington DVD review

Michael Schenker – Doctor, Doctor – Live in Donington - DVD review

(Released through Rockline records, licensed by SPV GmbH through MVD) March 2010.

OK, this is a funny one, where you have to kind of wonder just who had the gall to put this one out there?!

The DVD release itself contains just 5 songs with a total running time of just 34 minutes, yes, that’s right.

It’s a really weird one too as it’s titled ‘Michael Schenker – Live in Donington’ and the footage comes from the 2001 Rock and Blues festival at Donington that year, where conflicting reports indicate that UFO and Uli Jon Roth (Ex-Scorpions) were both playing on the Sunday that year. Other sources say this was during Uli Jon Roth’s set, where the ex-UFO members joined in and another says this was a special Michael Schenker all star line up. So make of it what you will!

Searching for accurate information through the web on this is a nightmare and MVD who distribute this release give very little in detail with this release.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved Schenker’s playing and have to say, he’s probably my favourite guitarist, I just find that this release itself, is a little disappointing overall and not because of the content, but more so due to the lack of it!

This was from a time when UFO’s line up was from somewhere between their ‘Covenant’ and ‘Sharks’ CD releases, when Schenker was still with the band.

I can tell you that Uli Jon Roth released a ‘full’ concert video from the show, that includes these tracks and apparently Michael Schenker was due to do the same, based on a ‘Blabbermouth’ press release:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=130543

The DVD cover is a little misleading too, as the front cover features a more recent shot of Schenker, looking in reasonable shape and playing one of the ‘Schenker Brothers’ limited edition Dean Flying V’s.

The back cover shows less flattering pictures of Schenker, looking very rough as he indeed looks in the DVD footage.

The opening song is ‘Doctor, Doctor,’ possibly UFO’s best known track among general rock fans and the line up appears to be an all star cast of Phil Mogg (Vocals), Schenker (Guitars), Pete Way on bass (UFO), Don Airey on keyboards (Rainbow, Ozzy, Deep Purple – To name just three!), Uli Jon Roth (Guitars) and Clive Bunker on drums (Ex-Jethro Tull). There’s also another guitarist who I’m not sure on the guys identity. Some indication is that it may be Barry Sparks who has played bass with both Schenker and UFO line ups on tour.

It’s certainly ‘interesting’ to see Schenker play alongside the guy who replaced him in the Scorpions and how they play off one another. Similar styles at times, at other moments Uli goes into his Space rock mode!

The UFO catalogue continues after a what seemed to be a little uncertain start with ‘Let It Roll’ and Pete Way is in fine form leaping around all over the stage. Phil Mogg standing his ground centre stage.

‘Midnight Train’ from UFO’s ‘Covenant’ release is next and to be honest I think Uli does well to stay the distance over all these songs. It’s clear Phil Mogg is in his element, having all these guys backing him up.

12 Minutes of possibly UFO’s fans ‘favourite track, ‘Rock Bottom’ is next where Schenker usually comes into his own and drifts away, but it’s great to see how almost playful – For want of a better word ... – the guy is, playing off Uli Jon Roth.

It’s certainly a different version for UFO fans who do their utmost to try and track down and collect every single version of every track the band and linked line ups have ever released / performed.

Then comes the funny bit to the DVD that really makes no sense at all!

If this is really a Michael Schenker release, then why does he and the other UFO guys – Mogg and Way – leave the stage at this point, when Cream bassist / vocalist Jack Bruce steps out to join Roth, Airey and Bunker to jam White Room.

Most strange!

It’s again, an interesting version where Bruce at times shakes his head, as if to say, ‘No, not yet,’ or ‘No, not like that!’ Funny …!

So that’s it, no bonus features at all … That is seriously it. Would I recommend it?

Hmm, I’d really have liked to have owned a full set from the show to be honest and if those DVD’s exist, I’d probably urge you to track those down.

In reality, if you see this selling for full price I’d say leave it to be honest, if you see it under $10 or say £5 or £6, if you’re a fan and can’t find the other released DVD’s, go for it.

Overall rating: 3 out of 5. – It’s OK.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Rock News update Wednesday 2nd June, 2010

John Mayer cancels shows due to illness

'E news Online' posted this news:

John Mayer is waiting on his health to change before going back onstage.

The garrulous pop star has pulled the plug on the remainder of his shows in Europe and will be returning to the U.S. to recover from an undisclosed illness which caused him to cancel last night's concert in Copenhagen.

http://www.comcast.net/articles/entertainment-eonline/20100602/b183778/

His website posted this notice:

After a sold-out performance in Copenhagen, John Mayer was forced to cancel his second show there on 5/31 due to illness. Regrettably, the illness has caused his remaining European shows scheduled through this week to be canceled as well (Amsterdam, Madrid and Manchester). Ticket holders should apply for refund from point of purchase. Mayer is returning home to the States and a full recovery is expected under a doctor’s supervision.

www.johnmayer.com/

Here's those other updates folks!

How would you like your band to open for Kiss?

Attention unsigned bands,

Guitar Center and KISS have teamed up to give 22 unsigned bands across the country the ultimate career-altering opportunity – the chance to open for rock and roll icons KISS. One band from each of more than twenty-two markets across the United States will be chosen to play at each KISS show. At the conclusion of the tour, KISS will choose the best of the twenty-two bands to receive the grand prize, which includes a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree. Now through September 1st, 2010, bands across the country are invited to register at http://www.gconstage.com/ for their chance to be selected.
Register Now »
http://eventful.com/competitions/kiss2010/register?rel=email&source=4TP0F1&indiv_id=7316826

Uriah Heep North American Tour adds another tour date

Uriah Heep due to play their first US tour in 8 years, have added 1 more date to the current list of just 10 dates (Including the new one.).
The latest date to be added, will be at the Beverley Arts Center, in Chicago, IL, on Thursday July 1st.
This tour will be in support of both the 'Wake the Sleeper' album released in 2008 and the latest re-recorded 'Celebration - 40 years of Uriah Heep.'
Since the tour starts in just over 2 weeks, I would next expect any additional dates to be added, but who knows?

The full US tour dates are as follows:
June 2010
June 18th Chattanooga TN Riverbend Festival - Bud Light Stage TN

June 19th Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage MD
June 20th Wilkes-Barre, PA Kirby Center for the Arts PA
June 21st Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater 1894 PA - SOLD OUT
June 22nd New York NY B.B. King Blues Club NY
June 24th St. Charles MO Ameristar Casino St. Charles MO
June 25th Kansas City MO Ameristar Casino & Hotel Kansas City MO
June 26th Milwaukee Summerfest Tickets
July 2010
July 1st Illinois Beverly Arts Center IL
July 2nd Algona IA Freedom Park IA
http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/

Styx updated news - Details of forthcoming 'Regeneration - Volume 1' Announced

**Updated with corrected link to full article.**
STYX is putting the finishing touches on the soon-to-be-released "Regeneration, Volume 1". Produced by the band and their long-time studio/live sound engineer Gary Loizzo, "Regeneration, Volume 1" contains six re-recorded versions of STYX classics, and one brand new song, "Difference In the World" (which is also available as a free MP3 download via http://www.styxworld.com/).
The six classic tracks are "Grand Illusion," "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)," "Lorelei," "Sing for the Day," "Crystal Ball" and "Come Sail Away."

In a recent interview with Doug Fox of the Daily Herald in Salt Lake City, UT, James "JY" Young said "We're in the ultimate, final-polishing stages of it."
Check out that interview here:
http://heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/article_a5362a64-9e03-51a9-90e0-d6b84b46dd81.html

In addition to the CD, the band also plans to make "Regeneration, Volume 1" available on vinyl.
Additional information will be passed along as it becomes available.
Keep an eye out for a sneak-peek of the album cover coming soon.
http://www.styxworld.com/

Rik Emmett listed on Gibson’s Readers Poll – Top 25 Guitarists

Rik Emmett (Triumph) just gave a plug to the announcement from the http://www.gibson.com/ website on the Top 50 rated guitarists.
Rik says, 'Gibson recently revealed the Top 50 Guitarists and Readers Poll Results, and yours truly made the cut!'
http://www.rikemmett.com/
Rik featured on the Gibson.com poll, coming 7th out of their Top 25 Guitarists.
Even if you're not a Rik Emmett fan - Although why not is beyond me ... ;-) - this is interesting to check out.
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/gibson-reveals-0528/

FAST-RISING ROCK BAND, HEAVEN BELOW, HIT HARD

ON SELF-TITLED RELEASE

Displaying stellar vocals, amazing guitar tones and backed by powerhouse songs, the rock band Heaven Below brings an exciting and fresh sound to the world of music - as evidenced throughout their new, self-titled release. Fronted by Patrick Kennison - formerly of The Union Underground - and supported by members Jesse Billson on guitar, John Younger on bass, and Chad Clark on drums, Heaven Below has forged a tour de force of sonic power and songwriting - that is poised to lead the way for new rock music.

“Our sound encompasses the best parts of our influences,” explains Kennison. “We love the vocal harmonies of classic bands like Alice in Chains, or the angst of legends like Trent Reznor, but our riffs and song ideas tend to be spawn from guitar driven bands like Metallica, or even Rage Against the Machine. Once we put the vocals on, we immediately feel that our music takes on it's own sound.” And on their self-titled release, Heaven Below shows that despite being such a young band, they can easily keep pace with the top dogs of the current rock scene - especially on such standout tracks as “When Daylight Dies,” which was produced by Grammy-award winning/multi-platinum artist Ben Moody of Evanescence.

Heaven Below recently completed their inaugural set of live dates - which saw the group spread the word even further throughout the hard rock/metal community. As Kennison points out, “We pride ourselves on delivering a live show thats dangerous and emotionally vulnerable. Playing on the Sunset Strip has not only strengthened us, but has proved that great songs are only a portion of putting on a great live show. Live, we set out to engage the audience with a video presentation that inter-plays our lyrics and song concepts through our performance. In this day and age we believe the audience deserves a full blown cathartic experience, bar none.”

And their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as evidenced by quite a few impressive accolades, such as Marissa Brown from Artist Direct, who describes HB as “Most brilliantly bludgeoning performance,” and also Robert Foster from Metal Edge, who gushes, “Every track explodes with expression.” And as added by Kennison, “Our future plans are to reach an audience that strives for something fresh and new. If building a touring fan base is one of the requirements, we're primed and ready.” As evidenced with by the sonic wallop of their self-titled release, the buzz and praise thrust upon Heaven Below is certainly deserved, as a most promising road lies ahead.

For more information, visit:
http://www.heavenbelow.net/
www.myspace.com/heavenbelowmusic
http://www.heavenbelow.com/epk/

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Rock News for Tuesday 1st June, 2010

Wow! is it June already? 6 months into the year, incredible, where does the time go?!

Well, I apologize for some slow service here of late, but on the news front, beside the sad news of people passing away, there's really been so little band / artist news of late there's really been little to plug, except of course for the many new tour dates that keep popping up!

I guess it's kind of good in a sense, because it means that the artists out there that we all love / enjoy, are sticking together to provide us some great summer shows or planning some Autumn / Fall tour dates.

Very good news for us live music lovers! :)

So, enjoy the summer, enjoy the live music that summer brings to us all and beyond that, keep on rockin'!

Live Nation cuts service fees ...

... well, that is for the summer months anyway, but ONLY if you purchase your tickets in June.

Yes, those very kind people - Cough, cough! - at Live Nation are offering from the 1st June (Yes, today!)

Here's a direct link to their site, specifically plugging the shows / bands / artists, that are covered right now by this offer: http://promo-img.livenation.com/lnus/noservicefeetickets/

Billboard actually did a piece on it today and posted some of the discussion they had with Live Nation's CEO of their Concert Division, Jason Garner. To read more on that go here:

http://www.billboard.com/events/live-nation-cuts-all-service-fees-in-june-1004094730.story#/events/live-nation-cuts-all-service-fees-in-june-1004094730.story

Shame that they can't see fit to end it permanently. Ah well ... We can live in hope.

Carlos Santana doing a rock covers album?!

Well, strange as it may seem to many apparently Carlos Santana plans to cover AC/DC's Back in Black, Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love and Jimi Hendrix' Little Wing ... With a little help from some friends named as one collaborator ...

All this of course at this time, appears to be just speculation from UK magazine Classic Rock's website here:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/santana-record-covers-album/#more-34236

They even say, for more details go to the Santana website - http://www.santana.com/ - which currently says nothing on the matter? Hmmm

I guess keep watch the Santana site and maybe the man will surprise us all. I for one would be extremely interested in checking out such a release!

Tommy Shaw says, People don't seem to have conversations anymore ...

Perhaps more to the point, Styx main man Tommy Shaw doesn't think people are prepared to listen these days, at least they seem to give the impression they do, but are they really listening?

It's a very valid point in today's hustle and bustle of daily life, I'm sure a point many of us would sadly have to agree with ...

As Aerosmith so rightly pointed out in their tune, 'Livin' On The Edge,' - 'There's something wrong with the world today, I don't what it is ...' Very true!

Anyway, Tommy Shaw has posted a blog piece at http://www.thecomet.com/ which can be read in detail here:

http://thecomet.com/posts/styx_tommy_shaw_asks_is_anyone_listening

A snippet from that reads as follows:

'So many of my friends are increasingly busy, with so many things on their minds, their inner multi-tasker is buzzing like a crowded office space with cubicles, each one filled with squirrels and hamsters sprinting along these circular belts, keeping the machinery running. There was a time when I would take it personally that they were not listening when I would respond, but it has over time dawned on me--maybe they just can't hear over the noise in their own heads.'

'When I talk to fans in airports, I think I make some of them nervous. They might have a personal STYX story they want to tell me, which I’m always willing to listen to, so I could say “You know you forgot to wear pants today?” and they wouldn’t hear it. I don’t say that because I usually don’t think of it until later. I have too many other things on my mind.'

He later adds:

'So, if you're not watching sports (that's worth talking about!), why not turn the television off, turn off your cell phone (at least put it on vibrate), go see your favorite band (STYX, Foreigner and Kansas perhaps), a new comedian or even a good movie and then discuss amongst yourselves!'

'While you're doing that, ask yourself, "Am I the one doing all the talking? Did I hear anything my friend was trying to tell me or was I just waiting for a pause so I could keep talking?"

I'll try it too. Maybe I'm not listening either!'

Very valid points Tommy and I hope to catch the Styx show with Foreigner and Kansas!

For more details on that go to:

www.styxworld.com/

www.foreigneronline.com/tourdates.html

www.kansasband.com/2010/tour.html

Survivor ... Big news on the way?

Survivor, who these days are led by Frankie Sullivan and fronted by Robin McAuley (Ex-Grand Prix, M.S.G. and Far Corporation), have recently (February / March 2010) mentioned that they have a new album on the way but since then have gone quiet and now their website - http://www.survivormusic.com/ - appears to be down for a refresh, could be a sign of the new album title announcement and more! We can only hope.

Their MySpace page isn't much more help - www.myspace.com/survivorband - and the only pointer you can get, is to go to http://www.pollstar.com/ to search out the bands current tour dates, nice!

So, if you're looking to check that out directly, go here: http://www.pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=9482

More news on the Aerosmith North American Tour

As originally posted here last Sunday 30th May, Aerosmith have announced a North American Tour kicking off in July.

The latest news is that Sammy Hagar and the Wabo's will open for 11 of these shows, how cool!

Here's the latest press release posted at their site late yesterday:

AEROSMITH AMERICA’S GREATEST ROCK AND ROLL BAND ANNOUNCES ‘COCKED, LOCKED, READY TO ROCK’ US SUMMER TOUR

18 Spectacular Shows Beginning on July 23rd in Oakland, California

Band Just Conquered South America, To Europe Next and Now, The US This Summer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (June 1, 2010) - Following seven triumphant South American ‘Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock Tour’ dates (the final one playing this evening in Costa Rica, the largest concert in that country’s history) and eleven upcoming European dates, America’s Number One rock and roll band will be more than warmed up and ready to arrive in the US in what will surely be THE concert event of the summer.

Live Nation, the national tour promoter for Aerosmith confirmed today that The Bad Boys of Boston are hitting the road for an 18 city US tour this summer with the COCKED, LOCKED, READY TO ROCK Tour that begins on July 23rd in Oakland, California. Tickets go on sale in select markets beginning Friday, June 4 at LiveNation.com. Tour itinerary follows this release.

The recently announced hometown Fenway Park date scheduled for August 14th sold out in a record breaking 23 minutes. Aerosmith will be joined at the Fenway show by The J.Geils Band.

Steven Tyler said, “I thought it was time to get my MOJO back, by rockin South America and Europe with a little HOME RUN at Boston's Fenway Park thrown in and then off to the rest of America to do what we do best! We’re gonna rock you into the middle of next week!”

'This is a perfect time for us to tour North America as we are just completing a very successful tour of South America. We are looking forward to our European tour next month and then bringing our show back to our home soil. We are running on all cylinders and are "Cocked Locked and ready to Rock”!' commented Joe Perry.

"We're having a blast tearing up South America. I can't stop thinking about how great it's going to feel bringing it home this summer" said Tom Hamilton.

"The band's tighter than ever, America we're coming to rock your World" said Joey Kramer.

Sammy Hagar and the Wabos will open eleven of the sixteen announced shows. Support in other markets will be announced shortly.

Aerosmith, will be celebrating their 40th anniversary as America’s most enduring and thrilling band in rock history. They are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, recipients of countless awards including 4 Grammy’s, 8 American Music Awards, 6 Billboard Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards. They have sold over 150 million albums, earned scores of multi platinum albums and maintain a large army of millions of fans.

Aerosmith continues to perform electrifying sold-out concerts around the world and remain one of the most beloved bands in the world.

Date City, State Venue Presale Date

July 2010

Fri. July 23 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena* Wed. June 2, 1pm EDT

Mon. July 26 Paso Robles, CA California Mid-State Fair TBD

Thu. July 29 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater TBD

Sat. July 31 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena* Wed. June 2, 1pm EDT

Aug. 2010

Tue. Aug 3 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Amphitheatre TBD

Thu. Aug 5 Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion* TBD

Sat. Aug 7 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre TBD

Mon. Aug 9 Fort Lauderdale, FL BankAtlantic Center* TBD

Thu. Aug 12 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater* TBD

Sat. Aug 14 Boston, MA Fenway Park Buy Party Pass

Tue. Aug 17 Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre* Wed. June 2, 10am EDT

Thu. Aug 19 Omaha, NE Qwest Center* TBD

Sun. Aug 22 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheater TBD

Tue. Aug 24 Holmdel, NJ PNJ Bank Arts Center* TBD

Thu. Aug 26 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair Buy Tickets

Sat. Aug 28 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall* Wed. June 2, 10am EDT

Tue. Aug 31 Detroit, MI The Palace at Auburn Hills* TBD

Sept. 2010

Thu. Sep 2 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center* TBD

Sat. Sep 4 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena TBD

*Opening act is Sammy Hagar and the Wabos

VIP experience packages *(which may include opportunities to meet band members, backstage tours, early entry passes, premium seating and/or merchandise) are available through http://www.aeroforceone.com/

Fans without internet access can call 508-791-3807 in the US 9am - 5pm EST.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Rock News for Monday 31st May, 2010

May 30th Public Memorial for Ronnie James Dio

Wendy Dio relays her thanks:

'Today's Memorial Service was attended by Ronnie's family, close friends and fans from all over the world.

It was a celebration of the life and music of our Dear Ronnie and was hosted by "That Metal Show's" Eddie Trunk. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and thank you to everyone that came out!'

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

More on the event, from the Associated Press, posted over at Pollstar

Apparently more than 1,200 fans commemorated Dio inside Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall of Liberty. Hundreds more gathered in the scorching heat outside the auditorium to watch monitors of the proceedings, which featured performances from some of Dio's rocker friends, including Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Geoff Tate of Queensryche and Paul Shortino of Quiet Riot.

With chants of "Dio, Dio, Dio," headbangers, rock fans, friends and family were loud and proud Sunday as they paid tribute to the late metal legend, who died from stomach cancer May 16 at age 67.

"He touched all of us with his music and his message and his magic," said David Feinstein, Dio's cousin and Elf bandmate. "I know that Ronnie truly loved all of you. He had a great appreciation for your loyalty. I'm talking about all you out there, all the fans."

Several musician friends of Dio celebrated the rocker by performing tunes that featured Dio's signature howl.

Scott Warren of Heaven and Hell began the memorial with an arrangement of Dio's "This is Your Life" on piano. John Payne of Asia crooned Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell." Joey Belladonna of Anthrax wailed Rainbow's "Man On The Silver Mountain."

Dio's son, Dan Padavona, cautioned the memorial crowd to be screened regularly by a doctor and take care of themselves, something he said his father did not do.

"I beg you not to make the same mistake my dad made," said Padavona. "For dad, the show always had to go on. He ignored the warning signs for years, and all along the cancer was growing and mutating from something that was probably easily defeatable into a monster which even Dio couldn't slay."

Michael Schenker Group + Lynch Mob Tour Dates

It seems Michael Schenker and George Lynch have hooked up to offer a rather tasty tour package - For those whose way it comes! :( - as M.S.G. and Lynch Mob plan to hit the road together in North America in July and into August.

With both acts having released very good last albums, this should be a fun one to catch for sure.

These dates were posted at George Lynch's site:

July 2010

07/28/10 Lynch Mob in Pittsburgh, PA Altar Bar United States