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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Rock News for Saturday 26th June, 2010

Stevie Ray Vaughan  - Couldn't Stand the Weather Legacy 20th Anniversary Edition to be released July 27th.
COULDN'T STAND THE WEATHER: LEGACY EDITION commemorates the 20th anniversary year of the passing of legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. It revisits the commercial breakthrough of the second album by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Released in May of 1984, it was their first LP to earn RIAA gold certification, and their first platinum-seller as well.

The first entry by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble in the prestigious Legacy Edition series of multi-disc packages, COULDN'T STAND THE WEATHER: LEGACY EDITION will be available as a two-CD set at all physical and digital retail outlets starting July 27th, however, you can pre-order your copy now at Amazon

• Disc one restores the original eight-song, 38-minute album with "Cold Shot" (a Top 30 Modern Rock track), indelible covers of blues standards including "Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place In Town)" and Guitar Slim's "The Things (That) I Used to Do" and, most notably, Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" (also a Top 30 Modern Rock track and a Grammy®-nominated performance); the sequence expands with another 11 studio outtakes from the original recording sessions in January 1984, three of them previously unreleased;

• Disc two premieres a previously unreleased live concert captured three month's after the original LP's release, from August 17, 1984, at The Spectrum in Montreal, Canada. The band played two sets that night and this disc captures selections from the late show. Featured are a mix of songs from the just-released Couldn't Stand the Weather (among them "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)"), plus tunes from the 1983 Texas Flood debut.

As with every title in the Legacy Edition series, the booklet contains a comprehensive liner notes essay written by an acknowledged expert. Andy Aledort, associate editor of Guitar World magazine, is a blues-rock maven and accomplished guitarist in his own right. He has authored more than a dozen guitar instruction books on trailblazers like Hendrix, Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Jeff Healey and others; and annotated CDs on Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Dickey Betts and more. Aledort has been covering Stevie Ray's career since his arrival at Epic Records in the summer of 1983, and has written liner notes for several of his Epic/Legacy releases, including the four-disc box set SRV (2000); The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan (2002); The Real Deal: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 (2006); and Solos, Sessions & Encores (2007).

Aledort's 2,700-word essay sets the stage: "Though a mere six months had passed between the release of Texas Flood [SRV&DT's Epic debut in 1983] and the start of the Couldn't Stand the Weather recording sessions," Aledort writes, "a great deal changed for the band, professionally and personally, in that short period. Couldn't Stand the Weather represented the first time the band had a recording budget, but with it came record company pressures that had been absent previously. In addition, as the pace of the band members' careers increased, so did the level of partying and drug use."

The bonus track studio outtakes on disc one add a new perspective to the band's chronology at this early stage, starting with Stevie's original, "Empty Arms," one of several tracks here from the first posthumous SRV collection, 1991's Grammy Award-winning The Sky Is Crying. Hank Ballard & the Midnighters' "Look At Little Sister" and New Orleans blues man Earl King's standard "Come On" (covered by Hendrix on Electric Ladyland) showed up in different versions on SRV&DT's next album, 1985's Soul To Soul. They had performed Freddie King's "Hide Away" and Hound Dog Taylor's "Give Me Back My Wig" at shows (cf. Live At Montreux 1982 & 1985), but neither song would ever show up on one of their albums during Stevie Ray's life-time.

The previously unreleased versions here of "Boot Hill" and Elmore James' "The Sky Is Crying" are different than those heard on The Sky Is Crying. In addition to "Empty Arms," that album contained a number of tracks from the January 1984 sessions, including covers of Lonnie Mack's "Wham!," Hendrix's "Little Wing" and Willie Dixon's "Close To You." Disc one comes to a close with a previously unreleased alternate take of the short instrumental, "Stang's Swang" – compare it to the version that closes the original Couldn't Stand The Weather album and it's evident this version strips away the saxophone.

In August 1984, SRV&DT headlined Montreal's Spectrum arena, where they performed an early and a late set, the latter chronicled on disc two here. They reprised a number of songs from the well-received Texas Flood debut of the year before, among them "Testify," "Love Struck Baby," "Texas Flood," "Lenny," and "Pride And Joy." But the bulk of the attention that night was given to the songs on the new album, Couldn't Stand The Weather, among them "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)," "The Things (That) I Used To Do" "Honey Bee," "Couldn't Stand The Weather," "Cold Shot," "Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place In Town)," and (for a third time in this package) "Stang's Swang."
Order this from Amazon now:
 
 
Scorpions set list from Sting in the Tail show in New Jersey
 
This info on a recent Scorpions show from a week back on Friday over at http://www.blabbermouth.net/ where there a detailed gig review too. - FYI - I'll have my review posted after this coming Thursday's show here. :)
Meantime, here's the setlist from the show at Holmdel, New Jersey.
 
01. Sting In The Tail
02. Make It Real
03. Bad Boys Running Wild
04. The Zoo
05. Coast To Coast
06. The Best Is Yet To Come
07. Send Me An Angel
08. Holiday
09. Wind Of Change
10. Raised On Rock
11. Tease Me, Please Me
12. Dynamite
13. Kottak Attack
14. Black Out
15. Six String Sting
16. Big City Nights

Encore:
17. No One Like You
18. Rock You Like A Hurricane
More details on that show on June 18th, here:

Original Kinks bass players dies aged 66 after being in coma
 
This information on Peter Quaife, original Kinks bassist was posted at their fan site, as there's no official Kinks website anymore:
Thursday, 24th June, 2010 - 'I'm sad to report the death of Pete Quaife, the Kinks' original bass player. Pete died yesterday, June 23rd, of kidney failure after spending several days in a coma in a hospital in Denmark.'
 
Here's a piece published by Rolling Stone magazine on the sad news:
 
My thoughts and sympathies go out to friends and family members of Peter's.
 
Update from UFO's Andy Parker
 
This from the Andy Parker diary:
Andy Parker - Diary Update - 25th June 2010

Hey everyone

Just a quick update on what's been going on since I last put finger to keyboard. I say quick because I have been so overwhelmed on the home front lately that now I am finally getting down to writing about our exploits I am having difficulty remembering a lot of what happened! Still I will do my best to fill you in on recent events and I apologise in advance for anything that I might leave out.

The last run of European UFO dates started out normally enough. We all met in Hannover, mid April, for a day of rehearsal before the start of the tour. Barry (Sparks) joined us on bass once again, and along with his lovely wife Allessandra we also had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful new baby daughter Serena. Apart from that it was pretty much the usual suspects - Tonio, Martin, Andre, Kate and Dave. Eric was absent this time, having also just become a new dad. Congratulations to him and Trish on the birth of their son Logan! The guitar tech position was masterfully filled by Niclas Mellander, alias 'The Swede', a colleague of Andre's and now a fully fledged member of the UFO family.

The first show at the Blues Garage in Hannover went without a hitch, then it was an overnight drive to Berlin airport to catch a plane to Greece. As we were only playing Athens and Thessaloniki, the plan was for us to use rented gear for those shows, then fly back to Frankfurt where we would meet up with our bus, the suitcases with all our clothes etc for the rest of the roadtrip, and the trailer full of our backline gear, and continue the tour. Unfortunately this was not what happened. While we were busy entertaining the good citizens of the aforementioned cities, a volcanic ash cloud from the Icelandic eruption was spreading across Europe like the plague. First thing you know, Frankfurt airport is closed down. But no matter, Tonio leaps into action. He books us tickets to Belgrade and instructs the bus driver to meet us there. Problem solved - or so we thought. That was until they closed Belgrade airport too. At this point our options were rapidly decreasing so it was decided that we should stay put and have the bus come to us. Long story short, after several relief drivers, thousands of litres of diesel, and a thirty five hour journey through half the countries of Eastern Europe, we finally made it back to Germany. Our apologies to the folks in Nurenburg for missing the show, we will see you on July 21st and do our best to make it up to you.

Anyway, after the show in Oberhausen we set off by bus again for the journey to jolly old England. I must say that this was one of the most enjoyable UK tours that we have done in a while. The shows were pretty well all sold out and the audiences just fantastic. A big thanks to the guys from Voodoo Six for doing such a great job in supporting us. To anyone who hasn't caught them, they are well worth seeing! After a whirlwind week, taking in England, Scotland and Wales, it was back on the boat to Belgium, then Holland, France and finally Germany again where we finished off the tour in Dresden. One sad note however. Three days before the end of the tour Barry received word from his family that his mother was very ill. He immediately flew back to Arizona to be with her and we sincerely thank Peter Pichl for stepping in at the last minute and helping us out with the remaining shows. I have since learnt that Barry's mum passed away and I'm sure you all join me in sending condolences to Barry and his family.

After all that you would think it was time for a bit of a rest, but as they say, "there's no rest for the wicked" so a little more than a week later I found myself on a plane once again this time heading for Brazil. This was UFO's first time in South America and as such we weren't sure what to expect. Turns out that it was a blast. We played four shows, this time with Rob DeLuca on bass. Sao Paulo, Goiania, Belo Horizonte and Recife. The reception was brilliant, those people really know how to party! Much thanks to Rodrigo (Chico) and Milton from A.W.O. for all their hard work, and I hope we can do it again very soon. Some of Milton's photos can be found HERE.

As always, thanks to all our fans everywhere for their continued support and for making us feel so welcome wherever we go. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Cheers!
Andy
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Friday, June 25, 2010

Rock News for Friday 25th June, 2010

TRIUMPH’S CLASSIC ANTHEM, “LAY IT ON THE LINE,” FEATURED IN NEW ADAM SANDLER MOVIE, "GROWN UPS"

Actor Adam Sandler has always had a knack for including standout classic rock tunes in his movies. His latest flick, ‘Grown Ups,’ is no different, as Triumph’s hard rocking “Lay it on the Line” is included in the movie, which opens nationwide June 25th.

Also, the official Japanese release of their new “best of” set, Triumph: ‘Greatest Hits: Remixed,’ hit the Land of the Rising Sun on June 23rd.

Greatest Hits: Remixed’ was released in the US and Canada on May 18th, and throughout Europe during May as well. All of Triumph’s classic tunes that were - and continue to be - in heavy rotation on rock radio (and the early days of MTV) are included here, namely, the aforementioned “Lay it on the Line,” as well as “Hold On,” “Fight the Good Fight,” “Magic Power,” etc.

These fourteen tracks of anthemic metal have never sounded so good, as they were all recently remixed by Rich Chycki (who has recently worked with Aerosmith and Rush). The set also includes a previously unreleased recording - “Love Hurts” - which will be the lead-off single from Triumph’s ‘Greatest Hits: Remixed.’
FYI - Check out my review of this 2 disc set here:

"We have been planning this release forever," says bassist Mike Levine. "For years, Triumph fans have been demanding that we give them a fresh greatest hits package and they are going to love this one."

Also included in the set is a DVD, mixed in 5.1 audio, that features eleven promo and live videos in widescreen (plus additional unreleased videos for “Child of the City,” “Blinding Light Show,” and “Love Hurts,” and footage of the group’s 2008 induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame).

The deluxe two-disc package is housed in a six-panel digi pak – including a 20-page color booklet, complete with liner notes, lyrics, and chockfull of vintage photos.

Whether you’re a long-time Triumph fanatic or a new convert, you have never heard the group as crystal clear and loud n’ proud as you will throughout ‘Greatest Hits: Remixed.’ "’Greatest Hits: Remixed’ rocks like no other Triumph set,” declares drummer Gil Moore. “This is the definitive Triumph collector’s edition."
For more information, visit:

Former members of YES and TOTO return with a new band YOSO To Release Debut Album
JULY 2ND EUROPE and JULY 23RD USA ON FRONTIERS RECORDS


HOLLYWOOD, CA (June 24, 2010) – The term “Super-Group” describes a band rising out of two of the most creative bands of the past 30 years: YOSO is formed out of TOTO’s brilliant lead vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of former YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, thus equalling the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. The band’s debut album “Elements” will debut July 2nd in Europe and July 23rd in the USA on Frontiers Records. This long awaited release comes with a bonus live CD where the band plays some old and new classics. This musical blend presents a fascinating combination of the sound of YES ("90125"/"Big Generator" era) and TOTO, with a very interesting and original sound that truly encompasses the styles.

Even with the band's two diverse heritages, YOSO intends to become its own identifiable entity in a very short time. YOSO’s mission is to make the next decade one where their music will stand the test of time holding up alongside their classic rock roots.

"YOSO was started when I suggested to Bobby Kimball we should write some new music and form a band,” recalls Sherwood. “We had been working together on various tribute projects that I was producing and one thing lead to another. Before too long we had 5 songs in the can and were well on our way to making a record. That is when we started thinking seriously about taking it to the next level. Once there was a few songs underway the concept grew into the band we now have, " YOSO ".

YOSO line-up was later rounded out with two amazingly gifted musicians: Johnny Bruhns as the guitarist and background vocalist and Scott Conner on drums, percussion and background vocals.

“Elements” tracklisting includes:
Yoso; Path To Your Heart; Where You’ll Stay; Walk Away; The New Revolution; To Seek The Truth; Only One; Close The Curtain; Won’t End Tonight; Come This Far; Time To Get Up; Return To Yesterday.
Bonus live CD: Yoso; Rosanna; Owner of a Lonely Heart; Walk Away; Good For You; Yes Medley (Yours Is No Disgrace/Heart of the Sunrise/South Side of the Sky/Starship Trooper/I’ve Seen All Good People); To Seek the Truth; Hold The Line; Cinema; Gift With a Golden Gun; White Sister.

YOSO - US Tour dates (more TBA)
Aug 11 Keswick Theatre Glenside, PA
Aug 12 The State Theatre Falls Church, VA
Aug 15 Ramshead Tavern Annapolis, MD
Aug 17 B.B. King's Blues Club New York, NY
Aug 19 Kent Stage Kent, OH
Aug 20 Syndicate Dinner Theatre Newport, Ky
Aug 21 Lake Clementia Amph. Rancho Murieta, CA

For more information visit:
or

A few more dates added to the Bad Company North American trek

I'm sure Bad Company are not done yet either, look at some of the gaps, more dates TBA!
If you get to see them, enjoy!

July 2010
Friday July 16, 2010 Fantasy Springs Casino Indio, CA
Saturday July 17, 2010 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA
Thursday July 22, 2010 The Lakeland Center Jenkins Arena, Lakeland, FL
Friday July 23, 2010 St. Augustine Amphitheater St. Augustine, FL
Sunday July 25, 2010 Chastain Park Amphitheater Atlanta, GA
Tuesday July 27, 2010 Bank Of America Pavilion Boston, MA
Friday July 30, 2010 Choctaw Resort Casino Event Center, Durant, OK
Aug. 2010
Sunday August 1, 2010 Outlaw Jam, Frederick County Fairgrounds Frederick, MD
Wednesday August 4, 2010 Casino Rama Entertainment Center Rama, Ontario (Toronto), Canada
Saturday August 14, 2010 Bike Rally Port Dover, Ontario, Canada
Oct. 2010
Monday October 4, 2010 Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee, WI
Tuesday October 5, 2010 Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee, WI
Thursday October 7, 2010 The Joint/Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Catoosa, OK (Tulsa)

Jim Peterik's All Star World Stage band, unplugged detailed review

Now this isn't my review, but's really some great reading over at Jim Peterik's website, of a all star gig that really doesn't happen too often, with Peterik's World Stage band!
Here's a snippet of the details, written by Paul Braun (Music Junkie, Team Peterik Web Scribe):

Jim Peterik's World Stage - Up Close and Unplugged

Can I start by saying I'm a huge fan of acoustic music? Of course I can. It's my keyboard. Not only natively acoustic stuff like folk or roots rock, but also acoustic arrangements of big rock classics.

My wife and I ran an acoustic concert series at a small theatre in Indiana from 2000 - 2007. Somewhere in there, we had five of what came to be known as "County Stage" shows with Jim Peterik and friends. It was always Jim, Chuck Soumar and Larry Millas of The Ides of March, and usually Jeff Boyle and Lisa McClowry. In later years, the mix also included Toby Hitchcock from Pride of Lions. And then there was the year we threw in Kevin Chalfant just for good measure. They came to be known as "County Stage" because they were a scaled-down, miniature version of Jim's big "World Stage" events, done "Storyteller"-style.

Those shows were some of my favorite concerts ever. Not only because I had become friends with an incredibly gifted group of musicians, but because we were giving the audience something special. 150 people at a time got to experience the big melodic rock thing up close and acoustic. And they ate it up.

A slightly larger audience (300) recently got to experience much the same thing at the Montrose Room of the Hotel Intercontinental in Rosemont, Illinois. Billed as "Jim Peterik's World Stage: Up Close and Unplugged," the show featured Jim Peterik, Lisa McClowry, Jeff Carlisi (former guitarist for 38 Special), Jack Blades (Lead singer and bassist with Night Ranger / Damn Yankees), Christian Cullen (ex-Pride of Lions and World Stage keyboardist, currently tickling the ivories for Night Ranger alongside Jack), Jeff Lantz (World Stage and Lifeforce keyboardist) and cameo appearances by ex-Survivor lead singer Jimi Jamison and Ides of March co-founder and bassist Bob Bergland.
(Picture courtesy of www.jimpeterik.com/)

"The experience we had at Chicago Street Theatre [the theatre where we held those concerts] showed me that we could do this show and have a good time doing it," Peterik told me after the show.

"I've always enjoyed playing acoustic, and the format we used at CST gave the audience a different kind of connection to the artists. I liked that. In fact, the comment I heard the most was how the audience felt like they were sitting in on a jam session between old friends -- which was exactly what it was. They got the stories behind the songs, the camaraderie -- I think it's a great addition to the regular full-metal World Stage shows."

Everyone on that stage had a history with each other, and it showed. They've all worked with and toured with each other over the years, so when they tell the stories, there's a familiarity and understanding. They also know each other's work, so when it came time to work out the acoustic arrangements for big arena rock songs, everybody had a little something to add. Being seasoned touring musicians didn't hurt, either. Take, for example, Jack Blades.

"I've known Jack for about 25 years, and it was still cool to hear those songs done our way," said Jim.

"I'd only ever heard Kelly [Keagy, Night Ranger's drummer and other voice] sing 'Sister Christian' before. To hear Jack sing it was just one of my 'goosebump moments' that night. Another was the chorus to 'High Enough,' the Damn Yankess classic. That is, in my book, one of the best choruses in rock. Just incredible. And to hear the harmonies with all of us, especially with Lisa taking the high "Tommy Shaw" part -- man, I was thinking how cool it was to be a part of that, in the middle of it!

"I think what made this all work was that all of the artists were really stoked to do it -- being a part of it all coming together -- that we were as much a part of the audience as they were. You know, the verses for 'High Enough' are really duets, and and Lisa really proved herself that night. Not only with her solo songs, which she nailed, but with the occasional lead line and the harmonies. What an amazing blend.

"And Carlisi -- if you look up 'Southern Gentleman', his picture pops up. He's one of my dearest friends, and an incredible guitarist. My wife Karen said to me, 'You know, he doesn't need to sing. He sings with his guitar' and she's right. I told him that if I'd had the licks he played on 'Roses for No Reason' before, I'd have put them on the record. He said, 'Well, I was just noodlin' around....' and I said, 'Well, you noodle good!'

Go here for more of the details:

Chickenfoot - Another New Show Announced for September 10!

The all star Chickenfoot band, who've just recently released their latest live DVD, 'Get Your Buzz On', have just made a new announcement at their site.


'We're happy to announce that Joe, Mike, Chad and Sammy have all managed to sneak another day into their busy schedules and now have added a second final show for 2010!
It's happening Sep 10th at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA and you can be sure the Foot is going to come down hard with now two dates in a row to have some fun and bring you some amazing shows! For this new show we've managed to slip in a special upgrade soundcheck package for those interested.'

Santana rock covers album taking shape.

Carlos Santana plans to seriously get peoples attention with the line up he is putting together to complete his rock covers album.
These details from Billboard:

Carlos Santana was initially intimidated by Sony Music Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis' pitch for his next album -- another "Supernatural"- style all-star collaboration, but this time on a collection of iconic rock songs by the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and others.

"I was like, 'No, I don't know if I want to do this one, Clive. This one's a little challenging,' " the guitarist and bandleader recalls to http://www.billboard.com/. "And he would stay on the phone for at least 45 minutes to an hour, three times in one year, and I was like, 'Oh, lord...' But then I started realizing that someone with that intense passion of commitment couldn't be wrong, so I had to trust him. And it was incredible."

The album -- Santana's first since "All That I Am" in 2005 -- is due out in September and is not yet titled. The track list is being finalized as well, but during sessions Santana reunited with "Smooth" partner Rob Thomas on Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and worked with Joe Cocker on Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," Scott Weiland on the Rolling Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," Chris Daughtry on Def Leppard's "Photograph," Soundgarden's Chris Cornell on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Papa Roach`s Jacoby Shaddix on Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and Nas, who lays down rhymes on AC/DC's "Back in Black." Santana chose half of the songs while Davis picked the other half.

"What I brought to the table is my heart, knowing that I complement, I don't compete," Santana says of the recording sessions. "I brought my heart, trusting that there's enough in me of purity and innocence and genuineness that I couldn't possible, excuse the expression, fuck it up. I know Eric (Clapton). I know Jeff Beck. I know Jimmy Page. And they know me. I have supreme certainty and confidence that they're going to say, 'Hey man, I love what you did with my song."

While he considers ever song "incredible," Santana says his very favorite is the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which he recorded with India.Arie and cellist Yo Yo Ma. He recalls that, "I sent the song to George Harrison's widow, Olivia, and I got back an email that says, 'Carlos, I listened to the song and I started crying and jumping with joy at the same time. And I want you to know that George really loved you, because he understood your passion for compassion.' And I was like, 'Bam!' that's like George Harrison himself, through his beautiful wife, validating my existence and what I did with that song."
For more details on this, go here:
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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 23rd June, 2010

Well, apologies to all for the lack of news for yesterday, but here I am back again!

GREGG ALLMAN UNDERGOES LIVER TRANSPLANT
TOUR PLANS ON HOLD UNTIL ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMER FULLY RECOVERS

As part of his continued recovery from Hepatitis C, rock and roll icon GREGG ALLMAN recently underwent a successful liver transplant operation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.
The singer, keyboardist, songwriter and guitarist had been on a waiting list for the transplant and is looking forward to a speedy recovery.

“I feel pretty good, considering everything that’s happened,” says ALLMAN, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. “Everybody involved here, my doctors and nurses in the hospital and all the Allman Brothers fans, they’ve just all been great.” The surgery took place this morning (June 23) after ALLMAN was notified that an appropriate liver had been donated. “All I can really say is ‘thanks,’” the singer says with gratitude.

The transplant comes as a result of the artist’s previous battle with Hepatitis C, a liver disease. In late 2007, Allman began a series of treatments for his Hepatitis C, but chronic damage of his liver led to doctors recommending a transplant. “I changed my ways years ago,” Allman says, “but we can’t turn back time. Every day is a gift, and I can’t wait to get back on the road making music with my friends.”
Updates on Gregg’s recovery will be posted regularly on
http://www.greggallman.com/
and
http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/

BILLY CORGAN TO SPEAK AT RUSH WALK OF FAME CEREMONY JUNE 25 IN LA

Billy Corgan, vocalist, lead guitarist and songwriter for The Smashing Pumpkins, will pay tribute to the band Rush, as they accept their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Billy joins Donna Halper, former radio personality at WMMS Cleveland where Rush received their first radio airplay with Working Man participate as well.

The ceremony will take place in front of the Musician's Institute at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard at 11:30 AM in Los Angeles this Friday, June 25th.

Mann Chinese 6 in Hollywood is going to have special screenings of 'Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage' at their theatre this Friday in honor of Rush getting their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just blocks away. They're giving special screenings at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm in their biggest auditorium.

Come join RUSH accept their Star and then go see the documentary if you haven't already!

Slash Announces "We're All Gonna Die" U.S. Tour

The guitar slinger from Guns 'n' Roses and Velvet Revolver, Slash heads out with his solo band, on tour very soon!
On the heels of his solo album debut as #1 Rock Album and performing at some of the largest European outdoor Festivals, Slash launches his U.S. Summer tour.

The U.S. dates will feature vocalist Myles Kennedy (Alterbridge) who was also part of the European tour and received strong critical praise at shows like the Download Festival which had over 100,000 fans and Rock-Am Ring which had more than 70,000 concert-goers. Audiences in Europe were treated to a career-spanning Slash set list of songs from the new album which Kennedy provides vocals for two songs, along with Slash classics from Guns N Roses like “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Paradise City” and numerous Velvet Revolver, and Slash’s Snakepit favorites. Full tour routing listed below, additional dates/cities to be announced shortly. Check local ticketing agencies for on-sale dates and locations.
Tour dates as follows:

Aug. 2010
Aug. 29 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield Theater
Aug. 31 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up
Sept. 2010
Sept. 1 - Denver, CO - Ogden
Sept. 2 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge
Sept. 4 - Mount Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Sept. 5 - Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theate
Sept. 6 - Clear Lake, IA - Surf Ballroom
Sept. 8 - Chicago, IL -Riviera Theater
Sept. 9 - Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsors – The Colosseum
Sept. 10 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
Sept. 11 - Belleville, ON - Empire Theater
Sept. 14 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
Sept. 15 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
Sept. 18 - Norfolk, VA - The NorvaSept. 20 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
Sept. 22 - Council Bluffs, IA
Oct. 2010
Oct. 2 - Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market

'Custom Built', the brand new solo album from Bret Michaels will be released July 6th!


'Custom Built' the new album from Bret Michaels, featuring the single 'Nothing To Lose' (with Miley Cyrus), a remake of Sublime's hit song 'What I Got', a rootsy version of 'Every Rose Has It's Thorn', the theme song to the upcoming VH1 show "Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It" titled 'Riding Against The Wind' and much more!
The new album will be available from Target, Best Buy, iTunes, Yahoo, Napster & anywhere else you buy digital music!
You can also pre-order the album by visiting:
For more info:
www.bretmichaels.com/

Coming soon from Frontiers records ....



L. to R.: Larry Antonino, Bruce Gowdy, Marcie Free, Jay Schellen, Guy Allison

UNRULY CHILD - “WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE”
OCTOBER 2010
www.frontiers.it/

Def Leppard's Joe Elliott gives plug for new Classic rock magazine ... It does also feature Dio on the cover ...

Yes indeed, an act of desperation ....?!
Probably not ..., but the Def Leppard website has just plugged this:

Pick up the new issue of Classic Rock magazine, on news stands in the UK now, because it comes with a FREE album by Joe Elliott's Down N' Outz. MY REGENERATION contains 10 tracks that were originally recorded by various Mott The Hoople-related projects:


1. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY (Ian Hunter)
2. STORM (Mott)
3. OVERNIGHT ANGELS (Ian Hunter)
4. CAREER (NO SUCH THING AS ROCK 'N' ROLL) (Mott)
5. ENGLAND ROCKS (Ian Hunter)
6. SHOUTING AND POINTING (Mott)
7. BY TONIGHT (Mott)
8. WHO DO YOU LOVE (Ian Hunter)
9. ONE MORE CHANCE TO RUN (British Lions)
10. GOOD TIMES (Mott, originally recorded by The Easybeats)

An extended version of the album will also be released through Mailboat Records (Joe Perry, Walter Becker, Chris Isaak, Jeff Bridges) on the 13th July 2010. The extended version will feature three extra tracks unavailable on the Classic Rock tied release.
http://www.defleppard.com/news/
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Foreigner - Can't Slow Down CD/DVD review

Foreigner – Can’t Slow Down CD / DVD review (US version - via Walmart)
Released Oct. 2009 (USA) March / April 2010 (Europe)


The history of the band Foreigner is so well documented; they simply do not need any introduction.
The band has produced hit after hit single throughout the years and albums too, not to mention sold out shows everywhere.
So now the band has signed a deal with Walmart to get this latest new material released, here in the US and as with other major names that have done the same thing, the package deal 2 CD’s – 1 of new material and 1 Best of – and a live DVD into the bargain, sold for a very reasonable price indeed.

To be honest, the remixed ‘Best of’ disc included here has possibly little value to fans of the current line up, as it features original vocalist Lou Gramm and I don’t mean that in the derogatory sense either.
If you’re an old fan of the band, chances are you have most of the material that features Gramm here and / or some ‘other’ best of releases no doubt.

So what is really of interest here is the new material and if it comes up to par with previous Foreigner releases?
It seems public consensus says yes, due to the album charting so highly last year on Billboards charts …
So why am I reviewing it now? Well, it only got a full worldwide release, a short time back this year, but already many people have been criticizing this release as being too safe. Is it? Well, yes and no in my books.

I think the opening title track is great, traditional rocking AOR music for most true fans of the band and boy Kelly Hansen – If you hadn’t already heard him. – really can sing Lou Gramm style.
After this though is where the band tend to go for commercial security big time as ‘In Pieces’ next has already proved as being a radio hit for the band. Very laid back pop ballad territory.

‘When it comes to Love’ next is a song written in the vein of say ‘Waiting for a Girl like You.’ Again it’s very safe.
With ‘Living in a Dream’ it picks up the pace a little, but it’s really not rocking. An up-tempo pop rocker ala Chicago style, even if the guitar solo gives it a little more.
Now don’t get me too far wrong here, as it’s all very well written and produced material, just kind of safe.

I like Foreigner when they bear their teeth a little as they show they can do live.
‘I Can’t Give Up,’ is another ballad territory song almost a little Beatles like even … Or Bryan Adams … Cough!
OK, with next track ‘Ready’ is picking up the pace a little again and trying and is perhaps along the lines of something like ‘Inside Information’ era Foreigner.

‘Give Me a Sign’ also wants to keep the momentum going a little and isn’t so bad in pop rock terms, but …
It really would’ve been great to have a new Foreigner album with more rockers and perhaps just one or two ballads, but it’s really showing itself to be at best a more pop rock album as opposed to AOR / melodic rock.
Surely the biggest power type ballad here is next track, ‘I’ll Be Home Tonight.’
Rich multi layered sound and a strong power ballad for sure.

‘Too Late’ next is almost a little funky sub-pop rocker, kind of reminded me a little of Billy Joel’s Moving Out.
An offbeat start to next track ‘Lonely’ before the pre-chorus, then chorus is more direct. Interesting mid-paced track.

‘As Long as I Live,’ starts laid back then picks up, only a little for the chorus … Is it me or does this sound a little like 3 Doors Down or am I the only hearing this?! I do like it though.
In ‘Angel Tonight’ it sounds a little more like classic Foreigner, stomp along mid-paced pop rocker.
Good one.

A re-recorded version of ‘Fool For You Anyway,’ originally on Foreigner’s first album seems perhaps a little more laid back, almost Motown like if I was honest about it.
As I mentioned before, the second CD is a ‘remixed’ 10 track ‘Best Of’ which gives a little sheen to the old tracks, but really nothing too much more there. Still, a nice freebie if you look at it that way!

The DVD now, I have to say I really like. It’s Foreigner in a live setting playing through some of their more rock driven numbers although sadly only 10 tracks again – Why do Walmart limit these sets on the DVD?! – but opening with classic ‘Double Vision’ as the band took their show through Europe.
‘Head Games’ keeps things going in the rock vein too. Some backstage footage then back to the show.

The band ease into ‘That Was Yesterday’ with a very different intro and ‘Say You Will’ performed in acoustic / unplugged style here.
‘Starrider’ is stretched to the max, to allow Mick Jones some self indulgence, before they kick into ‘Feels Like The First Time.’ Great stuff!

This is the second live DVD I’ve seen now of Foreigner and Kelly Hansen fronting the band, the first time was ‘Alive and Rockin’,’ and Hansen can certainly handle Lou Gramm’s vocals to a tee! He also has the swagger not unlike that of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler! As a frontman, he’s like a duck to water!

Have to say, ‘Urgent’ next is one of my favourite Foreigner live tracks and Tom Gimble sax playing is great, what a talent the guy is. Is there anything he can’t play?!
‘Juke Box Hero,’ continues to please the crowd, before the big ballad ‘I Want To Know What Love Is.’
The live set – on the DVD – is closed here with ‘Hot Blooded,’ rocking ‘til the end.

Some great bonus footage too here, fans should love as Mick Jones reminisces some. You’ll see what I mean!
A good all round package for the money, even if the new material doesn’t all rock. Should be something here for everyone.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Keep up with Foreigner here:
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Rock News for Tuesday 22nd June, 2010

'Stand Up and Shout' Cancer fund update from Wendy Dio

Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy Dio, has recently posted an update on funds collected so far for the  fund she set up, at Ronnie's request that's called, the 'Stand Up and Shout - Cancer Fund.'
The update from the Dio site reads as follows:

I received the Articles of Incorporation of The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up and Shout" Cancer Fund, a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation on June 1st 2010. The Registration is # 3295083 from the Secretary of State of the State of California, which states: This corporation is a nonprofit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes.

The specific purpose of this corporation is primarily to provide free cancer screening programs and testing to the public regardless of any individual's ability to pay for same, to provide financial assistance to cancer patients who are burdened with the cost of health care. Additionally this corporation may engage in activities that are reasonably related to or in furtherance of its stated charitable purposes or in any other charitable activities. This Corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).

The Board of Directors are as follows, Gloria Butler, Wendy Dio, Dr.Lois Lee, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Stanley J. Diamond (attorney at law) John Doran CPA, Adam Parsons, Tim Murch, Paul Newman, Nick Jackson, Neil Warnock, Robin Shaw, Maureen O'Connor, Dean Schachtel and Sheila Melody.

The funds are being held in Wells Fargo Bank, to date we have received donations of $170,620.69 through PayPal, and $38,003.05 in cheques. We received a $10,000 donation from Metallica, and generous donations from Deep Purple, Slash and Metal Blade Records and from all the wonderful friends and fans.

We held our first Board meeting on June 9th and discussed our first release of funds going to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, The T.J. Martell Foundation and other Cancer Centers, we will be requesting proposals from each organization as to how the donation will be spent to be considered by the Board, before any funds are released to them. I will keep you updated of where your money is going, and can assure you it will NOT be going into any administration costs, but to the people that need it. This is the main reason I wanted to form this Fund, so we do know where the money goes and not eaten up by a big corporation that does have administration costs.

The T-shirts and buttons were made and sold to us at cost by Blastwaves Merchandise, the Memorial books I personally paid for, and we have to charge postage, as the Post Office does not mail out for free, there are NO other administration costs. The Memorial packages are packed and addressed at my office by friends and Board Members who volunteer their time.
Wendy Dio

More sad news in the rock world - Fergie Frederiksen has cancer

I must admit, I was deeply saddened to learn of this late on Monday, as I really have a lot of respect for Fergie Frederiksen and his music.
I first heard his music specifically of course his voice, when he joined Toto and recorded 'Isolation' with them - Brilliant album, that should be in everyone's collection! - but I also have since enjoyed his Mecca material too as well as other tracks too.
Fergie's webmaster Klaus Jakobsen posted this message on Sunday:  

Fergie Frederiksen has got inoperable cancer
June 20, 2010 by Webmaster

I am sorry to inform you that Fergie Frederiksen has got inoperable, life threatening cancer.
Fergie has got many close friends, and they are putting together a benefit show, here is more info:

“Friends Forever for Fergie Frederiksen” benefit concert being held Sunday July 18th at Bayview Event Center on Lake Minnetonka, MN.

Recently, Fergie, a father of two and friend of many, was diagnosed with inoperable life threatening cancer. Fergie, the former lead singer of the group Toto will be joined by his dear friends, Alex Ligertwood, former lead singer of SANTANA and Jimi Jamison, former lead voice of SURVIVOR with the band Headliner for a concert with ALL PROCEEDS going to the Fergie Frederiksen Family Fund.

Sunday July 18th, 2010
Bayview
Event Center
Lake Minnetonka, MN
Doors open at 6 pm for cocktails, silent auction and meet/greet
Concert begins at 7 pm with Frederiksen, Ligertwood and Jamison with the group Headliner playing all of the 80′s classics.

Reserved Tables of 10 are available for $250 (8)-VIP $350 (4) contact Mike at
612-386-0082 with first come-first served-best available

General Admission tickets are available for $20 and are available on EBAY follow this link:
You will also find more info on this on facebook:

Hope those that can will join this show, and show your support to Fergie.
Klaus,
Webmaster

This really is such an evil and out of control disease that is killing so many innocent people, globally each and every day, be it children, parents and others of all ages.

It really hit home to so many with the recent passing of Ronnie James Dio and I can't echo the sentiment expressed by Ronnie's son Dan Padavona enough, to get yourself checked out, if you have the slightest concern and not leave it until too late like Ronnie sadly did.

Now here is this news about Fergie and that it's inoperable. I sadly have faced a similar situation when I lost my brother a few years back to a brain tumour that likewise was inoperable, so I can personally relate.
Fergie, you're in our thoughts and prayers my friend.

Rush fans .... New material now available for pre-order
Caravan/BU2B Pre-Order is now available!

Pre-order your physical copy of the Rush limited edition Caravan/BU2B CD single online! 

All orders for the Caravan/BU2B CD single will be shipped in late June when the CD single is in stock.
Get a free copy of Caravan/BU2B when you purchase select sale items!

Receive the limited edition 2 track cd single as a GIFT with a purchase on any combination of select sale DVD’s and CD’s totaling $40 or more before taxes. See the Rush Backstage online store for full details.
Ex HAREM SCAREM singer Harry Hess returns with FIRST SIGNAL paying tribute to his former band classic sound!

Napoli, June 2010 – Frontiers Records will release on August 27th 2010 in Europe and September 14th in the USA the new album from FIRST SIGNAL, a new exciting Melodic Rock studio project presenting the alliance between two well known faces in the scene: Canadian singer Harry Hess (ex Harem Scarem) and producer/bassist Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Khymera etc.).

The concept behind this recording is to bring back the classic Harem Scarem sound which after the band decision to split is very much missed by many fans. Records such as “Mood Swings” and “Weight of the World” are regarded as true masterpiece albums and they were the inspiration behind the First Signal songs which of course are also open to some new twists and interpretations. "The record is very reminiscent of the songs I grew up listening to and fit my vocal style", says Harry "It definitely reminds me of the songs we were writing very early on in Harem Scarem. I haven't been involved with anything even close to this style musically since Harem Scarem, so it was a lot of fun for me and if the fans really like it I'm sure there’ll be a future First Signal!"

Harem Scarem have displayed throughout their 12 official studio albums a vast array of styles, from AOR, to Arena Hard Rock and Power Pop in the “Rubber” years. Still the fans have always asked the band to go back to a guitar riffs oriented sound which melted the influences from the Melodic Metal of the 80’s with more contemporary sounds.

A great team of songwriters, including brothers Tom and James Martin (Khymera, Sunstorm, House of Lords), Erik Martensson (W.E.T., Eclipse), Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon), Robert Sall (W.E.T., Work of Art) and Mark Baker (Signal, House of Lords) among others, had the task to recreate that magic sound, which is now back in all its glory thanks to a monster vocal performance from Harry and a crisp production and arrangement work from Dennis Ward.


Other musicians on the album include Chris Schmidt on drums, Michael Klein on guitars and Eric Ragno on keyboards and the necessary background vocals contribution from the other ex Harem Scarem member Darren Smith.

“First Signal” final tracklisting includes the following tracks: This City; When You Believe; Part of Me; Crazy; Goodbye To The Old Times; First Signal; Feels Like Love; Into the Night: When November Falls; Yesterday Rain; Naked Desire.

The songs “This City” and “Yesterday Rain” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio from June 21st. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Musicians:
Harry Hess: lead and background vocals
Darren Smith: background vocals
Dennis Ward: bass, background vocals, guitars
Eric Ragno: keyboards
Michael Klein: guitars
Chris Schmidt : drums
Weblinks:

Joe Elliott takes over the microphone at Planet Rock

Joe Elliott will get behind the microphone again! However, this time not as the lead singer of Def Leppard, but as a DJ at award winning radio station Planet Rock for a series of exclusive radio shows.

"'My ReGeneration' is a six part radio series. Each week Joe will be playing the music that has inspired him over the years. Punctuated with stories from three decades as the singer in one of rock's influential bands and his love of most things glam! Joe follows the footsteps of many rock stars that have taken to the airwaves at Planet Rock. He joins the ranks of Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Fish and Gary Moore to name a few," commented Malcolm Bluemel, Planet Rock CEO.

The series will run on Planet Rock on Saturday evenings at 8pm - 10pm, beginning on June 26th for 6 weeks and repeated the following Wednesday 10pm - Midnight.
For more information, please check http://www.planetrock.com/.

Bryan Adams full band show being lined up

After playing a string of unplugged acoustic gigs, it seems that the 'groover from Vancouver,' Bryan Adams is due to bring his full band back to his home city.
It would be nice if he'd write a strong new rock album once again, but I won't hold my breath!
Few details at this time, but this posted at his website:

Bryan brings full band show to Vancouver in August!
A big concert announcement for Vancouver happens Tuesday June 22nd!
Stay tuned for BA Member Presale information and full details on this big event!
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