Well, I'm back ... The meds must be working for me!
So let's play catch up, if you've read some of these stories elsewhere already, my apologies ..., just sharing what I've received as news worthy stuff!
Cheers and thanks for your patience and the well wishes too! Al :)
New album from Toto's Mike Porcaro ..., well, new to us anyway!
Great news to have seen this on the Toto site and I for one sincerely wish Mike Pocaro well as he continues his treatment for his illness. Still tragic that the world has already lost one of Mike's brothers in Jeff Pocaro, possibly the best drummer the world has known. I know that's the case in many, many drummers and other musicians minds anyway.
It seems Mike Porcaro is going to release a live record called "Brotherly Love" featuring the Tribute to Jeff concert in Koblenz 2002.
Here's a message from the Toto site and more information from him:
"I just wanted to let you know that I am releasing a Live record I made with David Garfield and an All Star cast featuring Steve Gadd, Gregg Bissonette, Lenny Castro, Glenn Hughes, my brother Steve (Pocaro), and father Joe (Pocaro) and many other great cats. We recorded it live in Koblenz, Germany back in 2002 and it's finally finished. It's coming out in Japan first on Ward Records, but will be released shortly after that in the US and the rest of the world. We'll be posting more complete information soon. I hope you get a chance to check it out and enjoy!
I want to thank everybody for the kind thoughts and prayers. I'm doing the best that I can....... Love, Mike"
Great news to hear of this and hopefully the fact that Mike knows it's being released lifts the guy some.
Here's to you Mike. Take care.
Incidentally, did you have any idea how many albums Mike has played on? No? Well go and check this out, incredible list, eh?
In other Toto news, the Summer tour dates keep adding the odd extra date here and there.
Current dates through June / July 2011 as follows:
June 2011
21 - Jun - 2011 Tuesday Bruxelles Forest National Belgium
23 - Jun - 2011 Thursday Amsterdam Heineken Hall Netherlands
24 - Jun - 2011 Friday Amsterdam Heineken Music Hall Netherlands
26 - Jun - 2011 Sunday London Hammersmith Odeon UK
27 - Jun - 2011 Monday Paris Le Zenith France
28 - Jun - 2011 Tuesday Lyon Halle Tony Garnier France
30 - Jun - 2011 Thursday Copenhagen KB Hallen Denmark
July 2011
03 - Jul - 2011 Sunday Riihimaki / Helsinki Riihimakirock Finland
10 - Jul - 2011 Sunday Vejle Open Air Denmark
12 - Jul - 2011 Tuesday Hamburg Stadtpark Freilichtbühne Germany
14 - Jul - 2011 Thursday Straubing Jazz an der Donau Germany
15 - Jul - 2011 Friday Ulm Klosterhof Wiblingen Germany
17 - Jul - 2011 Sunday Verona Castello Scaligero Di Villafranca
Official Toto site: http://www.toto99.com/
Status Quo's Francis Rossi Solo February UK Dates Cancelled
This update from the Status Quo website, where Francis Rossi's solo work or at least his tour dates in support of his recent solo album, 'One Step At A Time,' has hit some snags.
Francis Rossi has been forced to cancel the UK solo tour scheduled to run between 1 and 8 February 2011. Francis requires urgent surgery for a hernia complaint. The tour is unable to be rescheduled at this time due to Francis' recording commitments with Quo for the forthcoming album.
Francis Rossi commented, "I hate to have to cancel shows and hope that the fans realise that these situations are outside my control".
Refunds are available for all ticketholders for the cancelled shows and customers should return to their point of purchase.
The next confirmed Francis Rossi solo activity is the release of 'Live at St. Luke's, London' which is being released on CD, DVD and Blu Ray on March 4th.
For more info go to: http://www.francisrossi.com/ or http://www.statusquo.co.uk/
Judas Priest on A&E Private Sessions Sun. Jan. 16th at 9am [US Only]
This piece is really only of any use to US readers ... Sorry folks, but thought I'd share with US Judas Priest fans.
This coming Sunday, January 16th on A&E's Private Sessions: Metal gods Judas Priest, lead singer Rob Halford joins host Lynn Hoffman to share stories from the road, explain the concept of metal therapy, and talk about the release of Judas Priest's British Steel 30th Anniversary Editions!
One of the greatest metal albums of all time just got bigger! Don't miss performances of "Breaking the Law," "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," "Living After Midnight," and "Freewheel Burning." Plus surprise guest appearances by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, and Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister!
Clip from You Tube here - Again, sorry about screen image size restriction:
Alternatively, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhqaMw6gDu0&feature=player_embedded
Superstar Drummer Carl Palmer of ELP & ASIA to Release Debut
Instructional DVD, "CARL PALMER DRUM SOLOS" on February 22
Carl Palmer, long regarded as one of the most innovative and skillful drummers in rock history and founding member of both Emerson Lake & Palmer and ASIA, is the subject of an exciting new instructional drum DVD, simply entitled, Carl Palmer Drum Solos. Due for release on February 22, 2011, by Music VIdeo Distributors (MVD), the video is a unique note-for-note study of Palmer drum solos from the legendary Brain Salad Surgery era of ELP, through his years with both ASIA and his own band.
The DVD captures three classic Palmer solos from different time eras, and presents them at three different speeds: 25%, 50% and 100%. By watching the solos in the slowest motion, drummers can carefully see exactly what Palmer is doing and how he appears to be doing it. In addition, the DVD comes with note-for-note sheet music transcriptions of each solo, which can be easily downloaded with Adobe Reader.
"I have long resisted putting out an instructional drum DVD, despite many calls for it in the past, " says Carl Palmer, who currently records and tours with both the re-formed ASIA, and his own Carl Palmer Band. "However, when the idea for this video was brought to me, I immediately liked it. It enables other drummers to get inside how I have crafted and arranged my solos over the years. A drum solo is an extremely personal work of art, but others can learn from it and develop their own percussive expressions. That is what I hope this DVD will do for those who use it."
The idea was conceived by fellow drummer and Carl Palmer fan, Eric Fischer, who, with long-time Palmer/ELP archivist Tony Ortiz, combed through hours of Palmer-related concert footage before settling on the ones used for this DVD. Among the performances are Palmer's immortal drum solo from ELP's 1974 California Jam television concert. Long regarded as one of the greatest drum solos of all time, it remains the gold standard by which most other rock drum solos have been judged. The video was co-produced by Fischer, Ortiz, Palmer, and Palmer manager, Bruce Pilato.
MP3 audio files of the solos are also included on the disc, complete with MIDI soundtracks, so drummers can play along at the 25%, 50% and 100% speeds. Bonus footage includes a brilliant snare drum only solo, a Palmer solo from his ELP-offshoot band "3" with Keith Emerson and Robert Berry; and an extensive Carl Palmer photo gallery, featuring images from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown; ELP; 3; ASIA; and the Carl Palmer Band.
"This is not an instruction in the traditional sense of the word," says Palmer, "I view it as more of an examination of my work as a drummer and percussionist, that comes with an invitation for all drummers to join in. I learned my craft studying the work of the great drummers such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich; hopefully, this DVD will offer that same kind of inspiration."
Carl Palmer emerged on the music scene at the age of 15, playing with a number of established UK bands such as Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, and Atomic Rooster during the 1960s. In 1970, he formed one of rock's earliest supergroups, Emerson Lake & Palmer; and a decade later he launched ASIA, another supergroup with Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and John Wetton. He has performed and recorded in reunions with both ELP and ASIA, and also tours regularly with his own band. Since the beginning, Palmer has sold over 50 million records, and was named one of the 10 Greatest Drummers of All Time, by Rolling Stone magazine.
To learn more about Carl Palmer Drum Solos, please visit:
NELSON Announces U.S. Release Date for New Album
Marks After the Rain 20th Anniversary with Critically Acclaimed Sequel Release
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 11, 2011) - Multi-platinum recording artists NELSON led by twin lead front men Matthew and Gunnar Nelson announced the U.S. release date of their new original album Lightning Strikes Twice, a seamless sequel to After the Rain their classic multi-platinum debut album as they celebrate the 20th Anniversary milestone of the phenomenal record and its #1 Billboard hit "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection".
EMI / Frontiers Records USA / Stone Canyon Records will release the new NELSON album sequel Lightning Strikes Twice in the U.S. on February 15, 2011.
To coincide with the new release and 20th Anniversary of After the Rain, EMI / Frontiers Records USA / Stone Canyon Records will also release twin (2) NELSON catalog albums: Before the Rain the demo collection of songs that secured their recording deal with Geffen Records in 1990 and Perfect Storm - After the Rain World Tour 1991 live concert album. The North American release of the twin rare NELSON albums on February 15, 2011, will be a complement to the release of NELSON's brand new original album sequel Lightning Strikes Twice.
"LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE is the creative masterpiece NELSON has waited over 20 years to unveil," enthuses Gunnar Nelson. "It's given us the opportunity to resolve some unfinished business musically and artistically. American fans have waited long enough. We're thrilled the U.S. release is finally here."
"The forecast for 2011 is incredible with releasing three NELSON albums," adds Matthew Nelson. "We are thrilled to be releasing our new original NELSON album LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE in the United States. Plus, NELSON fans should enjoy the journey through the time capsule provided by these rare collectible albums - BEFORE THE RAIN and PERFECT STORM."
Lightning Strikes Twice was recently released in Europe and the U.K. to overwhelming critical praise. Frank Thiessies of Metal Hammer Germany writes, "The two blonds have done the almost impossible: a comeback sequel as strong as Meatloaf's BAT OUT OF HELL II. This sequel alone has more hits than Bon Jovi's made in 18 years over 6 discs."
Britain's well-known music critic Alison Joy, who originally dubbed NELSON "the Timotei Twins" in Kerrang! in the U.K. back in 1990, writes in CLASSIC ROCK / AOR Legends magazine that Lightning Strikes Twice is "absolutely and unexpectedly awesome!"
"NELSON's return has been hailed by the Melodic Rock press as one of the highlights of the year," affirms Serafino Perugino, President & C.E.O. of Frontiers Records. "These results, along with the intrinsic quality of the album, make Frontiers extremely proud of this artistic cooperation. We look forward to more albums together with NELSON."
After the Rain was the debut multi-platinum album by NELSON in the early 1990s. They zoomed to number one with their hit song, "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection," which made history landing America's iconic Nelson family (bandleader Ozzie Nelson, rock legend Rick Nelson, and twins Matthew and Gunnar) into the Guinness Book of World Records as the ONLY family in Entertainment with three (3) successive generations of #1 hitmakers.
NELSON's After the Rain record and tour became a phenomenon just prior to the rise of grunge. The last major success of the good time rock'n'roll era, NELSON has had (1) Number One, (4) Top Ten, and (5) Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit singles, plus (5) #1 MTV videos and has sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide!
Nelson has always been synonymous with entertainment in America. Matthew and Gunnar follow Ozzie Nelson's vision of embracing connecting with people and audiences through all forms of media. They have been doing television-hosting work for VH1 and E! Plus, Gunnar co-hosted LIFETIME Radio's nationally syndicated morning show.
NELSON has been headlining at major rock festivals around the globe celebrating the 20th anniversary of After the Rain. Touring in China, the U.K. where NELSON headlined the Firefest Rock Festival in 2010, and of course the U.S. where they have also toured extensively with Peter Frampton and Styx.
A NELSON world tour in 2011 will soon be announced.
Lightning Strikes Twice tracklisting includes:
Call Me; Day By Day; Ready, Willing and Able; How Can I Miss You?; You're All I Need Tonight; To Get Back To You; When You're Gone; Take Me There; Come; In It For The Money; Change a Thing; Kickin' My Heart Around.
The first single from the album released "You're All I Need Tonight" and "Call Me" are available to listen online exclusively with full in streaming on Frontiers Web radio. www.frontiers.it/webradio
NELSON filmed their first music video in over 15 years for the single "You're All I Need Tonight", which can be viewed on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=19N6YoIx7OI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Musicians on Lightning Strikes Twice include:
Gunnar Nelson: Lead Vocals, Guitars
Matthew Nelson: Lead Vocals, Bass
With Special Guest Appearances by:
Gary Corbett: piano, keyboards
Brian Burwell: drums
David Morgan: piano, background vocals
Steve Lukather: guitar on "To Get Back To You"
The new NELSON CD album sequel Lightning Strikes Twice will be available for purchase in the U.S. on February 15, 2011 on iTunes, Amazon.com and through retail stores nationwide.
Twin catalog NELSON CD collectible albums Before the Rain and Perfect Storm will also be available for purchase in the U.S. on February 15, 2011 on iTunes, Amazon.com and through retail stores nationwide.
NELSON Billboard Hot 100 hit singles include: "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection", "After the Rain", "More Than Ever", "Only Time Will Tell" and "(You Got Me) All Shook Up".
Weblinks:
Also from the Nelson camp comes this ...
Official Statement from Gunnar Nelson on the Death of Actor David Nelson
MIAMI, FL (January 12, 2011) - Multi-platinum recording artist Gunnar Nelson, one of the twin sons of rock legend Rick Nelson, issued a statement this morning on behalf of the entire Rick Nelson family regarding the death of their uncle David Nelson, a TV pioneer best known for starring alongside his real life family - parents Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and younger brother Ricky Nelson on "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet".
"On behalf of the Rick Nelson family- Matthew, Tracy, Sam, and myself, I would like to extend our collective and heartfelt sympathies to our Uncle David's wife Yvonne, Sons John, Danny, Eric, James, daughter Teri, and all the grandchildren. We will all miss Uncle Dave's laughter and evolved sense of humor. I'm sure that Grandpa Ozzie, Grandma Harriet, and our Pop Rick were all waiting for him to welcome him Home when his time came. His passing is a great loss to the Nelson family as well as to the whole world- but I'm certain that his legacy will endure for generations to come. Our thanks go out to all of our fans, our father's fans, and fans of the Ozzie and Harriet show through the years for the letters of care and sympathy that have been arriving. We'll miss you, Uncle Dave." - Gunnar Nelson
The Rick Nelson family is touched by the outpouring of sympathies expressed by friends and fans across the country, and greatly appreciates the respect as they grieve privately.
Hugo's Voyage of playing Journey's music live continues
The Journey tribute band, Voyage that solo artist and ex-Valentine / Open Skyz frontman Hugo now fronts, have lined up two rare live dates.
This message from the band:
Hope everyone had a great holiday and a rockin' New Years! Thank you all for your great support in 2010 and look forward to seeing you all in '11!
Voyage will be continuing to deliver the worlds best Journey tribute concerts.
Saturday January 22nd: Nutty Irishman (Bayshore, LI)
Friday February 4th: Canal Room (NYC)
Hugo, Robby, Greg, Paul and Charlie
It seems there's no new news on Hugo doing any new solo album, as right now he's enjoying his time with VOYAGE a musical tribute to Steve Perry and Journey featuring world class players top in their field.
Official site: http://www.voyageband.com/
Stan Bush releases new single 'Heat of the Battle'
With the release of Stan Bush’s new single ”Heat of the Battle”, Stan takes us back to his familiar rock stylings. This single is sure to be a hit with fans of their positive “confidence rock” messaging.
The clean mix and harder hitting undercurrent brings this song to the forefront of any music lover’s collection, and is a perfect introduction to the magic of Stan Bush.
Note: - 'Heat of the Battle' is not on Stan's very classy last album, 'Dream the Dream.'
The new single is now available through http://www.stanbush.com/ and iTunes for the sum of just 99c!
FM January newsletter update
Just received this from the FM guys earlier this week, thought I'd share with fans of the band:
Firstly Happy New Year to you, we hope you are sticking to those resolutions! Well here we are in 2011 and we've started the year with a total revamp of our official website. Dawn, our splendid webmistress, has been burning the midnight oil and has given the site a fantastic new look. It's has some great new features alongside our original favourites, including a new shop with integrated iTunes and a new look media section, which includes the beginnings of an all new Smartphone app section, so you can catch FM on the move. We have new diaries and photos from our Sheffield, Glasgow, Belfast and Birmingham gigs and new features to help you find your way around our ever expanding site more quickly and easily. We are planning other exciting new developments over the coming months, so we hope you enjoy it and can spare some time to have a good look around.
We're looking forward to our show with Thin Lizzy in London on January 22nd immensely and hope to see some familiar faces in the audience. We know there are lots of rumours flying about and there is lots of exciting stuff in the pipeline, but you can be sure as soon as things are 100% confirmed it will all be announced on the site.
As you are probaby aware we have already started the follow up to "Metropolis".
The writing and recording is going very well, again the official site will keep you up to speed on any developments.
Well once again Happy 2011. We're looking forward to another exciting year in FM Land. Thanks for all your support on the journey so far, let's raise a glass to much, much more!
Cheers, Pete, Steve, Merv, Jem and Jim.
FM Official.
New York Dolls release 'Dancing Backwards in High Heels'
Blast Records is proud to announce the signing of the legendary NEW YORK DOLLS and the release of their fifth full-length album, "Dancing Backward in High Heels", released in the UK on Monday 14th March 2011, followed by a full pan-European release on Friday 18th March 2011.
The follow-up to 2009's "Cause I Sez So" was recorded in September 2010 at Blast Recording Studios in Newcastle, England with producer Jason Hill (Louis XIV/The Killers). The album features original NYD members, David Johansen (vocals) and Sylvain Sylvain (guitar) with Brian Delaney (drums), Jason Hill (bass) and original Blondie guitarist Frank Infante.
The CD will be packaged with a bonus DVD filmed during the recording of the album, incorporating previously unseen footage and “live” audio tracks from the bands three sold-out performances at The Cluny venue in Newcastle, on September 4th, 5th and 6th 2010.
Weblinks:
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