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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Rock News Update for Tuesday 4th January, 2011

New supergroup, 'Strangers In The Night' with certainly some familar faces!

Yes indeed, this has been doing the rounds in the rumour mills and I can now confirm that an interesting new supergroup has been put together in the shape of Michael Schenker (Guitars), Pete Way (Bass, Vocals), Herman Rarebell (Drums) and Michael Voss on lead vocals.
The name they are going by ... Strangers In The Night!
This as many UFO fans will recognise as being the title of the excellent live album released by the band back in 1979, that indeed featured both Schenker and Way.

Anyway, I don't have too much more information except that they have made a promo video, that has been posted on You Tube, entitled 'Saturday Night,' which I have here for you folks, although the way this blogspot deal works, you may want to follow the link to You Tube directly, posted below the video.  



Official sites:

Phillip Lynott RIP - 1949 - 1986 - 25 years gone


Yes it's really been 25 years to the day, since the passing of Thin Lizzy frontman Phillip Lynott and I for one seriously miss the guy.
I was fortunate to have seen Thin Lizzy ten times with Phil fronting the band, as well as catching his band after Lizzy, Grand Slam twice live.
He was indeed a serious talent and sadly, he chose to waste his life and talent.
The songs and memories will always stay with me, as I'm sure they do with each of you that also saw Phil with Lizzy live.
I still swear to this day, that they WERE the best damn live band going in their day. I really miss them.

Long time Lizzy members Scott Gorham, Darren Wharton and original member Brian Downey have reunited once agin, to take Lizzy out on the road in 2011, along with Marco Mendoza (Ex-Whitesnake, Ted Nugent, Soul SirkUS) who played bass in post Phil Lynott line ups, Vivian Campbell (Guitars - Taking time out from Def Leppard) and Ricky Warwick (Ex-Almighty).

Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton posted these thoughts on Phil, at the new Thin Lizzy site, along with this message:

January 4th, 2011 marks the 25th Anniversary of the passing of Philip Parris Lynott. As the lads get ready to embark on a European Tour, Scott, Brian, Ricky, Vivian and Darren would like to take this opportunity to share some memories and thoughts of Phil.

"25 years on and I still miss the guy. Hell, we all miss him. It's a major reason why we go out and play the songs. But standing next to him for 11 years through all the ups as well as the down periods always brings back memories, especially at this time of year. As you can imagine, Phil and I got to know each other like brothers on a mission. Maybe not always a successful mission, but we always gave it a Hell of a shot. He was a good friend, so I tell you what, when we introduce Phil each night.......... TAKE THE ROOF OFF!!! I'm pretty sure he's watching."
Looking forward to meeting up with a lot of you out on the tour,
Scott Gorham

"Phil songs bring back some special memories to me especially at this time of year. Cowboy song instantly transports me back to when Phil and me were kids going to see the Lone Ranger or Hopalong Cassidy and Roy Rogers at the Apollo Cinema in Dublin for Saturday afternoon Cowboy Matinees. Emerald, where Phil wrote about the myths and stories we were taught at school about ancient Gaelic wars and disputes. Or Black Rose where Phil mentions the great literary figure Brendan Behan who lived on Bangor Road not far from where we both lived in Dublin. An abundance of personal memories Phil, 25 years on. Always sadly missed."
Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas da anam. Róisín Dubh.
Brian Downey

"Being a member of Thin Lizzy has been a fantastic, and life changing experience. Not only has it had a profound impression on me as a person, but also looking back, I've realized how much my own music with Dare has been greatly influenced by Phil, Scott, Brian and Thin Lizzy. Not so much in the style of writing, but more importantly in the sincerity and passion they brought to their unique music. As the years go by, I think about Philip most days, and when I do, I whisper a quiet "thank you" to myself. So now, as I look forward to seeing you all soon at the forthcoming concerts; as we honour and pay tribute to the genius of Phil Lynott, and the music of Thin Lizzy...... as we take the stage, I'll whisper once again, "thank you for letting me be part of one of the best Rock bands there ever was....."
God Bless,
Darren Wharton

For the other guys words, go to: http://thinlizzyband.com/


BENEDICTUM to unleash their 'Dominion' on the Metal crowds !

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of BENEDICTUM anticipated third full length album entitled “Dominion” on February 18th in Europe and March 8th in North America.



Surging forward as they are driven by the powerful momentum of front woman Veronica Freeman - whose unique and powerful style has been called one of the truly most extraordinary voices in Metal - and the guitar pyrotechnics of writer and guitarist Pete Wells, the time has come for the world to be on notice.
Benedictum is again upon us.

Formed in 2005 and quickly noticed by Dio guitarist Craig Goldy, the wheels were soon set in motion for their debut album “Uncreation”. The collaboration of producer Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner) and the musical works of vocalist Veronica Freeman and Pete Wells along with the talent of drummer Blackie Sanchez, bassist Jesse Wright and keyboardist Chris Morgan, “Uncreation” was released to great reviews. Benedictum was selected as one of the top bands to watch in 2006 by Classic Rock magazine and one of Rock Hard Germany’s top 50 albums for that year. Guest appearances included Jeff Pilson, Craig Goldy and Jimmy Bain.

The result of the second collaboration between Jeff Pilson and Benedictum was their 2008 release “Seasons of Tragedy” which evolved them into a Metal force which could not be denied. With Veronicas’ raw and powerful vocals, songs with memorable melodies and the magical talent of Pete Wells along with new drummer Paul Courtois and the guidance of Jeff Pilson, “Seasons of Tragedy” further solidified the fact that there was something quite special at work here. “Seasons of Tragedy” garnered more great reviews and were on many a list for top albums of 2008. Guest appearances again by Jeff Pilson, Craig Goldy and also George Lynch who added his special flare to the track Bare Bones and the cover of Accept’s “Balls to the Wall”.

Their driving music and energetic shows allowed Benedictum to grace the stage of many festivals including Wacken, Gods of Metal, HRH and a tour with DORO.



Now ready for yet another amazing chapter, Benedictum are off on a new and exciting musical episode as they have signed a contract with Frontiers Records. Building upon their great foundation Benedictum has recruited Grammy Award winning producer Ryan Greene (Megadeth, F5, MXPX, NOFX) and are firing on all cylinders. With members Chris Shrum now on bass, Mike Pannone on drums and Tony Diaz on keyboards the new music promises to continue to expand the horizon for Benedictum and is sure to please current fans as well. From the onslaught of the opening track Dominion to the epic Epsilon and the heartfelt acoustic track Sanctuary, this album has it all. Adding to the already explosive sound of Dominion are guest appearances by Jeff Pilson, Craig Goldy and none other than Rudy Sarzo on the fist pumping track Bang.

The album “Dominion” contains an absolute musical journey with powerful riffs, well thought out lyrics and truly amazing musicianship. Crank it up, give it a listen and you too will become a “Victim of Benedictum”!

“Dominion” tracklisting includes:
Dominion; At The Gates; Seer; Grind It; Prodigal Son; The Shadowlands; Beautiful Pain; Dark Heart; Bang; Loud Silence; Epsilon; Sanctuary (Bonus Track); Overture/The Temples of Syrinx (Bonus Track)

Weblinks:

Asia annonce first North American 2011 Tour Dates

No word on any new album at this time, although there's probably one on the way, but in the meantime the 'Original' Asia band members, John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer have announced some North American tour dates for Spring time, to blow away those Winter blues.
Details of Asia's 2011 touring schedule have started to firm up.
Confirmed North American shows to date are shown below.

April 2011
Apr 28 - The State Theatre, Easton, PA
Apr 29 - Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Apr 30 - Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY
May 2011
May 01 - Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
May 03 - Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD
May 05 - The Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, Morristown, NJ
May 07 - Casino Rama, Rama, ON, Canada
May 12 - Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown, MI
May 13 - House of Blues, Chicago, IL
May 14 - Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI

Keep track of Asia at: www.originalasia.com/

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