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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Brief News Update for Saturday 15th January, 2011

3 Doors Down share new single 'When You're Young.'


In case you haven't heard by now 3 Doors Down have a new single out, "When You're Young" that's available now online!  
This is the first single from the forthcoming album "Time Of My Life" due in stores this Spring.

To check the new single out, head over to the band's Facebook page:

You can also check out 3 Doors Down lead singer, Brad Arnold doing a brief introduction for the new song on You Tube right here:

Also the band are doing a couple of shows this month, the first one on this Monday, 17th January at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill, New York, NY.
This will be an acoustic performance with a whole host of other name artists, including Mark Farner, Roger Daltrey and Cliff Williams (AC/DC) at a charity concert for Mark Farner's son, Jesse Farner more details here:

For more info on other 3 Doors Down events go to:

The Union offering free download to Thin Lizzy fans, after great live shows


After opening on some of the dates that Thin Lizzy have been playing in the UK, The Union guys have shared this message, thanks to the support they got from Lizzy fans at the shows.

We were delighted to be asked to join Thin Lizzy for a number of their January UK tour dates. We realise however that many Thin Lizzy fans will not be familiar with our music, so we thought by way of an introduction to the band we would offer you a free download of three tracks from our current album.

To claim your free EP, click the button below and enter your email address and we will send you the tracks.
See you at the shows,

Luke Morley and Pete Shoulder
The Union

Follow this link:



DOOBIE BROTHERS CARRY MOMENTUM INTO 2011
North America, Australia, New Zealand Tours On Deck Fans and Critics Have Gone Crazy For Iconic Band

(WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.) When Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, John McFee and Mike Hossack started work on their latest album 'World Gone Crazy,' they were just doing what the Doobie Brothers have always done they were creating fresh, relevant and uniquely American rock and roll.


And when the Ted Templeman - produced collection bowed Sept. 28 on HOR Records, music fans, radio tastemakers and national media emphatically embraced the new offering. In so doing, they ensured its place alongside some of the most beloved music in the American songbook.

Moving into 2011, the Doobies continue their remarkable run with the launch of the North American leg of their World Tour March 4 in Bossier City, LA. The short Southeastern run will be interrupted for the band’s journey Down Under to tour Australia and New Zealand. Beginning March 18 in Melbourne, the tour will make seven stops before returning to the U.S. April 1 and resuming the North American leg.
For tour date info go here: www.doobiebros.com/tour-dates/

Stay tuned in 2011 as the Doobie Brothers continue into their fifth decade making some of the most diverse, respected and successful American music of all time.
Official site: www.doobiebros.com/


UK rockers Praying Mantis to release ‘Metalmorphosis’ EP


February 2011 will see Praying Mantis release a special limited edition EP to celebrate 30 years since the release of their critically acclaimed Album ‘Time Tells No Lies`. The EP will be titled ‘Metalmorphosis’ and include 5 songs some of which are from the original album re-recorded by the current Mantis line up.

The songs the band have chosen are:
1. Children of The Earth
2. Praying Mantis
3. Lovers to the Grave
4. Panic in the Streets
5. Captured City
All these tracks have been completely re-recorded.

2009 saw the band release ‘Sanctuary’ and the reviews and feedback have been fantastic. As a follow up and a celebration of 30years of having the opportunity to perform, write and record the band have recorded ‘Metalmorphosis’

‘Metalmorphosis’ will be available via praying mantis’s websites from February 2011. We will be selling the EP at £5.50 + posting. The EP will also be available at the live shows throughout 2011.

Friday, January 14, 2011

All I Know - Vanity Kills album review

All I Know – Vanity Kills album review
Released on: Melodic Rock Records Release date: Available now.


All I Know are three young guys from Belgium who have really produced a very impressive sounding first full album in 'Vanity Kills,' even with it's tacky cover a little reminiscent of a certain Mötley Crüe cover!

If I told you that from the opening three songs alone, they have songs that sound as good, melodic and catchy as say White Lion, Poison, Bryan Adams and REO Speedwagon, you should be impressed, I was!
Then have moments where they have punchy riffing ala say the Scorpions and big songs in almost a Def Leppard niche ... Are you getting the vibe?

Perhaps not a lot too new, except that new band edge that makes the sound current, but their influences really show through.
I keep thinking that Mike Tramp might have had some input somewhere here too, as there seems to be like an underlying nod to White Lion here and there throughout.
Heck, these guys even pulled legendary rock producer Beau Hill on one track (Rain 2010 Remix), that should tell you something right there!

Opening track, 'All Night Long' really impresses me and I really do hear a certain nod towards White Lion about the song structure, I don't know, it's just something about it! Very good song, very catchy, great playing all round, great start guys!

Then and this surprises me to a degree, but 'Bad Boy' up next really sounds kind of punky glam, almost as I hinted before, like Poison. Very much glam pop rock.

I would never have thought that a band I have never heard of before could come up with a quality power ballad with say the musical structure of some of Bryan Adams best work in that area and yet presented in a way that REO Speedwagon would be totally proud of owning. I am very impressed indeed, although the title, I don’t know so much ‘Asphyxia,’ but it’s still so strong and we are just three songs in.

You know, Crazy Lixx impressed me to this extent, which just goes to show there are probably hundreds, nay thousands more bands out that simply don't get given the opportunity to release something - unless they do it themselves. - and these guys can thank Andrew McNiece for believing that people DO want to hear this material. It's really good stuff!

The Beau Hill track is next, that is apparently a 2010 remix of an old track, ‘Rain.’ Wow! How much have these guys released before this album? Apparently it’s only been a single independent release that they made themselves and sold at their live shows in 2009.
‘Rain’ sounds to me as big as say the Scorpions, big riffs, big choruses and I’m very impressed and someone obviously impressed these guys upon Beau Hill too, not bad eh?

‘Turn Back Time’ is just pure classy melodic rock, very AOR without doubt. Keep it coming guys!

Sounds like someone could have called up Mutt Lange to help out on ‘I Need You,’ as it reminds me a lot of say the stuff he did with both Def Leppard and Bryan Adams, no bad thing at all.

Oh boy, ‘Into Your Heart’ what a killer intro to an excellent, big sounding pop rocker that continues the excellent groove that they just don’t let up on. A very tasty lead break indeed and it just rolls on with such strong melodies throughout.
The more pop rock sound goes on with ‘I Wanna Rock You’ and keeps things on track.

‘Sweet 17’ and ‘Teenage Queen’ keep the uptempo hooklines coming and it is incredible that these guys have been trying to sign a deal for years and just could not get a look in it seemed, until Andrew McNiece did so.

With ‘All The Way,’ they take the pop rock to the edgier side they show at the early part of this album.

The band close the album with the ballad ‘Hope and Dreams’ which is alright too, perhaps might’ve been better placed elsewhere on the album, rather than being the last song that people will remember them by.

They are very talented indeed, generally a lot of quick and punchy three minute songs with many hooks, loads of melody and perhaps it’s very similar sounding in places but what’s wrong with that? Nothing, it’s the sound that All I Know have made their own.

This is a slick, hook laden release that as I’ve said throughout my review that has impressed me and if you like punchy, up tempo pop rockers and AOR in general, you should like this. They’ve got something good going on here and the only slight that I would mention is that perhaps ‘All The Way’ would’ve been a better album closer.
Good stuff indeed!

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weblinks:

Rock News Update for Friday 14th January, 2011

Journey update - Album's not here yet but 2 US dates before the European tour kicks off in the summer

Yes folks, I know it's been a big talking point, what's going on with Journey ...?
Will we see a new album ..., before the European tour kicks off in the Summer?!
Apparently the album is recorded and produced by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Rush, Aerosmith, Black Country Communion, etc), although Shirley revealed in an interview with Andrew McNiece at http://www.melodicrock.com/ that he did not do the final mix ... Interesting eh? 

We'll, I'm kind of like the rest of you all and really don't know anymore on that actual release date, except the strong word is March. I'm also thinking the Walmart deal that saw the release of 'Revelation' may well have been a one off and we should all be hearing a full press release anytime soon. 
Meantime, perhaps as a warm up airing for some new material, the band have two live shows coming up in February, in Nevada.
What's more rock fans, if you make it to one of the shows, you'll get a double whammy treat as Night Ranger are opening for them!

The two live dates are:

Wednesday February 23, 2011 - LAS VEGAS, NV - PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Special Guest: Night Ranger
Ticket details:

Friday February 25, 2011 - RENO, NV - RENO EVENTS CENTER
Special Guest: Night Ranger
Ticket details:

Journey's official site is: www.journeymusic.com/

Who knows, you may even be treated to a new Night Ranger song or two as well, since those guys have been messing around in the studio with new material too.

More on Night Ranger ...

2011 NAMM Winter convention in Anaheim, California, Taylor Guitars has assembled an all-star artist lineup to perform over three days of the annual trade show, held January 13-16. An eclectic array of acts will play on Taylor's performance stage starting each day at 2:00 p.m.

The Night Ranger guys will also be doing their usual spot at the N.A.M.M. event, in fact this Friday 14th (Today!) appearing at 5pm as part of a Taylor Guitars demonstration.

Friday, January 14
2:00 p.m. The Airborne Toxic Event
3:30 p.m. Ed Robertson and Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies
5:00 p.m. Night Ranger

Last year Night Ranger packed the house for an acoustic set. This year they’re going electric, and we can’t wait for those double lead guitars to kick in.
For more details go to: www.taylorguitars.com/namm-2011/

Deep Purple slight update for fans and announce 3 Mexican shows and then some ...

I guess Deep Purple aren't saying anything about any new band album and Steve Morse got bored and has a 'side' band recording a new album with ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy along with multi-talented musician Neal Morse (Spocks Beard, Transatlantic) and others ...
More on that project here:

Moving on, Deep Purple have lined up three Mexico shows for February 2011 and one South American show in March. 
The shows are as follows:
Tue. 2.22.11 - Guadalajara, Mexico
Wed 2.23.11 - Mexico City, Mexico
Thu. 2.24.11 - Monterrey, Mexico
More info on those here:

Then the 'Original' http://www.highwaystar.com/ site has announced more tour dates including the above three shows, then the show in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 15th, 2011 before the band then two days later they head to Russia (!) for further March shows and beyond. Details here:

Steve Lukather interview on BBC radio

On Sunday January 16th BBC Radio 2 will air an interview with Steve Lukather at 3 pm UK time.
You can follow the interview via the BBC website. The show will be hosted by Johnnie Walker. Enjoy!!!

Want to check out Stryper playing Van Halen?

Check out the link below on You Tube, from the upcoming  Stryper album of covers, conveniently titled, 'The Covering' here's Stryper's interpretation of the Van Halen track, 'On Fire' in full!

As you know from my previous attempts at plugging You Tube video's directly, Blogspot 'LOVES' to restrict the You Tube screen size! So it's best viewed right here:


Magnum 'The Visitation' Ultra Boxset and live dates


The Visitation Magnum's limited edition ultra boxset is available to pre-order through the following outlets:
UK:

Germany:
Switzerland:
Sweden:

I wonder if there's any chance of the US getting a shot at the 'Ultra Boxset?'
Hmmm ... No word on that one ...
Those live dates, for all the European fans I guess ...

Magnum 'The Visitation' Tour 2011

Date Venue City Country
March 2011
9/3/11 Debaser Medis Stockholm Sweden
10/3/11 Brew House Gothenburg Sweden
11/3/11 Postbahnhof Berlin Germany
12/3/11 Hellraiser Leipzig Germany
13/3/11 Exit Chmelnice Prague Czech R
15/3/11 Ampere Munich Germany
16/3/11 Hirsch Nurnberg Germany
18/3/11 Capitol Mannheim Germany
19/3/11 Kaminwerk Memmingen Germany
21/3/11 Z7 Pratteln Switzerland
22/3/11 Jazzhaus Freiberg Germany
23/3/11 Matrix Bochum Germany
25/3/11 Colos-Saal Aschaffenburg Germany
26/3/11 Rock E.V. Winterbach Germany
27/3/11 Kantine Koln Germany
29/3/11 Posthalle Wurzburg Germany
31/3/11 Fabrik Hamburg Germany

April 2011
1/4/11 Rosenhof Osnabruck Germany
2/4/11 Music Hall Worpswede Germany
3/4/11 Musikzentrum Hannover Germany
4/4/11 Garage Saarbrucken Germany
5/4/11 Biebob Vosselaar Belgium
12/4/11 The Tivoli Buckley UK
13/4/11 The Garage Glasgow UK
14/4/11 Academy 1 Newcastle UK
16/4/11 Stanley Theatre Liverpool UK
17/4/11 Assembly Leamington UK
18/4/11 Academy Oxford UK
19/4/11 The Waterfront Norwich UK
20/4/11 The Corporation Sheffield UK
22/4/11 Picturedrome Holmfirth UK
23/4/11 Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton UK
24/4/11 The Brook Southampton UK
27/4/11 Rock City Nottingham UK
28/4/11 Academy 2 Manchester UK
29/4/11 The Park & Dare Theatre Treorchy UK
30/4/11 Shepherd's Bush Empire London UK

May 2011
1/5/11 Academy Bristol UK

Band weblinks:

Thursday, January 13, 2011

News Update for Thursday 13th January, 2011

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

(Picture courtesy of www.statusquo.co.uk)

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.


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:



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.



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:


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Tuesday 11th January, 2011

Hello all, I just wanted to apologise to you for the recent lack of updates here on the site and yes, as well as today.

Along with the family, I've now been fighting sickness that's been switching owners in the Williams household for the past two months. I've had my latest bout since before Christmas.
You think you've got a bit of a cough and you can deal with it, then it keeps you - and your significant other! - up through the night, with the constant coughing comes the headache that won't bloody go away!
Then your cough gets wheezy and rattles the old chest cage!

I guess this affects us all differently but yesterday I went into work, still hacking away, but feeling worse than ever, but in a relatively new job, you don't want to lose it so you fight your way to work no matter what.
I was seriously struggling though and burning up ... Got into the doctors office for the first time in over six months or so and learned that I have pneumonia and that it was in my best interests to get home and rest!
I guess what they call the walking kind, but do I feel like crap, drained and like I'm going to cough up a lung.
Sorry, too much detail, but I plan on catching up soon ..., but right now, I'm getting dizzy writing this.
I hate being sick, who doesn't, but I thought that since there's not been updates as I typically do daily, that I'd share why.
Hope to get back to normal soon ... Thanks for the understanding folks. 
Al

Monday, January 10, 2011

Rock News Update for Monday 10th January, 2011

The 'new' Thin Lizzy European shows, all recorded and made  available!


Well, it seems the latest line up of Thin Lizzy that features the following:
Scott Gorham - Guitars
Brian Downey - Drums
Darren Wharton - Keyboards
Marco Mendoza - Bass
Vivian Campbell - Guitars
Ricky Warwick - Vocals
Have just kicked off their European tour this month, in the UK are going to make each show available on USB sticks after each show and through MP3 download.
At this point, only the live show from Aberdeen on the 6th January, is available, but keep checking back after each show is performed to get the show you want to hear for yourself.
The Aberdeen show featured the following setlist, with some seriously looking extended versions of certain songs!

1.Are You Ready 3:34 Min.
2.Waiting For An Alibi 3:23 Min.
3.Jailbreak 3:53 Min.
4.Do Anything You Want To 5:00 Min.
5.Don't Believe A Word 2:02 Min.
6.Southbound 4:46 Min.
7.Dancing In The Moonlight 3:57 Min.
8.Massacre 2:54 Min.
9.Angel Of Death 6:12 Min.
10.Still In Love With You 8:48 Min.
11.Whiskey In The Jar 6:27 Min.
12.Emerald 4:37 Min.
13.Wild One 4:30 Min.
14.Bad Reputation 3:40 Min.
15.Sha La La 5:40 Min.
16.Cowboy Song 6:44 Min.
17.The Boys Are Back In Town 5:07 Min.
18.Rosalie 8:34 Min.
19.Black Rose 8:02 Min.

The live recordings will be available from:

The remaining Thin Lizzy European dates are as follows:
January 2011
10 England Leeds 02 Academy
11 Wales Llandudno Theatre
12 England Leichester De Montfort Hall
14 England Wolverhampton Civic Hall
15 England Manchester Apollo
16 England Bristol Colston Hall
18 England Southampton Guildhall
19 England Ipswich Regent
21 England Cambridge Corn Exchange
22 England London Hammersmith HMV Apollo
23 England London, Indigo2 at the 02
25 Holland Amsterdam Paradiso
26 France Paris Bataclan
28 Spain Madrid Joy Eslava
29 Spain Bilbao Rockstar Live
30 Spain Barcelona Apolo

FEBRUARY 2011
1 Italy Bologna Estragon
2 Italy Milan Live Club
3 Switzerland Prattlen Z7
4 Germany Munich Theaterfabik
6 Austria Vienna Arena
7 Poland Warsaw Stodola
8 Germany Berlin C Club
9 Czech Republic, Prague Retro Music Hall
11 Germany Hamburg Markthalle
12 Germany Stuttgart LKA
13 Germany Koln live Music Hall
14 Luxembourg Luxembourg Rockhal Esch
16 N. Ireland Belfast Waterfront Hall
17 Ireland Dublin Olympia Theatre

So if you want to be a part of a live Thin Lizzy and have it as a keepsake, go and get your show ticket and get yourself recorded at the show of your choice!
Information source: www.myspace.com/thinlizzynow

Toto, Steve Lukather and Simon Phillips Tour updates

Tour preview 2011 for Toto and band members!

2011 will be a busy year especially for Steve Lukather and Simon Phillips, who besides TOTO also take their various solo projects on the road.

In February Steve Lukather will return to Europe for another leg of his "All's well that ends well" Tour which will continue until the end of March 2011.

Meanwhile, Simon Phillips will visit Japan with Lee Ritenour and Mike Stern before rejoining Philippe Saisse and Pino Palladino for some PSP shows in the US until the end of February. In March PSP will be back in Europe for a whole month.
Finally, in June and July TOTO will be touring Europe for several weeks.

For full tour detail of each of these guys touring and of course Toto live dates, go to:

Dave Meniketti shares his thoughts on the loss of friend and band mate Phil Kennemore

Following the extremely sad passing of Phil Kennmore, bass player with Y&T since the beginning of their activities, fellow band mate, friend and original founder, Dave Meniketti has taken time out to share his thoughts and feelings on the loss of his close and dear friend.
This from Y&T's forum:

 The Passing of Phil Kennemore
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is with profound sadness and disbelief that I tell you that my best buddy for 37 years passed away this morning, January 7, 2011 at 1am at Stanford Hospital. Bravely and steadfastly battling the horrible spectacle of lung cancer, at the end he was surrounded by his family members, and the Y&T family up until his final breath.

All the beautiful things that I could say about my buddy Phil could never be summed up in a short sentence or two, and I promise that I will be back to say so much more about how I feel about him and his talents in due time. But for now, at 3am, after just having returned home from his passing, let me at least put this out there.

Phil Kennemore was not only a sweet and passionate man with his life, friends and family, but as an artist, he also had that rare ability to say what was on his mind with the most eloquent, clever, and to-the-point lyrics, yet could turn it on it's head in a second with some other viewpoint on reality and nail the point dead center. He was able to do what very few can - say the things that others have been thinking, but could never quite seem to put into words. He has always had a keen knack for doing that.

As a musician, with those huge fingers, his bass playing was always loud, strong, and deep, filling the largest or smallest of stages equally.

He had an amazingly strong life force that has influenced everyone who ever had the opportunity to be called a friend of his. I am forever grateful for our lifelong friendship, that was always in place throughout the worst and best of times. I will miss his sense of humor, his amazing wit, but most of all I will always miss not seeing him to my left on the stages I will play from this moment forward.

Yes, he was one of the class guys on this planet, and in this business, and I will always do what I can to spread the legacy of Phil Kennemore across the globe on every stage that I land on.

You know how much I love you Phil, and you knew how much your fans and fellow musicians loved and respected you. There was nothing left unsaid. You had a rich and wonderful life and I can only tell you that I was happy to have been alongside you every step of the glorious way.

Cheers to you, Phil.

Your friend forever,
-Dave


TESLA IS IN THE STUDIO!


Jeff Keith and Frank Hannon have been working in the studio recording some tracks for the "acoustic" style album that TESLA has been planning to release for the 20th anniversary of their multi platinum 5 MAN ACOUSTIC JAM album. There is no tentative title for the NEW release yet, but expect to hear some never before heard versions of TESLA classics such as "Changes", "Paradise" as well as some recordings of studio versions from the 2004 acoustic tour. Also featured will be a brand new song called "2nd Street", and the infamous "Better off without You" recorded acoustically. Stay Tuned for more....

Keep track of the band at: www.teslatheband.com/

3 Doors Down Acoustic Set in NYC to benefit Mark Farner's Son

3 Doors Down will play a 3 song acoustic set on January 17th at B.B. Kings Blues Club in Times Square, NYC.

The concert will be part of the final night of Rock 'n' Roll fantasy camp, which was led this year by Roger Daltrey, singer for The Who.

Rock Camp and Sweet Charity are teaming up to sell 200 VIP tickets on the final night concert featuring Roger Daltrey, Mark Farner, 3 Doors Down, Cliff Williams of AC/DC and all the rock stars from the camp, who will be performing in an unbelievable concert for the benefit of Jesse Farner, Mark Farner’s son.
Tickets for the event and more can be found here:

3 Down Down can be followed at: http://www.3doorsdown.com/

Steven Tyler to Make Rounds on Late Night TV

Yes, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler probably due to his activity with the forthcoming series of 'American Idol' - Due to start January 19th, is slated to appear on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Monday, January 10, 2011 along with American Idol judges Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.
For more information, visit NBC.com

The following Monday, January 17, 2011, Steven will appear on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS.
For more information, visit http://www.cbs.com/

I'd say, based on this, say 'bye, bye' to any possible summer tour from Aerosmith!
Perhaps he'll agree to doing something in the Fall / Autumn ...?

For all Aerosmith news, stick with: www.aerosmith.com/