Dio - The Legend Live! - DVD review

Dio – The Legend Live! DVD review

Released on: IMV Blueline Distributed via MVD Release date: Available now

Sadly this Dio live DVD release is another of those ‘bare bones’ DVD’s, that is simply just the show and no extra’s.

Worst still is that the case says it has a running time of 60 minutes, but all you get is little over 30 minutes.

It is a shame, because overall it’s not bad footage and seemed to catch the band in rockin’ form, which is how we will always remember Ronnie James Dio best!

It was recorded in Tokyo apparently, in 1985 and after investigating further around the web, it turns out that this is an edited version of ‘Dio Super Rock – Live in Japan’ which has currently been floating around as a bootleg for some time, on the web.

As a show, the band seemed on their game, quality wise for picture and sound, it’s not the greatest and at times, it makes you think someone has run off a copy of a VHS tape to DVD and put it out.

Some of the editing between tracks is also pretty blunt as well.

Anyway, to what we do have here and the band opens with ‘Hungry for Heaven’ and Ronnie James Dio appears to be in great form and looking as good as ever. He always looked like he was enjoying himself, always …

The band is rocking too, with the line that featured: Vivian Campbell (Guitars), Jimmy Bain (Bass), Vinny Appice (Drums) and Claude Schnell (Keyboards).

What’s immediately apparent here is that Vinny’s drum kit is tiny! He must’ve got a loaner! Perhaps customs held it up … I think I heard him tell a story about that once or someone, that the kit was quarantined for suspicion of drugs.

Anyway back to the music, the track finishes and the poor editing shows, is obvious as the band then kick off ‘Holy Diver.’

What cracks me up here is that as the track starts – Without any introduction – usually a familiar track as it starts gets a roar, the crowd seem to cheer loudly as Ronnie starts singing the chorus itself. Too funny!

The editing is obvious again it seems as after one verse and chorus, ‘Holy Diver’ then goes into ‘Last In Line,’ which is fine – And great track too! – and then it’s into ‘Heaven and Hell,’ as the medley continues.

The band do come across as in great form and hungry too, but Campbell does seem to play a bum chord during the change into the chorus from the verse. The average fan may think nothing of this or even fail to notice it, but to many die hard Dio fans, I’m sure you will too!

Ronnie makes me laugh too, as the band take the song down a bit and Ronnie tries to get the crowd to sing the line, ‘On and on, on and on, it’s Heaven and Hell,’ the crowd is lame and Ronnie says, ‘Oh bollocks, I can’t hear you at all!’ He then tells the band to ‘Shush!’ Yes really, ‘Shush!’ What a character! Then they wrap the song up and it’s into ‘Sacred Heart.’

It’s of course a great solid song, but I’m really feeling for Vinny on the ‘borrowed’ drum kit, as he would typically do some massive fills with his full kit, but he makes the best of the situation!

It’s Rainbow’s classic ‘Long Live Rock and Roll’ next and Ronnie again approaches the crowd again, and about halfway through he says, ‘You know this song right?’ Hardly any response, so he goes over to former fellow Rainbow band mate Jimmy Bain and says, ‘You know this song right?’ Jimmy says, ‘Yeah!’ Ronnie says, ‘I’m glad someone bloody does!’

Too funny Ronnie, you really were quite the character, we miss you!

A bad edit again into next track, ‘Rainbow in the Dark’ and the keyboards seem like they should be higher in the mix, but otherwise it sounds great!

The set here is closed with out and out rocker, ‘Stand Up and Shout,’ which simply just kills, it’s great!

Then that’s it and the credits come up and it’s all over.

It is a good show, sad that it’s so short, the word out there though is that it’s highly likely that ‘Dio – Super Rock in Japan’ may well get an official release through Wendy Dio, Ronnie James Dio’s widow, who co-founded Niji Entertainment.

Here’s hoping!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 – It’s not a bad show as I’ve said, but it’s all too short and the quality needs improvement.

Official Dio website: www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Rock News Update for Friday 21st January, 2011

Francis Rossi to release his brand new solo set "Live at St. Luke's, London" on 14 March 2011.

This live set from Status Quo's Francis Rossi is to be released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray formats by Edel's international rock label, earMUSIC distributed in the UK and Republic of Ireland by Absolute via Universal. As well as the full concert, the DVD and Blu-ray boast excellent bonus features.

The DVD has an interview with Rossi, plus the promo video for the 'Faded Memory' single.

The Blu-ray has a behind the scenes documentary, which also features interviews, plus the promo video.

Recorded in front of an enthusiastic crowd at St. Luke's church in London, this solo show was only the seventh that Rossi has ever performed. "Live at St. Luke's, London" follows on the heels of the 2010 studio album -- also released through Edel -- which was enthusiastically received by the rock media.Classic Rock said in their review of the St. Luke's show, "New album 'One Step At A Time' is a surprising treat. The gig is the same, only more so." Guitar and Bass added that the material, "reveals a more fragile side to the Rossi we all know -- and it's genuinely refreshing."

Long regarded as one of the finest rock performers this nation has ever produced, Rossi's songwriting has been duly recognized by the Classic Songwriter Award and the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution To Music [jointly with Rick Parfitt]. Francis Rossi is famous for his dry wit and lyrical dash, and this live release offers a chance to get up close and personal with a musician doing what he does best: delivering great music live.

Rossi commented, "Stepping outside Quo and recording and performing these songs was a big step for me -- I love these songs so much it hurts! It was very freeing to do my own thing instead of being with a band, as I have been since I was 12! I wanted, for once, to do exactly what I wanted and luckily, the reaction has been great. The show at St. Luke's was very atmospheric, the band and the crowd were great and I'm really proud of what we've produced".

Weblinks:
www.statusquo.co.uk/index.html

www.francisrossi.com/

Stan Bush update and new Music video for 'Your Time.'

As mentioned in last weeks news items, Stan Bush has recently released a brand new song, the single 'Heat of the Battle.'

Stan along with Lenny Macaluso wrote "Heat of the Battle" which has been submitted for consideration for the new Transformers game due out later this summer.

Lenny Macaluso also co-wrote the smash hit song, "The Touch" with Stan back in the 80's and for those that didn't know it, 2011 is actually the 25-year anniversary of "Transformers: The Movie" and of "The Touch"!

'Heat of the Battle' is now available for download via the Stan Bush website:

http://stanbush.com/store/

Also check out this incredible music video for “Your Time” created by Trans Fans Randall Ng and DR. SMOOV! Give ‘em a shout over at their website http://www.ngsmoov.com/ for doing such a terrific job on this!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i33GkzU5vMc&feature=player_embedded

In additional Stan Bush news ...

Stan Bush rare live show in the US!

It’s official! Stan Bush’s first live appearance of 2011 has been confirmed – catch him in concert on Saturday, April 16th in Philadelphia, PA!

Stan will be performing live at the Fan Conclave event in conjunction with CHIKARA’s massive pro-wrestling tournament “King of Trios 2011” taking place at the Asylum Arena (formerly the ECW Arena) in South Philly!

Catch Stan live on Saturday afternoon, April 16th in Philly – a rare East Coast appearance!

Tickets to the Fan Conclave event are available here:

www.chikarapro.com/conclave.php

Stan’s powerful reinvention of “The Touch,” “Sam’s Theme” serves as the official theme song of King of Trios 2011!

Artist official website: http://www.stanbush.com/

Judas Priest add extra European live dates to Farewell EPITAPH World tour

UK metal rockers Judas Priest, who recently announced they will be calling it quits on the band soon, by rolling out their 'Farewell Tour' announcement, have just added a few more European dates to the EPITAPH World Tour.

The additional dates are as follows:

June 2011

7th June Eindhaar, Tilburg, Holland

20th June Le Zenith, Paris, France

27th June Zenith, Munich, Germany

July 2011

1st July Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia

 

For more information on other tour dates and Priest in general, go to:

http://judaspriest.com/

 

Apparently, “You’re gonna see a lot more of Ed Van Halen this year…hopefully by summer.”

At least, so says http://www.vintagerock.com/ who sat down with Eddie Van Halen's Gear Product Manager, Chris Cannella, for a chat about what’s new and what’s ahead in EVH-land…

Some interesting comments by Cannella, who winks at the camera while answering a question about a new Van Halen album, while following that up with “you’re gonna see a lot more of Ed this year… hopefully by the summer.”

Check out the chat right here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlkhR4pWrqs&feature=player_embedded

Source: www.vhnd.com/

Greek rockers Outloud, issue new song 'Waiting For Your Love'

OUTLOUD, the Greece based hard-rocking outfit featuring Bob Katsionis (Firewind), Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, Firewind) and singer Chandler Mogel (ex-Talon), following their succesful 2009 debut "We'll Rock You To Hell And Back Again!" from Frontiers Records, return with "Waiting For Your Love", a brand new track for 2011 from their upcoming sophomore album, "Love Catastrophe".

The song can be heard exclusively on the Greek music community site JUMPING FISH on their personal page under www.jumpingfish.gr/outloud

This site serves as the launchpad for the "Be the opening act on Bon Jovi's Athens Show,July 20th" competition - for which Outloud are seeking your help to get the slot!

The song is mixed by Danish engineer Tommy Hansen known from his work with Helloween, TNT, Pretty Maids, etc., and produced by Bob Katsionis who also states about their participation in this competition:

"I'm not a fan of music competitions, in fact I dont find any meaning to most of them, since the only thing you have to "win" with your music is to touch the hearts of your listeners. This particular contest though, is a fine chance to get our music heard by a different set of fans and not only this of rock/metal which in Greece is kinda difficult to reach. We don't wanna be rockstars overnight and we're not the typical "opening band" who just want to be famous. In fact OUTLOUD have never yet played before anyone! We just believe in our music and we want to take it as far as we can."

The song is automatically played once you enter this link: www.jumpingfish.gr/outloud.

Once you hear the song, please take a minute to vote for Outloud to open for Bon Jovi in Athens, Greece on July 20th! Even though the site is in Greek, if you follow this simple guide, you can make your vote quickly and easily (for non-Greek readers):

1. Go to www.jumpingfish.gr/outloud. Right below the music player, there is a black box with a Bon Jovi logo in it (the sword in the heart). Run your cursor over this box (or click on the white envelope for non-flash users) to reveal two small grey boxes -click on the bottom one. This sends you to the next screen to register on the site.

2. Once there, scroll down to the bottom of the green page and click on the left black box.

3. Now you'll be prompted to enter some information. In descending order of the boxes, enter your: First Name, Last Name, Username (make one), Password (make one), Re-enter Password, and E-mail. Right below that, enter your sex (from left to right it's M, F, or don't wish to enter it)

4. Right below that, there are four small paragraphs. Leave the top one checked as it is, but out of the second two, click the one on the right (it says "listener" in English). Below that, uncheck the box if you don't want to receive a newsletter from the site. Then click the black box to continue. Almost there!

5. Another page will show up, just click the black box again to continue. Now go to your email account and click on the link that you were just sent by the site. Click on it from your e-mail and that will take you back to the site, and now enter your name and password and click the black box.

6. Once you do that, you are logged in. Now copy and paste the link www.jumpingfish.gr/outloud into the address bar of your browser, and you're back on the Outloud page. Right below the picture of Outloud within the black area where you started is a little white box with an envelope in it. Click on that and you've voted!

Band site: www.myspace.com/outloudtheband

Brief News Update for Thursday 20th January, 2011

HURTSMILE: The latest from Gary Cherone and his band of “brothers” to release their debut album

 

HOLLYWOOD, CA (January, 2011) - Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of HURTSMILE self-titled debut album on February 8, 2011 in the US.

HURTSMILE is a new band featuring singer Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen) who has teamed up with his brother Mark (Cherone) to write his most succinct record to date. The self-titled, HURTSMILE is a raw sonic sucker punch in the face! From the opening buzz saw riff of “Just War Theory” to the epic finale of "Slave” and “Beyond The Garden/Kicking Against the Goads”, Gary continues to push and poke you in the ear with his lyrically provocative themes.

“Hurtsmile was a long time coming… I always wanted to write a record with my brother,” says Gary. "I'm a big fan of Mark’s song writing and his snarling guitar riffs." The timing was right as Extreme was in-between their touring and record cycle, leaving Gary the freedom. They recruited Joe Pessia (bass) an alumnus of Nuno Bettencourt’s Dramagods as well as the guitar player for Tantric. Joe also engineered, and co-produced the record with Gary. To round off the lineup they enlisted heavy hitter Dana Spellman on drums “It’s an east coast-Boston thing,” states Gary. “Mark, my brother, was in a band with Nuno’s brother… Joe was in Nuno’s band and Dana was a friend, and student of Mike Mangini (former Extreme drummer) … we like to keep it in the family.”

The lineup is not the only thing familiar with the band. In true Cherone fashion, the record is chock full of swaggering guitar, soaring vocals and the trademark Cherone eclecticism on tracks such as “Jesus Would You Meet Me”, the reggae-tinged “Just War Reprise” and the Dylanesq “The Murder of Daniel Faulkner (4699)”. “Hurtsmile was about returning to my roots, writing a record in my basement, a straight up rock ‘n’ roll record… but it turned out to be more diverse and ambitious than I expected.”

Gary is no stranger to taking on intense topics, and Hurtsmile is no exception. The first half of the record is a group of more loosely knit songs such as the cynically inquisitive "Just War Theory", the limit's of free speech "Tolerance Song (edit)" and the disturbingly mesmerizing “Kaffur (Infidel)”, inspired by the beheading of Daniel Pearl.

The 2nd half of the record is more conceptually cohesive; an introspective look at the nature of man and the condition of the human heart. “Stillborn" introduced earlier, and "Set Me Free" both touch on mans inclination toward darkness, culminating with an epic journey from sin to salvation… "Slave" to "Beyond the Garden/Kicking Against the Goads".

For the most part both themes are represented as 2 sides of a record. A concept familiar to Extreme fans but make no mistake, whether reading between the lines or just moved by the visceral power of the music, this is a completely different type of record. Gary adds, "All the boys in the band have brought something new to the table, and you'll never know what hit you!"

“Hurtsmile” tracklisting includes:

Just War Theory; Stillborn; Love Thy Neighbor; Kaffur (Infidel); Painter Paint; Tolerance Song (Edit); Set Me Free; Jesus Would You Meet Me; Slave; Beyond The Garden / Kicking Against The Goads; Just War Reprise; The Murder Of Daniel Faulkner (4699).

The songs “Just War Theory” and “Love Thy Neighbor” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Hurtsmile:

Gary Cherone – Vocals

Mark Cherone - Guitars

Joe Pessia - Bass, Mandolin

Dana Spellman – Drums, Percussion

Produced by Gary Cherone, Joe Pessia

Weblink: www.frontiers.it/

Joe Bonamassa - "Dust Bowl"
The Brand New Solo Album
Featuring Vince Gill, Glenn Hughes & John Hiatt

Joe Bonamassa is set to release his 12th full-length solo album, DUST BOWL in the UK on March 21st and in the USA on March 22nd. The album will be promoted on Bonamassa's forthcoming 2011 Dust Bowl World Tour that will take in America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.
DUST BOWL is Bonamassa’s 9th studio release on Provogue Records in Europe and his J&R Adventures label (which he created with long-time manager Roy Weisman) in the US and his 6th collaboration with Dust Bowl’s producer, Kevin "Caveman" Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Black Country Communion).

Shirley most recently produced Bonamassa’s 2010 release, Black Rock, which entered the UK album chart at #14 and 2010's self-titled debut album from Black Country Communion, the Bonamassa-helmed, British-American rock supergroup with Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner) and Derek Sherinian (Billy Idol, Dream Theater).
Black Rock was also a #1 album in the US.
Recorded in sessions at Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece, Ben’s Studio in Nashville, TN, The Cave in Malibu, CA and The Village in Los Angeles, CA, Dust Bowl combines the gritty, blues-based tones of Bonamassa’s first albums with the fluid, genre-defying sounds he’s mastered in the years since, plus a dose of Nashville in duets with legends John Hiatt and Vince Gill.

"Dust Bowl," Shirley explains, "is very firmly rooted in the Blues, but definitely explores the outer reaches of the genre and showcases Joe’s amazing virtuosity as he digs deep into his psyche in some lengthy and blistering guitar solos."
"This is the best album we’ve ever done," adds Bonamassa. "I’m finding more inspiration in storytelling in my 30s, in writing songs that are about something more profound than ‘my baby left me.’ I like albums that are made with the right intentions and sound organic and a little rough around the edges, like a great band playing live in the room, and that’s what we accomplished with Dust Bowl."
Along with the best of intentions, Dust Bowl benefits from collaborations with the best of Nashville, legends Vince Gill and John Hiatt. Gill lends his signature guitar stylings to the John Hiatt/John Porter-penned "Tennessee Plates," on which Hiatt duets with Bonamassa. Gill also plays on "Sweet Rowena," a song he composed with frequent writing partner Pete Wasner.
Arlan Scheirbaum, Beth Hart and Blondie Chaplin play on the Michael Kamen/Tim Curry track "No Love On The Street," and Glenn Hughes sings on the Paul Rodgers-penned "Heartbreaker."

Other standout tracks include Bonamassa originals that showcase his storytelling, such as the album opener "Slow Train," an old-style British Blues song, "Black Lung Heartache," "The Last Matador of Bayonne," "The Whale That Swallowed Jonah" and the title song "Dust Bowl."

In support of the album, Bonamassa's Dust Bowl World Tour includes the U.S., Canada and Europe as well as Australia and Asia, including Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Voted "Best Live Act of 2010" by Planet Rock Radio, Bonamassa’s mesmerizing concert experience is set to get even better with the infusion of some of his best new music to date.

(Photo Credit: © Paul Bergen)


2010 was a stellar year for Bonamassa and his best to date. Black Rock was his highest charting album. He was called "The Blues Rock Titan" by Guitar World and was honoured twice in Guitar Player Magazine's 2010 Readers' Choice Awards winning "Best Overall Guitarist" for the first time and "Best Blues Guitarist" for the fourth consecutive year.

BCC’s debut self-titled album, released in Sept. 2010, entered the UK Album Chart at #13 and #1 in the Rock Album Chart and received rave reviews.

It was placed third best album of the year in the Classic Rock Critics Poll and Planet Rock listeners voted them as #1 Best New Band and Band Of The Year.
Joe Bonamassa – Official Website
http://jbonamassa.com/

Joe Bonamassa – Facebook
www.facebook.com/joebonamassa
Joe Bonamassa – Twitter
http://twitter.com/jbonamassa

Joe Bonamassa – YouTube
www.youtube.com/joebonamassatv

Judie Tzuke to release 'The October Road' Live album

'The October Road' the new live album from Judie's Tzuke is now available for pre-order via her website.

The album will be officially released on March 1st, 2011.

This album gives you the chance to experience or if you were lucky enough, re-experience the wonderful show which Judie took out on the road to celebrate the release of the retrospective album 'Moon On A Mirrorball' in 2010.

The set is a collection of new and old favourites, played by a group of fantastic musicians whose love for Judie and her music adds an inspired edge to their playing; with rock tracks and ballads all played with equal passion, skill and care.

Judie's always wonderful vocals are still a revelation, somehow transporting the listener back to the early 80's when blasting out 'Sportscar' and then shifting to the rich honeyed voice needed for a performance of 'If'. These amazing vocals are ably backed by two more Tzuke voices, the superb Bailey Tzuke and in her first appearance on tour, the youngest Tzuke, Tallula; the best example being during their lovely three part a cappella version of Judie's first single, 'For You'.

Take this chance to be the first to own a copy of this album,

Pre-order now and receive your copy two weeks earlier than the official release on the 1st of March.

Track listing:

Enjoy the Ride

Under the Angels

Secret Agent

Faith

Submarine Boy

Come Hell or Waters High

One Minute

Bring the Rain

Love Me No More

I Will

Sukarita

Stay with me 'till Dawn

Sportscar

For You

If

Available for pre-order at:

www.tzuke.com/shopcart/studio_cds.php

Go to http://www.tzuke.com/ for all Judie Tzuke updates.

Following up on Night Ranger's live N.A.M.M. performance

No, I wasn't there, but wish I was!
Word is that Night Ranger's recent performance at the N.A.M.M. event in California, was pretty impressive - No surprise to me there! ;-) - and the band even closed their set with a cover of AC/DC's 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.'
Full details on that hour long performance right here:
http://soundcheck.ocregister.com/2011/01/15/namm-2011-craig-chaquico-experiments-kim-wilson-blows-harp-night-ranger-covers-acdc/42392/
I will add that last summer, when we caught Night Ranger in Waterford, Michigan, that their set included a bunch of various covers as the band discussed between themselves, to the crowd what each of their first gigs were. They even included a full version of AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell' amongst other interesting covers.
That gig review from last summer, right here:
http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/07/night-ranger-live-in-michigan.html

This led me to think that they could be possibly working on a covers release as many classic rockers have indeed been doing that in recent years. Drummer Kelly Keagy let me know that it wasn't the case at this time, but that it wasn't to say that they wouldn't do one in the future!

The band has currently been recording their latest new album - No title at this time. - due out later in 2011 and apparently, based on comments from Andrew McNiece - http://www.melodicrock.com/ - who has been talking at length, so it seems with Jack Blades, that the band will undertake a 'proper' world tour in 2011 as well as Jack Blades releasing his own second solo album.
So a busy year ahead for Night Ranger.
Keep tabs on them here at: www.nightranger.com/

Steve Lukather - All's Well That Ends Well album review

Steve Lukather – 'All’s Well That Ends Well' album review

Released on: Mascot Records. Release date: Available everywhere now!

Steve Lukather or simply Luke to most people that know the guy and his work, is a musician that I have nothing but the utmost respect for and time. When I interviewed him a couple of years back, he was a true gent and helpful with my questions, to a fault!

I’ve met the guy a couple of other times too and he’s a smashing guy, can be very funny too.

His previous solo albums have varied here and there, but for the most part are great pieces of work and his last, 'Ever Changing Times,' I simply could not stop playing it!

Sadly for Luke, he’s just had a really rough, tough year on a personal level leading up to the release of this album 'All's Well That Ends Well' and what has gone on he’s managed to capture a lot of, on this album too.

The release dates on this album, I must say have been a little strange with the European release of this back in September / October time, then in North America it was made available as a download around late November and finally, it’s now available in stores!

OK, I have to admit that when I first got this I could not get into it and possibly for me, that was maybe a) my own frame of mind at the time or b) that I had been listening to a lot of really catchy hook laden material and Luke’s solo work, does not always follow that path and sometimes can take a little getting into, but there is never any doubt about the mans playing ability.

With this album, as with 'Ever Changing Times,' Luke has written the bulk of the material along with CJ Vanston and the few other songs with old friends Fee Waybill (The Tubes), band mate Steve Weingart and Randy Goodrum.

Starting with ‘Darkness In My World’ that perhaps is so apt for summing up the previous year and it starts very atmospherically, before getting into it’s groove and it captures both the best of Luke’s ability as reflected in his solo work and with Toto, with such fine musicianship. Sweet solo too, just class!

'On My Way Home,' as on 'Ever Changing Times,' allows Luke to pay his respects to a degree to the smoothness of Steely Dan. He makes no secrets of his admiration of both Donald Fagen and Walter Becker during the verses, before picking up some in the choruses. Very slick Luke.

A soulful start for ‘Can’t Look Back’ in the opening verse before kicking in with the pre-chorus and the chorus rocks out in a big way, big hooks, catchy indeed! The solo is one of his best and Eddie Van Halen could easily wish he’d done it! Some great playing indeed!

‘Don’t Say It’s Over’ wouldn’t be out of place on a Toto record, but as Luke said to me in that interview at a point where I said something in his solo work sounded very Toto like, his response, ‘Well it should, ‘cos that’s me right there too!’ So true Luke.

Power ballad territory for sure.

To ‘Flash in the Pan’ next and it’s a fun and funky tune, still with good hooks and co-written with Tubes man Fee Waybill, on just how short your career could be these days in the entertainment world . You just have to listen to the lyrics, great lines guys, funny!

The laid back groove of the excellent ‘Watching the World’ has almost a nod to the Beatles perhaps, but for me it’s so much more than that. It’s just a really nice multi-layered track that once more is beautifully smooth.

It’s an almost jazzy funky edge to ‘You’ll Remember’ through the verses before the chorus comes in big and then for the solo Luke just takes it somewhere else altogether and that’s his ability altogether. Some wonderfully deft keyboard touches from Steve Weingart here too.

Throughout this album the level of musicianship is exactly what you’d expect, just simply excellent.

Great vocal harmonies all over it as well from some great guest musical colleagues, just helps to emphasize things yet more.

The last vocal track on here is ‘Brody’s,’ which the lyric is obviously based around an interesting bar that Luke has discovered at some point in time and there’s interesting (And amusing!) lines here. There is of course excellent playing here with some great guitar interplay.

Final track is instrumental ‘Tumescent,’ which is a co-write across his band mates and really gives us some variety where once more Steve Weingart shines alongside Luke.

You can’t take anything away though from the other players here, CJ Vanston who aside from co-writing so much here, provides other keyboards and ‘atmospherics’ that I probably could have mentioned more of on here, as there’s plenty present!

The rhythm section is the fine guys that people would’ve caught on the Ever Changing Times tour, in Carlitos Del Puerta on bass and the fantastic Eric Valentine on drums. Luke also had Lenny Castro throw in some percussive help and then on backing vocals, how about this: Joseph Williams (Ex-Toto, Vertigo), Phil Collen (Def Leppard), daughter Tina Lukather and old mate Fee Waybill too.

His son Trevor Lukather, who was also on his last album, is back once more again here on guitar, so impressive stuff indeed!

Luke has done well again, yes, the album did grow on me and yes, I like it a lot! Nice one Luke!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Official website: http://www.stevelukather.net/

Rock News Update for Wednesday 19th January, 2011

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce
'Whitesnake - Forevermore'

WHITESNAKE, the legendary rock’n’roll legacy founded and formed by renowned singer/songwriter David Coverdale, unleashes a brand new storming ‘Snake statement, “Forevermore” on Frontiers Records on March 25th in Europe and March 29th in North America.

Their 11th studio album, “Forevermore” was recorded, produced and mixed by Coverdale, guitarist Doug Aldrich and Michael McIntyre at Snakebyte Studios and Grumblenott Studios & Villas in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, with additional work at Casa Dala, Sherman Oaks, CA, and Whitesnake will take to the road for a full world tour in support of the release.

Formed in 1977, and steered by the legendary Coverdale, Whitesnake carry a rightful reputation as one of the world’s leading rock’n’roll bands. Coverdale’s blues and soul roots, combined with a feral sense of rock and roll, have consistently shaped the ‘Snake’s sound, and add to that Coverdale’s love and appreciation of impeccable musicianship and you have a failsafe recipe for success.

Their ascent to the very top of the rock’n’roll tree was confirmed with 1987’s self-titled mega-platinum album, which saw two top 10 hits, two number one singles with ‘Here I Go Again’ and ‘Is This Love’ and a virtual 24 hour domination of MTV around the world. Such triumphs were surely foretold when as a young man from Saltburn-By-Sea, Coverdale enthusiastically answered the call to be Deep Purple’s singer. Such bombast, bravado, talent and passion have thus helped establish Whitesnake as the perennial platinum favorite they have become.

 With “Forevermore” Coverdale has reignited an explosively fruitful vein of creativity with guitarist and co-writer/producer Aldrich, Reb Beach (Winger, Alice Cooper) on guitar, Briian Tichy (Ozzy, Billy Idol, Foreigner) on drums and Michael Devin (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lynch Mob) on bass, and as with all Whitesnake’s albums, Coverdale aided so capably by Aldrich opens up his heart and soul to express emotions and empathy rarely heard these days in any musical genre.

More than simply their latest release, “Forevermore” represents Whitesnake’s no holds barred, most heartfelt, melodic and musically muscular excursion for many a year.

The album’s release will be anticipated by the digital only release of the first single/videoclip “Love Will Set You Free” on February 21st.
Free download of the sample track can be found here:
 www.frontiers.it/m/uploads/audios/whitesnake_lovewillsetyoufree_sample.mp3

“Forevermore” will be specially released on a “Snake Pack” edition for the first 3 weeks in England only. This very special release – arranged in conjunction with Future Publishing and Classic Rock magazine - will come with a collectors edition 132 pages deluxe magazine + A1 poster & metal pin badge and shall feature an exclusive cover art and 2 bonus live tracks “Slide It In” and “Cheap An’ Nasty” which will serve as an appetizer for the forthcoming “Live @ Donington 1990” CD and DVD set, to be released in the summer 2011.
You can pre-order your 'Snake Pack' right here, for £14.99 plus shipping:
www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/classic-rock-presents-whitesnake-forevermore/

The album will be also be released on a double gatefold vinyl format, with deluxe special editions to be announced shortly.

This time Coverdale and Co. have really laid it on the line for their fans, and be sure of this, the Snake’s charms are going to convert a whole new army of believers… just watch.

“Forevermore” will include the following songs:

Steal Your Heart Away; All Out Of Luck; Love Will Set You Free; Easier Said Than Done; Tell Me How; I Need You (Shine A Light); One Of These Days; Love And Treat Me Right; Dogs In The Street; Fare Thee Well; Whipping Boy Blues; My Evil Ways; Forevermore.

WHITESNAKE is:

David Coverdale – vocals

Doug Aldrich – guitar

Reb Beach – guitars

Michael Devin – bass

Briian Tichy – drums

Produced by Los Bros Brutalos (David Coverdale, Doug Aldrich, Michael McIntyre)

Weblinks:

http://www.whitesnake.com/

http://www.frontiers.it/

Robert Plant remains 'happy' with Band of Joy - additional April tour dates

Following the success of the 2010 Band of Joy album, from ex-Led Zeppelin - Come on, you know he's done with Zep now, give it up! - frontman Robert Plant and his ..., ahem ... 'Merry men' shall we say?!

The Band of Joy ..., band who are currently on the road, have extended their current tour into April 2011.

His latest group are currently out on the road now, playing dates through the rest of January and on into February 2011, finishing that stretch on February 9th in Nashville, TN.

The new dates will start April 8th, in Louisville, Kentucky.

It seems Mr. Plant seems happy with the easy life of the laid back material he did with Alison Krauss and now continues with Band of Joy.

No more rock for the classic legendary former Led Zeppelin singer it seems. Let it go rock fans, I think he's done with all things rock ...

Those laid back live shows are as follows:

January 2011

Wed 01/19/11 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center

Fri 01/21/11 Ann Arbor, MI Hill Auditorium

Sat 01/22/11 Toronto, ON Sony Centre For The Performing Arts

Sun 01/23/11 Toronto, ON Sony Centre For The Performing Arts

Tue 01/25/11 Boston, MA House Of Blues Boston Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino

Wed 01/26/11 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre

Fri 01/28/11 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand At Foxwoods

Sat 01/29/11 New York, NY Beacon Theatre

Sun 01/30/11 New York, NY Beacon Theatre

February 2011
Tue 02/01/11 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall

Wed 02/02/11 Raleigh, NC Memorial Auditorium

Fri 02/04/11 North Charleston, SC North Charleston Perf. Arts Center

Sat 02/05/11 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre

Mon 02/07/11 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium

Tue 02/08/11 Nashville, TN War Memorial Auditorium

Wed 02/09/11 Nashville, TN War Memorial Auditorium

April 2011

Fri 04/08/11 Louisville, KY Louisville Palace Theatre

Sat 04/09/11 Chicago, IL Auditorium Theatre

Mon 04/11/11 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre

Tue 04/12/11 Minneapolis, MN The State Theatre

Fri 04/15/11 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live

Sun 04/17/11 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Tue 04/19/11 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Wed 04/20/11 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre

Fri 04/22/11 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre

Sat 04/23/11 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre

Mon 04/25/11 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl

Wed 04/27/11 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium

Official site: http://www.robertplant.com/

Slade back at Donington again? Jim Lea says, 'No way!'

As 2011 continues on, talk of who will play this years Download festival at Donington Park, raised an interesting possibility ..., but sadly that was all it was!

In 1981, yes 30 years ago this year Slade were a part of a pretty reasonable Donington Park line up for that years then annual 'Monsters of Rock' event, I know, I was there!

That day was headlined by AC/DC who had followed special guests Whitesnake.

Promising new band at the time, More had opened the day and then Blackfoot followed. Next it was Slade's turn, who really impressed.

Sadly for Blue Oyster Cult, they were a little out of place next and failed miserably to follow Slade's storming set.

I also saw them as the surprise, special guest act of the day at Reading's rock festival the year before, when Ozzy Osbourne pulled his Blizzard of Oz band out of Reading's 1980 weekend.

Slade came on the Reading stage as returning heroes that day and the crowd lapped it up so much, they didn't want Slade to leave and when Def Leppard followed them that year, as special guests to headliners Whitesnake on the Sunday night, were canned and bottled while onstage, but they battled on.

It was unbelieveble!

Slade had come on after the Tygers of Pan Tang, Budgie and Magnum too and all those acts had been well received too.

For Slade then, they found themselves with chart success once more in the 80's after going through a lean spell at the tale end of the 70's. Prior to that lean spell, the band had enjoyed six UK number 1 hit singles and a bunch of other hits.

Anyway, that's my Slade memories for you!

Classic Rock Magazine recently interview ex-Slade man Jim Lea, about the possibilities of Slade returning to this years Download festival, as a reunited band 30 years from their last Donington appearance?

Talking exclusively to Classic Rock, bassist/vocalist Jim Lea says: “Let’s leave it in the past. Why would we want to get back together to do it? This could never live up to what we did back then.

To me, there’s nothing to be gained. We can’t do those songs justice in the way that we used to."

“If people want nostalgia, then they’ve got the DVDs, the CDs and there’s also loads of footage on Youtube. Sorry, but if you’re waiting for a Slade reunion, then the wait will be in vain.”

So there you have it!

You can read the whole thing right here:

www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/slade-for-download-forget-it-says-jim-lea/

And finally .... Pushking ... The World As We Love It ... Will it finally get released?

I see yesterday on Blabbermouth.net that they were plugging and raving about Russian band, Pushking that you may vaguely remember I plugged right here at 'Chambers of Rock' way back last year!
Check this from July last year and I thought I was behind?!
http://www.chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/07/rock-news-for-monday-5th-july-2010.html

The actual Press release that Eagle Rock posted, was this ...

Eagle Rock Entertainment Presents A Brand New Album From Russian Heavyweights

PUSHKING
THE WORLD AS WE LOVE IT

Guest Starring Alice Cooper, Paul Stanley, Billy F Gibbons, and Many More!

New York, NY (November 22, 2010)—Eagle Rock Entertainment will deliver to the masses Russia’s premiere rock band Pushking. Their CD The World As We Love It will hit the shelves on February 1.
This new album is a 19-track celebration, composed of re-recorded selections from Pushking’s catalogue featuring some very special guests. Paul Stanley (KISS), Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) and Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) are just some of the elite rock alumni who RSVP’d for this musical party.

Produced by Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes, Alice Cooper, Dave Navarro, Toto), The World As We Love It is a superior series of shifting moods, showcasing Pushking’s versatile musical prowess. Loaded with soaring harmonics, sky-scaling solos, and just the right amount of grit, the band’s genre-straddling sound is a marriage of solid hard rock and classic Eastern European heritage.

Formed in 1994, Pushking is the culmination of vocalist/main songwriter Konstantin “Koha” Shustarev, guitarists Dmitry Losev, bassist Roman Nevelev, keyboardist Oleg Bondaletov, and drummer Andrey Kruglov. The chemistry within this band has resulted in a potent brand of rock music, which has preserved through their 15-year career and only gets better. "..,It was a gas singin' on their record”, states Glenn Hughes “...take it from me, it's the real deal!!"

Track Listing

1.) Intro
2.) Nightrider (featuring BILLY F GIBBONS - vocals, guitar)
3.) It'll Be OK (featuring BILLY F GIBBONS - vocals, NUNO BETTENCOURT • EXTREME - guitar)
4.) Troubled Love (featuring ALICE COOPER - vocals, KERI KELLI • ALICE COOPER - guitar)
5.) Stranger’s Song (featuring JOHN LAWTON • ex URIAH HEEP – vocal, STEVE STEVENS • BILLY IDOL - guitar)
6.) Cut The Wire (featuring PAUL STANLEY • KISS - vocals, guitar STEVIE SALAS • ex BOWIE BAND)
7.) My Reflections After Seeing The “Schindler’s List” Movie (featuring STEVE VAI - guitar)
8.) God Made Us Free (featuring GRAHAM BONNET • ex RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ - vocals)
9.) Why Don't You? (featuring GLENN HUGHES • ex DEEP PURPLE - vocals)
10.) I Believe (featuring JEFF SCOTT SOTO • ex JOURNEY - vocals)
11.) Tonight (featuring GLENN HUGHES • ex DEEP PURPLE - vocals, JOE BONAMASSA - guitar)
12.) Private Own (featuring GLENN HUGHES • ex DEEP PURPLE - vocals, MATT FILIPPINI • MOONSTONE - guitar)
13.) Open Letter To God (featuring ERIC MARTIN • MR.BIG - vocals)
14.) Nature’s Child (featuring UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER • ex ACCEPT, U.D.O. – vocals)
15.) I Love You (featuring DAN McCAFFERTY • NAZARETH - vocals)
16.) Head Shooter (featuring JOE LYNN TURNER • ex RAINBOW -vocals)
17.) Heroin (featuring JORN LANDE • MASTERPLAN - vocals)
18.) My Simple Song (featuring DAN McCAFFERTY • NAZARETH –vocals)
19.) Kukarracha (featuring JOE LYNN TURNER, ERIC MARTIN, GLENN HUGHES, PAUL STANLEY, GRAHAM BONNET – vocals, STEVE LUKATHER • TOTO - guitar)

The bands website:
www.pushking.eu/main.html
www.myspace.com/pushkingofficial

Brief Late Update for Tuesday 18th January, 2011

Rush extra new tour dates announced for June 2011

Canadian rockers Rush have already lined up shows through April and May, but there's been a bunch more 'Time Machine' shows added for June 2011.

Yes, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neal 'The Professor' Peart already have live dates lined up through April (USA and Canada) and May (Europe) 2011 and now they are stretching into June, with return North American dates.

We still seem no closer at this point to 'that' new album release and more details, but now it's 2011, the new dates, start June 8th, in Greenville, South Carolina!

The new dates are as follows:

June 2011
June 8th Greenville, SC - BI-LO Center
June 10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
June 12 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
June 14 El Paso, TX UTEP Don Haskins Center

June 16 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center

June 18 San Diego, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

June 20 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre

June 22 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre

June 24 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand

June 26 Concord, CA Sleep Train Pavilion

June 28 Portland, OR Sleep Country Amphitheater

July2011
July 2 Seattle, WA The Gorge

For the original dates in April / May, go to: http://rush.com/v4.html

Keep checking at http://www.rush.com/ for updates, as it must only be a matter of time - No pun intended! - before we learn more about that album and most likely, more live dates.

George Lynch update and Lynch Mob tour dates

Well, the update from George Lynch is sadly a little old (December 2010), but I missed it before ...

The man has of course been constantly pushed on the prospect of him rejoining Dokken and that of a full scale reunion.

After Dokken's 2010 summer tour dates were done last year, rumours were running around like crazy with talk of a possible Dokken reunion and even Jeff Pilson had said as much to me during our interview last year - Link here: www.chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-jeff-pilson-foreigner.html - but now this comes from George Lynch himself, which probably puts paid to it:

“We feel it’s important to let folks know there will be no Dokken reunion in the foreseeable future, if ever. This is Don’s (Dokken) decision, despite Jeff’s and my best intentions and efforts over the past few years to make this happen in good faith. My apologies to VH1, Eddie Trunk, Steve Strange and all the fans who were pulling for this to happen”

Source: http://georgelynch.com/wordpress/?p=501

Meantime, George has his Lynch Mob band hitting the road - still - in support of the very good 'Smoke and Mirrors' release, so go and check them out:

January 2011

01/21/11 Lynch Mob in West Hollywood, CA Key Club. USA.

01/22/11 Lynch Mob in San Diego, California. 4th & B. USA. 

01/24/11 Lynch Mob in Denver, CO. Casselman’s. USA. 

01/25/11 Lynch Mob in Lincoln, NE. The Grove. USA.

01/26/11 Lynch Mob in St. Paul, MN. Station 4. USA. 

01/27/11 Lynch Mob in Indianapolis, IN. Rock House Cafe. USA. 

01/28/11 Lynch Mob in Westland, MI. Token Lounge. USA. 

01/29/11 Lynch Mob in Boilingbrook, IL. Tailgaters. USA 

01/31/11 Lynch Mob in New York, NY. B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill. USA

February 2011

02/01/11 Lynch Mob in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock Pile Canada
02/02/11 Lynch Mob in Cambridge, Ontario. 515 Concert Club Canada

02/03/11 Lynch Mob in Poughkeepsie, NY. The Chance. USA

02/04/11 Lynch Mob in Springfield, VA. Jaxx. USA

02/05/11 Lynch Mob in Newark, DE. The Cube. USA

02/07/11 Lynch Mob in Greensboro, NC. Arizona Pete’s. USA
02/08/11 Lynch Mob in Buford, GA. 37 Main. USA

02/10/11 Lynch Mob in Kansas City, MO. Crosstown Station. USA

02/11/11 Lynch Mob in Oklahoma City, OK. Samurai’s. USA

02/12/11 Lynch Mob in Houston, TX. House Of Blues. USA

02/13/11 Lynch Mob in Dallas, TX. Trees. USA

Official site: www.georgelynch.com/

 

Rod Stewart teams up with Stevie Nicks for 2011 'Heart and Soul' tour

I know, many of you are thinking ... Come on Al! Rod Stewart, he's a has been!

Well, if the UK's Classic Rock magazine could give him a live review last year, then why can't I bloody mention him here, eh?! LOL!

Here's the press release ...

TWO LEGENDS – ONE STAGE

ROD STEWART AND STEVIE NICKS

THE HEART AND SOUL 2011 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

THE YEAR’S CAN’T MISS ROCK AND ROLL EVENT

TOUR OPENING MARCH 20, 2011 AT BANK ATLANTIC CENTER IN FT. LAUDERDALE, TICKETS ON-SALE BEGINNING JANUARY 21, 2011

(LOS ANGELES – January, 2011) Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks announced on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Thursday, January 13, that they have joined forces for one of the most anticipated musical events of the year, THE HEART AND SOUL TOUR. Launching March 20, 2011 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the tour will unite two of music’s most legendary forces for a series of arena concerts throughout North America - with performances already confirmed in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Tampa, Montreal and more.

The tour will feature both artists performing all rock and roll sets from their incomparable catalogs of hits and backed by an incredible band of musicians and stage production.

Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, January 21.

Said Rod Stewart: “We haven’t yet begun rehearsals but I can already tell you this, with Stevie on board our audiences are in store for an evening of pure rock and roll music. I’m already thinking about which of my old favourites to bring back and vocally, I think we’ve both begun thinking about which songs might be great fun and well-suited for a duet or two.”  

In a career spanning five decades, with an estimated 250 million album and single sales, Rod Stewart is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and indisputably one of the most successful performers of all time. He finished 2010 at the top of both the touring and album charts - highlighted by his critically-heralded, sold-out first run of concerts at The Colosseum in Las Vegas, a “Boxscore,” chart-topping, 33-date European summer tour which included 4 sold-out dates at London’s O2 Arena. Throughout his prolific career, he’s garnered 16-Grammy nominations, including his current for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album," and sales of more than one million albums worldwide for his 2010 album FLY ME TO THE MOON … THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK, VOLUME V. In addition, Rod Stewart is set to release THE BEST OF…THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK available in stores February 1st, 2011 (J Records).

Stevie Nicks, Rock and Roll's reigning queen, will be releasing her highly anticipated new CD “IN: YOUR DREAMS” on May 3, 2011. The new album, her first album of new material in a decade, was co-produced by former Eurythmic Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard. The new album is now available for fans to pre order at http://www.stevienicks.warnerreprise.com/. Fans who pre-order the CD will receive an instant download of the record's first single, the Nicks’ penned "Secret Love”. The official release date of the single is February 3rd. Nicks is a multi-Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and member of Fleetwood Mac.

Tour dates are as follows:

DATE/CITY/VENUE

March 2011
March 20 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Bank Atlantic Center

March 23 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Forum

March 24 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena

March 26 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden

March 27 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena

March 30 - Boston, MA - TD Garden

April 2011
April 1 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre

April 2 - Toronto, ONT - Air Canada Center

April 5 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

April 9 - Chicago, IL - United Center

April 10 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena

April 15 - Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Center

April 16 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl

Weblinks:

http://www.rodstewart.com/

www.rockalittle.com/