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Saturday, January 29, 2011

News Update for Saturday 29th January, 2011

Saga are reunited with Michael Sadler

Yes, Saga it seems after a number of year minus the bands original vocalist, the band and Michael Sadler have resolved their differences and replacement Rob Moratti is gone.
Let's hope it lasts now and they stay reunited!

Over at the Saga site, they have posted the following statement, confirming that the rumours are true!

Official Announcement!

To put all the rumours to rest
We are happy to officially announce that
Michael Sadler is once again the Singer and Frontman in Saga!!
The new studio CD and tour news with Michael will be up very soon!

We wish Rob all the best in the future with his new Solo CD!

Saga's line up now is:
Michael Sadler - Vocals
Jim Crichton - Bass, Keyboards
Ian Crichton - Lead Guitar
Jim Gilmour - Keyboards, Clarinet, Vocals
Brian Doerner - Drums

Welcome back Michael!
Rob Moratti had joined Saga in 2008, replacing Sadler, but the band had been struggling following Sadler's original departure, with direction.
With Rob onboard the band released just one studio album, 'The Human Condition' in 2009.

Incidentally, Rob Moratti does indeed plan to release a solo album in 2011.
You can check out his site, if you go to:
Good luck to Rob from Chambers of Rock!'

Thin Lizzy live recording from the London shows 2011



As a complete exclusive, Thin Lizzy are working with Concert Live, offering you the chance to own strictly limited edition CDs of the Hammersmith Apollo and the IndigO2 shows in London. These CDs were created on the night and are exclusively available from Concert Live.
These highly collectable recordings will also be available throughout the entire European leg of the tour, just look out for the Concert Live staff or visit the merchandise stand - but for those of you who can’t attend a show, you can now order your’s for home delivery!
www.concertlive.co.uk/product.php?id=112&ac=tloff

Live at Hammersmith Apollo - January 22nd, 2011Tracklisting:
CD 1

1.Are You Ready
2.Waiting For an Alibi
3.Jailbreak
4.Do Anything You Want To
5.Don't Believe A Word
6.Dancing In The Moonlight
7.Massacre
8.Angel Of Death
9.Still in Love With You
10.Whiskey In The Jar
11.Emerald

CD 2
1.Wild One
2.Sha La La La
3.Cowboy Song
4.Boys Are Back in Town
5.Rosalie
6.Bad Reputation
7.Black Rose
8.The Rocker

Live at IndigO2 - January 23rd, 2011

CD 1

1.Are You Ready
2.Waiting For An Alibi
3.Jailbreak
4.Do Anything You Want To
5.Don't Believe a Word
6.Dancing in The Moonlight
7.Massacre
8.Killer on the Loose
9.Angel of Death
10.Still in Love With You
11.Whiskey in the Jar

CD 2
1.Emerald
2.Hollywood
3.Sha La La La
4.Cowboy Song
5.Boys Are Back in Town
6.Rosalie
7.Bad Reputation
8.Rocker
9.Black Rose

Official band site: http://thinlizzyband.com/


Want to learn a Pat Travers lick from the man himself?

Pat Travers / http://www.pattravers.com/ is offering fans the opportunity of 30 minute sessions with the man, to either learn a lead break or something else, even to have him critique your own playing or even just have a chat with the man (Via Skype).
I personally think the guitar one on one is cool and I understand the pricing, Michael Schenker did the same thing in the UK a few years back, but Michael Schenker's offer at least was in person, at a specific location that you had to make your way to.
Pat Travers offer of 30 minutes, is via Skype ..., so to just have a one to one chat with the guy at $250 for 30 minutes ... $300 if you want it videoed! Ouch!
Whatever appeals to you, here's what is being offered ...

Want to learn the lead break to your favorite PT song? Want The Man to critique your slide work?



Even if you’re not a guitar player, a 30-minute Skype video call with Pat Travers could be a precious moment for you. Pat will share his expertise, his wry wit and his passion for music and life in a private, 1:1 session that you can cherish and replay over and over via an optional video recording showing you and Pat together.
Here’s how it works:
1. Use this link to book a 30-minute slot at least a week in advance: https://my.timedriver.com/1KJSR
2. You will receive an automatic email response, and a second email with instructions for submitting payment via PayPal or credit card (see price list below)

3. Once payment has been received, you will receive another email with instructions for setting up your video and audio equipment at the time of the session. You’ll also be asked how you want to spend the 30 minutes with Pat – the name of a song you’d like to practice, a subject you’d like to discuss, etc.

Pricing:
*Hammerhead Club Members: $250 per 30-minute session
*Non-Hammerhead Club Members: $300 per 30-minute session
*Optional video recording (download): $50
*Optional video recording (DVD): $75

(Not a Hammerhead Club member? You should be! Sign up here: http://pattravers.com/pt/hammerheads.html)

Notes:
Cancelled sessions: if cancellation occurs at least 48 hours before the session, fees will be refunded. Otherwise, no refunds.

Technical requirements: you must have a Windows or Macintosh PC with a broadband internet connection. A laptop camera will suffice, but you’ll get better results with an external webcam and a high-quality audio headset.
Book your slot now! https://my.timedriver.com/1KJSR
Official artist website: http://www.pattravers.com/


M3 Rock Festival post impressive line up!


The now annual M3 festival in Columbia, MD, has announced this years line up and it's pretty impressive, once more!
This year they are also having a kick or should I say, 'Kix off party' the night before the festival with Kix, who rarely tour these days, Warrant, LA Guns and Jetboy.

The Saturday line up is once again, an 80's rock fans' dream come true line up, with some of the most popular names of that era!
The revamped Whitesnake will headline the event, alongside Sacramento's Tesla, a rare US appearance from Mr. Big too.

As the poster says, Great White will be there too, but who the frontman will be for the show, is anyone's guess as Jack Russell has been suffering with some serious health issues over the past year.
Jani Lane (Warrant), was filling in for a number of shows before now, but the band's website is not clear - whichever one you look at!
http://www.greatwhiterocks.com/ has tour dates showing into 2011, but they have no news section.
If you look at the band's history there, it was last updated in April 2010 ...?
Jani Lane does get a name check, but when the reference was posted ...?
The other site ..., that claims to also be official www.mistabone.net/ really all it covers in the news section is additional dates, for months there's been no mention of Jack Russell. There's not even any mention of Jani Lane stepping in?

Other names that should get peoples interest are the excellent Danger Danger, Slaughter who always put on a good show, Firehouse, Big Noize (Feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Phil Soussan, Carlos Cavazo and Vinny Appice - www.bignoizemusic.com/home), Black and Blue, also Gary Cherone's new band Hurtsmile, Faster Pussycat and Pretty Boy Floyd.
Official site: http://m3rock.webs.com/

Friday, January 28, 2011

Brief Update for Friday 28th January, 2011

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band WILL tour the US in March 2011

Well, I guess following on from the rumours that I posted yesterday, this was posted over at  Bob Seger's site himself, regarding him touring this year.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band will launch a new tour "to major cities across North America" starting in March, Seger's first time on the concert trail since his tour of 2006-07.

The exact cities and dates will be announced shortly, although a map that flashes in a brief video on his web page showed Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York and Missouri.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has a deep well of hits to draw from, but he'll also give fans a taste of some new music from a release he's been preparing for some time.

It was a year ago that Seger phoned in to Dick Purtan's show for his farewell broadcast, and Purtan teased out the news that Seger would be hitting the road soon.
There were rumblings in the fall that he was gathering the "usual suspects," mustering his troops for a major tour, but the month of embarkation was bumped back a few times.

Seger, who turns 66 in May, is known for his legendary live performances at Cobo Hall over the years, and he will almost certainly play several hometown shows.

His most recent album release was "Early Seger Vol. 1," a compilation of remastered and unreleased tracks personally selected by the rocker, in November 2009.

Seger has amassed more than 50 million in record sales, and in an era when those kind of numbers are way down, he's kept it up; in 2010, he was honored as having the No.1 Catalog Album of the Decade for his "Greatest Hits," which sold 9 million units.
To read the full article published by Susan Whitall for Detnews.com go to:

Official artist website: http://www.bobseger.com/


Thin Lizzy say 'Thank You ... ' to the UK fans

Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham, has posted a message through Facebook saying thanks to UK fans, for supporting the band, as they try to move forward and on by saying a resounding, yes we miss Phil (Lynott) too and we thank him for the music, but let's respect Phil and what he created and show that Thin Lizzy still have something to share with the world!
Those are actually my words, as my interpretation of what I can only guess is what the band is doing.
Meantime, here's Scott's thank you message to fans:

 A Big "Thank You" from Scott Gorham
(Photo courtesy of www.thinlizzyband.com/)

'Hey everybody,


I felt that it was important to write to you all to say a big "Thank You" for helping us turn the Thin Lizzy UK tour into a great success and to let you know what a great time the band has had playing the songs and just meeting up with a lot of the TL supporters on this tour. I've been told that it's been a sell-out at nearly all the venues. So I hope you all had as good a time listening and chanting along with us as we had playing. Thanks again to everyone and hope to meet as many supporters in Europe as we did in the UK. What a fun tour!! See you soon ...... Scott'

Cool words Scott!
The link to Thin Lizzy's Facebook page is here:
www.facebook.com/ThinLizzyOfficial?v=wall#!/ThinLizzyOfficial

In addition to that message, come this great news for US Lizzy fans!
Thin Lizzy are proud to announce the first US dates with the new lineup:


March 2011March 24th Jim Thorpe, PA, Penn's Peak
March 25th New York, NY, Best Buy Theater
March 26th Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Casino Wolf's Den
March 27th Sayreville, NJ, Starland Ballroom

Tickets available from usual outlets and VIP Packages available for all shows from http://www.thinlizzyband.com/
on Jan 31st.
MORE DATES ANNOUNCED VERY SOON!
The revamped official new Thin Lizzy website is here:
www.thinlizzyband.com/

 
Glenn Tipton: 'Yes it's the last Priest tour, but it's not the end of the band ...'
 
Over at Glenn Tipton's website, some encouraging news for Judas Priest fans, as the man or someone on his behalf, has posted this message:
 
'As you may already be aware Priest have announced a farewell world tour beginning this summer, for details and dates please visit www.judaspriest.com.

We are all excited about the tour and are currently having meetings to discuss the stage production, but above all the set list. We intend to include some classic priest songs that we haven`t played before and of course the old favourites that everybody will want to hear. Stay tuned for further updates.

To put every ones mind at rest this is by no means the end of the band, in fact we are presently writing new material, but we do intend this to be the last major world tour.'


Incidentally, if you'd forgotten the Epitaph Tour Dates:

June 2011
7th June Eindhaar, Tilburg, Holland
9th June Sweden Rock Festival, Sweden
11th June Sauna Festival, Finland
14th June Oslo, Norway Spektrum
15th June Bergen, Norway Edward Greig Plass
17th June Copenhell Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark
19th June Hellfest, Nantes, France
20th June Le Zenith, Paris, France
22nd June Gods of Metal Festival, Milan, Italy
25th June Graspop Festival, Belgium
27th June Zenith, Munich, Germany
28th June 02 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
29th June Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria

July 2011
1st July Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia
23rd July High Voltage Festival, London, UK

August 2011
5th August Wacken Festival, Germany
Official band website: http://www.judaspriest.com/


Kiss, new album coming and dates popping up here and there
 
According to Blabbermouth.net, who got a story from BackstageAxxess.com, current Kiss guitarist, wearing the Space Aces' outfit,  Tommy Thayer has said:

"The great news is that we are going in the studio again in the next month or two. We are starting to work on writing some songs, [and we will] approach it just like we did with [2009's] 'Sonic Boom' and keep it all in the band in terms of the writing, with no agenda besides writing great rock and roll songs that we love, then rehearsing them before recording them. It really felt good to us so we'll go the same way this time."

So encouraging words to the Kiss fans out there, who DO still like the band!
The Blabbermouth story piece is here:
www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152892
The original interview piece from BackstageAxxess.com is here:
www.backstageaxxess.com/index.php/interviews#

I see also, that the odd date or two have been popping up for the band.
Tonight in fact, Kiss are playing in Puerto Rico at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, in Hato Rey, then in March there are two US dates lined up, which leads me to believe we could see a bunch of shows announced anyday now!
Those two shows are as follows:

March 15th @ the Reliant Center, Houston, TX
March 17th @ Hard Rock Live (Seminole), Hollywood, FL.

I'd suggest keeping a close eye on their site over the next week or two for more, wide spread announcements! Here's the link:
http://www.kissonline.com/




Thursday, January 27, 2011

Brief News Update for Thursday 27th January, 2011

Foreigner to Tour in India for the First Time!

Foreigner will be headed to India for the first time for a 5 show tour!
They will be joined by renowned Indian musician Niladri Kumar, the young Sitar Maestro, in a concept-tour where Rock Stars meet Rock Sitars!

Every show will open with a 40 minute set by Niladri Kumar, a renowned Indian musician specializing in the Electric Sitar (Zitar). Foreigner will then take to the stage next, performing a set of their most popular songs. At the end of Foreigner`s set, Niladri Kumar will join them on stage for an encore fusing the musical styles of both artists and creating a uniquely unforgettable experience!
Sounds wild, huh?!

Date City Venue
February 2011
11.2.11 Delhi, India Talkatora Indoor Stadium
13.2.11 Mumbai, India St. Andrews Auditorium
14.2.11 Hyderabad, India Taramati Baradari
17.2.11 Kolkata, India Science City Auditorium
20.2.11 Bangalore, India Palace Grounds



UK's Download Festival Line Up grows

The UK's Download rock festival, at Donington Park race track, that started some years back now replacing the old Monsters of Rock annual event in the same location, appears to be almost - but a long way off yet I'm sure - to be heading back to including many classic rock style bands.

Of course when Download first started, it was simply all metal / thrash / goth stuff, but over the last few years, the line ups have included the likes of: Whitesnake, Def Leppard, ZZ Top, Journey, Europe, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Y&T, Thunder, Tesla, etc.

The 2011 festival line up, for the weekend of June 10th through to the 12th, although being headlined by newer acts, of a more metal nature or rap rock style in Linkin Park's case, are being crept up on already by the likes of Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Mr. Big and FM.
There's still a long way to go before the bill is completely finalised, so keep checking back here and also at:

Here's this years flyer so far ....
 


Bob Seger could tour again in 2011

According to Rolling Stone magazine and Bob Seger's site himself, there are hint's that the Detroit classic rocker, may well play a limited - Very! - set of tour dates.

At this time it's being suggested that these might be, St. Louis, Cleveland, New York and of course his hometown, Detroit, Michigan.
This is over at Rolling Stone magazine:

Over at the man's site, there's a video screen - Although it wouldn't play for me - and the simple statement ... Stay tuned!
Official site:

I must say, I was extremely impressed when I saw the man here in Auburn Hills, Michigan on his comeback, 'Face The Promise' tour back in 2006, which I reviewed for the site, www.classicrock.about.com/ and that review can be found here:

I sincerely hope the man does play some more dates, as he certainly came across like there was more in the guy to share with us all.
Here's hoping, eh?

"JAMMIT" - THE FIRST-EVER MUSIC APP DESIGNED TO ISOLATE ORIGINAL MULTI-TRACK RECORDINGS TO BE UNVEILED AT MACWORLD 2011

Advanced Capabilities, Intuitive Controls and Impressive List of Top Artists Sure to Change the Way Music is Learned ..

“If I had this when I was learning to play guitar, it would have saved me years of frustration,” - John 5 (Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson)

"Absolutely amazing,”Al Schmitt (17x Grammy-winning engineer and 2x Latin Grammy winner- Ray Charles/Steely Dan)

"For years, musicians have been interpreting music incorrectly because up until now you couldn't hear the isolated the tracks. Jammit solves the problem,” - Steve Lukather (Toto/G3)

HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 26, 2011) - Learning music is difficult. Changing the way it is learned is even more challenging. Revolutionizing the industry is unheard of until now with the introduction of Jammit™, the first and only music software offering budding and veteran rock stars access to top industry artists’ original multi-track master recordings.
The unveiling will be held on January 27th at 1 PM in Media Center room #2008 at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Afterward, it will also be on display with live demos at booth #339.

Created by renowned music producer Scott Humphrey (Motley Crue, Rob Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne), Jammit™ gives music fans of all levels a way to learn their favorite artists’ tracks as they were meant to be played. Features include instrument isolation, synchronized notation and tablature combined with phrase looping and a slow speed function without changing pitch. Jammit™ truly is a music edu-tainment revolution. A quick product video demo is available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=28h9hvOS-m4.

Jammit™ is comprised of a proprietary technology developed by Humphrey and his team of engineers that will inevitably change the way music is learned in the home, music studios and education facilities across the world.

“Until now, there was always a level of uncertainty of how the original track was played,” said Humphrey. “Jammit™ offers musicians a unique combination of software features combined with isolated tracks from the original multi-track master recordings. Our ever expanding library features many of the top artists from the last four decades.”

A sampling of the vast Jammit™ library includes access to fan favorites such as Steve Vai, Rob Zombie, Nickelback, No Doubt, Marilyn Manson, Foreigner, Motley Crüe, Grateful Dead, Pantera and Alice Cooper among others.

Previously, people had to rely on traditional learning tactics like printed sheet music or mixed audio files, constantly pushing play, rewind and play again on their music player. With the introduction of Jammit™, musicians finally have access to the isolated multi-tracks sessions combined with innovative and easy-to-use software for maximum learning potential. Proprietary variable timing reference technology offers users access to many features including:

* Isolation of individual instruments and vocals for pinpoint learning
* Synchronized scrolling notation and tablature
* Audio waveform displays for visual cues and navigation
* Looping and song section markers for detailed accuracy
* Performance recording and playback
* Slow playback mode that doesn’t affect the original pitch

By having the ability to isolate an individual instrument within a dense mix, a musician can hear the intricacies of an instrument, making it easier and more enjoyable to learn and emulate. The scrolling digital notation and tablature makes it easy to reference and follow along with the audio. Users can practice in loop mode, mute the isolated track, jam along with the band track and record their own performance.

With the ability to learn from the master musicians themselves, Jammit™ is a must have for all music students and accomplished musicians. Available soon at www.jammit.com, music lovers can easily download, install and purchase their favorite songs for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, OS X, Windows and other devices.

ABOUT SCOTT HUMPHREY

Scott Humphrey is a world-renowned multi-platinum producer, composer and digital recording pioneer. In the early 1990’s Humphrey’s technical contributions to the Pro Tools audio software helped to shape the digital audio standard by which most of today’s recordings follow. Highly acclaimed recording artists such as Metallica, Motley Crüe and Bon Jovi have all prospered as a direct result of Humphrey’s digital audio artistry. He has also been a long time producer/collaborator with Rob Zombie and is the founder of The Chop Shop recording studios in Hollywood, California. For more information on Jammit™ go to: www.jammit.com/


T.S.O. head out on 'Beethoven's Last Night' 2011 tour



Yes indeed, almost no sooner than the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have wrapped up their Winter / Christmas Tour 2010, they have lined up a big old set of tour dates for 2011, for the 'Beethoven's Last Night' 2011 tour and this time around, it includes Europe!

Sorry UK fans, it seems to be that sad same old story of when US band come over and there's only one date, Hammy Odeon, oops, sorry Apollo!
This came to my Inbox late yesterday:

Dear TSO Fans,

We are excited to announce the 2011 Beethoven's Last Night Tour. Since there may be a couple of additions in the near future, check out our tour page for the latest updates.
- TSO


Beethoven's Last Night 2011 Tour Dates - US & Canada
(All dates and times are subject to change)
April 2011
2 April 2011 - Battle Creek, MI - Kellogg Arena - 8:00 PM
3 April 2011 - Windsor, ON - The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor - 8:00 PM
5 April 2011 - Akron, OH - EJ Thomas Perf. Arts Hall-Univ. of Akron - 7:30 PM
6 April 2011 - Erie, PA - Erie Civic Center - 7:30 PM
7 April 2011 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center - 7:30 PM
8 April 2011 - Syracuse, NY - War Memorial at Oncenter Complex - 8:00 PM
9 April 2011 - Atlantic City, NJ - Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre - 8:00 PM
10 April 2011 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena - 7:00 PM
13 April 2011 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Palace - 7:30 PM
14 April 2011 - Wheeling, WV - WesBanco Arena - 7:30 PM
15 April 2011 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena - 8:00 PM
16 April 2011 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum - 8:00 PM
17 April 2011 - Asheville, NC - Asheville Civic Center - 7:30 PM
19 April 2011 - Chattanooga, TN - Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 PM
20 April 2011 - Knoxville, TN - Knoxville Coliseum - 7:30 PM
21 April 2011 - North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Coliseum - 7:30 PM
22 April 2011 - Tallahassee, FL - Leon County Civic Center - 8:00 PM
23 April 2011 - Lakeland, FL - The Lakeland Center - 8:00 PM
24 April 2011 - Estero, FL - Germain Arena - 7:30 PM
27 April 2011 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center - 7:30 PM
28 April 2011 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum - 7:30 PM
29 April 2011 - Huntsville, AL - Von Braun Center Arena - 8:00 PM
30 April 2011 - Jackson, MS - Mississippi Coliseum - 8:00 PM

May 2011
1 May 2011 - Beaumont, TX - Ford Arena - 7:30 PM
4 May 2011 - Rio Rancho, NM - Santa Ana Star Center - 7:30 PM
5 May 2011 - El Paso, TX - El Paso County Coliseum - 7:30 PM
6 May 2011 - Amarillo, TX - Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum - 8:00 PM
8 May 2011 - Corpus Christi, TX - Selena Auditorium - 7:30 PM
11 May 2011 - Evansville, IN - The Centre - 7:30 PM
12 May 2011 - Cape Girardeau, MO - Show ME Center - 7:30 PM
13 May 2011 - Moline, IL - i wireless Center - 8:00 PM
14 May 2011 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino Showroom - 8:00 PM
15 May 2011 - Green Bay, WI - Resch Center - 7:30 PM
17 May 2011 - Rockford, IL - Coronado Performing Arts Center - 7:30 PM
19 May 2011 - Toronto, ON - Casino Rama - 8:00 PM
20 May 2011 - Binghamton, NY - Broome County Arena - 8:00 PM
21 May 2011 - Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid-Hudson Civic Center - 8:00 PM


Beethoven's Last Night 2011 Tour Dates - European Dates
(All dates and times are subject to change)

March 2011
16 March 2011 - Zürich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion - 8:00 PM
17 March 2011 - München, Germany - Zenith - 8:00 PM
18 March 2011 - Wien, Austria - Stadthalle - 8:00 PM
19 March 2011 - Stuttgart, Germany - Schleyerhalle - 8:00 PM
20 March 2011 - Mainz, Germany - Phoenixhalle - 8:00 PM
22 March 2011 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom - 8:00 PM
23 March 2011 - Hamburg, Germany - CCH2 - 8:00 PM
24 March 2011 - Düsseldorf, Germany - Philipshalle - 8:00 PM
25 March 2011 - Antwerpen, Belgium - Stadsschouwburg - 8:00 PM
26 March 2011 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heineken Music Hall - 8:00 PM
28 March 2011 - London, United Kingdom - Hammersmith Apollo - 6:30 PM
Official Weblinks:


And finally ....

Yes, it's one of these interesting little closers for today's news items.
I've had a request from a good friend of mine, if I could post this here at the site.
An established Ann Arbor based hard rock / metal band is looking for 'serious' manager, read on if this may be you!
I can tell you that they have just completed a self financed EP - Recorded, mixed, pressed, DONE and are ready to rock 'n' roll! Enough from me though ... 


 
Business Manager (Intern)

An established local Rock Band is seeking a business manager to provide the following services:

*Help develop marketing strategies and material
*Assist with creative input to develop “brand” and name recognition
*Develop and execute marketing programs
*Interface with suppliers, recording studios, and business owners
*Manage fiscal and material property

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in the business of music and an appreciation for the art of crafting popular music. The qualifications include a strong business background with a marketing flair and enthusiastic, “can-do” attitude. Previous experience, while preferred is not required.
Influences for this band include Nickelback, God Smack, and similar rock/metal groups.
The band writes and performs original music that could be considered Rock/Alternative.

The position is considered a part-time internship with a strictly commissioned compensation plan. It reports to the band members but will be mentored by a professional business consultant.

Interested and qualified candidates should send resumes, CVs or career summaries to Jim Miles at -











Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Vega – Kiss of Life Album review.
Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: Available now.


Vega, are a very tasty sounding band indeed, that features the talents of one Nick Workman (Ex-Kick, Eden) on vocals and the two guys Tom and James Martin (House of Lords, Khymera, Sunstorm, etc), who seem to have written many good songs, for many bands, including songstress Issa.

This debut album ‘Kiss Of Life’ is so solid and complete thanks to production by John Greatwood, who’s done engineering work for Tom Lord Alge and the album was mastered by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69).

If you like a really big sounding production / mix of say Loverboy, Bon Jovi and even hints of Def Leppard, with a poppy edgy sound, that’s helps to keep the sound more current, then this should grab you for real! I’ve played this album so much, I really, really do enjoy it!

You know, I really enjoyed Nick Workman’s material with Kick and really felt for that band, that they were so criminally overlooked.  Check out ‘Consider This’ sometime folks, a very good album, although I never did hear follow up ‘New Horizon.’

Anyway, here’s the thing and here I go again … - Sigh! – My apologies to artists out there that hate comparisons to other artists, but I really do find it helps give people with no previous knowledge of the artists work, put bluntly, a clue!

OK, I was never a big Loverboy fan, wait for it, give me a chance to explain where I’m going!
The thing is, I liked moments of Loverboy’s early material but one album from them that was much overlooked, was a more .., mature album in ‘Wildside.'
I really thought that was a great album that deserved to be globally huge!

So now back to what I find interesting here about Vega, is perhaps because of Nick's hooking up with both Tom and James Martin, but these guys have created a monster album! Full of great hooks, great melodies and Nick Workman’s voice at times reminds me of Mike Reno at his absolute best and this album sounds to me, like the album Loverboy should’ve recorded after Wildside!

It’s really great and kicks off with the almost ‘Boys of Summer’ like intro led ‘Into The Wild’ that builds up and grows into such a rich track. Killer vocals, great punchy power chords, great full rich keyboards and strong rhythm driving the track along, I just love it!

Title track ‘Kiss Of Life’ almost has a Honeymoon Suite / Bon Jovi like vibe and I love the underlying chugging riffs here and the keyboard fills just make the overall track sound so full. Full marks seriously to John Greatwood for getting so much out of these guys, I can’t wait for the follow up and I’m saying this after just the first two tracks!

‘One of a Kind’ …, I’m sorry, but the chorus is something as big as say Bon Jovi’s 'It’s My Life' or 'Have a Nice Day,' it just continues to show what these guys have achieved here.

‘Staring At The Sun,’ is once more just another superb sing-a-long song with over layered keys, those punchy guitar, great guitar solo work and a continued rich vocal performance. So, so good!

The power ballad ‘Too Young for Wings’ is just slick! It’s starts with haunting breathy vocals from Nick Workman before growing as any good power ballad should.
The band is capturing so much in their songwriting and performance here, that I would love to see them live.

In next track ‘A.N. Other’ it’s one of those tracks that chugs along, some stop, start punchy changes and some interesting bridge moments and yes, some tasty guitar work again.

With ‘Headlights’ it’s a solid up tempo pop rocker, while ‘Stay With Me’ starts with some atmospheric sounds before getting into Billy Idol sounding territory, almost ‘Rebel Yell’ like at times and ‘Heart’s of Glass’ reminds me a little of Kick’s sound a bit.

‘Wonderland’ next keeps up the multi-layered punchy pop rock in fine style, then the band take the sound down for some atmospherics and then it builds up again and rocks out.

Now I’ve got to say, when I first heard the gentle opening piano on ‘Whatever It Takes,’ I got goose bumps! Weird, but it comes right out of the blue, through a laid back verse, then the chorus picks things up, eases back in the verse then the piano again, with a soaring guitar ala say ‘Sister Christian’ style and it’s just a really nice track.

The last track ‘S.O.S.’ starts with keys, then the verse vocals, then in comes the band to a huge chorus and so follows a good steady mid paced rocker.

Yes, I really like this album and these guys have really impressed me and given the chance they should certainly do the same for you. Great stuff indeed.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Official band MySpace page: www.myspace.com/vegaofficial
 

Kiske / Somerville Debut album review

Kiske / Somerville album review
Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: Available now.


First of all, huge apologies to so many folks out there who have been waiting for, expecting some of these 'Frontiers Records' reviews for some time now ... I have just been absolutely overwhelmed with new material to review, for the past few months and I'm trying to catch up where I can, as there are a number of these, that deserve serious attention and this for starters is one of them! 
So, let's get this thing started shall we, hmmm?!
For me, both these singers past history is really with bands I really hadn’t covered before, for any site I've previously written for or 'Chambers of Rock,' but you know what? I love this album!
It’s very good European sounding melodic hard rock meets symphonic metal kind of styling.

Amanda Somerville, possibly best know for her work with Avantasia, but if you look her up through the web, it seems she’s done plenty of varied work before. Michael Kiske I should know more about, from his best known band Helloween, but I really don’t, but together under the project guidance of one Mat Sinner (Sinner, Primal Fear), they really have something here!

‘Nothing Left To Say’ comes out of the gates – So to speak! – in a similar fashion to say, Gary Moore / Phil Lynott’s 'Out in the Fields' and it’s actually immense.

With ‘Silence’ next, which was apparently the first single, it makes me think of a more commercial / melodic Evanescence and it's very good indeed.

‘If I Had a Wish’ follows a similar path as the opener and the guitar harmonies remind me a little more of a heavier Thin Lizzy, but if you’re not a Lizzy fan, perhaps the bigger melodic hooks here are what should grab you! Very good indeed.

Amanda Somerville’s voice starts hauntingly on ‘Arise’ in a beautiful sense, yet the song started with a very metallic start and comes back to that metallic sound again and then there’s those harmony guitar solos, but the song is still indeed strong.

It’s that symphonic metal sound again, that starts ‘End of the Road’ and you know Savatage or should that be T.S.O. come to mind to a degree here and there’s a seriously widdly, widdly guitar solo here and I wonder if it’s Mat Sinner’s bandmate Magnus Karlsson from Primal Fear or the other guitarist here Sander Gommans, either way, they both combine very well in the overall sound, alongside great players in drummers Martin Schmidt and Ramy Ali, as well as keyboard man Jimmy Kresic.

  1. The great music continues with the huge hooks of ‘Don’t Walk Away’ and almost power ballad effect of ‘A Thousand Suns,’ where Somerville at times almost reaches Kate Bush peaks!

The harmony guitar work plays a big part in ‘Rain’ next to open the track and then we have another big chorus driven track. Great stuff indeed!

‘One Night Burning’ is a seriously big power ballad, interesting sounding guitar solo though, a little different with vibrato effect.

With ‘Devil In Her Heart’ it chugs along building with an almost Bon Jovi like way, but it’s in that symphonic metal manner.

It’s power ballad time again with ‘Second Chance’ which as with everything here, continues to impress and the way that Somerville and Kiske’s voices work so well together, throughout the album, I sincerely hope there’s a second one to follow!

Closing track or ‘bonus track’ as it’s called here on my copy of the album is ‘Set Afire’ that starts in a seriously metallic way, before rhythmic drumming guide Somerville’s haunting vocal line, then joined by Kiske and sounding all the more haunting.
Some mystical sounds, alongside the metal edginess here for sure.

So a very good album indeed, really great vocally and the music playing, although it’s quite metallic in places, it’s got so many hooklines, it’s sure to grab anyone who enjoys edgy yet melodic rock.

There was even a bonus 3 track DVD second disc with some copies with video’s of ‘Silence’ and If I Had A Wish,’ along with the the making of the album.

Here’s to ‘Kiske / Somerville 2!
Rating: 4 out of 5

  

Rock News Update for Wednesday 26th January, 2011

Sorry for nothing yesterday folks, not much to be found to post when I scoured around ...
Few bits and pieces for you here today. Cheers, Al :)

Stryper - The Covering available through Stryper's site now! (If you're lucky!)


Christian rockers Stryper, who's latest album 'The Covering' gets an official release - Street date - on February 15th, but meantime the band have posted at their site - http://www.stryper.com/ - that they have a limited numbers available to order now! - May be sold out by the time this posts ...

Tracklisting for 'The Covering:'

1. Set Me Free (Sweet)
2. Blackout (Scorpions)
3. Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath)
4. Lights Out (UFO)
5. Carry On My Wayward Son (Kansas)
6. Highway Star (Deep Purple)
7. Shout It Out Loud (Kiss)
8. Over The Mountain (Ozzy Osbourne)
9. The Trooper (Iron Maiden)
10. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest)
11. On Fire (Van Halen)
12. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin)
13. God (Stryper)

The band, even before this album is released have come in for a lot of flak from different areas, fans and critics alike for covering artists like Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath and Kiss, but in defence of the album and the bands reasons why they are just 'paying their dues' to their influences, Michael Sweet had responded to those people by stating as far back as February last year, the following:

'Hey Everyone, Just as promised, I wanted to outline some more details regarding the new Stryper record. We grew up listening to many different styles of music and there is a list of bands that influenced us throughout our musical education. Bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Van Halen, UFO, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Kansas and many others, helped to shape our sound and make us who we are today, musically speaking. We grew up on the streets of LA playing every club in town from Gazzari's to The Whisky to The Troubadour to you name it. We played covers from all the bands mentioned above and we shaped our own sound from listening and performing songs from these classic bands.

We wanted to step outside the box and record a record that shows you, the fans, where we come from - our historical, musical roots so to speak. It's a side to Stryper that no one has really seen or heard before, or at least quite like this. We performed "On Fire" by Van Halen on a few tours and we also performed "Breaking The Law" by Priest on this last tour. The response was far beyond our expectations each time we performed these songs. People seemed genuinely surprised to hear Stryper cover these songs and even more surprised to hear Stryper perform these songs relatively well. This will be an opportunity for Robert, Oz, Tim and myself to loosen up and have some fun.

For those of you who may think that we're walking away from our faith - your wrong. We've never been more serious about our faith at any point in our lives. It is however important to enjoy what you do and lighten up from time to time. That's what we plan to do. This will be a fun record to make and we hope that this comes through, as well as the chance to showcase the abilities that we've been blessed with. More details to come and a specific song list and sequence to follow.

We're looking forward to getting back into the studio and more important, to seeing all of you on the road again this year!

Be well, be blessed and let the games begin,

Michael'

I have to tell you that the samples that I've heard are extremely impressive!
I look forward to hearing the complete album myself, as these guys really have something here and their last release, 'Murder by Pride,' while although a grower, was still very good indeed!

Band weblinks:


Uriah Heep coming back to the US again for live dates in June
 
Yes, Uriah Heep after they play two UK shows this coming weekend, they're then just about to head down under for three dates in Oz:
 
March 2011
Thu 03/31/11 Brisbane, Australia The Tivoli

April 2011
Fri 04/01/11 Newtown, Australia Enmore Theatre
Sat 04/02/11 Melbourne, Australia Palais Theatre

The band will then play a whole load of dates in Europe before returning to the US for what is shaping up to be a reasonable amount of live dates, following their successful few here last year.
Dates currently shown on Pollstar - Some are already advertised through http://www.ticketmaster.com/ too:
 
June 2011Wed 06/15/11 Chattanooga, TN Riverbend Festival Grounds
Thu 06/16/11 Saint Charles, MO Ameristar Casino St. Charles
Sat 06/18/11 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Sun 06/19/11 Falls Church, VA State Theatre
Mon 06/20/11 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater 1894
Wed 06/22/11 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club
Thu 06/23/11 Foxboro, MA Showcase Live
Fri 06/24/11 Jim Thorpe, PA Penn's Peak

Hopefully even more here in July ..., but nothing showing yet, one date in Switzerland in July shown at their site, then back for a couple more dates in:

August 2011
Fri 08/12/11 Three Forks, MT Rockin' The Rivers Festival Grounds
Sun 08/14/11 Rochester, MN Mayo Park

For all official tour date info on the band go to:


Black Country Communion confirmed for UK's High Voltage Festival 2011

This press release from the band's UK Management:


Black Country Communion is pleased to confirm that they will perform on the Main Stage at the celebrated High Voltage Festival on Sunday July 24th in London’s Victoria Park.
High Voltage will be the band’s only UK festival appearance during the summer of 2011. Other bands confirmed for High Voltage include Judas Priest, Dream Theater, Jethro Tull, and the Michael Schenker Group.

Black Country Communion is the Anglo-American rock supergroup that features vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner, Airrace, Bonham), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa.
Hughes and Bonamassa originally appeared at the inaugural High Voltage festival in 2010, with Hughes singing for Heaven & Hell in tribute to his late friend, Ronnie James Dio.

Black Country Communion’s self-titled debut album was released in September 2010 to much critical acclaim. It entered the official UK album chart at #13 and shot straight to #1 in the official UK rock album chart. BCC’s debut was placed at #3 in Classic Rock magazine’s “Critics Album of the Year” poll, while Planet Rock radio listeners voted them as the Best New Band of 2010.

Black Country Communion are currently mixing their second studio album with Kevin Shirley, the album is scheduled for release in June 2011.

High Voltage tickets are priced £99 for the weekend and £56.50 per day, VIP tickets are available at £105.00 per day, and £199.00 for the weekend (stbf).
For further info about BCC and how to order tickets, visit:
or
www.highvoltagefestival.com/


THREE DAYS GRACE ANNOUNCE 2011 U.S. TOUR


Tour Kicks Off March 23rd In Seattle, WA
Three Days Grace Fanclub Presale Starts On January 25th At www.3dgfanclub.com
General Public Tickets On Sale January 29th

New York, NY- Three Days Grace will begin their 2011 U.S. tour in Seattle, WA on March 23rd at the Showbox SoDo. Fellow Canadian rock band My Darkest Days has been tapped as the opening act.

Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, January 29th. Fanclub early presale begins on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at noon EST and will end on Friday, January 28, 2011.

This past year Three Days Grace brought their live act to fans with three successful North American tours promoting their latest album, Life Starts Now, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The album spawned three No. 1 Active Rock songs including “The Good Life,” “World So Cold” and the No.1 Song of the Year at Active Rock, “Break.”
Overall, Life Starts Now spent the year dominating the Modern, Heritage and Alternative rock radio-airplay charts across industry radio-monitoring services, BDS and Mediabase. Their latest single, “Lost In You,” follows in their footsteps and is currently climbing up the Active Rock charts on Mediabase and BDS.

The Toronto-based rock band is comprised of Adam Gontier (vocals, guitar), Neil Sanderson (drums, piano), Brad Walst (bass), and Barry Stock (lead guitar). Since their debut eponymous platinum-certified album Three Days Grace has sold over four million albums worldwide.

Three Days Grace 2011 U.S. Tour dates are as follows:
Date City Location:

March 2011
March 23 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
March 25 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
March 26 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
March 28 Idaho Falls, ID Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium
March 29 Casper, WY Casper Events Center
March 30 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre

April 2011April 1 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
April 2 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre by AMC
April 4 Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Convention Center
April 7 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
April 8 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
April 10 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
April 12 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
April 13 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live
April 17 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
*Additional dates to be announced

Official Site: www.threedaysgrace.com/