Sorry for no news yesterday folks, hopefully today's makes up for it ... Cheers, Al
The future of Y&T - A Note from Dave Meniketti
Y&T have been a band that I persoanlly have always appreciated since I first heard title track 'Meanstreak,' from the album of the same name, released in 1983.
I bought that album and wanted more! I then picked up 'Black Tiger' - the album prior to 'Meanstreak' and thought, 'Wow! These guys are good! Why haven't I checked them out before?!'
I've since got to see the band live two or three times now and Dave Meniketti, what a leader and a trooper, great player and it's clearly from his heart, it really is, go and see them!
The band actually began as Yesterday and Today back in 1972, yes, really and released their first, self titled album in 1976 and to be honest it's all just grown ever since.
Nowadays, Dave Meniketti is the only original member and following the death a few months back of
Phil Kennemore -who was a member from 1974, until the band first disbanded in 1991, then rejoined the band in 1995 until this year. - he has started to reflect on whether or not to continue Y&T and has issued this statement:
'I have been thinking a lot in the last 8 months as to how I would feel about Y&T and what might happen to this band when Phil were to pass. I've had so many feelings and scenarios that have gone on in my head, tearing at me in many different ways, but I always seemed to come back to the same conclusion. However, before I was prepared to make any hard and fast decisions I also wanted to know how Phil felt about this as well. So we talked about this exact thing, alone, during his last months of life on this planet. I suspected what he would have said, but I wanted to hear it from his lips and feel it from his heart. Put simply, Phil expressed to me with no uncertainty that he wished Y&T to go on, no matter what happened to him. I understood, because we are lifetime Y&T people and lifelong musicians. This is what we know and where we have received much of our joy throughout our lives. There is so much of us invested in Y&T, and I don't mean monetarily, but emotionally and spiritually. This band has always had a special life force that is hard to describe, but has had a hold on us for almost 4 decades. This relationship we have had with ourselves, the band members, and the fans is what everyone always hopes for in their lives - a job to be proud of and look forward to.'
'Now, having said that I also questioned any decision to continue, regardless of all of the above, simply because I know how I had felt about other bands that have continued to play with only 1 remaining original member and wondered if I wasn't going to be a hypocrite by holding this band to a different criteria. Well maybe I am, but the bottom line, as many of us have come to as a life lesson, is that many times you can't truly understand a situation until you actually experience it first hand.'
'So . . . with current experiences in hand, I have made my decision to continue with Y&T. As quickly as I say this, I am also a realist, and if the fans seem to lose interest in the band, so be it, I will move on and do something else. However, if we continue to go along how it has been without Phil so far, then I feel privileged to continue to bring the music to the people, along with John, Mike and Brad.'
'I know that some have already said and will continue to say "The band isn't the same any longer", etc, etc. I don't need to elaborate, you all know what folks will say and have said, in front of us and in private. I understand it because I've heard it all before - in fact on and off for the last 25 years, since we let - Original drummer - Leonard (Haze), Joey (Alves - Guitarist) and others go throughout our long career. Though it's been a dagger thrown at us for many years, we learned to deal with it.'
'I've always known that no one else can answer for what I do with my life but myself. Certainly no anonymous person on the net is going to influence how I go about my decisions, which is as it should be. Negative opinions cast from persons that are not directly or deeply invested in another's life can't actually offer anything more than an opinion from a position of little actual understanding. As such I take these with little credence. We are all responsible for our decisions, and if we do what feels right and make decisions done with the best of intentions, then I believe we can go forward with little reservations and in good conscience, and let the rest go by the wayside.'
'The bottom line in all of this is that if the band weren't up to the task of presenting a valid and compelling show every night, then I wouldn't be inspired to go forward, no matter the other reasons. But the plain fact is that this band in it's current form is as good a band as Y&T has ever been. Sure, different in ways from previous iterations of the band, but equally as good, if not better with what experience brings to seasoned performers. We mean business and our passions are still on that stage with every performance.'
'So come on out to the shows and let's share in some great moments together. Now, more than ever, we all need to have some happy and positive experiences in our lives and music is one of those things that has the ability to deliver that in spades, especially at a live performance.'
'There's nothing that says it better than as Phil so eloquently coined on our new CD - 'On With The Show!'
Cheers,
- Dave'
Editor's note: Great news Dave, thanks! I for one will be looking forward to the next time Y&T hits Detroit!
Official site for Y&T: http://meniketti.com/
Uriah Heep 'Nail On The Head' video from forthcoming album 'Into The Wild'
British rockers Uriah Heep, who are soon to release their latest album, 'Into the Wild,' through Frontiers records, have a new video available of 'Nail On The Head (Official Video)'
Here you go! - Direct link below this 'reduced' - Sorry! - size screen.
Direct link to You Tube video:
Taken from the forthcoming album "Into the Wild"
Out on April the 15th 2011 in Europe and on May the 3rd 2011 in North America.
Official weblinks:
DEF LEPPARD 'MIRRORBALL' live album tracklisting and release dates
Def Leppard, Britain's greatest arena rock band, are set to release a brand new live album, "MIRRORBALL", this summer featuring a mix of live Def Leppard classics (recorded throughout The Sparkle Lounge Tour), three brand new studio songs and a bonus DVD that contains energetic live performances and intimate backstage footage captured on the road. "MIRRORBALL" is Def Leppard's first ever live album and features rock classics such as "ANIMAL", "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME", "PHOTOGRAPH", "NINE LIVES" and "ROCK OF AGES".
The album also brings together three brand new studio tracks - "UNDEFEATED", "KINGS OF THE WORLD" and "IT'S ALL ABOUT BELIEVIN'" taking their place with ease within this classic setlist.
Full tracklisting is as follows:
DISC 1:
1. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
2. Rocket
3. Animal
4. C'Mon C'Mon
5. Make Love Like A Man
6. Too Late For Love
7. Foolin'
8. Nine Lives
9. Love Bites
10. Rock On
DISC 2:
1. Two Steps Behind
2. Bringin' On The Heartbreak
3. Switch 625
4. Hysteria
5. Armageddon It
6. Photograph
7. Pour Some Sugar On Me
8. Rock Of Ages
9. Let's Get Rocked
10. Action
11. Bad Actress
12. Undefeated (new studio track)
13. Kings Of The World (new studio track)
14. It's All About Believin' (new studio track)
"MIRRORBALL" will also be available online, marking the first time the band's music will officially be made available for digital purchase. Def Leppard will also be releasing their new community based website in May, which is being developed to be the ultimate Def Leppard fan experience and go- to destination for all things on the band.
Def Leppard remain one of the world's biggest and most successful live acts. The band last played the UK and Eire in 2009 - headlining Download Festival that year after a hugely successful sold out UK Arena tour in 2008. 2011 will see Def Leppard headline Download Festival for the second time in three years. The band will also play Arena shows in both Dublin and Belfast with legendary special guests Alice Cooper and Thin Lizzy. Full details below:
June 2011
“There’s No Sign Of The Morning Coming, You’ve Been Left On Your Own, Like A Rainbow In The Dark” - Ronnie James Dio
Tues 7th June 2011 - The Odyssey Arena, Belfast, N. Ireland
Wed 8th June 2011 - The O2, Dublin, Eire
Fri 10th June 2011 - Download Festival, UK
Belfast and Dublin tickets are priced £41.50 (Belfast) E59.50 (Dublin) - (subject to booking fee)
In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): ROI - 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland - 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/
The Odyssey Arena, Belfast. Odyssey Arena Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: http://www.odysseyarena.com/
Download tickets are onsale now.
For information please refer to http://www.downloadfestival.com/
With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards (Def Leppard are one of only five rock bands to have two consecutive 10 million plus selling albums in the U.S. - the others are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Van Halen) to their credit, Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums) - continue to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide. Their epic live show and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry.
"MIRRORBALL" will be released through Bludgeon Riffola/Mailboat Records. For dates, see below:
Germany / Switzerland / Austria - June 3
UK & Europe - June 6
North America - coming this summer, exact date to be announced
Band website: http://www.defleppard.com/
Dio Disciples are here, featuring ex-Dio members
“There’s No Sign Of The Morning Coming, You’ve Been Left On Your Own, Like A Rainbow In The Dark” - Ronnie James Dio
There will never be another Ronnie James Dio but we wanted to keep his music alive!
Dio Disciples are:
Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio, UFO, Michael Schenker Group and Rhino Bucket) has played drums in Dio since 1990’s “Lock Up The Wolves” album.
On guitar is longtime Dio member Craig Goldy (Rough Cutt, Giuffria, David Lee Roth, Dio) who made his Dio debut on 1985’s “Sacred Heart” album.
On keyboards is 15 year Dio and Heaven & Hell veteran Scott Warren. Scott made his Dio debut on 1996’s “Angry Machines” album.
On bass is the multi-talented James LoMenzo (Megadeth, Black Label Society, Slash's Snake Pit, HAIL!, White Lion and David Lee Roth).
On vocals is Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Beyond Fear, Iced Earth, Hail! and Charred Walls of the Damned)
Joining “Ripper” on vocals from Manchester, UK is Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Fastway, Gun and Toby and the Whole Truth).
Because of Rudy Sarzo’s commitment to B.O.C., James LoMenzo will join the band for their European dates until Rudy fulfills his commitment to Blue Oyster Cult
We hope that you will support the band and become a Dio Disciple!
Thanks,
Wendy Dio
DIO DISCIPLES 2011 EUROPEAN TOUR
June 2011
Wed 6/08 Moscow, Russia, A2 Club
Thu 6/09 St. Petersburg, Russia Kosmonayt
Fri 6/10 Tampere, Finland Sauna Open Air Festival
Sat 6/11 East Midlands, UK Download Festival
Sun 6/12 Newcastle, UK Academy
Tue 6/14 Glasgow, Scotland Garage
Wed 6/15 Wolverhampton, UK Sleigh Rooms
Thu 6/16 Manchester, UK Academy 2
Fri 6/17 London, UK Islington Academy
Sun 6/19 Uden, Netherlands De Pul
Mon 6/20 Aschafensburg, Germany Colos Saal
Tue 6/21 Hamburg, Germany Markthalle
Wed 6/22 Berlin, Germany C Club
Fri 6/24 Dessel, Belgium Graspop
Sat 6/25 Bochum, Germany Matrix
Mon 6/27 Vienna, Austria Szene Wien
Tue 6/28 Lucerne, Switzerland Konzerthaus Schuur
Plus more dates to follow!
The LEGENDARY BAND The Rods join the tour starting on 6/11-6/28!
Official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dio-Disciples/197868730252916
DOWN 'N' OUTZ live DVD,
"LIVE AT THE HAMMERSMITH ODEON" is coming soon!
Down 'N' Outz live DVD shot at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo Hammersmith Odeon - It will ALWAYS be know as Hammy Odeon, by those that remember those days! - in London on October 6th 2009, when the band opened for the reunited Mott The Hoople, the DVD will be first available at merchandise stands at shows on the British Paul Rodgers / Down 'n' Outz tour (April 2011). A limited edition of only 500 copies will be made available initially, all of which personally signed and numbered by lead singer, Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), and signed by the rest of the band - The Ouireboys - as well.
Any remaining copies, and a regular (unsigned) version will be available through our web site shortly after the tour.
For details on the Down 'N' Outz tour with Paul Rodgers and more, check out the bands website:
The DVD tracklisting is as follows:
1. Golden Opportunity
2. Overnight Angels
3. One More Chance To Run
4. Storm
5. Shouting And Pointing
6. Career (No Such Thing As Rock 'n' Roll)
7. Who Do You Love
8. By Tonight
9. England Rocks
10. Good Times
Bonus material includes footage from the Dave Kilner tribute show (featuring Def Leppard bass player Rick 'Sav' Savage), three promo videos and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
TOMMY TUTONE TO RELEASE "A LONG TIME AGO" MAY 31ST ON SPV'S YELLOW LABEL
DIGITALLY REMASTERED AND REMIXED BY FRED JAMES
TOMMY HEATH with guitarist Jim Keller formed the band TOMMY AND THE TU-TONES. They soon shortened the name to TOMMY TUTONE and recorded for Jupiter Records in the late 1970s.
In 1980 they signed with Columbia Records and had a minor hit with "Angel Say No" later that year. This led to an opening slot touring with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Determined to break out with a hit, the ban spent the better part of a year writing and recording the next album "TOMMY TUTONE", which was released in late 1981. The first single "867-5309/Jenny" proved to be their breakthrough record and reached #4 on the pop charts in 1982. The song was written by Keller with Alex Call of the bay area group Clover. The two bands were closely linked and over the years swapped members and wrote songs together. Clover never had a hit record, but will be forever remembered as Elvis Costello's backing band on his debut album "My Aim Is True". TOMMY TUTONE the band released their third album for Columbia, "National Emotion" and eventually called it quits in 1984.
TOMMY continued in the music business as a songwriter and headed to Nashville, the song-writing capitol of the world, in the late eighties. He co-wrote with heavy hitters like Keith Sykes (writer for Jimmy Buffett, Rosanne Cash, etc.) and Johnny Neal (of the Allman Brothers Band).
TOMMY recorded this solo album with Nashville producer Fred James which was originally released in 1994 as "Nervous Love".
Fred has remixed, re-mastered and added extra tracks to this re-titled album. Quite to his surprise, when he dug out the old tapes he found several out-takes and alternate versions of songs. He had completely forgotten that they had tried both electric and acoustic versions of "Another Slow Dance" and "Nervous Love", and an acoustic version of the mega-hit "867-5309/Jenny.
TOMMY has a great depth of knowledge of all forms of classic American musical genres and it's a big part of what makes his song-writing so unique. So we can look forward to what he'll come up with next, but until then we have "A Long Time Ago".
For more info visit:
http://www.tutone.com/
http://www.myspace.com/spvmusic
DIGITALLY REMASTERED AND REMIXED BY FRED JAMES
In 1980 they signed with Columbia Records and had a minor hit with "Angel Say No" later that year. This led to an opening slot touring with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Determined to break out with a hit, the ban spent the better part of a year writing and recording the next album "TOMMY TUTONE", which was released in late 1981. The first single "867-5309/Jenny" proved to be their breakthrough record and reached #4 on the pop charts in 1982. The song was written by Keller with Alex Call of the bay area group Clover. The two bands were closely linked and over the years swapped members and wrote songs together. Clover never had a hit record, but will be forever remembered as Elvis Costello's backing band on his debut album "My Aim Is True". TOMMY TUTONE the band released their third album for Columbia, "National Emotion" and eventually called it quits in 1984.
TOMMY continued in the music business as a songwriter and headed to Nashville, the song-writing capitol of the world, in the late eighties. He co-wrote with heavy hitters like Keith Sykes (writer for Jimmy Buffett, Rosanne Cash, etc.) and Johnny Neal (of the Allman Brothers Band).
TOMMY recorded this solo album with Nashville producer Fred James which was originally released in 1994 as "Nervous Love".
Fred has remixed, re-mastered and added extra tracks to this re-titled album. Quite to his surprise, when he dug out the old tapes he found several out-takes and alternate versions of songs. He had completely forgotten that they had tried both electric and acoustic versions of "Another Slow Dance" and "Nervous Love", and an acoustic version of the mega-hit "867-5309/Jenny.
TOMMY has a great depth of knowledge of all forms of classic American musical genres and it's a big part of what makes his song-writing so unique. So we can look forward to what he'll come up with next, but until then we have "A Long Time Ago".
For more info visit:
http://www.tutone.com/
http://www.myspace.com/spvmusic
