Brief Update for Friday 22nd April, 2011

K.K. Downing issues his own statement on leaving Judas Priest

(KK Downing - Live in Detroit photo by Alun Williams)

K.K. Downing press release

Dear friends,

It is with much regret that I will not be with you this summer. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concerns about my health. Please rest assured that I am O.K.

There has been an ongoing breakdown in working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band's management for some time.

Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans.

However I would urge you to please support the Priest as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed.

All my love and respect,

Official K.K. Downing website: http://kkdowning.net/

UK rockers FM issue statement on Japan and charity album in their newsletter

FM Official Newsletter 20: 21 April 2011

Rock For Japan CD

On 11 March 2011 we all saw the scenes of devastation and suffering in Japan after the biggest natural disaster ever to hit those shores. Nobody could fail to be moved and be filled with a desire to help in some way.

AOR Heaven, our European record label, hit on the idea of compiling a benefit CD, all profits from which will be donated to the Red Cross for their work in Japan. Within 24 hours of writing to the artists on their roster over 20 bands and artists had offered to contribute material to the CD - previously unreleased tracks, new mixes of songs, all in all a pretty rare bunch of tracks - enough to fill 2 CDs.

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"We are glad to have been approached by AOR Heaven and more than happy to contribute a song for such a worthy cause. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan." - Pete Jupp

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We have been lucky enough to visit Japan - the country and its people left a lasting impression on us. We were deeply upset and shocked when news broke of the terrible devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent events. When Georg at AOR Heaven asked us to be involved in this CD we sent a track immediately. We know that the great nation of Japan and its people will pull together and overcome this adversity. We as a band hope money raised from this CD goes in some small way to help achieve this goal - FM

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ROCK FOR JAPAN is released via AOR Heaven in Europe on April 29th and in the UK via Cargo Distribution on May 9th..

This CD-only release will be available from all good record stores and may be pre-ordered now at http://www.aorheaven.com/

The full tracklisting -

CD 1:

1. FM - Kissed By An Angel (previously unreleased in Europe)

2. Tommy Heart - And I Know (previously unreleased)

3. Grand Illusion - Yumi's Eyes (previously unreleased, recorded during the 'Brand New World' sessions)

4. Harlan Cage - Sinner's Groove (new recording)

5. Fiona - Love Along The Way (new recording)
6. Dan Reed - I Don't Mind (previously unreleased, recorded during the 'Coming Up For Air' sessions)

7. Tony Harnell - One Way Ride (previously only released on a digital only, self-released EP)

8. Grand Design - Love Will Shine The Way (new recording)

9. Doogie White/Pontus Norgren - Message Of Love (previously unreleased cover of the Journey song of the same name)

10. Hartmann feat. Tobias Sammet - Brothers (Live) (recorded live at the Colossaal, Aschaffenburg, Germany in 2009; this version previously unreleased in Europe)

11. Brian McDonald - In Too Deep (new recording)

12. Shotgun Symphony - The One (new recording)

13. Brett Walker - Good Enough (new recording)

14. Peter Beckett - Too Many Reasons (new recording)

15. Poison Sun - Russian Racketeers (previously unreleased; from the 'Virtual Sin' sessions)

16. Big Nature - One Way Ride (feat. Chandler Mogel from Outloud & Talon on vocals; previously unreleased)

17. Legs Diamond - Missing A Part (previously unreleased; from the sessions for the album 'Diamonds Are Forever')

CD2:

1. Soul Doctor - You're All That I Want (Single Remix) (2011 shortened remix of the song which originally appeared on the album 'Soul Doctor'; this version previously unreleased)

2. Crown Of Thorns - I Won't Wait (previously available on the compilation album 'Crown Jewels'; from the recording sessions of the album 'Crown Of Thorns')

3. Harem Scarem - Easier (previously unreleased song)

4. Robin Beck - The One (previously released on the 2011 album 'The Great Escape')

5. Torben Schmidt - Run Away (previously unreleased on CD)

6. Mark Spiro - Say Your Prayers (previously unreleased)

7. House Of Lords - Spirit Of Love (previously released on the album 'Demons Down')

8. Mitch Malloy - Anything At All (Live) (recorded live at Firefest 2008; previously unreleased on CD)

9. Dogface - Fired (previously unreleased)

10. Kane'd - Rock Against The D.J. (previously unreleased)

11. Royal Hunt - Back To Square (Live) (recorded live in Atlanta, USA in 2009; previously unreleased)

12. M.ill.ion - What I Want (previously unreleased; from the sessions for the album 'Kingsize')

13. Johnny Lima - Nowhere Left To Go (previously unreleased)

14. Tommy Denander - Where Is The Fire (previously unreleased on CD; feat. Mikkey Dee on drums and John Leven on bass)

15. Chris Laney - Coming Home (previously unreleased)

16. Bulletrain - Take Me To The Sun (previously unreleased on CD; from the self-financed EP of the band)

17. Subsignal - Wingless (previously unreleased demo version)

UK AOR act Airrace to open for Night Ranger in London

Classic Rock magazine has learned that UK AOR act Airrace, will be opening for Night Ranger when the US rockers play their one off UK date.

The show takes place Islington O2 Academy on June 23.

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/airrace-open-for-night-ranger/

Official links:

http://www.myspace.com/airraceband

http://www.nightranger.com/

Rock News Update for Thursday 21st April, 2011

JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE THAT K.K. DOWNING HAS FORMALLY RETIRED

(Judas Priest - R.H. just out of shot! - Live in Detroit 2009. Photo by Alun Williams)

IT IS WITH REGRET THAT JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE THAT K.K. DOWNING HAS FORMALLY RETIRED FROM THE BAND AND WILL THEREFORE NOT BE JOINING THEM ON THEIR FORTHCOMING EPITAPH TOUR.

(KK Downing - Live in Detroit 2009 - Photo by Alun Williams)

THE BAND RESPECT HIS DECISION AND NATURALLY ALL WISH HIM WELL.

HAVING THOUGHT LONG AND HARD ABOUT HOW TO PROCEED, ROB, GLENN, IAN AND SCOTT UNANIMOUSLY AGREED THAT THEY SHOULD GO AHEAD WITH THE TOUR AND NOT LET THE FANS DOWN ALL AROUND THE WORLD.

FATE ALSO STEPPED IN AND DELIVERED THE PERFECT REPLACEMENT - 31 YEAR OLD BRITISH GUITAR PLAYER RICHIE FAULKNER - HE HAS BLENDED INTO THE BAND PERFECTLY AND IS A GREAT TALENT WHO IS GOING TO HELP SET THE STAGE ON FIRE!

Editors note: Check out his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/richiefaulkner)

THE EPITAPH TOUR WILL INCLUDE SONGS FROM EVERY PRIEST STUDIO ALBUM AND ALSO TRACKS THEY HAVE NEVER BEFORE PERFORMED ON STAGE PLUS ALL THE OLD FAVOURITES!

WITH A NEW ALBUM DUE TO BE RELEASED NEXT YEAR THE METAL GODS ARE PREPARING TO TOUR THE PLANET ONCE MORE - HEAVY METAL AT ITS BEST COMPLETE WITH LASERS, LIGHTS, BIKES AND HELLFIRE!! IT'S A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT http://www.judaspriest.com/

Michael Schenker Group to support BCC on July UK 2011 tour

April 20, 2011 - It has today been confirmed that the legendary Michael Schenker Group will support Anglo-American rockers Black Country Communion on their forthcoming UK concert tour in July 2011.

In a pairing that unites one of the most well-respected metal guitarists of all time with the hottest rock and roll band for years, BCC / MSG tour dates include - Llandudno Cymru Arena (July 23rd), Leeds o2 Academy (July 26th), Newcastle o2 Academy (July 27th), Glasgow o2 Academy (July 29th) and Manchester Academy (July 30th). National ticket hotline: 0871 230 1101 / Book online: http://www.seetickets.com/

Featuring the talents of Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian, Black Country Communion’s July UK tour will follow the release of their highly anticipated second album “BCC 2” on June 13th. BCC and M.S.G. will both also appear at London’s High Voltage Festival on Sunday July 24th.

Official band sites:

http://www.bccommunion.com/

http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/ 

ROCK LEGENDS FOREIGNER AND THE GRAMMY FOUNDATION® LAUNCH NEW MUSIC PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOLS

BAND TO RELEASE LIVE DVD AND CD THIS SUMMER VIA RAZOR & TIE AND TOUR WITH JOURNEY

(New York, NY) - Foreigner and the GRAMMY Foundation® are pleased to announce a new program that will help provide funds for high school music programs across the country. As part of Foreigner's on-going commitment to music education in high school, the GRAMMY Foundation will join the band in a combined effort to fund individual high school music programs. At each concert on their summer tour with Journey, Foreigner will work with local radio and other media to initiate a contest to find a high school choir to sing "I Want To Know What Love Is" live on stage with Foreigner. Details of the contest will be announced shortly and each winning school will receive a grant of $1,000 from the GRAMMY Foundation. Foreigner is funding the grants out of the proceeds from sales of the band's CD at venues. The tour commences on July 21st in Salt Lake City, UT and will run through the late fall. A non-profit organization established by The Recording Academy® in 1989, the GRAMMY Foundation offers a range of music education programs under its GRAMMY in the Schools® umbrella.

"As far as I'm concerned, music is not only the most powerful form of communication between the peoples of the world, it provides a gateway that opens up a fantastic new dimension of feeling and creativity and anything we can do to provide our younger ones with the tools to express themselves through music is our goal in this partnership," said Foreigner's Mick Jones.

"Although there are vastly greater resources available for young people to make music today than previously, schools are still at the heart of providing basic education in how to play and create music, and do it well," said Kristen Madsen, Sr. Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation. "It is a core reason that we continue to provide critical funds for high school music programs through our GRAMMY Signature Schools program and why this partnership with the iconic band Foreigner is such a natural fit for us."

This summer, Razor & Tie will release a brand new Foreigner package featuring the band's greatest hits, including such classics as "Hot Blooded," "Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," "Juke Box Hero" and "I Want To Know What Love Is," a live DVD filmed in Chicago in March and a very special newly recorded CD. The live DVD performance will be featured in a PBS TV national broadcast in the summer.

Foreigner is currently celebrating almost 35 years of legendary success with total worldwide sales approaching 70 million and countless gold and platinum album awards around the globe. An impressive run of 14 Top 20 hits including worldwide number one hit "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "Head Games," "Urgent," "Waiting For A Girl Like You" and video game staples such as "Hot Blooded" and "Juke Box Hero." Foreigner's tours continue to electrify audiences and establish the group in its rightful place as one of the top touring attractions. Formed in 1976 by English rocker Mick Jones, the current lineup includes: Mick Jones (lead guitar), Kelly Hansen (lead vocals/percussion), Jeff Pilson (bass guitar), Tom Gimbel (guitar/saxophone/flute), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), and Mark Schulman (drums).

For the first time in over 10 years, Foreigner and Journey will hit the road on a national tour and willed be joined by Night Ranger. Tickets are now on sale through online, phone and physical retail outlets, including select Walmart Ticketmaster locations across the country.

Foreigner and Journey Tour dates (more dates to be announced):

July 2011

21 Salt Lake City, UT Rio Tinto Stadium

23 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

24 Phoenix, AZ Desert Sky Pavilion

27 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

28 Minneapolis, MN Excel Energy Center

30 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

31 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

August 2011

2 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center

3 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

5 Columbus, OH Crew Stadium, Ohio State Fair

6 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

9 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre

10 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

12 Mansfield, MA Comcast Center

13 Camden, NJ susquehanna Bank Center

16 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Pavillion

17 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

19 Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach Amphitheater

20 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek

21 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte

24 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

27 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion

30 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair

31 Allentown, PA The Great Allentown Fair

September 2011

10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena

13 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

14 Memphis, TN Fedex Forum

16 Atlanta, GA Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood

17 Tampa, FL Gary Amphitheatre

18 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

21 San Antonio, TX ATT Center

24 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion

25 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

28 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre

30 Albuquerque, NM Hard Rock Casino Presents the Pavilion

October 2011

1 Englewood, CO Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

5 Concord, CA Sleep Train Pavillion

7 Chula Vista, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

11 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl

14 Marysville, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

15 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

19 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena

21 Seattle, WA KeyArena

LINKS:

http://www.foreigneronline.com/

http://www.razorandtie.com/

MINDFLOW ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES WITH UFO

LATEST ALBUM "WITH BARE HANDS" OUT NOW ON NIGHTMARE RECORDS

On the heels of their latest release "With Bare Hands" Brazilian rockers MINDFLOW have lined up North American tour dates with classic rock legends UFO. The first leg of the tour kicks off on May 6th in Poughkeepsie, NY and runs through May 22nd in Akron, OH. A West Coast leg has been scheduled for September with more dates to be confirmed shortly. A list of confirmed dates can be found below:

May 2011

5/6: Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance

5/7: West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx

5/9: Pittsburgh, PA @ The Altar

5/10: New Hope, PA @ Havana

5/11: Baltimore, MD @ Bourbon Street

5/13: New York, NY @ B.B. Kings

5/14: Foxboro (Boston), MA @ The Showcase Live

5/17: Dayton, OH @ McGuffys House of Rock

5/18: Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall

5/20: Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues

5/21: Chicago/St. Charles, IL @ The Arcada Theatre

5/22: Akron, OH @ The Tangier

September 2011
9/15: Santa Rosa, CA @ Last Day Saloon

9/16: Sacramento/Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk

9/17: Santa Clara, CA @ Avalon

9/23: Las Vegas, NV @ Boulder Station Casino

9/24: Los Angeles, CA @The Key Club

If you're expecting cool samba rhythms and sexy Latin sounds just because this band is from Brazil forget it. MINDFLOW is a blistering hardcore band whose music comes at you like a force. For the past six years, the band has systematically set their career on its path through endless touring throughout their home territories in South America, releasing two self-produced powerful albums, developing and utilizing the grass roots street team mentality to promote themselves and their music and now, finally, capturing the attention of the international music industry. Appearances at music festivals in the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia have started to build the band the same sort of loyal following from music fans all over the world, as they already enjoy in South America.

Heavy metal, hard rock, modern rock ...try to put MINDFLOW's music into a category and you either don't know where to stop or you can't find the words. It's all there - the compelling energy of the rhythm section - drums and bass pounding relentless power. And yet, add Rodrigo's guitar style which is as much substance as style - melodic yet ear-crushing, and Danilo's surprisingly sweet vocals where one expects the usual metal screams and screeches and suddenly boundaries disappear and the band becomes more than just another gut-wrenching heavy band. The lyrics and the melodies are as important to the band's overall style as the volume and the rhythm. They write songs about the world, about life - emotional lyrics that reach a listener's mind as well as their ears. Genres blend and yet there is no mistaking what this band is all about. Maybe the secret is not to try to figure it out too much but to just to let your whole nervous system get lost in it. And it will.

Based in Brazil, the band knew that breaking through in other parts of the world and becoming a true international success was going to take time and work. Although offers for record deals and management came their way, the band didn't fall prey to the temptations and fantasies, but chose instead to handle their career themselves until the right deals were given them. The first two albums, 2003's "Just The Two of Us...Me and Them" and 2006's "Mind Over Body", were self-produced and self-promoted, yet, the two albums together sold a very impressive 45,000 without major industry support and backing. The endless work of the band's fans and street teams has made them one of the biggest selling rock bands in Brazil, popular throughout South America, and is starting to create interest everywhere else in the world that counts.

Their new album produced Ben Grosse (Marilyn Manson, Megadeth, Slipknot, Disturbed), entitled "With Bare Hands" combines the best of both these newer albums and showcases the band's progression into a top-notch musical entity. It serves as a testament to the band's ability to keep themselves relevant while refusing to compromise their musical style and taste. On songs like "Break me Out" which opens the album, the vocals lead the song, but the subtle instrumentation and mix showcase the band's ability to use substance and style to put a song over while so many other bands have to depend on sheer volume to accomplish the same thing. On "Breakthrough" and the title track, "With Bare Hands" the band's pop, almost commercial abilities create hook-laden and riff-laden potential radio singles. And yet the band's hard rocking rhythm section never ceases to be the thread that holds all the songs on the album together no matter how different they each may seem on the surface. "Thrust Into This Game" pays homage to the band's hardcore influences taking old school metal instrumental and vocal stylings into the modern day. This track showcases the individual band members' mastery of their respective instruments as the rhythm section pushes it to the brink of exploding while the guitar leads are flashy without being overdone. If there were one word to describe the band's approach to its songwriting and playing it would have to be "tasteful." They don't depend on showy instrumentation because their natural abilities are enough just as they are.

For more info visit:

http://www.letyourmindflow.com/

http://www.myspace.com/letyourmindflow

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK INTO THE BAND’S SEARCH FOR A NEW DRUMMER

New York, NY: A little more than a month after original drummer Mike Portnoy’s sudden departure from DREAM THEATER, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an amazing and productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly with seven of the world’s greatest drummers, learning about them musically, personally and professionally, and assessing the fit of each drummer’s incredible chops with the band’s trademark prog-rock sound.

DREAM THEATER have been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of DT fans around the world. “The departure of our lifelong bandmate and friend was an unexpected and truly heartbreaking blow,” says guitarist John Petrucci. “The fact that as a result of that event we’d be introduced to seven infinitely capable and uniquely talented drummers was heartening.”

DREAM THEATER would like to share with its fans some of the intense process, along with the musical joy, that went into choosing a new drummer. Who is the best fit behind the kit?

Go to Dream Theater’s Facebook page on Thursday, 4/21 at 11 AM to sign up for the mailing list and to receive more details about an exclusive and intimate look at the auditions, and to find out exactly when and how the momentous announcement about the band’s new lineup will be made. Also on Facebook, fans will be able to find out information about the band’s upcoming 2011 World Tour.

Facebook page link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180

HEADCAT featuring Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead signs

with Niji Entertainment Group!

LEMMY (Motörhead), SLIM JIM PHANTOM (The Stray Cats) and DANNY B. HARVEY (Rockats, 13 Cats, Lonesome Spurs), have teamed up in a high-energy, "take no prisoners" combo to remind the world how real rock 'n roll is supposed to f*ckin sound. HeadCat serves up a delicious melting pot with flavors of rockabilly, punk, blues and undeniable rock 'n roll!

The new album ‘Walk The Walk...Talk The Talk’ is due to be released June 21st, 2011 through Niji Entertainment Group, the label owned by Wendy Dio, that her and late husband Ronnie James Dio formed before his untimely passing.

HeadCat prepare to take over the airwaves with their first single 'American Beat'.

'Walk The Walk...Talk The Talk' track listing confirmed as follows:

American Beat

Say Mama

I Ain’t Never

Bad Boy

Shaking All Over

Let It Rock

Something Else

The Eagle Flies On Friday

Trying To Get To You

You Can’t Do That

It’ll Be Me

Crossroads

For more information, visit:

www.facebook.com/nijientertainmentgroup

http://www.theheadcat.com/

http://www.slimjimphantom.com/

http://www.dannybharvey.com/

http://www.imotorhead.com/

 

Warrant further update on tour dates

 

Warrant's brand new album 'ROCKAHOLIC' has now been confirmed for a May 17th North American street date via Frontiers Records. At the helm of 'ROCKAHOLIC' is mega-producer Keith Olsen (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Scorpions) and the album is mixed by Pat Regan (Kiss, Deep Purple, Ted Nugent).

The album finds the band returning to its trademark sound. Please click here to view the ROCKAHOLIC album cover and see below for the full track listing, as well as the band's upcoming North American select tour dates (more to be announced). You can also click below for audio samples of three new Warrant tracks from the forthcoming ROCKAHOLIC.

 

Here's some soundbytes from the album, thanks to those nice people at Frontiers!

 

http://www.frontiers.it/m/uploads/audios/warrant_-_01_-_sex_ain%27t_love.mp3

http://www.frontiers.it/m/uploads/audios/warrant_-_04_-_dusty%27s_revenge.mp3

http://www.frontiers.it/m/uploads/audios/warrant_-_07_-_life%27s_a_song.mp3

Warrant on tour:

May 2011
Sun 05/08/11 The Powerstation Auckland New Zealand

Fri 05/13/11 M3 Festival Columbia MD

Sat 05/21/11 Coushatta Casino & Resort Kinder LA

Thu 05/26/11 Hartman Arena Wichita KS

Mon 05/30/11 Speaking Rock Entertainment Center El Paso TX - Support Poison

June 2011
Fri 06/03/11 Snowdon Grove Amp Southaven Ms - Support Poison

Sat 06/04/11 Verizon Wireless Music Center Birmingham Al - Support Poison

Sat 06/11/11 Antelope Valley Fairgrounds Lancaster CA

Fri 06/17/11 Double JJ Resort Rothbury MI

Sat 06/18/11 Prairie Fest Long Prairie MN

Sat 06/25/11 Rochesterfest Rochester MN

July 2011
Fri 07/08/11 Redwood County Fair Redwood Falls MN

Sat 07/09/11 Whiskey River Perham MN

Thu 07/14/11 The Wolf Den @ Mohegan Sun Uncasville CT

Fri 07/15/11 Rock USA Oshkosh WI

Sat 07/16/11 Bear Tooth Motorcycle Rally Roberts MT

August 2011
Sat 08/06/11 Hideaway Park Winter Park CO

Wed 08/17/11 UP State Fair Escanaba MI

Fri 08/19/11 Northwoods Rock Rally Glen Flora WI

Fri 08/26/11 Western Speedway Victoria BC

Sat 08/27/11 The Richshaw Theatre Vancouver BC

September 2011
Fri 09/02/11 Coliseum Alejandro Morera Soto San Jose Costa Rica

Sat 09/03/11 Figali Convention Center Panama City Panama

Thu 09/08/11 Coliseo de los Deportes Bogota Colombia

Fri 09/09/11 Coliseo de los Deportes Quito Ecuador

Sat 09/10/11 Estadio de las Malviras Argentinas Buenos Aires Argentina

Sat 09/24/11 Silver Legacy Casino Reno NV

October 2011
Sat 10/01/11 Delta Downs Racetrack Vinton LA

Sat 10/22/11 Firefest Festival Nottingham UK

Brief News Update for Wednesday 20th April, 2011

Yep, you guessed it, been swamped again and just trying to keep my head above water in the day job.

Still, live goes on, right?!

Here's a few bit's and bob's for you folks. Cheers, Al

Status Quo gives you 'Quid Pro Quo' in Tesco deal

Status Quo are delighted to announce that their brand new studio album "Quid Pro Quo" will be released exclusively in the UK through Tesco Entertainment on 30th May 2011 and in Europe and the rest of the world through earMUSIC/Edel on 27th May 2011.


The album has 14 brand new tracks plus the 2010 version of "In The Army Now" and is packaged with a second disc the "Official Bootleg - Greatest Hits Live" making this serious value for money. The "Official Bootleg" was recorded in Amsterdam and Melbourne last year and offers 10 classic hits specially re-mixed by Gregg Jackman.

The album will also be available as a limited run of 1000 deluxe box sets comprising a vinyl album in a gatefold sleeve, the 2xCD version featuring special artwork and 2 extra live tracks, a Quo poster, individually numbered "Quo Quid" banknote, a T-shirt and a set of badges (unavailable elsewhere).
The deluxe box sets will retail at £50 and will be available worldwide, with only 500 available exclusively from this site - http://www.statusquo.co.uk/.

The 14 new tracks on "Quid Pro Quo" were produced by Francis Rossi and Mike Paxman, the 2010 version of "In The Army Now" was produced by Pip Williams.

Quid Pro Quo:
1. Two Way Traffic (Rossi/Edwards)
2. Rock 'n' Roll 'n' You (Rossi/Bown)
3. Dust To Gold (Rossi/Bown/Edwards)
4. Let's Rock (Parfitt/Morris)
5. Can't See for Looking (Parfitt/Bown/Edwards)
6. Better Than That (Rossi/Young)
7. Movin' On (Rossi/Young)
8. Leave A Little Light On (Parfitt/Morris)
9. Anyway You Like It (Bown/Crook/Edwards)
10. Frozen Hero (Rossi/Bown)
11. Reality Cheque (Parfitt/Edwards)
12. The Winner (Rossi/Young)
13. It's All About You (Rossi/Young)
14. My Old Ways (Rossi/Young)
15. In The Army Now (2010) (Boland/Boland)

'Official Bootleg' Live Album:
1. Whatever You Want
2. Down Down
3. Don't Drive My Car
4. Hold You Back
5. Pictures Of Matchstick Men
6. Ice In The Sun
7. Beginning Of The End
8. Roll Over Lay Down
9. Caroline
10. Rocking All Over The World
Extra Tracks (Deluxe Edition):
11. Paper Plane
12. Softer Ride

Recorded in Amsterdam and Melbourne 2010.
Re-mixed 2011.

In the UK the album will only be available in-store at Tesco, and online at http://www.tescoentertainment.com/ as a CD or MP3 download.

In Europe/Rest Of World the album will be available at usual online and offline retailers through earMUSIC/Edel - http://www.ear-music.net/

David Coverdale to appear at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards

Whitesnake's frontman, David Coverdale is heading to Los Angeles to play his part as a presenter at the 2011 Revolver Golden Gods Awards ... the #1 extravaganza celebrating the people that make exactly the sort of music you love.

Full of glitz and metal, the event has sold out in advance and promises to be the biggest yet. Sound exciting? The show will air on VH1 Classic on Saturday, May 28. All Black Carpet and backstage footage will be available exclusively on RevolverTV, Revolvers mobile video app (get that one). In the meantime head on over to http://www.revolvermag.com/ to see what else they are cooking!

Official Whitesnake site: http://www.whitesnake.com/

 

GUITARIST ZAKK WYLDE TO APPEAR ON "LOPEZ TONIGHT" WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20TH

(New York, NY) - Fresh off his mind-blowing performance on "American Idol" last week, guitar god Zakk Wylde will appear on the hit late night talk show "Lopez Tonight" as he sits in with the amazing house band, Michael Bearden & The Ese Vatos on Wednesday, April 20th. Expect a killer display of virtuosity from Wylde, as he jams with the band on a variety of material. Wylde will be featured throughout the entire show. "Lopez Tonight" airs on TBS at 12:00AM, EST/PST/11:00PM, Central.

Last week Zakk Wylde rocked the nation with an unexpected appearance on the smash hit television show, "American Idol." Wylde performed with contestant James Durbin for a raucous rendition of Sammy Hagar's "Heavy Metal". Click here to view: 

 In other Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society news, THE SONG REMAINS NOT THE SAME (Entertainment One Music) will now be released on May 10th. The offering features unplugged versions of material from Black Label Society's latest album, ORDER OF THE BLACK, as well as additional material recorded during the ORDER OF THE BLACK sessions. THE SONG REMAINS NOT THE SAME was conceived, created and compiled by Zakk Wylde himself and the title is, of course, a nod to one of Wylde's favorite bands, Led Zeppelin. Black Label Society will soon hit the road to headline Fuse's Uranium Tour 2011 Presented By Mistress Juliya in North America. Please see below for tour dates.

For more information please visit:

http://www.blacklabelsociety.com/

http://www.zakkwylde.com/

Frontiers Records to release 'Rockaholic' by Warrant

8 Million records sold worldwide, 2 top ten Billboard albums, 5 top 40 Billboard hits, 5 #1 MTV videos...the list goes on, and now Warrant return with their highly anticipated new album “Rockaholic”, an album full of rockers and ballads true to the bands roots and sure to send their faithful fans into a head banging frenzy!

Warrant was one of the most popular and successful rock bands to hail out of Hollywood, CA in the late 80's and early 90's. The band was formed in the mid 80's by original members Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon. In 1989, Warrant released their classic debut “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich”, which immediately entered the charts and launched the hit singles “Down Boys” as well as the power ballads “Sometimes She Cries” and “Heaven”, which climbed up to number two in the US charts.

With extensive touring for DRFSR sales exceeded 2 million records in the US. In the summer of 1990 their second album “Cherry Pie”, produced by Beau Hill (Alice Cooper, Winger, Europe and Ratt), was released. The album turned out to be an even bigger success, featuring the Top Ten hits "I Saw Red" and the rock anthem "Cherry Pie”, which received massive airplay on MTV and continues to get millions of plays online to this very day.

With the arrival of grunge in the early 90's Warrant turned to a harder edged sound and released their third album “Dog Eat Dog”. The album also went gold and the band snared a European touring slot playing a number of shows on the "Monsters Of Rock" tour, headlined by Iron Maiden. In the fall of 2008 Warrant original members, Erik Turner, Jerry Dixon, Joey Allen and Steven Sweet welcomed long time band friend and fellow touring mate, singer Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Cry of Love). After two years of writing the band secured the expertise of mega-producer Keith Olsen (Whitesnake, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne). With Olsen producing and Pat Regan (Deep Purple, KISS, Ted Nugent) mixing the album Warrant has delivered a fresh blast of Hard Rock on their brand new album “Rockaholic”.

“Rockaholic” delivers classic Hard Rock with the band's trademark sound. Lead Guitarist Joey Allen stated “This is the best Warrant CD I have ever worked on, everyone is firing on all cylinders...wait until you here Mason tear it up...KILLER!”.

WARRANT:

Jerry Dixon – Bass, vocals

Erik Turner – Rhythm Guitar, vocals

Joey Allen – Lead Guitar, vocals

Robert Mason – Lead Vocals

Steven Sweet – Drums, vocals

Produced by Keith Olsen

Mixed by Pat Regan

Official band site:

http://www.myspace.com/warrantband



Diary Update from UFO's Andy Parker

UFO's original drummer Andy Parker, has just posted a Diary Update - 19th April 2011 - over at his site and also via UFO's own site. Here's the details. 

Hi Everyone,

As most of you know, we will be heading out on the road again in a couple of weeks, but before I go I thought I would give you a quick update on events. First off I would like to thank all of you who sent me birthday wishes, they were much appreciated. A special thanks to Brian from Aberdeen for setting the record straight on my age. No, John W. from MD, I am not quite in my sixties yet! Close, but not quite. It was an excellent birthday, starting out with breakfast in bed, then off to the target range for a couple of hours (one of my new favorite pastimes) and ending up at our local Hibachi restaurant for dinner.

The big deal for me recently was my daughter Lindsay's wedding, which turned out to be absolutely perfect. The ceremony took place at the Justin Winery in Paso Robles California, and for any of you planning a destination wedding, I couldn't recommend a better location. Many thanks to Laura Zolnoski and all the Justin staff for doing such a great job. I must thank Juniper for the beautiful flower arrangements, Jonah for the wonderful music, Gavin the DJ who managed to slip a couple of UFO tunes into the evening's entertainment, Nicolas, who did such a great job on the ceremony, Cherry for the photos, Leah from Luna Bella for the hair and makeup (not mine!), Sasha at Studios on the Park and Trumpet Vine Catering, for the fabulous rehearsal dinner, and last but by no means least, Cori Lassahn the wedding co-ordinator, who worked her magic from start to finish and made the whole event such a pleasure for all of us. Also, a special mention to Jody from Dillards in Ft. Worth whose expertise in the Men's Department had me looking and feeling like a million bucks. This proud dad thanks you all for your hard work!

Anyway, you can probably tell that I've been totally preoccupied with all things wedding for the last few months, but now I am really looking forward to getting out there and rocking again! We will be starting on the East coast on the 5th of May, along with Mr. Barry Sparks on bass so please do come out and see us, and as always I promise that you won't be disappointed.

Meanwhile I will leave you with some pics of the wedding:

http://www.mr-parker-rocks.com/news.htm

 Hope to see you all very soon. Cheers!

Andy

Source: http://www.mr-parker-rocks.com/

Official UFO website: http://www.ufo-music.info/

PAUL RODGERS ON NEW PAUL McCARTNEY TRIBUTE ALBUM

KISS, Paul Rodgers and more on new Paul McCartney tribute album

It's fair to say Paul McCartney has had a few tributes in his time, and there's news that another one is on the way.

The Sun reports McCartney is making a new album featuring covers of his own solo material and Wings tracks.

McCartney hand-picked the artists himself, including KISS, The Cure, B.B. King, Paul Rodgers, Billy Joel and Garth Brooks.

It's partly a family affair, as Paul's son, James, will be on the record doing a song with The Cure.

"James was over the moon at playing with The Cure," a source told The Sun. "He's always been a big fan. They all went into a studio in Sussex and hung out together."

Sir Paul is thrilled about it. "Over the years, Robert Smith and Macca's paths have crossed countless times and he is chuffed having The Cure pay tribute to him," stated the source.

A full song/artist list has not been announced, but we know KISS have already recorded their version of "Venus And Mars/Rock Show" for the set, as KISS told fans via Facebook last August:

"After being invited, we chose and sang Venus and Mars/Rockshow for the McCartney tribute album. Other performers include Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, BB King and Paul Rodgers. The backing tracks were all recorded by Paul McCartney's touring band. We consider it an honor to be asked to participate on a tribute to one of the most influential and greatest singer/songwriters of all time. Not to mention, a major force in the most important band of all time, The Beatles. Wow!"

No release date has been announced…stay tuned.

Source: hennemusic via http://www.paulrodgers.com/

Jeff Healey Band – Get Me Some album review

Jeff Healey Band – Get Me Some album review

Released on: Eagle Records. Release Date: (USA) March 2011

This is a review that kind of saddens me to write and not because there’s anything wrong with the album, no the only thing wrong with the release is that this album was originally made available to the masses back in 2000! Yes, 'Get Me Some' is only now – sadly – three years after the passing of this extremely talented guitarist / singer / songwriter, being finally made available officially in the USA. That in itself is criminal as it is an excellent body of work and to be honest, I could leave the review right there and just add, buy, buy, buy!

Since the 80’s Jeff Healey and his band have released some excellent work – IMHO – and many of you that read / check out this site, are very aware that I’m not the biggest blues fan, but Jeff Healey had something unique about his work, that was certainly special and more appealing – Sorry blues fans! – than your regular blues men.

A lot of people will perhaps best remember Jeff for his role in the ‘Roadhouse’ movie, where his band were the house band in a Blues Brothers like scenario of playing onstage behind chicken wire, in a bar that - the also late – actor Patrick Swayze played the lead role in.

A great movie, check it out if you get the chance, even if just to take in Jeff’s playing.

The thing is, Jeff Healey was also accepted by many rock fans certainly for his great releases in ‘See The Light,’ ‘Hell To Pay’ and ‘Cover to Cover,’ not to mention ‘Feel This’ too, even if it took a few different twists and turns. That’s not all though, check out the rest of the guys’ back catalogue, as there’s plenty more where they all came from.

Opening with the classy groove of ‘Which One’ that starts fairly steady but really kicks in great in the chorus. Nice opener.

I really don’t need to add anything about the mans playing as it more than speaks for itself throughout.

Next up ‘Hey, Hey (Get Me Some)’ starts easy before building up to a nice mid-paced steady blues rock catchy number.

The beautiful ‘Love Is The Answer’ is next, a great emotionally written again, catchy laid back number.

Something about Jeff Healey albums is that they come across with a wonderfully balanced sound, not overly polished, but just a perfect mix to suit the music. ‘Love Is The Answer’ has such a killer solo, there, I said it!

Seriously the whole album just oozes class and again, I can’t help but say again, why was this not released in the US originally in 2000?!

‘My Life Story’ is a great pop rock song, that could’ve been a huge hit with the right backing. It’s the kind of track that I could even hear Jon Bon Jovi trying to cover, it’s really that catchy and so smooth.

It’s such a good album that I could easily play every day if I didn’t have so much other material to have to get through.

If you want a big power ballad to move you, you’d seriously be hard pushed to beat ‘I Tried.’

This song moves me so much it’s really hard to listen to without thinking, why did we have to lose this talented guy? It really chokes me up. I kid you not.

‘The Damage Is Done’ is a good steady blues based pop rocker is again is just classy. Great harmonising vocal here as elsewhere, but again it’s all just great stuff. The solo soars nicely.

OK, the real blues fans who have listened to the album so far, but feel it’s missing that true blues number, Jeff gives us ‘Feel Better.’ A good blues rock number, with an almost (Led) Zeppelin type feel.

‘Holding On’ almost reminded me of the Doobie Brother's ‘Long Train Running’ at the start, but then it goes it’s own way and it’s a nice smooth mid paced number and yes, Jeff rips it up nicely here, no surprise there, then it eases back a little and then picks up again. Good stuff!

It’s funny when you listen to the lyrics, there’s plenty of emotion that runs throughout the album, which of course is how blues is meant to be, but then by the same token it’s put across, in a kind of feel good way. It’s funny but at times, it’s in the same way as the band Del Amitri often came across.

Very good stuff indeed, very underrated too.

The acoustic, kind of country driven number ‘Macon Georgia Blue’ is just enough to once again convey how endless the guys’ talent was. Absolutely tragic that he’s gone. Nicely done tune.

How about a little funk into the mix then? ‘House Is Burning Down’ does just does that and it’s a clever groove, keeping the blues rock intermingled with some funky licks too. Sweet!

The ballad ‘Runaway Heart’ crosses the country / blues ballad style perfectly and initially it actually reminds me a little of the Mr Big massive hit, ‘To Be With You,’ no bad thing, but it far from being a copy, the song does have it’s own identity.

‘Rachel’s Song’ closes the album and is done so in a nice, slick laid back style.

It’s an album that covers a few directions, while staying true to the man’s blues background.

He did it so perfectly though and while perhaps people think I’m rating this so high on a sympathy vote, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth here is, the Jeff Healey Band has simply produced a class album that wasn’t his last, but may sadly be the last studio release made available. It’s a great album, what else can I tell you. Thanks for the music Jeff, we’ll not forget you.

Rating: 5 out of 5 – For a classy album.

Official Website - And yes, it is still going, with some great people behind it, still supporting the guys' work and more: http://www.jeffhealey.com/

Final Editor's - Additional - note:

I know you're all thinking, wow! How can this be rated so high by Al for not being a hard rock / AOR release?!

Well, it's just a great album that has grown and grown more and more with each play.

I remember hearing it years ago and thinking it was pretty good, but somehow, my copy vanished and memories of the album kind of slipped my mind, but on receiving it again, for review after so long, it's all come back to me, how good this really is.