Thursday, May 26, 2011

Brief News Update for Thursday 26th May, 2011

Frontiers to release Yes - Fly From Here CD and DVD set


Grammy Award winners YES, one of the most influential and ground-breaking progressive rock ‘n’ roll bands ever, are back with their first all original new album in 10 years. As a dominant force for more than four decades, YES has sold more than 33 million albums worldwide. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical style has made each of the group’s players virtuosos in their own right.

"Fly From Here" encompasses YES’ signature brand of mysticism and grand-scale compositions. Maintaining a complex, symphonic sound that features the beautiful harmonies and strong heavy riffs they are known for.

"Fly From Here" sees YES teaming up again with legendary, 2-time Grammy Award winning producer, Trevor Horn (Buggles, Tina Turner, Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney, Simple Minds etc). Horn also collaborated with the songwriting and brought in the sessions his former Buggles and Yes partner Geoff Downes (of Asia) on keyboards, thus recreating the creative environment of the “Drama” album. The legendary designed Roger Dean painted once again the cover art.

YES’ powerful compositions influenced a generation of musicians with a hugely successful and indelible catalogue of music with hit albums such as DRAMA, FRAGILE, CLOSE TO THE EDGE and 90125. Classics such as “Roundabout,” a seminal hit which consistently appears on “the best songs of all-time” lists, and the group’s #1 hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” which Horn is responsible for. Taken from the YES album 90125, this single would form part of a unique double, which would see YES and Horn top both the UK and US charts simultaneously.

Tracklisting:
1.Overture
2.We Can Fly
3.Sad Night At The Airfield
4.Madman At The Screens
5.Bumpy Ride
6.We Can Fly (Reprise)
7.The Man You Always Wanted Me To Be
8.Life On A Film Set
9.Hour Of Need
10.Solitaire
11.Into The Storm

DVD:
Includes 25 mins. Documentary “Making of” the album – “We Can Fly” videoclip.
YES:
Benoit David: vocals
Steve Howe: guitar
Chris Squire: bass
Alan White: drums
Geoff Downes: keyboards

Produced by Trevor Horn
Euro Release date: July 1st, 2011
USA Release date: July 12th, 2011

The band have this to say through their website:

Hey everyone!

We know it's been a long time coming but its finally here. We're looking forward to sharing our new music with you and to seeing you on the road.

Fly From Here will be available in Japan on June 22, in the EU on July 1, and in the US on July 12.
Thanks for all your support.
~Chris, Steve, Alan, Geoff & Benoit

Official weblinks:

Aerosmith Returns to the Stage This Fall

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Legends Bring Their Unforgettable Live Show To Latin America.
America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band, Aerosmith, will bring their one of a kind live show to Latin America this fall. The tour kicks off October 22nd in Lima, Peru. Presale tickets will go on sale May 24th and 25th for the fan club. General tickets will go on sale May 26th. The band first played in Latin America in 1977 and last year’s electrifying tour through South America left fans begging for more.

Frontman Steven Tyler says of the upcoming tour, “I'm looking forward to sweating up a storm with the crazy Latin American fans."

"The band is so excited to play for our Latin American fans. We didn’t think we would be back so soon. Every gig we play there is always a special one,” says guitarist Joe Perry of their return.

"We had a fantastic time when we toured South America in 2010 and are looking forward to seeing our amazing and passionate fans across Latin America when we return later this year," adds bassist Tom Hamilton.

Rock icons for over 30 years, Aerosmith’s music spans generations while its members remain as dynamic and innovative as they were when the band first began. As four time Grammy winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (2001), recipients of 12 MTV Music Video Awards, and countless other awards, Aerosmith shows no sign of slowing down performing memorable sold out shows around the world for decades as well as selling over 150 million albums. Blazing past the trends and fads of rock and roll, the band has created their own unique place in rock history as one of the most powerful forces in popular music.
Website: http://www.aerosmith.com/


JUDAS PRIEST ROCKED 'AMERICAN IDOL' WEDNESDAY NIGHT!


May 25th, 2011 - No, your eyes did not deceive you – the one and only Judas Priest just debuted their new guitarist, Richie Faulkner, tonight on 'American Idol'! Ripping through a medley that included kick ass renditions of two 'British Steel' classics ("Living After Midnight" and "Breakin' the Law") with major Priest fan – and this season 'American Idol' hopeful – James Durbin joining in on vocals.

This is the second time that Durbin has professed his admiration for Priest on the show, as he wowed judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler a while back with a rendition of "You've Got Another Thing Comin'." Although Durbin was recently voted off the show, he undoubtedly has a bright rocking future ahead, as evidenced by his multi-octave vocal range.

Judas Priest recently announced plans to launch their farewell Epitaph Tour, which will take them around the world, including a just-announced U.S. tour of arenas from October through December, which will also feature opening acts Black Label Society and Thin Lizzy.

Speaking on Wednesday to the Rolling Stone website, Priest singer Rob Halford had the following to say about what fans can expect on the group's forthcoming trek. "We're pulling out all the stops. We've built a brand new stage set, we've got all the effects that people love us for – the lasers, the fire, the bombs, the smoke, new costumes, and the bike. It's just a full-on metal extravaganza."

Few heavy metal bands have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest has during their nearly 40 year career. Responsible for not only issuing some of metal's all-time classic albums ('British Steel,' 'Screaming for Vengeance,' and 'Painkiller') and anthems (the aforementioned "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight," and "You've Got Another Thing Coming"), the group has been one of the leading arena rock acts for decades, and single-handedly introduced the "leather look" to heavy metal.

And now Judas Priest are set to blast their way round the world one final time.
Confirmed Judas Priest U.S. Tour Dates (more dates to be announced shortly):

October:
12 – San Antonio, TX: AT&T Center
14 – Corpus Christi, TX: Concrete Street Amphitheater
15 – Houston, TX: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
16 – Dallas, TX: Allen Event Center
18 – Tucson, AZ: Ava Amphitheater
19 – San Diego, CA: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
21 – Phoenix, AZ: AZ State Fair
22 – San Bernardino, CA: San Manuel Amphitheater
23 – Las Vegas, NV: Hard Rock
25 – Los Angeles, CA: Gibson Amphitheatre
26 – Oakland, CA: Oracle Arena
29 – Seattle, WA: WaMu Theater
30 – Vancouver, BC: Rogers Arena

November:
1 – Edmonton, AB: Shaw Conference Center
2 – Calgary, AB: Scotiabank Saddledome
4 – Salt Lake City, UT: Maverik Center
5 – Denver, CO: 1STBANK Center
12 – Chicago, IL: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
13 – Detroit, MI: Joe Louis Arena
18 – East Rutherford, NJ: Izod Center

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


Status Quo UK Winter Tour 2011




UK institution, Status Quo will set out as usual for their December UK tour with special Guests for all dates being The Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band and Kim Wilde.
Buy tickets for this tour now from the
Status Quo Ticket Store at http://www.statusquo.co.uk/

Dates confirmed are:

Sat Dec 3rd Birmingham LG (NEC) Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.lgarena.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 33 88 000


Sun Dec 4th Sheffield Motorpoint Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.motorpointarena.co.uk
Box Office: 0114 256 5656


Tue Dec 6th Liverpool Echo Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.echoarena.com
Box Office: 0844 8000 400


Wed Dec 7th Nottingham Capital FM Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.nottingham-arena.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 412 4624


Fri Dec 9th Brighton Centre www.livenation.co.uk
www.brightoncentre.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 847 1515


Sat 10th Cardiff Motorpoint Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.purecardiff.com
Box Office: 02920 22 4488


Sun 11th London O2 Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.theo2.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 856 0202


Tue 13th Bournemouth BIC www.livenation.co.uk
www.bic.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 576 3000


Wed 14th Plymouth Pavilions www.livenation.co.uk
www.plymouthpavilions.com
Box Office: 0845 146 1460


Fri 16th Newcastle Metro Radio Arena www.livenation.co.uk
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
Box Office: 0845 493 6666

Sat 17th Glasgow SECC www.livenation.co.uk
www.secc.co.uk
Box Office: 0844 395 4000

Official site: http://www.statusquo.co.uk/

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Joe Bonamassa – Dust Bowl album review

Joe Bonamassa – Dust Bowl album review
Released on J&R Adventures. Release date: Available now


 
As many will know, I’m not a huge blues fan, unless it’s really blues that rocks and Joe Bonamassa along with a number of other players ala Jeff Healey (RIP), Gary Moore (RIP), Kenny Wayne-Shepherd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Aynsley Lister, Walter Trout, etc, to name just a few all possess the ability to do just that.

Joe Bonamassa though is possibly one of my own personal favorites in that category and vocally he often reminds me of Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) and it’s clear he’s been influenced by Rodgers, as he includes his own interpretation of Free’s 'Heartbreaker' on this latest album here, ‘Dust Bowl.’
It’s an album where, as on his last album ‘Black Rock,’ he has producer Kevin Shirley (Black Country Communion, Journey, Iron Maiden) onboard once again, who does a fine job.

Opening with the grooving ‘Slow Train’ Joe sounds smooth and very slick, which while it’s slow to mid paced, it still has that rocking vibe. Love the build up for the intro.

Title track ‘Dust Bowl’ itself starts with perhaps an almost Pink Floyd type of feel here with the vibrato sound Joe uses.
Again, much like the opener it’s generally in a slower vein and almost eerie in places, but yes, still very much grooving.

Joe has once more pulled in some name guests to join his performance on this album and next track ‘Tennessee Plates,’ is a fun run with John Hiatt and Vince Gill both onboard and it’s an upbeat jingly jangly sounding run through, of course with that southern country rocking feel. Great stuff, especially the final line of the last verse, ‘… making Tennessee Plates!’

Dark and moody, true rocking blues next for ‘The Meaning of the Blues,’ which shift gears throughout and what an excellent solo from the man and the overall atmospheric sound captured here and throughout the album is wonderful.

Time for a little Bouzouki from Joe for the intro of ‘Black Lung Heartache,’ that then almost gets into a meaty rocking blues Led Zeppelin type backing riff, but some seriously nice slide guitar work too.

‘You’d Better Watch Yourself,’ is a more up tempo rocking blues number, that’s just speaks for itself, to keep things balanced.

On ‘The Last Matador of Bayonne,’ it’s an epic like huge slower blues piece where Joe plays a beautiful soulful and yet ripping solo, which some haunting trumpet in the background. Brilliant!

Joe’s Black Country Communion band mate Glenn Hughes joins him to share lead vocal duties on Free’s ‘Heartbreaker’ next and Joe duly keeps the legend of Paul Kossoff’s playing alive with some serious nice guitar work. Wow!

Sirens introduces and closes the dark heavy groove of the Michael Kamen / Tim Curry written ‘No Love on the Street’ which also features Beth Hart sharing some vocals too as it drifts up and down and yes of course, not without yet more stunning solo work from Joe.
This guy deserves to be so much more popular than he’s ever given credit for.

‘The Whale That Swallowed Jonah,’ next picks up the pace some with an almost twelve bar backing riff and it rocks well with some backing, driving piano, some Mandolin too and you cannot help but tap your feet along with this one, it’s class!

A little honky tonk style piano and shuffle alongside Vince Gill next on ‘Sweet Rowena,’ drives this one on. Well done guys.

The song ‘Prisoner’ originally from the movie, ‘The Eyes of Laura Mars,’ sung previously by Barbara Streisand closes the album in a soulful manner from Joe and here it grows through his playing into a massive epic number.

A great album indeed, which once more shows that Joe Bonamassa certainly demands so much respect and it’s clear to me that so many of the artists that have inspired him, recognize just that, as they frequently play with the guy.

‘Dust Bowl’ is a must buy album for blues and guitar lovers everywhere, thanks for the music Joe, looking forward to the next one … Oh, now where that’s new BCC album got to …? Here it is!
Time to get listening to more of the man’s playing!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Official website: http://jbonamassa.com/


Rock News Update for Wednesday 25th May, 2011

Hello folks, yes I'm back! That week away just flew by, but there you go, that's what happens when you're on holiday or vacation right?!
Great to see family in the UK, catch up on the phone with a few old friends over there I've not spoken to in awhile (Thanks Ian, it's been years mate!), good to catch up with my old mate Steve Newman, who's currently getting loads of praise for his latest project alongside vocalist Mark Thompson-Smith in Big Life - Album review here soon. - and Steve shared with me some of the new Newman stuff not due for release until late summer, so in it's early stages and the one or two tracks I heard ... Wow!
Fans of classic Newman material will fully be able to relate to this stuff and the sound is BIG, his influences of Journey / Toto, very much present and seriously, one track I heard, he's almost outdoing Arnel vocally!
Good luck with it Steve!

Other than that, very disappointed on our first ever trip with US Airways, anything that could go wrong did and that will be the first and last time we travel with them and they will be hearing from me ...

So, loads of new stuff was waiting for me when I got back and I'm already behind on what I have, so hopefully later today I can upload a couple of new reviews for you all and some stuff I've had a while, that really is long overdue posting here.
So, to the updates that I've received in the week I've been away, I hope some of it is new to you and one last thing, my well wishes go out to my old mate Andrew McNiece of www.melodicrock.com ... The poor guy is back in hospital again, after having a rough year or so on many front including major back problems.
This time it's some cut he got, that got infected and into his blood stream and has made the guy a pretty sick duck or should that be Wombat mate?!! Get well soon Andrew, our best to you mate.
So, on to the updates! Cheers, Al


JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES



After storming the world for nearly 40 years and taking their very special brand of heavy metal to all four corners of the planet, JUDAS PRIEST - one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, have announced this will be their final world tour!!

However, the mighty PRIEST will certainly be going out strong as they rock the planet starting in 2011 on the massive EPITAPH tour - hitting all the major cities throughout the world they will be playing the songs that helped make the name JUDAS PRIEST synonymous with heavy metal!

The tour will feature new guitarist Richie Faulkner. The 31 year old British guitar player has blended into the band perfectly, due to his amazing six-string talents. Richie joins Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill and Scott Travis in the line-up. Together, JUDAS PRIEST will hit the road for the EPITAPH Tour.

With all guns blazing and amps cranked to eleven, the band will be giving all their fans one last chance to witness the ultimate metal experience that is JUDAS PRIEST!

JUDAS PRIEST will be starting their North American tour on Wednesday, October 12th in San Antonio.

A confirmed itinerary of performances for the first leg of tour can be found below.

October 2011:
12 – San Antonio, TX: AT&T Center
14 – Corpus Christi, TX: Concrete Street Amphitheater
15 – Houston, TX: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
16 – Dallas, TX: Allen Event Center
18 – Tucson, AZ: Ava Amphitheater
19 – San Diego, CA: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
21 – Phoenix, AZ: AZ State Fair
22 – San Bernardino, CA: San Manuel Amphitheater
23 – Las Vegas, NV: Hard Rock
25 – Los Angeles, CA: Gibson Amphitheatre
26 – Oakland, CA: Oracle Arena
29 – Seattle, WA: WaMu Theater
30 – Vancouver, BC: Rogers Arena

November 2011:
1 – Edmonton, AB: Shaw Conference Center
2 – Calgary, AB: Scotiabank Saddledome
4 – Salt Lake City, UT: Maverik Center
5 – Denver, CO: 1STBANK Center
12 – Chicago, IL: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
13 – Detroit, MI: Joe Louis Arena
18 – East Rutherford, NJ: Izod Center

Stay tuned as we announce more dates - information will be forthcoming soon - so start getting prepared to rock one final time with the incomparable JUDAS PRIEST!!

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


ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER KISS KRUISE!


SHIP WILL SET SAIL OCTOBER 13-17, 2011

So here we go, Kiss getting into the rock cruise game that seems to be the latest thing for rock fans everywhere. Here's press release / newsletter details.

Hello KISS ARMY!

We know you have been waiting patiently for the big news...and here it is!

The KISS Kruise: Wet, Wild, & Rockin’
Sailing on the Carnival Destiny
October 13 – 17, 2011
from Miami to Half Moon Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

ARE YOU READY to INVADE the seas on the first ever KISS Kruise? KISS is partnering with cruise industry leaders, Sixthman for this sea-bound adventure.

On this outrageous ship, you’ll get to party with fist pounding hard rock all night, and live like a rock star all day. You’ll see a legendary show with KISS in an intimate indoor venue and an acoustic "Sail Away Concert" (no make-up!!) to keep the party going as the ship leaves port. It doesn’t stop there; we’ll have krazy on board activities, KISS-themed nights, badass costume contests and more!

KISS ARMY Fan Club members will be able to book first during the pre-sale, so if you've let your KISS Army Fan Club membership expire or you're thinking about joining for the first time, make sure to sign up by May 22nd!

The sooner you book, the better selection of cabins and seating for your main lounge show!
So, don’t wait - sign up now for the presale here: www.sixthman.net/KISS and make sure to become and ARMY member before May 22nd!

Here’s how it works:

STEP 1: Visit www.sixthman.net/KISS to register! Pre-sale sign ups end at 11:59PM EST on May 30th , 2011. (IF YOU JOIN THE FAN CLUB, SIGN UP FOR THE PRE-SALE BY MAY 22nd TO BE A PART OF THE KISS ARMY FAN CLUB PRE-SALE).

STEP 2: All those who are not Fan Club members will receive more detailed information by email from Sixthman on or around May 31st . The email will have your Earliest Booking Time - a randomly assigned date and time starting June 2nd.

STEP 3: On or after your Earliest Booking Time, visit http://www.thekisskruise.com/ and click Book Now to reserve your cabin!

STEP 4: Start planning for the best vacation of your life!

The public on-sale date is June 7, 2011, at which time anyone who didn't join the pre-sale may book.

For more information on our ship, itinerary, and overall event, please visit The KISS Kruise: Wet, Wild, & Rockin’ website http://www.thekisskruise.com/ when it launches on May 18, 2011.

If you have further questions before the website is launched, please contact Sixthman by email at KISSKRUISE@sixthman.net, or through Sixthman’s Live Chat feature (http://www.sixthman.net/util/chat) or by phone at 877-379-9183 (open M-F, 10am-6pm EST).
And if that's not enough info for ya, head over to the KISS Kruise Info Page at www.kissonline.com/kruise for all the details.

This is only for supreme KISS fans. Are you ready to rock & roll all night and party every day?
See you onboard!


NIGHT RANGER’S “SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA” CONFIRMED FOR RELEASE VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS - ALBUM CELEBRATES BAND’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED; SUMMER TOUR SUPPORTING JOURNEY AND FOREIGNER WITH DATES IN EUROPE AND US



Night Ranger’s brand new album SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA has just been confirmed for release on June 17th in Europe and June 21st in North America on Frontiers Records. The offering is the culmination of the band’s work to date and celebrates the 30th anniversary of Night Ranger. SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA finds Night Ranger returning to their classic sound with updated production. Frontman/bassist Jack Blades commented, “Night Ranger is back with a vengeance! We are so proud of our new album… classic NR in every sense...can’t wait to see all the fans on tour this summer. Rock n’ roll!”

(Night Ranger - Photo by Ross Pelton)

The first single, “Growin’ Up In California,” will soon impact at radio. The sun-drenched new video has just been released and can be viewed here. An EPK for the album can be viewed here:


(Jack Blades and Brad Gillis photo by Jonathan Cain)

Please see below for a complete track listing for SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA. Night Ranger will hit the road this summer on a massive tour in Europe and USA as special guests supporting Journey and Foreigner. Please see below for confirmed tour dates.

(Joel Hoekstra, Kelly Keagy, Jack Blades, Brad Gillis - Photo by Jonathan Cain)

Night Ranger’s legendary hits "Sister Christian," "(You Can Still) Rock in America," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception thirty years ago. Night Ranger’s contributions are featured in multiple entertainment realms, including the hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". The band has also been recognized in such significant films and television shows as Boogie Nights, Secret of My Success and “American Dad” to name a few. To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.
Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass & lead vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums & lead vocals), Brad Gillis (guitar & backing vocals), Joel Hoekstra (guitar & backing vocals) and Eric Levy (keyboards).


(Night Ranger - Photo by Ross Pelton)



Night Ranger SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA track listing:
Growin’ Up In California
Lay It On Me
Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)
Follow Your Heart
Time Of Our Lives
No Time To Lose Ya
Live For Today
It’s Not Over
End Of The Day
Rock N’ Roll Tonite
Say It With Love
Coming of Age (featuring Ted Nugent) – Bonus track for AmazonMP3
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – Bonus track for iTunes

Night Ranger on tour supporting Journey and Foreigner:

JUNE
17 Hannover, GER Parkbuehne
18 Esslingen (Stuttgart), GER Richard-Hirschmann Eisstadion
19 Winterthur,SWI Eishalle Deutweg
21 Milan, ITL Fiera Arena
22 Augsburg (Nuremburg, GER) Schwabenhalle
23 London, UK o2 Academy Islington (headlining show)
25 St. Goarshausen, GER Loreley Freilchtbuhne

JULY
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
30 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
31 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

AUGUST
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
10 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
13 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
16 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre
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
2 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
16 Atlanta, GA Aaron’s Ampitheatre At Lakewood
17 Tampa, FL 1-800-Ask Gary Amphitheatre
18 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
24 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
25 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
28 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre

OCTOBER
1 Englewood, CO Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
7 Chula Vista, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
14 Wheatland, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
15 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
19 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
21 Seattle, WA KeyArena


For more information please visit:



PROLIFIC BRITISH MUSICIAN JOHN WETTON TO RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUM IN JULY VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS; “RAISED IN CAPTIVITY” FEATURES GUEST SPOTS BY IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF MUSICAL PARTNERS


Frontiers Records is proud to announce the release of the sixth solo album by esteemed British singer/songwriter John Wetton; RAISED IN CAPTIVITY is due out on July 1st in Europe and the 12th in North America. The album was recorded in Los Angeles during a brief break between touring commitments and is produced and mixed by multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood (Yes, World Trade, Yoso). The new offering finds Wetton teaming up with current and former musical partners, including some of the biggest names from the British music scene over the past four decades: Genesis’ Steve Hackett, King Crimson’s Robert Fripp, Deep Purple’s Steve Morse and many more.
Please see below for a full track listing.

“Raised In Captivity” celebrates yet another milestone in an extraordinary life, a stunning collection of songs reinforcing a career of over 40 years during which John Wetton has created a legacy as one of the greatest singers, musicians and songwriters ever. Respected worldwide by fans and musical peers alike, Wetton’s career included a significant period of time in the early eighties when he was the biggest selling singer in the world. Once again characterised by the emotional impact of the material, a necessary component in all Wetton’s creativity, “Raised In Captivity” continues an unrivalled career which has brought inspiration to millions worldwide.

Of the new album and choice of producer, Wetton commented, “The decision to record in Los Angeles with Billy Sherwood was entirely mine. I wanted the chaotic urban inspiration, edge and energy to juxtapose the natural beauty that California provides. I also knew that Billy Sherwood would provide the musical and technical ability to record quickly, with ultra high energy and superb production quality.” The material was written in a variety of ways, such as “Goodbye Elsinore” was written on the Denmark-Sweden sea ferry en route to a Vilde Frang concert and “The Devil and the Opera House” is co-written with King Crimson collaborator Richard Palmer-James. The album’s finale is “Mighty Rivers”, featuring the enigmatic Dutch soprano Anneke Van Giersbergen and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

John Wetton has been a member of several prominent British bands. After two albums with Family he joined King Crimson from 1972 to 1974, before working with Roxy Music and Uriah Heep. In 1977, with former Crimson band mate and drummer Bill Bruford, he co-founded U.K., which also featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth and keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson. After U.K.’s demise, Wetton turned his attentions to a solo career.

In 1982, Wetton became part of the supergroup Asia, together with Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes. This “fab four” of progressive pop would rule radio and record sales, with their debut album becoming the biggest selling album of the year and yielding the worldwide hit “Heat of the Moment.” Wetton remained prolific with more solo studio albums and several collaborative efforts over the years.

In 2002 at a John Wetton fan convention held in Allentown, PA, he started working with Geoff Downes again. This collaboration ultimately resulted a series of iCon studio and live albums and the in the highly-anticipated reunion of Asia’s original lineup, bringing about two successful new studio albums: PHOENIX in 2008 and OMEGA in 2010.

John Wetton RAISED IN CAPTIVITY track listing:
1. Lost For Words (featuring Steve Morse)
2. Raised In Captivity (featuring Robert Fripp)
3. Goodbye Elsinore (featuring Steve Hackett)
4. The Last Night Of My Life (featuring Alex Machacek)
5. We Stay Together (bonus track)
6. The Human Condition (featuring Tony Kaye)
7. Steffi’s Ring (featuring Geoff Downes)
8. The Devil And The Opera House (featuring Eddie Jobson)
9. New Star Rising (featuring Mick Box)
10. Don’t Misunderstand Me (featuring Tony Kaye)
11. Mighty Rivers (featuring Anneke Van Giersbergen)

“Lost For Words” can be streamed in full on the Frontiers Records web radio www.frontiers.it/webradio
Other album sample tracks can be heard here:

For more information please visit:



BRITISH MELODIC ROCK AT IT'S FINEST
– AIRRACE –
RETURN WITH 'BACK TO THE START'


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of AIRRACE comeback album entitled 'Back to the Start' on July 1st in Europe and August 23rd in North America.

Mostly known in the Hard Rock circles for being the band that saw the musical debut from John Bonham’s son Jason on the band’s debut album for Atco 'Shaft of Light,' AIRRACE was instead brainchild of former More guitarist Laurie Mansworth.

'Shaft of Light,' produced by Beau Hill (Ratt, Winger, Fiona etc) received rave reviews when released in October 1984, showing a combination of breezy melodies and snappy choruses which moved journalist Derek Oliver to pronounce in the pages of Kerrang! that anyone who didn’t like Airrace “ought to be shot”.

Although the band got to play support slots with Queen, AC/DC and Meat Loaf, Airrace crash-landed in the summer of 1985.

It took a 25th anniversary re-issue of 'Shaft of Light' to reunite the band in 2009. To celebrate the record’s expanded re-release, the original members Mansworth, Bonham with singer Keith Murrell and keyboardist Toby Sadler recruited two new members – second guitarist Dean Howard (formerly of T’Pau) and bassist Dave Boyce (ex-Samson, among others) – to hit the road, playing gigs with Thunder, Tesla, Winger and more, in addition to headlining their own shows. When Jason Bonham departed, the occupation of his drum stool by The Outfield’s Simon Dawson brought them vital stability.

It was the overwhelmingly positive reaction to an appearance at annual melodic rock all-dayer the Firefest in October 2009 that convinced Airrace to take things more seriously. Describing what the wild scenes of that day, Fireworks magazine proposed the distinct possibility that Airrace were “the best opening band we’ve ever had at a Firefest”.

With Toby Sadler, who resides in Germany, unable to commit to playing more regularly, Airrace hired a new keyboard player called Chris Williams, re-recruiting original bass player Jim Reid as a successor to Dave Boyce.

The above grouping can be heard on 'Back to the Start,' the long-awaited second album from Airrace. Produced by Mansworth, it’s a notch heavier than 'Shaft Of Light' yet continues to offer all of the group’s trademarks, including über-memorable hooks and the exquisite singing of Keith Murrell, recently named at #20 in Classic Rock Presents AOR magazine’s list of the Top 40 AOR Vocalists Of All Time. Guitarist Laurie Mansworth said "We had a great time making this record, and we are very happy with the results. I feel this album captures the Airrace sound and is closer to how we sound live than the first album. We are also very excited about working with our new label Frontiers who have been very supportive throughout the making of Back to the Start”.

As good as anything the Yanks have to offer, we think that you’ll agree: 'Back to the Start' is well worth the wait!
'Back to the Start' includes the following songs:

Keep On Going; Two Of A Kind; When Baby; Call Me Anytime; So Long; Back To Start; Just One Kiss; Wrong Way Out; One Step Ahead; Enough Of Your Loving; Better Believe It; What More Do You Want From Me?

The song “Keep On Going” can be streamed in full on the Frontiers Records web radio www.frontiers.it/webradio and on AIRRACE official website www.myspace.com/airraceband
Other samples can also be heard right here: http://frontiers.it/news/10480/

AIRRACE is:
Keith Murrrell – vocals
Laurie Mansworth – lead guitars
Simon Dawson – drums
Dean Howard – guitars
Jim Reid – bass
Chris Williams - keyboards

 
Dream Weaver's 'Gary Wright' on tour across Europe with 'Ringo Starr's All Starr Band'
 
Gary Wright, known by millions for his internationally acclaimed singles ‘Dream Weaver’ and ‘Love Is Alive’, will perform with ‘Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band’ on an extensive 27-date European tour from June 4-17th. This will mark the third time Wright will tour with Ringo’s All Starr Band (following tours in 2008 and 2010).

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Wright’s multi-million selling album ‘The Dream Weaver’. When the album was originally released in 1976, and the single ‘Dream Weaver’ became a huge success, Wright toured extensively with Yes, Fleetwood Mac and was special guest on Peter Frampton’s ‘Frampton Comes Alive!’ tour.

Now, with the release of his first album in 20 years, ‘Connected’, Wright showcases a breath-taking collection of songs that capture the joyous magical transcendence of his all-time classic hits. The single ‘Satisfied’ includes performances from Ringo Starr (drums), Joe Walsh (lead guitar), and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (rhythm guitar).


Former lead singer of the British progressive blues rock band Spooky Tooth (1967-1974), American born Wright embarked on a solo career in 1975. He was one of the first classic rock musicians to combine synthesizers with rock and funk. Gary’s music has inspired generations of musicians including Jay-Z, Eminem, Mya, Salt-N-Pepa, Busta Rhymes, and Anastacia.

The UK leg of Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band’s UK tour includes: Hampton Court (June 17), Liverpool Empire (June 18), Birmingham Symphony Hall (June 20), Manchester Opera House (June 22), Glasgow Clyde Auditorium (June 23) and Bournemouth BIC (June 24).
The All Starr Band features Rick Derringer (guitar), Richard Page (bass), Wally Palmar (guitar, harmonica), Edgar Winter (sax, keyboards), Gary Wright (keyboards) and Gregg Bissonette (drums).


Read the official online press release here - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/larkiorecords/GaryWright.htm


 
ONE OF THE GREAT LOST ‘80S BANDS HAS BEEN FOUND!
FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS RETURN TO MARK ‘SWEETHEART’ ANNIVERSARY
WITH NEWLY REMASTERED GREATEST HITS COLLECTION AND EXCLUSIVE REISSUES OF COMPLETE ORIGINAL CATALOGUE

Hit-making band led by Dirty Dancing’s Oscar-winning songwriter and featuring Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres to release The Best of Franke & the Knockouts: Sweetheart – Anniversary Edition with special bonus tracks.
Proceeds Benefit the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund.

Watch Franke & the Knockouts introduce Tico Torres on American Bandstand:

Watch a vintage Franke & the Knockouts music video:


To some, FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS was that band led by the guy who would go on to win the Oscar as the lead writer of Dirty Dancing’s theme song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

To others, FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS was that other New Jersey band that boasted Tico Torres as its drummer -- right before he joined Bon Jovi en route to superstardom.
And then there are those who can’t shake that pop-perfect Top 10 smash “Sweetheart” from their brains, even though they might not remember the artist behind that and several other Top 40 blue-eyed soul hits from the early 1980s.
Regardless of why you remember FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS -- and why you should -- one thing resonates as clear as Franke Previte’s indelibly soaring, soulful falsetto:

One of the greatest “lost ‘80s” bands has been found!

More than a decade since their radio rockin’ blue-eyed soul music was available anywhere, FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS are back in a big way. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Sweetheart,” the band’s first hit record, Friday Music is releasing the newly remastered ultimate hits collection, THE BEST OF FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS: SWEETHEART – ANNIVERSARY EDITION, on CD and digital download. As a special bonus for all the collectors who’ve been clamoring for the entire catalogue for a generation, the band’s three “lost” albums, Franke & the Knockouts (1981), Below the Belt (1982) and Makin’ the Point (1984) – will be simultaneously available for the first time since their original vinyl issue, also newly remastered, in digital-only format. All four albums are being released May 24, 2011 on Friday Music.

THE BEST OF FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS features 19 hit tracks including all of the band’s classics such as their unforgettable Top 40 hits “Sweetheart,” “You’re My Girl” and “(Without You) Not Another Lonely Night.” It also features two bonus tracks, the original demo version of "Hungry Eyes," which Previte originally wrote and recorded for Franke & the Knockouts before it wound up becoming a Dirty Dancing soundtrack smash for Eric Carmen, and the previously unreleased power ballad "Beat Of A Broken Heart," written and recorded for the Dirty Dancing sequel, Havana Nights. The artist owned and authorized disc also includes new liner notes by Previte, unissued photos, and original artwork elements not seen in years.

Previte is donating his portion of the proceeds to the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund at Stanford Cancer Center, in memory of his courageous Dirty Dancing friend.

“Not only is this celebrating the anniversary of my first-ever hit record,” says Previte, “but it also gives me a chance to re-live some of those moments hearing my voice at its best and being able to realize that I made a small little indentation to the music industry that some people still remember and enjoy. I get emails from people all over the world who just love the music, and are dying to know how they can get a hold of it. Some of the original records have been selling for a couple hundred bucks online, so I decided it’s time that I put them out make them affordable and accessible all over again. And I’d like to take that money and help my charity.”

THE BEST OF FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS: SWEETHEART – ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Sweetheart
She's A Runner
Runnin' Into The Night
Comeback
You're My Girl
One For All
Annie Goes Hollywood
Never Had It Better
Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)
Just What I Want
Morning Sun
You Don't Want Me (Like I Want You)
Outrageous
Come Rain Or Shine
You're All That Really Matters
One Good Reason
Blame It On My Heart
Hungry Eyes (Original Version/Bonus Track)
Bonus Track
Beat Of A Broken Heart (Unreleased Bonus Track)

FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS ON THE WEB:


GUITAR GOD ZAKK WYLDE TO SIT IN WITH THE ROOTS ON "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON" MONDAY, JUNE 6TH

(New York, NY) - On Monday, June 6th guitar god Zakk Wylde will sit in with the amazing house band, The Roots, on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon." Expect a killer display of guitar pyrotechnics from Wylde, as he jams with The Roots on a variety of material. Wylde will be featured throughout the entire show. "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" airs on NBC at 12:35AM, ET/PT.

In other Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society news, BLS' latest album, THE SONG REMAINS NOT THE SAME (Entertainment One Music) was just released and debuted in the Top 50 of the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. The offering features unplugged versions of material from Black Label Society's most recent studio 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.

Zakk Wylde's profile is at an all time high with recent appearances on "American Idol" and "Lopez Tonight."
Black Label Society is currently on the road wrapping up a headlining trek as part of Fuse's Uranium Tour 2011 Presented By Mistress Juliya in North America. Please see below for the remaining tour dates.

About Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society
In the two decades since Ozzy Osbourne hired him away from his job at a New Jersey gas station, Zakk Wylde has established himself as a guitar icon known and revered the world over. Wylde has won nearly every guitar award imaginable, graced countless magazine covers and is a major influence to a new battalion of rock guitarists. Writing and recording with Osbourne led to multi-platinum success, inspiring him to create the now iconic Black Label Society in 1998. In the decade plus since, BLS has turned the notion of what a rock band should be upside down by inspiring legions of fans (known as Berserkers) all over the world to follow the mantra: Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever (SDMF for short). Wylde and his Berserkers have established a heavy metal institution true to the vision of uncompromising, unfiltered and unrestrained rock 'n' roll. To date, Black Label Society has sold more than 3.5 million albums worldwide and continues to be a massive presence on the worldwide touring and merchandising circuits. Black Label Society's ORDER OF THE BLACK (Entertainment One Music), was released in August, 2010 and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.

Uranium Tour 2011 Featuring: Black Label Society. Presented by Mistress Juliya of Fuse:

MAY 2011
26 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
27 Madison, WI Majestic Theater
28 Minneapolis, MN 93X radio show
29 Pryor, OK Rocklahoma
31 Chicago, IL House Of Blues

JUNE 2011
1 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
3 Atlantic City, NJ House Of Blues
4 New York, NY Irving Plaza
5 Richmond, VA The National

For more information please visit: