Saturday, June 18, 2011

News update for Saturday 18th June, 2011

Metallica secretly recording with ... Read on ...

This update from the possibly the most commercially successful metal band out there, Metallica!

A few months ago our own Kirk Hammett hinted at a new Metallica project that's "not really 100 percent a Metallica record." While Kirk may have jumped the gun a little (and has since been properly punished with a series of push-ups!), we are more than proud to announce that we have just completed recording a full length album that is a collaboration with none other than the legendary Lou Reed.
Ever since we had the pleasure of performing with Lou at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden in October of 2009, we have been kicking around the idea of making a record together. Some of you astute Bay Area residents may have picked up news of recent Lou Reed sightings in the greater San Francisco area and we have indeed been working at our home studio at HQ on and off over the last few months. In what would be lightning speed for a Metallica related project, we recorded ten songs during this time and while at this moment we're not exactly sure when you'll hear it, we're beyond excited to share with you that the recording sessions wrapped up last week.
Here's some shot's, courtesy of course of www.Metallica.com



A true innovator and easily one of the most influential songwriters, musicians, and performers in rock music history, Lou's work with the Velvet Underground and as a solo artist has such an enduring quality that he has long been revered and respected by us and many of our peers. We can't wait for you to listen to the finished record, so as we like to hear ourselves say around here, keep watching this spot for updates . . . we'll be back with more details as they come together.


The band will kick off their European tour in Germany, at the start of next month, confirmed dates at this time can be found here:

 In related news, are you are Monopoly fan? Fancy your own 'Metallica Monopoly?'
 I kid you not, the band now has their own Monopoly game, available directly at their site. Unreal!


For this and of course, loads more Metallica info, go to: http://www.metallica.com/


 
Swedish Melodic Rock champions WORK OF ART are  'In Progress' on their second album


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of the anticipated second album from the swedish aces of melodic rock WORK OF ART 'In Progress' on August 23rd in North America and August 26th in Europe.

Following the much acclaimed debut record 'Art Work,' WORK OF ART have not been resting on laurels. While main songwriter and guitarist Robert Sall contributed heavily to the success of the W.E.T. project with Jeff Scott Soto and Erik Martensson and singer Lars Safsund kept busy singing on other projects, WORK OF ART have been working hard to create the foundations of another amazing piece of music. 'A lot of blood, sweat & tears went into the making of this album and I think it shows. Maybe we didn’t change the formula all that much,' tells Robert Sall, 'but we certainly made sure to write, perform and produce at our very best and I think we’ve taken a huge step forward on In Progress.'



And in reality “In Progress” gives the Melodic Rock fans exactly what they’re looking for, with songs that stick in the ears from the first second and amazing musical licks. The new album shows three musicians who have matured a lot their abilities and gel together in a very natural way, presenting a sound which – still encompassing different influences – is now defined and recognizable as their own.

“This time we are definitely planning to play live in support of this record and we're set up for our live debut so, the wheels are in motion!” promises Sall. So watch out for further news from the Swedish rockers!
The first single “The Great Fall” will be exclusively distributed in Sweden through Sweden Rock Magazine in the issue that will hit the streets on July 19th. This special release will include two exclusive acoustic bonus tracks (unavailable elsewhere) : 'Once Again' and 'Until You Believe.'
In Progress will include the following songs: The Rain; Nature Of The Game; Once Again; Never Love Again; Eye Of The Storm; Until You Believe; The Great Fall; Call On Me; Emelie; Fall Down; Castaway; One Step Away.
Includes bonus videoclip: The Great Fall.


 You can enjoy the album EPK following this link : www.youtube.com /watch?v=luNu3WZvFz4
The Great Fall” can be exclusively listened in streaming on the Frontiers Records web radio : www.frontiers.it/webradio

Work of Art:

Robert Sall – guitars, keyboards
Lars Safsund – lead vocals, keyboards
Herman Furin - drums


Major German Festival date, featuring Thin Lizzy, Journey, Foreigner, Night Ranger and many more cancelled!

 
A Message from the Promoters:

It is with regret that the ROCK THE NATION Festival starring Foreigner, Journey, Thin Lizzy and many more in Leipzig on 25 and 26 June has to be cancelled due to technical and logistical difficulties. Fans will receive a full refund for their tickets at point of purchase.

ROCK THE NATION’s Hannover, Stuttgart (18 June), Augsburg (22 June) and Loreley (24 /25 June) dates will remain as originally scheduled.


Journey issued this statement too:
It is with regret that the ROCK THE NATION Festival starring Journey and Foreigner in Leipzig on June 26 has to be cancelled due to technical and logistical difficulties. Fans will receive a full refund for their tickets at point of purchase. ROCK THE NATION’s Hannover, Stuttgart (June 18), Augsburg (June 22) and Loreley (June 25) dates will remain as originally scheduled.
Foreigner have also announced the cancellation of the event also in their tour dates:

The official festival website - If you read German! - is here:



Mr Big announces North American tour dates

Mr Big, the band that featues the talents of: Eric Martin - Vocals, Paul Gilbert - Guitars,
Billy Sheehan - Bass, and Pat Torpey on Drums, are currently playing live dates everywhere in support of their latest album, 'What If ...?' released earlier this year on Frontiers Records.


The band just played a major UK live show at the Download festival, alongside the likes of Alice Cooper, Twisted Sister and Cheap Trick to name just a few.

The band will play shows in the following cities:

July 2011
07/30/2011 - San Diego, CA
07/31/2011 - Agoura Hills, CA

August 2011

08/02/2011 - Tempe, AZ
08/04/2011 - Santa Ana, CA
08/05/2011 - San Francisco, CA
08/06/2011 - Modesto, CA
08/08/2011 - Salt Lake City, UT
08/09/2011 - Denver, CO
08/12/2011 - Chicago, IL
08/13/2011 - Columbus, OH
08/16/2011 - Pittsburgh, PA
08/17/2011 - Cleveland, OH
08/19/2011 - Buffalo, NY
08/20/2011 - Detroit, MI
08/23/2011 - New York, NY
08/24/2011 - Boston, MA
08/26/2011 - Myrtle Beach, SC
08/27/2011 - Orlando, FL
08/30/2011 - Houston, TX
08/31/2011 - Dallas, TX
 Official site:


Survivor new site up now and new music coming!


 
Survivor who've been pretty quiet new music wise since their last studio album 'Reach' was released through Frontiers records back in 2006, have launched a brand new www.survivormusic.com/ website, that clearly reflects a new band look with Robin McAuley (M.S.G., Grand Prix, Far Corporation) proudly fronting the band. - As he has done since soon after 'Reach' was released actually!

The band also state that a new single, "How Do You Feel?" is 'Coming Soon!'


No more word on the new album yet, but of course the band is still hitting the road, with the following live shows confirmed.

Survivor Tour dates 2011 starting next month:

July 2011
 July 8, 2011 Pleasanton, CA Alameda County Fair
July 15, 2011 Niles, OH Eastwood Mall

August 2011
Aug 5, 2011 Waverly, IA Bremer County Fair
Aug 7, 2011 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Wolf Den
Aug 12, 2011 Garden City, KS Mosiac
Aug 13, 2011 Wood Dale, IL - Wood Dale Fest
Aug 26, 2011 Kansas City, KS - KC Live!
Aug 27, 2011 Urbana, IL - Sweet Corn Festival

September 2011
Sept 3, 2011 Portsmouth, OH - River Days Festival

October 2011
Oct 8, 2011 El Cajon, CA Sycuan Casino

November 2011
Nov 5, 2011 St Johns, NF Mile One Centre 

Official band website (Again):
http://www.survivormusic.com/



Brief notes:

New Kelly Keagy available interview at Classic rock site

Night Ranger singing drummer, Kelly Keagy has recently been interviewed by UltimateClassicRock.com's Matt Wardlaw.
The interview can be read here:


Message from Tim 'Ripper' Owens on Dio's Disciples

This message from Tim 'Ripper' Owens (Judas Priest, Yngwie Malmsteen), just posted over at RonnieJamesDio.com site:

"Things are going great out here, the crowds are fantastic and really understand what we are doing ... Celebrating the Music of Ronnie James Dio!! We just finished 5 awesome shows in a row and we have really met some great DIO fans along the way!
We also had a special show in Newcastle, with a very special guest, Doug Aldrich, who got up and jammed a few tunes with us (Long live R&R and Man On The Silver Mountain) The fans Loved it (also thanks to his band mates, Brian Tichy, Michael Devin and Brian Ruedy for hanging out) So we continue on with this emotional roller coaster and we look forward to coming to your city and Celebrating the Mighty R J D" - Tim "Ripper" Owens

Friday, June 17, 2011

Rock News Update for Friday 17th June, 2011


BAD COMPANY LIVE AT WEMBLEY DUE JUNE 28 IN THREE FORMATS


 

When legendary classic rockers Bad Company performed at the historic British venue Wembley Arena in London on a beautiful April 2010 spring night, high-definition cameras captured the whole evening in all its glory. On June 28, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Live At Wembley simultaneously on DVD, Blu-Ray & CD, through its Eagle Vision & Eagle Records imprints.

There was magic in the air as all three original Bad Company members—vocalist extraordinaire Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke — are augmented by bassist Lynn Sorensen and guitarist Howard Leese. (Original bassist Boz Burrell sadly died in 2006.)
The set list is packed with every major hit, fan favorites and seldom-heard deep album cuts. The DVD and Blu-Ray includes a band interview.

Bad Company burst upon the rock’n’roll scene in 1973, and was immediately dubbed a super-group by fans and press alike, as its members all came from very successful popular bands: Free (Rodgers and Kirke), Mott The Hoople (Ralphs) and King Crimson (Burrell). They lived up to the hype for nine straight years with a string of six soulful hard-rocking albums.
After a four-year break, Bad Company got back together minus Rodgers (who had formed The Firm with Jimmy Page) with lead vocalist Brian Howe. Rodgers returned in 1999.

Check out the video for 'Feel Like Makin' Love' (From Live at Wembley CD, DVD & Blu-ray) - http://youtu.be/mQfTe6ta36I


DVD and Blu-Ray Track Listing
1) Can’t Get Enough
2) Honey Child
3) Run With The Pack
4) Burnin’ Sky
5) Young Blood
6) Seagull
7) Gone, Gone, Gone
8) Electric Land
9) Simple Man
10) Feel Like Makin’ Love
11) Shooting Star
12) Rock And Roll Fantasy
13) Movin’ On
14) Ready For Love
15) Bad Company
16) Deal With The Preacher

CD Track Listing:
1) Can’t Get Enough
2) Honey Child
3) Run With The Pack
4) Young Blood
5) Seagull
6) Gone, Gone, Gone
7) Electric Land
8) Simple Man
9) Feel Like Makin’ Love
10) Shooting Star
11) Rock And Roll Fantasy
12) Movin’ On
13) Ready For Love
14) Bad Company
15) Deal With The Preacher

Here's some more from You Tube from the show:

Official weblinks:



Black Country Communion YouTube Concert Video Contest
Supergroup Black Country Communion Has Kick-Started it’s Summer Tour and Want Your Concert Videos. Help Spread the Word by Entering Our
BCC YouTube Concert Video Contest

Los Angeles, CA, June 16, 2011: With their debut world tour underway, the newly proclaimed “Savior of Rock” Black Country Communion have announced their official BCC YouTube Concert Video Contest to support the launch of their sophomore record “2” – in stores now. The English-American hard rock band featuring vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa is inviting fans to spread the word by posting their personal BCC videos taken with their iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys, compact digital cameras, etc. at BCC’s summer shows, and posting it on their personal YouTube channel.
Send us the link at http://bccommunion.com/youtubecontest/ and your entry is complete!

The video entries with the most views will be rewarded for their efforts. The grand prize package will consist of a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Special II signed by all four members of the band, a $500 cash prize and a $100 store credit at the BCC Store. Second place runner-up will win a $300 cash prize and a $100 store credit at the BCC Store. Third place runner-up will win a $200 cash prize, and a $100 store credit at the BCC Store.
 The contest begins immediately. All videos must be entered by August 31, 2011 to be eligible to win a prize. Winners will be chosen on September 30, 2011.

 BCC has been wowing crowds since the tour kicked off on June 9. The band played to a near sold-out crowd in Anaheim, CA on June 10 where The Orange County Register exclaimed, “The four members of BCC truly recast the heavy rock of the '60s and '70s and yank it into the 21st century as well as anyone in recent memory.”
 On June 14, Black Country Communion released its highly anticipated sophomore album “2” on the independent label J&R Adventures. “2” is in stores now and available on the band’s website. Fans can also download a free MP3 of track "The Outsider”.
 View BCC’s official music video for featured track “Man In The Middle” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy6WLBvBXaI.


J&R Adventures was founded by Joe Bonamassa and longtime manager Roy Weisman. The company prides itself on its ability to diversify and stay nimble in the ever-changing music industry landscape. Since its inception, J&R Adventures has been able to combine customary label operations with artist management, album production and mastering, merchandising, publishing, licensing and concert promotion – all under one roof. Through this, Weisman says, “J&R is a true 360 degree record label that is able to benefit because we are a vertically integrated company. We are able to utilize social networking to its fullest and consolidate all profit centers into one. This kind of integration is required to maintain success in today’s constantly changing record industry.” Through these methods, J&R has also been able to give control to its artists, allowing the artists to work hand-in-hand with the label to achieve their shared vision.
BCC has many more tour dates this summer as they head to Europe and the UK where The Birmingham Mail called a recent performance at Wolverhampton Civic Hall “rip-roaring” and “breath-taking.”

Summer 2011Tour Dates:
(Remaining North American dates)

06/17/11 Hampton, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
06/18/11 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
06/19/11 Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club
European dates:

06/23/11 Vitoria Azkena Rock Festival Spain
06/25/11 Sursee Summer Sound Fest Switzerland
06/28/11 Vigevano Castle Sforzesco Festival Italy
06/30/11 Stuttgart Killersberg Germany


July 2011
07/01/11 Offenbach Stadthalle Offenbach Germany
07/02/11 Liepzig Parkbuhne Germany
07/04/11 Munich Zenith Germany
07/05/11 Berlin Zitadelle Germany
07/06/11 Hamburg Stadtpark Germany
07/09/11 Antwerp Openlucht Theatre Belguim
07/10/11 Weert Bospop Festival Netherlands
07/12/11 Copenhagen KB-Hallen Denmark
07/14/11 Bonn Museumsplatz Germany
07/16/11 Vienna Vienna Opera House Austria
07/17/11 Loket Loket Amphitheatre Czech Republic
07/19/11 Paris Bataclan France
07/21/11 Dublin VIcar Street Ireland
07/23/11 Llandudno Cymru Arena United Kingdom
07/24/11 London High Voltage Festival United Kingdom
07/26/11 Leeds O2 Academy United Kingdom
07/27/11 Newcastle O2 Academy United Kingdom
07/29/11 Glasgow O2 Academy Scotland
07/30/11 Manchester O2 Academy United Kingdom

August 2011
08/02/11 Stockholm Cirkus Sweden
08/05/11 Notodden Notodden Blues Festival Norway

Essential Links:




Gary Wright on UK tour with 'Ringo Starr's All Starr Band'



Gary Wright, known for the hit singles “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive”, will perform with ‘Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band’ on his UK tour which starts Friday June 17th at Hampton Court. 2011 celebrates the 35th anniversary of Wright’s album “The Dream Weaver”.
When the album was released in 1976, Wright toured extensively with Fleetwood Mac, Yes and Peter Frampton. Now, with the release of “Connected”, his first album in 20 years, Wright showcases a collection of songs that captures the joyous magic of his all-time classic hits. “Satisfied”, the new single, features Ringo Starr (drums), Joe Walsh (lead guitar), and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (rhythm guitar).

Formerly the lead singer of the British progressive blues rock band Spooky Tooth (1967-1974), American-born Wright embarked on a solo career in 1975, and was one of the first classic rock musicians to combine synthesizers with rock and funk.

Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, UK tour dates as follows: 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), 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.


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Brief Update for Wednesday 15th June, 2011

Hi folks, ok, let's see how this works out today ..., a bunch of updates from Frontiers! Cheers, Al

NEW SOLO RECORD FROM ICONIC ROCK FRONTMAN
SEBASTIAN BACH SCHEDULED: "KICKING & SCREAMING"
DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 27TH VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS

(New York, NY) - Get ready to rock, mothertruckers...iconic frontman Sebastian Bach's brand new solo album, KICKING & SCREAMING, has been scheduled for release on September 27th via Frontiers Records. The offering is produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Atreyu, Filter) and features young virtuosic guitarist Nick Sterling and drum pro Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Riot, Iced Earth). Of the new effort, Sebastian Bach commented, "I could not be happier with my new album, KICKING & SCREAMING. The songs, performances and sound quality are beyond what I could have ever imagined. This is my best record yet and I can't wait for all of you to crank it!"

Bach and his crew have been keeping busy playing selected tour dates nationwide, including recent appearances at major festivals M3 and Rocklahoma, and will continue to tour throughout the summer (please see below for confirmed tour dates). Fans can expect Bach classics, as well as a sneak preview of material from the forthcoming album.



(Sebastian Bach photo by Gabriel Goldberg)

Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer with his former band, Skid Row and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, the singer/songwriter/actor/entertainer has expanded his career over the past decade to include episodic television with a 5-season recurring role on the CW's hit series "Gilmore Girls", starring roles on Broadway ("Jekyll & Hyde", "The Rocky Horror Picture Show") and national touring companies ("Jesus Chris Superstar"), and has appeared regularly on MTV and VH1.

Sebastian Bach on tour:

AUGUST 2011
23 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center*
24 Wantaugh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater*
25 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
27 Grand Junction, CO Rockjam

*supporting Whitesnake and Tesla

Bach on the web:


Tyketto signs with Frontiers!


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of a worldwide recording deal with TYKETTO for the release of a brand new album in the spring of 2012 !
The forthcoming album will be the band's first release since the reunion and follows 1995 album "Shine".

The band states: "These are some of the best ideas we have worked on in years. There's plenty of the classic Don't Come Easy sound, mixed in with some new ideas and some great surprises". All four original members (Danny Vaughn on vocals, Brooke St. James on guitar, Jimi Kennedy on bass and Michael Clayton on drums) will be part of this very special come back album.

While recording the new album, Tyketto hits the road with some very special shows, where the band will exclusively debut songs from the new album.

ONLY USA SHOW!
Tyketto :"Home for the holidays party"
Wed November 23...Thanksgiving Eve!
Sullivan Hall
214 Sullivan Street, NYC, NY
TYKETTO with BLACK WATER RISING (co-headline show)

UK Dates:
November 30 at CAMDEN UNDERWORLD, LONDON

December 01 at THE CORPORATION, SHEFFIELD

December 2 - THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON

December 03 at HARD ROCK HELL, PRESTATYN

Weblinks:



Look for a new album in 2012 from Primal Fear


German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR will enter the studio in early July to begin recording their as-yet-untitled new album for an early 2012 release via Frontiers Records. The band states, "The songwriting session was a blast and we've never recorded a better pre-production." PRIMAL FEAR recently asked fans to submit suggestions for the new CD title and has received more than 500 responses.

The band will take a break from the recording sessions for its new album to play at Germany's Wacken Open Air and Geiselwind festivals in early August. Also in the works are three shows in Poland in early September.

PRIMAL FEAR recently extended its deal with Frontiers Records for two more albums after releasing the last two CDs through the label — 2007's "New Religion" and 2009's "16.6 (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead!)". The band says, "Never change a winning team!"

PRIMAL FEAR last year released a live DVD, "16.6 - All Over The World" (recorded in various locations between September and November 2009), and a live CD, aptly titled "Live In The USA". Frontiers Records issued the two products separately and as a limited-edition combo on June 22, 2010 in the USA. The DVD is filled with an abundance of extra materials, such as an entire bootleg section with funny moments on the road, bootleg footage from various festival appearances and other concerts, all of PRIMAL FEAR's most recent promotional videos, plus the making-of footage for "16.6" and a brand new interview section about the past, present and future of PRIMAL FEAR.



Go FASTER on June 21st
KEN HENSLEY & LIVE FIRE REDEFINE CLASSIC ROCK ON NEW EAGLE ROCK CD




New York, NY (June 13, 2011)—On June 21, earMusic, in cooperation with Eagle Rock Entertainment, will release Faster, the brand new studio album from Ken Hensley & Live Fire. The former Uriah Heep pioneer, who wrote or co-wrote Uriah Heep’s most memorable songs, is a master on the Hammond B-3, as well as an accomplished guitarist and singer/songwriter. After leaving the band in 1980, he came stateside to join Florida’s Blackfoot for two albums.
Contemplating retirement, he chose instead of rid himself of some personal demons, restore his reputation, and keep on rocking. To that end, he hooked up with Norway’s Live Fire—drummer Tom Arne Fossheim, bassist Sid Rinsby, guitarist Ken Ingwersen and vocalist Eirikur Hauksson—in 2006. Faster, recorded over a three-week period in Riga, Latvia, is the result.

“I just wanted to make a band record,” explains Hensley. “Conceptually, I wanted it to go back in time a little bit, to where a band plays together, plays a bunch of live shows, writes new songs and makes a record the way it used to be.”

The 11-song powerhouse includes a bonus track, “Circle Of Hands,” recorded live with the NRK Orchestra.
Track Listing:

1) Set Me Free (From Yesterday)
2) The Curse
3) I Cry Alone
4) Katrine
5) Faster
6) Slippin’ Away (The Lovers Curse)
7) The End Of Never
8) Beyond The Starz
9) (At) The Last Minute
10) Somewhere (In Paradise)
11) Fill Your Head (With Rock)
12.) Circle Of Hands (live) – with the NRK Orchestra (bonus track)



ERIC JOHNSON TO LAUNCH 'UP CLOSE' SUMMER TOUR

Since the 1980's, Eric Johnson has been one of the most critically acclaimed rock guitarists, as evidenced by the success of such releases as 'Ah Via Musicom,' 'Venus Isle,' and his latest offering, 'Up Close.' And soon, Johnson will be launching his summer tour to continue support of his latest album, fresh off of appearances on the West Coast Experience Hendrix Tour, as well as teaming up with Anton Fig and Will Lee of Late Night fame for a rousing rare performance at New York City's P.C. Richards and Sons Theatre.

From July 7th through August 20th, Johnson will be touring the USA from coast to coast as a headliner, as well as joining forces with fellow guitar great Steve Miller for shows at the Sleep Country Amphitheater in Clark County, Washington on July 17th and the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on August 7th. He will also join the legendary Buddy Guy on July 21 in Omaha, Nebraska at the Red Sky Music Festival.

Also recently released was a vinyl version of 'Up Close,' issued on 180 gram vinyl, and housed in a beautiful special double LP gatefold package with printed sleeves. Additionally, 'Up Close' was remastered specially for this vinyl release by Jim Wilson.

A long time in the making , 'Up Close' has received rave reviews. All Music Guide pointed out that "[Johnson] continues to find interesting ways to hone his specific craft on 'Up Close'," while Premier Guitar Magazine raved "Johnson has created another worthy addition to his already legendary catalog." Also, it shouldn't be overlooked that 'Up Close' features an impressive list of special guests (Sonny Landreth, Steve Miller, Jimmie Vaughan, and Jonny Lang).

Speaking to M Music Magazine, Eric had the following to say about what his goals were for 'Up Close.' "To find new ways of doing things. We’re all the sum of our history. After a while, we start to create certain patterns in what we do. I wanted to break some of that repetition. If you keep to the same format, the vibe stays the same, even though the music might change. If you want to grow, you have to break down walls and find ways to work that are different from the past."

Additionally, Johnson graced the cover of this year's March issue of Guitar Player Magazine, was recently named Guitar International's "Guitarist of the Year," and has won an unprecedented 33 awards at the Austin Music Awards since 1982, including taking home "Best Electric Guitar," "Best Acoustic Guitar," and "Best Instrumental Band" awards at this year's ceremony.

Johnson has long been considered one of rock's most talented six-string players, as evidenced by his aforementioned platinum-certified 1990 release, 'Ah Via Musicom," its hit single "Cliffs of Dover," as well as a Grammy Award win for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" in 1991. The song also recently was introduced to a whole new generation of rock fans, when it was featured in the hit video game, 'Guitar Hero.'

ERIC JOHNSON TOUR DATES (ADDITIONAL DATES TBA):
July 2011
07/07/11 at The Marquee Theatre in Tempe, AZ
07/08/11 at the Rialto Theatre in Tucson, AZ
07/09/11 at the Anthology in San Diego, CA
07/10/11 at the The Canyon Theater in Agoura Hills, CA
07/12/11 at Harlow's in Sacramento, CA
07/13/11 at the Brixton in Redondo Beach, CA
07/14/11 at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana, CA
07/15/11 at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, CA
07/16/11 at the Rogue Theatre at Grants Pass, OR
07/19/11 at the The Triple Door in Seattle, WA
07/21/11 at the Red Sky Music Festival in Omaha, NE
07/22/11 at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO

August 201108/02/11 at the Old Rock House in St. Louis, MO
08/04/11 at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN
08/05/11 at the The Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, WI
08/06/11 at the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in Cleveland, OH
08/07/11 at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI
08/09/11 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA
08/10/11 at B.B. King's Blues Club in New York, NY
08/12/11 at the Showcase Live in Foxborough, MA
08/14/11 at the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: