Slight News Update for Friday December 2nd, 2011

UFO New studio album "Seven Deadly" will be released in February 2012

(UFO - Vinnie Moore, Andy Parker, Phil Mogg, Paul Raymond)

Nothing would be easier for British rock legend UFO than to rest on their laurels.

The band could easily release the occasional best-of album to earn a few additional royalties and otherwise content themselves with looking back at their exceptionally glorious past. And it certainly wouldn’t be a problem for UFO to sell out tours on the strength of their legendary name with a great hoopla and low artistic values. But idleness or indeed a musical standstill have always been out of the question for Phil Mogg, Paul Raymond, Andy Parker, and Vinnie Moore.

These in equal measures experienced and ambitious musicians are interested in the present, their love of creativity and the active continuation of their celebrated band history. And now we can look forward to 'Seven Deadly,' the band’s latest studio album which combines present and future with UFO’s greatest fortes. Mogg, Raymond, Parker and Moore are set to release 10 brand-new songs on Steamhammer/SPV in Germany on 24 February 2012 (Europe: 27 February, USA/Canada: 28 February), featuring – without going into great detail at this point – some of the strongest compositions this band has ever recorded.

The album will be released as a limited edition digipak (incl. 2 bonus tracks), a Double Gatefold LP with printed innersleeves and coloured vinyl, standard edition and download.

What is this bold thesis based on – in view of the countless classics the band has produced throughout its history? Not only on the fact that UFO have that perfect mix of talent, charisma and experience, but also on each individual band member, who currently all seem to be bursting with a zest for action and a wealth of ideas. 'Seven Deadly' is an atmospherically dense fabric consisting of classy guitars, tight rock grooves and vocals which are unique to UFO. So it’s no wonder that sound engineer Tommy Newton, in whose Area 51 studio in Celle, Germany, the new tracks were recorded, commented: “I’ve never heard a better Phil Mogg!”

The UFO frontman’s thoroughly impressive vocal performance goes hand in hand with the awesome compositions on 'Seven Deadly.'

The classic rock of ‘Burn Your House Down’ features all the important UFO strengths, ‘Going Down To Mojotown’ sees the musicians sound tougher than ever, and last but not least ‘Wonderland’ features a pointed reference to UFO’s early days. ‘Angel Station’ sees the band prove how classic rock music is complemented perfectly with epic elements, while ‘Fight Night’ is an excellent track to be performed in a live context.

There’s no need to draw attention to the technical skills of original UFO members Paul Raymond and Andy Parker, their music sounding inspired and faultless at the same time. Having said that, Vinnie Moore’s exceptional guitar style deserves to be explicitly mentioned. The American musician not only lends the songs expression and power with his haunting licks and dynamic riffs, but also contributes solos on 'Seven Deadly' which can only be described as absolute world class.

As already mentioned, UFO continue to be a live force to be reckoned with. Their UK tour has been scheduled for March/April 2012 before the band go on to tour the rest of Europe.

A little note in passing: at the time of 'Seven Deadly’s' release, UFO will be performing at the Monsters Of Rock Cruise – The Voyage: there could hardly be a more fitting setting for this exciting new album!

UFO live 2012
25.-28.02. US-Florida/Bahamas - Monsters Of Rock Cruise - The Voyage

15.03. GB-Cambridge – The Junction
16.03. GB-Edinburgh – MV Picture House
17.03. GB-Newcastle – O2 Academy
18.03. GB-Leeds – O2 Academy
20.03. IRE-Dublin – Academy
21.03. GB-Belfast – Spring & Airbrake
23.03. GB-Milton Keynes – The Stables
24.03. GB-Tavistock – The Wharf
25.03. GB-Bristol – O2 Academy
27.03. GB-Nottingham – Rock City
28.03. GB-Norwich – Waterfront
30.03. GB-Manchester – HMV Ritz
31.03. GB-Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall
01.04. GB-Southampton – The Brook
03.04. GB-Brighton – Concorde 2
04.04. GB-London – Forum

27.04. D-Glauchau - Alte Spinnerei
28.04. D-Malchim - Mecklenburger Motorradtreffen
02.05. D-Metzingen - Festkeller
03.05. D-Siegburg - Kubana- More dates to be announced soon -

_{At the Area 51 Studios, Celle/Germany:}

Photo - from left to right: Peter Knorn (Manager UFO), Tommy Newton (Sound Engineer), Olly Hahn (A&R Steamhammer), Phil Mogg (Singer UFO)

Official weblinks:

http://www.ufo-music.info/

http://www.spv.de/

Ratt pair start work on new Ratt album for 2012

RATT vocalist Stephen Pearcy and lead guitarist Warren De Martini to start work December on the bands new record 2012 for RoadRunner Records.

 

Pearcy and De Martini are trying a simple approach this time for writing the new music.
Pearcy says; “Warren and I want to create the same vibe we had writing the first record “OOTC”. (That would be Out of the Cellar, the mega platinum first record for the band RATT in 1984. Spawning the mega hit single, “Round & Round”)
“Thrown down a couple cassette recorders and make the writing process as simple as possible. We’ll do the pro tools when ready, then it’s into the studio, work with the band and push record”.

Expect the new RATT release TBA 2012.

That sounds good to me, 2009's 'Infestation' was brilliant!

I loved it!

Weblink:

http://stephen-pearcy.com/website/

Beethoven's Last Night 2012 Tour Announcement!

Dear Fans,

We are proud to announce the first round of dates for the Beethoven's Last Night Tour 2012. This will be the your last chance to see the band perform this amazing album before they unveil their new release and accompanying tour in 2013!

Tickets will go on-sale to the general public December 9th & 10th, 2011 at 10:00 AM with more dates to be announced on trans-siberian.com.

There will also be an exclusive Fan Club Pre-Sale event on December 7th, 2011.

If you are already a member, there is no need to sign up again. Otherwise, now is a great time to join Trans-SiberianExpress.com and be the first to get access to the best tickets and the latest TSO news!

As always, we can't wait to see you out on the road!

TSO

This is the show you do not want to miss - These guys are great!

For full tour dates and more go to:

http://www.trans-siberian.com/

Styx – Regeneration Volume 1 and 2 album’s review

Styx – Regeneration Volume 1 and 2 album’s review

Released through: Eagle records. Release date: Out there now!

OK, now here’s the thing, I previously received all the tracks from ‘Regeneration Vol. 1,’ from one of my helpful PR sources and reviewed that release at that time and I have to tell you, I do stand by that review, no matter how much the blinkered Styx fans of yore have already complained to me about that review.

You can still read that review right here:

http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/12/styx-regeneration-vol-1-album-review.html

Volume 1 is still well done. the one thing I would add though, about both Disc one and disc two is the lack of songs ...

Disc one is just seven tracks, disc two, just nine ..., why?

A lot of the old fans say they don’t like Lawrence Gowan’s vocals and prefer Dennis DeYoung’s. Well folks I’ve got news for you, the majority of Styx fans speak with their feet and turn up to ‘still’ see the band in their droves, because THEY have adjusted to how Styx is today and I have to say, I think they do a great job live and I stand by them.

I’ve seen Dennis DeYoung with his band and with his band and orchestra live too and in each case, they were great shows!

I like both and yes .., I can deal with it!

I do kind of struggle to accept Tommy Shaw doing a bluegrass album and I draw the line there and have no plans to pay attention to that. His Shaw / Blades releases with Night Ranger’s Jack Blades, have both been good albums but sorry, bluegrass is not for me.

Anyway, to the ‘Regeneration Vol. 2’ edition that has been added to the availability and has in fact now been added to Vol. 1 and issued here as a double set 'Volume 1 and 2.'

This features the lineup of longstanding Styx members James ‘JY’ Young (Guitars/ vocals), Tommy Shaw (Guitars/Mandolin/ vocals), Lawrence Gowan (Keyboards/Vocals), Todd Sucherman (Drums), Ricky Phillips (Bass) and also a guest appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo, who often joins the band live, with a cameo appearance on a song or two towards the end of the band’s live set usually.

The album opens with ‘Blue Collar Man’ from the ‘Pieces of Eight’ album originally and yes it’s a little different, but I think it benefits from a more modern recording, although I still enjoy hearing the original too from time to time.

Tommy sings it well enough if you ask me and how does he keep doing it?

JY takes the lead vocals on ‘Miss America’ next and I have to say, I really don’t buy his presentation recorded here. I know he doesn’t sing too many lead vocals, but how he’s trying to change things around a little especially where he screams, yes, screams ‘Look at you …’ I just don’t take to it. Otherwise, the track is played well.

‘Renegade’ next and Tommy Shaw steps up again and for the most part I enjoy it as much as I always have, but there are moments, where Shaw tries to throw some curves on the vocals, as JY did on the latter track and it’s how it’s done that to me possibly detracts from the songs a little.

Lawrence Gowan takes the lead vocal next on ‘Queen of Spades’ and I really think he does an admirable job here.

I even chuckled with the laugh before where he says, ‘You lose!’

A good all round band performance on this classic Styx number, good one guy’s!

‘Boat on a River’ from the ‘Cornerstone’ album is pretty much true to the original here. No complaints, but it’s almost to the point where you might say, what’s different?! Perfectionists will perhaps say to me that there’s a couple of chord changes that weren’t on the original!

Go ahead folks, knock yourselves out ..., say what you will!

Next track ‘Too Much Time on My Hands’ always comes across great with the current lineup live and sure enough here, they play it sweetly!

It’s different, as they’ve mixed it up a little since the ‘Paradise Theater’ version way, way back now.

‘Snowblind’ sounds great too, certainly no complaints from me here. I really think it benefits overall from being re-recorded.

Then to perhaps the two surprise tracks on this compilation. Surprise because only Tommy Shaw from Styx was ever in Damn Yankees, but sure enough Styx has gone ahead and recorded their own takes on ‘Coming of Age’ and ‘High Enough’ that close the second disc here.

If they had perhaps pulled in Ted Nugent or Jack Blades here for fun, then perhaps it would make sense, as Night Ranger recently recorded ‘Coming of Age’ as a bonus track and invited Ted Nugent in to help out on the track.

By the way, for trivia freaks out there, in case you didn’t know it, Night Ranger drummer / vocalist Kelly Keagy was actually recording with Damn Yankees at one point, but then the band called it a wrap and so that material will probably never see the light of day.

 Don’t get me wrong in what I’ve said here, as both tracks are very well presented, well played by the guys, but vocally neither Gowan or JY are close to Jack Blades! Still, I guess it makes the disc interesting.

Overall it’s a pretty good album, with great musicianship, so only a couple of moans and groans.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Official band website:

http://www.styxworld.com/

Note for Thursday December 1st, 2011

Hi folks,

Sorry, lack of news updates for today, so I thought it's time to stand on the old soapbox!

Well, the Grammy's last night, what a huge disappointment!

So much hype about Van Halen 'possibly' being on there and then there was nothing!

What a wasted hour of anyone's life that you'll never get back, sitting through so much dirge!

The person from the Grammy's organisation that Tweeted that message, weeks back now, to get everyone thinking we'd see Van Halen should be fired for sure or at least endure some form of reprimand, what a joke and farce ...

Honestly, as I was sitting there listening to all these nominations, it was all dance, rap or country, no rock and as the show rolled on I thought to myself, there's no way they're going to slot Van Halen in amongst all this, surely ...?

They would stand out, like a sore thumb!

You know, there was one reference to rock and that was for the Foo Fighters album, under album of the year nominations, but that was it.

It's really sad how 'bad' the music scene or should that be music industry is now, it really is, yet year in, year out when Pollstar.com gives it's results of Best Selling tours, then you see the real deal and this past summer / fall, I know has had some cracking multi-band bills passing through all the US cities.

I know Eddie Trunk (That Metal Show, Sirius XM's Boneyard - US rockers will know who I mean.), is constantly ranting about what a joke the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions are and it must be said, when you see who does get inducted in there, you have to ask, how come there's no inductions for the achievements of Deep Purple, Rush or Kiss as just three major examples.

For us rockers there was - That I recall ... - Def Leppard with Heart, Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger, Whitesnake with Tesla, Alice Cooper with Ace Frehley (At least in Detroit anyway!), for metal fans there was the Big Four Tour too. Then from early Fall and over the past two / three months, Judas Priest went through with Black Label Society and Thin Lizzy.

Some really great, impressive shows indeed!

I know there was no doubt many more, but we were really tight for cash this year, so we had to basically look away, while others went along and enjoyed themselves ... You lucky people!

My point on those live summer packages, is that anyone that was there will speak up with me, to say how packed those events were, sold out or very close to it and through all the industry awards, Grammys, Billboard, etc, etc, the fact that many classic rock acts have more than proven their longevity, goes without saying to you and I, sadly, these events - With the exception of Pollstar.com - are rarely if ever referenced.

So these days as in recent years, sadly, rock bands get hugely ignored by the majority of the industry.

I think it's time for Ticketmaster and Live Nation to start having their award show, for the top selling tours of the summer, what do you think people?

OK, I'm done for now.

Hope to get some more album reviews up for you all soon and of course, news items as I get them.

Cheers,

Al

News Update for Wednesday 30th November, 2011

Well, the lousy weather has certainly kicked in in Michigan ... We have localised flooding - Including my inlaws basement. - and the weather changing from rain to snow, last night. Nice!

It was a fun commute heading into work ... Not!

Happy Birthday to my brother in the UK, another year bruv! LOL!

By the way, we have an instant winner on the Judas Priest contest ... Someone got the answer to me really quickly and the winner is .... Bill Zwirz of Hoboken, NJ, who correctly guessed that Don Airey was indeed the legendary keyboard player on a number of Priest albums.

Congratulations Bill! The Chosen Few CD will be winging it's way to you shortly. Enjoy!

Don't forget to check out the Grammy's Nomination's show on CBS on Wednesday night at 10pm EST ... Van Halen are supposed to be making the 'surprise appearance!'

Anyway, the news updates seem to be kind of few and far between right now ..., but here's what I do have ... Read on, cheers, Al

Three rare British dates for Lynyrd Skynyrd ... Summer 2012!

Yes, legendary southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd are due to play a few shows in the UK including the above advertised one at London's Hammersmith HMV Apollo theatre or Odeon, as most people know and love it for!

Here's the thing, this show is NOT until June 2012!

I understand that they will also be playing in Glasgow at Clyde Auditorium on the 1st June, then Manchester too, at the O2 Apollo, on June 2nd, 2012 and the London date is on the 3rd.

Details here:

http://www.hmvtickets.com/events/4874?REFID=MAMA_lynyrdskynyrd_apollo_2911

I received the details via HMV's mailing list, on the above advertised gig as the band are not currently advertising this on their site ...

To keep up with Skynyrd and any other possible UK dates that might be added go to:

http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com/

Y&T to return for US live dates after Monsters of Rock cruise

Yes, Dave Meniketti and his Y&T band will return to the US road, in late February and into March to play some recently announced - for the most part - US club dates.

Always a good live show, Dave insists on giving his all every time, so go and check them out and you will not be disappointed!

Sadly as many will already be fully aware of, original Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore (RIP), passed away earlier this year.

The band is currently featuring Dave Meniketti (Guitar/lead vocals), John Nymann (Guitar/vocals), Brad Lang (Bass/vocals) and Mike Vanderhule (Drums/vocals), playing songs from Y&T's last studio album, 2010's 'Facemelter' as well as all the hits and fan favorites.
Prepare to have your face melted!

The dates will take the band from Baltimore, MD on February 29th, 2012 wrapping those dates with dates in Westland, MI on March 9th and Bolingbrook, IL on March 10th.

For full details go to:

 http://www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html

Halford says 'Farewell tour is not goodbye ...?'

As I had mentioned in my recent live review of Judas Priest, it seems the band are confirming that this tour is not 'really' the end of the band ...
The bands frontman Rob Halford has been interviewed by Creative Loafing (Huh?!) and he explains there, that the U.K. metal band’s so-called “farewell tour” does not mean they won’t play together again.

In the interview with Creative Loafing, Halford says the band is not retiring ...

“Is there another word besides 'farewell'? You can’t say 'retired' because we’re not retiring, and you can’t really call it the 'you are slowing down a bit tour.' You’ve gotta give it a little bit of something."

Over at www.Gibson.com this is also posted:

Halford indeed hints at a bright future for Judas Priest, with new guitarist Ritchie Faulkner who has stepped in for long time Priest player, K.K. Downing.

“We have a professional ethic and a professional standard musically that we’ve always tried to maintain. And we were really hoping to find somebody of the calibre of Ritchie Faulkner to stand on that part of the stage during a gig … Ritchie is a fantastic guitar player, and it seems like that’s an added bonus that we have somebody of such star quality with this every night on stage doing tremendous things.”

Faulkner recently told Ultimate Guitar: “[K.K Downing] was a guitar hero idol of mine, and I’m not there to replace any of that. I know as a fan what the fans expect, and I'm just there to do the best I can for the band and the fans.”

Read the whole Rob Halford interview at Creative Loafing.

Official Judas Priest website:
http://judaspriest.com/

Late extra piece!!!
Sorry folks, this just in and yes, it's a little limited ...

Deep Purple "Smoke On The Nation Tour" Canada 2012

VIP Ticket Presales Begin Thursday, December 1st at 10:00 am
Public On Sale Begins Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am

February 2012 will be known as 'the heaviest winter on record'.
With seventeen dates across Canada beginning in St. John's, NL and ending in Vancouver, BC, Deep Purple are poised for a flurry of performances.

Nearly four decades after forming, over 100 million albums sold worldwide and recent recipients of The Innovator Award at the 2011 Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, Deep Purple are without a doubt one of the most dynamic and influential bands in rock history.

View all 2012 Canadian Tour Dates
http://www.deeppurple.com/index.cfm/pk/content/pid/430562

For all other details on Deep Purple and for VIP package info, go to:
http://www.deeppurple.com/

Judas Priest – The Chosen Few album review

Judas Priest – The Chosen Few album review

Released on: Sony / Columbia / Legacy. Release date: Available now

OK, first off, before we get into this review, here's something you might like ...

Thanks to those nice people at Legacy / Sony and of course, my good friends at Chipster PR, we have a copy - 1 only! - of this compilation to give away.

Just one though, sorry, that's it!

Anyway, giveaway question and details at the end, meantime read on ...

This is a special compilation on Judas Priest that is compiled of tracks chosen by other name artists that have admired Priest over the years.

Artist’s like Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Vai, Geoff Tate and many more have all added their own comments about the tracks they’ve chosen, in the albums sleeve notes.

 What’s interesting perhaps is the song selection may well surprise many people, as there’s a number of tracks here that are not necessarily, hugely popular tracks. Maybe they are to die hard Priest fans, but not to your regular rock fan.

Opener ‘Diamonds and Rust,’ a Joan Baez cover was picked by Joe Elliott and I have to say, is not your standard fare Priest material, it’s presented as a pretty standard classic rock track and not a blood boiling, screaming metal beast!

Have to say, many will most likely think the same of ‘Dissident Aggressor’ next initially and then comes (Rob) Halfords scream … That’ll get you!

It’s really an impressive track for what was about at the time and as Steve Vai and Geoff Tate’s choice, it’s no surprise really.

 

‘Exciter’ next is the choice track from German metallers Accept and you can totally relate it to the bands own style. At times though I often think it’s like Priest’s challenger to Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid,’ but significantly extended and yes Priest fans, there is more to it!

 

It’s interesting how you can relate some of the tracks picked by certain artists here to their own bands works, perhaps none more so than Lars Ulrich’s choice of ‘Beyond the Realms of Death,’ with its acoustic moments that then surge into big old power chords and Halfords screams.

‘Delivering the Goods’ next is the choice of Slayer’s Kerry King and it’s funny as when you listen to the original studio version’s of so many of these songs for the first time in ages, they are so different to how heavy the band is live, certainly today.

Don’t get me wrong, these tracks are still powerful and strong, but they are very different.

The same could be said of next track ‘The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown),' which is David Coverdale’s choice of favourite Priest track and I’m very much reminded of Kiss’ early studio works, versus their live material.

A lot of this material I really have to say is hard to really class as heavy metal, as it’s way more standard classic rock that the Priest really metalized live!

‘The Ripper’ is next and is the chosen track from Ozzy Osbourne who comments in his sleeve notes, ‘This has always been one of my favourite Judas Priest songs … I just want to know what the f**k that note is that Rob Halford hits in the beginning of the song!’

Too true Ozzy!

Rob is a hard man to beat when it comes to ‘those’ piercing screams!

I have to say next track ‘Victim of Changes’ in recent years has become one of my personal favourite Priest tracks, certainly live, it really comes across strongly.

So much too it really … A good choice from Metallica’s James Hetfield as his favourite then! This like the last track ‘The Ripper’ is in fact from a live performance.

A favourite of many Priest and hard rock fans has to be next track ‘Breaking the Law,’ perhaps an all too obvious choice as Lemmy’s favourite all time Priest track … What else can you say about this track? A good track on any compilation!

The track that has often been the opener of many a Priest live show is next in ‘Rapid Fire,’ but here is the studio version which I must say is still as powerful. This being the choice of Pantera man Vinnie Paul.

‘Grinder’ is next and sounds as dark as it ever does and is the nominated Zakk Wilde favourite Priest track, another constant crowd favourite too.

One of my favourites comes next in ‘Living After Midnight,’ which turns out to be top choice from both Alice Cooper and Sabbath’s Geezer Butler. Described by Alice as ‘…Priest’s most memorable anthem.’ Hard to argue that point! 

The choice of Slash is ‘Screaming for Vengence’ which for me is pretty much just a thrash through number, that besides the insane soloing work, doesn’t do much more for me.

 

I would say that ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’ is a very close second to what Alice Cooper claimed about ‘Living After Midnight.’

I know it’s been around a year or two longer than this one, but many Priest and rock fans could lay claim that this is in fact the best know Priest anthem. This one was picked by Klaus Meine (Scorpions) and Corey Taylor (Slipknot).

‘The Sentinel’ next is quite the epic style Priest song, loads of timing changes in the song and much more to it. I actually wonder if one of the Iron Maiden boys had picked a favourite Priest song if this would be among their choices. It’s a great track, I love it!

A track from the Priest era that some of their fans screamed ‘No’ about as I recall. ‘Turbo Lover’ where the band had added a lot more processed sound on their recordings, synths / keyboards, etc. It’s still been included in recent set list’s, so the band obviously feel some love for the song from a sector of the fans. This is actually the choice of Korn’s Jonathan Davis.

Closing track is the choice of Joe Satriani and is the phenomenal ‘Painkiller,’ one that I know Joe would love to jam sometime.

That said, Halford’s screaming on this one very much reminds me of Dr. Who’s Daleks! It’s seriously scary at times, but that’s Halford for you his ability to reach scream levels no one else can touch!

A good and surprisingly different compilation indeed, with some interesting sleeve notes from the various celeb’s who picked ‘the chosen few!’

Rating: 4 out of 5

Official Judas Priest website:

http://judaspriest.com

OK, it's giveaway time folks ...

To win yourself a copy - I only have one to give away, so it's the first correct answer! - of 'The Chosen Few' on Sony / Legacy, answer the following question ...

You know, I toyed with what to ask and I have to say, I had two questions in mind, the trouble with one, is the answer would've been in this review ..., i.e. Too easy ...

So, here we go ... Name the legendary keyboard player who has graced Judas Priest albums in the past? It's really not that hard ....

First correct answer to me, wins the copy of 'The Chosen Few.'

Please send:

a) Correct answer.

b) Name and mailing address within the USA and Canada. - Sorry folks, this site is run on my own budget and since I get no income from this site ... Postage is paid by me!

Deadline for this contest is Friday 2nd December, 2011.

c) Email to alun_williams@comcast.net

Brief Update for Monday 28th November, 2011

Hi folks,

Well, here we go again, not too much new news to share folks, after a busy home holiday time.

Would've liked to have caught up on a few reviews, but family comes first!

Anyway, relative to the opening news item below, I will this coming Wednesday night, be glued to the CBS channel for the Grammy's, as I wonder ..., will we see a special appearance and announcement from a certain band ... We'll see ...

Take care folks, hope to get a few more reviews up this week.

Cheers, Al

No new Van Halen album yet, but a new book on Eddie is out!

Sadly, after so much talk this past year about the forthcoming new Van Halen album, rumours after rumours and much, much more but no new album, not even a new sample of a new single?

The talk is that Van Halen, WILL make an appearance at the Grammy nominations show this coming Wednesday 30th November, but since Ed and his boys never showed for Van Halen's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you begin to wonder ..., will he show at the Grammy's?

Anyway, all of that aside for now, there is a new book available on Eddie, available right now!

Read on for the details ...

Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography

This is it! The definitive and very detailed biography of the most influential living guitarist.

The author leaves no stone unturned...everything is in here! www.VanHalenStore.com proclaims this book one of the few MUST-HAVE books on Van Halen!

In July of 1984, Edward Van Halen was the most popular musician in the world in the most popular band in the world—the band that to this day bears his own surname. As a 12-year-old, author Kevin Dodds experienced his first Van Halen concert, and it changed his life.

In this biography, Dodds takes a comprehensive look at the life of Van Halen, examining Eddie's early years growing up in the Netherlands; his life with his mother and musician father; the family's immigration to the United States; his lifelong trials and tribulations; and his remarkable music career.

For more than a year, Dodds delved into more than a thousand different sources to compile Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography, the story that captures the life of a man with complex personality and character traits whose life and times has played an important role in American cultural and musical history. Dodds has also woven his personal experiences with Van Halen into this story, providing a unique perspective in the field of rock-and-roll biographies.

Kevin Dodds has been an avid follower of Edward Van Halen’s career since 1979. Dodds is a writer, semi-pro guitarist, and rock and roll historian.

You can order the book through the Van Halen store, right here:

http://www.vanhalenstore.com/page/VH/PROD/B60

Michael Schenker announces Japan tour plans for 2012

Michael Schenker's planned tour of the US with the '3 Guitar Heroes' tour was recently postponed, due to guitar legend Leslie West' health condition deterioration, but now he's looking ahead to a Japanese tour in March 2012.

A shame, as the 'Temple of Rock' tour could've been quite impressive, maybe US dates will happen in 2012, I hope so.

This announcement on Japan plans made on his site:

Hi Everybody in Japan!

I am looking forward to playing Japan in March with the new line-up!

We will be performing lots of classics from Scorpions, UFO and MSG.

Herman (Rarebell) says Hi! and so does the rest of the band!

See you out there!

Best,
Michael

So, here's to the return of Michael Schenker in 2012, we're waiting Michael, we're 'Ready to Rock!'

Official website:

http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com 

The Answer plus The Union on UK co-headline tour 2012

 STOP PRESS!!!

The Union announce co-headline tour with The Answer in a celebration of the best of British rock!!!

'Pete and I are really looking forward to touring with The Answer and it's a
real pleasure to be flying the flag for British rock music. I think both
bands are ideally suited and it'll be a great experience for audience and
musicians alike! Roll on March!' - Luke Morley - The Union

'The Answer and The Union joining forces for a once in a lifetime rockin
rollercoaster ride around the UK???  Yes Please ...

The Answer are there with bells on and we're gonna rock your socks off people!!! The rock n roll
revival continues ... long live the REVIVAL!!!!!' - Cormac Neeson - The Answer

Official weblinks:

http://www.theuniononline.com

http://www.theanswer.ie

LANCE KING OFFERS FREE SONG DOWNLOAD AT DEBUT OF HIS OFFICIAL ARTIST WEBSITE

"A MOMENT IN CHIROS" AVAILABLE NOW NIGHTMARE RECORDS

LANCE KING is world renowned in the underground as a melodic metal vocalist, singing on over 25 worldwide releases over the last 21 years. This fact is impressive in itself, but what is truly special about LANCE is his ability to morph his voice to fit any mood and intensity of a song, he's proved this over the years by adding a very "special something" to every album he has been a part of.

Today LANCE KING is proud to unveil his brand new website. The web page is http://www.lancekingvox.com.

In conjunction with launch of his new site, LANCE is offering a free mp3 download of his song "Awakening", which comes from his new album "A Moment in Chiros" which is available now on Nightmare Records through Sony / Red in North America.

Metal Insider recently sat down with LANCE KING for an exclusive talk about his new album, as well as being the president and head of Nightmare Records. LANCE spoke at length about "A Moment in Chiros" and the responsibilities that come with being an artist and a label head at the same time.

Check out the interview HERE

"A Moment in Chiros" is available to order HERE.

On the last day of June, 2011 LANCE decided to invite some of his musical friends to co-write songs with him as he ventured into his first solo album. An act of faith only knowing their work, never working with them before in creating music. In just two months, those involved had created an epic masterpiece, quite a feat indeed based on the quality of this release.

In under three months, "A Moment In Chiros" was mixed and mastered and off to the presses, perhaps the fasted created music in history? 

This album was meant to be out by 11/11/11 and is destined to stand the test of time.
 

For those fans not in North America the worldwide release is now scheduled for November 25^th.

(Ed's note: Sorry folks, somehow I missed this press release in my inbox before.)

It will be made available from the following labels:

Bertus (BeNeLux), FioMusica (Portugal), Firebox (Finland), Hammermusic (Hungary), Indie (Norway), Insanity Records (Poland), Mad Lion (Poland), Masterpiece/Andromeda (Italy), NonStopMusic (Switzerland), PHD UK (UK), Record Heaven (Sweden), Rockextremum (Slovakia & CZ), Rock Off (Estonia), Sound Pollution (Sweden), Soundforge (Greece), Twilight - Vertrieb (Germany), Lethal Conflict (Czech Republic), Underclass (France), Wizard (Bulgaria)

Lance has chosen "Human Trafficking" (sex slavery), one of the fastest growing criminal activities worldwide as the charitable cause he would like to champion, profits from this album will go to efforts to abolish this slave trade worldwide through an organization called "NOT FOR SALE"!http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/about/slavery/

Boasting great creativity and performances by these fine musicians:

Jacob Hansen (Beyond Twilight, Invocator & Anubis Gate), Kim Olesen (Anubis Gate), Michael Harris (Darkology, Thought Chamber), Tore St Moren (Jorn), Fred Colombo (Spheric Universe Experience), Markus Sigfridsson (Darkwater / Harmony), Kevin Codfert (Adagio), Michael Hansen & Shane Dhiman (Phonomik), Morten Gade Sørensen (Pyramaze, Wuthering Heights), Elyes Bouchoucha, Malek Ben Arbia, Anis Jouini (Myrath) and Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson and MANY others).

Produced by: Kim Olesen (Anubis Gate) and Jacob Hansen, (Volbeat, Heathen, TYR, Amaranthe, Communic, Mercenary, Onslaught, Rob Rock, Blotted Science, Raunchy, Pretty Maids, Cryoshell)

                                 

Tracklist:

111. A Sense of Urgency
222. Awakening
333. Manifest Destiny
444. A Given Choice
555. A Moment in Chiros
666. Dance of Power
777. Kibou
888. Infinity Divine
999. Joy Everlasting
10:10 Sacred Systems
11:11 Transformation

Lance's Links!

http://tinyurl.com/LanceKingVox (Facebook)
https://www.twitter.com/lancekingvox
https://www.myspace.com/lancekingvox
https://www.NightmareRecords.com