CHAMBERS OF ROCK: News Update for Wednesday April 18th, 2012

Hi folks,

Well, what do you know, we have a winner in the MasterGuitarClass.net giveaway!

Congratulations go to Maxime Carbonneau, who was first to send in for the one years full membership to GuitarMasterClass.net online tuition giveaway!

Excellent!

I love it when my contacts have the opportunity to offer something in a giveaway, doesn't happen very often but every now and then.

My thanks to Maxime for your support and readership of Chambers of Rock, and of course to http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ for their generous giveaway.

Well, enjoy the rest of the week, cheers folks,

Official Statement from MATT SORUM About Guns N' Roses and the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Induction

OK, now, here's a response from another Gunner from Guns 'n' Roses, over to Matt Sorum!

“Dear Friends and Fans of Guns N’ Roses,

I am releasing this statement to bring closure to the night’s events at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, and to all things Guns N’ Roses. This will alleviate numerous press statements and interviews about the subject, which I have already addressed on my Twitter.

In these last few months since getting notice about being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame, many emotions and feelings have gone through my head and heart, as well as the original five members of GN'R: Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy and Steven. I was also chosen to be inducted, along with Dizzy Reed.

It was slightly awkward for me in some ways knowing some fans have the original five in their hearts for a reunion. I chose to say to Slash and Duff, ‘Please have Steven play, and let me know what you would like me to do.’

Two days before the event. Axl made his statement known. And it was apparent he wouldn't be attending. In respect to him, that is his decision and should be honored. Also, Izzy declined. So I suggested Slash call Gilby, who was left out of the proceedings. Gilby was a member of the band and contributing to the ‘Use Your Illusions’ World Tour, which took us around the globe for three years, as well as playing guitar on ‘Spaghetti Incident’ and ‘The Live Era’ albums. It felt like the right thing to do.

In fairness to the rest of the original line-up and myself, we decided to go ahead and attend. This is an honor that is once in a lifetime and couldn't be missed, especially for fans of the band. To us, it was honoring them as well. Regarding playing live, we agreed that we would share the stage together, joined by Myles Kennedy as guest singer, who did a fine job filling big shoes. Steven graciously offered ‘Brownstone’ and played two other ‘Appetite ...’ tracks, and I sang and joined him near the kit on ‘Paradise City.’

It felt perfect for all involved.

In my speech, I made references to drugs and Steven being dismissed from the band, in which I referred to, "How could someone be fired from Guns N’ Roses for doing too many drugs??"

It was meant to be light-hearted. But knowing the struggles Steven has endured all these years. I felt I needed to clarify that Steven was onstage, healthy, and ready to rock.

It is well known that the rest of the band has endured addiction and alcoholism and at this point in our lives, we are all healthy and sober.

Not to make light of drugs and alcohol…we were all full-blown addicts when the band split. What started out as a party and what we believed was part of the makeup of the band turned on all of us in the end.

Many years of soul searching and reconnecting with our inner selves have brought glorious gifts: Velvet Revolver with millions of records sold and a Grammy, Steven with his new band, and more. We are now all playing music and making records on our own that is truly what we love, before any of the business of music came into play. The music has always been the passion, before anything else.

Stevens’s passion for GN’R is something that no one can explain but him: it’s a true love gone, but never forgotten. How many people have felt that in their lifetime?

I told Steven and the rest of the guys the night of the Induction that night was for them and what they created on the streets of Hollywood, and it can never be taken away. The music will live on. And that's what counts. Not about who was there at the Induction. That the music will always be theirs and no can ever take that away.

Also, I have much respect for my former band, The Cult. And all the musicians I have played with over the years. They have all taught me so much.

I also need to thank my dearest and closest confidante, Ace Harper, who is my fiancée' and has made me a better man. She has walked beside in times of darkness, and has been there for me when all the stage lights and backstage parties were over.

This is where life is for all of us now survivors of a Rock & Roll era you will never see the likes of again: Married men Slash with two wonderful boys, Duff with two beautiful girls, Steven happy with a beautiful wife.

Life is good, my friends…we are alive! God Bless the fans of GN'R.

Long Live Rock N Roll,

Matt Sorum

(GN’R: “Use Your Illusion 1 and 2,” “The Spaghetti Incident,” “The Live Era")

Official website:
http://mattsorum.com/

And then ...

Axl makes fresh statement regarding his non-appearance at Hall of Fame

This from the official Guns 'n' Roses website, as Axl Rose makes a response after the whole event ...

“To: Cleveland, Ohio, Guns N’ Roses Fans and everyone who’s shown support for my decision regarding the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

“I seriously didn’t plan on or expect the overwhelmingly positive response and public support for my decision regarding the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. With such a generous outpouring of solidarity from fans, media outlets, writers and other artists, I’m truly humbled, blown away and unbelievably relieved! To be honest, I thought it would go the other way and was just hoping to weather the storm. As I said, I sincerely didn’t want to disappoint anyone. It gets old being the outlaw even if ‘it’s only rock and roll’.

“It took a lot of focus and soul-searching to be sincere and informative while making a genuine effort to be somewhat diplomatic. We made, what I feel, are real efforts to learn about the Hall and the Board, spoke as I said with the president and various members, and though I inducted Elton John and Bernie Taupin in ‘94 saying something to the effect of, ‘I’m learning what the Hall’s about…’

“I still don’t exactly know or understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money, where the money goes, who chooses the voters and why anyone or this Board decides who, out of all the artists in the world that have contributed to this genre, officially ‘rock’ enough to be in the Hall?

“This isn’t an attack. These are genuine issues I don’t have enough verified information on to have more than rough ideas. Certainly not enough information to make any judgments about.

“I would like to apologize to Cleveland, Ohio for not apologizing to them beforehand for not attending [the ceremony] in their city. I think they know how much I genuinely love performing there. Cleveland does in fact rock!

“Now that the smoke’s cleared a little, any desperate, misguided attacks have been just that, a pathetic stab at gossip, some lame vindictiveness, the usual entitlement crap, he’s obsessed, crazy, volatile, a hater. I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.

“Again: HUGE thanks to the fans and to everyone for the incredible public support. My congratulations to the other artists inducted. And my apologies to the city and people of Cleveland, Ohio. I hope you’ll forgive me and we hope to see you again soon!

“Keep rockin’,

Axl"

“Unlike my open letter to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N’ Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern this was written for GN’R’s official website, Facebook account and my personal Twitter account and not intended as a press release. If anyone does choose to pick this up as has been done previously I’d appreciate if you’d run in full including this paragraph so as not to give a partial picture, have things taken out of context or to imply or inadvertently give the impression this was intended for other outlets.

“Thanks in advance. Peace.”

Isn't the guy unbelieveable?!

Official weblink:
http://www.gunsnroses.com/

Van Halen Announce North American Summer Tour Dates

Van Halen has just announced 18 new tour dates, which start July 7th in Uncasville, CT and end August 12th in Cincinnati, OH. Their 2012 tour is in support of their latest album, “A Different Kind Of Truth”.

Jul 07 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
Jul 09 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum
Jul 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Jul 13 – East Rutherford, NJ – IZOD Center
Jul 15 – Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena
Jul 17 – Rochester NY – Blue Cross Arena
Jul 19 – Detroit, MI – Joe Louis Arena
Jul 21 – London, ON – John Labatt Centre
Jul 24 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
Jul 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
Jul 28 – Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
Jul 31 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County Memorial Coliseum
Aug 02 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Aug 04 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boiling Arena
Aug 06 – Memphis, TN – FedEX Forum
Aug 08 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Arena
Aug 10 – Greenville, SC – BI-LO Center
Aug 12 – Cincinnati, OH – US Bank Arena

For the complete list of all the remaining dates for 2012, visit our tour page here:
http://www.vhnd.com/2012-tour/.

Weblinks:
http://www.vhnd.com
http://www.van-halen.com/

Chris Squire and Steve Hackett release SQUACKETT

Yes and ex-Genesis man unite

SQUACKETT
Album: “A Life Within A Day”
Release date: Tuesday, May 29th, 2012.

Limited edition 7” vinyl single to be release on April 21st for International Record Store Day.

Esoteric Antenna are pleased to announce the release of the hugely anticipated album by SQUACKETT, the collaborative project between two legends of Progressive Rock, Chris Squire and Steve Hackett.

With progressive rock (in its many forms) now seemingly more popular than ever a collaboration from members of two the the godfathers of the genre is hugely exciting. Chris Squire has appeared on every YES album and is widely regarded as one of the most influential bass guitarists of all time. Now an established solo artist, Steve Hackett first came to prominence as the guitarist with Genesis. He was in the band from 1970 to 1977 and played on six studio albums and three live albums before leaving to concentrate on his solo career.

The two met when Chris Squire was working on a solo album and needed some guitar parts. Chris was put in touch with Steve and through these sessions the idea for SQUACKETT was born. Over four years in the making, the “Squackett” album is very much more than the sum of its parts. “It was very much about a bunch of pals swapping notes and anecdotes,” says Hackett “I would say if people are looking for uncountable time signatures, in the main that’s not what this album holds. I think the songs are more simple and direct.”
“It has a flavour to it that is reminiscent of a few things from different artists,” says Squire. “There is some clever prog rock stuff in there, some jazzy bits but there are parts that have vocal harmonies like Crosby, Stills and Nash”

Album tracklisting is as follows:

1. A Life Within a Day
2. Tall Ships
3. Divided Self
4. Aliens
5. Sea of Smiles
6. The Summer Backwards
7. Storm Chaser
8. Can't Stop the Rain
9. Perfect Love Song

The album will be released in the following formats - Standard CD - EANTCD 1002, Limited and Numbered Vinyl Edition - EANTLP 1002, Limited Edition 2 Disc Deluxe Edition (with hardback cover & 5.1 surround bonus disc) - EANTCD 2002.

On April 21st the band will release a limited edition 7" vinyl single to tie in with International Record Store Day (www.recordstoreday.com).
The single will be "Sea of Smiles" (single edit) b/w "Perfect Love Song" and Cat number is EANTS 1001

Official artist link:
http://www.hackettsongs.com/

Five years of waiting for CIRCUS MAXIMUS new masterpiece album “Nine” to be released in worldwide June on Frontiers

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the anticipated third album from Norwegian Progsters CIRCUS MAXIMUS entitled "Nine" on June 1st in Europe and June 5th in North America.

Five years after the successful release of the concept album "Isolate", this time Circus Maximus are back with a strong and mature cd. "A lot happened in our personal lives during the past few years ", explains drummer Truls Haugen. "Three of us had kids, plus we also had a several bumps in the road with the production. So it has not exactly been a joyride, but it feels great to finally be done, and after all this time we are ready to unleash our new monster!"

Circus Maximus spent anyway their time also working hard to further refining their sound. With “Nine” they are poised to take their place alongside the upper echelon of Progressive Metal bands. The band’s musical formula is not easy to accomplish – take jaw dropping musicianship, add a singer like Michael Eriksen with a voice from heaven and toss it together with hooks, anthemic melodies and enough groove and heavy riffing that really gets into your head.

For this new record the band presents the best of both worlds – offering their most melodic and at the same time heaviest moments of their repertoire, with class and maturity which is really from another world. “The majority of the material on the new record was written by Mats Haugen and he has taken the music to a kind of simpler and more accessible approach, yet kept the progressive elements and the "nerve" that is Circus Maximus” says Truls Haugen. “We're actually more melodic and heavier on this new record than we've ever been”.

The re-defining sound, the songwriting and the clever production, highlights the band as one of the leading, original Progressive-Metal band around. “Nine” is an absolute contender for Top Album of the year, transcending the boundaries and subgenres of Hard Rock music!

“Nine” will include the following tracks: Forging; Architect Of Fortune; Namaste; Game Of Life; Reach Within; I Am; Used; The One; Burn After Reading; Last Goodbye.

“Reach Within” will be released as a single worldwide on April 27th and can be exclusively listened in streaming on the Frontiers Records webradio www.frontiers.it/webradio - A videoclip for the song is in the works.

Circus Maximus will appear live in some selected shows in the summer before launching a full scale tour in support of the new album. “We will definitely represent this album live to the whole World” concludes Truls Haugen, “We will do more live shows and more touring than ever and we really cant wait to get back on the road!”