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Monday, November 26, 2012

Rock News Update for Monday November 26th, 2012


Hi folks,
 
Well, it's been family time here folks, so that's why you've seen no updates.
Hope you're all doing well?
Cheers,
 
Al
 
 
Night Ranger welcomes Keri Kelli on guitar
 
 
 
 
With Joel Hoekstra taking time out from Night Ranger with his busy TSO (Trans Siberia Orchestra) schedule, the band have recruited a 'new' addition to the band, to help them out with some upcoming tour dates, here's the details they've shared at their site:
 
Join Night Ranger in welcoming Keri Kelli, who will be taking over the role of lead guitarist for our upcoming tour in Canada with Journey, while Joel Hoekstra is on tour with Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Keri has played with the likes of Alice Cooper, Slash, Skid Row, Vince Neil Band, Ratt, Warrant, L.A. Guns, Tal Bachman, Saints of the Underground and Liberty N' Justice, just to name a few!
 
"I got the call of duty and I'm going into battle with my brothers in ROQ, Night Ranger," says Kelli. We are so excited to have Keri on board!
 
Good luck to the band, to Joel and to Keri.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joe Bonamassa sells out in London 2013
 
 
Standard tickets for Joe Bonamassa’s four highly anticipated London March 2013 concerts have now completely SOLD OUT.
Only a limited number of VIP tickets remain for fans wanting to catch the world’s hottest guitarist on this historic run of dates.
The four London concerts, all of which will be filmed for DVD, chronicle Bonamassa’s atmospheric rise to the top of the guitar world. The London tour kicks off at the intimate 200 reduced capacity London Borderline on Tuesday March 26. Bonamassa will then play the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire and HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday March 27 and Thursday March 28 respectively, before finishing the week at the prestigious London Royal Albert Hall on Saturday March 30.
For further information about the VIP tickets, which include the best seats in the house at all the shows, and exclusive access to the Borderline concert visit www.thegigcartel.com/joevip/.
Download your free copy of the song When The Fire Hits The Sea from http://jbonamassa.com/london.
 
Read the official London 2013 tour press release HERE and find all details on all of Joe's current activities.
 
 
 
 
 
Great White "Hard To Say Goodbye"
 
Official band videoclip right here:
 
 
 
 
 
'Hard to say Goodbye,' is the second videoclip taken from 2012 studio album "Elation" available now on Frontiers Records
 
For more info:
 
 
 
 
BENEDICTUM / THE V
 
 
The Female Metal Valkyrie Veronica Freeman and her band Benedictum have been busy working during the past few months. A new Benedictum album is in the works and will be a complete return to a traditional but powerful feel - much like the band's first two albums.
 
 
 
 
 Working with the band on the production is Grammy Award Nominee and Billboard charting producer, John Herrera and of course Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner). Jeff has already had one writing session with Benedictum and Veronica has just returned from her second writing session with Jeff Pilson this past week. Craig Goldy (Dio) has been writing with Benedictum as well and there will probably be some vocal duet surprises on the album too. The songwriting team of Pete Wells and Veronica Freeman is however still in full effect and with Rikard Stjernquist (Jag Panzer) adding to the mix there are some powerful great ideas coming to life.
 

But Veronica is also working to show another side of herself. In Veronica’s words: "I had a lot of input and encouragement from Frontiers in the previous months to try and stretch myself with different musical styles and approaches. So I have decided to accept their proposal for a solo album - which will be released under the moniker of” THE V".
 
Musically Veronica will be pursuing a much more melodic and hook-friendly direction. John Herrera will also produce this endeavor and there should be some special guests appearing in the writing and performing dept including a song from Jerry Dixon from Warrant and some bass performances from Brad Lang from Y&T as well as from Jeff Pilson and others to round out the talent that will be involved with this project. Pete Wells will also show his other side with some of the music he is contributing to this project.
 
Both new albums will be released in 2013 – Benedictum are really looking forward to also being able to perform in Europe in 2013 so lookout for Veronica's talents both in Benedictum and with the V sometime soon!
We all really hope you will enjoy all the music that is coming your way!
 
 
 
 
 
Chasing Violets, check them out folks!
 
 
 
 

I was recently fortunate to be put in touch with French band Chasing Violets, who have an excellent album out, titled 'Outside Heaven' which really is quite an AOR gem!


Many vocal influences can be heard through the wonderful soaring vocals of singers / songwriters Sarah and Mélissa Fontaine.

The band are currently in Europe, going from strength to strength, although currently playing smaller venues, they have apparently been playing to sold out crowds.
Over the past five years, they've developed a strong following performing in the west country of their native France.


They say that their unique style reflects an influence of Melodic and Classic rock by bands that range from The Eagles to Yngwie Malmsteem, Giant, Dakota,Toto and Survivor.

In a chance meeting with Frédéric Slama of AOR fame - Who has played with members of Toto, FM, Chicago, Dakota among many others. - Sarah and Mélissa's careers and their new band Chasing Violets took an exciting turn and they decided to record their first English CD “Outside Heaven” produced by Frédéric Slama.

Chasing Violets reflects Sarah and Mélissa’s passion for AOR music: Melodic rock with a touch of sensuality.
Chasing Violets is the answer to their dreams - Two female lead singers fronting the band with the best AOR musicians in the world.
“Outside Heaven” is sure to become an instant AOR classic.
 
 
Check out this promo sampler video of their material right here:
 
 
Produced by Frédéric Slama and co-arranged by the legendary Tommy Denander (Alice Cooper, Paul Stanley, Toto, Jimi Jamison, Steve Vai, Michael Schenker), with the help of Paul Sabu (Kidd Glove, Silent Rage, Only Child), David Diggs (Quincy Jones, Richie Furay), Christian Tolle (CTP, Cooper Inc.) and various top arrangers including Frédéric Slama.
 
With “Outside Heaven,” Chasing Violets really have delivered a first class melodic rock album, with a twist of Journey, Toto and Heart.
 
Not bad huh?! Go and check them out folks!
Album review coming soon!
 
Official Website:

Official MySpace:

Official Facebook Page:
 
 
 

Special Limited Edition IRON MAIDEN Vinyl Picture Disc Albums issued
 
 
 

First FOUR Available now!
 
A series of special limited edition IRON MAIDEN vinyl picture disc albums are being released by UMe!
 
Comprised of the first eight albums of Maiden’s career, all released in the 1980’s, each picture disc will be packaged in a gatefold sleeve with full color printed inner bags and the heavyweight vinyl will be cut from the original album master tapes.
 
The albums are being released chronologically from now through February, starting with the following 4 releases 'Iron Maiden,' 'Killers,' 'The Number of the Beast' and 'Piece of Mind' which are available now, right here:
 
 

 
To open the New Year, 'Powerslave' and the double album 'Live After Death' will be released in January, with the final two titles, 'Somewhere In Time' and 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son' coming out in February 2013.
 
Official band website:

 
 
 
 

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