Search This Blog

Friday, May 18, 2012

Chickenfoot live at The Fillmore Theatre, Detroit - May 14th, 2012




Chickenfoot live at The Fillmore Theatre, Detroit - May 14th, 2012

By Guest Reviewer - Pete Salvato



Chickenfoot is a band formed by some legendary players for sure and you’d think from who they are and what each of them has achieved, they would be massive, but here’s the thing … I think we all expected something different from what we got, only I don’t think any of us really knew what we wanted from these guys?

Perhaps with Joe Satriani’s involvement added to half of a Van Halen line up, the anticipation was of a faster Van Halen sound?
Maybe with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, people thought the first album would be a funkier Van Halen?

Me personally, I’ve been a fan of Van Halen for years, having first seen the band live in 1981 on the ‘Women And Children First’ tour, at London’s now long gone Rainbow Theatre, but I also liked both the Dave (Lee Roth) and Sammy (Hagar) fronted line ups and have seen then since a few times too.
I have also been a fan of Sammy Hagar's solo material for years too, but for whatever reason, I never really got into the 'Chili Pepper's' band, but I do recognise the talents of Chad Smith, who has for the time being anyway, been replaced by Kenny Arnoff (Bob Seger, Elton John, Berlinda Carlisle, Cinderella, Stryper), who's certainly no slouch and has play live and done session work with so many acts.

Anyway, so that's a bunch of info on the background of Chickenfoot ... So I was fortunate that a good friend of ours and sometime vocalist, DJ, etc ..., Pete Salvato offered to review the show for us, when 'The 'foot' recently played Detroit. Over to you Pete!




Chickenfoot, came out to the Fillmore formerly the State Theater on May 14th, 2012.
The show was in an intimate setting and a sellout crowd. They opened up with 'Lighten Up' from their second CD 'Chickenfoot III.'
Just like when I saw their so called archrivals Van Halen, the crowd here erupted! They wanted Chickenfoot and throughout the whole evening, they were on their feet.


The tour is called the 'Different Devil Tour' which I was a bit surprised by, for the name of the tour since Different Devil is the second single release following 'Big Foot.'
What I enjoyed as a rock fan is the jams that were in the middle and the end of the songs. The band was spontaneous more so based on Sammy (Hagar) mentioning before the song, 'The Future's in the Past,' he said, "This song is based on the full circle of coming back to the real reason we are up here on this stage. Just to play music and have fun."
Bottom line is they are just simply having fun playing music.
They did all Chickenfoot songs with the exception of a tribute to Ronnie Montrose with 'Rock Candy,' and closed the show with the Hendrix classic, 'Foxy Lady.' The band itself, Sammy Hagar sounded vintage Sammy. His voice sounds like his days in Montrose and Van Halen.



Joe Satriani, "Smoke" as Sammy calls him based on his guitar playing "Smokin Joe". Smokin Joe was the nickname of boxer Joe Fraser who was Mohammad Ali's arch rival, was playing incredibly as he always does. 'He' being considered best guitar player on the planet ...!

Michael Anthony and his great bass playing along with classic backing vocals. Kenny Arnoff who is in place of Chad Smith - Chad is currently commited to touring with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers - flexed his muscles along with his drumming complimented the rest of his bandmates.



Overall this show was entertaining and exciting, the band's music flowed together with the crowd.
A great exchange!

One thing I would like to add, I have been to see both current line ups of Van Halen and Chickenfoot, they were great and fun shows to watch. The rivalry of which band is better is hogwash. Both are great records, both are great shows. However, it seems only natural that a rivalry is there between Sammy and Dave. Between Joe and Eddie (Van Halen). I'd love it to see these two bands tour together, however, Joe has a solo career, Sammy has the Wabos, and Kenny Arnoff is John Mellencamp's drummer, so I don't see that happening.
However you look at it, it was a great night!

 
Chickenfoot Setlist included:
Lighten Up, Alright, Sexy Little Thing, Big Foot, My Kinda Girl, Different Devil, Soap On A Rope, Something Gone Wrong, Last Temptation, Turning Left, Future's In The Past, Down The Drain, Oh Yeah, Rock Candy (Montrose), Foxy Lady (Jimi Hendrix)


My thanks to my good friend Pete Salvato for his helping hand at keeping the 'Chambers of Rock' site alive!
Keep on rockin'folks!


Official website:

Brief News Update for Friday May 18th, 2012



Van Halen postpones 31 shows on North American tour

Over at the Van Halen News Desk - www.VHND.com - where these days, is the only or closest thing to official Van Halen news updates - as the 'official ' VH site is worse than useless - that you can find, they have just announced that Van Halen has postponed 31 upcoming shows. 

There's a lot of speculation and rumours flying around gesturing that this could be Eddie's health issues again.
Since no official reason has been given at this point, so speculation is all over the place, from the possibility of Eddie's health to David Lee Roth in concerns over his voice holding up ...

Is Sammy Hagar waiting in the wings, I somehow doubt it!

Here's the details:



Van Halen have postponed 31 dates on their 2012 North American tour.
The postponed shows were to run from July 7 in Uncasville, CT through Sept. 25 in Milwaukee, WI.

No official reason has been given for the postponements, and there’s no word yet on when the rescheduled dates will be announced.

(Note that these dates have been POSTPONED, not cancelled.
Several shows on Van Halen’s 2007-2008 were postponed as well, and all were ultimately rescheduled.)

The band has 13 upcoming shows which will go on as scheduled:


5/19  St. Paul, Minn., Xcel Energy Center
 5/22  Kansas City, Mo., Sprint Center
 5/24  Denver, Colo., Pepsi Center
 5/27  Las Vegas, Nev., MGM Grand Garden Arena
 6/1    Los Angeles, Calif., Staples Center
 6/3    Oakland, Calif., Oracle Arena
 6/5    San Jose, Calif., HP Pavilion
 6/12   Anaheim, Calif, Honda Center
 6/14   San Diego, Calif – Viejas Arena
 6/16   Phoenix, Ariz., US Airways Center
 6/20   Dallas, Texas, American Airlines Center
 6/22   San Antonio, Texas, AT&T Center
 6/24   Houston, Texas, Toyota Center
 6/26   New Orleans, La., New Orleans Arena



The postponed dates:

 7/7  Uncasville, Ct., Mohegan Sun Arena
 7/9  Hampton, Va., Hampton Coliseum
 7/11  Philadelphia, Pa., Wells Fargo Center
 7/13  East Rutherford, N.J., Izod Center
 7/15  Baltimore, Md., 1st Mariner Arena
 7/17  Rochester N.Y., Blue Cross Arena
 7/19  Detroit, Mich., Joe Louis Arena
 7/21  London, Ontario, John Labatt Centre
 7/24  Toledo, Ohio, Huntington Center
 7/26  Grand Rapids, Mich., Van Andel Arena
 7/28  Cleveland, Ohio, Quicken Loans Arena
 7/31  Fort Wayne, Ind., Allen County Memorial Coliseum
 8/2  Columbus, Ohio, Schottenstein Center
 8/4  Knoxville, Tenn., Thompson-Boiling Arena
 8/6  Memphis, Tenn., FedEx Forum
 8/8  Birmingham, Ala., BJCC Arena
 8/10  Greenville, S.C., BI-LO Center
 8/12  Cincinnati, Ohio, US Bank Arena
 8/21  Spokane, Wash., Spokane Arena
 8/23  Portland, Ore., Rose Garden
 8/25  Sacramento, Calif.,Power Balance Pavilion
 8/28  Fresno, Calif., Save Mart Center
 8/30  Reno, Nev., Reno Events Center
 9/4  Salt Lake City, Utah — EnergySolutions Arena
 9/8  Albuquerque, N.M., Tingley Coliseum
 9/11  El Paso, Texas, Don Haskins Center
 9/13  Austin, Texas, Frank Erwin Center
 9/15  Oklahoma City, Okla., Chesapeake Energy Arena
 9/17  Wichita, Kan. – Intrust Bank Arena
 9/21  Moline, Ill., Iwireless Center
 9/25  Milwaukee, Wis., Bradley Center

That website link is here:



UK rockers Magnum update




The new album "On The 13th Day" will be Magnum's 18th studio album to date. Following on from the success of "The Visitation" Magnum once again return on top form.

 With 11 brand new tracks taking elements from Magnum's back catalogue of hook filled choruses and high end production "On The 13th Day" stands to be the best album to date.

 Right from the opening track "All The Dreamers" set to be the new "Sacred Hour," fans will get an instant feeling that this album has something very special to offer!

 

Once again Rodney Matthews fine artwork covers SPV's very high standard of packaging which Magnum fans have been accustomed to.

The album is set to release September 2012 followed by an extensive UK and European tour.


Official band website, for news and live dates details:


Def Leppard Record New Versions Of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages"



To celebrate the summer of "Rock of Ages", Def Leppard has recorded new versions of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages!"! 

The songs will be available worldwide on iTunes, Amazon, and all other digital music retailers June 4th.

Official Def Leppard website:



 
The Strange Case - Alice Cooper Now On DVD




The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper is more than a concert film.
It is the warped tale of one man's descent into madness, a theatrical rock 'n' roll spectacle that could only emerge from the twisted imagination of Alice Cooper.

Filmed during a stop on the Madhouse Rock Tour in 1979, Strange Case was inspired by Alice's stay in a New York sanitarium and the people he encountered there. Vincent Price introduces the proceedings as ghoulish doctors and transvestite nurses cross paths with dancing bottles of alcohol. All the while, Alice performs songs off his album From The Inside, as well as many of his most well-known and best-loved hits.

This is the DVD debut of the extremely rare film, taped on April 9, 1979, in San Diego, California, long sought after by fans. Only previous home video release was a quickly deleted and now very pricey VHS.
The DVD also contains a brand-new commentary track by Alice Cooper.

Setlist:

From The Inside
Serious
Nurse Rozetta
The Quiet Room
I Never Cry
Devil's Food
Welcome To My Nightmare
Billion Dollar Babies
Only Women Bleed
No More Mr. Nice Guy
I'm Eighteen
The Black Widow
Wish I Was Born In Beverly Hills
Ballad Of Dwight Fry
Go To Hell
How You Gonna See Me Now
Inmates (We're All Crazy)
School's Out

PLEASE NOTE: DVDs are available in region free NTSC format only.
Please verify that your equipment is NTSC compatible before ordering, as we cannot accept returns of this item due to format incompatibility.




Thursday, May 17, 2012

Brief Update for Thursday May 17th, 2012


Hey folks, sorry it's brief news today, late getting a lunch break in the day job, to get this done ...
Wanted to catch up with reviews, but right now it's not been able to happen, as I keep seeing news on the very sites and through PR emails and just want to keep you folks posted.
Will catch up as soon as I can, same with those interviews that I know so many people are waiting to read ... Sorry, time is so limited here.
Anyway, on with the news, Cheers, Al


No 2012 Summer US tour for Uriah Heep but possible Fall / Winter shows

British rockers Uriah Heep, who last year put out the excellent 'Into The Wild' album - Review link: http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2011/04/uriah-heep-into-wild-album-review.html - have put plans to tour the USA this summer, on hold. It does seem possible that either dates in the Fall or Winter may still be a possibility.

Over the past few years the band had seemed to up the ante on US live dates, as they not done for a bunch of year and had been getting some great reviews. Sadly, I was not able to catch any of their shows, for the last three years on the trot, as Detroit was not part of the tour plan.

They have just posted the following message to fans, over at their website, saying this:

Dear Fans,

Uriah Heep has made the decision to postpone it's speculated 2012 USA Summer Tour, in order to be able to fulfill additional European dates.

While we never officially announced any of the dates on the website or in press releases, several promoters had announced a few dates tentatively scheduled for July and some tickets have been purchased by fans.

Please know that we will be mindful of any ticket sales and will be able to assist in recovery fees if requested, although we are advised that the club and Performing Arts Centre Dates will still be valid, later in the year.

We feel that we will be in a much better position toward the latter part of the year to put together a very successful tour and look forward to see you all once again.

Uriah Heep

So, if you are a 'Heep fan, then make sure that you keep tabs on activities over at:




Asia 30th Anniversary US Tour dates



As AOR / Prog rockers Asia prepare to release their new studio album "XXX" with the original line-up of Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, the band has announced a number of North American tour dates for 2012.

The new album is due to be released mainland Europe on June 29th, with a UK Release on July 2nd and then North American on July 3rd.

The North America tour dates announced so far are as follows:

October 2012

Oct 17 - Red Bank, NJ, Count Basie
Oct 18 - Boston, MA, Wilbur Theater
Oct 19 - Westbury, NY, Westbury Theater
Oct 20 - Philadelphia, PA, Keswick
Oct 21 - Wilmington, DE, Opera House
Oct 23 - Verona, NY, Turning Stone Casino
Oct 25 - Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
Oct 26 - Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun
Oct 27 - NY, NY, Best Buy Theater
Oct 28 - York, PA, Strand Capital
Oct 30 - Annapolis, MD, Rams Head On Stage

November 2012

Nov 01 - Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak
Nov 02 - St. Charles, IL, Arcada Theatre
Nov 03 - Sloan, IA, Winnavegas Casino Showroom
Nov 08 - Santa Ynez, CA, Chumash Casino
Nov 09 - Agoura Hills, CA, Canyon Club
Nov 10 - Las Vegas, NV, Green Valley Casino
Nov 11 - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Coach House
Nov 13 - Scottsdale, AZ, Talking Stick Casino
Nov 16 - Dallas, TX, Granada Theater
Nov 17 - Austin, TX, One World Theatre (2 shows)
Nov 20 - Clearwater, FL , Capitol Theatre
Nov 21 - Orlando, FL, Fl Plaza Theatre
Nov 23 - Manistee, MI, Little River Casino Resort

For more details, go to:



SHRED GUITAR LEGEND- MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO TAKES OVER EUROPE
“Hands without Shadows – A Tribute to Rock Guitar”

FEATURED SHREDDING OF PANTERA, HENDRIX, RANDY RHOADS, METALLICA 
AND MORE!

HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 17, 2012) – Michael Angelo Batio is taking his show on the road and taking over Europe starting May 23rd in Italy at Magga. See a preview of this amazing show here:

Hands Without Shadows – A Tribute To Rock Guitar - http://youtu.be/ool5_5avLGA

Legendary shredder Michael Angelo Batio will take over Europe with his newly devised show: “Hands without Shadows – A Tribute to Rock Guitar.” This show is a multimedia extravaganza featuring the music of some of the greatest rock guitarists of the past 50 years.


Michael Angelo Batio, takes you on his 90 minute aural/visual journey to the different eras of rock music while playing guitars with incredible speed and musical precision. The “Hands without Shadow’s – A Tribute to Rock Guitar" show entails an awesome display of guitar wizardry accompanied by an equally talented band. This chronological tribute features Batio’s incredible arrangements and medley’s from the different eras of rock beginning with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, then moving on to Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Metallica and more.


2012 European Tour:

MAY

23rd - Magga - Civitanova Marche (Italy)
24th - Jailbreak - Roma (Italy)
25th - Black Stuff - Udine (Italy)
26th - Il PEocio - Trofarello (Italy)
27th - Bad Bull - Cupra Marittima (Italy)
30th - Borderline - Pisa (Italy)


JUNE

01st - Teatro - Las Palmas (Spain)
02nd - Rock City - Uster (Switzerland)
03th - TNT - Milano (Italy)
06th - Revolver Club - San Donà di Piave (Italy)
07th - A38 - Budapest (Hungary)
08th - Muzeum - Bratislava (Slovakia)
09th - New York Club - Vilnius (Lithuania)
10th - Melna Piektdiena - Riga (Lettonia)

Back to the USA – More dates to come:

June 15, 2012 – Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga, Tennessee


The excitement of the show stays with you long after the performance. Michael Angelo Batio has been an extraordinary inspiration to countless musicians around the world, playing a major role in the evolution of modern rock guitar. He embodies the spirit of a true artist who has ceaselessly pursued his own creative vision, while mentoring and cultivating the next generation of emerging musicians. Come see what all the talk is about of this true shred guitar legend!

For more information and to watch for the upcoming tour dates go to:

 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

News Update for Wednesday May 16th, 2012

Hi all,

Today I'd just like to first of pay respect to one of the most legendary vocalist to ever grace the world of rock 'n' roll ...
Two years ago today, we lost Ronnie James Dio to cancer, such a terrible disease, that every day we quite possibly all hear of someone else diagnosed with it.
As we remember Ronnie, at this very moment, one of his closest friends and another rock 'n' roll legendary guitarist, Tony Iommi continues to fight his own cancerous battle, as he continues to be treated for lymphoma ... Get well soon Tony and Ronnie, RIP my friend.
Your music will always live on.

On with the news, but spare a thought for Ronnie and say a prayer for Tony.
Cheers, Al



Bill Ward makes fresh statement on the Black Sabbath on / off reunion saga


Having read Bill Ward's full statement at his website regarding this whole Black Sabbath Reunion situation, if you ask me, it's all sick!
I can't believe that Bill Ward, the original drummer in Black Sabbath, from 1969 - 1980, then through other spells during the 80's and 90's and then from 1997 - 2006, as well as part of the latest reunion announced last year, until earlier this year, is being cold shouldered by the other guys.
Sure I understand that there's two sides to every story and obviously in this case, four sides.
My guess is that since Ozzy's wife Sharon, is most likely calling the shots, both Geezer Butler and the still sick Tony Iommi, have no doubt had gagging orders placed on them ...

So, only Bill Ward is opening his heart and thoughts to fans and the world ...
It then transpired that as Black Sabbath announced that they would play a warm up gig prior to the Download festival, in the bands city of birth, Bill Ward was not invited.
Bill claims he learned of this, purely through the internet, so he made attempts to try and be a part of the opening reunion show - First of three. - and it seemed some breakthrough was made and he was told he could play on three songs, and to ..., “come to the UK, play for free and see how the first show goes.”
What?! Is this a joke?!
If this was I, after being one of the founding members of this legendary act back in 1969, that started it all back in Birmingham, I'd tell them to shove it!
What a bloody insult!

So Bill has made this statement and I post just the initial part of it, but to read it in it's entirety, please follow the link to Bill's website:

"Dear Sabbath Fans and Fellow Musicians,
I sincerely regret to inform you that after a final effort to participate in the upcoming Sabbath shows a failure to agree has continued. At this time I have to inform you that I won’t be playing with Black Sabbath at the Birmingham gig dated May 19th, 2012, nor will I be playing at Download on June 10th, 2012. Further, I will not be playing at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2012.

It is with a very sad heart that I bring you this news. I am sincerely passionate in my desire to play with the band, and I’m very, very sorry that it’s fallen to this. This statement is even more painstaking to write, as I was particularly excited to play alongside Tony Iommi after the recent treatments he underwent. I wanted that to become a reality. (continue reading…)"

Seriously, what do you think fans?
I certainly wouldn't lay any blame on Tony, as the guy is seriously in a bad way and to be honest, since no updated statement on his health and treatment progress has been made since March - Two months ago! - I truly wonder how he really is?
These gigs are fast approaching and while I see he posted a statement, remembering old friend Ronnie James Dio (Yesterday), ahead of today being the second anniversary of Ronnie's passing, saying "I've been thinking of you old friend while dealing with my own health issues over the last 6 months and remembering the good times - Tony," realistically will Tony Iommi be fit to play any of these shows?
Tony, I wish you nothing but good health.
Geezer Butler clearly is in good health and is keeping quiet ...
There's nothing posted at his site ...

To me, it's perfectly clear, Ozzy must already be the richest Sabbath member, end of story and with wife Sharon's notorious 'mafia' like dealings - Following in her father Don Arden's footsteps - it's like, who would argue with her? Ozzy is simply Sharon's puppet these days ...
Fact of the matter is, this will NOT be a complete Black Sabbath reunion, as one of the true founding members will not be a part of it.

Incidentally, if you hadn't seen it already, you should read another former Sabbath drummers take on this, Vinny Appice:

To try and keep up with all things Sabbath related - And I wish you luck! - here's links to all the members official sites:

   



UFO's Phil Mogg talks of Pete Way

Original UFO bassist Pete Way has been battling liver disease, pretty much through his alcohol addiction - And other things ... - for a number of years now, while UFO's singer Phil Mogg 'appears' to have controlled his demons for the most part, especially after delivering a very good new album with UFO in 'Seven Deadly,' the bands latest release from a month or so back.

At present, UFO’s roster includes three veteran members including founding drummer Andy Parker who recently returned to the fold and new keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Paul Raymond. Bassist Pete Way, who had been playing with the group before being sidelined by an unnamed liver disease, is not currently an active member, but Mogg hopes to see him back with the band in the future.

 “We’re hanging on hope,” he tells Relix.com on the phone from England. “I don’t know whether or not he will be able to return. I see him down the road here. There’s a small studio on the beachfront, and he’s doing something with a guy from The Damned, but every time I say, ‘Hey, how’s Pete doing?’ I get a nonplussed reply like, ‘Well, he seems OK. blah blah blah. ’ Whether or not he rejoins the band, I’m hoping he pulls back from the abyss.”

Full story here:



Michael Schenker planning new live DVD

After 2010's 30th Anniversary of the Michael Schenker Group live in in Tokyo DVD, with original vocalist Gary Barden, it seems Mr. Schenker is soon to release a new live DVD from his current tour, in support of his current 'Temple of Rock' album.

Michael Schenker (UFO, Scorpions) is currently touring in Europe with vocalist Doogie White (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tank), Herman Rarebell (Drums - Ex-Scorpions), Francis Buchholz (Bass - Ex-Scorpions) and Wayne Findlay (Keyboards/Guitars) and announced this at his site:

"Hi Everyone!
Tonight's Tilburg show Sunday, May 13, will be filmed LIVE to be released as a DVD!
Be there everybody and get Ready To Rock!.
Best,
Michael"

Official website:




Simple Minds Live in Europe 2012

Simple Minds Live Dates

Complete List Of Summer Live Shows

Below is a list of all confirmed Simple Minds dates so far this summer.

23rd June 2012 Sat, Danube Island Festival, VIENNA, AUSTRIA, AT - 5x5 + HITS -
FREE CONCERT!
29th June 2012 Fri, Main Square Festival, ARRAS, France, FR - 5x5 FESTIVAL
30th June 2012 Sat, Rock Werchter 2012, Belgium, BE - 5x5 FESTIVAL

7th July 2012 Sat, T in the Park, Kinross, Scotland, UK - 5x5 FESTIVAL - SOLD OUT
8th July 2012 Sun, NEWCASTLE Academy, UK - 5x5 FULL SET

11th July 2012 Wed, Train, AARHUS, DENMARK, DK - 5x5 FULL SET
13th July 2012 Fri, Dalhalla nr Rattvik, SWEDEN, SE - 5x5 FESTIVAL

15th July 2012 Sun, Latitude Festival, Suffolk, England, UK - 5x5 FESTIVAL

21st July 2012 Sat, ARLES, Theatre Antique, France, FR - 5x5 + HITS
23rd July 2012 Mon, VIENNE, Theatre Antique, France, FR - 5x5 + HITS
25th July 2012 Wed, 'Amp It Up' Festival, ANTIBES, France, FR - 5x5 FESTIVAL
26th July 2012 Thu, MODENA, Piazza Grande, ITALY, IT - 5x5 + HITS
27th July 2012 Fri, ROMA, Ippodromo Delle Capannelle, ITALY, IT - 5x5 + HITS
28th July 2012 Sat, GRADO, Diga Nazario Sauro, ITALY, IT - 5x5 + HITS
11th August 2012 Sat, Auditorio Exterior IFA, ALICANTE, SPAIN, ES - 5x5 + HITS
12th August 2012 Sun, Festival Cap Roig, Calella de Palafrugell, SPAIN , ES - 5x5 + HITS
17th August 2012 Fri, Stadtpark, HAMBURG, GERMANY, DE - 5x5 FESTIVAL
18th August 2012 Sat, RS2 Sommer Fest, BERLIN, GERMANY, DE - 5x5 FESTIVAL
19th August 2012 Sun, E-Werk, KOLN, GERMANY, DE - 5x5 FULL SET
21st August 2012 Tue, Tonahalle, MUNICH, GERMANY, DE - 5x5 FULL SET
22nd August 2012 Wed, Amphitheater, HANAU, GERMANY, DE - 5x5 FESTIVAL
23rd August 2012 Thu, Schlachthof, DRESDEN, GERMANY, DE - 5x5 FULL SET
25th August 2012 Sat, Brabant Open Air Festival, Eindhoven, Netherlands, NL - 5x5 FESTIVAL

For more details:




GOTTHARD – Countdown to album release on iTunes
Hear some songs from “Firebirth”.

The Countdown has started. It is less than four weeks until “Firebirth”, the new GOTTHARD
album, is released on June 1st.
From this Friday 11th of May onwards, you can sample the music on iTunes (Switzerland and Germany only). This is the start of a countdown lasting three weeks on the download portal, on which one new song per week will be presented.

It all starts on 11th May with the song “Give me Real”, an earthy rock number perfectly in
style with early GOTTHARD; the rhythm will immediately sweep you along.
One week later, on May 18th, the song “Shine” will be available for pre-listening. This blues mid-tempo number presents lots of emotion upfront. And then on May 25th, the last track “The Story’s
Over”,
will be presented as a listener; you will immediately be compelled to stamp your feet.

All three songs will be offered on iTunes for immediate download and when the entire album
is released and you decide to buy it, the downloads already paid for will be taken into account
and subtracted from the total price of the album.

For those of you not used to using such portals, you should check out GOTTHARD’S
Facebook
page. On May 19th, a track by track pre-listening will be started, in which a part of
each song can be heard and the band will give a comment on every one.





Mike Portnoy's Flying Colors announce September European tour



Flying Colors, the hot new virtuoso prog rock supergroup featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater), guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple), and Neal Morse (Spock’s Beard), follow the release of their eponymous debut album with a rare European tour taking in London’s prestigious Shepherd’s Bush Empire on September 21st. 

Tickets for all the European tour can be ordered online via the official European press page here:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/mascot/flyingcolors.htm
Flying Colors: September 2012 European Tour

* Hamburg / Markthalle / Sept 9
* Berlin / C-Club / Sept 10
* Munich / Theaterfabrik / Sept 11
* Milan / Alcatraz / Sept 13
* Zurich / Volkshaus / Sept 14
* Stuttgart / Longhorn / Sept 15
* Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal / Sept 16
* Cologne / Gloria / Sept 17
* Paris / Le Trianon / Sept 19
* Tilburg / 013 / Sept 20
* London / Shepherd's Bush Empire / Sept 21


Flying Colors showcases Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar). "The album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us,” says Portnoy. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved." 
Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way.  Refreshing, classic, old and new, the songs are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who in becoming a band have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music. 

"It was quite an experience making the album,” recalls Dave LaRue. “It's been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop and metal into one big recording."

Mike Portnoy was the co-founding member and drummer for the world’s biggest prog metal band Dream Theater Neal Morse is the co-founding member of the prog rock bands Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic David LaRue is the bassist for the Dixie Dregs and has worked with Joe Satriani and Steve VaiSteve Morse is the lead guitarist for Deep PurpleCasey McPherson is the lead singer for Alpha Rev, who has experienced success on US radio with numerous hit singles including “New Morning”.


 

New material from Leather Leone (former Chastain Vocalist)!!!!!!

The metal community rejoice!!!!
the return of Leather Leone and Sandy Sledge on
 “Imagine Me Alive”

In absence for more than two decades, we embrace new material from  Leather Leone (Chastain, Rude Girl, Malibu Barbi) and drummer Sandy Sledge (Rude Girl, Malibu Barbi, Warbride, WeaponsVan) in their new project Sledge Leather

The Sledge Leather debut album “Imagine Me Alive” was inspired in 2010 when Leather Leone called Sandy Sledge to collaborate on the Ronnie James Dio track “Egypt”for a demo tribute recording. 
Due to the overwhelming response for more material, Sledge Leather was born and were confirmed for Germany’s Keep it True Festival, April 30, 2011.

Sledge Leather entered the studio in 2011 to record their comeback album “Imagine Me Alive”, engulfing the listener in an onslaught of heavy metal with 11 cohesive tracks that resurrects a classic HEAVY metal sound with Dio's former band members Scott Warren (keyboards), and Jimmy Bain (bass).
“We wanted to finish what we started with Rude Girl in the ‘80s – straight up heavy a** metal,” Sandy Sledge explains, “This album truly shows the different ways that Leather’s voice can create music.”
Leather Leone comments: "It's great for me to finally have a huge say in what's written and how it's written. With Sledge, I feel like it's writing with a soulmate — same beliefs, same ideas — because we are writing what comes to us naturally and what comes to us naturally is HEAVY music. This is metal. It's just 'metal.' Heavy, metal."

Respected industry friends Mike Varney and Monte Connor comment on Sledge Leather.

"Sledge and Leather are the most powerful team of female rockers on the metal scene today,” says Mike Varney, founder of Shrapnel Records.
"Leather sounds as great as she ever did and kicks even more ass than she did in the ‘80s!,” says Monte Connor of Roadrunner Records.

Sledge Leather's album line-up includes: Leather Leone (vocals), Sandy Sledge (drums), Matthias Weisheit (guitars), Scott Warren (keyboards/orchestration), and Jimmy Bain (bass).
“Imagine Me Alive” is currently available from the band and soon through all on-line outlets. 






Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Slight News Update for Tuesday May 15th, 2012


Joe Bonamassa's "Driving Towards The Daylight" released May 21st!



Joe Bonamassa’s new studio album “Driving Towards The Daylight” will be released in the UK on Monday 21st May by Provogue Records.

Produced by Kevin Shirley, “Driving Towards The Daylight” highlights Bonamassa’s signature style of blues, roots, and rock and roll. The album includes the Bonamassa-penned originals Dislocated Boy, the title track Driving Towards The Daylight, Heavenly Soul, and Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go. Other tracks include Joe’s versions of Tom Waits’ New Coat Of Paint, Bill Withers’ Lonely Town Lonely Street, and Bernie Marsden’s A Place In My Heart.
On the album closer, Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes sings lead vocals on his 1987 hit Too Much Ain't Enough Love.

 
Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, CA and Studio at the Palms in Las Vegas, NV, Driving Towards The Daylight is a balanced and back-to-basics album that highlights Bonamassa’s signature style of blues, roots, and rock & roll.


Driving Towards The Daylight was produced by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin), making this Bonamassa and Shirley’s seventh album collaboration in six years.



“We’ve taken some really traditional old blues songs – the Howlin’ Wolf song ‘Who’s Been Talkin’ and Robert Johnson’s ‘Stones In My Passway,’ says Shirley, “and we’ve tried to imagine how they would do them in a rock context. It’s a very exciting return to the blues in a very visceral way. It’s vibrant and it’s gutsy and it’s really, really rugged.”

To move Joe out of his comfort zone, a unique group of musicians was assembled, including Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford (guitar), Blondie Chaplin (guitar), Anton Fig (drums and percussion), Arlan Schierbaum (keyboard), Michael Rhodes (bass), Carmine Rojas (bass), Jeff Bova and The Bovaland Brass, Pat Thrall (guitar), and Whitford’s son Harrison Whitford (guitar).


Brad Whitford, speaking from the studio in Vegas, said, “This is definitely more influenced by the stuff that the guys and musicians in this room love, early ‘60s English and American rock and blues. I guess we’ll never get that out of our system and its fun to come in here and find our own path down that highway.”
 
To read the full press release and take in some great photo's of Joe in action, go to:

Joe Bonamassa - Official YouTube Channel

Joe Bonamassa – Official Website




Rush have announced details of a UK arena tour …, happening May 2013!


Rush will start their North America 'Clockwork Angels' tour in September this year, that will run through to December.



The band is on the verge of releasing their new, twentieth studio album, 'Clockwork Angels,' due for release on June 12th, 2012.

The recording of “CLOCKWORK ANGELS” began in April 2010 with Grammy Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Deftones) – who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007’s “SNAKES & ARROWS.” Rush co-produced both records.

On top of the new album and North American tour, the band has just finally announced details of UK live dates, unfortunately for UK fans, these will not take place until May 2013! 
 
They have announced 5 shows for the UK, with a heads up that more dates are to be added ...

Full UK dates are as follows

Wed May 22nd – Manchester Arena
Fri May 24th – London O2 Arena
Sun May 26th – Birmingham LG Arena
Tues May 28th – Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
Thurs May 30th – Glasgow SECC

*More dates to be announced

UK tour tickets go on sale at 9am GMT this coming Friday (May 18th) priced at £60/£75 (subject to booking fee) and will be available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.livenation.co.uk or www.ticketline.co.uk


Rush’s new album Clockwork Angels – the band’s 20th studio release – will be released in the UK on June 11 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form.
Pre-order your Rush Fan Pack at the link below.
All early-bird orders will receive a personalised Rush poster.

For all details on all the tour dates, go to:




 
INTERNATIONAL METAL GIANTS LOUDNESS SIGN
TO FROSTBYTE MEDIA TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM:
"EVE TO DAWN" SLATED FOR SUMMER

(New York, NY) - International metal giants Loudness have signed to FrostByte Media to release their new album EVE TO DAWN worldwide, ex-Japan; the offering is slated for a summer release, with exact dates per territory to be announced. This marks the legendary Japanese band's 26th studio album since their inception in 1981 (Loudness just celebrated their 30th anniversary). Please see below for the complete track listing. In advance of an extensive North American tour around the release of EVE TO DAWN, Loudness will play select American dates this month, including a headlining gig at BB King's in New York City on Monday, May 14th.


Known for their blistering technical ability, Loudness was formed in Japan in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and late drummer Munetaka Higuchi. With four very successful and critically-acclaimed albums under their belt in their native Japan, Loudness became the first Japanese heavy metal band to sign to a major label in the United States. In 1985, the band cracked the Billboard Top 100 Album chart with their fifth album, THUNDER IN THE EAST arriving at #74. With an astonishing 26 studio albums, numerous EPs, live albums and videos, Loudness show no signs of slowing down as the band continues to tour the world extensively in support of their new set. To date, Loudness has sold upwards of one million albums worldwide.
Loudness is: Minoru Niihara (vocals), Akira Takasaki (guitars), Masayoshi Yamashita (bass guitar) and Masayuki Suzuki (drums).


 
About FrostByte Media

FrostByte Media Inc. is a full service media and entertainment company based in Toronto. With worldwide physical and digital distribution via eOne Entertainment, FrostByte is committed to breaking its diverse roster of artists onto the world stage. In addition to traditional music services, the aggressive newly-founded organization and its international partners can also provide song-writing collaboration, production and engineering, sponsorships and video production, as well as film and television licensing.


EVE TO DAWN track listing:

1. A Light In The Dark
2. The Power Of Truth
3. Come Alive Again
4. Survivor
5. Keep You Burning
6. Gonna Do It My Way
7. Hang Tough
8. Emotions
9. Comes The Dawn
10. Pandra
11. Crazy! Crazy! Crazy!

For more information, please visit: