News Update for Friday May 25th, 2012

Aerosmith Debut Brand New Single "Legendary Child" With Performance on American Idol 

"Legendary Child" Single Available Now on iTunes

New Album Music From Another Dimension out August 28, Available Now For Pre-Order

Tour Kicks Off June 16   

Aerosmith premiered their brand new single "Legendary Child" by performing the song live on the season finale of American Idol on May 23.
For me, I have to say, it really didn't grab me, but maybe it'll be a grower?

"Legendary Child," available now on iTunes, is the first single from Aerosmith's long-awaited new album.  'Music From Another Dimension' will be released August 28 and is available now for pre-order on iTunes.  The track listing is below.

Pre-order link:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/music-from-another-dimension/id529652829

Eager to bring the new tunes to fans across the country, Aerosmith will hit the road for The Global Warming Tour this summer.  The tour kicks off on June 16 in Minneapolis. 

A full list of dates is below.
    

Music From Another Dimension tracklisting
1. What Could Have Been Love
2. Beautiful
3. Street Jesus
4. Legendary Child
5. Oh Yeah
6. We All Fall Down
7. Another Last Goodbye
8. Out Go the Lights
9. Love Three Times a Day
10. Closer
11. Shakey Ground
12. Love a Lot
13. Freedom Fighter
14. Up on the Mountain

The Global Warming Tour

with Special Guests

Cheap Trick:

6/16    Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
6/19    Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
6/22    United Center, Chicago, IL
6/27    Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON
6/29    Times Union Center, Albany, NY
7/01    Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
7/03    Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA
7/05    The Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
7/07    Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI
7/10    Laval Nature Center, Laval, QC
7/12    Festival d'été de Québec, Quebec City, QC
7/14    Salmon Festival, Grand Falls, NL
7/17    TD Garden, Boston, MA
7/19    TD Garden, Boston, MA
7/21    Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
7/24    Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ
7/26    Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA
7/28    American Airlines Arena, Dallas, TX
7/30    Toyota Center,  Houston, TX
8/01    Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
8/04    Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
8/06    Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
8/08    Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA

Official website:http://www.aerosmith.com/

GARY CHERONE & NUNO BETTENCOURT of EXTREME to SING

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM – SATURDAY, MAY 26TH @ 7PM @ FENWAY PARK

NUNO BRINGS A SPECIAL FAN

HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 23, 2012) – Boston’s very own Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt of multi-platinum recording band EXTREME are performing the National Anthem this Saturday, May 26th at 7:00 PM at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays game.

Most recently, in the celebration of Fenway Park’s centennial, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt and Daniel Bard joined forces and recorded a version of the song “Let The Good Times Roll” available on the 100 Year Anniversary Red Sox Commemorative album. A portion of proceeds benefits the Red Sox Foundation.

Bettencourt will also be celebrating his special fan Darren Parker, who has self-proclaimed himself as one of Nuno’s biggest fans. The band and fans know him as NunoFreak. Darren has an inoperable brain tumor rendering him unable to work as his medical bills are mounting.

A fundraiser is being held on June 23 at Sleep’s Bar & Grill in Bluffs, IL which will include an auction, donations and freewill. Darren’s dream was to have Nuno show up but unfortunately he will be in London on tour with Rihanna. Bettencourt came up with a solution to help.

Last Friday, Nuno surprised Darren by calling him on the phone and invited him to be his special guest with Gary for the Red Sox game. This generous offer includes Darren to be on the field when they perform the National Anthem. After the Anthem, Nuno will gift him one of his Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N4 guitars so Darren can auction it on eBay to help cover his medical expenses. The Red Sox has kindly agreed to let Darren come in the afternoon to watch sound-check and then stay in the park to watch batting practice. “We are making this real special for him.” states Bettencourt.  After the phone call with Nuno, Darren sent management an email saying that he “Literally had to pull the car over on the side of the road for 20 minutes to just process the conversation he just had with Nuno.”

Here is Darren’s website to learn more about his situation and the fundraiser.

www.donations4darren.com

Gary Cherone (lead vocals) and Nuno Bettencourt (guitar) are the driving force behind the iconic Boston rock band Extreme. To date, the Grammy-nominated EXTREME have released six albums, plus a greatest hits set—selling over 10 million records worldwide. They also achieved a Billboard #1 hit single, “More Than Words” — from their 1990 multi-platinum album Pornograffitti and a Top Five hit with “Hole Hearted.” Although these two acoustic hits brought the band great mainstream success, the band’s trademark sound is a mix of hard rock funk—fueled by guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt’s signature style and Gary Cherone’s resonant vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

Weblink:

www.extreme-band.com

Drummer Mark 'BAM BAM' McConnell passes away

Former drummer with Sebastian Bach's band, Mark 'BAM BAM' McConnell sadly passed away yesterday morning, following the failure of both his liver and kidneys.

McConnell had drummed with the former Skid Row singer Bach between 1997 and 2005, he had also been a part of southern rockers, Blackfoot.

His family shared the news with family and friends, through Facebook:

"Mark passed at 9:42 this morning surrounded by family and close friends. We will miss him...he was precious to all of us and touched all our hearts deeply and profoundly. On behalf of our family thank you to all of you for you prayers and support. We will post more info when we've had a chance to catch our breaths."

Erin McConnell shared this through Facebook, in response to the many messages from fans and friends:

Hello Everyone,

I can't let all of these comments go unnoticed and I seem to be the one to take on the face-booking for us at the moment...I just wanted to say thank you to all of you. I have to say that Facebook has been a great comfort to me - hearing all of your stories and reading all of your thoughts and seeing all of the imagery you've all been so wonderful about posting. I want you all to... know that Rikki is resting right now and our family and friends are coming together to get through all of this.

We haven't had a chance yet to make solid plans for a gathering on Mark's behalf, but things are in the works and someone will post more information as it becomes more clear.

Do stay tuned and know that we hear you. Keep posting!

Much love to all of you from all of us. ♥♥♥

Mark's wife Rikki McConnell, posted this tribute:

My Sweet, Beautiful Best Friend and Husband. I miss you SO much and so do Sara and Patch. I'll take good care of them. My time with you was Way too short but what an adventure! WOW! I'LL LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND ALWAYS! You'll forever be in my heart!!! XOXOXOXOX

RIP Mark, the hurt is now over for you.

Sympathies go out to Mark's family and friends.

Joe Bonamassa is No.1 in the UK's Midweek Album Chart

Joe Bonamassa’s brand new studio album “Driving Towards The Daylight” is the number 1 album in today’s Official UK Midweek Album Chart.

 Released in the UK by Provogue Records, this marks Joe’s 13^th solo album and solidifies his reputation as one of the hottest guitarists in the music business.

“We are very excited about Joe’s impressive rise in record sales,” says Ed van Zijl, owner of Provogue Records. “Joe has worked extremely hard for the past 20 years, gradually building a massive following with the general public. It now seems that public demand is dictating the need for a singer/songwriter and guitarist of Joe’s stature.”

The midweek chart position is subject to change. 

The official album chart will be revealed on Sunday evening. The album follows Bonamassa’s appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, which aired on Monday May 21^st. View Joe’s Letterman TV debut here – http://bit.ly/Kd4ieP.

For the official album press release, click here.

Jeff Scott Soto – Damage Control album reviewReleased on: Frontiers records. Release date: Available now

The excellent vocals and all out musical ability of Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Yngwie Malmsteen, Soul SirkUS, Journey), return on this excellent return to some sheer classy melodic rock of the highest calibre.

This man has shared the stage with so many rock legends, not to mention the fact that he’s currently touring the US as part of the Queen Extravaganza put together with the help of Queen’s Roger Taylor and Brian May.
He’s also got a whole host of guest musicians here including long time fellow band mate Gary Schutt, as well as Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger, Rock of Ages) and from Y&T Dave Meniketti (Guitars/Vocals) and Mike Vanderhule (Drums) and many more!

'Damage Control' is a seriously class album, no question!

I just love the heavy introductory groove of opener ‘Give a Little More,’ but then there’s so many hooks and the huge chorus, alongside those killer vocals, it’s just brilliant!

‘Damage Control’ starts again with a heavy riff, but I’m also impressed by the keyboard interaction at the start, playing off the guitar.

The song gets into a strong melodic vein, as JSS simply handles so well, at any time, another winner to me!
The guitar solo work on both of these opening tracks is exquisite!

There, who’d have thought I’d use that expression here?!

I’m telling you folks; ‘Look Inside Your Heart’ deserves to be a huge hit single! Great punchy, yet hook laden riffs and the keyboard melody once more just blends so well, it’s just such a well written song and the vocal performance once again, flawless!
Oh and if that wasn’t enough, get a load of the harmony guitar solo, killer! I could play this track over and over and find something else that would make me love it even more. It just keeps giving, class!

Seriously, this album captures so much of so many favourite AOR and hard rock classic moments, that conjures up images and sounds that you can probably relate to many big favourite melodic hard rocking bands.
The musicianship throughout is top notch and besides the players mentioned, there are many others who contributed too, so it's quite an eventful album. 

‘If I Never Let Her Go’ is certainly AOR Pop/Rock of the finest quality, slick indeed and keeps everything on track.

In ‘Die A Little’ it’s a little funky in the verse, yet the pre-chorus and chorus is much more of the slick smooth AOR Pop / Rock that JSS can do so well. You know it’s almost like Richard Marx best material meets Toto, I really love this album, seriously, it’s a complete winner and deserves to be monster. Thanks Jeff!

The magic just keeps coming in the shape of ‘Tears That I Cry’ and the massive power ballad ‘BonaFide.’The latter being a gem that any mega 80’s act I’m sure would wish they’d written and performed. Excellence to a fault!
Jeff, I’m sure you can do this stuff in your sleep now too, eh?

‘Krazy World’ next is a seriously heavier affair. Heavier, dirty riffs and as heavy as the verses get, you just know that the chorus is guaranteed to grab you and yes, it does. The guitar work is serious stuff too and of course, without sleeve notes and with a press release that doesn’t tell you who plays on what …, well, what can I tell you?! Good stuff, no matter what!

With ‘How To Love Again,’ it’s a little like modern Journey in places, it’s a mid-paced up tempo pop rocker and the fact that JSS spent time on the road with Journey, I guarantee that material was worked on together. Listen to the guitar work again, killer and the rhythm section is just great! Nice track.

‘Afterworld’ starts with nice ‘n’ dirty guitar riff and then a growling vocal from JSS gets this steady, dark rocker going.

Final track on the version I have, ‘Never Ending War’ starts with sound effects from a war scene and a young boy saying the Lord’s prayer, as the band then gets into an offbeat yet strong, emotive, epic like track.

It’s really a great album, I will say, that the first half is more instant than perhaps the second, but once you’ve spun this a few times, you’ll get what I mean about just how strong it is.

There's a regular version, with the tracks I've reviewed here out there, but also a deluxe version with a bonus DVD.

Knock yourselves out folks, a great album that cries out to be heard!

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Weblinks:

http://jeffscottsoto.com
http://www.frontiers.it/

News Update for Wednesday May 23rd, 2012

Francis Rossi reveals Classic 'Quo Line up will be back ...


Status Quo's founding and leading man, Francis Rossi has revealed to a Swedish rock magazine - of all places! - that the classic Status Quo line up of the 70's, will reunite to record a new album and play live dates ...
Rumours had already done the rounds about the possibility, but since the band have been making the Quo documentary, 'Hello Quo' which is due for release later this year - Hopefully! - old wounds from legal battles and more, have it seems healed somewhat!

The classic 'Quo line up featured Francis Rossi (Guitars / Vocals), Rick Parfitt (Guitars / Vocals), Alan Lancaster (Bass / Vocals) and John Coghlan on drums, who last recorded and toured together back in 1981, before Coghlan left the band first.
Lancaster soon followed around 1985.


In 2002 sadly, Alan Lancaster was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but it seems he is winning to a degree, a bit of a battle ... 
Rossi told Swedish magazine, 'Nostalgia Rock 'n' Rock,' “Alan looks like he couldn’t do it. He’s still frail and his legs are a bit shaky, but he’s getting stronger every day. He’s lifting weights and eating himself into shape.”

Quo have continued recording albums and touring, with a strong line up still today and for many years now and Rossi remains adamant that the current line up will continue, but that the classic lineup will play together again.

“We’ll do a tour and write new songs. We’ve booked a tour in Britain in March next year – eight to ten gigs or something. If we had been gone for 20 years maybe we would have been able to book all the big arenas. But we have a modern-day Quo up and running, and quite successfully too. Who knows how the old band will be perceived?”

The full details, in Swedish(!), can be found here:
http://www.rocknrollmagazine.se/index.php

UK magazine Classic Rock have also taken the story from the Swedish magazine, as posted here:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/classic-quo-are-back/

ROGER HODGSON
THE LEGENDARY VOICE OF SUPERTRAMP
CONTINUES
THE BREAKFAST IN AMERICA TOUR

New York, NY—(May 22, 2012) – Roger Hodgson, the legendary voice of Supertramp, recently completed the first leg of his “Breakfast in America Tour” with sold out shows across the US and South America.  On June 6, Hodgson heads to Germany to kick off a summer run through Germany, Holland, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, and Switzerland, before returning to perform in North America in August.

Fans the world over have been thrilled with Hodgson’s unforgettable songs such as “Breakfast in America,” “The Logical Song,” “Dreamer,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “It's Raining Again.”   Hodgson and his band perform these timeless songs worldwide, as they take you on a magical musical journey.

Universally recognized as one of the most gifted composers and songwriters to have ever put pen to paper, Hodgson helped define a generation of progressive rock. Founding Supertramp in 1969, Hodgson’s dulcet tones and beautifully crafted lyrics helped the band sell in excess of 60 million albums, transforming them into a worldwide phenomenon.

Reflecting on his tour and DVD, Roger said "I love performing these songs, which continue to resound for me as a performer and for the fans.  My songs come from a very personal place inside me and they carry my beliefs and my dreams and my philosophy of life.  I understand the deep connection that fans have with my songs that have been a part of so many peoples’ lives around the world."For a chance to experience the magic first-hand before Roger arrives in your city, tune-in to the livestream on the DW homepage.   Check listings for Euromaxx airing June 1-2 and 3, here:

http://www.dw.de/dw/episode/9800/0,,15943029,00.html   

Media Reviews:

 “This is the real deal: a legendary music man, in brilliant form and shimmering presence, supported by a tight, terrific band.”   Huffington Post Review

 “He is a consummate musician that takes his craft seriously. Every aspect of his performance was flawless”   Classic Rock Revisited Review


For a taste of the live Hodgson experience, Take the Long Way Home – Live in Montreal, is available on DVD from Eagle Rock Entertainment. Click to view songs from the DVD: “Take the Long Way Home,“ “Breakfast in America” and “Give a Little Bit.”

Upcoming US Summer Dates:

August 5        Deer Valley Resort, Park City, UT
August 9       Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
August 10       Portland Zoo, Portland, OR
August 11       Cache Creek Casino, Brooks, CA
August 12      Saratoga Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
August 16      Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, NH
August 17      Twin River Casino, Lincoln, RI
August 18       Borgata Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
August 21      Artpark, Lewiston, NY
August 23       Ravinia Pavilion, Highland Park, IL
August 24       Blue Ash Town Square, OH
August 25        Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater, NY
September 16    Taste of Newport, Newport Beach, CA 
September 18     Humphreys, San Diego, CA


For fall US show itinerary and ticket information go to: http://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/tour.html

Roger’s Official Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/RogerHodgsonOfficial

YouTube Channel - http://www.YouTube.com/MrRogerHodgson

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/RogerHodgson

Escape Music presents PRAYER - "Danger In The Dark"

Escape Music – ESM241

Released: 20th July 2012


PRAYER is back! It has been some 7 years since we were presented with the album “Wrong Address” (ESM117), which really set the pace way back in 2005 and gained the band a cult following. Prayer play Melodic Rock/AOR and hail from Oulu in Northern Finland.


"Danger in the Dark” is their brand new debut album which boasts catchy tunes with lots of double guitars and great keyboards. All songs have been written by Tapani Tikkanen, who is the driving force behind Prayer. Tapani´s musical career began in the early eighties with “IC-Rock” and continued later with “Tanna”. Together with those bands he did hundreds of gigs all over Finland but after several albums and more than 20,000 records sold, it was time for a break. However, he kept writing songs, such as three albums for the craziest football club in the world, F.C.Rainbow and a solo single entitled “Everyone’s a Winner”.


Tapani wanted to create a band that brought out his rock and roll heart. After the recording of a few demos Tapani contacted his friend and keyboard-wizard Jari Huvila to talk about forming the band PRAYER. Since “Wrong Address” there has been a line up change, which now features distinguished keyboards player Mika Pohjola.

Prayer play exciting hard melodic rock with a style that joins together the best of Saga, Treat and Royal Hunt. Their music has meaning and these guys are all committed to making this one of the most talked about releases in 2012.
Anyone with a penchant for soaring vocals, driving guitars and plenty of keyboards are in for a real treat. It’s as if all your prayers have been answered.

Tracklist:


1. Danger In The Dark 4.37
2. Nobody Loves You 3.51
3. KP 4.36
4. Get What I Came For 3.16
5. Another Fool 4.48
6. Never Let Your Dreams Die 5.12
7. Heart Wants You To Rock 3.53
8. Livin´ Ain´t Livin´ 4.30
9. I ´m Back 4.50
10. It´s Not The End 4.01

Prayer line-up is:

Jukka Ihme - lead and rhythm guitar
Mika Pohjola - bass and keyboards
Matti Torro - drums
Tapani Tikkanen - lead and background vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion
Valtteri Tikkanen - rhythm guitar and keyboards

Recorded at Soundmix Studios 2012, Oulu, Finland
Engineered and mixed by Mika Pohjola
Produced by Tapani Tikkanen and Mika Pohjola.
Words and music by Tapani Tikkanen

Weblink:
www.Escape-Music.com


 

George Thorogood & The Destroyers To Release New Studio Album

Named for the address of Chess Records Chicago` headquarters, 2120 South Michigan Avenue is produced by musician, songwriter and producer Tom Hambridge, a four-time GRAMMY Award nominee and 2010 GRAMMY winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album (Hambridge produced Buddy Guy`s Living Proof) and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award winner. The album`s featured guests include 2010 GRAMMY Award winners Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite.

The album opens with "Going Back" a blistering new song written by Hambridge and Thorogood, setting the stage for Thorogood and The Destroyers to rip through classic Chess chestnuts including "High Heel Sneakers" (featuring Buddy Guy, who originally recorded the song for Chess), Willie Dixon`s "Seventh Son," Howlin Wolf`s "Spoonful", Chuck Berry`s "Let It Rock", Muddy Waters "Two Trains Running", Bo Diddley`s "Bo Diddley", J.B. Lenoir`s "Mama Talk To Your Daughter" Sonny Boy Williamson`s "Help Me", Little Walter`s "My Babe" (featuring Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica), and Jimmy Rogers "Chicago Bound".


The album also features another new song by Hambridge and Thorogood, along with Nashville songwriter, Richard Fleming, titled "Willie Dixon`s Gone", and the album`s closing title track, the Rolling Stones instrumental, "2120 South Michigan Avenue" (featuring Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica).

George Thorogood forged his signature sound of blues-infused rock & roll with the musical guidance he received from his Chess heroes. The Destroyers fought their way to the top, barging out of Delaware in the `70s as a jarringly high-energy bunch (also featuring drummer Jeff Simon and bassist Billy Blough), playing raucous, slide guitar-stoked, blues-rock takes on tunes by Chuck Berry, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley and others. Soon, they were touring and gigging with many of these statesmen of the blues, and learning invaluable lessons with every encounter.

"We were playing with these tough guys `these legends` away from their mean streets of Chicago. The audiences on the road were a real shift from the rough scene they fought through at home", says Thorogood. "That`s the blues. That`s the education I got, hanging out day in and day out. There`s an incredible story behind the music - they`re speaking the truth".

Thorogood is proud to honor Chess Records architects of modern blues and rock & roll, saying "Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley are religion to me. I know their ears and eyes are on me, so I have to nail it".

2120 South Michigan Avenue producer Tom Hambridge says of Thorogood, "What`s makes this album so perfect for George is that he has been doing it authentically all along. He can deliver Howlin` Wolf better than anybody, because he`s lived it. He`s not going to sing something he doesn`t believe in".

The Destroyers have expanded through the years; the band now includes original members Simon and Blough, as well as guitarist Jim Suhler (a Texan who was brought aboard in 1999) and saxophonist Buddy Leach, who joined in 2003. Their latest album, 2009`s The Dirty Dozen, debuted at #1 on Billboard`s Blues Albums chart, fueled by the album`s #1 single, "Tail Dragger".

Thorogood is no stranger to ruling Billboard`s Blues chart, as 2004`s Gold-certified Greatest Hits: 30 Years Of Rock was the magazine`s #1 Blues Album for both 2004 and 2005, and the band`s 2006 studio album, The Hard Stuff, hit #2 on the chart. The band has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.

George Thorogood and The Destroyers will include some songs from 2120 South Michigan Avenue in setlists on their North American tour, which kicks off this week and includes stops this summer at Los Angeles Greek Theatre and South Dakota`s Sturgis Rally. Thorogood will debut several songs from the new album at Southern California`s Canyon Club on April 13, a concert that will be recorded for Westwood One`s "Superstar Concert Series" and later aired by more than 100 of the radio network`s affiliate stations across the U.S.

www.georgethorogood.com

George Thorogood and The Destroyers: 2120 South Michigan Avenue (CD, LP, digital):

1. Going Back [written by Tom Hambridge and George Thorogood]
2. High Heel Sneakers (featuring Buddy Guy)
3. Seventh Son
4. Spoonful
5. Let It Rock
6. Two Trains Running
7. Bo Diddley
8. Mama Talk To Your Daughter
9. Help Me
10. My Babe (featuring Charlie Musselwhite)
11. Willie Dixon`s Gone [written by Tom Hambridge, George Thorogood, and Richard Fleming]
12. Chicago Bound
13. 2120 South Michigan Avenue (featuring Charlie Musselwhite)

George Thorogood - Guitars & Vocals
Jeff Simon - Drums
Bill Blough - Bass
Jim Suhler - Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Buddy Leach - Saxophone

Produced by Tom Hambridge
Executive Producer: Mike Donahue

Official band website:

http://www.georgethorogood.com/

News Update for Tuesday May 22nd, 2012

Message from Tony Iommi after the Birmingham gig

Black Sabbath's guitar legend, Tony Iommi gathered enough strength inbetween all his treatments for lymphona that he's currently battling, to play a pre-Download festival warm up gig.

It took place in his home city of Birmingham, the place where the Black Sabbath story all

began.

Sadly, over the past months and even this last week or so, leading up to the gig, there have been announcements / statements, call them what you will between the original band members, drummer Bill Ward and bassist Geezer Butler.

The statements have been regarding contracts and why or why not Bill Ward did not play and does not look like figuring in any Black Sabbath reunion activity, any time soon.

For more details on all that, you can either go to Bill's or Geezer's website's or even Sabbath's!

http://www.blacksabbath.com/

http://www.billward.com/

http://www.geezerbutler.com/

On a positive note though, away from the soap opera that it's become, Tony Iommi did play and from most reports, it wasn't a bad show at all!

Tony has just posted this message to Black Sabbath fans everywhere, regarding the event:

Message From Tony!

22nd May 2012

I was extremely nervous beforehand about playing a long set, not knowing whether I'd be able to last.
 It turned out to be no problem whatsoever because Ozzy, Geezer and Tommy were nailing everything, no chance to feel tired!  I'm really pleased with how it turned out, fantastic crowd and I want to say thank you to all of them for giving me such an amazing reception.

On our way again at last!

Finally, a special thanks to Tommy, we invited him to play and he was brilliant.

Best wishes,

Tony

Official Tony Iommi site:

http://www.iommi.com

Good for you Tony, get well soon mate!

URIAH HEEP OFFICALLY ANNOUNCES USA TOUR IN NOVEMBER 2012

After the recent announcement for the Uriah Heep camp, regarding pushing their US tour back this year from summer to later in the year, here's an update from the band's website:
 

Uriah Heep will be touring USA in November.

The dates below are going on sale in early course.

The band will also be announcing VIP and meet / greet packages.
Stay tuned to www.uriah-heep.com

Further dates will be announced.

The new confirmed dates thus far are:

Thu Nov 1 Jim Thorpe PA Penn's Peak

Sun Nov 4 New York NY B.B. King Blues Club

Thu Nov 8 Milwaukee WI Potawatomi Casino / Northern Lights Theatre
Performing DEMONS & WIZARDS Live!

Fri Nov 9 ' Milwaukee WI Potawatomi Casino / Northern Lights Theatre
Performing DEMONS & WIZARDS Live!

Fri Nov 16 Tulsa OK River Spirit Casino

Keep your eyes on the 'Heep site and here of course for updates!

http://www.uriah-heep.com/

Tesla Summer Tour dates 2012

I truly long for a new album from Tesla, as 'Forever More' was a killer release!

Never got to hear the 'Twisted Wires' release, although I'm sure it was enjoyable.

Anyway, the guys are heading out this summer for plenty of live shows, so go and catch them, you know you'll enjoy it!

Here's those dates!

05/25/2012-Herrin, Il

05/26/2012-Welch, MN

06/03/2012-Wendover, NV

06/08/2012-Reno, NV

06/09/2012-Mountain View, CA

06/12/2012-Morrison, CO

06/14/2012-Albuquerque, NM

06/15/2012-Phoenix, AZ

06/17/2012-Tucson, AZ

06/20/2012-San Diego, CA

06/22/2012-Los Angeles, CA

06/23/2012-Las Vegas, NV

06/26/2012-San Antonio, TX

06/27/2012-Grand Prairie, TX

06/29/2012-Chicago IL

06/30/2012-Fort Wayne, IN

07/01/2012-Mt Clemens, MI

07/05/2012-Hampton Beach, NH

07/06/2012-Clifton Park, NY

07/08/2012-Englewood, NJ

07/09/2012-Uncasville, CT

07/11/2012-Philadelphia PA

07/13/2012-Oshkosh, WI

07/14/2012-McHenry, IL

07/20/2012-Biloxi, MS

07/21/2012-Hot Springs, AR

07/27/2012-Janesville, WI

07/28/2012-Mankato, MN

08/11/2012-West Allis, WI

08/17/2012-Escanaba, MI

03/16/2013 - 03/20/2013-Fort Lauderdale, Florida

For more details on specific venues, news updates, etc, go to:
http://teslatheband.com

Sandi Thom gets the Black Crowes treatment on new album

Scottish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Sandi Thom, best known for her 2006 No.1 hit single I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair), is pleased to confirm the August 27th release of her fourth studio album Flesh and Blood.  Produced by the Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson, and featuring a rare duet with Buffy Sainte-Marie, the album and was recorded at 16 Tons studio, Nashville, Tennessee. Sandi will embark on a nationwide UK tour in support of the new album, which begins at the London Islington Academy on Thursday November 1st 2012.

Sandi's new song, Sun Comes Crashing Down will be available as a free download from www.sandithom.com on Monday May 21st.

The album features an all-star ensemble led by the Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson, drummer Steve Gorman and fellow Black Crowe and widely travelled session guitarist Audley Freed, respected Nashville stars Mike Webb (keys/Dobro) and James Haggerty (bass) complete the line-up with special guest performances from Rolling Stones collaborator, saxophonist Bobby Keys, and stunning duet with the legendary singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie on her 1992 classic The Big Ones Get Away.

Flesh and Blood is a significant release, being Sandi’s sophomore studio album, released solely by her independent label Guardian Angels Records (distributed in the UK by Nova through Universal Music Operations).  The highly anticipated new album radiates the raunchy blues rock bravado of the opening track Help Me, followed by the country-flavoured Leadbelly classic In The Pines. The album also features the strutting, clavinet-led Stormy Weather; and the emotionally compelling finale Lay Your Burden Down.

"Sandi really stretched herself and made a bold new album,” reflects Rich Robinson, “Her songs are honest, vulnerable and very strong.  Her vocal abilities are showcased really well, as is her guitar work, and harp playing. I think Sandi’s made a great record. It was a joy to work with her.”

Classic rock producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa) also mixed two tracks, Sun Comes Crashing Down and a duet with Buffy Sainte Marie on the latter’s classic song, Big Ones Get Away.  “Sandi’s writing is fantastic,” says Shirley, “and her singing is wonderful. Sun Comes Crashing Down has all the right ingredients to be a hit.”

Read the official web release, featuring the Making of Flesh and Blood EPK and a full list of UK tour dates HERE:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/sandi-thom/fleshandblood.htm



Lillian Axe – XI: The Days Before Tomorrow album review

Lillian Axe – XI: The Days Before Tomorrow album review

Released on:  CME Records  Release date: Available now.

Giveaway at the bottom of the review folks. :)
The band Lillian Axe are not a new band, in case you’re thinking, ‘I’ve never heard of ‘em!?’

They have been around since the late 80’s and I guess their lack of success to date – Sorry guys! – may be something to do with their varied back and forth musical styles, never really sticking 100% to one style.

Over the years the music I’ve heard from them, started out as hard rock with a melodic style, always with an underlying hint of metal to them, but they could also write some great ballads too.

Often I think, the albums would be a little confusing for fans, with that real metal edge one minute and then the softest ballads you can imagine, but they certainly rock pretty hard for the most part.

I think in recent years they’ve almost taken a direction that’s more prog rock / metal. I think with the new direction and possible lower budgets with which to record, it’s lost a little something in the mix / production values.

This album certainly has a quite prog metal feel to it to me, even from the album’s title, ‘XI – The Days Before Tomorrow.’

Opening track ‘Babylon’ starts quite heavy from the opening riffs and then it develops a darker edge, almost a nod to Metallica perhaps.

Then ‘Death Comes Tomorrow’ likewise heavy intro and riffs and then a different direction, easing right back to piano and singer Brian Jones vocals and then loads of widdly guitar from sole original member Steve Blaze and then into a more intricate prog rock style, kind of with an epic type feel about it. Not bad.

‘Gather Up The Snow’ next comes to us with some heavy riffs and harmony lead guitar and then gets into a groove that kind of reminds me of Diamond Head, before then with changes that take a different direction again. Vocally it kind of shifts almost a bit psychedelic with the echo on the vocal and then it gets back into the groove and goes back and forth a bit with this … It’s OK.

 

A gentle intro for ‘The Great Divide’ next …, here we go, its rifforama and some double kick drum work, lower in the mix and then it’s kind of an edgy mid paced rocker. It then plays heavy on the harmony vocals driving it on and some nice instrumentation about two thirds in and a nice guitar solo from Steve and then back to the song.

‘Take The Bullet’ next offers up signature time changes I haven’t heard so much of for years!

Some nice acoustic guitar introduces ‘Bow Your Head’ next and it grows into a big old power ballad, with a lovely solo. Nice.

‘Caged In’ next offers up more rock, with riffing intro and then a scream! A more up tempo rocker, with some interesting almost punky vocal moments.

It’s ‘Soul Disease’ next and if it wasn’t for the heavy riffs and changes I’d say it could almost be a pop rocker.

You know, I think it Brian Jones vocals that at times make me think he’d be a great pop rock singer.

It’s bugging me that I can’t draw a direct comparison or similar comparison to Brian Jones vocals, but it does have a certain commercial tone about it. It’s not sound wise like Freddie Mercury, but sometimes the way he phrases things, is similar.

 The strangely titled ‘Lava on my Tongue’ is next and it has a definite heavy, dark kind vibe to it.

Last official track ‘My Apologies’ starts easy going and riffs a little, then eases back, then builds back up again.
A little heavy psychedelic feel to it too.

Then it’s weird, there’s like a small child saying something that sounds like ‘For Impossible Is Born?’

Then a hidden track that is not listed with the album cover, which is a keyboard driven track with acoustic overtones, very atmospheric, proggy for sure! I believe it’s titled ‘You Belong To Me.’

Overall, it’s not bad, not 100% my kind of thing and I do like earlier stuff by them that I’ve heard.
The music here is well played by the whole band, no question, but at times to me it feels a little disjointed perhaps.
At times believe it or not, this release reminds me a little of British prog band Pallas, but with less keyboards, think about that one!

Rating: 3.25 out of 5

Official band website:

http://www.lillianaxe.com/


OK, let's see if there are any takers for this one then ...
None for the Girlschool re-issued and re-recorded 'Hit and Run - Revisited' so I wonder if there are any more Lillian Axe fans out there?

Anyone interested in snagging a copy of this new album - One (1) Promo copy in cardboard slipsleeve only. - answer this band related question.
Over the years, Lillian Axe have included the odd cover tune or so on their albums.
Here's the simple question:
Name any two cover songs and artists, and the album it was on, that Lillian Axe have included in their back catalogue.

Answers to me at: alun_williams@comcast.net
Include your full name and address - In English please! - with the correct answer.

Competition ends at midnight US EST, Friday May 25th, 2012.
Thanks!