CHAMBERS OF ROCK

A blog dedicated to coverage of rock news, reviews of CD's/DVD's, live gigs and interviews with musicians who have made rock music great! Coverage of hard rock, classic rock, AOR and popular melodic rock music across the genre. This blog is the creation of Alun Williams, a Brit now living in Michigan whose previous credits include writing for the following sites: www.classicrock.about.com www.classicrockrevisited.com and www.rocknrolluniverse.com (Now gone) I hope you enjoy your visit here!

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Scorpions - Sting In The Tail CD review

The Scorpions – Sting In The Tail CD review

The Scorpions, to be honest and if you really think about it, have had just as impressive a career as possibly any other major rock act and so no surprise that they are looking to call it quits in the game, on a high!

Why do I say that? Well, the new album here, ‘Sting in the Tail’ is a release that should really please most of the bands loyal fans, especially after their last release, ‘Humanity Hour 1’ that seemed to receive a mixed reception from fans of the band. I for one thought it was an excellent release, a little different and definitely looking for that conceptual angle in its overall presentation.

The band is probably best known for its live act, which I can certainly bare witness to, having seen the band live on 4 of their UK tours and twice here in the US and I’m hoping to see them on this tour too as they have certainly not disappointed me!

It’s ironic also because typically The Scorpions seem to have been a band that will often shift more album sales, after a tour just because of how good they are live, but what I can tell you here, is this album seems to capture possibly the best elements of their many years of recorded material.

Starting with what to a certain degree sounds like a re-write of ‘Rock You Like A Hurricane,’ in ‘Raised on Rock,’ so no bad thing there! Have to laugh a little as Klaus Meine even sings, ‘I was born in a hurricane …,’ in the very first line! Little side note though, is it just me or does the verse almost come across a bit like ZZ Top’s ‘Sharp Dressed Man,’ with how the song is phrased?!

Oh and yes, the lyrics I have to say are just a little on the clichéd side, but it all works here!

Title track ‘Sting in the Tail’ is next and I have to get this off my chest right now, it almost sounds like ‘Lovedrive’ period Scorpions and that guitar solo, if I didn’t know better I’d say was Michael Schenker!

The tone and style just reeks of Rudolf’s brother Michael’s playing …

The track does have a part that I’m not over keen on with the sub-rap pre-chorus, ‘Yo yo, I got to go …,’

But otherwise the song is true to Scorpions style.

In ‘Slave Me’ it’s stop start riffing from the start, with a grinding vibe, in say a fashion like ‘Sammy Hagar’s 'Heavy Metal,’ which is OK but the sub-spoken piece just before the guitar solo is a little disappointing, but then again the song is in general something that keeps the band current, even with it being the last studio release, apparently …

‘The Good Die Young’ has Klaus again doing the sub-talk routine for each verse, but the chorus is great stuff and musically the song is right where Scorpions fans should be pleased.

Drums kick off next track ‘No Limit’ which cranks with true Scorpions pace and then ‘Rock Zone’ gives a slight nod to AC/DC or even G ‘N’ R if you ask me, intense is too small a statement and the band is seriously rocking out here and the solo is immense!

Time to take things down with a ballad next, that we all know The Scorpions can write all too well and ‘Lorelei’ is no exception to the rule with its haunting vibe. Nice stuff.

‘Turn You On’ is a mid paced, almost chug along rocker that then takes an interesting turn mid way through prior to the solo and again it’s big choruses that resound throughout this album and strong hooks. It’s probably a lot more instant than the last release, ‘Humanity Hour 1.’

‘Sly’ tells an emotional tale and is true power ballad material which again is nicely done.

Is it me or does ‘Spirit of Rock’ start with an almost ‘Born to be Wild’ like riff into the verse, before the strong chant chorus which almost rises with Boston like harmony vocals in places, but a fairly basic rocker overall.

Ending with ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’ is an ironic statement if this really is the bands last studio release. It’s almost written in a ‘Winds of Change’ manner to be honest and there’s nothing wrong with that but it does mean surprisingly that it’s power ballad time again for the third occasion on ‘Sting In the Tail.

I guess we’d have perhaps expected these guys to go out in a blaze of rockin’ glory, so 3 of the 11 tracks here being on the lighter side is to me, a bit of a surprise.

Still, all said and done these guys have really come up with an album that as I said before grabs elements of the bands very best material, so good stuff in my opinion.

How original is the new material? It’s really not and yes, there are many clichés here but I think overall Scorpions fans will be very happy with this release. Here’s to that farewell tour!

Raised on rock, oh yeah, you’d better believe it, even with the ballads taken into account, there’s much here to prove the Scorpions still have a sting in their tail!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Rock News for Thursday 6th May, 2010

Heaven and Hell 2010 Tour Dates cancelled

It seems something is not quite right in the Heaven and Hell (Dio era Black Sabbath) camp, who had set up a reasonable amount of European tour dates ahead in 2010, although it had previously been stated that all was dependant upon Ronnie James Dio making a full recovery from cancer.

At the Heaven and Hell website - http://heavenandhelllive.com/site/ - a statement was posted - by management or who? - as follows:

"We have to announce that all forthcoming Heaven & Hell European shows have been cancelled as sadly Ronnie isn't well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time."

Heaven & Hell - May 4th, 2010

Then you look at the Dio website and a message appears that perhaps could be interpreted, that Ronnie (himself) and Wendy Dio are perhaps not happy with this decision ...?

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

The message there reads as follows:

Message From Ronnie 5/4/2010 3:09:34 PM

I would like to voice my great disappointment on the cancellation of the Heaven And Hell summer tour. Wendy, my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this set back could be devastating, but we will not let it be.

With your continued love and support, we ... will carry on and thrive.

There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic. RONNIE JAMES DIO

Interesting, watch this space I guess ...?!

UFO replace bass player

No, don't be thinking it's Pete Way that's been kicked out, nothing could be further from the truth. Although we all wonder when he may come out of the shadows, as it's been over a year since it was first announced of his illness for a liver complaint ...
UFO at that time back in February 2009 posted this message:

For a while now, Pete has been dealing with a medical condition which affects his liver, and he's currently undergoing treatment to cure it. The medication he's on makes him tired and dizzy, and he feels that taking part in the recording sessions and the hectic touring schedule would be too much for him at the moment, so he'll be taking some time out from UFO until he is match-fit.

But as we all know with Pete, he won't be able to stay away from rocknroll for long - so it's very likely that he'll be doing a few gigs here and there with Waysted.
We all wish him the very best and hope for a swift and full recovery.
We love ya Pete! Get well soon man.

No the latest news from the UFO camp is that tour bassist Barry Sparks has had to pull out due to a family member being seriously ill. This posted at UFO's website:
After the show in Bruchsal, Barry Sparks sadly had to leave the tour to fly home to Arizona

where a member of his family is seriously ill.
Hannover's Peter Pichl, who played bass on The Visitor album, has immediately travelled to Osnabrück
to stand in for Barry for the final three shows of this leg of the tour.
Our love and best wishes go out to Barry and his family.
http://www.ufo-music.info/news.htm
Not good news at all and I also wish Barry's family well.

Win a pair of tickets to go to the movies with Rob Halford!

Enter for your chance to join Rob Halford of Judas Priest and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of British Steel! Click here to sign up for a chance to win a pair of tickets to attend the May 10th screening of the 30th Anniversary of British Steel in NYC! The screening is at 7pm and winners will also have the opportunity to watch a live question and answer session with Rob!

For more information or to sign up, click here: http://www.iheartradio.com/cc-common/contests/britishsteel2010

Info from here:
http://www.judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=E9686B71-38EE-4720-9E6D-6DB5E6AD8F2B

Y & T Facemelter album preview available

Over at the online Y & T store, you can preview tracks off the forthcoming new album, 'Facemelter' due to be released soon!
Go here to listen to tracks:
http://store.meniketti.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=YTCD-FACEMLTR#

Asia announce last date to be added to 2010 US tour

As previously announced here, the original Asia line up will be touring the US from August and into September and the band has just announced the last date that they will add to their existing tour dates, in support of new album 'Omega.'

This from their website:
Final Date Added To US Omega Tour - Thursday, 06 May 2010
One more date has been added to the band's itinerary:
Aug 23rd - Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
http://originalasia.com/index.php

The full US tour dates are as follows:
August 2010
Aug 2nd - Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford, MA

Aug 3rd - Birchmere, Alexandria VA
Aug 5th - Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe PA
Aug 6th - Theatre at Westbury, Westbury NY
Aug 7th - Showboat. Atlantic City NJ
Aug 8th - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield CT
Aug 10th - Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ
Aug 12th - Market Block Party, Syracuse, NY
Aug 13th - House of Blues, Cleveland, OH
Aug 14th - Armory, Rochester, NY
Aug 15th - Carnegie Hall of Homestead, Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 17th - Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, NC
Aug 18th - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
Aug 20th - House of Blues, Dallas, TX
Aug 21st - House of Blues, Houston, TX
Aug 22nd - Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX
Aug 23rd - Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Aug 25th - Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
Aug 26th - Veijas Casino at DreamCatcher, Alpine, CA
Aug 27th - Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA
Aug 28th - The Grove, Anaheim, CA
Aug 29th - The Uptown, Napa, CA
September 2010
Sep 1st - Laxon Auditorium, Chico, CA
Sep 2nd - Fox Theatre, Bakersfield, CA
Sep 3rd - Ovation at Green Valley Resort & Spa, Henderson, NV
Sep 4th - Peppermill Casino, Wendover, NV
Sep 5th - Nugget Casino, Sparks, NV
Sep 7th - Aladdin Theatre, Portland, OR
Sep 8th - Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA

Jason Bonham update (From April 30th ...)

Yeah, one I missed while I was away, but when I saw it, I thought it was worth sharing, although quite who's involved besides Jason Bonham is beyond me.
Anyway, this was posted at: http://www.jasonbonham.net/diary.html

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience - April 30, 2010
Well looks like the cat is out of the bag!
First off, I would like to correct the news that broke today on the world wide web. I read today that I would be performing the Led Zep story! Well, what I will be doing is 30 shows in memory of my father, as its 30 years since he left this world this September 25th, 2010.

I have always loved playing the music of Led Zeppelin and after such a great night back in 2007 at the 02 Arena, I took an opportunity to do a very special show which would look at my life with the music of Led Zeppelin. Old photos, home movies and videos would help take you on a journey into my life, from my earliest memories right up to the 02 show .

There is still a lot of work to do on this project and I want to make sure it's done tastefully and with the detail it deserves! Thanks for all the emails and good wishes and even the bad ones, it all helps, really it does.
- Cheers JB

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 5th May, 2010

Hi all, yes I'm back and it's been a long day - Up since 4am UK time and it's now 8.50pm here in the US of A! - and the rest of the Williams clan is out for the count, I'm sure I won't last too much longer!

Anyway, without any further delay, here we go!

Bret Michaels looks set to make full recovery!

Well, I'm happy to have some good news to start with, based on this story posted on the BBC website.

It seems, Poison singer Bret Michaels has been discharged from hospital and is expected to recover completely from a brain haemorrhage, doctors have said.

The 47-year-old has been advised to wait up to six weeks before resuming regular activity.

Medical experts have declined to say when the rock star might resume touring.

Doctors at the Phoenix medical centre where the singer was treated said they will examine him every two weeks until he is declared fully fit.

"This produces a great deal of stress on the body. This is like being involved in an accident from inside," said Dr Joseph Zabramski.

He also declined to confirm whether Michaels had gone home or into a rehabilitation facility.

For the full story go here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10097992.stm

It also seems that Michaels has already been speaking to People magazine as well, based on this posted at Classic Rock magazine from news at the rockers website:

Michaels revealed to the People magazine exactly what has got him through this terrifying ordeal:

“I opened my eyes and was like: ‘I am so thankful. I’m lucky to be alive.’ It just wasn’t my time yet! I’m a believer it’s a combination of will and faith [that kept me alive]. Will — and good medical attention — and faith.”

Monday, April 26, 2010

Update - Saturday 26th April, 2010

Hi all, well, don't be too disappointed, but the site is going to be quiet for a while as the family is getting a breather, after some crazy work hours done by both Rhonda and I over the last few weeks.

So, a brief vacation now for the next week, but normal service should be resume here on May 5th!

Yes, there's a number of reviews almost ready to go live here too, so they'll be the usual news updates as well as some rather tasty reviews of some very good new albums!

So a little update here, but that's all today as we race to get ready to leave! Cheers!

Bret Michaels still critical

CNN is reporting that Poison lead vocalist Bret Michaels is still in a critical condition.

Rock singer and reality TV personality Bret Michaels remained in critical condition Sunday in a hospital intensive care unit, his publicist said.

Michaels suffered a massive brain hemorrhage and was hospitalized Friday, spokeswoman Joann Mignano said at the time, confirming a http://www.people.com/ report.

"Everyone at Michaels Entertainment would like to thank all fans and friends for their continued thoughts and prayers through this difficult time," Mignano said in a statement Sunday. "At this point, Bret remains in ICU in critical condition. He is under 24-hour doctors' care and supervision.

"We are hopeful that further tests will locate the source of the bleeding, which still has not been located. As we all know, Bret is a fighter, and we are hopeful that once all is complete, the slurred speech, blurred vision and dizziness, etc., will be eliminated and all functions will return to normal."

Full story here:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/04/25/bret.michaels.hospitalized/index.html?hpt=T2

Bret Michaels was always an excellent showman live and he's also done plenty for charitable organisations, so to be honest, he's a pretty good guy.

I guess many will argue about his moral values based on his Rock of Love series on VH1, which ran for 3 series, but away from that he's always been out there for everyone, wanting to help, even flying out to entertain the troops overseas, when the other Poison band members weren't willing to.

I can only wish Bret the very best and really hope he can get through this and my thoughts go out to his close family.

Here's to a speedy and hopefully as full as a recovery as he can achieve.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Rock News for Saturday 24th April, 2010

Michael Schenker Group North American Tour Dates

OK, so it's not been officially posted through the Michael Schenker website as yet, but it seems Pollstar has got a hold of a number of MSG tour dates for North America, starting in Redondo Beach, CA on 15th July, with other dates showing a run through to Seattle, WA on 11th August.

Based on the gaps in between some of these dates, it is almost a certainty that more dates will be added!

I for one, look forward to a show in my neck of the woods with open arms, as by all accounts it seems that of late, Mr. Schenker has really got his act together and from reports, has been once again showing everyone exactly just what a talent he can be!

Also looking forward to that new live DVD from Japan in The Fall as well!
On these North American dates, you might just notice thyat they are around the same timeframe as The Scorpions North American tour, so don't be surprised if there are nights where they jam together!
One that has to almost be a certainty is the Oklahoma gig on July 24th. :)

Those dates are as follows:

July 2010

Thu 07/15/10 Redondo Beach, CA Brixton - Appearing with Pretty Boy Floyd

Fri 07/16/10 Santa Ana, CA Galaxy Concert Theatre

Wed 07/21/10 San Antonio, TX Back Stage Live

Sat 07/24/10 Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre - Appearing at "Rock "N' America"

Tue 07/27/10 Foxboro, MA Showcase Live

Wed 07/28/10 Pittsburgh, PA The Altar Bar

Thu 07/29/10 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom

Fri 07/30/10 West Springfield, VA Jaxx

Sat 07/31/10 New York, NY Fillmore New York At Irving Plaza

August 2010

Sun 08/01/10 Farmingdale, NY The Crazy Donkey

Mon 08/02/10 Binghamton, NY The Hideout

Sun 08/08/10 Fresno, CA Tower Theatre

Wed 08/11/10 Seattle, WA Studio Seven

Details here: http://www.pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=33683&SortBy=Date

Michael Schenker's home page is here: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/home.php

'That' supergroup may be all done, before they've even released their album!

The band that was put together featuring Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Hughes/Thrall, etc), Jason Bonham (Foreigner, UFO, Airrace, Bonham, etc), Joe Bonamassa and Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater), after all telling the world what great music they are making, it seems is on the brink of disaster! It seems though, it's not due to the individuals ...

The positive things that have come from legendary producer Kevin Shirley (Journey, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Rush, to name a few!), as posted at his website - http://www.cavemanproductions.com/cavediary.htm - have read like this:

Tuesday April 6th 2010

Actually I am smack in the middle of finishing the mixes for the debut album of "the-band-formerly-known-as-Black-Country" and running out of time fast! In this last month I have finished all the vocals and tracking and mixed the new Iron Maiden album, 'The Final Frontier' - in my studio. I have also mixed an album of material by a solo artist who will come out of the woodwork when it suits him, and I have tracked and am finishing this BC(?) material. Glenn Hughes singing in the room with me was extraordinary, as he may be one of the finest vocalist I've ever worked with and I have worked with the best - Steven Tyler, Steve Perry, Lou Gramm, Chris Robinson, Bruce Dickinson, Robert Plant, to name just a few. It's pretty thrilling stuff - very raw, quite basic, and 95% of it is cut live - well, between all their schedules, there just hasn't been time to do much else - but I think that's a poisitive - it's very cool. Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris heard some songs and was knoocked out - he said "this is the kind of music that made me want to play in the first place. I'd go out and buy it now....." The band played out at a gig in Riverside, CA for the first time in mid-March, and it's very exciting stuff!

Then April 19th ..., this - Interesting to note that the new Journey album is on the way, by the way! :)

Just cycled most of the way to San Francisco, to start producing a new Journey album. Had an awesome ride along Big Sur to get here - surely one of the most beautiful places in the world and stunning to ride. A lot of climbing, and hard work if you're not fit enough (which I am not!). All the rest you know..... new Iron Maiden is in the bag, the new Glenn Hughes/Joe Bonamassa/Jason Bonham/Derek Sherinian project (formerly known as Black Country) is done and I love it!

Let's see if they can get it out there soon...... And that's it for now.

Before then posting this through his Facebook page on Friday:

I'm the studio with Journey - producing their next album. Despite not rushing, we already have two new tunes in the can! They are a really special band.

Black Country looks to have imploded, with a completed album in the can! We set out as friends and lovers of music, to make something special. Then the managers got in...volved... and kept changing their wants, ultimately demanding EVERYTHING! I can't absolve all the musicians - but one I can completely absolve, is the one who actually has a career and has just been voted Best Guitarist in the World - who was 100% open ALL the way. And he doesn't ride on anyone's coattails... see below. -

http://www.jbonamassa.com/mailout/GuitarPlayerMag.pdf -

Maybe they'll come to their senses.... I'm not holding my breath.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caveman/22874357107?ref=ts&v=wall

Ironically, today through MySpace and his site - http://www.glennhughes.com/ - Glenn Hughes posted this note:

Don't worry.... we have made an amazin' album... we aint splittin' up.... we want everyone to hear this... GH

http://www.myspace.com/glennhughesonline

What a shame if they do ... Managers / Agents ... messing things up for the artists, they should all fire ALL of their agents!

Bad Company announce new North American dates ...

Just don't get too excited like I did ..., as they posted that same heading on their website, for ..., wait for it .... Just 2 new US dates!

Yes really! - http://www.badcompany.com/concerts.html

Those solitary Bad Company dates as of right now are:

Sunday August 1, 2010 Outlaw Jam, Frederick County Fairgrounds Frederick, MD

Wednesday August 4, 2010 Casino Rama Entertainment Center Rama, Ontario (Toronto)

Ah well, obviously when I know more, you'll see it here folks! :)

Triumph's Mike Levine does Italian interview

Yes really!

This posted just recently on Triumph's website:

Listen to Mike Levine's interview on the "Mad Max" show here on http://www.rocknrollradio.it/ in Milan, IT with host, Max De Riu. This is the first interview ever done on Italian radio in Triumph's entire 35 year career! In it, Mike talks about the forthcoming release of Triumph's 'Greatest Hits Remixed,' the reasons why the band came only twice to Europe, future projects, and more.

Follow this link:

http://www.rocknrollradio.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=83:gli-speciali-di-rocknrollradio&layout=blog&Itemid=125

Keep up to date on anything Triumph - You never know, they may just do something new this year but I'm not holding my breath, although with the new 2 disc - CD/DVD - Greatest Hits remixed set, who knows?

http://www.triumphmusic.com/

Jimmy Barnes to do 25th Anniversary Tour, in Oz only ...

Qlive and Regional Touring presents Australia's very own rock legend JIMMY BARNES live in concert celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the classic Australian album Working Class Man. In the spirit of the title track Working Class Man which en-captures the earth and soul of regional Queensland, Jimmy will be joined on stage by very special guest, Queensland's own adopted son, Shannon Noll for regional Queensland only!

Marking 25 years since the release of his signature song, Jimmy Barnes will belt out his oz rock masterpieces spanning a total of 27 charting albums (14 with Cold Chisel and 13 solo). This includes a staggering nine ARIA #1's giving Barnes the highest number of hit albums of any Australian artist.

The 1985 release of Working Class Man, that went on to sell over 500,000 copies in Australia alone, shaped Australia's rock n roll scene - the front cover art of Barnes standing in a burning Sugarcane field became one of the most iconic images that is etched in to people's minds.

Having been the only artist to have been inducted in to the ARIA Hall Of Fame twice (1993 - Cold Chisel / 2005 - Solo), "Barnesy" has spent years developing the many and varied facets of his music; starting out with raw rock & roll and educating himself in soul music and country. Add to the mix a showcase of new tracks from his forthcoming album, it will make this one massive concert spectacular you simply will not want to miss!

Joining Jimmy as his special guest on this celebration tour, is none other than SHANNON NOLL. Shannon's music career has hit the ground running since his five-times platinum selling debut album "That's What I'm Talking About" featuring the hits "Drive", "What About Me" and "Learn To Fly". His first ever live performance was in Capella Central Queensland in 2004 giving him his "adopted son" status. Shannon has re-written Australian chart history by becoming the first artist, male or female, domestic or international, to have achieved 10 consecutive top 10 singles on the ARIA charts. "It feels like home up here in Queensland," says Shannon. "I love it - it's gold".

Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man 25th Anniversary Tour 2010

with special guest Shannon Noll

Tickets on sale Monday, April 19

Tour dates are:

Thursday June 3: Buchanans Park, Mount Isa

Tickets from Mount Isa Civic Centre - Phone (07) 4747 3300

ALL AGES SHOW: Tickets – Adults 18+ - $73.40 (inc b/f); Ages 13 – 17 - $44.40 (inc b/f); Ages 12 and under - $24.40 (inc b/f)

Saturday June 5: Fogarty Park - Cairns Esplanade

Tickets from Tickets Cairns Phone (07) 4053 8333 or http://www.ticketscairns.com.au/

Sunday June 6: Jupiters Casino, Townsville

Tickets from the Ticket Shop (07) 4727 9797

Friday June 11: Marley Brown Oval, Gladstone

Tickets from Gladstone Entertainment Centre Phone (07) 4972 2822 or www.gladstonerc.qld.gov.au/gec

ALL AGES SHOW: Tickets – Adults 18+ - $73.40 (inc b/f); Ages 13 – 17 - $44.40 (inc b/f); Ages 12 and under - $24.40 (inc b/f)

Saturday June 12: Avondale Tavern, Bundaberg

Tickets from Oztix Phone 1300 762 545 or http://www.oztix.com.au/ or from the venue Phone (07) 4156 1206

Friday June 18: Emerald Show Grounds, Emerald

Tickets from Pilbeam Theatre Rockhampton Phone (07) 4927 4111 or http://www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au/ or Lilli Brown Boutique Centro Emerald Phone (07)4982 3382

Saturday June 19: Mackay Blue Water Quay

Tickets from Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre Phone (07) 4961 9777 or http://www.mackaytix.com.au/

Scorpions "Sting in the Tail” goes Gold!

While their album “Sting in the Tail” has made itself comfortable in the Top 3 of the German Charts, the Scorpions now have another reason to celebrate – the long player has already reached gold status and has thus become the most successful Scorpions album in the past 20 years. Klaus Meine stated, “ we are so incredibly happy about the fantastic feedback we have been receiving from around the world on “Sting in the Tail”. We can’t wait to see our fans soon!” The “Get Your Sting and Blackout” tour starts May 7th in Leipzig.

Get your Sting and Blackout World Tour 2010 / 2011

Date City Country Venue Tickets Comments

April 2010

April, 29th 2010 Minsk Belarus Minsk-Arena http://www.allstars.by/

May 2010

May, 7th 2010 Leipzig Germany Arena Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

May, 8th 2010 München Germany Olympiahalle Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

May, 12th 2010 Frankfurt Germany Festhalle Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

May, 14th 2010 Stuttgart Germany Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

May, 15th 2010 Longirod Switzerland Long'I'Rock Music Open-Air Festival

May, 19th 2010 Paris France L' Olympia Ticketnet Support: Karelia

May, 21st 2010 Liévin France Stade Couvert Régional Ticketnet Support: Karelia

May, 22nd 2010 Straßburg France Zénith Ticketnet Support: Karelia

May, 29th 2010 Berlin Germany O2 World Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

May, 30th 2010 Zwickau Germany Stadthalle Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

June 2010

June, 1st 2010 Hannover Germany TUI Arena Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

June, 5th 2010 Ioannia Greece Ioannina Stadium - Zosimades http://www.ticketarena.gr/ http://www.i-ticket.gr/

June, 7th 2010 Thessaloniki Greece Makedonikos Stadium - Nea Efkarpia

June, 9th 2010 Patras Greece Pampeloponisiako Stadium of Patras

June, 12th 2010 Recklinghausen Germany Stadtgarten am Festspielhaus Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

June, 18th 2010 Holmdel, NJ USA PNC Bank Arts Center Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

June, 19th 2010 Columbia, MD USA Merriweather Post Pavilion Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

June, 22nd 2010 Wantagh, NY USA Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

June, 23rd 2010 Gilford, NH USA Meadowbrook Amphitheatre www.mdtix.com Support: Vince Neil

June, 25th Quebec City, QC Canada Pavillion de la Juenesse Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

June, 26th Montreal, QC Canada Bell Centre Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

June, 27th Toronto, ON Canada Molson Amphitheatre Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

July 2010

July, 1st Detroit, MI USA DTE Energy Music Theatre

July, 2nd Milwaukee, WI USA Summerfest

July, 5th Pittsburgh, PA USA Amphitheatre at Station Square

July, 8th Sarnia, ONT Canada Sarnia Bayfest Festival http://www.sarniabayfest.com/ Support: Cinderella

July, 16th Miami, FL USA Bayfront Park Amphitheatre Ticketmaster Support: Ratt

July, 17th Tampa, FL USA Ford Amphitheatre Ticketmaster Support: Ratt

July, 19th New Orleans, LA USA Mahalia Jackson Theatre Ticketmaster Support: Ratt

July, 24th Oklahoma City, OK USA Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

July, 26th Albuquerque, NM USA The Pavilion Ticketmaster Support: Tesla

July, 27th Phoenix, AZ USA Dodge Theatre Ticketmaster Support: Tesla

July, 29th Ontario, CA USA Citizen’s Business Bank Arena Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

July, 31st Los Angeles, CA USA Nokia Theater Ticketmaster Support: Cinderella

Aug. 2010

August, 6th Roseburg, OR USA Douglas County Fairgrounds Ticketmaster Support: Dokken

August, 7th Ridgefield, WA USA Amphitheatre at Clark County Ticketmaster Support: Dokken

August, 17th Denver, CO USA 1st Bank Center TicketHorse Support: Cinderella

Sept. 2010

September, 4th 2010 Monterrey México Arena Monterrey

September, 7th 2010 México, D. F. (Mexico City) México Palacio de los Deportes

September, 9th 2010 Bogotá Colombia Parque Simón Bolivar

September, 16th 2010 La Paz Bolívia

September, 14th 2010 Santiago de Chile Chile Movistar Arena

September, 19th 2010 São Paulo Brazil Credicard Hall

Oct. 2010

October, 9th 2010 Sofia Bulgaria Festivalna Hall http://www.eventim.bg/

Nov. 2010

November, 12th 2010 Mannheim Germany SAP Arena Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

November, 13th 2010 Cologne Germany LANXESS Arena Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

November, 19th 2010 Hamburg Germany Color Line Arena Eventim Special Guest: Edguy

http://www.the-scorpions.com/english/

Thin Lizzy ... Something on the way ....?

The Thin Lizzy MySpace site is starting to tease fans of the band, with posting small notices first on Friday 23rd with, '19 days and counting ...' and then earlier today with '17 days and counting ...'

Hmm, keep watching I guess:

http://www.myspace.com/thinlizzynow

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Late News Update Friday 24th April, 2010

**Bret Michaels hospitalized with hemorrhage**

Various news sites have been reporting that late on Thursday 23rd April, Poison frontman Bret Michaels was rushed to hospital, after suffering from excruciating headache where doctors discovered he suffered a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding at the base of his brain stem), according to a source close to the situation. Tonight (Friday) he is said to be in a critical condition.

The story was posted at: http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/04/23/bret.michaels.brain.ppl/index.html

Michaels, is currently in critical condition. "After several CAT scans, MRIs and an angiogram, [doctors] decided to keep Michaels in the ICU and are running several tests to determine the cause. [It] will be touch and go for the next few days while he is under intense observation," the source says.

Comcast Entertainment News, posted through Michaels publicist earlier today - Friday.- said that Joann Mignano, Michaels' New York-based publicist, confirmed a report on People magazine's website that said the former Poison frontman was rushed to intensive care late Thursday after a severe headache. The report said doctors discovered bleeding at the base of his brain stem. Mignano said tests are being conducted but did not know where he was being treated.

The 47-year-old glam-rock reality TV star had an emergency appendectomy at a private care facility for diabetics last week after complaining of stomach pains before he was scheduled to perform at Sea World in San Antonio, Texas. Michaels later wrote on his website that though the surgery "has taken its toll," doctors expected him to make a full recovery.

http://www.comcast.net/articles/entertainment/20100423/US.People.Bret.Michaels/

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Rock News Update for Thursday 22nd April, 2010

THE BLACK CROWES TO RELEASE DOUBLE STUDIO ALBUM OF ALL ACOUSTIC MATERIAL TO COMMEMORATE THEIR 20th ANNIVERSARY

“SAY GOODNIGHT TO THE BAD GUYS” 2010 TOUR WILL KICK OFF AUGUST 13

INDEFINITE HIATUS TO FOLLOW TOUR

20th ANNIVERSARY VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE

In celebration of the 20th year anniversary of their 1990 debut multi platinum release “Shake Your Money Maker,” The Black Crowes will release their first ever double album of all acoustic material on August 3, 2010.

After touring in 2009, The Black Crowes spent time at the Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, recording over 20 songs from their 20 year history. The band arranged acoustic versions of many of their best loved songs and the band’s catalogue picks.

The double album, Croweology, will be sold at the cost of a single album as a “Thank You” to their fans for 20 years of support. Also to be released on vinyl, the project was produced by Paul Stacey and will be released on The Black Crowes label, Silver Arrow, through Megaforce Records.

In late summer, The Black Crowes will kick off their “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys” 2010 Tour which will feature three hour performance sets in most markets. The shows are being billed as “Acoustic Hor D’oeuvres followed by an Electric Reception With The Black Crowes,” and will consist of a full hour and a half acoustic set followed by a full hour and a half electric set, except where noted below *.

The tour will begin on August 13 in Milwaukee and is presently scheduled to conclude with the band’s annual multi-night stand at the Fillmore in San Francisco on December 19, 2010.

Following their 2010 “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys” Tour the band has planned a lengthy hiatus.

Chris Robinson had this to say, “With a smile so wide you can count my teeth and with a heart so full of love that it is spilling over the rim, I offer a humble and simple thank you. Thank you for your time, your imaginations, your heartaches and joy. Thank you for 20 years of cosmic rock n roll. 20 years of keeping it weird. 20 years of chasing horizons and before the band that dares dream out loud puts it down for a while, we are proud to give you our Croweology. This year the music is only for you as we celebrate what has been, what is now and whatever will be”.

Rich Robinson said, “At this milestone in our career, I feel very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to spend my life making music. It’s been 20 years since we started out on this journey. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to all of our fans who have been there with us along the way. We would not have gotten here without your support. Every night I stand on the stage I feel great pride and respect for what we share with our fans. After this tour we are going to take some much needed time to spend with our families. But for now, we are very much looking forward to a great year of touring. I look forward to seeing all your familiar faces again on the road. See you soon.”

Steve Gorman added, “20 Years Gone - To look back over the past twenty years …there are so many thoughts, feelings, and memories of all shapes and sizes that it's tough to process it all. Lots of ups and downs, lots of everything. One can easily get lost in the labyrinth of those many experiences. However, there is one constant - and that's an overwhelming sense of gratitude to all of you that have supported us for the past twenty years. Our tour this year serves as a very large THANK YOU to all in attendance. Whether you have seen us one time, ten times, a hundred times, or more, it goes without saying that we wouldn't be here without you. The lives that we all lead, and the opportunities that we have been presented with, all trace directly back to your support. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! And after this tour, we'll be taking a nice, long, much needed break. We are all in agreement (no, seriously, we are!) that this is the right time to spend time with our families, friends, outside musical and non musical projects and of course, our personal lives. So, we're going out swinging with all we got. Let's all join hands and share the ride!”

VIP PACKAGING –

The Black Crowes have partnered with CID Entertainment to offer their fans some special ticketing package options for the 20th Anniversary Tour. The packages will include a variety of perks including VIP entrance, premier seat locations, limited edition posters and other merchandise, a Limited edition "Musical Merch Pack", pre-parties, post-parties and more. We'll also be offering "Share the Ride" Travel Packages in select cities including hotel accommodations and shuttle transportation to make it real easy for you to join us and share the ride.

Go to http://www.cidentertainment.com/theblackcrowes2010 for more information.

The Black Crowes are:

Chris Robinson, Rich Robinson, Steve Gorman, Sven Pipien, Luther Dickinson, Adam MacDougall.

THE BLACK CROWES ( * = Electric shows ONLY )

Date City, ST Venue On Sale On Sale Time

August 2010

Fri-Aug-13 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sat-Aug-14 * Walker, MN Northern Lights Casino Fri-May-14 Noon

Sun-Aug-15 * Apple Valley, MN Zoo Amphitheatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Tue-Aug-17 * Des Moines, IA Simon Estes Amphitheatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Wed-Aug-18 * Kansas City, MO Harrah's Kansas City Sat-May-15 10:00 AM

Fri-Aug-20 Detroit, MI The Fillmore @ The State Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sat-Aug-21 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sun-Aug-22 Columbus, OH Promowest Pavilion Sat-May-15 10:00 AM

Tue-Aug-24 * Cleveland, OH House of Blues Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Wed-Aug-25 Indianapolis, IN The Murat Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Fri-Aug-27 St. Louis, MO The Pageant Fri-May-14 5:00 PM

Sat-Aug-28 * Council Bluffs, IA Stir Cove Sat-May-15 10:00 AM

Sun-Aug-29 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium Sat-May-15 10:00 AM

Tue-Aug-31 * Salt Lake City, UT The Depot Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

September 2010

Tue-Sep-07 * Salina, KS The Stiefel Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Wed-Sep-08 * Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Fri-Sep-10 Charleston, SC Family Circle Magazine Stadium Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sun-Sep-12 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Fri-Sep-17 Raleigh, NC Raleigh Boutique Amphitheatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sat-Sep-18 Charlotte, NC Uptown Amphitheatre @ The Music Factory Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sun-Sep-19 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Tue-Sep-21 Jacksonville, FL The Florida Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Fri-Sep-24 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sun-Sep-26 * Dallas, TX House of Blues Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

October 2010

Fri-Oct-01 * Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Casino Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sat-Oct-02 Fayetteville, AR Arkansas Music Pavilion Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Fri-Oct-15 Albany, NY The Palace Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Sat-Oct-16 * Salamanca, NY Seneca Allegany Casino Fri-Jun-11 Noon

Sun-Oct-17 * Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre Fri-Jun-11 Noon

Tue-Oct-19 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Wed-Oct-20 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Fri-Oct-22 Boston, MA House of Blues Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Sat-Oct-23 Boston, MA House of Blues Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Sun-Oct-24 * Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Tue-Oct-26 Waterbury, CT Palace Theatre Sat-Jun-12 Noon

Wed-Oct-27 Toronto, ON Massey Hall Sat-May-15 Noon

Fri-Oct-29 Philadelphia, PA Tower Theatre Fri-Jun-11 10:00 AM

Sat-Oct-30 * Atlantic City, NJ Music Box @ Borgata Resort Sat-Jun-12 10:00 AM

Sun-Oct-31 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square Fri-May-14 Noon

November 2010

Tue-Nov-02 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square Fri-May-14 Noon

Thu-Nov-04 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square Fri-May-14 Noon

Fri-Nov-05 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square Fri-May-14 Noon

Sat-Nov-06 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square Fri-May-14 Noon

Wed-Nov-10 * Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Thu-Sep-23 10:00 AM

Fri-Nov-12 Pittsburgh, PA North Shore Entertainment Complex Sat-Jul-17 10:00 AM

Sat-Nov-13 Washington, DC 9:30 Club Thu-Sep-23 10:00 AM

Sun-Nov-14 Washington, DC 9:30 Club Thu-Sep-23 10:00 AM

Tue-Nov-16 Richmond, VA The National Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Wed-Nov-17 Norfolk, VA The Norva Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Fri-Nov-19 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

Sat-Nov-20 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle Fri-May-14 10:00 AM

December 2010

Fri-Dec-03 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Auditorium Fri-Jul-16 10:00 AM

Sat-Dec-04 * Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre Fri-Jul-16 9:00 AM

Sun-Dec-05 * Seattle, WA Showbox SODO Sat-Jul-17 10:00 AM

Tue-Dec-07 Santa Barbara, CA The Arlington Theatre Sat-Jul-17 10:00 AM

Fri-Dec-10 * Las Vegas, NV The Joint Sat-Jul-17 Noon

Sat-Dec-11 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium Fri-Jul-16 10:00 AM

Sun-Dec-12 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Jul-18 10:00 AM

Tue-Dec-14 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Jul-18 10:00 AM

Wed-Dec-15 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Jul-18 10:00 AM

Fri-Dec-17 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Jul-18 10:00 AM

Sat-Dec-18 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Jul-18 10:00 AM

Sun-Dec-19 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore Sun-Jul-18 10:00 AM

Blues/Rock Guitarist PAT TRAVERS on 2010 Tour

New album 'FIDELIS' Out Now Digitally - CD In Stores SOON!!

'Pat was the guitarist that influenced me the most in getting what became a signature sound for me.... especially in the rhythm dept. He is the most underrated player of our time'

- Nuno Bettencourt – Extreme/ Rhianna

HOLLYWOOD, CA (April 21, 2010) – Revered blues/rock guitar guru Pat Travers is back out and touring in 2010 in support of his new studio release 'FIDELIS' on Alexus Records.

This hard rocking blues masterpiece is Travers long awaited studio album in the true Pat Travers signature style, in your face and full of big guitars. Being the first studio album in 5 years, Travers has put heart and soul into every note he recorded. “Ask Me Baby” is the first release that will hit the airwaves in a matter of time.

The current line-up for the Pat Travers band is:

Pat Travers (Guitar/vox), Kirk McKim (Lead Guitar / Backing Vox), Sean "The Cannon" Shannon (Drums) and Rodney O'Quinn (Bass / Backing Vocals).

This is a show you cannot miss – Pat Travers is a real giant amongst giants!

PAT TRAVERS – TOUR SCHEDULE – more dates to come:

APRIL

Thur 22 Newport, RI Newport Blues Café

Fri 23 Foxborough, MA Showcase Live

Sat 24 Londonderry, NH Tupelo Music Hall

Fri 30 Samford, FL Route 46

MAY

Sat 15 Conesville, IA Circle Of Pride Rally

Thur 22 Corpus Christi, TX Brewsters Street Ice House

JUNE

Tue 1 Ramona, CA Ramona Mainstage

Wed 2 ROCKLINE – LIVE IN STUDIO

Thur 3 Modesto, CA Fat Cat Music Hall

Fri 4 Fairfield, CA Pepper Belly’s

Sun 6 Santa Rosa, CA Last Day Saloon

Sat 12 Kissimmee, FL Kissimmee Bike Fest

JULY

Fri 16 Walker, MN Moondance Jam 19

Sat 17 Sturgis, KY Little Sturgis Rally

Sat 24 Birkenfeld, OR S.E. Oregon ABATE Run 21 Rally

AUGUST

Thur 19 Houston, TX House Of Blues

Fri 20 San Antonio, TX Back Stage Live

Sat 21 Dallas, TX House Of Blues

SEPTEMBER

Mon 6 Indianapolis, IN Rib America Fest

Sat 18 Tomahawk, WI Nokomis Town Park

OCTOBER

Fri 8 Plymouth, MA Memorial Hall

For more information on this extraordinary live performer go to:

http://www.pattravers.com/

ZZ Top, it’s tour time folks!

Catch the merchants of boogie band, ZZ Top live around the world, on these dates!

Fri 04/23/10 Tyler, TX Oil Palace

Sat 04/24/10 Beaumont, TX Ford Park

Sun 04/25/10 Austin, TX Tim's Porch @ The Backyard

Thu 04/29/10 West Palm Beach, FL Downtown Appearing at "SunFest"

Fri 04/30/10 Melbourne, FL King Center For Performing Arts

May 2010
Sat 05/01/10 Saint Petersburg, FL Tropicana Field

Tue 05/04/10 Jacksonville, FL Moran Theater

Wed 05/05/10 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center

Fri 05/07/10 Little Rock, AR Riverfest Amphitheatre

Sat 05/08/10 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Sun 05/09/10 Tupelo, MS BancorpSouth Arena

Fri 05/14/10 Belton, TX Bell County Expo Center

Tue 05/18/10 Santiago, Chile Movistar Arena

Thu 05/20/10 Sao Paulo, Brazil Via Funchal

Fri 05/21/10 Sao Paulo, Brazil Via Funchal

Sun 05/23/10 Porto Alegre, Brazil Pepsi On Stage

Wed 05/26/10 Buenos Aires, Argentina Luna Park

Fri 05/28/10 Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Sat 05/29/10 Pryor, OK Catch The Fever Festival Grounds - Appearing at "Rocklahoma Festival"

June 2010

Sat 06/05/10 Vancouver, BC Thunderbird Stadium

Sun 06/06/10 Victoria, BC Save On Foods Memorial Centre

Tue 06/08/10 Cranbrook, BC Rec Plex

Thu 06/10/10 Grande Prairie, AB Crystal Centre

Fri 06/11/10 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Sun 06/13/10 Medicine Hat, AB Medicine Hat Arena

Tue 06/15/10 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

Fri 06/18/10 Windsor, ON WFCU Centre

Sat 06/19/10 Belleville, ON Zwicks Park Appearing at "Big Music Fest"

Fri 06/25/10 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheater Appearing at "Summerfest" \ Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Sat 06/26/10 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheater

July 2010

Fri 07/02/10 Skanevik, Norway Skanevik Blues Festival Grounds Appearing at "Skanevik Blues Festival"

Sat 07/03/10 Jarvenpaa, Finland Festival Grounds - Appearing at "PuistoBlues - Lakeside Blues Festival"

Mon 07/05/10 Monte Carlo, Monaco Palais De Monaco

Tue 07/06/10 Toulouse, France Zenith
Thu 07/08/10 Bayonne, France Arenes

Fri 07/09/10 Nimes, France Arenes - Appearing at "Festival De Nimes"

Sat 07/10/10 Locarno, Switzerland Piazza Grande - Appearing at "Moon & Stars Locarno"

Mon 07/12/10 Rome, Italy Ippodromo Delle Capannelle

Tue 07/13/10 Lucca, Italy Piazza Napoleone - Appearing at "Lucca Summer Festival"

Wed 07/14/10 Piazzola Sul Brenta, Italy Villa Contarini

Thu 07/15/10 Milan, Italy Arena Civico

Sun 07/18/10 Kempten, Germany Big Box Concert Hall

Mon 07/19/10 Strasbourg, France Zenith

Tue 07/20/10 Tienen, Belgium Centrum - Appearing at "Suikerrock Festival"

Thu 07/22/10 Nantes, France Zenith

Sat 07/24/10 London, United Kingdom Victoria Park - Appearing at "High Voltage Festival"

Sat 07/31/10 Stillwater, OK Tumbleweed Dance Hall & Concert Arena

August 2010

Wed 08/04/10 Clearfield, PA Clearfield County Fairgrounds - Appearing at "Clearfield County Fair"

Sat 08/07/10 Lake Delton, WI Crystal Grand Music Theatre

Mon 08/09/10 Sturgis, SD The Legendary Buffalo Chip - Appearing at "Sturgis Rally"

Tue 08/10/10 Sioux Falls, SD W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds - Appearing at "Sioux Empire Fair"

Sun 08/15/10 Costa Mesa, CA Pacific Amphitheatre - Appearing at "OC Fair"

Fri 08/20/10 Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Hilton

Sat 08/21/10 Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Hilton

Tue 08/24/10 Lancaster, CA - Antelope Valley Fairgrounds - Appearing at "Antelope Valley Fair"

Wed 08/25/10 Livermore, CA - The Concerts At Wente Vineyards

Frontiers Records to release Germany’s Prog Metal finest VANDEN PLAS highly anticipated new concept album

“The Seraphic Clockwork” in the shops on June 4th in Europe and June 22nd in the U.S.A.

Napoli, April, 2010 – A good four years after Vanden Plas last critically acclaimed studio recording, “Christ O” hit the charts, Germany’s finest Prog Metal act is set to release its brand new album: “The Seraphic Clockwork”, on June 4th, in Europe and June 22nd in the USA.

Highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, “The Seraphic Clockwork” is a fascinating concept album, which not only shows the quintet’s exceptional technical skills, but also highlights their impressive development as songwriters. The new album sounds more multi-layered, progressive and metal-oriented than any previous Vanden Plas release. “I think that my penchant for music of the tougher persuasion shines through more than ever before on this album,” comments guitarist Stephan Lill, who – together with keyboardist Günter Werno and vocalist Andy Kuntz – make up the group’s creative triumvirate. He adds: “Hard riffs, elaborate keyboard and orchestral arrangements plus catchy hooklines come together in a perfect symbiosis which marks Vanden Plas’ own style. I feel that we were much more adventurous on with The Seraphic Clockwork than ever before.”

A perfect example which substantiates this statement, is the 13-minute track ‘On My Way To Jerusalem’, a little masterpiece within a homogeneous, self-contained album. The song takes the listener on a haunting, adventurous journey which comes full circle musically towards its end. From soaring piano sounds through hard riffs and versatile arrangements to atmospheric parts, the whole range of expressive forms which the Progressive Metal genre has to offer are present. On the other hand, ‘Heal The World’ with its melodic intro, subsequent heavy riff and catchy chorus, reveals the band’s affinity to theatre music and all its complexity, and is classic Vanden Plas.

The band's fascination with classical history has left its mark on “The Seraphic Clockwork” particularly in terms of lyrics: the dramatic science fiction story of the concept album was penned by vocalist Andy Kuntz and chronicles a journey in place and time from 16th century Rome to Jerusalem in the year 33 A.D. The protagonist, after an apocalyptic vision, has come under the spell of an Old Testament prophecy and must travel back through the centuries to face his God-given destiny. “It’s about being unable to escape fate”, explains Kuntz, a master at making complex subject matter both fascinating and accessible to contemporary audiences. “Working for the theatre has definitely influenced the story’s depth. When you realize or reproduce your own projects on a stage, you learn a lot about dramaturgy.”

“The Seraphic Clockwork” was exclusively presented to the journalists in a press showcase held in Koln, Germany on April 9th. Some of the reactions to the preview include:

“Great comeback of Germany’s leading Prog Metal band!” Mike Borrink - Rock Hard Germany

“Those who have been concerned that Vanden Plas might have lost their riff power over the last few years don't have to worry anymore: their new album „The Seraphic Clockwork“ is a perfect example for a well-balanced mixture of intelligent prog tunes, heavy riffing and the uncompromising love for hard music.” Thorsten Zahn - Classic Rock Mag Germany

“They've made us wait but one of the best and most respected Progressive Metal bands are back with the heaviest, most epic and diverse album of their career to date. Awesome stuff.”

Matthew Adrian Spall - Powerplay , UK

“The Seraphic Clockwork" is unbelievable, fantastic, great music with a great story. Vanden Plas are the Prog Metal kings.”

Marco Magin – Breakout, Germany

"Intense, melodic and challenging at the same time, this new offering by Vanden Plas has what it takes to please the most demanding Progressive Metal fans."

Morgan Rivalin - Rock Hard France

The musical and lyrical complexity of “The Seraphic Clockwork” is certainly inspiring. Vanden Plas have proved again that they are the most imaginative and diverse of German Prog Metal bands and justly enjoy the highest international acclaim. It can only be a matter of time before this concept album also makes it onto the stage.

“The Seraphic Clockwork” includes the following tracks:

Frequency; Holes In The Sky; Scar of an Angel; Sound of Blood; The Final Murder; Quicksilver; Rush of Silence; On My Way to Jerusalem.