Rock News Update for Wednesday 21st December, 2011

The McAuley / Schenker Group is back!!!

Robin McAuley (Left) and Michael Schenker (Right)

(Robin McAuley Photo by Alun Williams)

It's something that really should've happened a long time ago, but yes, the great news is that the legendary Michael Schenker has reunited with vocalist Robin McAuley, after the latters parting of the ways with Survivor - Good call Robin! - to reunite the McAuley Schenker Group partnership again!

Back in the late 80's and early 90's, these guys put out some great work in 'Perfect Timing,' 'Save Yourself' and 'M.S.G.' and they also had a tasty acoustic album too, called 'Nightmare.'

 

For many rock fans, this is something that has been wished for, for so long after Gary Barden's return to M.S.G. had it's moments, but to be honest I think his performance on the 30th Anniversary double CD set and live DVD, were quite disappointing.

Michael Voss stepped in to record the bulk of the vocals on 'Temple of Rock' and Michael also had two other guest vocalist's on there, Doogie White (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Praying Mantis) and a certain Robin McAuley, whose background includes Grand Prix, Far Corporation and most recently Survivor.

No word on if there's an album they'll do or not, let's hope so but for now, I'm excited to see a massive US tour announced for February and March of next year!
No clue on that touring band either at this time, for the US dates in support of 'Temple of Rock,' although at his site for the Japanese dates that will follow the US tour, he has named the band as:

Michael Schenker - Guitars
Michael Voss - Vocals
Herman Rarebell - Drums
Elliott 'Dean' Rubinson - Bass
Wayne Findlay - Keyboards / Guitars

Check out the single "Miss Claustrophobia" here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6YDXtAotNE

Item Info / Tracklist:

http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=INAK9103CD 

I have to say, this kind of surprises me that Michael Voss would do the Japanese dates, after being snubbed for the US tour, but who knows?
More information on all live dates:
 http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/tour.php

I wonder if Michael would do a new interview with me, the last one he and I did was a few years back now, when I wrote for About.com, almost three years back:
http://classicrock.about.com/od/artistprofilesrz/a/schenker_intvw.htm

Meantime, here's those tour dates ...

February 2012

 

 

02/15/12 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
02/16/12 - Santa Rosa, CA - The Last Saloon
02/17/12 - Portland, OR - Dantes – With Anvil
02/18/12 - Tacoma, WA - Backstage Bar & Grill
02/19/12 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
02/20/12 - Victoria, BC - 9 One 9 Nightclub
02/22/12 – Santa Clara, CA – The Avalon
02/23/12 - Orangevale, CA - The Boardwalk
02/24/12 - Corona, CA - Marquee 15
02/25/12 - West Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues
02/26/12 - San Diego, CA – 4th and B Concert Theatre

02/28/12 – T.B.A.


March 2012

03/01/12 - Libertyville, IL - Austins
03/03/12 - Detroit, MI - Harpos
03/04/12 - Etobicoke, ON - The Rockpile
03/05/12 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
03/07/12 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
03/08/12 - Foxborough, MA - Showcase Live
03/09/12 - Asbury Park, NJ - The Stone Pony
03/10/12 - New York, NY - The Gramercy Theatre
03/11/12 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
03/15/12 – T.B.A.

03/16/12 - San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live
03/17/12 - Dallas, TX - Trees
03/18/12 – T.B.A.

03/20/12 – T.B.A.

03/21/12 - Tempe, AZ - Club Red
03/22/12 - Las Vegas, NV - Vamp'd
03/23/12 - Agoura Hills, CA - The Canyon Club
03/24/12 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House

Official Michael Schenker site:
http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com



 Maybe this news piece explains more about about Michael Voss' situation ...


 MAD MAX SIGN WITH SPV/STEAMHAMMER
- New studio album and tour 2012 -


25 years after the release of the legendary "Night Of Passion" album, german hard rock band MAD MAX return with the original line-up and will release their new studio album "Another Night Of Passion" by the end of March 2012.

Michael Voss (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitars), Jürgen Breforth (Rhythm Guitars), Roland Bergmann (Bass, Vocals) and Axel Kruse (Drums) captured the spirit of 1987 and deliver their masterpiece worldwide through SPV / Steamhammer.

The album was recorded at the Kidroom-Studios which are owned by Michael Voss and where also albums from Michael Schenker, Vengeance and Gary Barden were produced.
The cover artwork was designed by the belgian artist Eric Philippe (Rhapsody, TNT) and the photos were shot by the famous german based photographer Martin Huch (Duesenberg Guitars).

Olly Hahn (A&R Steamhammer): "I saw the band back in 1987 where they supported Stryper and they blew me away. "Night Of Passion" is a hard rock gem and I´m sure that also "Another Night Of Passion" will not disappoint any fan who likes classic melodic hard rock."


Jürgen Breforth (Guitarist Mad Max): "Exactly 27 years ago we were close to sign a deal with SPV/Steamhammer and I´m totally glad that we could fix this now in 2011.
With SPV on our side, the new studio album and the original line-up we are ready to burn the stage again!"

And the band will prove that in April/May 2012 because they are confirmed as the special guest on the

AXEL RUDI PELL-Tour:

"Circle Of The Oath"-Tour 2012 AXEL RUDI PELL special guest: MAD MAX
20.04. D-Hannover - Capitol
21.04. NL-Weert - De Bosuil
22.04. GB-London - Underworld
24.04. D-Langen - Neue Stadthalle Langen
25.04. D-Saarbrücken - Garage
27.04. D-Nürnberg - Hirsch
28.04. D-Kaufbeuren - All-Karthalle
29.04. CH-Pratteln - Z7
01.05. D-Erfurt - HsD
02.05. D-Berlin - Columbia Club
04.05. D-Bochum - Zeche
05.05. D-Bochum - Zeche

Ticket-Hotline Germany: METALTIX +49-(0)4627/183838, www.metaltix.de
Touragency: Continental Concerts

MAD MAX released 9 studio albums since 1982 and toured through whole Europe with bands like Uriah Heep, Stryper, Yngwie Malmsteen and Pretty Maids.
Highlight of their career was the special guest slot on the sold out Deep Purple/Alice Cooper tour in 2006.
They also played on many festivals for example two times at the prestigious "Rocklahoma Festival" in the USA as well as on the "Rock Of Ages Festival" and "Wacken Open Air" in Germany.
_____________________


Photo from left to right:
Roland Bergmann (Mad Max), Axel Kruse (Mad Max), Olly Hahn (A&R Steamhammer), Michael Voss (Mad Max), Jürgen Breforth (Mad Max)

_________________________
http://www.myspace.de/madmaxmusic
www.spv.de


CHICKENFOOT EARNS GRAMMY AND ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK NOMINATIONS

The holiday season is upon us, and so are year-end awards! We're excited to share the new that Chickenfoot has earned a GRAMMY nomination for the “Best Recording Package,” for the creative 3D design of the new album. 

For those of you who downloaded the album digitally, you may not be aware of all of the cool aspects of the packaging. Here's a quick overview of what you may be missing out on!
Click on the album cover to learn more ...

Official band site:

http://www.chickenfoot.us/news

Yngwie Sharpies? Whatever next!!!

As I scour the various artists / musicians websites, looking for news update items to share with you, every now and then I get something like this ... Can you believe this, seriously?!
I've heard of endorsements, but this is ridiculous, I even did a double take on todays date ...!

Yngwie Malmsteen gets honored by Sharpie!

Sharpie president Ben J. Gadbois not only did the honors, he had this to say  "I have followed Yngwie (Malmsteen) since high school and am a huge fan. It was fantastic to meet one of the greatest guitar players of all time and talk about music and several of our common interests. It was also an honor to present Yngwie with his own personalized Sharpies. It means a lot that he chooses our markers to sign autographs. He's definitely made an indelible mark on music, and in some small way, we hope Sharpie has helped him make a lasting impressions with his fans."

For more on this and other - no doubt - interesting stories from Yngwie, go to:
http://www.yngwiemalmsteen.com

Derek Sherinian – Oceana album review

Derek Sherinian – Oceana album review

Released on: Mascot Records. Release date: Available now.

Former Dream Theater and current Black Country Communion keyboards wizard, Derek Sherinian has pulled together a host of great players to accompany him on his latest solo album adventure.

 ‘Oceana’ is the man’s seventh solo album, not bad eh?

This album features Derek on keyboards throughout and Simon Phillips (Everyone ... Seriously!) as the drummer on every track, not to mention co-writer on seven of the nine songs here on display.

Other tracks feature the bass work divided up between Tony Franklin (Blue Murder) and Jimmy Johnson (Rodger Hodgson, Allan Holdsworth, Planet X, James Taylor), and guitar guests of likewise the highest calibre!

None other than Tony MacAlpine, Steve Lukather, B.C.C. fellow player in Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Stevens and Doug Aldrich, providing all the great lead work.

 From the get go I must tell you – That wouldn’t know … - that this as previous expeditions is a purely instrumental affair.

Opening track ‘Five Elements’ is a tasty piece of interesting edgy at times, jazz rock, with great licks throughout from each player and throughout the album Derek’s playing is simply fantastic, matching anything his guitar guests throw in there, by one means or another and dare I say eclipsing at times!

‘Five Elements’ features Tony MacAlpine and it’s great alongside Johnson on bass here.

Next track ‘Mercury 7’ certainly makes you think it could work great in any Sci-Fi movie, with the insane keyboard antics and this one features again the same line up as the previous track.

It’s funny as next track ‘Mulholland’ featuring Steve Lukather on guitar sounds just like it could fit on any Luke solo album. Awesome playing as ever, clever stuff, matched of course by Sherinian’s own magic.

‘Euphoria’ sounds atmospheric to the point of almost being (Pink) Floyd like to be honest and yes, Luke appears again here.

  I really do enjoy, nay, love Luke’s guitar solo work and always have.

His sound / style as a player for me is only equaled by Michael Schenker as ultimate players in their own rights. Schenker was my favourite player for the longest time, but in recent years, Luke’s playing really gets to me and this beautiful track really opens up for me. Excellent guys!

 ‘Ghost Runner’

 I have to say starts and leads with an almost Luke like style initially again, but it’s not! This time Stevie Stevens steps in and really rips it up here and there, it’s a real rockin’ number with Derek really shining too!

OK, I’ve not praised Simon Phillips really yet, but you know, he’s my favourite all time drummer to be honest, since Cozy Powell departed this planet and yes, they are two completely different styles, but there’s something I hear in Simon’s playing that ignites memories for me. Brilliant! Tony Franklin finally joins the party here.

Whitesnake and former Dio player Doug Aldrich takes the ‘lead’ role – cough! – next with some phenomenal playing from Derek again and Doug shine well too on ‘El Camino Diablo.’ Nice work guys, on a kind of funkier style number.  

It’s funny, without looking at the player info on this I just knew it had to be Joe Bonamassa, with the overall bluesy style on ‘I Heard That.’ That said, you could almost hear Luke play something like this too to be honest.

Luke returns to play on ‘Seven Sins’ next, which leads off with some strong synth work at the offset and yes, once more, faultless playing throughout by Luke, Derek, Jimmy Johnson and Simon.

It’s a really enjoyable album and I say that as someone that prefers rock and AOR vocally driven releases!

Final track is the title tune, ‘Oceana’ starting in a Floyd like manner much like ‘Euphoria’ and nice work from Stevie Stevens, that kind of reminds me a little of Gary Moore(RIP).
To be honest, I hear that a lot in Tony MacAlpine’s style here and there too.

  The track soon opens up to elaborate a little more as it goes on. Nice stuff!

I’m sure Derek is extremely proud of this album, I certainly would be! 

  Rating: 4 out of 5

Weblinks:

http://dereksherinian.com/

  http://mascotlabelgroup.com

Brief News Update for Tuesday December 20th, 2011

Hey folks,

Thanks again for your great support of Chambers of Rock, you folks are fantastic!

Last night I was working on the painstaking task of the transfer of audio files to text and since the Windows built in voice recognition option is next to useless with doing this to my recorded telephone interviews with various artists, I have little choice but to play it all back, stop / start all through and type it up. Last night after an hour and a half of doing just this, something went badly wrong and the file I was working on, did not save .... I'm so mad about that right now ..., yeah, still, especially when my time to do this is already so limited, even more so at Christmas with so much family stuff going on.

Anyway, enough of my moans and groans.

Here's a little of what news updates I was made aware of ... Cheers, Al

Hoax Jon Bon Jovi dead rumours resounding across the internet

As I was about to leave work last night, when a guy there was saying ... 'Jon Bon Jovi found dead, at 49.' He went on to say, 'You've got to be kidding right? Did you hear this?'

My obvious answer was no.

Immediately I jumped onto CNN.com, MSN, BBC, Classic Rock magazine, Billboard and a few other's and nothing came up.

Then a Google search on the subject matter, revealed a bunch of 'news' sites and blog sites - I guess like this one. - were posting that he had been found dead in a New Jersey hotel and could not be

resuscitated.

Unreal what people will do for kicks, huh? Posting stuff like that ...

Here's one of those sites that had posted it:

http://dailynewbloginternational.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/international-rockstar-legend-jon-bon-jovi-dead-at-49/

You can search more and you'll find more that are still up and active ...

When I got in my car to drive home, I tuned into Sirius XM radio and Eddie Trunk's weekly radio show on 'The Boneyard' and he pointed out from the offset that this story was a complete hoax!
No truth in it whatsoever ...
He had just heard from Dave 'Snake' Sabo of Skid Row, who grow up with Jon and he'd just got off the phone with him and he was just doing fine! Not sick, nothing to raise even the slightest concern.

So ..., the man is alive and this was posted last night through Jon Bon Jovi's Facebook page. 

So there you have it, Jon Bon Jovi is doing just fine and he will soon be promoting a new Bon Jovi live album, as far as I understand. It is initially being released through the bands fan club, through their website, so if you are interested in checking that out, go to:
www.bonjovi.com

 

MR BIG’s 'Live from the Living Room' finally made available worldwide on Frontiers Records !

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of MR BIG’s new acoustic Live Album "Live from the Living Room" on February 24th 2012 in Europe and February 28th in North America.

At the end of January 2011, during a week long promotion trip to promote for their latest reunion album “What If” and tour, MR BIG were invited to the WOWOW TV Studios in Tokyo to perform a special show in an intimate setting.

When the talk of a broadcast first came up, the band wanted to present something different than they’ve ever done before. Thus the idea of an acoustic show came about and a string quintet was brought in to enhance the project even more, with arrangements provided by Takashi Miyazaki. Although Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan hooked up electric on a few songs, the show was still very much acoustic in nature throughout. Pat Torpey played various acoustic percussion instruments during the gig.

In Eric Martin’s words:

 “The idea for the show came out of a quick conversation the 4 of us had after a day of interviews promoting the new “What if” CD. We did an acoustic show at the Hard Rock café in Singapore in 1996 that (till this day) is one of my favorite live recordings. It had a stripped down, up close and personal feel to it. If we were going to do something like that again it would have to be extra special. We were talking about the old days when musicians used to live together in a band house and practice day and night. Our favorite rock band posters and tapestry’s adorning the walls, family hand me down furniture, amps that doubled as lamp stands, friends hanging out and the usual cluttered mess on the floor, lyric sheets, guitar cases and chords, music stands, beer cans, Pizza boxes, wine bottles etc. “Live from the living room” was born out of that. We wanted to recreate a harmonious atmosphere and treat our fans to an informal jam session of songs from the past and present while throwing in a few surprises from our wish lists (Strings, Japanese taiko drums).

Mr. Big Fun fact - it was recorded live in front of a small but intimate audience at Tokyo studios where great movies like Seven Samurai, Godzilla and hundreds of other legendary Japanese films were made.”

The result from that magic night in Tokyo is now here: 10 Mr Big classics in a completely new and fresh dress and a portrait from the very first ever acoustic show from the band.

MR BIG’s latest album “What If” saw the band come back in the original line-up featuring singer Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan on bass and Pat Torpey on drums.

The album charted in several European countries in the week of release and went gold in Japan.

"Live from the Living Room" will be exclusively released in a glossy digipak and will include the following songs: Undertow; Still Ain't Enough For Me; As Far As I Can See; Voodoo Kiss; Take Cover; Around The World; Stranger In My Life; All The Way Up; To Be With You; Nobody Left To Blame.

It is now possible to listen the first single “Undertow” on the Frontiers Records Webradio.

Tune in at www.frontiers.it/webradio

Weblinks:

www.mrbigsite.com

www.frontiers.it

An Update from Escape Music

Just visiting the Escape Music website, there's some interesting stuff on the way in the New Year, suffice to say, Escape Music have avoided my requests for review materials, so all I can do is share the news of their releases, if nothing else!

This from their website:

Coming to you folks in 2012 on Escape Music

1- Lee Small January

 

2- Human Temple February

 

3- Phenomena: March Featuring (Terry Brock, James Christian, Rob Moratti, Ralf Scheepers, Mat Sinner, Chris Antblad, Magnus Karlsson, Lee Small, Tommy Denander and Mike Slamer)

Produced by Tom Galley and Martin Kronlund.

 

4- Departure: “Hitch A Ride” April

 

5- Overland: in productions with (Christian Wolff, John Payne of ASIA on Bass, Jay Schellen Of Hurricane and Unruly Child on Drums, and Mike Slamer on Guitars and production.

 

6- Final Frontiers: in productions with Rob Moratti on lead vocals, and MLADEN

 

7- OZONE: in productions (Steve Overland and Chris Ousey) with Mike Slamer in production duties

8- Gypsy Rose: on Lead Vocals Lee Small

 

Last but not least Alliance featuring Robert Berry (Solo, Hush, GTR, Ambrosia),

Gary Pihl (Boston, Sammy Hagar), David Lauser (Sammy Hagar), Alan 'Fitz' Fitzgerald (Nightranger)

Plus others to come...stay tuned

Official Website:

http://www.escape-music.com

And that's really all I have right now folks ...

Sorry, really not too much else to share with you that I've been made aware of at this time.

 



Late Brief Update for Monday December 19th, 2012

Hi folks,

Well, a couple of things, first of all I'm sending out an appeal to to Bill Zwirz in Hoboken, N.J.

Bill, you won the Judas Priest competition back in late November and I mailed out your CD, Judas Priest's, Chosen Few album.

In cross checking with the Post Office, they show that they 'tried' to deliver the CD to you on December 7th, but couldn't and left you a message to pick it up at the post office or request re-delivery.

They will hold it for 15 days, before returning it to sender ... Yes, me!

I sent it with 'Delivery Confirmation' because people in the past have told me they didn't get their prize, when I sent things simply first class mail.

Bill, they HAVE the CD, waiting for you. Please go claim it. I have emailed you a copy of my P.O. receipt and Delivery Confirmation receipt too. Thanks Bill, enjoy the disc!

OK, now here's the big one for me ...

Well for all of us, that is you my readers and myself.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

WE DID IT!!!

With your support, constant visits, sharing information about 'Chambers of Rock,' with your friends, you have taken this site, in the two years that it has run since I started it in late December 2009, just past the 100,000 page view mark!!!

I could never have thought, that this little old side project of mine, would have done this, thanks to you all!

Not too bad for a blog site with no one else helping me to promote it, no other sites helping to plug it, thanks to my regular visitors, you are fantastic!
Cheers, Alun Williams - Owner / Editor @ Chambers of Rock!  

News Update for Monday December 19th, 2011

Hi folks, hope you all had a great weekend and those still Christmas shopping are done now or very nearly done, it's manic out there!

Yes there's been a lack of updates of late still, sorry, it is that time of year of course, which just adds to the lack ot news and new material or info thereof and then the lack of time to get the site up to date with anything ...

Anyway, enough of my groans .... Have a great week folks!

Cheers, Al

UFO's 'Seven Deadly' artwork revealed

One of the UK's most underrated rock bands UFO, are about to unleash on the world their latest album and it's their 21st studio release and the fourth to feature Vinnie Moore on lead guitar.

Yes, 'Seven Deadly' is due to be released in February 2012 through SPV / Steamhammer.

The band continues to tour, year in year out and as far as I can make out, Phil Mogg is sounding as good as ever!

Sadly, there's no invovement for Pete Way here, where his future path lies with UFO or otherwise, is really anyone's guess. Sadly, Pete is still haunted by his health issues and quite where they stand right now, is anyone's guess?

Phil is joined in the band though, by once again, classic UFO members Andy Parker (Drums) and Paul Raymond (Keyboards / Guitars / vocals).

'The Visitor' was the bands last release in 2009, the other two Vinnie Moore releases were 'You Are Here' (2004) and 'Monkey Puzzle' in 2006. 

Here's just a reminder of those release dates for the latest UFO album coming in February 2012:

24th February, 2012 - Germany

27th February, 2012 - Rest of Europe

28th February, 2012 - USA and Canada

For more information on the band and future live dates:

 http://www.ufo-music.info/

The Scorpions 'Comeblack' album video available

In support of The Scorpions latest release 'Comeblack' which includes re-recordings by the band, of seven of their own classic's and six cover songs, the band had made an interesting new video with some ..., well, scantily clad young ladies dancing to 'the band's' own 'Comeblack' jukebox.

You can check out the video here, which includes snippets of the band covering 'Tainted Love,' 'Children of the Revolution,' 'Across The Universe,' 'All of the Day and All of the Night' and 'Ruby Tuesday.'

Check it out here:

http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/108352134

Keep up with the Scorpions as their 'Final Sting' tour rolls into 2012, at their official site:

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

  

Heaven and Earth recordings roll on

The third Heaven and Earth project album, is well on it's way as Stuart Smith recently informed me, 'Five tracks are recorded and now the next lot of music has been passed on to Joe Retta to provide some lyrics for.

It's going realy well Alun and seriously, I know everyone says this about their forthcoming albums, but I mean it, this already sounds like the best Heaven and Earth album EVER!'

Great news Stuart, looking forward to it next year.

The lineup making the album, in case you were wondering folks is:

Joe Retta : Vocals
Stuart Smith: Guitar
Chuck Wright : Bass
Richie Onori : Drums
Arlan Schierbaum : Hammond

Keep up with the recording progress through the bands Facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heaven-and-Earth-Band/235455286519064

Girlschool announce new dates for 2012

 British hard rocking metal band, Girlschool, featuring three original members in Kim McAuliffe (Rhythm guitar, Lead and B/Vocals), Enid Williams (Bass, Lead and B/Vocals) and Denise Dufort (Drums), along with Jackie Chambers on lead guitar who replaced original guitarist Kelly Johnson (RIP), who sadly passed away in 2007, are set to play live dates in 2012.

2nd March - Leamington, Assembly (UK)

3rd March - York, Fibbers (UK)

9th March - Manchester, 03 Academy (UK)

10th March - London, Garage (UK)

23rd March - Crumlin, The Patriot, Wales (UK)

The band just released or should that be, re-released 'Hit and Run' on it's 30th Anniversary as 'Hit and Run Revisited,' earlier this year.

Official band website is:

http://www.girlschool.co.uk   

 

News Update for Thursday 15th December, 2011

Sad days in the Great White camp, with two conflicting announcements 

There appears to be an element of chaos surrounding the 80's band, Great White right now.

Over the past almost two years now, the band has been moving along without original vocalist, Jack Russell, following Russell's ongoing battles with health issues of one sort or another.

Russell is an incredible vocalist, which he has proven countless times live for almost thirty years, but the man has had problems, as have so many characters in the game and specifically from the 80's era.

Russell saw fit to make an announcement, to the whole world this past weekend through Facebook on his pending return to Great White .., only it was with a completely new band.

Well, OK, not completely new as the line up included some former if short lived, members of the band from the various different line ups over the years, that for the most part, have more or less, featured just Russell as the constant original member.

This was the statement put out by Jack Russell:

   To all my friends: Just wanted to announce that I will be coming back with my band Great White and a BRAND NEW line up.

My new band mates are some of the most incredible musicians I have ever had the privilege to play with, Matthew Johnson former guitarist for Great White, Derrick Pontier former drummer for Great White, Dario Seixas former Bassist for Firehouse and the Stephen Pearcy Band, and Robby Lochner former Guitarist for Rob Halford's Band and Cherie Currie.  

I am very excited about this new beginning. I am feeling better than ever, despite any rumors you may hear to the contrary. Unfortunately, and as confusing as it will be, my former band mates and their manager have decided to continue to tour next year under the name I created, Great White.

I will be touring under the name Great White featuring Jack Russell, to try avoid any confusion. So now the true fans will know the difference. I will be announcing tour dates as soon as they become available. Our first performance will be at the Pre-NAMM Jam January 14 2012.

Only shows advertised as Great White featuring Jack Russell will include myself on vocals.

I have missed all of you terribly and look forward to seeing you all on the road. You have no idea how much your love and devotion has meant to me during what has been one of the hardest periods of my life.

Happy Holidays! Much peace and love to you and your families. Have a blessed New Year. Yours as always, Jack Russell, founder and lead vocalist, Great White PS. JACK IS BACK!!!!!!!!

Source:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001930365841

Suffice to say, the band that has been touring as Great White in Russell's absence, that at one point featured the now late Jani Lane RIP (Ex-Warrant), has decided to make a crystal clear statement on the situation of the 'official' current line up of Great White.

Read on:

Press Release:

Official Great White Statement Regarding Jack Russell Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING JACK RUSSELL ANNOUNCEMENT

First and foremost, our main concern is our fans. We have
spent 30 years trying to be the best we can be and bring our fans the top
quality of music they have become accustomed to and deserve. It
saddens us today to have to respond to Jack Russell's announcement.

Jack Russell announced on Facebook on Saturday, December 10, 2011 that
he was returning to Great White with a new line-up.

This was a complete shock to the entire Great White Family.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

As we all know Jack Russell has been fighting drug and
alcohol abuse for many years. He has had numerous stints in and out of
treatment facilities and hospitals.

In 2010 Jack’s physical condition deteriorated to the
point that he routinely fell on and off stage, forgot lyrics and we had to
cancel shows due to his inability to perform. In the past two years, Jack has
had five major surgeries and has almost died three times. His drug abuse was
so bad that his body began to shut down and ultimately resulted in colostomy
surgery from a perforated bowel (he nearly died during this procedure).

The colostomy surgery saved his life, but vanquished him with a colostomy bag
for a year.

We stood by Jack; we supported his sobriety and eagerly awaited
his return.

Jack was first slated to return to Great White this past
summer. Unfortunately his frail body and his drug abuse prohibited this event. In
the following months, Jack had three more surgeries that delayed his return.
Finally, he chose February 2012 as his target return date.

We had five clear conditions for Jack’s return:

1. Jack had to be drug free. Off all Opiates, Methadone, Valium or Xanax.
2. Jack had to be off Prednisone (a steroid that ate away at Jack’s internal organs that
caused the perforated bowel).
3. Jack had to be sober and off crack cocaine and all alcohol.
4. Jack had to agree to weekly drug tests.
5. Jack must attend weekly meetings for AA and NA.

Last week Jack notified management he would not make it
back by February 2012. Jack referred to his doctor’s opinion that he would not
be ready. He had just started physical rehabilitation again and his legs and
back needed more rehab to handle the rigors of touring. Jack thought he would
be ready by May to start the summer touring season. However, he wasn’t sure if
he could be off the Methadone by then or ever. Management reiterated that he
had to be completely drug free for his return. He owed it to the fans.

He owed it to us. He owed to himself.

Out of nowhere, we all received an email on Saturday,
December 10, 2011 stating that he was coming back now and that he was starting
his own (a different lineup) Great White. As you can imagine, this was shocking
to say the least. We were saddened and hurt from this shocking announcement ..

We only want to do right by our fans. We aim to give
the best possible show and have every fan leave the show feeling they
got their monies worth. This band is sober and music is our passion. With
Jack Russell, not being drug free and unable to physically perform on stage. It
will only let down our fans.

Time and again, Jack Russell has let down his band and fans.
His addictions have ruined his life the past eight years. We will not sit by
and enable our brother to abuse alcohol and drugs to kill himself. We have lost
too many loved ones to this madness. After the passing of our dear friend, the
talented Jani Lane, it has become more evident that this has to stop. It must
end.

Since Jack’s departure in August 2010, Great White has
performed almost 100 concerts. We’ve had no shortened sets, cancellations or
song choice limitations due to vocal issues. In this struggling economy, fans
need and deserve more—not less. We owe it to our fans and the promoters to not
to allow Jack Russell and some garage band to hurt Great White’s classic rock
legacy and bright future.

Jack Russell does not have the right to start his own
Great White or use the name without our names in the lineup.

We will litigate any promoter that books ‘Jack Russell's Great White’ or uses
any logo featuring the name Great White.

We give you our word, we will continue through 2012 and
beyond to provide you with the top quality musical performances you have been
accustomed and deserve. We hope and pray that Jack gets healthy, happy and
sober. His health and well-being is the only thing that matters.

Keep Rocking, God Bless and Happy Holidays!

Mark, Audie, Michael, Scott and Terry

GREAT WHITE

Official band website:

http://www.greatwhiterocks.com/

Give it to me good!

TRIXTER are firing up the engines for their comeback album!

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of TRIXTER for the worldwide release of the band’s reunion album in the spring of 2012!

Formed in Paramus, New Jersey during 1983, TRIXTER would learn their chops playing live in the club circuit around their hometown with the likes of SKID ROW and KIX, before eventually getting signed by Mechanic/MCA for their self-titled debut album in 1990, which spawned the Billboard Hits and #1 MTV Videos "Give It To me Good," "One in a Million" and "Surrender" and went on to become gold.

The band toured nationally during 1990-91 sold out arena tours with POISON, SCORPIONS and WARRANT. TRIXTER's second album, "Hear!," was released in October 1992, touring in support of KISS. Unfortunately the change of musical climate made it impossible for the band to keep going so, after the release of an independent covers album, the band called it quits in 1995.

TRIXTER finally announced the reunion of the original lineup in 2007. Since then the band played several shows, including a successful appearance at the Rocklahoma festival in 2008. 'The band has been playing together for the last 4 years, so making a new record is the next logical step,' tells guitarist Steve Brown. 'We are all very excited: the new cd will be entitled "New Audio Machine" and is a classic style Melodic Hard Rock album. All the sounds people have loved about TRIXTER will be there ... Great songs, big guitar riffs, catchy vocals and a huge bottom end. A total big rock production!!!'
TRIXTER are now formed by Pete Loran on lead vocals and guitar, Steve Brown on lead guitar, P.J. Farley on bass and Gus Scott on drums. 'We take pride in the fact that we are one of the few bands of our genre that have all original members,' says Brown.

With an arsenal of great new songs and a catalogue of two successful releases TRIXTER are looking forward to bring their songs on stage 'We are hoping to land a support slot on one of the major summer tours,' concludes Brown. 'And we finally hope to play our first European tour as well.'

Get ready for the return of TRIXTER !

Weblinks:

www.frontiers.it

www.trixterrocks.com

The new AOR dream rising from Sweden!

SONIC STATION to debut in February 2012 on Frontiers

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing to the label of a brand new Artist SONIC STATION for the release of their self titled debut album on February 24th 2012 in Europe and February 28th in North America.

SONIC STATION is a new Westcoast-AOR Project put together by Alexander Kronbrink (a Swedish guitarist, composer and producer). Alexander is a young musician who learned his skills playing with Smooth Jazz star Jonathan Fritzén. Later on – after being introduced to Lee Ritenour - Alexander started to see a clearer direction in his playing. Through Ritenour he discovered the music of such giants as Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, composer and producer David Foster and guitarist Jay Graydon, among others. Alexander says: “I have always been interested in guitarists with the ability to play everything from Jazz, to Pop, to Country, to Hard Rock. I have listened a lot to American session guitarists such as Steve Lukather, Michael Landau and Dan Huff. I guess that type of guitar playing is what have influenced me the most.”

From the very beginning the SONIC STATION project has been based in the 80’s AOR music (influenced by Toto, Mr. Mister and Journey) and the West Coast-sound of Airplay and Chicago. The resulting album “SONIC STATION” is an expressive and warm record, where each song has an obvious and immediate hit feeling. “The focus is on melody and the SONIC STATION sound is a meticulous and exciting mixture of Pop, Rock and Jazz”, explains Kronbrink. To get the most quality out of each track Alexander, who composed ten of the songs and also produced and arranged the whole record, engaged four singers with different styles and voices: Marika Willstedt (from the Swedish TV show “Så ska det låta”), Magnus Bäcklund (member of the Swedish duo “Fame”), Kristoffer Fogelmark and Tove Lo.

There are many musicians working on the album but the three contributing the most are Alexander’s close friends Jonathan Fritzén (on keyboards – a smooth Jazz solo artist who reached #1 on the Billboard Indicator Smooth Jazz Chart), Henrik Linder (on bass – Dirty Loops, Work of Art) and Aron Mellergård (on drums – Dirty Loops). All of them are accomplished musicians and gave their contribution for the final result. “I definitely think SONIC STATION will have a life on stage and I expect that we will be able to do some shows in the coming months” concludes Alexander Kronbrink.

“Sonic Station” includes the following songs: Intro; Love's Gonna Show The Way

(Feat. Magnus Bäcklund); I Wish I Could Lie (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Hold On To Me (Feat. Kristoffer Fogelmark); You Have To Let Me Go (Feat. Tove Lo); The Most Beautiful Fear (Feat. Magnus Bäcklund); Running Through The Night (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Never Let The Sunshine Die (Feat. Kristoffer Fogelmark); My Last Refrain (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Love You More (Feat. Marika Willstedt and Kristoffer Fogelmark); Reasons (Feat. Marika Willstedt)

With SONIC STATION, Alexander Kronbrink has taken the 80’s into the future.

Weblinks:

www.sonic-station.com 

www.frontiers.it

SEBASTIAN BACH'S NEW VIDEO "TUNNELVISION"

HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE ON REVOLVERMAG.COM

2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

(New York, NY) - Mothertruckers, it's time for another Baz fix! 

Log on right now to Revolver Magazine's website, www.revolvermag.com, to witness the worldwide premiere of "TunnelVision," the next video from iconic rocker Sebastian Bach and his latest album KICKING & SCREAMING. 

Bach fans can also look forward to catching their idol back on the road in 2012 as new international tour dates have just been announced. 

Please see below for the itinerary, with more dates to be added.

Sebastian Bach's recently-released KICKING & SCREAMING debuted in the Top 75 of the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and has been receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Outburn declared, "Sebastian Bach delivers a balls out gang of mountainous hooks, titanic grooves and straight down the middle hard rock", while Revolver avowed, "Bach's voice is in particularly fine form on KICKING & SCREAMING, boasting more color and range than most..." 

Bach was also named one of the 100 greatest living rock stars by Revolver and is featured in that issue on stands now. KICKING & SCREAMING features young virtuosic guitarist Nick Sterling and drum pro Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Riot, Iced Earth), as well a guest appearance by noted guitarist John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie) on the track "TunnelVision".

Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer with his former band, Skid Row and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, the singer/songwriter/actor/entertainer has expanded his career over the past decade to include episodic television with a 5-season recurring role on the CW's hit series "Gilmore Girls", starring roles on Broadway ("Jekyll & Hyde", "The Rocky Horror Picture Show") and national touring companies ("Jesus Chris Superstar"), and has appeared regularly on MTV and VH1.

Sebastian Bach on tour:

 FEBRUARY

1 Winston-Salem, NC Ziggy's

2 Baltimore, MD Rams Head

3 Toledo, OH The Omni

4 Mt. Clemens, MI The Hayloft

7 Cleveland, OH Peabody's

8 Lincolnshire, IL Cubby Bear

10 Fargo, ND The Venue At The Hub

11 Calgary, AB Chrome Showroom At Deerfoot

APRIL

12 Santiago, Chile Teatro Caupolican

13 Buenos Aires, Argentina Teatro Flores

14 Sao Paolo, Brazil Carioca Club

15 Porto Alegre, Brazil Opiniao

Bach on the web:

www.sebastianbach.com

www.facebook.com/sebastianbach

www.twitter.com/sebastianbach

www.reverbnation.com/sebastianbach

www.frontiers.it

The Acoustic Saints Live Update!

Stan Bush’s new band, The Acoustic Saints, have announced their first live gig for 2012!
Catch them at the Hard Rock Hollywood (right on Hollywood Blvd!) on January 14th, 2012!




The band also features Chuck Wright (bass) and Rick Sailon (guitar/violin/mandolin).

The Acoustic Saints reinterpret Classic Rock tunes with a moody atmospheric vibe – catch ‘em live! Faves from the 70′s and 80′s, plus a a few surprises along the way make up the set the Saints are rehearsing for this first live appearance of the New Year!

Official sites:
http://stanbush.com
http://www.chuckwright.com
http://www.myspace.com/ricksailon
http://www.wix.com/acousticsaints/as#!




Metallica Update after 30th Anniversary celebrations come to an end

This message just posted at the band's website, from Metallica to their fans:

Last week we celebrated our 30th anniversary together with Fan Club members from around the world by playing four nights at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco . . . it was quite the bash each and every night! If you were able to join us at any or all of the parties, thanks for coming out to hang with us. And whether or not you were there, you may have heard that we added some unreleased tracks from the Death Magnetic sessions to the set list – one “new” song each night as part of the shenanigans on stage.

This week, we’re releasing those four tracks through iTunes exclusively in North America and on iTunes and additional digital retailers in other parts of the world as the Beyond Magnetic EP.

All four studio versions of these songs were sent to Met Club members for free immediately following their live debut on stage at the Fillmore and tomorrow they will be available to everyone via the magic of digital downloading. They are the rough mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March of 2008, and those of you with very keen senses of sound might recognize bits and pieces from the ‘Mission Metallica’ videos posted in the summer of 2008.

Thanks again to everyone who visited us in San Francisco. As Lars (Ulrich) mentioned at the end of the last show, we’ll be back here in January with an announcement about a special interactive fan event in June of 2012 . . . we may ask you to do a little traveling again!

iTunes North America: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=485472347

iTunes Mexico: http://itunes.apple.com/mx/album/beyond-magnetic-ep/id487495053

iTunes Worldwide: http://smarturl.it/beyondmagneticep

BEYOND MAGNETIC TRACKLISTING:

1. Hate Train

2. Just A Bullet Away

3. Hell And Back

4. Rebel Of Babylon

Official band website:

http://www.metallica.com/