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!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 12th May, 2010

Thin Lizzy Confirm New Lineup and Tour!

UK & EIRE Tour January 2011

Universal Music commit to full reissue programme 2010/2011

(Picture from: http://www.myspace.com/thinlizzynow by Ross Halfin)

SCOTT GORHAM – GUITAR

BRIAN DOWNEY – DRUMS

DARREN WHARTON - KEYBOARDS

VIVIAN CAMPBELL – GUITAR

MARCO MENDOZA – BASS GUITAR

RICKY WARWICK – LEAD VOCALS / GUITAR

Thin Lizzy is one of rock music’s most recognizable names. The fiery Dublin band exploded onto the scene with a fresh sound, look and attitude. Led by the incomparable Phil Lynott, the band reached many peaks and influenced generations of musicians with classic tracks such as “Jailbreak”, “The Boys Are Back In Town”, “Still In Love With You”, “Cold Sweat”, “Emerald” and “Don’t Believe A Word”. Most rock historians would agree the pinnacle of their commercial success was in 1983, followed by the bands’ premature demise, as they played their last gig in September of 1984. Just two years later, the world was shocked when singer/bassist and founding member Phil Lynott passed away at the age of thirty six.

Twenty four years have passed, the world has changed, but the amazing body of work that is Thin Lizzy still retains all of its vibrancy and influence. A new lineup has formed to take Lizzy’s music to a whole new generation of music fans. Led by alumni Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton (all of whom played in Thin Lizzy with Phil Lynott) the stellar lineup is completed by Def Leppards Viv Campbell (guitar), Bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Ted Nugent, Soul SirkUS) and The Almighty’s Ricky Warwick on vocals and guitar.

Alongside the new lineup, Universal Music has committed to a series of re-issue, deluxe and special releases of classic Thin Lizzy material over the next 18 months. More details to follow.

Thin Lizzy have confirmed a 2011 UK tour. Full dates are as follows:

Thursday 6th January – Aberdeen Music Hall

Friday 7th – Glasgow O2 Academy

Saturday 8th – Newcastle City Hall

Monday 10th – Leeds O2 Academy

Tuesday 11th – Llandudno Theatre

Wednesday 12th – Leicester De Montfort Hall

Friday 14th – Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Saturday 15th – Manchester Apollo

Sunday 16th – Bristol Colston Hall

Tuesday 18th – Southampton Guildhall

Wednesday 19th – Ipswich Regent

Friday 21st – Cambridge Corn Exchange

Saturday 22nd – Hammersmith, London, HMV Apollo

Doors will be at 7pm. On the UK dates Special Guests will be Seattle based Supersuckers

For UK dates tickets will be available from 9am on the 14th May 2010 exclusively through Planet Rock radio. Tickets are priced £23.50 (£26 London) – subject to booking fee – and are available through http://www.planetrock.com/ and www.planetrock.com/presale

Tickets will go on general sale from 9am on the 28th May (prices as above and subject to booking fee) and will also be available through http://www.livenation.co.uk/ VIP packages will be available through http://www.thinlizzyfanlub.com/

In addition to the UK, Thin Lizzy’s new line up will play Dublin on January 4th 2011. This special show will mark the 25th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s passing and the event will feature many additional guest stars and performers. Venue details are set to follow.

http://www.thinlizzyband.com/

http://www.thinlizzyfanclub.com/

http://www.myspace.com/thinlizzynow

Deep Purple - Steve Morse update from the road

Type A in Taipei... I am still getting used to being in Asia, food-wise, but they sure have managed to keep order out of what looks like too many people in a small space. The audience in Taipei was incredible, very energetic! We just arrived in Hong Kong, and you just can't imagine the immensity of high rise buildings on top of hills, everywhere.

Australia was a blur, I think I was still trying to get over the change of day to night, and then we were gone. It was better than last time, I think, and it felt like a good result for all. A guitarist that I met years ago at a Guitar Player guitar concert, Nathan Cavaleri, sat in with us, and played very well, as I expected. I touched base with Living Loud bassist Bob Daisley, and we made plans to finish the tunes we started. I do wish Australia would float a few thousand miles closer to the USA, though! Always a good experience.

~Steve

Full Deep Purple tour dates:

May 2010

Wed 5.12.10 Singapore

Fri 5.14.10 Bangkok, Thailand

Sun 5.16.10 Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Tue 5.18.10 Seoul, Korea

Fri 5.21.10 Vladivostock, Russia

Sat 5.22.10 Khabarovsk, Russia

Tue 5.25.10 Yerevan, Armenia

Fri 5.28.10 Johannesburg, South Africa

Fri 5.30.10 Durban, South Africa

June 2010

Tue 6.1.10 Cape Town, South Africa

Fri 6.4.10 Budapest, Hungary

Sat 6.5.10 Zagreb, Croatia

Mon 6.7.10 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Tue 6.8.10 Dornbirn, Austria

Wed 6.9.10 Celigny, Switzerland

Sat 6.12.10 Samara, Russia

Mon 6.28.10 Belfast, Ireland

Wed 6.30.10 Cork, Ireland

July 2010

Sat 7.3.10 Sønderborg, Denmark

Mon 7.5.10 Turku, Finland

Tue 7.6.10 Joensuu, Finland

Thu 7.8.10 Langesund, Norway

Fri 7.9.10 Sarpsborg, Norway

Sat 7.10.10 Kilafors Bollnas, Sweden

Wed 7.14.10 Lisbon, Portugal

Sat 7.17.10 Cordoba, Spain

Sun 7.18.10 Valencia, Spain

October 2010

Wed 10.27.10 Olomouc, Czech Republic

Thu 10.28.10 Rzeszow, Poland

Sat 10.30.10 Katowice, Poland

Sun 10.31.10 Wroclaw, Poland

November 2010

Fri 11.5.10 Lyon, France

Sat 11.6.10 Montpelier, France

Sun 11.7.10 Bordeaux, France

Tue 11.9.10 Rennes, France

Wed 11.10.10 Paris, France

Fri 11.12.10 Huttwil, Switzerland

Sat 11.13.10 Trier, Germany

Sun 11.14.10 Freiburg, Germany

Tue 11.16.10 Mannheim, Germany

Thu 11.18.10 Memmingen, Germany

Fri 11.19.10 München, Germany

Sat 11.20.10 Nürnberg, Germany

Mon 11.22.10 Berlin, Germany

Tue 11.23.10 Rostock, Germany

Wed 11.24.10 Braunschweig,, Germany

Fri 11.26.10 Oldenburg, Germany

Sat 11.27.10 Hamburg, Germany

Sun 11.28.10 Essen, Germany

Tue 11.30.10 Stuttgart, Germany

December 2010

Wed 12.1.10 Strasbourg, France

Thu 12.2.10 Dijon, France

Sat 12.4.10 Troyes, France

Sun 12.5.10 Rouen, France

Mon 12.6.10 Lorient, France

Wed 12.8.10 Toulon, France

Thu 12.9.10 Pau, France

Fri 12.10.10 Limoges, France

Sun 12.12.10 Tours, France

Mon 12.13.10 Lille, France

http://www.deeppurple.com/index.cfm

SUPERTRAMP ANNOUNCES FALL 2010 EUROPEAN TOUR ... AND MORE ON THE 'REUNION' ...

The following announcement, was actually posted at the Supertramp home website back in April, then just a couple of days back, a new statement from the Supertramp camp ... The reunion tour will NOT include Roger Hodgson ... Read on my friends!

Supertramp has announced their 70-10 TOUR, celebrating forty years since the release of their first album, “Supertramp”, in 1970. The tour will begin on September 2, 2010 in Halle, Germany and will include thirty-five shows in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Holland, England and Ireland.

Joining Supertramp’s founder, lead singer and keyboardist, Rick Davies, are legendary Supertramp members John Anthony Helliwell, saxophones and woodwinds, and Bob Siebenberg, drums. Veterans of past Supertramp tours, Jesse Siebenberg, lead vocals, guitars and percussion, Cliff Hugo, bass, Carl Verheyen, guitars and Lee Thornburg, horns, will round out the lineup.

Rick Davies, along with set and lighting designer, Michael Brian Duncan, is developing a new stage production that will provide the audience with a total Supertramp experience, a delight for both the eyes and ears. Rehearsals are currently underway in New York and during the two hour plus show the band will perform a plethora of classics from their forty year history, including Bloody Well Right, Dreamer, From Now On, Goodbye Stranger, The Logical Song, Rudy and many, many more.

Then this update posted at the site, May 8th, 2010:

05.08.10 - A MESSAGE FROM SUPERTRAMP

In June of 2008 Rick Davies went to meet with Roger Hodgson to discuss the possibility of a reunion with him. After fifteen months of discussions, last fall Rick and Roger did not come to an agreement as was hoped. Roger decided to continue his solo career as he has since leaving Supertramp twenty-seven years ago.

After a bit of soul searching and much encouragement and support from Supertramp’s longstanding promoters, Rick decided to put the band back on the road.

The “70-10 Tour” is a celebration of 40 years of Supertramp, which Rick started in 1970, but it is not a reunion with Roger Hodgson. We wish Roger well and look forward to playing for you this fall.

We sincerely hope this puts an end to the confusion that has been circulating on the internet and in the press.

http://www.supertramp.com/news

Kiss is coming back to the USA! - August 2010 Tour expected

Main Kiss 'character,' frontman Gene Simmons has leaked through his Twitter page this news:

"KISS is coming to North America again... starting in August... See you all then."

Then add to that the announcement at http://www.kissonline.com/news/ that KISS will make its Indiana State Fair debut Aug. 9 at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.

Tickets for the concert go on sale 10 a.m. Friday. Admission prices are $70, $59 and $45 plus applicable fees. Fair admission is included with tickets.

Through midnight Sunday or while supplies last, a buy-one-get-one-free ticket offer applies to $45 seats in the upper grandstand.

Tickets will be available at the fairgrounds box office, 1202 E. 38th St., by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Stay tuned to http://www.kissonline.com/ for a full announcement within the next few weeks!

Free download of new Heart song

Heart are offering a free download of a new song from their forthcoming new studio album, 'Red Velvet Car'

coming this fall!

Go to their MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/heart or their band website http://www.heart-music.com/ and - you'll have to enter your birthdate and give your email - you'll get the new song available as a download link emailed to you. Sound good? It does to me!

Bon Jovi - 10 Special Editions and Madison Square Garden DVD Released

10 BON JOVI CATALOG ALBUMS RE-RELEASED AS SPECIAL EDITIONS

The "Special Editions" are re-releases of Bon Jovi's entire collection of studio albums that include bonus rare, era-specific live recording tracks. These "Special Editions" also feature new artwork, including images from each period, and new liner notes documenting the evolution of the band. Additionally, each "Special Edition" will unlock "backstage access" to The Bon Jovi Vaults where you can access exclusive content--photos, tour memorabilia, and more live tracks.Visit http://www.walmart.com/ to the albums today!

Specific link:

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&search_query=Bon+jovi&Find.x=10&Find.y=8

LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN DVD/BLU-RAY AVAILABLE TODAY

Get the new Bon Jovi Live at Madison Square Garden DVD or Blu-Ray from their performance on July 15, 2008--25 years after their first performance there. The show is captured in high definition and surround sound to make you feel like you're right there at the show. Get the DVD at your local Walmart store or the Blu-Ray edition at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SQFZ68?ie=UTF8&tag=bojo07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002SQFZ68

Also check out the trailer on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynl0pHoN9QQ

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Rock News for Tuesday 11th May, 2010

Queen breaks free from EMI

According to Queen fan site, http://www.queenzone.com/ - it seems the guys in the band are following in Paul McCartney's footsteps in quitting EMI and it seems that Universal is where they are headed!

Interesting indeed ... I wonder if this will lead to John Deacon hooking up with Brian May and Roger Taylor once more and moreso, since the Paul Rodgers bit appears to be done, who would front the band?

This posted through the Queen site:

Veteran rock band Queen have quit the beleaguered music label EMI for its rival Universal.

Queen, who have been with the heavily indebted British label for almost 40 years, are believed to have been lured to Universal with a new contract worth tens of millions of pounds.

The band’s exit follows the departure of Sir Paul McCartney, who took his solo and Wings back catalogue to Concord Music this year.

Read the full story here:

http://www.queenzone.com/news/queen-quits-and-emi-won-t-stop-them-now.aspx

Joe Elliott's DOWN 'N OUTZ to release MY RE GENERATION on June 23rd

http://www.downnoutz.com/

Sometimes the most interesting of projects arise from the most unusual of circumstances. So it is that the Down 'N Outz is a project fronted by Def Leppards Joe Elliott, backed by The Quireboys and playing rare tracks connected only by Mott The Hoople ....

Joe Elliott takes up the story, "When Mott The Hoople announced they were reforming for a weeks worth of shows at the Hammersmith Odeon I was asked that I participate in some capacity. They've always been my favourite band and it's nice to see the rest of the rock world finally catch up and give them their due."

"But, what was I to do? It was suggested to me that the Quireboys would be up for offering their services. This was perfect! A fan since their first album, I loved the idea of working with a band as enthusiastic to do this as I was. I decided that the thing to do was play some songs that like minded people thought they would never hear live again, if ever, songs by spin offs of Mott the Hoople - songs by Mott, Ian Hunter and British Lions. Songs that are close to my heart, songs that I've played every week for the best part of 35 years on record, cassette, CD, Ipod and now live."

The Down 'N Outz supported Mott The Hoople's at one of their legendary 2009 reformation shows at Hammersmith Odeon. In addition to Joe Elliott (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards) the band featured The Quireboys' Paul Guerin (Guitar), Guy Griffin (Guitar), Keith Weir (keyboards) and Phil Martini (drums) and finally bassist Ronnie Garrity (Raw Glory). Following a rapturous reception the one night project took on a life and energy of it's own and an album project was born.

Down 'N Outz then set about recording an albums worth of material. The album was produced by Joe Elliott with co-production by Ronan McHugh. The album was recorded at Joe Elliott's own studio Joe's Garage and Moor Hall studio in Bedfordshire.

Full tracklisting (with original recording artist):

1. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY (Ian Hunter)

2. STORM (Mott)

3. OVERNIGHT ANGELS (Ian Hunter)

4. CAREER (NO SUCH THING AS ROCK 'N' ROLL) (Mott)

5. ENGLAND ROCKS (Ian Hunter)

6. SHOUTING AND POINTING (Mott)

7. BY TONIGHT (Mott)

8. WHO DO YOU LOVE (Ian Hunter)

9. ONE MORE CHANCE TO RUN (British Lions)

10. GOOD TIMES (Mott, originally recorded by The Easybeats)

Prior to it's general release fans will be able to get hold of the 10 track album cover mounted on the issue of Classic Rock magazine on sale on the 23rd June 2010. Classic Rock, a publication by special-interest media group Future, is one of the U.K.'s biggest rock music magazines and in 2009 recorded its eighth consecutive circulation increase, the only paid-for music magazine to grow. Chris Ingham, group publisher of Future's Classic Rock, said, "We are delighted to be able to offer our readers the first chance to hear the Down 'N Outz record - a completely unique project. To have them also appearing as a UK festival exclusive on the Classic Rock curated High Voltage festival is an added bonus".

An extended version of the album will also be released through Mailboat Records (Joe Perry, Walter Becker, Chris Isaak, Jeff Bridges) on the 13th July 2010. The extended version will feature three extra tracks unavailable on the Classic Rock tied release.

Down 'N Outz have also been confirmed to play the main stage of inaugural High Voltage Festival at Victoria Park, London on Sunday the 25th July 2010. For further details, ticket information and an exclusive interview with Joe Elliott, visit http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/

"MY RE GENERATION" is the first part in a series of projects by the Down 'N Outz, including a forthcoming DVD of the Hammersmith Apollo performance. More details to follow.....

Jani Lane gets DUI ..., again ...

This story of the former Warrant frontman Jani Lane from E News.

Jani Lane, frontman for the '80s hair-metal band Warrant, was arrested on suspicion of DUI Sunday night, E! News has learned. - via Comcast: http://www.comcast.net/articles/entertainment-eonline/20100510/b180246/

According to an LAPD spokesman, the 46-year-old Lane was behind the wheel of a black Infiniti sedan when he allegedly sideswiped a parked car in the L.A. suburb of Woodland Hills. He flubbed both field sobriety and Breathalyzer tests, police said.

The singer, who was not injured in the incident, was taken into custody and booked on the DUI charge. He was released around 3 a.m.

It's not the first time for Lane either, in July 2009, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor DUI and was handed three years' probation, three months in an alcohol-education program and a month of community service.

Sad times indeed for the singer ....

Michael Schenker Group - M.S.G. - Tour line up information released

The MSG - 30th Anniversary - (Special Line-up) World Tour will continue in Europe and North America celebrating 30 Years of The Michael Schenker Group!

Special Line Up - Europe and UK - May/June:

------------------------------

Michael Schenker - Lead Guitar

Gary Barden - Vocals

Chris Slade - Drums (ex - ACDC/Firm etc.)- May/June

Pete Holmes - Drums (ex Black 'n Blue) - July

Chris Glen - Bass

Wayne Findlay - Guitar/Keyboards

Special Line Up - US Tour:

-----------------------

Michael Schenker - Lead Guitar

Gary Barden - Vocals

Carmine Appice - Drums (ex - Vanilla Fudge/Jeff Beck/Ozzy Osborne/etc.)

Elliott "Dean" Rubinson - Bass (Owner of Dean Guitars)

Wayne Findlay - Guitar/Keyboards

Tour dates can be found here:

http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/tour.php

Stone Temple Pilots new video available

Check out the Stone Temple Pilots’ brand new music video for their #1 single “Between the Lines” off their self-titled studio album which hits stores on May 25th!

Stone Temple Pilots "Between The Lines" [Music Video]:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzS590AkE6c

"Breaking The Law (Live)" from the 30th Anniversary Edition of British Steel premiere's at VEVO!

"Breaking The Law (Live)" from the 30th Anniversary Edition of British Steel premiere's at VEVO!

Album in-store everywhere on Tuesday 11th May, or order now from http://www.judaspriest.com/

http://www.vevo.com/watch/judas-priest/breaking-the-law-live/GB1101000154

ALLEN / LANDE NEW ALBUM DONE!

Achim Kohler (PRIMAL FEAR. SINNER, SILENT FORCE).has recently finished the mix of the third ALLEN / LANDE album which will be entitled “The Showdown”.

With songs once again written by guitar sensation Magnus Karlsson (now with PRIMAL FEAR), the two monster vocalists Jorn Lande (Masterplan) and Russell Allen (Symphony X) unite once again their talents in a fabulous new album that seems to be forged in the fires of Mayhem. “The Showdown” shows again that the musical direction will be Epic, grandiose and very melodic Hard Rocking music. The cover art was designed specifically for the project once again by the amazing Rodney Matthews. Frontiers looks set to release this new masterpiece in September.

A videoclip for the song “Judgement Day” was shot in Scandinavia during April under the direction of Thomas Tjader (Saint Deamon, Issa). You can enjoy a trailer by clicking below…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BibWDFdpUbE&feature=player_embedded

Monday, May 10, 2010

Rock News for Sunday 9th May, 2010

First of all, a Happy Mother's Day to all Mum's / Mom's in the USA today ... In the UK it was back in March, funny how that goes. Still, enjoy your day! :)

Lukather new album, 'Recording is finished!'

Yes, the guitar maestro, Steve Lukather has announced the last track for his new album is done!

This from his site:

May 6th 2010

Steve Lukather: "Finished the last track today and now it is time to do the last overdubs and sings a few things, a few guests mix and done! Sounds easy right. NOT, lol. IT will take a few weeks yet but I am almost done. My pal CJ Vanston and I wrote this last one and he and Phil Collen from Def Leppard stopped by today as well as my son Trev..."

Pic from the studio - Courtesy of: http://www.stevelukather.net/Article.aspx?id=63

May 7th 2010

Steve Lukather: "Back in the studio today with Carlitos and Trev and Me doin OD's on the new tune CJ and I wrote. My son Trev just came up with a KILLER part on the new tune. Great Father and son moments!

I am pumped. Off for a run then the studio then a chill weekend with the family. Mothers day. Dont forget to hug your Mom or whomever IS a mom around you. VERY important people they are!"

May 7th 2010

Trev Lukather: "Heading to the studio 2 play guitar on my pop's new record... didn't get a chance to write with him but he wants me on the record... the song is a killer one."

http://www.stevelukather.net/News.aspx

Primal Fear new live DVD, 'Live in the USA.'

German Metal masters PRIMAL FEAR are back with a new DVD recorded in various locations between September and November 2009 and a live CD album aptly titled "Live in the USA".

The main part of the DVD was recorded in Switzerland a the Z7, but there is more footage from headlining show held at the ProgPower festival in Atlanta USA plus footage from Brazil/Sao Paulo, Toyko & Osaka/Japan. That's why the DVD is named "16.6 - All Over The World" while the Live CD is titled "Live In The USA" because the live CD was recorded in Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles.

The DVD is filled with loads of extra materials, such as an entire bootleg section with funny moments on the road, some bootleg shots from festivals and other concerts, all Primal Fear latest video clips, plus the making of the band’s last album 16.6 in the recording studio and a brand new interview section about the past & future of Primal Fear.

The item is available in 3 formats: CD only; DVD only; combo CD + DVD in digipak.

- Youtube clip sample for KILLBOUND: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxAd2esa9yg

- My Space page: www.myspace.com/primalfearmetal

WIG WAM finish Japanese tour with a party concert

Checkout the YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g15XB1A_Xtk

The Wig Wamania Golden Party was held at Shibuya Boxx in Tokyo on Saturday night. This was a special event for the dedicated fans. In a three hours show Wig Wam gave an electric set and an acoustic set. The show also included a Q&A session and a karaoke competition.

May 3, 2010 - Wig Wam completed their Japan tour with an exclusive party concert in Tokyo, 1st of May. A packed Shibuya Boxx attended Wig Wamania Treasure Island, Saturday Night Golden Party on Saturday night. This was a special event for dedicated fans.

Wig Wam started the evening with an electric set, where they among other things, gave the Japanese fans their AC/DC medley with Flash & Teeny spinning around playing each others instruments back to back. The electric set was followed by a Q&A session with Wig Wam on stage answering questions from the audience.

Afterwards, there was a karaoke competition where the public could choose between different Wig Wam songs. Glam was the host and Flash, Teeny and Sporty constituted jury.

In the acoustic set Wig Wam also did the Dream Police-song "Hot Legs". During the very last song Glam left the stage and went down to the enthusiastic audience and sang with them as he walked around in the arena. This was of course extremely popular by the crowd.

When the audience eventually left Shibuya Boxx, Wig Wam stood in the doorway and greeted everyone and gave away signed flyers.

Later that evening Wig Wam had a dinner with the winners from competitions held before Wig Wam came to Japan, and of course the winner of the karaoke contest at Shibuya Boxx.

Mike Portnoy Will Drum With Avenged Sevenfold Throughout 2010

Dream Theater's drummer extraordinaire Mike Portnoy has just shared this information on his plans for 2010!

'After having had such an amazing experience recording my drum tracks for the new Avenged Sevenfold album, we all knew it would be awesome if I'd be able to do some touring with the band after its release...

I am happy to say that the timing worked out perfectly that my touring cycle with Dream Theater (and Transatlantic) was coming to an end just as A7X's was scheduled begin!

(well, perfect for everyone except my poor family!) : )

Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am commited to Dream Theater as my main priority (that is my baby afterall!), and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011....

However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010...and hopefully this will give them the time to continue to heal and get comfortable back on the road....

You can look at me like the band's "rebound drummer" to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future!

In the meantime, I am real excited to hit the road with the boys...to bring my drumming from their new album to life on stage and to honor The Rev with all of their older material....

(Hey, do I get to have a cool, bad-ass stage name now???) : )

C-ya out there,'

Source: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Mike-Portnoy-Will-Drum-With-Avenged-Sevenfold-Throughout-2010-21321.aspx

Kottak Rock´n´ Roll Forever out May 14 in Europe

Scorpions drummer, James Kottak is excited to announce that his side project Kottak, have the new Kottak album 'Rock´n´ Roll Forever' released this Friday May 14th in Europe!

No more info than that right now, but apparently this is the album cover!

Source: http://www.the-scorpions.com/english/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=115

Jim Peterik's World Stage - Up Close and Unplugged

Mark a big red "X" on Friday, June 4th and make sure you're in town! There will be a "World Stage Unplugged" show at the Montrose Room of the Hotel Intercontinental in Rosemont, IL. Featured guests: Jeff Carlisi, the original guitarist for 38 Special, Lisa McClowry, Jack Blades from Night Ranger and others. Showtime is set for 8:30

This is a VERY limited seating concert so get your tix FAST before they sell out. You can get your tix at Ticketmaster - http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0400449D750D1D4E?artistid=1442947&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

More info at: http://www.jimpeterik.com/

Toto reunion - European Tour dates update

So far there's little over a handful of dates from Toto that have been announced, but here's hoping differences can be pushed aside and the guys decide to get back on track as a band and a) add more live dates and b) provide another class studio album!

Here are the current European dates that have been announced:

July 2010

07 - Jul - 2010 Wednesday Neu-Isenburg Hugonottenhalle Germany

09 - Jul - 2010 Friday Clam Burg Clam Austria

10 - Jul - 2010 Saturday Wiesen Lovely Days Festival Austria

11 - Jul - 2010 Sunday Weert Bospop Festival Netherlands

13 - Jul - 2010 Tuesday Heerhugowaard (near Amsterdam) De Waerdse Tempel Netherlands

15 - Jul - 2010 Thursday Locarno Moon & Stars, Piazza Grande Switzerland

16 - Jul - 2010 Friday Singen Hohenentwiel Festival Germany

17 - Jul - 2010 Saturday 83671 Benediktbeuern Kloster Benediktbeuern Germany

20 - Jul - 2010 Tuesday Copenhagen KB Hall Denmark

22 - Jul - 2010 Thursday Pori Pori Festival Finland

Source: http://www.toto99.com/tourdates/calendar/list.php

Francis Rossi 'One Step at a Time' - Solo Tour - May 2010

Status Quo's Francis Rossi's first ever solo tour starts on May 13th. The "One Step At A Time" UK tour, that takes the name of his solo album to be released by EarMUSIC, released through Edel, will take in six UK dates. He will be accompanied by an 8 piece band.

Support for the tour will be The North, featuring Francis's daughter Bernadette Rossi. http://www.wearethenorth.net/

Francis has commented, "I never stop writing songs and melodies but there have been many tracks over the years that just weren't right for Quo. These songs have been gathering dust in my mind for too long and now seems the right time to showcase them. It's a big step for me but I hope to see lots of the same faces out there on the road!"

http://www.statusquo.co.uk/

EAGLE VISION TO RELEASE MUCH-ANTICIPATED STONES IN EXILE DVD JUNE 22

Never-Before-Seen Footage Highlights Incredible Documentary About The Recording of The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street!
New York, N.Y. (May 3, 2010)—Eagle Vision—the wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Rock Entertainment—is proud to announce the June 22 release of Stones In Exile, a compelling hour long documentary look at the recording of what many rock historians call the greatest album in history: 1972’s Exile On Main Street. The packaging comes complete with 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes bonus footage.
There has been, over the years, a veritable mountain of debate, conjecture, written words and mythologizing about this most classic album. It has been the subject of books, of rumors, of innuendo, of stories that have only added to the Stones’ legend. Now, for the first time, one can step back in time to the spring of 1971 and enter the villa called Nellcote at Villefranche-sur-Mer in the South of France where Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor created and recorded this most classic of albums in the most chaotic of circumstances.

The footage is extraordinary. It includes interviews with all five Stones as well as sections of the long-dormant notorious Cocksucker Blues movie, which every Rolling Stones fan has talked about, wondered about, but few have actually seen. Other key cinematic moments have Mick and Charlie returning to Olympic Studios where some of the early Exile work was laid down, as well as Mick’s country estate, Stargroves.

There’s also a star-studded list of contributors to this film who share their most intimate remembrances: Martin Scorsese, Anita Pallenberg, producer Jimmy Miller, engineer Andy Johns, photographer Dominique Tarlé, legendary sax man Bobby Keys and many others.

Stones In Exile, is directed by Stephen Kijak and produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker John Battsek, Victoria Pearman and executive produced by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, & Charlie Watts. The film will be aired May 14th on NBC TV’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” In the week leading up to the broadcast, Fallon will host a celebration of the Rolling Stones beginning May 10, saluting the re-release of the band’s 10th studio album Exile on Main Street. Exile will be available in the U.S. May 18 with never-before-released bonus tracks. Ladies And Gentlemen…The Rolling Stones 1972 concert movie will be fully restored and released for the first time on Blu-Ray later this year as the second project in the two-film deal between Eagle Rock Entertainment and the Rolling Stones.

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.”

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