Ronnie James Dio RIP
(Ronnie James Dio - from backstage at the UK's Download festival)
So many people have been stunned by yesterday's announcement by Ronnie James Dio soul mate, Wendy Dio, on his passing.
Many had thought he was on the mend, but cancer is such an evil and callous disease, that we should all be trying to do what we can to 'Find a cure' or 'Search for a cure.'
I seriously don't believe I know a single individual, who has not in some way or another been affected by this evil and wicked illness, either in the loss of a family member, close friend, work mate or just someone you knew ...
Maybe you also know people who've fought it like Ronnie and thought they were over it and then it seems to come back twice as strong to destroy peoples dreams and prayers.
It's one of those things that often makes people question their faith when they lose someone they love, but don't worry I'm not about to go on a mission with that line, it's just something that sometimes makes us ask the question why ...?
My wife Rhonda and I were been stunned and deeply saddened yesterday and last night we lit a candle, raised glass to Ronnie and watched the Dio concert video 'Sacred Heart,' where you'll see Ronnie and band at their absolute best and as Ronnie always appeared on stage, like a little boy in a toy store.
On stage, in front of so many fans was where you saw the true Ronnie James Dio, giving his absolute all for the crowd. It's always been like every night, he was playing in his home town!
I guess I could be forgiven for thinking that, the many times I saw him play in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, my home town, as Ronnie was actually born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA!
Perhaps he did feel something when he played there as it was always so special.
As I posted yesterday, I was fortunate to have enjoyed my late teens listening to Ronnie singing with Rainbow, alas that was one band I didn't see him fronting live and had hoped Ritchie Blackmore would've one day agreed to do it one more time with Ronnie. We now know sadly, that will never happen.
I did see Ronnie with Black Sabbath as he had just joined them and for me, it was the best Black Sabbath, it was very different from the Ozzy years, if we're honest with ourselves.
I saw both those first two tours he did with Sabbath and then with his own band Dio. What a showman, what class personified!
Since I moved to the US, I've also seen Dio with his own band playing live on a few occasions and again, just great!
Then I caught the Heaven and Hell line up and I don't mean to take anything away from Tony, Geezer or Vinnie, but it really was Ronnie that made it so special, without doubt.
So now he's left us, not through choice for sure and although it's a very sad time right now, it gives people the chance to recollect, that special time that they met Ronnie or saw him in front of one of those now classic bands.
With Ronnie James Dio it was always 'Magica' as his 2000 album was titled and his memory will certainly live on on as he sung, 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll!' Ronnie you will never be replaced and you will never be forgotten.
Wendy - to you and all your family, God bless you all, the prayers of my dear wife Rhonda and I are with you.
Alun Williams - Chambers of Rock
RIP Ronnie James Dio - 1942 to 2010
In other news ....
Triumph on Rockline Radio
Triumph will be the featured guests on the nationally syndicated radio show Rockline with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 8:30 pm PDT/11:30 pm EDT. Fans are encouraged to speak with the band by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). For a station near you and for information regarding how to log onto the Internet for the broadcast go to http://www.rocklineradio.com/
This broadcast will be available for two weeks on the Rockline website beginning the evening of the day following the show.
This will originate at Q107 studios in Toronto. The Mighty Q may not carry the show. Call the station to insist that they do!!!!
Also ...
Got the Power Of Music In You?
Upload a video of you playing drums to Triumph’s “Rocky Mountain Way” here:
If you can kick out the beat you could be jamming on-air live during the Kim Mitchell Show with Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and Mike Levine from Triumph, along with our own resident rock star Kim Mitchell!! Enter now! Stuff like this only happens here … at http://www.q107.com/!
FOGHAT RETURN TO THEIR BLUES ROOTS ON ‘LAST TRAIN HOME’ DUE JUNE 15TH, 2010
Foghat is often linked to the classic rock genre, due to such anthems as “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City,” but the band has always had their roots in vintage blues.
So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to longtime fans that Foghat has reconnected with the blues on their latest release, ‘Last Train Home.’
Recorded both in New York at EKO Studios and at Foghat’s own studio, Boogie Motel South, the album combines covers of such blues classics as “So Many Roads, So Many Trains” and “Shake Your Money Maker,” as well as a few new originals.
The group’s blues roots can be traced back to the pre-Foghat band, Savoy Brown, as well as Foghat’s first hit single - the classic cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You.”
But perhaps the most obvious connection was a star-studded concert the band organized in 1977 at the Palladium in New York, when they hosted a benefit to start a Blues Archive at the New York Public Library.
Foghat was the house band at the show, as many bona fide blues legends joined them on stage - including Muddy Waters , John Lee Hooker, Johnny Winter, Pinetop Perkins, Paul Butterfield, Honey Boy Edwards, Otis Blackwell, and Eddie ‘Bluesman’ Kirkland (the latter of which recently reconnected with the band, and led to his inclusion on ‘Last Train Home’).
‘Last Train Home’ sees Foghat’s line-up - Roger Earl (drums), Charlie Huhn (vocals/rhythm & lead guitar), and Bryan Bassett (lead & slide guitar) - joined by several special guests, including Kirkland, harmonica player Lefty “Sugar Lips” Lefkowitz, and Earl’s brother, Colin Earl, on piano. Due to a prior commitment for the band’s bassist, Craig MacGregor, former Foghat/Savoy Brown/Outlaws bassist Jeff Howell filled in for the recording.
Additionally, another of the bands recent endeavors has been the creation of their own wine label Foghat Cellars. Their first wine was a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, and they will be releasing their 2008 Chardonnay this summer. More info can be found at http://www.foghatcellars.com/
One mustn’t forget their roots, and Foghat once more reminds us that it’s the blues that just about every rock n’ roll style is built upon - as evidenced throughout ‘‘Last Train Home’.’
Complete track list for ‘Last Train Home’:
Born for the Road – Earl, Bassett, Huhn
Needle & Spoon – Chris Youlden
So Many Roads, So Many Trains – Otis Rush
Last Train Home – Huhn, Bassett, Earl
Shake Your Money Maker – Elmore James
It Hurts Me Too – Elmore James
Feel So Bad – Chuck Willis
Feel So Bad – Chuck Willis
Louisiana Blues – Muddy Waters
495 Boogie – Earl, Earl, Bassett, Howell, Huhn, Lefkowitz
Rollin’ & Tumblin’ / You Need Love – CC/Willie Dixon
In My Dreams – Eddie Kirkland
Good Good Day – Eddie Kirkland
Confirmed FOGHAT 2010 concert engagements:
May 2010
SUN 5/23/2010 PRYOR OK PRYOR CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL
SUN 5/23/2010 PRYOR OK PRYOR CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL
FRI 5/28/2010 WICHITA FALLS TX BULLY'S GRILL
SAT 5/29/2010 HOUSTON TX SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
MON 5/31/2010 ST. LOUIS MO SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL PARK
June 2010
SAT 6/5/2010 PUEBLO CO HARP (HISTORIC RIVERWALK)
SAT 6/5/2010 PUEBLO CO HARP (HISTORIC RIVERWALK)
SAT 6/12/2010 MEREDITH NH LACONIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON
WED 6/16/2010 DEL MAR CA DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS
FRI 6/18/2010 WARSAW IN THE GLOVER PAVILLION @ CENTRAL PARK
July 2010FRI 7/2/2010 EL PASO TX EL PASO DOWNTOWN STREET FESTIVAL
SAT 7/3/2010 FLORENCE IN BELTERRA CASINO
SUN 7/4/2010 NAPERVILLE IL NAPERVILLE RIBFEST
THU 7/8/2010 SAWYER ND ROCK DAKOTA RANCH
SAT 7/10/2010 ENFIELD CT ENFIELD TOWN GREEN
FRI 7/16/2010 WINDSOR, ONTARIOCN WINDSOR BLUESFEST
SAT 7/17/2010 LONDON, ONTARIOCN LONDON BLUESFEST
SUN 7/18/2010 OTTAWA, ONTARIOCN LEBRETON FLATS
FRI 7/23/2010 LINCOLN CITYOR CHINOOK WINDS CASINO & RESORT
SAT 7/24/2010 LINCOLN CITY OR CHINOOK WINDS CASINO & RESORT
SUN 7/25/2010 COSTA MESA CA PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE
FRI 7/30/2010 SACRAMENTO CA CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
August 2010
FRI 8/6/2010 DETROIT MI ROCKIN' ON THE RIVERFRONT
FRI 8/6/2010 DETROIT MI ROCKIN' ON THE RIVERFRONT
SAT 8/7/2010 ALTOONA PA ALTOONA RAILROADERS MUSEUM
SUN 8/8/2010 LAMPE MO BLACK OAK MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATRE
SAT 8/14/2010 WOOD DALE IL WOOD DALE PRAIRIE FEST
SAT 8/21/2010 SILVER SPRINGS FL TWIN OAKS AMPHITHEATRE
SAT 8/28/2010 GARDEN CITY KS MOSAIC ROCK CONCERT
September 2010SAT 9/4/2010 PORTSMOUTH OH PORTSMOUTH RIVER DAYS FESTIVAL
MON9/6/2010 INDIANAPOLIS IN CITY MILITARY PARK
October 2010
SAT 10/2/2010 SNYDER TX SNYDER COLISEUM GROUNDS
October 2010
SAT 10/2/2010 SNYDER TX SNYDER COLISEUM GROUNDS
SAT 10/9/2010 RIDGEFIELD CT RIDGEFIELD PLAY HOUSE
TUE 10/12/2010 FRESNO CA THE BIG FRESNO FAIR-PAUL PAUL
JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE:
ONCE-IN A-LIFETIME LIVE EXPERIENCE TO COMMEMORATE THE 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF A ROCK & ROLL LEGEND
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT OF 30 CONCERT DATES IN NORTH AMERICA SET FOR FALL
JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE will celebrate the life and music of his father--the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham--in true epic fashion with a limited engagement of 30 concert dates in North America this fall.
"This is a personal trip through my life with the music of Led Zeppelin,” explains JASON, "and how the music influenced me."
JASON played with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones at Led Zeppelin's "final" show at London's O2 Arena in 2007, which was heralded as the most powerful Led Zeppelin performance since the group’s disbandment. The band received uniformly rave reviews and JASON didn’t want to stop after that magical and memorable night.
"When I was offered to put this together over a year ago, it wasn’t right,” notes JASON. “This September 25th is the 30th anniversary of my father's passing--I thought, what better way to celebrate his life than to do 30 shows for the 30 years he's been gone?"
BONHAM has partnered with Annerin Productions--the critically acclaimed producers of "The Pink Floyd Experience" and "Rain, A Tribute to the Beatles"-- to create a once-in-a-lifetime concert. As BONHAM and his band rock through Led Zeppelin's hallowed catalog, a state-of-the-art sound system and light show will enhance their live performance onstage. Behind them, giant screens will display futuristic art and mood-setting home movies and photos. All this will take you though a personal journey into JASON’s past and put you at the center of this multimedia event.
After Jason saw "Rain, A Tribute to the Beatles" he put together his own show with himself in his father's coveted seat behind the kit.
"I loved ‘Rain’ and its take on The Beatles,” notes JASON. “The way they used a timeline and news reel to create a mood, and crafted set changes throughout, it was stunning.”
JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE will offer an epic and intimate evening--an unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll.
“I remember when I went to see Led Zeppelin live in 1979 at Knebworth, there were certain songs that stood out to me and will stay with me forever,” JASON recalls. “I will also share other big moments in my life, time with my Dad and my relationship with the band. The show is far from being ‘just another tribute band.’ I want to make the show as personal as I can and show how much Led Zeppelin means to me."
Look for more information, tour dates and band members to be announced soon.
MusiCares "Shock Me" Jam feat. Ace, Slash, Chad Smith, Corey Parks and Allison Robertson
(Photo Caption: Slash, Allison Robertson, and Ace Frehley)
Video footage of Ace Frehley jamming "Shock Me" with Slash, Chad Smith, Corey Parks, and Allison Robertson at the at the sixth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit to celebrate women in recovery and salute former first lady Betty Ford and the Betty Ford Center at Club Nokia in Los Angeles has been posted online.
Watch the video here.
BRET MICHAELS TO MAKE HIS FIRST CONCERT RETURN FRIDAY MAY 28th IN BILOXI, MS AT HARD ROCK LIVE
Bret Michaels, who suffered a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage on April 22, just 10 days after an emergency appendectomy in San Antonio, Texas while on his 'Custom Built Tour,' is planning on making his return to live performances Friday May 28, Memorial Day Weekend, at Hard Rock Live in Biloxi, Mississippi.
This hard-rocking venue has hosted such acts as Kid Rock, Three Doors Down, Stevie Nicks and Daughtry.
Michaels, who has been rehabbing since his release from ICU, has increased his rehabilitation sessions to twice a day to prepare for his comeback on Friday May 28th at the Hard Rock in Biloxi, Mississippi and to continue on all of his solo dates as well as kicking off a tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd which begins June 10 in West Palm Beach, Florida at the Cruzan Amphitheater. 'We have been overwhelmed with well wishes and offers that continue to pour in for Bret. And promoters have really stepped up to the plate to reschedule dates he missed. Which is a testament to Bret's great live performances and friendships he has built over the years,' states Brian Ahern from William Morris Endeavor Agency (WME).
The singer plans to remain on tour throughout the fall and early winter, with dates scheduled through December. Dates that were postponed due to the singer's medical emergencies are currently being rescheduled.
Michaels, who continues to be a strong competitor on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice Sunday nights, is hoping to be able to return to New York, along with the rest of the cast, for the finale on Sunday May 23rd. Donald Trump says 'We really hope that Bret is well and able to join us at the finale as Apprentice has hit some of its highest ratings ever and I have much respect as he is a fighter and strong competitor.' Michaels will be making his first televised appearance since being hospitalized on The Oprah Winfrey Show to air Wednesday May 19. His upcoming album Custom Built, featuring the hit song "Nothing to Lose" with Miley Cyrus, a remake of the Sublime song "What I Got," as well as a rock and country remake of his hit song Every Rose Has It's Thorn featuring other artist such as Jay Demarcus of Rascal Flatts, Brad Arnold of Three Doors Down, Chris Cagle and Mark Wills just to name a few.
Custom Built is set to hit stores June 8.
