Rock News for Thursday 2nd September, 2010

 Frontiers Records presents the reformed Strangeways new album 'Perfect World'

The news of Strangeways reunion with American singer Terry Brock leaked when the announcement of Firefest 2010 festival line-up was launched with the inclusion of the band in the “Native Sons”/”Walk in the Fire” line-up on the bill. This came as a big surprise to many, since probably very few people would have hoped to see Brock crossing the ocean again and even less could think of a brand new Strangeways recording with the singer together with guitarist Ian J. Stewart, new bassist Warren Jolly, drummer Jim Drummond and keyboard player Dave "Munch" Moore.

Still the Strangeways reunion is now reality and the newly recorded studio album “Perfect World” will be released on Frontiers Records on October 15th in Europe and October 26th in the US.

Turning back the clock in 1986, Strangeways released their self titled debut for Bonaire/Arista Records. “Strangeways” received rave reviews, particularly from the british press which saw the potential for the band to break on to the US market. By the time the album hit the shops, original singer Tony Liddell had already been replaced by Brock who was persuaded to join the band by the album’s producer Kevin Elson (Journey, Europe etc.). Strangeways toured intensely supporting Europe, Bryan Adams and Meat Loaf but it was the following year’s “Native Sons” album that chiselled in stone the name of the band, who produced a full-blown melodic rock masterpiece, hailed by Kerrang! magazine as “the greatest and most preciously perfect AOR album of all time”.

In 1989, even if 'Native Sons' didn't sell as well as the critical acclaim gathered, Strangeways recorded a third album titled 'Walk In The Fire'. The band wanted to have a more personal approach, less leaning to the Journey sound of the previous record. The result was truly superb, a big step further compared to “Native Sons”. Still today songs as “Love Lies Dying”, “Every Time You Cry” or “Where Are They Now” are considered by the fans some of the most beautiful songs ever in British AOR style.

Strangeways were finally starting to see rewards from touring, particularly in Germany but after Brock flew to the US to secretly audition with Deep Purple to replace Ian Gillan, he never returned to the UK and left the band. Three more very different Strangeways albums followed with Ian Stewart at the microphone: “And The Horse” (1995), “Any Day Now” (1997) and “Gravitational Pull” (2000). All of them saw Strangeways exploring a more atmospheric and rootsy style which had nothing to do with the previous three albums.

Terry Brock in the meanwhile started a solo career which produced two acclaimed releases (“Back to Eden” and the very recent “Diamond Blue”) and collaborated with The Sign, Seventh Key and Giant.

“There was no real plan for Terry and I to work together again, it just kinda happened” says Ian Stewart. “With the Firefest gig offer and Frontiers showing interest in another Strangeways album it all just seemed to fall together naturally. The relationship with Terry is probably better than it's ever been, which I think is down to the fact that we're both older and dare I say wiser”.

“Perfect World” takes from where “Walk In the Fire” left off, with the band finding an even more mature musical identity, an amazing sense of spacious melodies and of course the magic voice of Terry Brock which connects the music with the classic Melodic Rock sound of “Native Sons” and “Walk in the Fire”.

“I honestly couldn't really describe the "new" sound as such, it's just honest melodic heart and soul rock music, good tunes played with attitude and feeling” concludes Ian Stewart.

Don’t miss their performance at Firefest 2010 hoping it will be the first of a long streak of dates

“Perfect World” final tracklisting includes:

Perfect World; Borderlines; Movin' On; Time; Cracking Up Baby; Liberty; One More Day; Bushfire; Too Far Gone; Can't Let You Go; Say What You Want.

Four samples can be heard here: www.frontiers.it/news/10413/

The songs “Perfect World” and “Borderlines” can exclusively be listened to in full by streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio from September 1st. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Lineup:

Terry Brock – vocals

Ian J. Stewart – guitars

Warren Jolly - bass

Jim Drummond - drums

David "Munch" Moore - keyboards

Weblinks:

www.facebook.com/pages/Strangeways-Official-fan-page/264061032678

http://www.frontiers.it/

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

Frontiers records presents Asia - Spirit of the Night – Live in Cambridge 09

This Live CD / DVD 'Spirit of the Night,' captures Asia in their original line-up, performing to an enthusiastic crowd.

The masters come from the band’s own archive and this is a show they have personally selected to be filmed and released. It’s a raw and honest view of the musicians and the perspiration on their brows, as they play to a receptive audience. It is truly a compelling viewing and a “must have” for all Asia fans.

The DVD shows the band playing tightly together in harmony with each other and the audience in an energetic and energizing rock concert. The filing is “fly on the wall” placing the viewer seemingly in the audience rather than in a cinema. All of the band supports this type of filming and are looking forward to a dvd which allows the fans to almost join them on stage.

The set list features songs from their reunion album “Phoenix” along with a selection of the classics that all the fans would expect. The recording is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live CD / DVD is an irreplaceable companion to the studio album. “Spirit of the Night” shows the band at the top of their game. Don’t miss it !

Asia is:

John Wetton: bass and lead vocals

Steve Howe: guitars

Geoff Downes: keyboards

Carl Palmer: drums

Link to album at Frontiers: http://www.frontiers.it/album/4758/

Band website: www.originalasia.com/

AC/DC "High-Voltage Rock ’N’ Roll The Ultimate Illustrated History" Book Due October 15th

Available from Voyageur Press, “AC/DC: High-Voltage Rock ‘N’ Roll: The Ultimate Illustrated History” by Phil Sutcliffe follows the band from its roots in Sydney, Australia, to its most recent releases and sold-out world tours. No stone is left unturned, from the band’s formation and early gigs on the club circuit Down Under, to the 1980 death of singer Bon Scott and ultimately astounding worldwide success. Jam-packed with more than 400 illustrations—from handbills, posters, backstage passes, and vinyl from around the globe, as well as rare candid and performance photography—this massive contribution to the AC/DC library gives fans a all-access visual tour through almost four decades of unadulterated rock mastery. Additionally, sidebars and essays from top rock scribes examine all studio releases, document the band’s numerous personnel changes, and delve into the guitar gear of the Young brothers, while musicians past and present comment and reflect on the band’s lasting influence.

Complete with a specially commissioned band history and discography, an afterword from Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, and a complete index, this book brings fans as close to the band as possible without a ticket.

For those who can’t get enough of the boys from Sydney, AC/DC: High-Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll salutes you!

Contributors:

Phil Sutcliffe

Joe Bonomo

Daniel Bukszpan

Jen Jewel Brown

Anthony Bozza

Garth Cartwright

Ian Christe

David Dunlap

Andrew Earles

Dave Hunter

James McNair

Martin Popoff

Sylvie Simmons

Bill Voccia

Info from: www.acdc.com/us/news

Santana / Daughtry sneak peak at 'Photograph' cover

This from over at Def Leppard's website.
To be honest, I think this version of 'Photograph' is pretty lame, especially since they are performing it live too!

Santana's version of PHOTOGRAPH
As reported before, Carlos Santana's new album "GUITAR HEAVEN" will feature his version of Leppard's "PHOTOGRAPH", with Chris Daughtry on vocals. The album won't be out until September 21st, but here's a sneak peek of the song shot during a special showcase live show in Las Vegas last week.



From: www.defleppard.com/news/

'Foreigner Rockin' at the Ryman' Premieres on HDNet Concert Series

Foreigner's performance at Nashville's Historic Ryman Auditorium last March will appear as part of the HDNet Concert Series! Catch the premiere, 'Foreigner Rockin' at the Ryman,' on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 8PM ET!

This will be the first time Foreigner has appeared in HD so you won't want to miss this! Check your local TV listings as HDNet is available through a number of providers:

· AT&T

· Charter Communications

· Comcast

· DirecTV

· Dish Network

· Verizon

You can also use HDNet's channel finder to find a provider in your area here:

www.hd.net/subscribe.html

Foreigner website: www.foreigneronline.com/

Aerosmith Interview on CNN Newsroom

Tune in to CNN Newsroom on Friday, September 3rd between 1pm and 3pm ET to catch an interview with the entire Aerosmith band. Steven, Joe, Tom, Joey & Brad will all be there to discuss the current 'Cocked, Locked & Ready to Rock' Tour. In addition to that, there will be an interview with longtime fan Jay Conroy, who recently attended his 100th Aerosmith concert!

Band site: www.aerosmith.com/

British AOR rockers FM update

FM - Islington O2 Academy Christmas Show

We have great pleasure in announcing the resurrection of our legendary FM Christmas Live Shows. We really wanted to thank every one of our loyal fans for making 2010 such a phenomenally successful year for us and thought what better way than a good old Christmas knees up. The venue will be London O2 Academy Islington on Dec 1st. For ticket information call 0844 477 2000 or go to http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ 

The show promises to be an absolutely riotous affair and full details of the planned festivities will be posted here over the coming weeks. So get your glad rags on and party down with us at the coolest yuletide event this year!

Also though, don't miss the band on tour in the UK in October.

Second single from acclaimed Metropolis album added to Radio 2 Playlist

Now, as we head towards the end of the year, FM have released a second single ‘Bring Back Yesterday’ from the 'Metropolis' album and this too has gone straight onto the playlist at BBC Radio 2 for the whole of September! Quite an incredible feat as only 4 acts were added last week and this just goes to show how great this new album is and the support it is getting. In a recent interview for Classic Rock magazine Jeff Smith head of music at Radio 2 had this to say “Radio 2 is about timeless melodic music, Foreigner and FM fit into that.”

For more FM info: www.fmofficial.com/

Terry Brock - Diamond Blue CD review

Terry Brock – Diamond Blue (Released on Frontiers Records)

Rel. Date: Available now!

Terry Brock, what a talent! So much I could say about this guy, here's a little, great voice, great musician, who has played with some very good, yet underrated musicians all over the place!

This is his latest and I must say it, very classy album!

Seems like he’s only just done the Giant album and then this hits us!

This album is a combined effort, co-written – For the most part - with master songwriter Mike Slamer (City Boy, Streets, Seventh Key, Steelhouse Lane, etc.), bar a couple of other co-writes.

Produced and engineered by Mike Slamer too, the guy can turn anything to gold, he has the magic touch!

The opening title track captures so many influences, all good ones, nay great!

Be it Def Leppard, Journey, Toto or whoever, it’s got to be hard for the guy not to write with a nod this way or that.

‘Diamond Blue’ really couldn’t start an album better for this man it just has so much, great structure, phenomenal vocals, what a guitar solo and much more besides! A great song!

I have not been able to stop playing this album, when I needed to get through a mountain of review materials.

With ‘It’s You’ next it reminds me a lot of his old band Strangeways, in classic form. Tasty stuff indeed here. Can’t wait to see what the man brings us with the reunited Strangeways. – For at least one album anyway! ;-)

‘Jessie’s Gone’ – Not Jessie’s Girl, no! – is another prime slice of AOR / Melodic rock of the finest quality and it’s a great up tempo number. Punchy track, great guitar solo and great strong vocals across the track, but then again, that statement could be granted across the whole album.

With the next title, ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy,’ you could be forgiven for thinking it might be a cover of the same titled Alice Cooper song, yet once it starts you know you’d be way off track for having thought it in the first place.

It’s a little heavier than the other material so far, a little close to say House of Lords and what a ripping solo and yes, a great vocal performance.

Ready for a power ballad folks? ‘The Rain’ certainly provides that here and I’m almost reminded of Strangeways', 'Goodnight L.A.' but it’s not, but it’s classy nonetheless. Just smooth!

PS: If you’re new to Terry Brock’s music, check the man out through YouTube.

Here’s Strangeway's Goodnight LA - www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5wafILhzj4 – Yes, it’s very ‘80’s!

Check out the other Strangeways tracks while you’re there too …

Time for a slightly dark edge with ‘Broken’ during the verses, before the chorus and the song grows into power ballad territory again. Big choruses here and an interesting moody piece overall.

“Face in the Crowd,’ brings back the catchy, happy go lucky vibe the guy has and it’s a great up tempo number. Class Terry, pure class! Beautiful guitar solo here too!

A slower to mid-paced number in ‘Why’ that almost gives a nod to say Jeff Paris’ songwriting style, especially with the punchy chorus line and build up prior to it. Great!

‘Too Young,’ great rocking number a little reminiscent to a degree of Streets meets Def Leppard, great vocals, great song and then some!

The very moving, ‘A Soldier Falls’ next is just awesome. Listen to the lyrics … Sure it’s written in a power ballad fashion, but it’s more than that.

Final track on the album is the beautiful acoustic ‘Face the Night.’ Nice touch to wrap things up.

This really is an enjoyable album, class stuff indeed and yes, I have played it a lot and really got into it, it grabbed me with the opener and the other tracks work just as well.

An album not to be ignored, enjoy it, I did and still do!

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Terra Nova - Come Alive CD review

Terra Nova – Come Alive (Released on Frontiers Records)

Rel. Date. Available now!

I remember getting into Terra Nova with their excellent ‘Livin’ It Up’ release and I can tell you that this new one starts in a similar fashion with title track ‘Come Alive.’

The band has managed to capture a whole host of potential influences here, with just the opener!

Strong and powerful opener, very akin to ‘Livin’ It Up’ it really is, but I hear hints of like Journey meets Van Halen and then some! Again, this is only the opening track, with plenty to shout about here.

‘Fighting Yourself’ next starts with a tasty keyboard lead piece, then the punchy guitars join in, I really love the keyboard riff on here, very catchy stuff!

In ‘Holy Grail’ a get more than a hint of Bon Jovi meet Goo Goo Dolls, with a little Journey (Again!) thrown in too, how does that sound?! As a track like the opener on the album, I hear a slew of sound familiarities here. Love it!

The three previous tracks have all been of an up tempo nature, so ‘Here Comes The Night’ offers a slight breather as a slower paced number, no less catchy though.

Erm, anyone remember a song called ‘Life in a Northern Town?’ I can’t help thinking of that song to a degree, with the chorus here. Still, it’s a good song with a nice guitar solo.

‘Those Eyes’ reminds me of some other influences too, but I’ll leave it there, you figure it out! Nice power type ballad.

Oh boy, I’m going to do it again … ‘Under Pressure’ tends to remind me more than a little of a Donna Summer song, sorry but .... Remember 'No More Tears / Enough is Enough?' The similarity is to the 'Enough is Enough' bit.

It’s a mid to quick paced number, with an interesting song structure with the different changes.

Chug along rocker ‘Do or Die’ sounds like one of those familiar rock riffs that I can’t put my finger on. Big chorus and nice guitar solo too.

I have to say a lot of the guitar solo work is very akin to the widdly, widdly brigade ala Malmsteen and Vai at times.

‘Who Can You Count On’ without doubt reeks of Bon Jovi! Sorry guys, but it really does. Mid paced pop rocker.

I really like ‘My Own Way’ and it comes on a little at times like opener ‘Come Alive.’ It’s a pop rocking song that slows down and then picks up and then the solo just goes off at a completely different tangent.

It’s a different song in its overall structure, you think it’s going one way then it takes off a different way, so a very apt title indeed!

OK, has Steve Perry come out of retirement?! Nah, sorry, Fred Hendrix has a good voice which at times hints at Journey or Steve Perry, but ‘The Final Curtain,’ very much brings Journey to mind.

I think this is a good album, which at first I wasn’t too sure about beyond the opening few numbers, but after a few more plays, I think a little more of it.

I’ve already mentioned singer Fred Hendrix, but you can’t fail to be impressed by the guitar work of Gesuino Derosas and the busy keys work of Ron Hendrix, not to mention some great fills from drummer Lars Beuving.

The harmony vocals are all good too and the bass comes courtesy of Eric Coenen.

I can’t say it’s a killer album though, it has its ups and downs but certainly a little better than average, but not too bad at all.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Rock News Update Wednesday 1st September, 2010

Frontiers Records to release Worlds Collide new Unruly Child album

After disbanding over sixteen years ago, all the original members of the legendary Melodic Hard Rock quintet Unruly Child, have reunited to produce a brand new album entitled “Worlds Collide” due for release on October 15th in Europe and October 26th in the USA on Frontiers Records.

Marcie Michelle Free (vocalist - King Kobra, Signal), Bruce Gowdy (guitarist – Stone Fury, World Trade), and Guy Allison (keyboardist – Lodgic, World Trade, Doobie Brothers) are back together again and have written and recorded a stunning new cd. Rejoining Free, Gowdy, and Allison are original band members from the first record produced in 1992 by Beau Hill (Ratt, Winger, The Storm, Europe) and released on Interscope/Atlantic in 1992: drummer - Jay Schellen (Hurricane, World Trade, Asia), and bassist - Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise).

Since the initial release of the critically-acclaimed "Unruly Child", all the band members have successfully pursued accomplished careers in the music industry. Marcie Michelle Free, one of the world's finest and in recent times, most renowned transgendered vocalists, first released a solo record as Mark Free entitled “Long Way From Love” in 1993 and then another solo record as Marcie Free titled “Tormented” in 1996.

While the original band may have been disbanded, guitarist Bruce Gowdy and keyboardist Guy Allison were not dormant during the past 16 years. They produced two more Unruly Child records without Free, and participated on another World Trade album with Schellen. They have also pursued other projects and their reputation as writers, performers and arrangers is second to none with experiences with the likes of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Air Supply and The Moody Blues. Drummer Jay Schellen and bass player Larry Antonino are a solid powerhouse rhythm section. After Schellen worked with Gowdy and Allison on World Trade’s “Euphoria” in 1995, he rejoined Hurricane with singer Kelly Hansen on “Liquifury”. He also was part of the Asia album “Silent Nation” line-up and keeps touring and recording with Asia featuring John Payne nowadays. Antonino has played with Ambrosia and Air Supply and in addition to being one of the world's most respected bass players, he has pursued acting, with his most notable role being that of "The Wolfman" in the movie “That Thing You Do" starring Tom Hanks.

But the puzzle would not quite be complete until the awesome cover art was designed by none other than the famed, Hugh Syme (Rush, Megadeth, Whitesnake etc.). The final piece for the ultimate reunion, as he also designed the original Unruly Child debut album artwork.

“When Bruce called me, I knew what he was going to ask me before the words came out of his mouth”, says Marcie Free “Two weeks before I had a long talk with my higher power and he told me it was time I came out of retirement to start giving back what has been given to me. So you could say it is divine providence”. “This whole record “Worlds Collide” was a surprising experience, it’s like we never left” adds Bruce Gowdy, while Guy Allison adds “While we initially thought that we’d have to try to think like “Unruly Child”, we discovered that once we got together again, it was really second nature. One of the absolute strengths of this version of the band is how we are able to get out of each other’s way. There’s an unspoken trust between Bruce, Marcie and myself – and it allows us to bring our separate visions together perfectly. Once you add the talents of Jay and Larry to the mix, it’s like magic”.

With so much excitement centered around their new record it has sparked fires of tour talk. Something this group has never done before. Will they hit the road in Europe or the States? “We all have been talking about doing some live shows and the prospects are good that we will. We have been hearing from quite a lot of European promoters so we will have to sit down with them and plan something. It's looking like summer of 2011 is a good possibility” tells Marcie. The band already has material in preparation for a follow up, but will likely release a remixed, remastered and updated version of "Tormented" with bonus tracks and new material before breaking ground on the next record.

Unruly Child are also in the process of securing the rights to their first record for a future re-release.

The group, in its constant state of evolution has generated an exciting new album reflecting its musical roots in contemporary and classic rock sensibility. With the return to the original line-up, they have discovered that while time may pass, some things never change. In their case, that's a good thing. The future looks very promising for the rebirth of Unruly Child.

“Worlds Collide” final tracklisting includes:

Show Me The Money; Insane; When We Were Young; Tell Another Lie; Love Is Blind; When Worlds Collide; Talk To Me; Life Death; Read My Mind; Neverland; Very First Time; You Don’t Understand.

The songs “Very First Time” and “When Worlds Collide” can exclusively be listened to in full by streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio from August 31st.

Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Lineup:

Marcie Michelle Free: vocals

Bruce Gowdy: guitars

Guy Allison: keyboards

Larry Antonino: bass

Jay Schellen: drums

Weblinks:

http://www.unrulychild.net/

http://www.frontiers.it/

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

It's Y & T Newsletter time!

Since Phil's (Kennemore's) post on the forum last month announcing that he has cancer, he's posted an updated message about his health and well-being:

www.meniketti.com/vforum/showthread.php?t=32003

He is reading (and re-reading) every single response.

Please brighten Phil's day and post a message to him there.

ON WITH THE SHOW

In July when doctors ordered Phil off the Facemelter tour and into the hospital, he asked the band to continue the tour for him. And so, to honor Phil's wish, the band tapped bassist Brad Lang (Jet Red, War & Peace, Foreigner) to help out. The next morning, Brad flew out to jump onto the tour; he had learned 21 songs in 24 hours. - Along with Phil's vocal harmonies!

Phil and the band are so grateful to Brad for his enthusiasm, support, and graciousness to step in while Phil fights the battle. For Brad, subbing for Phil Kennemore and playing with Y&T is a dream come true.

We'd like to extend our thanks to you--the incredible Y&T fans--for so warmly welcoming Brad on this tour. Reports from every city continue to rave about Y&T's stellar show. Thanks to Brad, the band can carry on--for Phil and for the fans. As Phil so brilliantly penned on the Facemelter CD, On With The Show...

PHIL KENNEMORE FUND

The band recently started "The Phil Kennemore Fund" for people to make donations to help Phil with his enormous medical bills. Donations of any amount, regardless how small, are greatly appreciated.

http://www.meniketti.com/philfund.html

Y&T ON TWITTER!

Sign up and follow Y&T tweets at www.twitter.com/YandTRocks

I'M COMING HOME

If you haven't seen the new Y&T video "I'm Coming Home" (from this year's Facemelter album), check it out on our multimedia page:

www.meniketti.com/multimedia.html

This is classic Y&T.

Y&T SHOWS

Details for each of the shows below are on the TOUR DATES page of the web site.
www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html

2010 - USA

Nov. 2010
November 19 ~ Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theatre

November 20 ~ Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theatre

Dec. 2010

December 11 ~ Brooks, CA - Cache Creek Resort

2010 - Europe

Sept. 2010

September 27 ~ Belfast, N Ireland - Spring & Airbrake

September 28 ~ Dublin, Ireland - The Village

September 30 ~ Cardiff, Wales, UK - Millennium Music Hall + special guest Tigertailz

Oct. 2010

October 2 ~ Manchester, UK - Manchester Academy

October 3 ~ Bradford, UK - Bradford Rio's

October 7 ~ Glasgow, Scotland, UK - O2 Academy Glasgow

October 8 ~ Newcastle, UK - O2 Academy Newcastle

October 9 ~ Nottingham, UK - Rock City

October 12 ~ Ipswich, UK - Corn Exchange

October 14 ~ Southampton, UK - The Brook

October 15 ~ Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy Birmingham

October 16 ~ London, UK - O2 Academy Islington

October 20 ~ Paris, France - Le Trabendo

October 22 ~ Haarlem, Netherlands - Patronaat

October 23 ~ Uden, Netherlands - De Pul

October 25 ~ Verviers, Belgium - Spirit of 66

October 26 ~ Bruchsal, Germany - Fabrik

October 28 ~ Prague, Czech Republic - Exit Chmelnice Music Hall

October 29 ~ Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal

October 30 ~ Isernhagen, Germany - Blues Garage

October 31 ~ Berlin, Germany - Magnet

Nov. 2010

November 2 ~ Hamburg, Germany - Ballroom Hamburg

November 3 ~ Koln, Germany - Underground Cologne

November 5 ~ Zaragoza, Spain - Sala Devizio

November 6 ~ Valencia, Spain - Durango Club

November 7 ~ Madrid, Spain - Sala Heineken + special guest Lynch Mob

2011 - Japan

January 14 ~ Shangri-La - Osaka, Japan

January 15 ~ Club Citta' - Kawasaki, Japan

January 16 ~ Club Citta' - Kawasaki, Japan

*Schedule subject to change. Be sure to verify with each venue.*

Check the web site TOUR DATES page for the most up-to-date concert information.

Thanks for your support!

The official Y&T and Dave Meniketti web site.

http://www.yandtrocks.com/

http://www.meniketti.com/

Other weblinks:

www.facebook.com/YandTRocks

www.myspace.com/YandTRocks

www.twitter.com/YandTRocks

Axl Rose / Guns 'n Roses are at it again!

It seems after last weekend performances at both Reading and Leeds festivals in England, where Axl Rose and the current Guns 'n' Roses line up, managed to wind up fans and promoters alike, they are at it again!

This time it was in Ireland, at Dublin's 02 venue, although I guess there were bottles and other missiles hurled stagewards which didn't help, but again this followed the band thinking it was OK to keep fans waiting for over an hour, after the support act Danko Jones was done!

Why they can't have the same respect for their fans as other bands do is beyond me?

It really sums up Axl Rose' whole personality issues, where he thinks he is above, beyond and better than anyone else.

To read the full story, go here:

 http://entertainment.ie/music/news/Appetite-For-Disaster-Guns-N'-Roses-Walk-Off-At-O2-Gig/49782.htm

More Meat Loaf anyone? New UK dates announced

Meat Loaf is back! - Well, in the UK anyway!

Following Meat Loaf’s fantastically received North American shows this summer, he will be returning to UK shores for the latest leg of his Hang Cool Tour.

After 30 years in the business, one of the world’s best performers returns to show that he’s still at the top of his game. His live performances have been thrilling crowds around the world with that unique voice and flamboyant stage presence.

Opening the tour at Wales’ Cardiff CIA on November 29th, Meat Loaf’s UK tour takes in six further dates in England ending in the final gig wowing Scots fans at Glasgow’s SECC.

This tour will see Meat return to arenas he has not been to since the 2007 tour. In Meat’s own words, he could not be happier to return to the UK: “We’re gonna be kickin’ ass and takin’ names!”

Tickets go on sale on Friday September 3rd at 9am at a standard cost of £48 each and each ticket holder will also receive a Special Edition copy of the Hang Cool Teddy Bear album featuring 4 exclusive live tracks from the recent North American tour, personally mixed by Meat Loaf himself.

One of the most successful recording artists of all time, with a string of major hits including 'Bat Out Of Hell', 'Dead Ringer For Love’ and 'I'd Do Anything For Love' he is renowned for the power and drama of his live shows. Meat Loaf’s debut album, ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ is still a firm favourite with fans around the globe. Since it’s release in 1977, the seminal album has sold more than 37 million copies and still sells around 200,000 copies every year. In the UK, the album has never left the charts! This year saw the release of Hang Cool Teddy Bear, an album of new music that lived up to the expectation of fans old and new.

This is your chance to see the legend that is Meat Loaf, back out of hell, hanging cool and back in the UK!

Meat Loaf 2010 UK tour:

Nov 29th – Cardiff CIA

Dec 1st – Bournemouth BIC

Dec 5th – Birmingham LG Arena

Dec 7th – Wembley Arena

Dec 9th – Manchester MEN Arena

Dec 11th – Sheffield Arena

Dec 14th – Newcastle Arena

Dec 16th – Glasgow SECC

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 3rd available from individual venues or on 0844 888 9991 http://www.ticketline.co.uk/

Brief Rock News Update for Tuesday 31st August, 2010

EPIC RECORDS TO RELEASE EXPANDED TWO-CD “TOUR EDITION” OF

OZZY’S OSBOURNE’S ‘SCREAM’ ALBUM OCTOBER 5

NEW PACKAGE TO FEATURE SEVEN BONUS SONGS:

MIX OF PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MATERIAL AND

NEW LIVE RECORDINGS

SPECIAL FOUR-SIDED VINYL EDITION ALSO TO BE ISSUED

On October 5, Epic Records will release an expanded two-CD version of OZZY OSBOURNE’s SCREAM album. This “Tour Edition” package will feature seven bonus songs:previously unreleased tracks and live recordings. Three of the songs “One More Time” and “Jump The Moon,” plus the never-before-released “Hand of The Enemy” are from the SCREAM sessions. The other four songs are live tracks “Bark at the Moon,” “Let Me Hear You Scream” and “No More Tears,” as well as the Black Sabbath nugget “Fairies Wear Boots that were recorded this year in Folkestone and Birmingham in the U.K. The package will also contain video content including the Jonas Akerlund - directed video for “Let Me Hear You Scream” and behind-the-scenes footage from the set of the video, along with footage documenting the making of the SCREAM album.

Epic will also issue a four-sided vinyl edition that includes five bonus tracks: the three aforementioned songs from the SCREAM sessions and the live version of “Let Me Hear You Scream,” along with the single version of “Life Won't Wait” (the second single from SCREAM).

SCREAM, which entered the charts in June in the Top Ten in more than 10 countries, is OZZY’s first album in three years and 10th studio album overall. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer recorded most of the album at his Los Angeles home studio, The Bunker. It was produced by OZZY and Kevin Churko, both of whom did the same honors for OZZY’s 2007 worldwide million-seller Black Rain. OZZY co-wrote all the songs on SCREAM, primarily with Churko. The album’s first single “Let Me Hear You Scream” hit #1 on both Active Rock charts (for two weeks) and #1 at Mainstream Rock (for 11 weeks). SCREAM’s newly released second single “Life Won’t Wait,” is being cited in various reviews as one of the album’s standout tracks. The video for the hard-hitting and melodic life-affirming song was directed by OZZY’s son, Jack Osbourne, and was recently shot at various locations in Los Angeles, including a cemetery in Altadena, CA.

For SCREAM, OZZY has embarked on an 18-month world tour with his band: new guitar player Gus G., bassist Blasko, drummer Tommy Clufetos and keyboardist Adam Wakeman. His U.S. dates kicked off with an August 12 performance at the 70th anniversary of the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota and he launched this year’s six–city OZZFest on August 14. Overseas shows will be followed by additional U.S. dates, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.

The track listing for the U.S. expanded version/tour edition is as follows:

Let It Die

Let Me Hear You Scream

Soul Sucker

Life Won’t Wait
Diggin’ Me Down

Crucify

Fearless

Time

I Want It More

Latimer’s Mercy

I Love You All

The BONUS CD:

Hand of the Enemy

One More Time

Jump The Moon

Bark At The Moon (Live)

Let Me Hear You Scream (Live)

No More Tears (Live)

Fairies Wear Boots (Live)

**Plus the “Let Me Hear You Scream” video, the making of the “Let Me Hear You Scream” video, and the making of the album “Scream” on disc

The track listing for the four-sided vinyl:

Side A

Let It Die

Let Me Hear You Scream

Soul Sucker

Life Won’t Wait

Side B

Diggin’ Me Down

Crucify

Fearless

Side C

Time

I Want It More

Latimer’s Mercy

I Love You All

Side D

Hand of the Enemy

One More Time

Jump The Moon

Let Me Hear You Scream (Live)

Life Won't Wait (Edit)

http://www.ozzy.com/

www.myspace.com/ozzyosbourne

www.facebook.com/ozzyosbourne

http://twitter.com/OFFICIALOZZY

http://www.ozzfest.com/

Tony Mills from TNT suffers heart-attack, but in recovery

Tony Mills, former vocalist with Shy and presently fronting the band TNT, suffered a heart-attack at Oslo Airport Saturday afternoon on the way to a gig with TNT. Mills is now in recovery and was moved out of intensive care Monday. Mills wishes to thank personnel who have helped him at Oslo Airport and also those in the intensive unit at the hospital. Mills and TNT thank all fans and friends for the support in the last two days.

“I look forward to coming back and singing!” says Mills.

www.tnttheband.com/

I'd like to also take this opportunity to wish Tony a speedy recovery and good health.

Sammy Hagar talks new Chickenfoot and autobiography

Sammy Hagar has been talking to Billboard’s Gary Graff recently about the latest Chickenfoot activities and his own autobiography.

Although Chickenfoot has new songs written and some more music, the toughest thing for the line up is whether or not Chad Smith will be a part of the next Chickenfoot development.

Smith is currently with his regular band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, writing new material for their next album.

Hagar tells Billboard, "Once they start recording, Chad's never going to be able to get a break. If he does, he'll get a couple weeks here, a couple days there, which is not really enough to devote to Chickenfoot. Then when they're done with [the album] they're gonna go on the road for a year and a half. So we either have to get a new drummer or wait for Chad...which is unfair to Chickenfoot. It's too good a band."

Hagar goes on to say that he, Smith and rest of Chickenfoot -- guitarist Joe Satriani and founding Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony -- are not frustrated by the situation. "We care, but at the same time [Chickenfoot] is not mandatory," Hagar explains. "It's not like we feel like, 'Hey, this is our only chance in life.' Everyone's already been there, done that. Chickenfoot is not our bread and butter, and I think that's really important."

Meanwhile, Hagar and his band the Wabos have been out on the road supporting Aerosmith. He has no recording plans of his own at the moment but is working on an autobiography, "Red," with San Francisco music journalist Joel Selvin that he promises will be "really revealing, right down to just about everything you'd want to know" -- including his tenures in Montrose and Van Halen.

For more details on on the whole deal, go to:

www.billboard.com/news#/news/sammy-hagar-on-sharing-chickenfoot-drummer-1004111903.story

Cheap Trick / Blondie Live at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

Cheap Trick / Blondie Live at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI.

Friday 27th August 2010

Cheap Trick

(Image from www.cheaptrick.com/)

So this is a double header tour of two popular bands, Cheap Trick and Blondie who both broke through in the late 70’s and cracked the markets on a bigger scale in the 80’s.

This tour runs with the two acts switching headlining roles each night, depending on how their popularity is judged in each location / area.

The good news is, each band has agreed upon the rule of them sharing the time equally, by both having 75 minute sets. How jolly decent of each of them then!

Cheap Trick – Like Blondie – have amassed a bunch of chart hits behind them over the years and with 16 studio albums behind them 5 being Top 40 Billboard chart hits, another 5 just outside the Top 40 Billboard ratings and a number of huge hit singles behind them, this should be a great show.

Last time I saw Cheap Trick play in Detroit, it was in a different location and a gig where they headlined and had about another 5 opening acts playing with them.

When they hit the stage that night, the sound mix was absolutely terrible and we left the show early as it was that bad, sadly and that was my first Cheap Trick show.

In Detroit last night, it was a different story altogether, the sound was impressive and it’s outdoors as well!

Rick Nielsen, what a funny guy, entertainer and impressive player and singer Robin Zander, sounding quite the voice, no problems tonight and although he looked like he was straining sometimes, the vocals were just fine.

Tom Petersson is still there too on bass / vocals, but no Bun E. Carlos this time, Daxx Nielsen is his replacement on the road.

As the lights go down, an intro tape runs with a Japanese commentary voice, then Transformers, then a Simpsons snippet sketch piece and what sounded like Abu of the Simpsons singing Dream Police and so on … You get the picture!

The band opens with ‘Way of the World,’ which sounds great and the band look so happy just to be playing here!

Rick Nielsen starts with his distribution of ‘all’ his guitar picks, which he continues to do throughout the set.

You should’ve seen his microphone stand, loaded with picks before the band came out, incredible!
As I say, the guy can certainly throw these directionally accurate to a tee! Impressive!

I have to add also that Tom Petersson’s sparkly bass guitar with the different crescent moons and stars is very tasty indeed. Very flash, very desirable!

As I mentioned before, Robin Zander’s voice is spot on tonight, guitars sound great and drums, plenty good enough!

This show has already started way better than the last time I saw the band live.

‘Hello There (Ladies and Gentlemen)’ is next, followed with very little delay by ‘Come On, Come On’ and then probably their best known hit anywhere in the world, ‘I Want You To Want Me.’ Quite the start!

After this Rick then stops to talk briefly to the crowd and of course adds, ‘It’s great to be here in Michigan, yeah!’

Then it's ‘These Days’ a newer track from the bands latest album, simply titled ..., ‘The Latest!’

Clearly Rick is really loving it tonight, grinning like a Cheshire cat, changing guitars in every other song, but not due to problems, simply because the man loves to show off his guitar collection and of course ..., continues to share his guitar picks!!

Next they go back to the 80’s with ‘Looking Out for Number One,’ then ‘House is Rocking' closely followed by ‘Need Your Love.’

The band are really clearly trying to get as many songs into the set as possible without stopping, as the breaks for audience chat are very few and far between and the music continues with ‘Voices,' the fourth song of the evening so far from the ‘Dream Police’ album.

The band recently played a whole load of shows in Las Vegas paying tribute to the Beatles, with their ‘Sgt. Pepper Live Show’ and will do the same again in September with another run of 6 shows there. So along those lines, they play ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ next to a great response.

Diving back into the 70’s with album track ‘Ballad of TV Violence,’ before another album track ‘Baby Loves To Rock’ and I must say the audience is seeming to be a little disappointed and isn’t responding that great at this point.

I even heard someone behind me say to someone, ‘Why don’t they play their better known songs?’

Next from ‘The Latest’ comes ‘Sick Man of Europe’ and still not the greatest response from the crowd here, then another from the same album in ‘Closer - The Ballad of Burt and Linda.’

OK, the crowd is back in sync with the band as ‘Surrender’ is pumped out to close the set. Great stuff!

They then come back out for an encore featuring first ‘Dream Police’ and then ‘Goodnight (Ladies and Gentlemen.)’ with Rick showing off his multi-necked guitar!

There’s clearly no doubting this great band as a live act, Rick Nielsen alone is value for money and with the bands talent for writing great songs, it all sounds good.

On the down side tonight for the occasional Cheap Trick fan or someone just giving them a chance tonight, perhaps a few more of their better known tracks interspersing the album tracks would’ve gone down better.
I mean for the die hard Cheap Trick fan the set list was probably fine, but to be honest, where was ‘The Flame,’ ‘If You Want My Love,’ ‘Stop This Game,’ ‘Tonight It’s You’ and I could go on, I mean ‘The Flame’ was a number 1 hit, so from that point of view it was a little disappointing, but otherwise very entertaining.

Rating: 4 out of 5

The band’s website: www.cheaptrick.com/

Blondie

Blondie is an act I remember very well from their success in UK back in the late 70’s and clearly, some of the hits in the UK were not as popular here in their native USA, from what I can gather just talking to people.

The stage set resembled a graffiti scrawled ghetto location – Graffiti backdrop.

The current band features just two original members alongside Debbie Harry in Clem Burke on drums and Chris Stein on guitars and Clem Burke I will say was impressive.

The band opened with a new song ‘D-Day’ before getting back to what everyone knows, with ‘Hanging on the Telephone,’ went down great.

The next track was a new one that I had no idea of what it was called, it sounded like ‘Headless Pearl’ or something like that, with a riff that sounded like the Rolling Stones ‘Miss You.’

Another new song next, I think that was called ‘Love Doesn’t Frighten Me’ and I will say that Debbie Harry voice still sounds good but she’s looking a little clumsy in some of her moves. Not sure how to dance to some of the tracks.

Her comeback hit of a few years back in ‘Maria’ was next and sounded good with her new lead guitar playing ripping the riff like a crazy man! This boy can play! He totally rocked the evening and was outshining Ms. Harry a lot of the evening by all accounts. Ms. Harry standing in the side wings of the stage very often, letting the younger star shine it seemed. I think it could be Tommy Kessler, but I could be wrong ….?

More new material in – I think, she didn’t announce many of her new tracks … - ‘What I Heard,’ then another that wasn’t familiar either.

Then a better known track in ‘Atomic,’ yes the crowd loved it and to be honest were pretty appreciative of her new material too. Again, the new guitar man shines as he really makes the most of his solo opportunity.

‘The Tide Is High’ next and the crowd is very happy. I think Cheap Trick would’ve won over more of the crowd with a few more better know tracks rather than album tracks that didn’t have much impact.

(Image from www.blondie.net/)

Debbie Harry then tells us that her new album, ‘Panic Of Girls’ that they’re playing a number of songs from as they feel they are great and need to be heard, will be coming out … Sometime!

She also added that while it’s great to be playing with Cheap Trick, they are really looking forward to going out and touring Australia with Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders).

Back to the songs and another oldie in ‘Rapture’ which I think we can possibly thank – or curse! – her for encouraging so much of ‘that’ genre around today. Sorry, but I can’t stand rap music. There, I said it!

Back to the newer stuff as we get a track called ‘Mother.’ Sounds a good song, it really does.

Then ‘Call Me’ which actually doesn’t come across with the impact of the original song, which is surprising live, but it really doesn’t.

Then they close their set with ‘One Way or Another.’

They came back out for an encore but I really didn’t know it and it was time to go.

Blondie sounded alright and seemed to win tonight’s audience over slightly better by crowd response than Cheap Trick and again, I think it was only down to the way the songs were divided up that did it.

I’d never seen Blondie live before and sure, she’s not as young as she used to be, but the band backing her is very strong and she still has the voice and tonight sported a completely peroxide ‘white’ not blonde head of hair.

Come on, it must’ve been a wig!

So, good luck to them with the new album, when it comes out.

A good set, a better introduction of the songs would’ve helped more of the crowd and I don’t know about Debbie Harry’s stage moves and I know she’s not as young as she was, but sometimes she looks strange, robotic even, but the band just edged Cheap Trick tonight, which for me was a shame, as I would’ve loved to have heard some of their better known tracks, as would’ve the crowd it seemed.

Rating: 4 out of 5

www.blondie.net/

Rock News Brief Update for Sunday 29th August, 2010

Guns 'N Roses refuse to play by the rules and get cut off!

Well, Guns 'n' Roses were warned well in advance of their show at Reading this weekend and of course Axl Rose has to be his usual prima donna self and keep the fans waiting for over an hour before going onstage at the event. Guns 'n' Roses even managed to get the promoter to 'somehow' extend a written, legal curfew that stands in Reading with the local council, as it does in many cities across the UK, that live performances do not continue beyond 11pm. That is a know law in the UK.

Most bands or should that read 99% of bands understand this law and abide by it.

As a consequence, officials at the festival pulled the plug after Guns 'n' Roses refused to come off stage at the end of the 'extended' curfew that organisers at the event allowed them to play to.

  

Blabbermouth got the story from information at the BBC and interviews with band members or got the extracts of interviews from some source.

It sounds like Axl Rose has got some well matched equally selfish band members who really don't care about letting the bands fans suffer.

The way this band treat their fans if you ask me, they're lucky to have them.

Go here to read the Blabbermouth story:

www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145230

QUEENSRYCHE SIGNS TO ROADRUNNER/LOUD & PROUD RECORDS

New York, NY: Four-time Grammy nominees Queensryche have signed a multi-album, worldwide deal with Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records. The band’s label debut –their twelfth studio album overall- is tentatively scheduled for a Spring 2011 release. Singer and founder Geoff Tate remains the creative nucleus of the band, which continues to make relevant, against-the-grain hard rock that entices fans, both new and diehard.

Queensryche have been – and unquestionably remain- one of the most respected and innovative names in forward-thinking hard rock throughout the course of their nearly 30-year history. Since their inception over 25 years ago, Queensryche have sold over 20 million albums worldwide and have performed in over 22 countries.

“We are very happy to be signing with Road Runner/Loud and Proud. This is the rock label and a place where they are as excited about our music as we and our fans are,” Tate said.

“We are excited to welcome Queensryche to the label” stated Loud & Proud President Tom Lipsky. “They have earned global acclaim for their distinctive approach to music and we are confident of a successful partnership with them.”

Queenryche’s 1988-issued album Operation: Mindcrime is universally respected as a classic concept release about rock, revenge and redemption. The album elicited comparisons to The Who’s Tommy and Pink Floyd’s The Wall and is ultimately regarded as one of the most important and essential hard rock records in the genre’s expansive canon. 1990’s follow-up, Empire, yielded a #1 single, the Grammy-nominated ballad “Silent Lucidity,” which the band performed at the 1992 Grammy Awards accompanied by a supporting orchestra.

In 2006, the band released Operation: Mindcrime II, a scorching sequel to their original. The band then hit the road performing both albums Operation: Mindcrime and Operation: Mindcrime II back-to-back in their entirety in an incredible theatrical presentation throughout the year. The final performance was recorded at The Moore Theatre in Seattle that October and the Mindcrime at the Moore double CD/DVD release debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Music DVD Chart and eventually reached Gold status.

Visit www.queensryche.com/ for more information

Bonzo: "The Groove Remains the Same" A Tribute to John Bonham

On September 25th, 2010, it will be the 30th anniversary of the passing of LED ZEPPELIN legendary drummer, John Bonham.
By many drummers today, he's constantly cited as being their main influence.
Affectionately known as 'Bonzo' by many in the industry, his memory and influence on many big name rock drummers of today, will be captured in a one off show paying tribute to the man, in a special concert at the Key Club in Hollywood, California.


On stage, for one night only, they'll be a rotating cast of guest drummers perform their favorite LED ZEPPELIN songs.
At this time confirmed drummers for the event include:
* Steven Adler (GUNS N' ROSES, ADLER'S APPETITE)
* Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, DIO)
* Kenny Aronoff (JOHN COUGAR, JOHN FOGERTY)
* Frankie Banali (QUIET RIOT)
* Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN, FOREIGNER)
* Fred Coury (CINDERELLA)
* Jimmy D'Anda (BULLETBOYS)
* James Kottak (SCORPIONS)
* Khurt Maier (SALTY DOG)
* Chris Slade (THE FIRM, AC/DC)
* Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, CHICKENFOOT)
* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE, FOREIGNER, BILLY IDOL)
* Joe Travers (ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA, DURAN DURAN)
* Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO)


Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, ROD STEWART) will perform via video.
It promises to be something special for drummers everywhere.
Tickets for the event can be purchased here:
www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/15671