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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 22nd December, 2010

Hi all, sorry for not getting anything posted for you yesterday ... Wrapped up things in the other job for the year, so didn't finish there until later than planned ... Isn't that always the way?!
Anyway, I WILL have something else - Besides todays news here - posted on the site later today, so check back in a while ...
Meantime, here's the latest for you!
Cheers, Al

Uriah Heep - New album on the way, US tour plans and UK festival soon!

Well, Uriah Heep have certainly been busy bees indeed over the past few years, not forgetting the 'Celebration' - 40th Anniversary Best of re-recordings release - of their 40th Anniversary!
It seems since the release of their seriously excellent 'Wake the Sleeper' album in 2008, it's like the band have got a completely new lease of life and things just seem to go up and up for the band!

The release earlier this year as well of 'Celebration' which included some great re-recordings of many of their best loved tracks, plus two news songs, was a great album too.

I can reveal that the band will enter the studio in January, to start recording their next album and that the band will be headlining the Great British Rock and Blues Festival at Skegness on the weekend of Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th January.
Not too many details on the festival at this point, except that it will also feature: The Quireboys, 'Monsters of British Rock band' (Feat. Micky Moody - guitar, slide guitar, vocals, Neil Murray - bass, Laurie Wisefield - guitar, vocals, Harry James - drums, vocals, Chris Ousey - lead vocals and Michael Bramwell – keyboards), Girlschool, Dr. Feelgood, The Heavy Metal Kids and more.

I am also aware that the band has set aside dates in their calendar for a return US Tour in June 2011!
I for one, am seriously hoping they hit Detroit this time! ;-)

Mick Box band leader and founding member also wanted me to pass on this Christmas message to the fans:

"To all of our fans out there, the band wish you a brilliant Xmas and a New Year full of wonderous things!
‘Appy days!"

Mick Box
URIAH HEEP

Meantime Uriah Heep also have the 'Uriah Heep - Official Bootleg Volume 2 – Live in Budapest, Hungary 2010'  released very soon.
Here's the artwork for that:


A Very Merry Christmas to you and the band too Mick, from Chambers of Rock!

John Waite's 'Rough and Tumble' release to be supported by Live dates


In January, Frontiers records will release the new album 'Rough and Tumble' from British rocker, John Waite. This follows his live album, 'In Real Time,' that was release back in May of this year, also through Frontiers (At least in Europe).

In additional news, for US fans that never managed to track down a copy of John's live album, it's seems the budget 'Extended Versions' series of releases has now included the 'In Real Time' release, in their own 'Extended Versions' format, with the exact same track listing. The bonus here of course, is depending where you go you can pick this up for anywhere from $3.99 and up!
I saw it in Borders for $5.99 yesterday.

That tracklisting is:
1. Change
2. Back On My Feet Again
3. In Dreams
4. Every Time I Think Of You
5. Band Intro
6. Prelude
7. New York City Girl
8. Best Of What I Got
9. Missing You
10. Head First
11. Rock And Roll
12. When I See You Smile
Never an artist to shy from touring, John Waite has already lined up some 2011 dates.
Starting with a couple of odd dates here and there in January and February, it seems a string of dates will follow, starting in March 2011.
Dates so far - Based on his MySpace site:
January 2011
Jan 15th - Centennial Park, Ft. Myers, FL

February 2011
Feb 12th Boomtown CasinoHarvey, LA

March 2011
Mar 2nd BB KingsNew York, NY
Mar 4 Showcase Live!Foxboro, MA
Mar 5 Boynton’s Tap RoomManchester, New Hampshire, US

April 2011
Apr 8 Admiral TheatreBremerton, WA
Apr 9 Edmonds Center for the ArtsEdmonds, WA
Apr 15 Hamilton Fine Arts CenterSussex, WI
Apr 21 De Kade (main hall)Zaandam, Noord holl, NETHERLANDS
Apr 22 De PulUden, Noord Brab, NETHERLANDS
Apr 23 The Rock TempleKerkrade, Limburg, NETHERLANDS
Apr 25 The ClunyNewcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, UNITED KINGDOM
Apr 26 ROGERTHORPE MANOR HOTELPontefract, Yorkshire, UNITED KINGDOM
Apr 27 GRAND THEATRE lancasterLancaster (UK), Lankashire, UNITED KINGDOM

June 2011Jun 14 Soaring Eagle CasinoMt Pleasant, MI

Since John Waite's new website is not up and running, it seems the best place for info is:


TEN to come back with a vengeance with the new album 'Stormwarning!'


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of TEN’s ninth all original studio album entitled “Stormwarning” on February 18th 2011 in Europe and February the 15th in North America.

Turmoil is a word that could well describe what life has been like in the TEN camp over the past few years. Going through several line-up changes and a self imposed exiles from the scene, TEN for many seemed to be a name that wrote glorious pages in the darkest period of Melodic Hard Rock, failing to keep the flame alive when the momentum was raising again.

Still, TEN singer and principal songwriter, Gary Hughes knew he had another ace up his sleeve and decided to play it safe. For the new album “Stormwarning” he wanted first to have the right line-up and he enlisted the services of Neil Fraser on lead guitars and Mark Sumner on bass, in addition to long-time members John Helliwell on guitar and Paul Hodson on keyboards.

Then the masterful Mark Zonder (Fates Warning) guested to take care of all the drum duties and Gary made sure that none other than Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69 and producer of Angra, Place Vendome, Sunstorm, Edenbridge among others) would mix and produce the album. Finally he made contact with the original designer of the “Spellbound” and “Babylon” covers, the renowned Spanish fantasy artist Luis Royo, to recreate the perfect graphics for the new album.

In the summer 2010 with all the groundwork done, TEN finally started the recording of “Stormwarning” an album that, like the name itself tells, is an inspiration for tales of glory, war, and death and of course love. Any rock fan who digs the sound that Rainbow carved out with “Difficult to Cure” or that Whitesnake brought to success with “1987” and that Gary Moore exalted with albums like “Final Frontier” or “Run For Cover” needs to have this record in their collection. And even for the well acquainted, TEN re-ignite memories of “The Name of The Rose” and “Spellbound”.

“Stormwarning” tracklisting includes:
Endless Symphony; Centre Of My Universe; Kingdom Come; Book Of Secrets; Stormwarning; Invisible; Love Song; The Hourglass And The Landslide; Destiny; The Wave.

The radio edit version of “Endless Symphony” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio


TEN:
Gary Hughes - Vocals, Guitars, Backing Vocals
John Halliwell - Guitars, Acoustic Guitars
Neil Fraser - Guitars, Lead Guitars
Paul Hodson - Keyboards and Synthesisers, Programming
Mark Sumner - Bass Guitars
With Mark Zonder: Drums and Percussion
Produced by Dennis Ward

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce - Scheepers
His self titled solo debut

Ralf Scheepers has built himself quite a reputation for being one of the finest German Heavy Metal singers. With a career spanning three decades (he debuted with Tyran’ Pace’s “Eye to Eye” album in 1983), Scheepers sung on true Power Metal manifesto releases such as Gamma Ray’s first three albums, before starting Primal Fear in 1997, with Mat Sinner.


His voice is high-pitched and tenor-esque and his abilities were often compared to some of the finest Hard Rock and Heavy Metal singers ever (from Rob Halford to Ronnie James Dio and Ian Gillan). Both Helloween and Judas Priest considered him as their possible next lead singer.

Over the years Ralf wrote and collected a few tracks that did not fit exactly in the Primal Fear concept. As often happens, he had just been waiting for the right chance to present itself and that happened when himself, his buddy Mat Sinner and Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino sat together and discussed plans for the future in… 2007!
Over three years later and the results are finally here and in Scheepers’ words “I’m really proud of the result!”

Ralf Scheepers’ artistic intention was to please the existing Primal Fear fan base, but he also wanted to add some surprises and include as much variation as he could in the recording. So he went ahead and covered one of his own favourite - but untypical Judas Priest songs “Before the Dawn” and for the first time, Ralf played all instruments on a song, except the fantastic guitar solos added by Victor Smolski (Rage). “Compassion” is another special track with a very positive vibe, recorded only with acoustic instruments. Two of the songs were composed with former Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing, while Gamma Ray’s Kai Hansen added guitar on “The Pain Of The Accused”. Halford’s Metal Mike played lead-guitar on the album opener “Locked In The Dungeon”. One more highlight is the vocal duet with Tim “Ripper” Owens on “Remission Of Sin”.


Additional guest appearances include Sander Gommans (ex After Forever), Snowy Shaw (King Diamond, Therion) and Scheepers Primal Fear band mates Magnus Karlsson, Alex Beyrodt and Mat Sinner! The album was mixed and mastered by Achim Koehler and produced by Mat Sinner.

“Scheepers” final tracklisting includes:
Locked in the Dungeon; Remission of Sin; Cyberfreak; The Fall; Doomsday; Saints of The Rock; Before the Dawn; Back on the Track; Dynasty; The Pain of the Accused; Play with the Fire; Compassion. The song “Remission of Sin” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Weblinks:

Musicians:
Ralf Scheepers: Lead & Backing Vocals; Acoustic Guitar; Keyboards; FX Sounds
Tim “Ripper” Owens: Lead Vocals on “Remission of Sin”
Magnus Karlsson: Lead Guitars; Guitars; Banjo; Accordion; Keyboards
Sander Gommans: Lead Guitar, Guitars
Mike Chlasciak, Alex Beyrodt; Kai Hansen; Victor Smolski: Lead Guitars
Mat Sinner: Bass, Keyboards
Snowy Shaw: Drums

Whitesnake shares new album cover artwork with the world

Well, it all seems a little strange that the band are doing this, but David Coverdale and his current Whitesnake band, seem to be letting information out in piece meal fashion!
They have already teased with the announcement of some European, Russian and UK tour dates for 2011 and now they are sharing, 'just' their new forthcoming album cover artwork ..., nothing more ...
Hopefully Frontiers or Whitesnake will stop the teasing and share a little more.

Interesting choice of title, as it's exactly the same as the last Tesla album ... 'Forever More.'
Mind you, if it's anywhere near as good as Tesla's release, then I for one will be very happy!
Mr Coverdale, I sincerely hope the pipes are doing good! :)

Send Deep Purple Christmas E-Cards

This December, EMI Catalogue launched its "With Love From Me To You" Christmas e-card campaign. Go green with your Christmas cards this year by sending your friends and family an e-card, featuring some of the year's best releases as well as more classic tracks, including Iron Maiden's "El Dorado", Deep Purple's "Black Night" (in the "Classic Rock" card) and Megadeth's "Hangar 18" (from the "EMI Sessions" card). Plus, enter a great competition to win a huge bundle of prizes including some great limited-edition box sets.

With seven e-card designs to choose from all based on some of EMI's classic genres, each e-card features a choice of eight tracks — from John Lennon to Daft Punk, from Tinie Tempah to Wizzard. Users can also personalize their e-card by including a message to their loved ones.

Everyone that enters the e-card competition will have the chance to win a massive bundle of prizes including a limited edition John Lennon signature box set, an Apple Records box set, a The Beatles stereo box set as well as loads more great prizes.
For more information, visit http://www.withlovefrommetoyou.co.uk/

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Line of Fire - Momentum album review

Line of Fire – Momentum album review
Released on: Tribunal Records. Release date: Available now.


OK, right off the bat I am guilty of really not knowing much about these guys Line of Fire at all, except that they are US based and signed to Tribunal Records!?
It turns out that it’s been five years since the bands last release so, you’d imagine after having five years to mess around with new material, they should have pulled together something pretty good, right?
Well, in response to that my answer would be, yes they certainly have! – Although I never heard the previous release.

Well, it turns out that it wasn’t that they couldn’t think of anything to write, they possibly had it all written, who knows, but instead it was down to getting some personal (Health issues) and personnel (Line up changes) matters addressed that the band has been away.

The band it seems is based around vocalist Shawn Pelata (Killwhitneydead) and guitarist Nikki Dimage, who have recently been joined by new guitarist. Thomas Clark (Jonin) and I guess they used other sessions musicians to help wrap the rest up. – Not too much in on that from the Tribunal website, press release.

Anyway, it’s a good album, of that there is no doubt and perhaps being named after a Journey track – Don’t know if they were or not, just guessing … - gives an indication of the sound they were looking for, although the press release references Boston too, which is fully valid, as I’ll point out in the review as we go on.
One last thing, there are some great and I mean GREAT songs on here, that if they’d had a big budget production behind, could have made the overall album, huge!

Opener ‘It Takes Time’ certainly reminds me of Journey and possibly a little 38 Special from the opening chords.

The vocals are sooooo Journey like in terms of Steve Perry, plus the phrasing on harmonies, yet the lead guitar style is really not 100% Neal Schon like though, some of the changes and structure of the song too are very Journey and in other spots, I’m reminded of 38 Special again. It’s a very good up tempo track indeed.

With ‘Obsession’ next, the intro and some of the chord progression almost reminds me British rockers Praying Mantis at times, but the deft keyboards touches place it more in true AOR territory. Fairly straightforward pop rocker overall with some punchy chords. Nice harmony guitar part!

‘Give Me All’ almost has me thinking of a punchier Dire Straights type track, but then it takes a different track and the key phrasing that the chorus is sung in, is interesting sounded a little odd at first, but it’s OK.
To a degree you could almost take it as a pre-production Van Halen type track.
There! I bet that’s thrown you, huh?!

OK, if you don’t think ‘I’ll Be the One Tonight’ sounds like Boston, then there’s something wrong with you!
Song structure, harmonies and sound is Boston throughout! I really love this track! Great job guys!

‘I Belong’ once again has echoes of Boston meets Journey about it and is once more very catchy indeed, but there’s just something about the overall production that is just missing the last piece of the jigsaw.
There is absolutely no doubting these guys’ musical abilities, they are a slick act, this is good material for sure.
Something I really need to stress here though is my comparisons really are not meant to knock any act, in any way, they are simply there to perhaps guide folks that like myself before, really knew little or nothing of a specific act before. Believe me, I wish some of the material I used to play in bands would get anything like that!

These guys almost remind me in places musically of Talon another band with a great deal of potential and ‘The Fire Never Dies’ keeps the band on track and Shawn Pelata’s vocals are very impressive …
Any Journey wannabe bands, should listen to this guy!
The guitar work here is again very classy too..

‘I’m Crying For You’ is another great track, kind of power ballad territory to be honest, in a very classy way. Good stuff!

Next track ‘In the Stone,’ is a medium paced easy rocker, with some tasty guitar licks midway through, but for me perhaps is the least hook worthy track here and to a degree ‘Undone’ does the same for me, not really as strong with the hooks as the first two thirds of the album. There’s nothing wrong with the tracks musically, but simply the fact that these guys have so many hooks in the rest of the songs, tends to make these two just a little less. Everything else on here simply glows otherwise.

I really do like next track, ‘Ghost in your Heart,’ which is very reminiscent of say Journey, no bad thing at all to these ears!

Final track is a very interesting cover of Dokken’s ‘Breaking the Chains,’ performed in a completely different form, in the shape of a ballad and these guys really have something with how they’ve done it. I like it! Very melancholy!

Overall, an album that sadly didn’t get my attention when I first received it - Sorry guys! - simply because at the time I was so committed to addressing other things, but it’s an album that I really like. Now I’m trying to catch up with some of the ones that ‘got away,’ if you will …

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

The band’s MySpace page seems to be the best way to keep up with these guys:
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Brief Rock News Update for Monday 20th December, 2010

 Hi all, well, not too much new stuff to share with you on this Monday morning, a reissue of an album which is probably my least favourite Dio fronted Black Sabbath release ... A surprise solo release and a metal Christmas message!
Hope you have a good week folks and for those of you stuck in airports in Europe due to the snow, especially London Heathrow, my thoughts are seriously with you.
With Christmas almost upon us, it couldn't be a worse time, I'm also hopeful it sorts itself out and the snow eases in the UK, as my boy Jonathan is headed over to stay with us - Hopefully! - over Christmas!
Cheers, Al 

BLACK SABBATH - 2CD 'DEHUMANIZER'
SPECIAL EDITION
- WITH FIVE RARE LIVE TRACKS -
RELEASE DATE: 7TH FEBRUARY 2011


Originally released in 1992, 'Dehumanizer' was the first Black Sabbath album to feature the vocals of the late, great Ronnie James Dio since 1981's 'Mob Rules'. With a line-up completed by founder members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, and drumming duties carried out by Vinny Appice, 'Dehumanizer' is arguably one of Sabbath's heaviest albums.

This edition is expanded with the single edit of 'Master Of Insanity', an alternate version of 'Letters From Earth' that originally appeared as the b-side to the 'TV Crimes' single, and a version of 'Time Machine' originally recorded for the soundtrack to the movie Wayne's World. In addition, the set also includes five rare live tracks from Florida's Sundome recorded at the beginning of the Dehumanizer tour in July 1992, including a previously unreleased live version of 'Master Of Insanity'.

The set includes liner notes from Metal Hammer's Dom Lawson, based on new interviews with Tony Iommi.

Tracklistings:
Disc One (Original Album 1992)
1. Computer God
2. After All (The Dead)
3. TV Crimes
4. Letters From Earth
5. Master of Insanity
6. Time Machine
7. Sins of the Father
8. Too Late
9. I
10. Buried Alive

Disc Two (Bonus Tracks)
1. Master Of Insanity (Single Edit)
2. Letters From Earth (B-Side Version)
3. Time Machine (Wayne's World Version)

Live at The Sundome,Tampa, Florida 25th July 1992:
4. Children Of The Sea
5. Die Young
6. TV Crimes
7. Master Of Insanity
8. Neon Knights


Gary Barden to release solo album 'Rock 'n' Roll My Soul'


It seems lead vocalist Gary Barden is not content to release albums with rock guitar legend Michael Schenker, as he has lined up a covers tribute release of his own, to be released through German label Inakustic on January 11th, 2011.
Press details on the release via MVD Entertainment, are as follows:

The voice of the Michael Schenker Group pays tribute to his idols!The English singer and songwriter Gary Barden is famous as a singer in the Michael Schenker Group, as well as for his collaborations with Michael Schenker. Together they have penned several of the greatest songs made since the 80s, with Schenker composing the music and Barden providing the lyrics. 'Rock 'n' Roll My Soul' shows a very different side of Gary Barden.

Rock 'n' Roll My Soul reflects the emotions and impressions which Gary Barden soaked up in his youth. Gary Barden on Rock 'n' Roll My Soul: 'My love for these songs will never die. Enjoy these songs from a long bygone, but truly wonderful, time. You will hear how broad my musical influences are. There are a few surprises in store.'

Full track listing:
•Oh Well
•I'm Just a Singer
•Never Before
•When A Blind Man Cries
•Let's Work Together
•Why Did You Do It
•I'm a Man
•Stay With Me
•Travellin' Band
•The Long and Winding Road
•Zeit macht nur vor dem Teufel halt
•Rock 'n' Roll My Soul


A Merry Metal Christmas message from Saxon's Biff Byford

This message for Saxon fans posted over at Saxon's official site, including news that the band have parted ways with label, SPV and also of an interesting reference to meeting Lady GaGa!
This from the band's frontman and founding member:

Hi,

Just want to wish all our fans around the world a Happy Christmas and a great New Year !

Just an update on what's been happening on planet Saxon ... We've been working hard on the new album, a big thank you to everyone at Hard Rock Hell who came to the show. We were stuck in the snow a day before the show so I went out and bought a 4x4 truck from the local garage so we could get there (that's dedication for you !). Unfortunately 2 days later the clutch went...

So I spent a cold lonely 3hrs on the A1 waiting for the AA man to turn up !

Got passes to see Lady Gaga for my daughter but she couldn't go so I went with our agent, Steve .. As we walked back stage we met the manager of heavy metal DJ Lady Starlight and a couple of members of the support act Semi-Precious Weapons and they invited us back to the dressing room for a drink. As we drained our glasses we said thanks and say hello to Lady Gaga from us The show was great, we went off to the back stage bar for another drink. Suddenly Lady Starlight came in and said that Lady Gaga would like to meet us, then we had a fantastic 50 mins with Miss Gaga who is a massive heavy rock fan and Saxon fan talking everything rock.
She's a great lady and it was a great privilege to meet her. I think she's put a picture on her twitter. Just Google Biff and Gaga and it'll come up.

(Photo courtesy of www.saxon747.com)

Looking forward to the cruise and off back to Australia again in February and may have to do some recording over there on our days off ( no rest for the wicked ) and the new World tour starts in Greece.

We're not on SPV anymore and we're talking to different record companies around the world. It's important we find the right one for the band.
Keep the faith,
 
Biff Byford
For all things Saxon: http://www.saxon747.com/ 
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Rock News Update for Sunday 19th December, 2010

Hi folks, once again apologies for lack of updates, been very busy including doing another interview which I hope doesn't take six months to get posted!
The interview was with Marco Mendoza who was buzzed about the forthcoming Thin Lizzy tour starting in January, very pleased with the early reviews he's getting on his latest solo album 'Casa Mendoza' and over the moon about a new album he has just been wrapping up with Journey's Neal Schon and Deen Castronova!

Anyway, hope everyone's weekend has so far been a good one, probably busy getting all your last minute bits and pieces before the holiday.
Well, hopefully the following gives you a little pleasant distraction from all that, at least briefly! LOL! Enjoy!
Cheers, Al

Rock Stars Unite for New Year's Eve Cancer Benefit Concert

In Benefit For Bassist PHIL KENNEMORE Of Y&T
NEW YEAR'S EVE @ THE AVALON in SANTA CLARA, CA
GEOFF TATE, DON DOKKEN, CHUCK BILLY, JIMMY DEGRASSO, RON KEEL AND MANY MORE!

HOLLYWOOD, CA (December 16, 2010) – A parade of Rockstars are coming together to support beloved bassist, Phil Kennemore, founding member of Northern California's legendary rockers Y&T.
Kennemore was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer while on tour this last summer. Having recorded and toured the world relentlessly since 1974, Kennemore has dedicated his life to making millions of people happy with his music. Now, he needs your help.

Due to the overwhelming medical bills, Y&T's lead singer and best mate Dave Meniketti, started the "Phil Kennemore Fund" to help Phil with his bills. This New Year's concert is the ultimate fund-raiser for a friend who has made such a positive impact on the music scene.

This concert is an allstar line up of many of Kennemore’s friends from bands such as Queensryche, Dokken, RATT, Black Sabbath, DIO, Alice Cooper, Testament and Y&T all donating their time to perform on New Year's Eve.
This is a must-see concert and is going to rock!

The lineup for the all star extravaganza is as follows:
· Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
· Don Dokken (Dokken)
· Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
· Vinny Appice (DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell)
· Sean McNabb (Dokken, Montrose)
· Loren Gold (Roger Daltrey)
· Chuck Billy (Testament)
· Paul Bostaph (Testament, Slayer)
· Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper)
· Joey Alves
· Leonard Haze
· Ron Keel
· Greg Kihn
· ...and more (see http://www.yandtrocks.com/ for updates)

The show will take place at the Avalon (777 Lawrence Expressway. Santa Clara, CA), a 1000+ capacity venue which Y&T has performed at several times on New Year's Eve over the past five years.
The club, like the performers, has generously volunteered to donate 100% of the ticket proceeds directly to Phil.

The doors open at 8:00PM. Tickets are $75. For further information, call the Avalon at 408.241.0777 or visit http://www.yandtrocks.com/ 

Folks! If you can support this event or simply donate through, the Y&T site to help Phil settle out some of his costs, you'll be doing a great thing. Meantime, please keep the man in your thoughts and prayers.

REO Speedwagon makes available live album ... From this weekend's gig!

This posted this weekend over at the REO Speedwagon site, not one, but two albums are being made available!
Yes, one brand new live album, recorded this very weekend in Milwaukee, WI and then another one that a rockin' Christmas release.
Don't know how many are into the Christmas one, who knows, maybe some of you are, but the live one sounds very promising as a two disc set.
Anyway, enough of my words, read on as this message is direct from the band's website! 

We have some exciting news for REO Speedwagon fans!
The band is partnering with Abbey Road Live, and will be offering a very limited edition run of live recordings from the Riverside Theatre performance tonight in Milwaukee, WI.


These are high quality double disc DigiPaks, fully mixed and mastered for that classic live and exciting REO sound, that will be shipped home to you within two weeks of the show! Most importantly, these are individually numbered units, and only 2000 will ever be made! For those going to the show, this is a true memento of your evening that you will cherish forever. For those who are not going, you get an exclusive product that only a few people will ever have.

This is the first time REO Speedwagon has ever worked with Abbey Road Live and these are sure to be instant collectors items.

Get in early and make sure you have a low number! Reserve yours now online by going to: www.abbeyroadliveus.com/detail.cfm?artistid=46

And ..., that Christmas album!

REO Speedwagon - Not So Silent Night
(Sony Legacy)


In a more rockin’ vein is REO’s thoroughly enjoyable Christmas effort. First released last year, it has been reissued with three bonus tracks (a fun “Sleigh Ride,” acoustic based original ballad “I Believe in Santa Claus,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”; downloaded versions add “We Three Kings”). Sometimes reminiscent of Trans-Siberian Orchestra (though far more interesting and minus the over-the-top aspects), a rock gospel flavored “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” doo wop-oriented “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “White Snows of Winter,” a countryish “Blue Christmas” (with bassist Bruce Hall on lead vocals) and “Deck the Halls,” where frontman Kevin Cronin’s kids get into the mix, are among the songs assembled here.
Available throught the bands website here:

Keep up with all things REO at:


Judie Tzuke Christmas Newsletter

Hello, all you Christmas spirited people out there,
If you're anything like me you'll be in a frenzy trying to get everything ready for Christmas day; hopefully unlike me, you are succeeding. ; )

So while I have a minute, I just wanted to thank you all for coming to see us on tour.
We all had a fantastic time and couldn't have done it without you…

We are finishing off a live recording of both mine and Bailey's sets and will make them available as soon as possible (details will be on http://www.tzuke.com/).

Next year, I am looking at doing either more of the "Moon on a Mirrorball" tour, as we didn't get to quite a few places we usually would, or possibly an acoustic tour with me, Graham Kearns and David Saw.
It's all a bit up in the air but plans are definitely afoot to do something!! I'm also excited about finishing my new album; and hoping that it will be ready for Summer 2011…

Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas and New year and keeping everything crossed for a healthy happy and loving 2011,

May the force be with us,
Jude, Bailey, Matthew, Tallula, Jamie, Paul and all at Big Moon xxxxx

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hi Everyone,

Firstly, as Judie mentioned in her note; live recordings of the recent and hugely appreciated 'Moon on a Mirrorball tour' are going to be available on the website over the next few weeks (Bailey's this week and Judie's as soon as possible).
If you were one of the lucky ones who watched the shows, then you will know what a pleasure you're in for, as the band are really special and Judie showed once again what a special talent she is.
The a cappella version of 'For You' featuring Judie, Bailey and Tallua Tzuke is a special treat.

We are keeping our prices low for Christmas (details below *) and we've also added merchandise from the tour including some excellent, 'Faith don't let me down' Sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Also available is Bailey Tzuke's beautiful 'Laid Bare EP' which is only available via the Tzuke shop.
www.tzuke.com/shopcart/baileytzuke.php

Recently Judie (and Bailey) have become patrons for Childline Rocks and she has been looking for a way to contribute to the charity.
Over the last 14 years Judie has been happy to sign CD's for people, she is happy to continue doing so but requests that people contribute to the NSPCC if they request that the CDs are signed (link is on the payment page).
I hope you all have a wonder filled holiday season,
All the best,

Jamie (The Fan Club)

Europe UK Tour set for February 2011

If you didn't catch the band Europe, the last time they played the UK, then you won't want to miss them this time!
'Last Look At Eden' was such an excellent release and the band are hitting the UK roads again in the New Year, to play a select nine shows in February.

Those dates are:
FEBRUARY 2011
17 FEB. 11 // GLASGOW O2 ABC / UK
18 FEB. 11 // BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY / UK
19 FEB. 11 // LONDON O2 SHEPERDS BUSH EMPIRE / UK
21 FEB. 11 // OXFORD 02 ACADEMY / UK
22 FEB. 11 // BOURNEMOUTH O2 ACADEMY / UK
23 FEB. 11 // BRISTOL O2 ACADEMY / UK
25 FEB. 11 // MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2 / UK
26 FEB. 11 // LEEDS O2 ACADEMY / UK
27 FEB. 11 // NEWCASTLE O2 ACADEMY / UK

Keep up with the band at:

Frontiers is happy to share their Christmas gift, two new videos!

JOHN WAITE
The new Videoclip
“Shadows of Love”

And ....

ISSAThe Official Trailer!
 
 
Official Site: http://www.frontiers.it/
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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Styx – Regeneration Vol 1 album review
Released through: Band's own label. / Styx website. Release date: Available now 


So here we have a ‘mini’ album or 'EP' from one the best melodic rock bands from the 70’s, yes indeed Styx are still going strong in 2010 and not showing signs of letting up in 2011!
This band is like an endless touring machine, certainly in North America anyway and they'll be kicking off a bunch of new US dates in January and February 2011, before heading to Europe in the Summer with both Journey and Foreigner, with dates starting there in June. 

This album, 'Regeneration Volume 1' was originally penned as ‘available at gigs only release,’ but it seems now if you go to the bands site, you certainly can pick it up there too.
It basically consists of six re-recorded Styx classics and one new song.

The band today is made up of two true classic Styx members in James ‘JY’ Young (Guitars/Vocals) and Tommy Shaw (Guitars/Vocals), joined by long time members in Lawrence Gowan (Keyboards / Vocals) and Todd Sucherman (Drums) and most recent addition - in 2003 - Ricky Phillips (Ex-Babys, Bad English).

Opening with ‘Grand Illusion’ now sung by Lawrence Gowan and clearly with the pace picked up a little from the original Dennis DeYoung sung classic, the band still sound as strong as ever.

Next is ‘Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),’ as presented by the ever youthful looking Tommy Shaw and as ‘Grand Illusion’ before it, it certainly freshens up these older songs and Gowan has the keyboards coming through as powerful as ever.

'JY' takes the lead vocals on ‘Lorelei’ next on the track listing, so it’s clear the band is pushing each members vocal attributes and why not?! I seriously don’t think this song has ever sounded so good!

Tommy Shaw takes the lead vocals again for ‘Sing For The Day’ and it’s again very well done as anyone who’s seen this actual line up over the past five years can attest to already.
Next is ‘Crystal Ball’ which captures a part of Styx’ earlier almost prog rock moments and is an excellent piece of classic Styx history.

My thoughts at this time are more on the lines of the fact that if they were going to re-record songs, they should’ve at least includes at least one Styx rocker, like say ‘Renegade,’ ‘Blue Collar Man’ or even ‘Rockin’ the Paradise,’ but no such luck!
These tracks are perhaps all a little too smooth (Safe?), but I can’t knock them as they all still sound great!

I guess you do get ‘Come Sail Away’ next with Lawrence Gowan taking the helm here, which is good in terms of a rocker and he’s closeness at times to Dennis DeYoung works well. I still personally think one of the rockier tracks I mentioned in place of say ‘Sing For The Day,’ would’ve worked better or if they’d just added another one of those tracks. It’s just my take on things …

Final track here is the new song, ‘Difference in the World,’ which is a good new Styx song, don’t get me wrong, but as a stand alone example of perhaps the bands direction for new material, could’ve done with a little more ‘supporting cast’ in maybe one or two more new songs. From that standpoint, as a long time Styx fan I’m a little disappointed.

Overall these tracks, it has a very clean and crisp production mix, so you’re getting a quality product of that there is no question!
The only thing is, how many Styx fans will feel the value in paying the cash for a re-recorded mini ‘Best of’ release, when they’ve already got all of these already in some form or another?

With only one new song added here, ‘Difference in the World,’ – that was in fact originally offered to fans for free through the bands website – you have to wonder ….

Rating:
For music / sound quality: 4.5 out of 5

For validity today: 3.5 out 5 - As these are pretty straightforward re-recordings of just six classic Styx tracks with just one new song, why not more?
Official Band website: www.styxworld.com/
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Brief Update for Wednesday 15th December, 2010

Are you ready for Whitesnake, LIVE in 2011?!

Yes, I can't believe it either!
You saw it here first - Unless you saw it at their site! - but with no official press release anywhere, in just doing a little snooping around a few sites, I found this on Whitesnake's home page, a link to 2011 tour dates!

So it seems after David Coverdale's somewhat embarrassing moments on tour with Judas Priest and at Download, where sadly the poor guy was losing his voice, after various treatments, the man must be ready to Rock and Roll!
The latest Whitesnake line up features the following suspects:
David Coverdale - Vocals
Doug Aldrich - Guitars
Reb Beach - Guitars
Michael Devin - Bass
Brian Tichy - Drums
and keyboard player to be announced!

Whitesnake Tour Schedule 2011
Dates will be added as they become available

June 2011
02 June 2011 - Moscow, Russia
Megasport Arena

04 June 2011 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Icearena

13 June 2011 - Newcastle, UK
City Hall

14 June 2011 - Glasgow, UK
Clyde Auditorium

16 June 2011 - Wolverhampton, UK
Civic

17 June 2011 - Manchester, UK
Apollo

19 June 2011 - Bournemouth, UK
BIC

20 June 2011 - London, UK
Hammersmith Apollo

22 June 2011 - Milano, Italy
Gods of Metal

25 June 2011 - Dessel, Belgium
Graspop
Graspop Metal Meeting

28 June 2011 - Prague, Czech Rep.
Saska Arena

29 June 2011 - Vienna, Austria
Stadthalle

For more details, go to:
Joe Perry to Perform at 99.5 KLOS/Mark and Brian Christmas Show


Citadel Broadcasting Company’s 95.5 KLOS and Mark and Brian to host the Mark and Brian Christmas Show on Thursday, December 16th at 6:00 pm (PST) at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

Mark and Brian Christmas Show will feature Billy Idol, the Mark and Brian All-star Band with Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Peter Frampton, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Jason Bonham, John Waite, Marc Bonilla and other world-class players. Plus comedian Ron White will give us a good laugh and the Margo Rey Band will kick off the show, and Billy Idol will close.

While the show is nearly sold-out, some tickets remain from $49 to $69 on http://www.markandbrian.com/. Portions of the proceeds benefit the Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center.

Founded in 1920, Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center is a quality-focused, non-profit community health center dedicated to improving the physical, social and emotional well-being of people in the communities we serve, regardless of income.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Alice Cooper in, but not Bon Jovi?

Pollstar is claiming through a leak posted in the New York Times ... - Phew! - that among others, at long last Alice Cooper will get recognized as a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, but Bon Jovi, highly touted to get their spot will not!
Alice Cooper apparently will join Neil Diamond (Cough!), Dr John and Tom Waits as top names to be inducted if the New York Times is accurate.

The induction ceremony will not happen until March 2011, but from the nominees already listed, the actual inductees are due to be named today, Wednesday 15th December.
The New York Times story can be read here:
Pollstar have their storry right here:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: http://rockhall.com/
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