Rock News Update for Wednesday 23rd March, 2011

JOURNEY to come back with their new album 'Eclipse'

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of JOURNEY’s forthcoming studio album 'Eclipse' in Europe on May 27th 2011.

"Eclipse" is Journey’s fifteenth studio album and shows the band at the peak of their creative juices, truly regenerated after the blistering success of their last studio album "Revelation."

Journey will follow the release of "Eclipse," Journey will launch the “Eclipse Tour” which will kick off with a 7 dates arena tour in the UK/Eire, together with Styx and Foreigner and will then hit Germany, Switzerland, Benelux, Scandinavia, France and – for the first time ever – Italy.

“I’m in love with this record, which I haven’t said about one of our albums for a long time,” says founding member and lead guitarist, Neal Schon. “It’s a rock record and it sounds amazing.” Commenting on the upcoming tour, Schon continued, “We’ve got a lot of hits to play and there’s plenty of time to do some new stuff too, so we’re gonna mix it up. We haven’t toured with Foreigner for over 10 years, so we’re really looking forward to this run.”

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, keyboardist Jonathan Cain recently described “Eclipse” as "a concept record with some spiritual themes to it…pretty tough, hard-hitting stuff.” Jonathan continued, "We just felt like it was time to send a message to the world about how we feel about life in general.”

The new album release will be preceded by the digital release of the single “City of Hope” on April 4th.

Journey toured the world for two years in support of their 2008 release, "Revelation."

More than a million fans attended the shows, and welcomed new lead singer Arnel Pineda. Completing the Journey lineup is Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals) and Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion, backing vocals). "Revelation" marked the band’s biggest first week's sales in more than a decade, debuting at #5 on the Billboard 200 in June 2008 and with chart entries in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland. “Revelation” earned the band their 11th Platinum album certification to date, leading The New York Times to declare that "the band…feels alive."

Since its formation in 1973, Journey has earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 gold and platinum albums in the US. The band’s 'Greatest Hits' album is certified 15 times platinum, bringing Journey into the elite club of Diamond-certified album holders. The group also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

Arnel Pineda – vocals

Neal Schon – guitars

Jonathan Cain – keyboards

Ross Valory – bass

Deen Castronovo – drums

“Eclipse” will include the following tracks :

City of Hope, Edge of the Moment, Chain of Love, Tantra, Anything is Possible, Resonate, She’s a Mystery, Human Feel, Ritual, To Whom It May Concern, Someone, Venus.

The “Eclipse” tour video trailer can be enjoyed below:

Or go to You Tube to watch this directly, here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfMqsfozKMk

JOURNEY – EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

JUNE 2011

Sat 04 London, UK - Wembley Arena

Sun 05 Birmingham, UK - LG Arena

Tue 07 Newcastle, UK - Metro Radio Arena

Wed 08 Manchester, UK - M.E.N. Arena

Thu 09 Glasgow, Scotland - S.E.C.C.

Sat 11 Dublin, Ireland - The o2

Sun 12 Belfast, N. Ireland - Odyssey Arena

Wed 15 Berlin, Germany - Zitadelle

Fri 17 Hannover, Germany - ParkBuehne

Sat 18 Esslingen, (Stuttgart), Germany - Richard Hirschmann Eisstadion

Sun 19 Winterthur, Switzerland - Eishalle Deutweg

Tue 21 Milan, Italy - Fiera Arena

Wed 22 Augsburg (Nuremberg), Germany - Schwabenhalle

Fri 24 Dessel, Belgium - Graspop

Sat 25 St. Goarshausen, Germany - Loreley Freilichtbuhne

Sun 26 Gräfenhainichen (Dessau), Germany - Ferropolis 'Stadt aus Eisen'

Tue 28 Copenhagen, Denmark - Store Vega

Thu 30 Haugesund Norway - Arena Tent, Skaanevik Blues Festival Site

JULY 2011

Sat 02 Borlange, Sweden - Peace & Love Festival site

Wed 06 Luxembourg - Rockhal Box

Thu 07 Paris, France - Palais des Sports

Fri 08 Weert, Netherlands - Bospop, Festivalarea, Weert-Nord

For more information on Journey and complete tour details go to http://www.journeymusic.com/

North America Journey details on Eclipse and summer tour

For North American Journey fans that missed my previous posting here, don't forget that the 'Eclipse' album will be released here in the U.S. and Canada on May 24 exclusively at Walmart, as their last album 'Revelation' was.

Following the release of Eclipse, Journey will launch the "Eclipse Tour" with Foreigner and Special Guest, Night Ranger beginning July 21 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT.

Tour date details here:
http://www.journeymusic.com/pages/tour

ERIC JOHNSON TAKES HOME THREE AUSTIN MUSIC AWARDS

One of the finest rock guitarists to ever hail from Texas, Eric Johnson, continues to be recognized as such from his home state. On Saturday, March 19th, Johnson collected a total of three awards at the 2010/2011 Austin Music Awards. Held at the Austin Music Hall, the categories that the Johnson won in included "Best Electric Guitar," "Best Acoustic Guitar," and "Best Instrumental Band."

Johnson has long been considered one of rock's most talented six-string players, as evidenced by his platinum-certified 1990 release, 'Ah Via Musicom,' its hit single "Cliffs of Dover," as well as a Grammy Award win for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" in 1991. Johnson has recorded six studio albums thus far, his latest being 2010's 'Up Close,' a release, which included guest appearances from Sonny Landreth, Steve Miller, Jimmie Vaughan and Jonny Lang.

Since 1982, Johnson has won an unprecedented 33 awards at the Austin Music Awards. For a full listing of Johnson's Austin Music Awards wins over the years, visit here:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/Awards/MusicAwards/?mode=all-time

"Thanks for the continued support from my fans and all those that help keep the music scene vibrant in Austin," says Eric. "I appreciate the opportunity to keep playing music for everyone."

For more information on the man, visit:

http://www.ericjohnson.com/

Judie Tzuke new album news, live album release details and update

Just received this update via the Judie Tzuke site to fans, of just what's going on, including details of her new live album, 'October Road' that's just become available and news of a new studio album on the way too..

Judie Tzuke - New Album

Hi Everyone,

A quick email to tell you that Judie's Tzuke's fantastic new album, 'The October Road' is now available to order via the website.

http://www.tzuke.com/shopcart/studio_cds.php

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews we have received from those of you who pre-ordered. Sorry for the delay on the delivery, things kept going wrong on the manufacturing front; I hope the finished product was worth the wait.

Judie would like to thank everyone who donated to Childline in return for her signature, she said she thought her arm was going to fall off but it was worth it!

All of us at Big Moon would like to send our heartfelt sympathy to everyone in Japan, but especially to the large contingent of Judie's fans out there. We hope that you have avoided the worst of the disaster and that your country recovers quickly. With this in mind, during this time if you request a signature from Judie, we would be happy if you choose to donate to one of Japanese recovery funds instead of Childline.

We have another project with Wrasse Records (the nice people who released 'Moon on a Mirrorball') in the pipeline which will hopefully include some news on the re-release of 'Turning Stones'.

So finally we have some news about the next album, which at the moment has the title of 'One Tree Less'. Five tracks are done and the rest are being worked on, I've listened to the album in demo form and the songs are fantastic.

Thanks for all the support during these difficult times, as without you we couldn't keep producing Judie's music.

All the best,

Jamie

Official weblinks:

http://www.tzuke.com/

http://www.myspace.com/tzuke

Details on the live album are as follows:

Judie Tzuke - The October Road (Live)

This album gives you the chance to experience, or if you were lucky, re-experience the wonderful show which Judie took out on the road to celebrate the release of the retrospective album 'Moon On A Mirrorball' in 2010.

The set is a collection of new and old favourites, played by a group of fantastic musicians whose love for Judie and her music adds an inspired edge to their playing; with rock tracks and ballads all played with equal passion, skill and care.

Judie's always wonderful vocals are still a revelation, somehow transporting the listener back to the early 80's when blasting out 'Sportscar' and then shifting to the rich honeyed voice needed for a performance of 'If'. These amazing vocals are ably backed by two more Tzuke voices, the superb Bailey Tzuke and in her first appearance on tour, the youngest Tzuke, Tallula; the best example being during their lovely three part a cappella version of Judie's first single, 'For You'.

Official release date: 14th March 2011.

Track list:

1. Enjoy the Ride

2. Under the Angels

3. Secret Agent

4. Faith

5. Submarine Boy

6. Come Hell or Waters High

7. One Minute

8. Bring the Rain

10. I Will

11. Sukarita

12. Stay with me 'till Dawn

13. Sportscar

14. For You

15. If

Remember official Judie Tzuke website is:

http://www.tzuke.com/

PAGAN'S MIND INKS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH SPV/STEAMHAMMER

Norway's PAGAN'S MIND are proud to announce a worldwide collaboration with SPV/Steamhammer for the future, commencing with the band's upcoming album. Entitled "Heavenly Ecstasy" the fifth studio album from the hard-hitting melodic metal outfit will be released on May 31st in North America

Guitarist and producer Jørn Viggo Lofstad says: "After considering offers from various labels, we decided to be a part of the new SPV family. Signing with such a respected label gave us the spark to come up with what we think is the most cohesive album we have done, and probably our best offering so far. We can't wait to get back in action and present these songs to you all."

SPV / Steamhammer A&R Olly Hahn replies: "I´m very happy that Pagan`s Mind decided to join the SPV family. The band always delivered some of the best and most exciting metal music and with the new album they even put up a dash more!"

http://www.pagansmind.com/
http://www.spv.de/

UFO – Best of a Decade Album review

UFO – Best of a Decade Album review

Released on: SPV Steamhammer. Release date: Available now.

So, what do we have here then, another UFO compilation album?

Well, yes it is for all intents and purposes, but it’s not your standard UFO compilation fare as such.

Most will be another rehash of old Schenker stuff, usually containing nothing you don’t already have, this one on the other hand is quite different.

How so, I hear you saying …

Well, Michael Schenker has not been a part of UFO for some years now for one thing and following his departure, in stepped one Vinnie Moore, who had released a bunch of solo albums and helped out here and there on a few artist albums including Alice Cooper and Vicious Rumors.

To be honest, when this was announced at first, I was very skeptical, as Vinnie’s background was of the 'shredding nature' and not like Schenker at all. Suffice to say, with the three UFO studio albums he’s played on since 2004 and the live ‘Showtime’ release, I’ve been very impressed.

No disrespect to shredders, who sure …, can play at like 200 mph, but it’s like he’s matured, come of age and has really developed his style in a not too dissimilar style to say ... Michael Schenker. It’s a good thing!

For me, it's great to see Paul Raymond and Andy Parker back in the band for the past eight and six years respectively, although very sad about where Pete Way is at right now, who really knows ….?

He went through some real health issues and although he’s jammed with Schenker, Herman Rarebell and Michael Voss with the ‘Strangers in the Night’ project, there’s no word on who will be in the bass player slot for the next UFO album and tour?

Anyway, enough of that, let’s get on with this and what it offers, which you’ve probably guessed already, right?

Well, it captures four tracks from ‘You Are Here,’ three from ‘Monkey Puzzle,’ three from ‘The Visitor’ and six live cuts from …, well, I don’t know where to be honest? They’re not the tracks from ‘Showtime’ though and the sleeve notes don’t tell you?

The opening salvo of both ‘The Wild One’ and ‘Hard Being Me’ are great modern day UFO rockers, swiftly followed by a version of ‘Light’s Out’ that makes Phil Mogg look bad on his timing …, as he starts singing the chorus too early and then realizes it, stops, then comes back in at the right time. What a character, but he did have his moments now and then live, where he did improvise lyrics or miss a line or repeat a verse on occasion, that said, I never heard him sing bad once and I’ve been catching their shows since 1979.

‘Saving Me’ from ‘The Visitor’ is pretty steady, then ‘When Daylight Goes To Town’ picks it up well and rocks out.

Two live cuts next in ‘Let it Roll,’ very good and then ‘This Kids,’ with Phil’s funny introduction and then his ‘strange’ vocal part in the middle, is completely out there! You have to hear it.

OK, next track ‘Heavenly Body’ from ‘The Monkey Puzzle,’ kind of shows why I felt it was the weakest of the last three studio albums. It’s a very dark and grungy indeed. Don’t like Mogg’s vocal on this …

This kind of makes me wonder who determined the tracklisting for this. There are easily better tracks off both ‘You Are Here’ and ‘The Visitor,’ so surprised by the choice of this one?

‘Hell Driver’ recovers well though and is a great track off ‘The Visitor.’ Great groove!

A rip roaring version of ‘Too Hot To Handle’ is next and clearly indicates how great these guys still sound live.

From ‘You Are Here’ another very classy track in ‘Mr Freeze.’ I really loved this when I first heard and it’s great to hear it here again now.

Live time again with ‘Shoot, Shoot’ and it really lacks, nay, misses’ cowbell here?! Why no cowbell? Still a great live favourite though, clearly, just listen to the crowd!

‘Black and Blue’ is one of the better tracks from ‘Monkey Puzzle’ and it starts kind of not so dissimilar to The Who’s ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again,’ it’s an up and down tempo track. Nice harmony guitar part too!

To emphasize the consistency of ‘The Visitor,’ ‘Can’t Buy A Thrill’ is another winner that reminds me a little of ‘Making Contact’ era UFO, which I actually enjoyed.

‘Baby Blue’ is another good one from ‘You Are Here’ and it’s a pretty catchy and commercial track, that was probably intended to be a single, if it had been given a chance. Good one.

OK, last track and it’s a live one, which often is the bands encore number, yes, it’s ‘Doctor, Doctor.’ Enough said?!

It’s a good compilation generally with the odd exception, but without doubt if you’re a fan of old and haven’t yet given the band with Vinnie Moore a chance, shame on you! You could do a lot worse than going and getting this or else go and buy ‘You Are Here’ and ‘The Visitor.’ 'Showtime' is pretty good too!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Official band website: http://www.ufo-music.info/

Brief Rock News Update for Tuesday 22nd March, 2011

CELEBRATE 'RECORD STORE DAY' WITH DELUXE, NUMBERED DIO PICTURE DISC AND MEET THE DIO BAND IN CALIFORNIA!

To coincide with this year's Record Store Day (which falls on Saturday, April 16th), Niji Entertainment will be issuing a very special, LIMITED EDITION, Deluxe Numbered Picture Disc LP of Dio's 2002 release, 'Killing the Dragon,' of which only 2,500 copies will be made.

Each copy will be numbered in a unique way – by a special Dio hologram sticker.

Also on Saturday, April 16th, former Dio band members Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren will participate in an in-store appearance from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Mad Platter record store, which is located at 1223 University Avenue, #160, in Riverside, CA 92507-7238. You can also call the store at (951) 328-1600.

'Killing the Dragon' marked the first collaboration between Ronnie James Dio and guitarist Doug Aldrich, who has subsequently joined Whitesnake. The album also spawned the single/video "Push," which featured Tenacious D's Jack Black and Kyle Gass. And exclusively for the picture disc edition of 'Killing the Dragon,' Dio's longtime engineer, Wyn Davis, mixed and remastered the album.

Get ready to grab your copy quickly of the 'Killing the Dragon' picture disc, as this collector's item is bound to disappear quickly!

'Killing the Dragon' Track List:

1. "Killing the Dragon"

2. "Along Comes a Spider"

3. "Scream"

4. "Better in the Dark"

5. "Rock & Roll"

6. "Push"

7. "Guilty"

8. "Throw Away Children"

9. "Before the Fall"

10. "Cold Feet"

For more information, visit:

www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Additional info on Annual Record Store Day

Record Store Day is an event for record collectors everywhere, that takes places annually on the third Saturday of April.

For more details, go to: http://www.recordstoreday.com/.

UK melodic rockers FM announce more live dates

More live dates announced for the summer in Dublin, Belfast and Lisbon

(Photo courtesy of http://www.fmofficial.com)

This update from the FM website:

We've added three more dates to our summer touring schedule for this year and are very excited to confirm two more shows with Journey and Foreigner in June (Dublin and Belfast) plus in July we'll be appearing in Portugal with D-A-D.

It's 25 years since we played in Dublin with Foreigner at the RDS Arena - it’ll be great to be back there with them and Journey and the Belfast concert will be a welcome return for us following a great gig at the Spring & Airbrake last summer.

The Lisbon show will be our first there since the 'Aphrodisiac' tour in 1993!

We're really looking forward to catching up with everyone.

Band website: http://www.fmofficial.com/

Asia's Omega tour continues through North and South America

Pomp / AOR specialists at their game, Asia will be playing more North and South American tour dates over the next couple of months, in continued support of last years, 'Omega' album and Mexico fans will get an extra treat ...

The two dates Asia will play in Mexico, will be with Yes!

Shows in Central and South America have been announced.

 The 2011 Omega dates confirmed so far include:

North America - 2011

April 2011Apr 28 - The State Theatre, Easton, PA

Apr 29 - Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA

Apr 30 - Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY

May 2011

May 01 - Birchmere, Alexandria, VA

May 03 - Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD

May 04 - Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD

May 05 - Community Theatre at Mayo Center, Morristown, NJ

May 06 - The Turning Stone Casino and Resort, Verona, NY

May 07 - Casino Rama, Rama, ON, Canada

May 09 - Metropolis, Montreal, Canada

May 10 - Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT

May 12 - Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown, MI

May 13 - House of Blues, Chicago, IL

May 14 - Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI

Mexico shows:

May 28 - Monterey, Mexico (with YES)

May 30 - Mexico City, Mexico (with YES)

Central/South America - 2011

May2011

May 20 - Teatro La Cuplula, Santiago, Chile

May 21 - Teatro Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina

May 22 - HSBC Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil

May 24 - Isla De Atlapa, Panama

May 26 - Anfiteatro Sambil, Chacao, Caracas

Official band website:

http://www.originalasia.com/

Stryper, Live! - Harpo’s Concert Hall, Detroit, MI. March 19th, 2011

Stryper at Harpo’s Concert Hall, Detroit, MI.

Sat. March 19th 2011 - Live review

Editor note: Hey folks, well, what do you know? I have my first guest reviewer, please welcome Mr. Mark W.T. Payne!

Mark is actually an author already, so he knows how to write a thing or two! 

Mark went along to the Stryper show, braving life and limb ..., well, something like that!

Anyway, he stepped out on the rough side of Detroit to check out the latest live Stryper show and without further ado, here's the story, enjoy!

(Harpo's venue - Photo by Mark W.T. Payne)

The Yellow and Black Crush Detroit Rock City

Anyone who was attending last Saturday’s Stryper show at Harpo’s, expecting to see a has-been hair band lumbering across the stage in a futile attempt to recapture the 80’s, was in for one hell of a surprise!
This sonic metal quartet originally from L.A., blasted through their ballad-free, straight-up rockin’ set-list like a well-oiled, precision machine and with enough energy to power the eastern seaboard.
Gone are the crazy spandex costumes, globs of make-up and ultra-poofy hair, revealing four stunningly skilled musicians who know how to perform and connect with their audience.
For the 700 who attended Saturday night’s concert, it was an obvious love-fest, with Stryper leading the way and delivering the goods.

Formed in 1983 by brothers Michael and Robert Sweet, this glam metal band was originally known as Roxx Regime and at one point featured Poison’s C.C. DeVille on guitar, before Oz Fox came aboard. Inspired by bands like Van Halen, but distressed at the message they conveyed, Roxx Regime added bass player Timothy Gaines to the group and became Stryper, a name derived from a verse in the King James Bible (Isaiah 53:5).
In 1983 they signed with Enigma Records and shortly thereafter released an E.P. entitled “The Yellow and Black Attack,” propelling them into the spotlight and making them the first ever “Christian rock band” to achieve mainstream recognition and MTV air-play. Platinum record sales followed, along with Grammy award nominations and highly successful world tours.

Drawing on their twenty-eight years of experience and eight original albums, Stryper had a wealth of material to work with on Saturday night and they pumped out their classics like 'To Hell with the Devil,' 'The Way' and 'Soldiers Under Command,' with a fury that made those older songs sound fresh and exciting. They also threw in a few tunes that they haven’t played live in a while, like 'Loving You' and 'Surrender,' the latter featuring an incredible extended guitar duel between guitarists Michael Sweet and Oz Fox. To make the night even more of a “tribute to the classics,” Stryper’s set list featured songs from their latest CD, 'The Covering,' a collection of cover songs from some surprising artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Sweet and The Scorpions.
They treated the crowd on Saturday to Stryper-'ized versions of Ozzy’s 'Over the Mountain,' Black Sabbath’s, 'Heaven and Hell' and Kiss’ 'Shout It Out Loud,' making the songs their own and breathing a fire into them that you just cannot get from a recording!

(Photo by Mark W.T. Payne)

The most startling thing about Saturday’s concert however, was the amazing musicianship and performance abilities, of each member of the band. Lead vocalist Michael Sweet raced from one end of the stage to the other, dancing around like he was twenty and showcasing his amazing vocal abilities, a range which seems to allow him to hit notes you would think only dogs could hear! Guitarist Oz Fox, perhaps one of the most underrated guitarists ever, played his yellow and black instrument like his fingers were on fire, all the while spinning, jumping and kicking, to the delight of the fans crowding the front of the stage.
He also demonstrated some amazing vocal skills of his own, at one point taking over lead duties on 'Over the Mountain.' When Michael and Oz hit the harmony guitar solos, you would think you were attending a guitar clinic, their stunning synchronicity filling the air with an almost dreamy sonic assault.

(Oz Fox, left and Michael Sweet, right - Photo's by Mark W.T. Payne)

Bass player Timothy Gaines bopped his head and displayed a chunky, rich, thumping style, that was the perfect backdrop for the melodic hard metal sound of the band. He too was incredibly animated.

(Timothy Gaines and Oz Fox - Photo by Mark W.T. Payne)
Finally there was Robert Sweet on the drums. It’s easy to see why they call him their Visual Time-Keeper, as opposed to their drummer! He pounded those skins with a wild and entertaining energy seldom displayed by a musician behind a kit!
Regardless of what you think of their beliefs, Stryper is a wonder to behold, and definitely a contender as one of the best live bands out there.
Do yourself a favour; catch them in concert on this tour! You’ll be glad you did!

Setlist:

Sing-a-long-song

Murder by Pride

Rock that makes Me Roll

Over the Mountain

Loving You

Reach Out

Calling On You

Free

More Than A Man

Shout it out Loud

Heaven and Hell

Surrender

The Way

To Hell with the Devil

and

Soldiers Under Command.

Reviewed by Mark W.T. Payne
Editor's comment: Thanks Mark, big time! :)

Official Stryper website:

http://www.stryper.com/

Rock News update for Monday 21st March, 2011

Hi folks, well, it's late now, just getting my bag packed for my business trip away this week ... :(

No telling how many hours a day I'll be working so with that in mind, no telling how many updates I'll be able to provide this week, but I'll do what I can!

Just been watching a repeat / re-run of 'That Metal Show' tonight that featured Uli Jon Roth and Kirk Hammett, as always, entertaining!

Now Maiden's 'Flight 666' documentary is also being repeated, which is actually very good ... It's on in the background folks.

Some good friends of ours went along to see Stryper on Saturday night at a Detroit venue, that I and many of my friends give a wide berth to, always ...! I mean, if you know the neighbourhood is rough, local stores / fast food places have bulletproof glass, bars in their front of store windows, doesn't that say enough ....?

So suffice to say, I did not pursue trying to attend to review the show, much as I'd liked to have seen Stryper. Maybe Mark will provide me a gig review ...? Mark, if you're reading this ... I'm open to including your review matey! :)

Anyway, enough frivolity ... On with the news!

Whitesnake Announce Their New Keyboard Player For The Forevermore World Tour 2011

******

Brian Ruedy... Keyboards and vocals

Brian Ruedy was born July 24, 1961 in Orange County CA.

He has worked in a succession of bands thro' the years, including most recently Bret Michaels and Brian Head Welch of KORN ... Brian recently reconnected with guitarist Doug Aldrich which led to him becoming involved with Whitesnake.

"I am honored and privileged to be part of the Whitesnake Family. Its an incredible opportunity. I am excited to bring new sounds and flavors to Whitesnake. I look forward to expanding on the already great Whitesnake material." Brian Ruedy

Brian is already immersing himself in the catalogue of Snake songs in preparation for the bands upcoming rehearsals for the "Whitesnake Forevermore World Tour 2011"

Musical Influences:

Jon Lord of Deep Purple. "There is nothing like an overdriven Hammond B3 and his lead style is incredible. I've never heard anyone play like he did."

Rick Wakeman of Yes: "I love his ability to play multiple keyboards at once. He had amazing sounds and put on quite a show."

Keith Emerson of ELP: "He's the only guy I know that played the Hammond B3 backwards and stabbed it with knives. He was also one of the guys that introduced the mini moog synthesizer."

Whitesnake have been advised to keep all sharp cutlery away from Brian when he's performing.

See us at http://www.whitesnake.com/

DEFINITIVE EDITIONS OF OZZY OSBOURNE'S LANDMARK SOLO ALBUMS

-- ‘BLIZZARD OF OZZ’ & ‘DIARY OF A MADMAN’ --

RESTORED & REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL RECORDINGS

SET FOR RELEASE TUESDAY, MAY 31

ON EPIC RECORDS/LEGACY RECORDINGS

New Editions of these Hard Rock Masterpieces

Showcase Ozzy's Musical Collaborations With Late Guitar Hero Randy Rhoads

Special 30th Anniversary Deluxe Collector's Box Set Includes

Both Albums On CD & Vinyl

100-page Coffee Table Book

"Thirty Years After The Blizzard" DVD Documentary

Full-Size Detailed Replica of Ozzy's Iconic Cross and More

This year’s crazy winter will continue well into the spring with a blizzard as intense as it gets.

On May 31, music fans will have their first taste of re-issues from rock icon OZZY OSBOURNE’s catalog of work with the releases of two albums which form the cornerstone of Ozzy Osbourne's career as a solo artist: Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman (Epic Records/Legacy Recordings). Long revered by rock fans around the world, these two albums created a template for hard rock in the 1980's and beyond as they were marked by the ground-breaking and historic union of Ozzy and the late guitar hero Randy Rhoads. These definitive versions of 1980's Blizzard of Ozz (with previously unreleased bonus tracks) and 1981's Diary of a Madman are available individually on vinyl or CD, or together in a deluxe collector's box. All versions were restored and remastered from the original analog sources by George Marino.

The 30th Anniversary Edition of Blizzard of Ozz CD includes the original album in its entirety, restored and remastered for this edition, with bonus tracks, while the new Legacy Edition of Diary of a Madman includes the original album in its entirety, restored and remastered for this edition, with a bonus second CD of previously unreleased live performances featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads with rhythm section Rudy Sarzo (bass) and Tommy Aldridge (drums). A single disc version of the remastered Diary of a Madman will also be available.

For serious fans and collectors, the limited edition 30th Anniversary deluxe boxed set houses the restored and remastered vinyl and CD editions of Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, the "Ozzy Live" compact disc. Beyond the music, the box set is highlighted by a variety of exclusives including an expansive 100-page coffee table book, a two-sided wall-size poster, a precise and detailed full-size replica of Ozzy's iconic gold cross that he has worn for 30 years, and “Thirty Years After The Blizzard” DVD.

This new “Thirty Years After The Blizzard” DVD chronicles Ozzy's years with Randy Rhoads features previously unseen footage of Ozzy and Randy filmed in 1981 & 1982; it incorporates rare archival photos and films; along with new and revelatory interviews with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Lemmy (Motörhead), Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, Rob Halford, Zakk Wylde, Bill Ward and more. The DVD also contains over 70 minutes of additional rare live performances and interviews; included is the premiere of more than 30 minutes of newly-discovered never-bootlegged footage of Ozzy and Randy from the Blizzard of Ozz tour shot from the front of the stage at New York's fabled Palladium on May 2, 1981. This new feature is a must-see for aficionados of Ozzy's epic release, Blizzard of Ozz and its pivotal effect on rock & roll history.

* * * * *

Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman are landmark albums that took metal in a new direction in the early 1980's, inspiring whole new generations of rock bands and fans. "Crazy Train," the first single from Blizzard of Ozz, has become one of Ozzy's musical signatures, a perennial on the rock playlists and as part of Ozzy’s live performances.

* * * * *

Blizzard Of Ozz (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

1. I Don’t Know (5:13)

2. Crazy Train (4:51)

3. Goodbye To Romance (5:33)

4. Dee (0:49)

5. Suicide Solution (4:17)

6. Mr. Crowley (5:02)

7. No Bone Movies (3:52)

8. Revelation (Mother Earth) (6:08)

9. Steal Away (The Night) (3:28)

BONUS TRACKS

10. You Looking At Me, Looking At You (Non-LP B-Side, Previously Unreleased in the U.S.) (4:15)

11. Goodbye To Romance (2010 Guitar & Vocal Mix, Previously Unreleased) (5:42)

12. RR (Previously Unreleased – Randy Rhoads guitar solo) (1:13)

* * * * *

Diary Of A Madman (Legacy Edition)

DISC 1

1. Over The Mountain (4:31)

2. Flying High Again (4:44)

3. You Can’t Kill Rock And Roll (6:59)

4. Believer (5:15)

5. Little Dolls (5:39)

6. Tonight (5:50)

7. S.A.T.O. (4:07)

8. Diary Of A Madman (6:14)

DISC 2 -

Ozzy Live (recorded on the Blizzard of Ozz tour)

1. I Don’t Know

2. Crazy Train

3. Believer

4. Mr. Crowley

5. Flying High Again

6. Revelation (Mother Earth)

7. Steal Away (The Night)

8. Suicide Solution

9. Iron Man

10. Children Of The Grave

11. Paranoid

Diary of a Madman/Blizzard of Ozz 30th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set

Box Set Includes:

Blizzard Of Ozz (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

Diary Of A Madman (Legacy Edition)

Blizzard Of Ozz (180-gram LP – original album only)

Diary Of A Madman (180-gram LP – original album only)

DVD--contains "Thirty Years After The Blizzard" documentary--and additional rare and unreleased performances and interviews.

* * * * *

With combined worldwide sales of more than 10 million copies, Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman have been awarded gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications in a variety of countries including Canada, Korea, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States, where Blizzard of Ozz has been certified RIAA 4x platinum and Diary of a Madman is RIAA triple platinum.

One of the most iconic figures in pop culture, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner Ozzy Osbourne has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, approximately 50 million with his seminal metal band Black Sabbath and the rest as a solo artist.

 

New York Dolls premiere new video for single 'Fool For You Baby'

To coincide with this week’s release of the New York Dolls’ critically acclaimed fifth studio album 'Dancing Backward in High Heels', the band has released a promo video for their new single 'Fool For You Baby'. The video, directed by Jeremy Johnstone (Mono, Young Widows), features original Dolls founding members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain.

The video for 'Fool For You Baby' showcases the Dolls in a circus tent. Guitarist Syl Sylvain is the circus ring leader, and as the camera moves through the circus ring, more characters are revealed including a fire breather, a strongman, and a sword swallower. Singer David Johansen appears in the background and gradually dances forwards in slow motion as he sings the lyrics.

It’s a poignant, cinematic homage to rock and roll, and the Dolls' first official promo music video since 'Dance Like A Monkey', which is taken from the 2006 album 'One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This'. Watch the 'Fool For You Baby' video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2NFpwlHx68 or view it on Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/20810274

The video dovetails the New York Dolls forthcoming UK tour dates: O2 Academy Newcastle (March 27), Manchester Club Academy (March 29), London Old Vic Tunnels (March 30-31).

Click here for the official press release about the new album and the UK tour dates: http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/newyorkdolls/album.htm

The Darkness ... Return, to play Download festival

Yes, The Darkness, the band you - Seriously!!! - either love or loathe, have returned after frontman Justin Hawkins is back on the straight and narrow, so to speak, after a spell in rehab ... Enough on that though.

The band are already scheduled to make a big come back on this years Download festival line up at the UK's Donington Park.

I must say, the festival line - As in recent years also ... - is looking more and more impressive each week!

Anyway, here's the posting from The Darkness' website, with further details ..., albeit limited!

As promised… following a 5 year hiatus, The Darkness will make their return to the world stage on Friday 10th June 2011 at Donington Park where the band will keep the main stage warm for Def Leppard at this year’s Download Festival.

Prior to this event, The Darkness will be locked in an East Anglian studio working on tracks that will in time become the band’s third album.

For the avoidance of doubt, The Darkness is :

Justin Hawkins

Dan Hawkins

Frankie Poullain

Ed Graham.

More news shall no doubt be forthcoming before too long. In the meantime, tickets for Download and further information can be found at : http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/2011/

The Darkness official website:

http://www.theactualdarkness.com/



Brief News Update for Sunday 20th March, 2011

Dio Tribute shows on the way, with ex-Dio members

I guess it was to be expected ...

After the Heaven and Hell guys decided go ahead with their performance at last years High Voltage festival in London, with Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande stepping in for the late Ronnie James Dio RIP, there are Dio tribute shows on the horizon.

It does appear to have the blessing of Ronnie's widow Wendy Dio, as she has announced at the Ronnie James Dio website.

Here's the message:

DIO Disciples to tour, says Wendy Dio

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that Rudy (Sarzo), Simon (Wright), Craig (Goldy) and Scott (Warren) will be playing some shows in Europe together with Ripper Owens and Toby Jepson as DIO Disciples.

There will never be another Ronnie, but we want to keep his music alive and hope you will support the band and become one of the DIO Disciples.

We will post the UK/European tour dates as they are confirmed, and we are planning some US dates also.

Hope to see you at one of the shows.

With love, Wendy

I can only say this. It's cool guys and no one deserves it more than Ronnie, but I really think Jorn would've been a much better suit to the line up.

I'm sorry, no disrespect to either of those two frontmen, but I really don't either of them could do Ronnie justice.

For those that don't know these guys backgrounds, Ripper has sung with Judas Priest, when he replaced Rob Halford, no easy task I know and he's also sung for Yngwie Malmsteen.

Toby Jepson used to sing with the very underrated Little Angels, he was also a part of Fastway when Eddie Clarke put the band back on the road without original singer Dave King and then he took on the job of fronting Scottish rockers Gun.

You call it folks, I don't know, I mean the other guys are fine but Jorn Lande would be the guy if you ask me, but maybe Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will pick him up to continue Heaven and Hell, who knows?

Official Ronnie James Dio site: www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Thin Lizzy to guest on ROCKLINE show

Thin Lizzy will be the featured guests on the nationally syndicated radio show Rockline with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday March 23, 2010 at 8:30pm PT / 11:30pm ET.

Fans are encouraged to speak with Thin Lizzy 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 day following the show.

Thin Lizzy website: http://thinlizzyband.com/

REO SPEEDWAGON TO OFFER SPECIAL LIMITED-EDITION INSTANT CDs OF THEIR LIVE SHOWS ALONG TOUR

Immediately Following Select Shows, Fans Can Take the Live Performances Home With Them, In a Special Keepsake

Los Angeles, CA - March, 2011

Giving fans a chance to keep the memories strong, REO Speedwagon is offering fans a very limited-edition instant CD from each of their live shows of select stops along their current tour. The band has partnered with Abbey Road Live U.S. to release "instant" live disc sets within minutes after hitting the last note on stage. To date, four shows have already been recorded; and the next shows to offer this recording are March 18th, in Biloxi, MS; and March 19th in Cherokee, NC.

Abbey Road Live U.S. is the leader in the field of delivering high quality content immediately after an event. Each show will be brilliantly captured and mixed on-the-fly, and will be packaged in a commemorative, high-quality two-disc DigiPak, emblazoned with the band's iconic logo in gold foil. Each collectible disc can be purchased for $25, available at each show or www.abbeyroadliveus.com. These will be strictly limited edition products, and after the edition runs out, no more will ever be sold. Initially, REO and Abbey Road Live conducted a couple of test shows, in Bloomington, IL and Milwaukee, WI. The results of the tests were so well received that the shows were put on sale to ecstatic fans.

Zach Bair of Abbey Road Live U.S., said "As a long time fan of REO Speedwagon, I'm thrilled to be working with this band! They are in fact one of the greatest rock bands of their time and still are. Their amazing live sound, which Abbey Road Live captures perfectly is as good now as it was 20 or even 30 years ago."

Pre-sales for these very special discs are happening now online, and sales will only continue until each limited edition is sold out. Discs may either be picked up at the end of the show, or shipped home.

ABOUT REO SPEEDWAGON

Kevin Cronin, lead singer and principle songwriter; bass player Bruce Hall; Neal Doughty, keyboard player and founding member; lead guitarist Dave Amato, and drummer Bryan Hitt, are REO Speedwagon. Since the release of their first record in 1971, the band has produced 17 critically acclaimed albums including the monumental 10 million seller, Hi Infidelity, has scored 13 Top 40 singles, including the Number One hits "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Keep On Loving You," timeless classics including "Roll With The Changes", "Ridin' The Storm Out", "Take It On The Run", "Time For Me To Fly" and "Keep Pushin." Their recent album, Find Your Own Way Home, featured the radio favorites "I Needed To Fall" and "Smilin' In The End." REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million albums to date. For more information about REO Speedwagon and the current tour, please visit www.reospeedwagon.com or Facebook, at www.facebook.com/reospeedwagon

About Abbey Road Live U.S.

Abbey Road Live U. S. is focused on developing new and exciting revenue streams for artists and labels, and is the leader in the field of delivering high quality instant content immediately after a concert to live music fans. Lead by Zach Bair, former CEO of industry pioneer Immediatek/DiscLive (OTCBB: IMKI), the ARL team is the most experienced in the space. The company has recorded concerts around the world, and provides live music fans with an exciting, high-quality replacement for "bootleg recordings." For additional information, please visit www.abbeyroadliveus.com. You can also find Abbey Road Live U.S. on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/abbeyroadliveus

Black Country Communion new album ‘2′  and US Tour in June 2011
Critically Acclaimed ‘Savior of Classic Rock‘ BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION Announce Second Album ‘2,’ Will Be Released June 14th, 2011
BCC to Embark On Full U.S. Summer Tour Starting June 9th

LOS ANGELES, March, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Black Country Communion, the Anglo-American rock supergroup featuring the talents of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), has announced the title of its much-anticipated second album. The album will be called “2” and will be released in the U.S. on June 14th, 2011 on the J&R Adventures label.

On June 9th, the band will kick off a U.S. Summer Tour in San Diego, CA. It will take them across the country with stops in Anaheim, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; St. Louis, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Hampton Beach, NH; Sayreville, NJ; and Washington, DC.

Seeing the band perform live is a rare treat for fans. In fact, the band has only performed a full gig together twice with two sold-out shows in the UK in Dec. 2010. The first was to a 3,000 strong crowd on Dec. 29, 2010, deep in the heart of the Black Country at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. The Birmingham Mail called the performance “rip-roaring” and “breath-taking” and the Express & Star said, “From the moment Hughes’ thunderous bass riff introduced ‘Black Country’ it was like a torch had been lit underneath the famous old venue, the ghosts of rock Christmases past roaring into the present.”

Black Country Communion released its self-titled debut album in September 2010 to rave reviews. MOJO gave the album four stars and Goldmine said it’s “Possibly, the best hard rock album of 2010.” Music Radar described it as “a potent and stomping collection of riff-heavy rockers that will undoubtedly stun listeners.”

During its debut week, the album entered the Billboard Top 200 Chart at #53 and also hit #18 on the Rock Albums Chart and #6 on the Indie Chart. In the UK, it stormed to the #1 position on the Official UK Top 40 Rock Album Chart. It also charted at #13 in the Official UK Top 40 Album Chart and #2 in the Official UK Top 40 Indie Album Chart. It hit #3 in Classic Rock Magazine’s “Critics Album of the Year” poll, while Planet Rock radio listeners crowned them Best New Band of 2010.

Black Country Communion – U.S. Summer Tour 2011:

June 2011
06/09/11 - San Diego, CA – Civic Theatre
06/10/11 - Anaheim, CA – Grove of Anaheim
06/11/11 - Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
06/13/11 - St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
06/15/11 - Indianapolis, IN – The Murat Theatre
06/17/11 - Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
06/18/11 - Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
06/19/11 - Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

Official Band site: http://bccommunion.com/