Brief Update for Tuesday 29th March, 2011

Queensrÿche - “Dedicated to Chaos” – This Summer!

TO CELEBRATE THEIR 30th ANNIVERSARY IN ROCK BY RELEASING NEW ALBUM "DEDICATED TO CHAOS" THIS SUMMER

BAND TO TOUR THIS SUMMER IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM

New York, NY: Queensrÿche announced today that their new album will be called 'Dedicated to Chaos' and it will be released this summer. It’s the band’s first effort for its new label, Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud. The band – featuring Geoff Tate, Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren — is currently planning a tour in support of the new opus, which was recorded in its native Seattle. Tour dates and information will be released when available.

“Modern life moves fast,” commented frontman Geoff Tate about the album. “Plug into the rhythm of the now with our 12th studio album, 'Dedicated to Chaos.' It’s a clash and slash of musical experimentation anchored by the pulse of digital code.” He did issue one suggestion to listeners as well, saying: “Enjoy – headphones are a must.”

Queensrÿche’s 1988-issued album 'Operation: Mindcrime' is universally respected as a classic concept release about rock, revenge and redemption, which 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.

The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and 'Dedicated to Chaos' marks a new and riveting chapter in Queensrÿche’s already impressive history that fans will not want to miss.

And the chaos has just begun ...

Official website: http://www.queensryche.com/

Official tour dates: http://www.queensryche.com/tour/

Thin Lizzy adds High Voltage Festival to Tour Schedule

UK rockers Thin Lizzy have added the big High Voltage festival event to their current tour schedule.
Currently enjoying playing their first US tour dates since 2004, Thin Lizzy who have recently completed a pretty much, sold out UK tour, will return to the UK to play not one but two big UK rock festivals!

Already confirmed for Donington Park's Download Festival, the band have now been added to the popular new London summer rock festival, High Voltage!
Here's the current flyer for the event that will feature headliners Judas Priest and Dream Theater!

Thin Lizzy's official website can be found here:
http://thinlizzyband.com/

Rush changes two US tour dates

Live Nation announced today that due to unforeseen circumstances the Rush performance previously scheduled for this Friday, April 1st in Greensboro has been postponed one day and will now take place on Saturday, April 2nd at the Greensboro Coliseum. Doors remain 6:30 pm with show time at 7:30 pm.

After much consideration, as the Toledo performance would have been the 4th show in 5 days the decision was made to delay the show rather than move forward as previously scheduled. The added time between shows will ensure that fans in Toledo are treated to the best performance that Rush can deliver.

As a result, the Toledo performance previously scheduled for Wednesday, April 6th will be postponed one week and will now take place on Wednesday, April 13th at Huntington Center.

Tickets for both of the previously scheduled performance will be honored at the rescheduled dates. Fans requiring a refund may do so at point of purchase.

For complete tour and ticket details visit: www.livenation.com and http://www.rush.com/

3 Doors Down to hit the UK!

UK Dates Announced!

3 Doors Down is coming to the UK!

US band 3 Doors Down, are currently enjoying some current popularity with the single, 'When You're Young,' from the forthcoming album, 'Time of my Life.'

'When You're Young' is basically getting airplay everywhere and it's really not surprising after the great successes of previous singles, 'Kryptonite,' 'Here Without You,' 'When I'm Gone,' 'Landing In London' and 'It's Not My Time' from the equally successful albums, 'The Better Life,' 'Away From The Sun,' 'Seventeen Days' and the self titled, '3 Doors Down.' 

The band has gone from strength to strength from breaking big time in the USA, to finally breaking through elsewhere around the globe, including the UK.

Their current planned UK tour will take in the following dates:

June 2011

6/16 - Manchester, Manchester Academy

6/17 - Glasgow, O2 Academy

6/19 - London, Roundhouse

6/20 - Birmingham, O2 Academy

Official band website: http://www.3doorsdown.com/

Brief update for Sunday 27th March, 2011

Deep Purple, North American tour dates planned for June

Yes, Deep Purple's website is not saying too much on the matter, except giving this warning:

2011 US TOUR UPDATE

Please note that tour dates will only be posted once they have been confirmed by management. Stay tuned to http://www.deeppurple.com/ for official 2011 tour announcements!

That's one thing but already http://www.pollstar.com/ and http://www.ticketmaster.com/ are advertising shows here in North America and when Ticketmaster is sharing onsale tickets dates, what can you say?! 

No more word on new album although a little while back in January, at a Press Conference in Mexico, Ian Gillan spoke to press saying, "I guess it's about time, isn't it?! So we're gonna get together and have a writing session quite soon. And if we get excited, then we'll probably have another [album finished and ready for release] shortly after that. We'll see how it goes. But there's no plans. But I think we're getting poked by various connections who would like to see another DEEP PURPLE record. So I think it's about time."

That source is here: www.deeppurple.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/431000/pid/400088

 

Meantime, those dates so far showing up are as follows:

 

June 2011

Fri. 06/03/11 Orillia, ON (Canada) Casino Rama

Fri. 06/10/11 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

Sat. 06/11/11 Atlantic City, NJ, Tropicana Showroom
Sun. 06/12/11 Bethel, NY, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Tue. 06/14/11 New York, NY Beacon Theatre

Wed. 06/15/11 New York, NY Beacon Theatre

Fri. 06/17/11 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre

Sat. 06/18/11 Highland Park, IL Ravinia Festival At Ravinia Park, "Ravinia Festival"

Fri. 06/24/11 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre

Go here for more details:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&q=Deep+Purple

Official band website:

http://www.deeppurple.com/

Rush - Moving Pictures, the Deluxe reissue

Rush's 'Moving Pictures' masterwork celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a spectacular 'Moving Pictures' - Deluxe Edition (Anthem/Mercury/UMe), April 5, 2011. The reissue of this seminal album will be available in two formats: (1) a digitally remastered CD plus DVD and (2) a digitally remastered CD plus Blu-ray. The DVD and Blu-ray discs will feature the album and three bonus music videos, "Tom Sawyer," "Limelight" and the previously unreleased clip "Vital Signs," in both a stunning 5.1 surround sound mix supervised by the band's Alex Lifeson using the original multi-tracks and in newly remastered stereo from the original analog master tapes. Both DVD and Blu-ray formats will boast the 5.1 surround sound and stereo audio in 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audiophile playback which offers 256 times more resolution than CD audio, providing the listener with the closest experience you can have to what the artists hear in the studio. Also included in the package is an extensive gallery with previously unreleased photos from the original recording sessions and new liner notes by David Fricke.

You can pre-order your copy at Rush Backstage:

http://www.rushbackstage.com/en-ca/rushbackstage/compact-discs/moving-pictures-deluxe-edition-cd-dvd.html 

Please note: For US fans: The CD+BLURAY edition will be available in the US exclusively at Best Buy for the first 4 weeks and the CD + DVD version will be available to all retailers in the US starting April 5th!

The Junos celebrate their 40th Anniversary back in Toronto

The 2011 JUNO AWARDS, Canada's Music Awards, will air on Sunday, March 27th on CTV in high definition and 5.1 surround sound from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, hosted by Canadian superstar recording artist Drake ... and featuring presenter duties by Rush's Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee! http://www.junoawards.ca/

"Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" is nominated for a Juno Award in the MUSIC DVD of the Year category.

Official band website: http://www.rush.com/

Alice Cooper 'No More Mr Nice Guy Tour 2011'

The Original Evil Returns

It seems Alice Cooper is pulling out all the stops on a great summer tour, recalling his 'No More Mr Nice Guy' days as the tour is subtitled, 'The Original Evil Returns.'

Now I'm not sure if this will be the case on the rest of the tour dates, but certainly for the Detroit gig, original Kiss guitarist and legend, Ace Frehley will be his special guest.

The tour opens on May 12th in Elizabeth, IN and takes in along the way, Quebec, QC, and these Ontario cities, Ottawa, Hamilton, Sudbury and Rama through the rest of May.

He then heads to Brazil in early June, then Ireland and England for a couple of dates before playing a bunch of shows in the US, starting in Sturgis, SD on August 6th and further dates throughout August. Then he'll head back to Europe in November, so a busy year ahead for the Coop!

For full tour details:

http://alicecooper.com/tour-terror

  

Brief News Update for Friday 25th March, 2011

EMI ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF A BRAND NEW COLLECTION FROM IRON MAIDEN

'FROM FEAR TO ETERNITY: THE BEST OF 1990-2010'

ON MAY 23RD 2011 (May 24th through UME in the USA)

EMI are proud to announce the release of 'From Fear To Eternity: The Best Of 1990-2010'. A double-CD set spanning twenty years of Iron Maiden, this follows the huge success of 2010's studio album 'The Final Frontier' which hit the number one spot in 28 countries around the world. It also became the band's highest-charting album in the USA where Iron Maiden have just been awarded their first Grammy for Best Metal Performance, for the song 'El Dorado', taken from 'The Final Frontier' album, and which is included in this selection.

Iron Maiden's current phenomenal global success has seen the band not only scale new-found heights aided by their unique method of touring, using a customized Boeing 757 - named Ed Force One by their fans - to transport band, crew and all their equipment round the world to many new places, but has meant their ever-expanding fanbase now encompasses a brand new generation of metal lovers. 'From Fear To Eternity' is a chance for these new fans of the band to explore Iron Maiden's rich history, with the highlights of their last eight studio albums distilled into this handy collection, which follows 2009's compilation of their earlier work, the 1980-1990 'Somewhere Back In Time' album.

Perennial favourites to be found on this album include songs also featured in Maiden's current 'The Final Frontier World Tour' set list; tracks such as 'Fear Of The Dark', 'The Wicker Man', 'Blood Brothers' and 'Dance Of Death' sit alongside recent classics 'El Dorado' and the hauntingly evocative 'When The Wild Wind Blows'. It also include singles like 'Holy Smoke' and 'Be Quick Or Be Dead' together with more progressive thought-provoking album tracks like 'Afraid To Shoot Strangers' and 'For The Greater Good Of God'.

This new collection charts the musical development of Britain's most successful metal band as they have evolved their sound, producing longer, more complex songs, gaining huge critical acclaim in the process. Featuring many of the epics for which the band has become renowned, it is accordingly released as a double-CD, but will retail for the price of a single album.

The full tracklisting for the CD album* is as follows:

DISC 1

1. The Wicker Man 4.36

2. Holy Smoke 3.49

3. El Dorado 6:49

4. Paschendale 8.28

5. Different World 4.19

6. Man On The Edge (LIVE) 4.40

7. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg 7.22

8. Blood Brothers 7.14

9. Rainmaker 3.49

10. Sign of the Cross (LIVE) 10.49

11. Brave New World 6.19

12. Fear Of The Dark (LIVE) 7.41

DISC 2

1. Be Quick Or Be Dead 3.24

2. Tailgunner 4.15

3. No More Lies 7.22

4. Coming Home 5.52

5. The Clansman (LIVE) 9.06

6. For the Greater Good of God 9.25

7. These Colours Don't Run) 6.52

8. Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter 4.44

9. Afraid to Shoot Strangers 6.57

10. Dance of Death 8.36

11. When the Wild Wind Blows 11.02

*It will also be made available as a Digital Download Album and as a Limited Edition Triple Vinyl Picture Disc.

Iron Maiden's 2011 The Final Frontier Tour is currently underway in an Around The World In 66 Days odyssey aboard Ed Force One, piloted by lead singer and qualified airline captain Bruce Dickinson. Having recently completed a series of shows in Australia and first-ever visits to Singapore, Indonesia and South Korea, they are now on their way to Mexico for concerts in Monterrey and Mexico City. After this they will play shows right across South America, including Argentina and Chile where both shows will be filmed for inclusion in a DVD to be released later this year.

Says bassist and founder member Steve Harris, "The tour has been amazing so far and we've been overwhelmed by the reaction from our fans everywhere. We are now on our way to Mexico and South America which the whole band is very excited about! We really enjoy playing there as the fans are so passionate and we always feel a huge responsibility to put on the best show we possibly can for them. For this tour we have a great set list, a brand new stage show, and of course Eddie!. This leg of the tour ends with two shows in Florida in April, which is another favourite place for us to play, then we'll be taking a short break before a series of Summer headline Festival and Stadium shows in Europe, finishing up with our first UK Arena tour in many years. It's a great way to round off what has been an incredible time for Maiden these last few years. We are really looking forward to seeing all our loyal fans again and welcoming all the new ones! "

Iron Maiden Tour dates: http://www.ironmaiden.com/index.php?categoryid=15

KISS CONFIRMS SUMMER SHOWS

Kiss will be playing live dates in North America this summer, but if you’re expecting a full blown tour, sorry, think again!

It seems that they are just playing a limited number large festivals and that will be it?

I guess less shows, but bigger venues / locations works out to pay them just as much as if they did like 20 average sized venues instead …

(Photo image courtesy of www.kissonline.com)

This from the Kiss website:

"We're doing these shows to honor our promise to play these cities. We said we'd do it, and we are!"

KISS will headline the following festivals:

May 29 - Raley Field in West Sacramento, California

July 15 - Moondance Jam Festival in Walker, Minnesota

July 16 - Rock USA Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

July 24 - Heavy MTL Festival in Montreal, Canada

Official site for Kiss: http://www.kissonline.com/

Saxon give their ‘Call To Arms’ to fans on May 23rd

British Heavy Metallers, Saxon will release their latest album, for their new label, ‘Call To Arms’ on May 23rd, through Militia Guard Music.

The full album track listing is:

1. Hammer of the Gods

2. Back in 79

3. Surviving Against the Odds

4. Mists of Avalon

5. Call to Arms

6. Chasing the Bullet

7. Afterburner

8. When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory)

9. No Rest for the Wicked

10. Ballad of the Working Man

11. Call to Arms (Orchestral Version)

The album is preceded by the new single, ‘Hammer of the Gods’ available through Saxon’s official site now.

The band will hit the road in Europe, in April and play through until August, as the tour dates currently stands. Tour details here:

http://www.saxon747.com/en/index.php/tour

Brief News Update for Thursday March 24th, 2010

Hi folks, well you won't believe this one ....!

I've been locked out of my laptop, where I usually work on the site, when I'm out on the road and so I'm having to use the Holiday Inn's (Cincinnati), business centre, to do this update ... You have no idea what I'm trying to deal with here folks?!

There is no function associated with a right mouse click, I cannot save any images to input to this posting so this is a complete joke! So I'm sorry if this news update is somewhat disappointing. Cheers, Al 

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION

CONFIRM THEIR HIGHLY

ANTICIPATED SECOND ALBUM

"2"

UK RELEASE: MONDAY 13th JUNE 2011

US RELEASE: TUESDAY 14th JUNE 2011

Black Country Communion, the Anglo-American classic rock group featuring the talents of blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), has announced the title of their much-anticipated second album.

The album will be called “2” and will be released in the UK on June 13th via Mascot Records, followed by a US release on June 14th on the J&R Adventures label.

The album track listing is as follows:

1. The Outsider

2. Man In The Middle

3. I Can See Your Spirit

4. The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall

5. Save Me

6. Cold

7. Smokestack Woman

8. Faithless

9. An Ordinary Son

10. Little Secret

11. Crossfire

12. Crawl

On June 9, the band will kick off a US Summer Tour in San Diego, CA. In July, BCC will embark on a European tour that will take in concerts at Llandudno Cymru Arena (Saturday 23rd July), London’s High Voltage Festival (Sunday 24th July), Leeds O2 Academy (Tuesday 26th July), Newcastle O2 Academy (Wednesday 27th July), Glasgow 02 Academy (Friday 29th July), and the Manchester Academy (Saturday 30th July).

The Summer 2011 live shows are long overdue and very highly anticipated, as the only live shows the band have performed previously was when they played two sold out concerts in Wolverhampton and London during late December 2010.

When the band performed in the heart of the Black Country at Wolverhmapton’s Civic Hall in front of a 3,000 strong crowd on Dec. 29, 2010, the Birmingham Mail newspaper described the band’s performance as “rip-roaring” and “breathtaking," while the Express & Star newspaper 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 magazine gave the album four stars and Classic Rock magazine 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 first week of release in the UK, the album hit the #1 spot in the Official Top 40 Rock Album Chart, and also hit #13 in the Official Top 40 Album Chart and #2 in the UK’s Official Top 40 Indie Album Chart. The album was voted #3 in Classic Rock magazine’s “Critics Album of the Year” poll, while Planet Rock radio listeners crowned BCC as the Best New Band of 2010.

Official band website: http://www.bccommunion.com/

Q104.3 Presents HISTORIC SHOW WITH FOREIGNER FOR iHeartRadio Live

AS A CURTAIN RAISER TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELEASE OF FOREIGNER '4', THE BAND WILL PERFORM SELECTIONS FROM THE ALBUM AND OTHER FOREIGNER CLASSICS IN CONCERT IN NEW YORK CITY ON MARCH 30TH

BAND TO RELEASE LIVE DVD AND CD THIS SUMMER VIA RAZOR & TIE AND TOUR WITH JOURNEY

(New York, NY) - Foreigner will be performing an exclusive show at the P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York City on March 30th as part of iHeartRadio Live, a Clear Channel entertainment production that features private performances and interviews with today's top recording artists. The band will be playing selections from Foreigner '4' and other songs from their repertoire of sixteen top thirty songs and radio favorites. Videos from the show will be available on http://www.q1043.com/ and http://www.iheartradio.com/.

Released in 1981, '4' was Foreigner's fourth studio album and features the hit singles "Urgent," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," and "Juke Box Hero."

"To provide the Q104.3 audience with an exclusive, intimate performance with a band like Foreigner in our P.C. Richard & Son Theater is incredible all by itself," said Eric Wellman, Program Director, Q104.3. "To give them the experience of hearing Foreigner classics including songs from Foreigner '4,' one of the defining albums in the history of rock, played live right before your eyes is amazing! Six times platinum? Is that all? I can't wait!"

This summer Razor & Tie will release a Foreigner live DVD featuring the band's greatest hits filmed in Chicago in March. Razor & Tie will also release a new studio album of Foreigner hits, including classics such "Hot Blooded," "Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," and "I Want to Know What Love Is," to name a few. The live DVD performance will be featured in a PBS TV national broadcast in the summer. More details of this exciting event will follow.

"We are very excited to be working with one of the most successful bands in rock history," said Cliff Chenfeld Co-Owner of Razor & Tie. "Mick Jones and Foreigner are legends and continue to perform and record at a remarkably high level. We are honored to partner with them."

For the first time in over 10 years, Foreigner and Journey will hit the road on a national tour. The tour features special guests Night Ranger, and tickets are now on sale through online, phone and physical retail outlets, including select Walmart Ticketmaster locations across the country.

Foreigner's Mick Jones says, "This will be one of the main events of the summer. Bands who represent the magic era in Classic Rock together for the first time in ten years. Get ready to rock!" Journey's Neal Schon adds: "We haven't toured with Foreigner for over 10 years, so we're really looking forward to this run."

More than 30 years after releasing their first multi-platinum album, Foreigner's music resonates globally across generations with album sales exceeding 70 million. An impressive run of 14 Top 20 hits includes worldwide number one hit "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "Head Games," "Urgent," "Waiting For A Girl Like You" and video game staples such as "Hot Blooded" and "Juke Box Hero."

Foreigner's tours continue to electrify audiences and establish the group in its rightful place as one of the top touring attractions. Formed in 1976 by English rocker Mick Jones, the current lineup includes: Mick Jones (lead guitar/vocals), Kelly Hansen (lead vocals/ percussion), Jeff Pilson (bass guitar), Tom Gimbel (guitar/saxophone/flute), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), and Mark Schulman (drums).

Foreigner is the latest addition to join the leading independent label Razor & Tie and the diverse and acclaimed roster that includes such artists as Vanessa Carlton, Richard Ashcroft, Nicole Atkins, Angelique Kidjo, Dave Barnes, All That Remains, Norma Jean, Dweezil Zappa, Dar Williams, Chelsea Grin and The Summer Set. The New York City-based label is one of the fastest growing independent record companies in the United States, and has garnered both Platinum sales and Grammy awards in its 20-year history.

Foreigner and Journey with special Guest Night Ranger Tour dates:

July 2011

21 Salt Lake City, UT Rio Tinto Stadium

23 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

24 Phoenix, AZ Desert Sky Pavilion

27 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

30 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

31 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

August 2011

2 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center

3 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

5 Columbus, OH Crew Stadium, Ohio State Fair

6 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

10 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

13 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center

16 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre

17 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

19 Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach Amphitheater

20 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek

21 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte

24 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

27 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion

30 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair

31 Allentown, PA The Great Allentown Fair

September 2011

10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena

16 Atlanta, GA Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood

17 Tampa, FL Gary Amphitheatre

18 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

24 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion

25 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

28 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre

October 2011

1 Englewood, CO Comfort Dental Amphitheatre

7 Chula Vista, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

14 Wheatland, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

15 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

19 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena

21 Seattle, WA KeyArena

LINKS
http://www.foreigneronline.com/

http://www.razorandtie.com/

http://www.q1043.com/

http://www.iheartradio.com/

http://www.pcrichardtheater.com/

John Waite live dates announced

In support of his 'Rough and Tumble' release earlier this year, John Waite is hitting the road again for a series of live dates.

Right now there his next show is this Saturday 26th March, in Ramona, CA, he then plays a few shows in April, before a string of dates through June and July.

Unfortunately his new 'official' website is still not up and running yet, but there is a location that currently just shares his new album' cover artwork: http://www.johnwaite.com/

The live dates are as follows:

March 2011

Sat 03/26/11 Ramona, CA Ramona Mainstage

April 2011

Fri 04/08/11 Bremerton, WA Admiral Theatre

Sat 04/09/11 Edmonds, WA Edmonds Center For The Arts

Fri 04/15/11 Sussex, WI Hamilton Fine Arts Center

June 2011

Wed 06/01/11 Austin, TX One World Theatre

Thu 06/02/11 Baton Rouge, LA Manship Theatre

Fri 06/03/11 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre

Sat 06/11/11 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Hotel & Casino

Fri 06/24/11 Mount Pleasant, MI Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Sat 06/25/11 Des Moines, IA Water Works Park

July 2011Fri 07/29/11 Lincolinshire, IL Viper Alley
Sat 07/30/11 Saint Clair, MI Palmer Park at "St Clair Riverfest"

The best sites currently to check on his updates are:

www.myspace.com/johnwaite

www.facebook.com/people/John-Waite/1383702065

Sorry folks, but that's really all I have for you for Thursday news items ... Knowing my luck, like the other day, the Journey press release came out right after I had posted my site update ... Typical, huh?!

Have a good rest of the week folks, be safe wherever you may be.

Cheers!

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/