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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Rock News Update for Wednesday 25th May, 2011

Hello folks, yes I'm back! That week away just flew by, but there you go, that's what happens when you're on holiday or vacation right?!
Great to see family in the UK, catch up on the phone with a few old friends over there I've not spoken to in awhile (Thanks Ian, it's been years mate!), good to catch up with my old mate Steve Newman, who's currently getting loads of praise for his latest project alongside vocalist Mark Thompson-Smith in Big Life - Album review here soon. - and Steve shared with me some of the new Newman stuff not due for release until late summer, so in it's early stages and the one or two tracks I heard ... Wow!
Fans of classic Newman material will fully be able to relate to this stuff and the sound is BIG, his influences of Journey / Toto, very much present and seriously, one track I heard, he's almost outdoing Arnel vocally!
Good luck with it Steve!

Other than that, very disappointed on our first ever trip with US Airways, anything that could go wrong did and that will be the first and last time we travel with them and they will be hearing from me ...

So, loads of new stuff was waiting for me when I got back and I'm already behind on what I have, so hopefully later today I can upload a couple of new reviews for you all and some stuff I've had a while, that really is long overdue posting here.
So, to the updates that I've received in the week I've been away, I hope some of it is new to you and one last thing, my well wishes go out to my old mate Andrew McNiece of www.melodicrock.com ... The poor guy is back in hospital again, after having a rough year or so on many front including major back problems.
This time it's some cut he got, that got infected and into his blood stream and has made the guy a pretty sick duck or should that be Wombat mate?!! Get well soon Andrew, our best to you mate.
So, on to the updates! Cheers, Al


JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES



After storming the world for nearly 40 years and taking their very special brand of heavy metal to all four corners of the planet, JUDAS PRIEST - one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, have announced this will be their final world tour!!

However, the mighty PRIEST will certainly be going out strong as they rock the planet starting in 2011 on the massive EPITAPH tour - hitting all the major cities throughout the world they will be playing the songs that helped make the name JUDAS PRIEST synonymous with heavy metal!

The tour will feature new guitarist Richie Faulkner. The 31 year old British guitar player has blended into the band perfectly, due to his amazing six-string talents. Richie joins Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill and Scott Travis in the line-up. Together, JUDAS PRIEST will hit the road for the EPITAPH Tour.

With all guns blazing and amps cranked to eleven, the band will be giving all their fans one last chance to witness the ultimate metal experience that is JUDAS PRIEST!

JUDAS PRIEST will be starting their North American tour on Wednesday, October 12th in San Antonio.

A confirmed itinerary of performances for the first leg of tour can be found below.

October 2011:
12 – San Antonio, TX: AT&T Center
14 – Corpus Christi, TX: Concrete Street Amphitheater
15 – Houston, TX: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
16 – Dallas, TX: Allen Event Center
18 – Tucson, AZ: Ava Amphitheater
19 – San Diego, CA: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
21 – Phoenix, AZ: AZ State Fair
22 – San Bernardino, CA: San Manuel Amphitheater
23 – Las Vegas, NV: Hard Rock
25 – Los Angeles, CA: Gibson Amphitheatre
26 – Oakland, CA: Oracle Arena
29 – Seattle, WA: WaMu Theater
30 – Vancouver, BC: Rogers Arena

November 2011:
1 – Edmonton, AB: Shaw Conference Center
2 – Calgary, AB: Scotiabank Saddledome
4 – Salt Lake City, UT: Maverik Center
5 – Denver, CO: 1STBANK Center
12 – Chicago, IL: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
13 – Detroit, MI: Joe Louis Arena
18 – East Rutherford, NJ: Izod Center

Stay tuned as we announce more dates - information will be forthcoming soon - so start getting prepared to rock one final time with the incomparable JUDAS PRIEST!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT http://www.judaspriest.com/


ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER KISS KRUISE!


SHIP WILL SET SAIL OCTOBER 13-17, 2011

So here we go, Kiss getting into the rock cruise game that seems to be the latest thing for rock fans everywhere. Here's press release / newsletter details.

Hello KISS ARMY!

We know you have been waiting patiently for the big news...and here it is!

The KISS Kruise: Wet, Wild, & Rockin’
Sailing on the Carnival Destiny
October 13 – 17, 2011
from Miami to Half Moon Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

ARE YOU READY to INVADE the seas on the first ever KISS Kruise? KISS is partnering with cruise industry leaders, Sixthman for this sea-bound adventure.

On this outrageous ship, you’ll get to party with fist pounding hard rock all night, and live like a rock star all day. You’ll see a legendary show with KISS in an intimate indoor venue and an acoustic "Sail Away Concert" (no make-up!!) to keep the party going as the ship leaves port. It doesn’t stop there; we’ll have krazy on board activities, KISS-themed nights, badass costume contests and more!

KISS ARMY Fan Club members will be able to book first during the pre-sale, so if you've let your KISS Army Fan Club membership expire or you're thinking about joining for the first time, make sure to sign up by May 22nd!

The sooner you book, the better selection of cabins and seating for your main lounge show!
So, don’t wait - sign up now for the presale here: www.sixthman.net/KISS and make sure to become and ARMY member before May 22nd!

Here’s how it works:

STEP 1: Visit www.sixthman.net/KISS to register! Pre-sale sign ups end at 11:59PM EST on May 30th , 2011. (IF YOU JOIN THE FAN CLUB, SIGN UP FOR THE PRE-SALE BY MAY 22nd TO BE A PART OF THE KISS ARMY FAN CLUB PRE-SALE).

STEP 2: All those who are not Fan Club members will receive more detailed information by email from Sixthman on or around May 31st . The email will have your Earliest Booking Time - a randomly assigned date and time starting June 2nd.

STEP 3: On or after your Earliest Booking Time, visit http://www.thekisskruise.com/ and click Book Now to reserve your cabin!

STEP 4: Start planning for the best vacation of your life!

The public on-sale date is June 7, 2011, at which time anyone who didn't join the pre-sale may book.

For more information on our ship, itinerary, and overall event, please visit The KISS Kruise: Wet, Wild, & Rockin’ website http://www.thekisskruise.com/ when it launches on May 18, 2011.

If you have further questions before the website is launched, please contact Sixthman by email at KISSKRUISE@sixthman.net, or through Sixthman’s Live Chat feature (http://www.sixthman.net/util/chat) or by phone at 877-379-9183 (open M-F, 10am-6pm EST).
And if that's not enough info for ya, head over to the KISS Kruise Info Page at www.kissonline.com/kruise for all the details.

This is only for supreme KISS fans. Are you ready to rock & roll all night and party every day?
See you onboard!


NIGHT RANGER’S “SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA” CONFIRMED FOR RELEASE VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS - ALBUM CELEBRATES BAND’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED; SUMMER TOUR SUPPORTING JOURNEY AND FOREIGNER WITH DATES IN EUROPE AND US



Night Ranger’s brand new album SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA has just been confirmed for release on June 17th in Europe and June 21st in North America on Frontiers Records. The offering is the culmination of the band’s work to date and celebrates the 30th anniversary of Night Ranger. SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA finds Night Ranger returning to their classic sound with updated production. Frontman/bassist Jack Blades commented, “Night Ranger is back with a vengeance! We are so proud of our new album… classic NR in every sense...can’t wait to see all the fans on tour this summer. Rock n’ roll!”

(Night Ranger - Photo by Ross Pelton)

The first single, “Growin’ Up In California,” will soon impact at radio. The sun-drenched new video has just been released and can be viewed here. An EPK for the album can be viewed here:


(Jack Blades and Brad Gillis photo by Jonathan Cain)

Please see below for a complete track listing for SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA. Night Ranger will hit the road this summer on a massive tour in Europe and USA as special guests supporting Journey and Foreigner. Please see below for confirmed tour dates.

(Joel Hoekstra, Kelly Keagy, Jack Blades, Brad Gillis - Photo by Jonathan Cain)

Night Ranger’s legendary hits "Sister Christian," "(You Can Still) Rock in America," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception thirty years ago. Night Ranger’s contributions are featured in multiple entertainment realms, including the hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". The band has also been recognized in such significant films and television shows as Boogie Nights, Secret of My Success and “American Dad” to name a few. To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.
Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass & lead vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums & lead vocals), Brad Gillis (guitar & backing vocals), Joel Hoekstra (guitar & backing vocals) and Eric Levy (keyboards).


(Night Ranger - Photo by Ross Pelton)



Night Ranger SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA track listing:
Growin’ Up In California
Lay It On Me
Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)
Follow Your Heart
Time Of Our Lives
No Time To Lose Ya
Live For Today
It’s Not Over
End Of The Day
Rock N’ Roll Tonite
Say It With Love
Coming of Age (featuring Ted Nugent) – Bonus track for AmazonMP3
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – Bonus track for iTunes

Night Ranger on tour supporting Journey and Foreigner:

JUNE
17 Hannover, GER Parkbuehne
18 Esslingen (Stuttgart), GER Richard-Hirschmann Eisstadion
19 Winterthur,SWI Eishalle Deutweg
21 Milan, ITL Fiera Arena
22 Augsburg (Nuremburg, GER) Schwabenhalle
23 London, UK o2 Academy Islington (headlining show)
25 St. Goarshausen, GER Loreley Freilchtbuhne

JULY
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
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
2 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
16 Atlanta, GA Aaron’s Ampitheatre At Lakewood
17 Tampa, FL 1-800-Ask 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
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


For more information please visit:



PROLIFIC BRITISH MUSICIAN JOHN WETTON TO RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUM IN JULY VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS; “RAISED IN CAPTIVITY” FEATURES GUEST SPOTS BY IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF MUSICAL PARTNERS


Frontiers Records is proud to announce the release of the sixth solo album by esteemed British singer/songwriter John Wetton; RAISED IN CAPTIVITY is due out on July 1st in Europe and the 12th in North America. The album was recorded in Los Angeles during a brief break between touring commitments and is produced and mixed by multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood (Yes, World Trade, Yoso). The new offering finds Wetton teaming up with current and former musical partners, including some of the biggest names from the British music scene over the past four decades: Genesis’ Steve Hackett, King Crimson’s Robert Fripp, Deep Purple’s Steve Morse and many more.
Please see below for a full track listing.

“Raised In Captivity” celebrates yet another milestone in an extraordinary life, a stunning collection of songs reinforcing a career of over 40 years during which John Wetton has created a legacy as one of the greatest singers, musicians and songwriters ever. Respected worldwide by fans and musical peers alike, Wetton’s career included a significant period of time in the early eighties when he was the biggest selling singer in the world. Once again characterised by the emotional impact of the material, a necessary component in all Wetton’s creativity, “Raised In Captivity” continues an unrivalled career which has brought inspiration to millions worldwide.

Of the new album and choice of producer, Wetton commented, “The decision to record in Los Angeles with Billy Sherwood was entirely mine. I wanted the chaotic urban inspiration, edge and energy to juxtapose the natural beauty that California provides. I also knew that Billy Sherwood would provide the musical and technical ability to record quickly, with ultra high energy and superb production quality.” The material was written in a variety of ways, such as “Goodbye Elsinore” was written on the Denmark-Sweden sea ferry en route to a Vilde Frang concert and “The Devil and the Opera House” is co-written with King Crimson collaborator Richard Palmer-James. The album’s finale is “Mighty Rivers”, featuring the enigmatic Dutch soprano Anneke Van Giersbergen and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

John Wetton has been a member of several prominent British bands. After two albums with Family he joined King Crimson from 1972 to 1974, before working with Roxy Music and Uriah Heep. In 1977, with former Crimson band mate and drummer Bill Bruford, he co-founded U.K., which also featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth and keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson. After U.K.’s demise, Wetton turned his attentions to a solo career.

In 1982, Wetton became part of the supergroup Asia, together with Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes. This “fab four” of progressive pop would rule radio and record sales, with their debut album becoming the biggest selling album of the year and yielding the worldwide hit “Heat of the Moment.” Wetton remained prolific with more solo studio albums and several collaborative efforts over the years.

In 2002 at a John Wetton fan convention held in Allentown, PA, he started working with Geoff Downes again. This collaboration ultimately resulted a series of iCon studio and live albums and the in the highly-anticipated reunion of Asia’s original lineup, bringing about two successful new studio albums: PHOENIX in 2008 and OMEGA in 2010.

John Wetton RAISED IN CAPTIVITY track listing:
1. Lost For Words (featuring Steve Morse)
2. Raised In Captivity (featuring Robert Fripp)
3. Goodbye Elsinore (featuring Steve Hackett)
4. The Last Night Of My Life (featuring Alex Machacek)
5. We Stay Together (bonus track)
6. The Human Condition (featuring Tony Kaye)
7. Steffi’s Ring (featuring Geoff Downes)
8. The Devil And The Opera House (featuring Eddie Jobson)
9. New Star Rising (featuring Mick Box)
10. Don’t Misunderstand Me (featuring Tony Kaye)
11. Mighty Rivers (featuring Anneke Van Giersbergen)

“Lost For Words” can be streamed in full on the Frontiers Records web radio www.frontiers.it/webradio
Other album sample tracks can be heard here:

For more information please visit:



BRITISH MELODIC ROCK AT IT'S FINEST
– AIRRACE –
RETURN WITH 'BACK TO THE START'


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of AIRRACE comeback album entitled 'Back to the Start' on July 1st in Europe and August 23rd in North America.

Mostly known in the Hard Rock circles for being the band that saw the musical debut from John Bonham’s son Jason on the band’s debut album for Atco 'Shaft of Light,' AIRRACE was instead brainchild of former More guitarist Laurie Mansworth.

'Shaft of Light,' produced by Beau Hill (Ratt, Winger, Fiona etc) received rave reviews when released in October 1984, showing a combination of breezy melodies and snappy choruses which moved journalist Derek Oliver to pronounce in the pages of Kerrang! that anyone who didn’t like Airrace “ought to be shot”.

Although the band got to play support slots with Queen, AC/DC and Meat Loaf, Airrace crash-landed in the summer of 1985.

It took a 25th anniversary re-issue of 'Shaft of Light' to reunite the band in 2009. To celebrate the record’s expanded re-release, the original members Mansworth, Bonham with singer Keith Murrell and keyboardist Toby Sadler recruited two new members – second guitarist Dean Howard (formerly of T’Pau) and bassist Dave Boyce (ex-Samson, among others) – to hit the road, playing gigs with Thunder, Tesla, Winger and more, in addition to headlining their own shows. When Jason Bonham departed, the occupation of his drum stool by The Outfield’s Simon Dawson brought them vital stability.

It was the overwhelmingly positive reaction to an appearance at annual melodic rock all-dayer the Firefest in October 2009 that convinced Airrace to take things more seriously. Describing what the wild scenes of that day, Fireworks magazine proposed the distinct possibility that Airrace were “the best opening band we’ve ever had at a Firefest”.

With Toby Sadler, who resides in Germany, unable to commit to playing more regularly, Airrace hired a new keyboard player called Chris Williams, re-recruiting original bass player Jim Reid as a successor to Dave Boyce.

The above grouping can be heard on 'Back to the Start,' the long-awaited second album from Airrace. Produced by Mansworth, it’s a notch heavier than 'Shaft Of Light' yet continues to offer all of the group’s trademarks, including über-memorable hooks and the exquisite singing of Keith Murrell, recently named at #20 in Classic Rock Presents AOR magazine’s list of the Top 40 AOR Vocalists Of All Time. Guitarist Laurie Mansworth said "We had a great time making this record, and we are very happy with the results. I feel this album captures the Airrace sound and is closer to how we sound live than the first album. We are also very excited about working with our new label Frontiers who have been very supportive throughout the making of Back to the Start”.

As good as anything the Yanks have to offer, we think that you’ll agree: 'Back to the Start' is well worth the wait!
'Back to the Start' includes the following songs:

Keep On Going; Two Of A Kind; When Baby; Call Me Anytime; So Long; Back To Start; Just One Kiss; Wrong Way Out; One Step Ahead; Enough Of Your Loving; Better Believe It; What More Do You Want From Me?

The song “Keep On Going” can be streamed in full on the Frontiers Records web radio www.frontiers.it/webradio and on AIRRACE official website www.myspace.com/airraceband
Other samples can also be heard right here: http://frontiers.it/news/10480/

AIRRACE is:
Keith Murrrell – vocals
Laurie Mansworth – lead guitars
Simon Dawson – drums
Dean Howard – guitars
Jim Reid – bass
Chris Williams - keyboards

 
Dream Weaver's 'Gary Wright' on tour across Europe with 'Ringo Starr's All Starr Band'
 
Gary Wright, known by millions for his internationally acclaimed singles ‘Dream Weaver’ and ‘Love Is Alive’, will perform with ‘Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band’ on an extensive 27-date European tour from June 4-17th. This will mark the third time Wright will tour with Ringo’s All Starr Band (following tours in 2008 and 2010).

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Wright’s multi-million selling album ‘The Dream Weaver’. When the album was originally released in 1976, and the single ‘Dream Weaver’ became a huge success, Wright toured extensively with Yes, Fleetwood Mac and was special guest on Peter Frampton’s ‘Frampton Comes Alive!’ tour.

Now, with the release of his first album in 20 years, ‘Connected’, Wright showcases a breath-taking collection of songs that capture the joyous magical transcendence of his all-time classic hits. The single ‘Satisfied’ includes performances from Ringo Starr (drums), Joe Walsh (lead guitar), and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (rhythm guitar).


Former lead singer of the British progressive blues rock band Spooky Tooth (1967-1974), American born Wright embarked on a solo career in 1975. He was one of the first classic rock musicians to combine synthesizers with rock and funk. Gary’s music has inspired generations of musicians including Jay-Z, Eminem, Mya, Salt-N-Pepa, Busta Rhymes, and Anastacia.

The UK leg of Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band’s UK tour includes: Hampton Court (June 17), Liverpool Empire (June 18), Birmingham Symphony Hall (June 20), Manchester Opera House (June 22), Glasgow Clyde Auditorium (June 23) and Bournemouth BIC (June 24).
The All Starr Band features Rick Derringer (guitar), Richard Page (bass), Wally Palmar (guitar, harmonica), Edgar Winter (sax, keyboards), Gary Wright (keyboards) and Gregg Bissonette (drums).


Read the official online press release here - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/larkiorecords/GaryWright.htm


 
ONE OF THE GREAT LOST ‘80S BANDS HAS BEEN FOUND!
FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS RETURN TO MARK ‘SWEETHEART’ ANNIVERSARY
WITH NEWLY REMASTERED GREATEST HITS COLLECTION AND EXCLUSIVE REISSUES OF COMPLETE ORIGINAL CATALOGUE

Hit-making band led by Dirty Dancing’s Oscar-winning songwriter and featuring Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres to release The Best of Franke & the Knockouts: Sweetheart – Anniversary Edition with special bonus tracks.
Proceeds Benefit the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund.

Watch Franke & the Knockouts introduce Tico Torres on American Bandstand:

Watch a vintage Franke & the Knockouts music video:


To some, FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS was that band led by the guy who would go on to win the Oscar as the lead writer of Dirty Dancing’s theme song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

To others, FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS was that other New Jersey band that boasted Tico Torres as its drummer -- right before he joined Bon Jovi en route to superstardom.
And then there are those who can’t shake that pop-perfect Top 10 smash “Sweetheart” from their brains, even though they might not remember the artist behind that and several other Top 40 blue-eyed soul hits from the early 1980s.
Regardless of why you remember FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS -- and why you should -- one thing resonates as clear as Franke Previte’s indelibly soaring, soulful falsetto:

One of the greatest “lost ‘80s” bands has been found!

More than a decade since their radio rockin’ blue-eyed soul music was available anywhere, FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS are back in a big way. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Sweetheart,” the band’s first hit record, Friday Music is releasing the newly remastered ultimate hits collection, THE BEST OF FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS: SWEETHEART – ANNIVERSARY EDITION, on CD and digital download. As a special bonus for all the collectors who’ve been clamoring for the entire catalogue for a generation, the band’s three “lost” albums, Franke & the Knockouts (1981), Below the Belt (1982) and Makin’ the Point (1984) – will be simultaneously available for the first time since their original vinyl issue, also newly remastered, in digital-only format. All four albums are being released May 24, 2011 on Friday Music.

THE BEST OF FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS features 19 hit tracks including all of the band’s classics such as their unforgettable Top 40 hits “Sweetheart,” “You’re My Girl” and “(Without You) Not Another Lonely Night.” It also features two bonus tracks, the original demo version of "Hungry Eyes," which Previte originally wrote and recorded for Franke & the Knockouts before it wound up becoming a Dirty Dancing soundtrack smash for Eric Carmen, and the previously unreleased power ballad "Beat Of A Broken Heart," written and recorded for the Dirty Dancing sequel, Havana Nights. The artist owned and authorized disc also includes new liner notes by Previte, unissued photos, and original artwork elements not seen in years.

Previte is donating his portion of the proceeds to the Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund at Stanford Cancer Center, in memory of his courageous Dirty Dancing friend.

“Not only is this celebrating the anniversary of my first-ever hit record,” says Previte, “but it also gives me a chance to re-live some of those moments hearing my voice at its best and being able to realize that I made a small little indentation to the music industry that some people still remember and enjoy. I get emails from people all over the world who just love the music, and are dying to know how they can get a hold of it. Some of the original records have been selling for a couple hundred bucks online, so I decided it’s time that I put them out make them affordable and accessible all over again. And I’d like to take that money and help my charity.”

THE BEST OF FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS: SWEETHEART – ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Sweetheart
She's A Runner
Runnin' Into The Night
Comeback
You're My Girl
One For All
Annie Goes Hollywood
Never Had It Better
Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)
Just What I Want
Morning Sun
You Don't Want Me (Like I Want You)
Outrageous
Come Rain Or Shine
You're All That Really Matters
One Good Reason
Blame It On My Heart
Hungry Eyes (Original Version/Bonus Track)
Bonus Track
Beat Of A Broken Heart (Unreleased Bonus Track)

FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS ON THE WEB:


GUITAR GOD ZAKK WYLDE TO SIT IN WITH THE ROOTS ON "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON" MONDAY, JUNE 6TH

(New York, NY) - On Monday, June 6th guitar god Zakk Wylde will sit in with the amazing house band, The Roots, on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon." Expect a killer display of guitar pyrotechnics from Wylde, as he jams with The Roots on a variety of material. Wylde will be featured throughout the entire show. "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" airs on NBC at 12:35AM, ET/PT.

In other Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society news, BLS' latest album, THE SONG REMAINS NOT THE SAME (Entertainment One Music) was just released and debuted in the Top 50 of the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. The offering features unplugged versions of material from Black Label Society's most recent studio album, ORDER OF THE BLACK, as well as additional material recorded during the ORDER OF THE BLACK sessions. THE SONG REMAINS NOT THE SAME was conceived, created and compiled by Zakk Wylde himself and the title is, of course, a nod to one of Wylde's favorite bands, Led Zeppelin.

Zakk Wylde's profile is at an all time high with recent appearances on "American Idol" and "Lopez Tonight."
Black Label Society is currently on the road wrapping up a headlining trek as part of Fuse's Uranium Tour 2011 Presented By Mistress Juliya in North America. Please see below for the remaining tour dates.

About Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society
In the two decades since Ozzy Osbourne hired him away from his job at a New Jersey gas station, Zakk Wylde has established himself as a guitar icon known and revered the world over. Wylde has won nearly every guitar award imaginable, graced countless magazine covers and is a major influence to a new battalion of rock guitarists. Writing and recording with Osbourne led to multi-platinum success, inspiring him to create the now iconic Black Label Society in 1998. In the decade plus since, BLS has turned the notion of what a rock band should be upside down by inspiring legions of fans (known as Berserkers) all over the world to follow the mantra: Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever (SDMF for short). Wylde and his Berserkers have established a heavy metal institution true to the vision of uncompromising, unfiltered and unrestrained rock 'n' roll. To date, Black Label Society has sold more than 3.5 million albums worldwide and continues to be a massive presence on the worldwide touring and merchandising circuits. Black Label Society's ORDER OF THE BLACK (Entertainment One Music), was released in August, 2010 and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.

Uranium Tour 2011 Featuring: Black Label Society. Presented by Mistress Juliya of Fuse:

MAY 2011
26 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
27 Madison, WI Majestic Theater
28 Minneapolis, MN 93X radio show
29 Pryor, OK Rocklahoma
31 Chicago, IL House Of Blues

JUNE 2011
1 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
3 Atlantic City, NJ House Of Blues
4 New York, NY Irving Plaza
5 Richmond, VA The National

For more information please visit:


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Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday 16th May, 2011

No time for this really and this will be the last post here until we return next Tuesday from our break, but Ronnie deserves this. Cheers, Al


Remembering Ronnie James Dio



Ronnie James Dio - 1 Year gone already. RIP - A legendary singer, frontman and by all accounts nice guy and a true rock fan too. July 10th, 1942 - May 16th, 2010. Gone but never forgotten.



Celebrated rock band ‘TOTO’ will perform a rare concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday 26th June, 2011. This will be TOTO’s only UK concert this year.



Tickets are available from the 24 Hour Ticket Hotline 0844 888 9991 or 0844 847 1642, or book online from http://www.ticketline.co.uk/ or http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/

TOTO will perform all their classic hits from a career that spans 34 years. Fans can expect to hear all the greatest hits including Hold The Line, Rosanna and Africa. The current line-up features Joseph Williams (lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards), Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards), Simon Phillips (drums), and Nathan East (bass guitar).

The band will also perform songs from their 12 studio albums including their eponymous debut Toto (1978), followed by Hydra (1979), Turn Back (1981), Toto IV (1982), Isolation (1984), Fahrenheit (1986), The Seventh One (1988), Kingdom of Desire (1992), Tambu (1995), Mindfields (1999), Through The Looking Glass (2002) and Falling In Between (2006)

TOTO are featured on the front cover of the new issue of “AOR” magazine. The new issue features an 11-page retrospective that chronicles the history of TOTO written by Derek Oliver, plus a free cover mount CD, “AOR Anthems,” that includes a live recording of TOTO’s “Pamela” exclusively mixed for AOR by TOTO drummer, Simon Phillips.


TOTO - 2011 EUROPEAN TOUR DATES


21 Jun 2011 Bruxelles Forest National Belgium

23 Jun 2011 Amsterdam Heineken Hall Netherlands

24 Jun 2011 Amsterdam Heineken Music Hall Netherlands

26 Jun 2011 London Hammersmith Apollo UK

27 Jun 2011 Paris Le Zenith France

28 Jun 2011 Lyon Halle Tony Garnier France

30 Jun 2011 Copenhagen KB Hallen Denmark

01 Jul 2011 Stockholm Skansen Solliden Sweden

03 Jul 2011 Riihimaki / Helsinki Riihimakirock Finland

05 Jul 2011 Borgholm Slottsruinen Borgholm Sweden

06 Jul 2011 Gothenburg Tradgardsforeningen Sweden

08 Jul 2011 Tysnesfest - Bergen Gjerstad Hovud Arena Norway

09 Jul 2011 Kristiansand Ravnedalen Norway

10 Jul 2011 Vejle Open Air Denmark

12 Jul 2011 Hamburg Stadtpark Freilichtbühne Germany

14 Jul 2011 Straubing Jazz an der Donau Germany

15 Jul 2011 Ulm Klosterhof Wiblingen Germany

16 Jul 2011 Zurich Live at Sunset Switzerland

17 Jul 2011 Verona Castello Scaligero Di Villafranca Italy

 Official site: http://www.toto99.com/
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Saturday, May 14, 2011

Brief News Update for Saturday 14th May, 2011

Hi folks, well you probably guessed there's been loads going on for me, hence lack of updates and you'd be right, but .... Blogger.com has also been down for maintenance each time I did have time to login, so it prevented me updating the site at that time.
Anyway, yes, I was working away from home this past week, lengthy days nowhere near a PC and when I did get done, I was wiped out and then at other times hit the Blogger.com issue!
So, here we go, it's Saturday and FA Cup final day in England, this year it's the revitalised Manchester City, who now with loads of money behind them have had possibly their best season in years, will be facing Stoke City, who've just completed their first season in the UK's Premier League. Good luck guys!

This news update is going to be my last for a week, as the family is taking a vacation and believe me, Rhonda and I can't wait to get some time off work that's for this specific reason ... Vacation!
So, make the most of this update - Even if some of it is possibly news you've already seen elsewhere this week! - and I'll be back in a week! Cheers, Al


VAN HALEN TO HEADLINE AUSTRALIA’S SOUNDWAVE REVOLUTION MUSIC FESTIVAL


Wednesday, 11 May 2011 - It’s OFFICIAL – the first confirmed VAN HALEN tourdates for 2011 have been announced! VAN HALEN will headline SOUNDWAVE REVOLUTION, an annual music festival held in major cities around Australia.

The 5 confirmed festival dates are:

Brisbane – September 24
Sydney – September 25
Melbourne – September 30
Adelaide – October 1
Perth – October 3

SOUNDWAVE REVOLUTION Full Line-up for 2011:ACTS ANNOUNCED TODAY (Announced May 11th at 9pm in Australia, 7am EST in U.S.)

Van Halen (with David Lee Roth)
Alice Cooper
Hole
Machine Head
Danzig
Bad Religion
Alter Bridge
Versa Emerge
Sisters of Mercy
The Pretty Reckless

ACTS PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED INCLUDE:
Dashboard Confessional, Hatebreed, Cro-Mags, Funeral for a Friend, Steel Panther, Sum 41 and Hellyeah

For more information, visit the festival’s official web site:

Alterbridge tweets:
“We are beyond excited to announce we will be rocking Australia in Sept/Oct on the same stage as Van Halen!”

Scott Ian’s tweets:
@Scott_Ian Soundwave Revolution lineup. Playing with Van Halen. HOLY CRAP!!!

Story source: http://www.vhnd.com/

Editor's comments:
I guess the world will now wait and watch to see if the band will play any other countries this year.
My guess is, since it's possibly too late to book US Summer dates with venues already mostly pre-booked, that we'll see here Fall arena shows, that's my guess anyway but of course I've been proven wrong before!
I'd also hazard a guess that perhaps 'the' new album will materialize in Spring next year, followed by European dates in the Summer of 2012.
With all the stories of Eddie not being happy with what Diamond Dave Lee Roth had presented so far, causing the delays.


Sammy Hagar to hit the road this summer with The Wabos


Meantime, while all the speculation is doing the rounds on will they or won't they tour here or there, former Van Halen frontman, Sammy Hagar who 'loves' to play live, is starting to line up a few summer US dates of his own. So he at least doesn't look like he's going to let US fans down.

He's hitting the road on the back of his successfully launched autobiography, 'My Uncensored Life In Rock,' book, which has already been causing a stir here and there for one reason or another.

At this time Sammy and the Wabo's have only confirmed a few shows, which are as follows:

June 2011
Fri 06/03/11 El Paso, TX Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
Sat 06/04/11 Tucson, AZ Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre


September 2011
Fri 09/09/11 Murphys, CA Ironstone Vineyards

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



LOST RORY GALLAGHER STUDIO ALBUM FROM 1978 TO FINALLY BE RELEASED!

~Two-Disc Set, Notes From San Francisco, To Land May 17 Via Eagle Rock Entertainment ~
~Lavish Package Includes Never-Before-Released 1979 Concert!~


The story goes that Jimi Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitarist in the world, to which he replied, “I don’t know, go ask Rory Gallagher!”

Rory Gallagher (1948-1995) is simply one of the all-time guitar greats. Slash, The Edge, Brian May, Johnny Marr, Janick Gers, Ritchie Blackmore, Glenn Tipton and Vivian Campbell have all said it. Since practically inventing the Power Trio format in Taste (both Cream and Taste debuted in 1966), Gallagher’s music has stood the test of time and he’s as popular now as he ever was, his influence gargantuan.

The story of Rory’s lost San Francisco album actually starts in Japan. In November 1977, after a grueling six-month world tour, the band flew straight from their last show in Japan to San Francisco to begin working on a new album with famed American producer Elliot Mazer (who worked on Neil Young’s Harvest, Big Brother & The Holding Company’s Cheap Thrills and The Band’s The Last Waltz). Mazer recalls the sessions grew “tense,” as Gallagher thought the mixing process “too complicated.” By the end of January 1978, he had shelved the whole record and broke up his band of the past five years.

Fast forward to 2011 when Rory’s brother/manager Donal allowed his son Daniel to recover the album from the Gallagher archive and begin the process of mixing it with his engineer. Rory said in 1992 he hoped the album would surface one day but only if it were remixed. Bingo. Hearing this historic never-before-issued studio album from a key period of Gallagher’s career (the album that would have been released between Calling Card and Photo Finish) is the Holy Grail for Rory’s fans.

CD #2 is another fabulous discovery: a blistering live album taken from four December nights in 1979 at San Francisco’s The Old Waldorf. In the audience Van Morrison, on stage Rory Gallagher (guitar/vocals), Gerry McAvoy (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums). Daniel Gallagher chose to add the live side to highlight why Rory chose to shelve the studio album and reduce his band back down to a three-piece. Rory, after seeing The Sex Pistols at Winterland during final mixes for his own album, was struck by the stark drama and blunt primitivism of pure punk. “It was as close to Eddie Cochran as you’re going to get,'' he enthused. He had been saying that he wanted to get back to what he called “meat’n’potato rock’n’roll,” a stripped-back primal raw immediacy hearkening back to his Taste days.

A street has been named after him in Paris; a corner in Dublin; a statue in his Ballyshannon birthplace, where The International Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival is held. There’s a Rory Gallagher Place and Rory Gallagher Music Library in Cork. Annual tributes are held in Germany and Japan. The man has sold in excess of 20 million albums. Notes From San Francisco [MSRP $17.98] will be a worthy addition to his canon.

Track Listing:

CD1
1. Rue The Day
2. Persuasion
3. B Girl
4. Mississippi Sheiks
5. Wheels Within Wheels
6. Overnight Bag
7. Cruise On Out
8. Brute Force & Ignorance
9. Fuel To The Fire

BONUS TRACKS
10. Wheels Within Wheels (Alt version)
11. Cut A Dash
12. Out On The Tiles

CD2
1. Follow Me
2. Shinkicker
3. Off The Handle
4. Bought And Sold
5. I’m Leavin’
6. Tattoo’d Lady
7. Do You Read Me
8. Country Mile
9. Calling Card
10. Shadow Play
11. Bullfrog Blues
12. Sea Cruise

As a taster, here's some samples:
Album Trailer (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKkWlHACnXc
Rue The Day (Studio-Audio) http://soundcloud.com/udigimktg/rory-gallagher-rue-the-day
Follow Me (Live-Audio) http://soundcloud.com/udigimktg/rory-gallagher-follow-me-live

Official artist website: http://www.rorygallagher.com/


Three new Reissues for Thin Lizzy fans

Following the success of the last three remixed / remastered Thin Lizzy releases earlier this year in, Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox and Live and Dangerous, there's three other Lizzy classic's about to be re-launched.

On June 26th, 2011 Lizzy fan's will be able to hear Black Rose, Bad Reputation and Chinatown reissued, remastered and with added bonus tracks.

Bad Reputation will be just one disc with six bonus tracks, but both Black Rose and Chinatown will be two disc sets, with surely the most exciting news for Lizzy fans being that Black Rose will actually feature two completely never before released tracks in any shape or form!
The other tracks are unreleased live tracks, studio outtakes, radio sessions or b-sides.
The full details as follows:

The next batch of reissues!


Great news! The next batch of reissues have been announced! Bad Reputation, Black Rose and Chinatown and are due in the shops on 26th June and they all come packaged with a stack of bonus material made up of BBC sessions and unreleased versions and live recordings. All handpicked by the band!

Bad Reputation
1- Soldier Of Fortune
2- Bad Reputation
3- Opium Trail
4- Southbound
5- Dancing In The Moonlight (It Caught Me In A Spotlight)
6- Killer Without Cause
7- Downtown Sundown
8- That Women’s Gonna Break Your Heart
9- Dear Lord
Bonus Tracks:
10- Killer Without A Cause BBC Session 01/08/1977
11- Bad Reputation BBC Session 01/08/1977
12- That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart BBC Session 01/08/1977
13- Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me In A Spotlight) BBC Session 01/08/1977
14- Downtown Sundown BBC Session 01/08/1977
15- Me And The Boys (soundcheck)


Black Rose
Disc One
1- Do Anything You Want To Do
2- Toughest Street In Town
3- S & M
4- Waiting For An Alibi
5- Sarah
6- Got To Give It Up
7- Get Out Of Here
8- With Love
9- A Roisin Dubh (Black Rose) A Rock Legend
Part One: Shenandoah
Part Two: Will You Go Lassie Go
Part Three: Danny Boy
Part Four: The Mason's Apron

Disc Two
1- Just The Two Of Us B-Side
2- A Night In The Life Of A Blues Singer (longer version)
3- Rock Your Love (unreleased)
4- Don't Believe A Word (slow version Phil and Gary vocals)
5- Toughest Street In Town (different version) -
1978 Nassau Session Versions
6- S & M
7- Got To Give It Up
8- Cold Black Night (unreleased)
9- With Love
Black Rose
Part One: Shenandoah
Part Two: Will You Go Lassie Go
Part Three: Danny Boy
Part Four: The Mason's Apron


Chinatown
Disc One
1- We Will Be Strong
2- Chinatown
3- Sweetheart
4- Sugar Blues
5- Killer On The Loose
6- Having A Good Time
7- Genocide (The Killing Of The Buffalo)
8- Didn't I
9- Hey You

Disc Two
1- Don't Play Around – B-Side
2- We Will Be Strong - Single (WBS49679)
3- Sugar Blues - Chinatown 7" single
4- Whiskey In The Jar - Nineteen 7" single double pack
5- Are You Ready - Killers live 7" single
6- Chinatown - Killer on the loose 7" single
7- Got To Give It Up - Killer on the loose 7" single
8- Dear Miss Lonely Hearts - Killers live 7" single
9- Killer On The Loose - Thunder and lightning bonus LP
10- Chinatown (edited version)
11- Hey You (edited version)
12- We Will Be Strong - Demo
13- Chinatown - Demo
14- Don't Play Around - Soundcheck - Hammersmith 29/5/8
15- Sweetheart -Soundcheck - Hammersmith 29/5/8
16- Didn't I - Soundcheck – Cork
17- Hey You – soundcheck - Cork

Source: http://thinlizzyband.com/


FULLFORCE TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM "ONE" JULY 26TH IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER




FULLFORCE was formed in 2009 and now consists of members Mike Andersson (Cloudscape, Vocals), Stefan Elmgren (ex Hammerfall, Guitars), Anders Johansson (Hammerfall, ex Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Drums), CJ Grimmark (ex Narnia, Guitars) and Tommy Larsson (ex Heed, Bass). The Swedish five-piece started to write songs in order to complete their debut album and they describe their music to be a genuine blend of traditional, catchy heavy metal to more updated melodic metal with some ethnic touches which will make them a standout to within the genre. The band truly believes in their music and in late 2010 they completed the recording of 12 songs to be included on "One".

"After being in contact with a few interested labels during these last months, we are happy to announce the decision of becoming a part of the SPV family! SPV is a label with a great Metal tradition and it's an honor for FULLFORCE to join forces with them for the release of our debut album "One". In SPV we see a good vision and a great future for FULLFORCE...this is the best thing that could have happened to us!"
(Mike Andersson, FULLFORCE vocalist)

"There are always reservations regarding bands with ex-members of well known bands but with FULLFORCE it´s different. I think that a lot of people will be very surprised when they hear the songs. It´s great to have the band on our roster and I´m sure that there is a bright future for the band."
(Olly Hahn, A&R SPV Steamhammer)

FULLFORCE - "One" Tracklisting:
1 Mythomaniac (4:02)
2 None Of Your Concern (3:35)
3 Heart And Soul (3:31)
4 Oblivion (4:53)
5 Open Your Eyes (4:25)
6 Rain (4:33)
7 Suffering In Silence (3:06)
8 Walls Of Secrets (4:33)
9 Father spirit (4:51)
10 Bleed (5:07)
11 Into The Cradle (5:01)

iTunes Bonus Track:
Best Of Times (3:49)

The album "One" will be released through SPV/Steamhammer on July 26th in USA/Canada.

For more info visit:
http://www.fullforce.se/
www.facebook.com/fullforcesweden
www.myspace.com/fullforcesweden
http://www.spv.de/



STRYPER MEXICO TOUR DATES CANCELLED 



MAY 14, 2011 - It is with great regret we must inform all STRYPER fans in Mexico that the band has had to cancel the scheduled dates listed as follows:

•May 26: Teatro Estudio Cavaret - Guadalajara


•May 27: Centro Banamex - Mexico City


•May 28: Escenica Live - Monterrey

Although ready, willing and able to perform, the promoter had made this impossible by not fulfilling his contractual obligations to the band. While this cancellation is quite disappointing to STRYPER, management and agency, the process of rescheduling shows in Mexico is underway. It is important and necessary that all STRYPER fans in Mexico understand the bands dedication to their fans around the world, and their obligation to honor their word and commitments.
Best Regards,
John Greenberg
Union Entertainment
http://www.stryper.com/News/news.htm



MEET DOCTOR FAITH: FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 12 YEARS FROM CHRISTOPHER CROSS!
           


The voice rides high. Melodic. Beautiful. Everything everybody ever loved about Christopher Cross is on display in the 13 exquisite tracks of Doctor Faith, being released May 10 by Eagle Rock Entertainment (through earMusic).

It marks the first all-new studio offering from Christopher Cross in 12 years.Thirty-one years, five Grammys and an Oscar later, Doctor Faith is a dramatic return. His songwriting has never been sharper, more observant. His singing is better than it’s ever been. The production, for the first time, is guitar-oriented, rather than keyboard-oriented. Michael McDonald is on hand to give voice to the title character.

“This album not only feels like a new chapter to my career,” says Cross, “it feels like starting a whole new book.” Cross has dedicated the album to Joni Mitchell “for a lifetime of inspiration.” Influenced by Mitchell’s idiosyncratic way with a lyric line, and the guts to delve deep, Cross, and long time songwriting partner Rob Meurer, have written some songs sure to be instant classics.

Opener “Hey Kid” lays it all out:  optimistic yet cautious, forward-thinking yet imbued with a world-weary voice-of-experience, it sets the tone for such profundities as “I’m Too Old For This,” “Poor Man’s Ecstasy,” “Still I Resist” and the title track.
One of the recurring themes of the album is the search for peace by making peace within one’s self.
Cross landed loud and large on the music scene in 1980, winning the Grammy for “Best New Artist.”  “Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” were both #1s, the latter co-written with Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and the late Peter Allen.
Cross charted eight times between 1980 and 1983.
He has eight albums to his credit, as well as a number of other packages. Through it all, he’s maintained his high level of excellence, also singing, writing and performing with other artists.

Track Listing:
1.)    Hey Kid
2.)  I’m Too Old For this
3.)  When You Come Home
4.)  Dreamers
5.)  November
6.)  Leave It To Me
7.)  Doctor Faith
8.)  Rescue
9.)  Help Me Cry
10.) Still I Resist
11.) Poor Man’s Ecstasy
12.) Everything
13.) Prayin’ 

 Doctor Faith (Full Album Listening Party) http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/6Doctor
Faith (Audio) http://soundcloud.com/udigimktg/christopher-cross-doctor-faithHey
Kid (Audio)  http://soundcloud.com/eagle-rock-entertainment/christopher-cross-hey-kidAlbum
EPK (Video) http://www.youtube.com/earmusicofficial#p/u/11/So1i_H8U0ZQ

Official website:
http://www.christophercross.com/
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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Poodles - Performocracy album review

The Poodles - Performocracy album review
Released on: Frontiers records. Release date: Available now.
Performocracy, is Swedish band The Poodles fourth studio album but fifth album overall, when you include last years excellent ‘No Quarter’ live release. I must also add that last years DVD, ‘In The Flesh’ is very much worth getting hold of. There’s some great fun stuff on that too, good interview material and their impressive live performance as well.

The current band line up features the rather talented Jakob Samuel on Vocals, Christian Lundqvist (Drums), Pontus Egberg on Bass and newest member Henrik Bergqvist on Guitars, rounding things off.

The band have been around since late 2005, starting originally with guitarist Pontus Norgren (Great King Rat, Hammerfall, Talisman), who departed the band around 2007.
They at times bring to mind for me, The Scorpions meets Europe in the latters current harder / edgy rocking style.

The album opens with ‘I Want It All,’ a track that is true to the bands style of hard rocking, with fantastic big hook lines and it does no wrong in my book, a great start!

‘Until Our Kingdom Falls’ next is once more filled with great melodies, hard rock and a stunning big sound.

With ‘Father To A Son’ it just continues on the same path with strong, passionate lead vocals from Jakob Samuel and then a huge big chorus, with a nice guitar harmony line in support and then an absolutely stunning guitar solo.

If you like a more metal edge sound, then next track ‘I Believe in You’ more than provides that from the opening riffs and heavy dark verses and then the pre-chorus and chorus itself throws in the big melodies that this band masters so well.

One of the things that is apparent, is the bands very clever splattering of keyboards throughout and on ‘Cuts Like A Knife’ it’s very obvious with helping the texture of the song, even with some still dark and heavy moments.
Once more, what a huge chorus they muster up. Great stuff, hard rock and metal with such superb melody interwoven!

The excellent big old power ballad that is ‘As Time Is Passing,’ is next and this is simply stunning.
What else can I tell you?!

OK, this isn’t meant as any dig at the band, but ‘Love Is All’ next really makes me think of U2 … Quite a laid back and atmospheric track. Possibly the least ‘jump out at you’ type track here, but still it’s well done.

Back to the mid to up tempo rocking of ‘Your Time Is Now’ which starts hard, then eases back and then of course pick up in the pre-chorus and chorus, before hitting the ballad like bridge that leads into a big old raw guitar solo. A multi-layered track indeed!

‘Action’ next starts quietly, building with keyboards, then guitars and drums and it at times borders on prog metal, which the album tends to do a lot its latter half.

With ‘Bring Back The Night’ it starts simply with just Jakob’s vocal and then it grows into another good track, plenty of musical muscle here.

‘Vampire’s Call’ starts with an almost tribal drum beat and then the track grows into a steady rocker.

I love the intro to ‘Into the Quiet Night,’ clever atmospherics before getting into the track proper and it’s pretty much ballad style except for the chorus where it picks up some. It’s kind of power ballad territory, although the chorus is perhaps a little heavy to be a true power ballad.

‘Don’t Tell Me,’ which is the last track here – Identified as a bonus. – starts eerily before kicking in with darkly laden riffs and then picking up some more in the pre-chorus and then the full chorus, before getting quite dark again.

I do really like the album, but I will say that the first half seems very much stronger than the latter, which almost seems a little experimental musically at times and although it’s still good, it seems to lose a lot of the hook lines early on, that are simply …, GREAT!
All that said, it really does warrant the rating I’m giving here. If the latter half had continued as the first, this could’ve possibly been my album of the year. Still it’s great stuff from a very talented band. Would love to see them live!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Official weblinks:







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Brief News Update for Wednesday 11th May, 2011

PROG ROCKERS PALLAS CONTINUE THE 'SENTINAL' SAGA WITH NEW 'XXV' RELEASE



NEW YORK - To mark the 25th anniversary of its release, seminal prog-rockers Pallas have issued the long-awaited sequel their"The Sentinel" album, "XXV," on Music Theories Recordings.

"XXV" picks up where "The Sentinel," a concept album that incorporated a futuristic version of the tale of Atlantis along with Cold War-influenced themes, left off. The album's first track, "Falling Down," bridges the two releases.

The album's second song, "Crash and Burn," is where the story starts to unfold. "The lyrics set the scene in 'Falling Down' and now we cut away in cinematic terms to a very dramatic sequence of the story," explained bassist/guitarist Graeme Murray. "Once again the human race is in dire straits. The Koreans are at war, the Middle Eastern Muslim states have banded together to form the United Islamic alliance, the planet is beset with ecological problems, and the world banking system has all but collapsed. Business as usual!"

"XXV" represents a mature band with consistently impressive writing skills, and top-notch musicianship to match. "I am immensely proud of 'XXV' and feel that we have produced one of the finest and most cohesive Pallas albums ever," Murray said. European critics have agreed, stating that "XXV" is a contender for prog album of the year.

Though "XXV" is a sequel to the hugely successful debut, let there be no mistake: Pallas has remained active over the last quarter-century, writing, recording, and releasing a number of albums. The Scottish band did, however, replace its longtime vocalist Alan Reed with Paul Mackie just before the recording of "XXV." Though it was a risky decision, fans will certainly have no worries once they hear Mackie's powerful performance on "XXV."

"I think people were very apprehensive about Paul after the press announcement that we had parted with Alan, but once people heard the album most of them have very positive about Paul's voice and his charisma and presence on stage," Murray said. "The band is certainly a happier place these days, and we feel we have made the transition to a new lead voice successfully."

Pallas headlineed the IO Pages Festival in the Netherlands on April 15.

Music theories Recordings is a subsidiary of Mascot Records, an independent record company based in The Netherlands that specializes in guitar music, from metal to instrumental guitar, hard rock, prog rock and (guitar) fusion.
Official links
http://www.pallas.f2s.com/
http://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/

Official Statement from Black Robot on band upheaval

Black Robot, the band put together by founding Buckcherry bassist, Jonathan “JB” Brightman, who had  recruited Detroit-bred front man, Huck Johns to his dream of a comic book type created band. - Hence the Black Robot image.
An album was soon in the works, with the others players Yogi Lonich and Devon Glenn, both Buckcherry alumni, guitarist Andy Andersson, Darren Dodd and Chris Powell also lending their solid stick work on percussion, and session keyboard wizard, Fred Mandell (Elton John, Pink Floyd, Queen) adding some tasty ivory magic to the mix ... So described what they had ...
The album released last year, wasn't bad at all, really - You can read my review of it here: http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/02/black-robot-black-robot-debut-cd.html - but now it seems change is afoot amidst the band having been working on their follow up album ...
The band have issued the following statement through both their Facebook and MySpace pages:

"On May 4th, 2011 our former singer, Huck Johns announced his resignation from Black Robot through his personal Facebook page. Huck's status update indicated his intention to start a new band. We are currently working on the next Black Robot record which we are very excited about.
We will be announcing news of our new singer and official updates here and on the official Black Robot Facebook page at www.facebook.com/blackrobotofficial


TESLA'S NEWS FROM THE ROAD UPDATE

May 7, 2011 - Tonight we are in Medina, MN at the Medina Entertainment Center and we are working up some different tunes at sound check today for the show.


After 20 years of the fan's requesting, we may even pull out a new live rendition of "Love Me" off the first album! Jeff Keith was open to singing yesterday after I started messing around with the riff yesterday for the VIP who requested it. If it's not ready for tonight's show, expect it to come in the next few weeks. We still can't believe that it's been 25 years since Mechanical Resonance came out.

A few other songs we are practicing today for the show tonight will be "Paradise", "PVT Ledbetter" and a few some from Forever More. Then we are flying back home Sunday to play the KINGS rally on tuesday at Ceasar Chavez park downtown Sacramento. Be advised that we are only playing 2 songs that day...probably "Signs" and "Love Song" which has seem to become the KING'S anthem to stay in Sacramento. It is a KING's rally...NOT a TESLA show...so don't expect more than 2 songs.

Some other news: "Twisted Wires & the acoustic sessions ..." album is done and all the pieces are being put together now for a release in July. "Second Street" is becoming a favorite in the show. We will be attending a dinner for the survivors of the Station Fire in Rhode Island before heading to Hampton Beach next week for a SOLD OUT show at Casino Ballroom...we love that gig! always a sold out show there...great fans in NH area.
Ok more news to come, stay tuned.
~ Frank Hannon

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Monday, May 9, 2011

John Elefante and Mastedon – Revolution of Mind album review

John Elefante and Mastedon – Revolution of Mind album review
Released on: Big 3 Records. Release date: Available now.



John Elefante is a vocalist with just a little pedigree, the man replaced Kansas front-man Steve Walsh, when Walsh decided he wanted a change of scenery and went on to do the Streets project. Streets included ex-City Boy (UK pop / rock band) mainman, Mike Slamer (Who’s since gone onto many other AOR / rock projects), also Billy Greer (Now in Kansas, alongside Walsh again.) and Tim Gehrt.
Editors note: An excellent project too by the way!

Elefante stepped into Kansas in 1982 and the band recorded ‘Vinyl Confessions,’ which in fact was the bands most successful album since ‘Point of Know Return’ and got their first Top 20 hit single in a few years with, ‘Play the Game Tonight.’

1983 spawned ‘Drastic Measures,’ again featuring Elefante on vocals and Kansas began to capture a whole new audience with Elefante and fellow Christian band member in Kerry Livgren with some very strong Christian written material, that musically kept old fans happy, while also reaching a whole new crowd for Kansas.
Another hit single, though not as big as the last, came in ‘Fight Fire With Fire.’
A ‘Greatest Hit’s’ release in 1984 wrapped up Elefante’s last work with Kansas and he went on to develop a strong Christian pop / rock career as a solo artist, after briefly hooking up with Christian rockers Petra.

He did play with other acts, Mastedon and Guardian, before dabbling into the musical field as a producer, even building a popular recording studio in Nashville alongside his brother Dino Elefante.

So now you have some background on the man, let’s move onto his latest release, ‘Revolution of Mind,’ which in fact was already released in Europe through the Frontiers label, under the band name Mastedon, as the band’s third release, hence why it came out over there as ‘3.’

Why this has not been released here before now, beats me. – Actually it did get a low key release late last year. I was only made aware of it’s official release here, around February / March of this year, but it’s a great album and if you’re a fan of his period in Kansas, of course you’ll like it, but I’d go so far as to say if you’re a fan of say Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow / Deep Purple and even say Boston, then you’ll find a lot here to appeal. I also hear similarities in Elefante’s voice to Turner’s, no bad thing either!

There’s some impressive talent on the album too featuring Dave Amato (Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Jimmy Barnes) and Kerry Livgren (Kansas, Proto-Kaw) on lead guitars, Anthony Sallee (White Heart, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith) on bass and Dan Needham on drums. John’s brother Dino steps in too, on backing vocals, guitars, etc. John handles all lead vocals, keyboards and some guitar work too.

Opening with the powerful Hammond organ driven title track ‘Revolution of Mind,’ it’s grabs you right from the off, this indeed is a drivin’ track, with perhaps a more commercial sound. Big vocals, loads of melody, nice one!

‘Slay Your Demons’ next has a little mystical sound to it that reminds me at times of Ritchie Blackmore’s material and a serious almost shredding like guitar solo. This is a heavily harmony driven vocal song. Keep it coming …

A haunting guitar intro leads ‘Nowhere Without Your Love’ next and this track is one of those again that remind me of something else that I can’t put my finger on, but it’s a fantastic track that grows into an almost Boston like sound – Think ‘A Man I’ll Never Be.’ – and overall this is an immense track that really, REALLY deserves to be heard by anyone that enjoys melodic rock.

To me, there’s a very Kansas feel to ‘One Day Down By the Lake (See you Real Soon.)' and this one really is an epic, clocking in at over ten minutes! There’s so much to this track so huge kudo’s to John and the band on this, but seriously, the album command complete respect. I love it!
Loads of tempo changes, plenty of light and intriguing interchanges, it’s just great!

A rocking track next in ‘Water Into Wine (Fassa Rokka)’ that even gives reference to Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon!’ Why not I guess … Good change of pace to add to the albums variety and nice guitar work once again.

‘Questions (It’s About Time),’ is a little more of a steady paced pop / rock track, once again, the track captures big melodies in the vocal harmonizing.

My previous comments on John’s voice similarities to Joe Lynn Turner come to mind again on ‘You Can’t Take Anything’ next and it’s another very hook laden sound once more. A mid paced track that takes things down in the middle then comes back in again picking up the pace and hints at Foreigner a little here too!

‘Lying’ starts big and then eases back into a steady paced pop rocker and it’s again no complaints here, it just keeps the great material coming!

The Hammond organ is present throughout the album obviously at different levels and perhaps I’m biased, but I love it and it works so well with the material present on the album and this is something that’s all too true on next track ‘The Western World.’
A steady paced number that keeps things in sync with the majority of material on display here.

Final track here is ‘That’s What You Do,’ which sounds a little edgy, yet still melodic of course and rocks at mid pace.
You know at times I’d even go so far as to say John sometimes phrases the vocals a little like Paul Carrick would do in Mike and the Mechanics, so clearly you get the idea that the album overall captures – perhaps – various influences that should really keep your melodic rock fan very happy.

This really is an enjoyable album and for me, it’s the first time I’ve heard John Elefante since his Kansas days, so yes you guessed it, I do recommend this one to melodic rock fans everywhere, although chances are, most already have it!

It’s not out and out catchy, sure some things take a little while, but there’s plenty here that will grow on you and the rest should grab you right away and yes, you can understand why the band picked John to replace Steve Walsh, as their vocal styles are of course often similar.
Good one John, now how about another one along these lines!

Rating: 4 out of 5

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