Rock News Update for Wednesday 6th July, 2011

Hi folks, well ..., it's hump day, sorry, Wednesday and we're halfway to the weekend, yes, we've got this far!

Anyway, all that aside first of all I'd like to say congratulations to our two Christopher Cross giveaway prizewinners, Todd Nemphos of Baldwin, MD wins the autographed copy of 'Doctor Faith' and John Pierson of Sellersville, PA, gets the regular copy of the album.

Well done guys, you correctly guessed that British metal act Saxon covered Christopher Cross' hit single, 'Ride Like the Wind,' your  CD's will be sent out to you both later today. Hope you appreciate the album.

 Onto the news for Wednesday! Cheers, Al

Uriah Heep set for UK tour in December

Looks like UK rock fans are in for a treat, as Uriah Heep have set up a ten date UK tour in support of current album 'Into The Wild,' released through Frontiers records.

Here's the flyer for the tour.

Based on the excellent new album and great reviews of the band's recent US tour, it's not to be missed!

Enjoy folks!

Keep up with the band, for any news or tour date additions at:

http://www.uriah-heep.com

VH1 Classic Presents THAT METAL SHOW
Hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson
SEASON 8: Los Angeles!
COMPLIMENTARY TICKET OFFER

That Metal Show is back in LA to film its 8th Season and we’re looking for Hardcore LA Metal Fans to be in the audience for our shows!

You wanted more metal, we’re giving you more metal! VH1 Classic’s THAT METAL SHOW is back and ready for another season of celebrating all things hard rock and heavy metal. Hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson, THAT METAL SHOW is a ONE HOUR roundtable talk show where legends of rock hang out and discuss their past and current projects, all the while interacting with the metal maniacs that make up our studio audience. Once again, we’ll be settling all metal arguments, trying to Stump the Trunk, and we’ll be tracking down artists who vanished from the metal scene. THAT METAL SHOW is quite simply the only on-air destination for the greatest genre of music ever created.

We will have another season of AMAZING Guests, so get your reservations in now!

DATES:
Friday, 7/22/11
Saturday, 7/23/11
Monday, 7/25/11
Tuesday, 7/26/11
Thursday, 7/28/11
NOTE- We will film 2 shows each day. You MUST stay for both show tapings. The shows this season will be a FULL HOUR, so we will be shooting for an hour and half each show!

It’s twice the Metal!

TIME- 2PM
LOCATION-Los Angeles, CA (Given upon being confirmed.)
(The total check in & tape time for the tapings will be approx 4-4.5 hours)
PLEASE NOTE- As this is a television taping, all shows are overbooked. (Which is standard for any show) Audience members will be allowed in on a first come first served basis.

We are extending this special, complimentary ticket offer to LA fans of METAL!!

WANT TICKETS ? HERE’S HOW!!!!
Email: thatmetalshow@gothamcasting.com

And Include:
NAME:
PHONE:
CITY/STATE: (MUST be in the LA area to be eligible)
EMAIL:
RECENT PHOTO:
GUEST NAMES: (You Can bring TWO guests with you)
Put “Metal Show (and date you would like to attend)” in subject line! Example: “Metal Show 7/22/11”There are no hard tickets, you will be put on a VIP security list upon confirmation.

For more details check out:

http://www.eddietrunk.com

Van Halen ... Is that album ready ...? David Lee Roth's site, possibly drops a hint!

So, are the rumours about to be made fact ...?

For sometime now, there's been speculation over when the new Van Halen album will be released, the first new material featuring David Lee Roth on lead vocals since ... Well, it's been so long it was the Van Halen 'Best of ... Volume 1,' back in 1996, which featured two previously unreleased David Lee Roth fronted Van Halen tracks.

This at the time looked as though VH were back with Diamond Dave fronting the band once more, but alas the man blew his chance by taking over the MTV awards show that year ..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncEiR872QwE

Eddie Van Halen was apparently less than happy about it ...

The 'Best of Both Worlds' compilation in 2004 featured three brand new Sammy Hagar sung Van Halen tracks and the band did indeed reunite for a big old tour ...

Sadly, once again, the reunion was short lived with all kinds of rumours from both sides ... Sigh ...

Van Halen of course DID reunite with Diamond Dave in 2006 and they toured in 2007 to mixed reviews. Some said Eddie Van Halen was in trouble again trying to stay clean ..., but they managed to get through the tour that finished in 2008.

So much talk as I say has been ongoing regarding the new album and finally ... It's just possible that David Lee Roth has indeed dropped the biggest - yet cryptic - hint yet, by a simple statement at his website, 'Get ready ...'

You can check it out here:  http://www.davidleeroth.com/

Who knows, maybe he's got his own new solo album coming out, but I kind of doubt it, as Van Halen have already lined up live dates in Australia:

Van Halen
Soundwave Revolution Festival - Australia

Saturday, September 24th, 2011 Brisbane
Sunday, September 25th, 2011 Sydney
Friday, September 30th, 2011 Melbourne
Saturday, October 1st, 2011 Adelaide
Monday, October 3rd, 2011 Perth

www.soundwaverevolution.com

I guess we should find out soon enough right ...? I hope so!

The Van Halen news desk seems to keep on top of most things:

http://www.vhnd.com

   

New solo album, 'Marauder' from Starship's Mickey Thomas

A new covers album has just this week been released by Starship frontman, Mickey Thomas and the album goes by the title of 'Marauder.'

I cannot find any official press release for this album, but Amazon says this of the release:

Mickey Thomas is one of rock music's best kept secrets. 'Marauder' plunders Thomas Rock legacy with Starship and Elvin Bishop to pay tribute to his musical influences, peers, and followers. Featuring fourteen incredible tracks, 'Marauder' showcases Thomas vocal genius and leaves no doubt that his voice is among rock music most treasured.

'Marauder' is Thomas fitting tribute to his musical influences such as
The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Joe Cocker. As lead singer for the popular 80's hitmakers, Starship, Mickey Thomas was the voice of some of the biggest hits of the 80's including
'We Built This City,' 'Sara' and 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now'.

With 'Marauder', Thomas showcases the amazing range of his voice on classics as Paul McCartney's 'Maybe I'm Amazed', AC/DC's 'Moneytalks', Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars', and Muse's 'Supermassive Black Hole' among others. 

It's avilable through both Amazon and iTunes it seems right here:

http://www.amazon.com/Marauder-Mickey-Thomas/dp/B004GLFYE6

or

 http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/marauder/id444631469

The official website for the man is here:

http://mickeythomas.com/

 

STAIND UNVEILS “STAIND”;

HARD ROCK HEROES ANNOUNCE SELF-TITLED NEW

ALBUM;

“EYES WIDE OPEN” PREMIERES ONLINE TODAY;

NEW SINGLE, “NOT AGAIN,” IMPACTS IN JULY;

“STAIND” ARRIVES EVERYWHERE ON SEPTEMBER 13^TH

Atlantic recording group Staind has announced details of their hugely anticipated new album.  “STAIND” – which marks the iconic hard rock band’s seventh studio album and first full-length release in three years – arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on September 13^th.

Produced by Johnny K – known for his work with 3 Doors Down, Disturbed, and Sevendust, not to mention his Grammy Award-nominated collaboration with Staind, 2008’s “THE ILLUSION OF PROGRESS” – and mixed by the legendary Chris Lord-Alge, “STAIND” stands as Staind’s most intense and powerful work to date.  The album is heralded by the new song, “Eyes Wide Open,” which premieres today at www.staind.com

“Not Again,” the first official single from “STAIND,” will then impact multi-format rock radio outlets nationwide in mid-July.

Check out the video for 'Eyes Wide Open' right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDVBvrw4HEg&feature=player_embedded

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Aaron Lewis recent described “STAIND” as “the heaviest thing we have recorded in a long time.  It’s definitely one of the heaviest collections of songs that we have put together.”

“It’s completely different than the last record,” agrees guitarist Mike Mushok.  “It’s more of a throwback to where we came from.  I definitely think it’s fresh. It’s a modern-sounding version of a heavy Staind record.  It’s pretty cool.”

“STAIND” has already earned advance acclaim from ARTISTDirect, which hailed the album as a “timeless masterpiece,” praising Lewis’ vocals for “reach(ing) heights that only legends can touch.”

In other news, Staind will perform at KROQ’s annual rock festival, Epicenter 2011, slated for September 24^th at Irvine, California’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. 

For up-to-the-minute details, please see www.staind.com/events.

Staind’s decade-plus career has seen worldwide album sales in excess of 13 million and five #1 singles spanning three different radio formats.  With honest, heartfelt lyrics, resounding guitar chords, and Aaron Lewis’ unmistakable voice, the New England-based band leapt to the forefront of American alternative metal with 2001’s hugely popular Flip/Elektra third album, “BREAK THE CYCLE.”  Fueled by the hit singles, “Outside” and “It’s Been Awhile,” the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, ultimately going on to five-times RIAA platinum certification and worldwide sales of 7 million.

2003’s “14 SHADES OF GRAY” saw Staind continuing to dominate rock radio, spawning the mainstream rock hits, “Price To Play” and “So Far Away” and earning RIAA platinum certification.  Released two years later, “CHAPTER V” entered the Billboard 200 at #1 – Staind’s third consecutive platinum-certified, chart-topping debut.  In 2008, “THE ILLUSION OF PROGRESS” made a top 3 debut on the Billboard 200 driven by the #1 alternative rock song, “Believe.”

In addition to his continuing work with Staind, singer Aaron Lewis is a fervent road warrior, performing solo acoustic shows featuring both classic Staind songs like “It’s Been Awhile” and “Right Here” and songs from his solo EP "Town Line," which debuted at in the #1 slot on the Billboard country chart, and #7 on the Billboard 200.  "Town Line" also earned him two CMT video nominations, one for the lead single "Country Boy," the video for which currently has 10 million views on www.CMT.com and YouTube alone.

For additional news and information, please visit www.staind.com.

Classic Rock Presents AOR 3: Foreigner 4

A year to make. More than $1 million in recording costs. Deadlines Missed. Budgets broken.

Classic Rock Presents AOR analyses the dramatic birth of Foreigner '4.'

The third sensational issue of AOR magazine celebrates a very special birthday: the 30th anniversary of the release of Foreigner 4 – the classic 1981 album that brought you such massive hits as 'Waiting For A Girl Like You,' 'Urgent,' 'Juke Box Hero' and many more.

The epic 10-page article tells you everything you need to know about the creation of this melodic rock masterpiece, based around a revealing new interview with Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones.

Other interviews include former band members Rick Wills and Dennis Elliott; Tony Platt, who engineered Foreigner 4; plus the man who played synthesiser on the album – none other than Thomas Dolby.

There is also an interview with the band’s current frontman, Kelly Hansen, asking him what it feels like singing those classic Foreigner songs today.

Sources:

http://www.foreigneronline.com

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/the-new-issue-of-aor-goes-on-next-week/

Black Country Communion ‘2’ album review

Black Country Communion ‘2’ album review

Released through: J&R Adventures. Release date: Available now!

First off, what a phenomenally talented line up, there I said it!

The combination of an ex-Deep Purple legend in Glenn Hughes - The man that Ronnie James Dio (RIP) bless him, said was his favourite vocalist. – alongside the extremely talented Joe Bonamassa - Whose own solo career just goes from strength to strength and deservedly so too. – who at times vocally reminds me of classic Paul Rodgers, is just perfect!

Add to that the Led Zeppelin ‘endorsed’ – Well, what else would you call him?! – Jason Bonham on drums as well as the phenomenal talent who is Derek Sherinian on keyboards and you have yourselves, one of today’s, without question, best super groups imaginable!

I give you Black Country Communion!

As much as I enjoyed the first album from B.C.C. , it took me some getting into, but now we know what these guys are all about ‘2’ comes along and simply casts in stone, this magically talented ensemble of musical genius!

I would love to see these guys live, it must be something else, seriously and all I have heard on that front, is nothing but good if not great reports! Ah well, maybe one day …

So, what do we have here?

When I first heard ‘The Outsider’ I was stunned! What an absolute killer opener for these guys, it just kills, as it storms on!!!

I cannot leave it there, I really can’t, it is so, so powerful! A great vocal from Mr. Hughes, so powerfully driven by his bass line and such strong drumming from Jason Bonham and then the interplay between Bonamassa and Sherinian simply reminds of the best times from (Ritchie) Blackmore and (Jon) Lord, stunning!

Holy cow, I’d have bought the album on the strength of this track alone, I kid you not!

‘Man in the Middle’ is almost presented vocally in a Steven Tyler style, I know, I know, Glenn is so much better than Tyler! - I'm sure I'll hear something about that! Then it has such a great mid paced rockin’ groove, it brings to mind Led Zeppelin and the interchanges kind of enforce that sound. They’ve really got something special here, without question. I love it.

With an almost melancholy start, we get ‘The Battle for Hadrian’s Wall’ with a great vocal from Joe Bonamassa and the track just grows into something special, almost not unlike a Bad Company feel and I know I’ve said of the Rodgers comparison, but tell me you don’t hear that vibe too?! The song overall has it’s laid back moments and then it’s pick up spots too. Great balance!

‘Save Me’ next has a kind of atmospheric start, with a haunting distant vocal from Glenn Hughes, then in kicks the groove.

This is very similar to a lot of the sound that the band established on the first album, it’s so rich, yet a slower pace, again in a Zep kind of like style. Here’s the thing – And I know I’ll get some stick for this! – I wasn’t the worlds greatest Zep fan, but there’s something about what B.C.C. have captured here that really grabs me. It just sounds so epic like and Sherinian orchestral stabs – Unless there is an orchestra on here?! With little information on who else plays on here besides the obvious culprits. – that it makes the song immense.

In ‘Smokestack Woman’ they just keep that same kind of groove going and it’s another slow to mid paced rocker. The tempo is laid back and steady, but the guitar riff rockin’! Tasty solo from Joe too!

Ha ha! ‘Faithless’ rides a similar groove to the last, but Joe’s guitar work on this takes the song to a whole new level and the rest of band just hangs out there keeping everything steady, plus Derek Sherinian has a mystical theme going all the way through as well. Nice!

There’s a kind Free / Bad Company feel to ‘An Ordinary Son’ but it’s so much more than that. There’s light and dark where it’s nicely held back through the verses and then the pre-chorus and chorus builds and rocks out.

When you just take a moment, to play this a few times over and listen to what each of the players contribute, it’s just great the full sound the band creates. Glenn joins in on a verse to take the lead vocal to break things up a bit and its cool the way it plays out.

I love the groove to next number ‘I Can See Your Spirit,’ it’s punchy as heck and kind of combines both a Zep and Purple feel, it’s great!

Joe really rips up a solo too, short and sweet and then Derek gets his spot too, so much in a song that’s little over four minutes, nice!

Some tasteful blues on ‘Little Secret’ next and surprisingly Joe lets Glenn sing this one, when you might expect him to sing it, it’s nicely done indeed. Sounds like something right off one of Joe’s own albums, that put simply Glenn does a great job on and is a clear indication of the mans complete ability to sing the blues just as well as rock or funk …, but then most of his fans - Me included! – already knew this!

‘Crossfire’ starts initially a little psychedelic sounding and then gets into classic Glenn Hughes funk rock / soulful groove territory, more so perhaps than any other BCC track before. I think it’s great that the band has done this.

In the second half of the track, it gets into a more melodic rock groove to wrap it up nicely.

It’s funny, I think this album tends to show perhaps a little more diversity to it than the first, but knowing Glenn and Joe’s styles from prior to this project, it doesn’t surprise me and in fact make the album click for me, quicker than the first.

Last track here is ‘Cold’ that has a haunting, almost eerie sounding laid back start. Love Joe's guitar tone here, it’s beautiful!

It’s a steady number, kind of almost power ballad like in most of the first half and then the tempo pick up and Joe just conjures up another great solo, before the track then eases back to the earlier groove and finishes as it started with some beautiful laid back guitar.

These guys have just raised the bar from their first release, seriously! This is an excellent album that cries out, no, make that yells out, demanding attention and folks, you deserve to give it just that. Classy stuff indeed!

So, how are you guys going to top that on the third BCC one, huh? Can’t wait to find out!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Official band site:

http://www.bccommunion.com/

The Sweet live at ‘Stars and Stripes Festival,’ Mt. Clemens, Michigan (2011)

 

The Sweet live at ‘Stars and Stripes Festival,’ Mt. Clemens, Michigan

July 2^nd, 2011

Well, The Sweet are a band that for years and years, I admired and loved to be honest, back in those old teenage years and ‘Teenage Rampage’ couldn’t have been a better song for thinking with the rebel mindset! Ha ha!

I know, I know, what am I thinking writing that? Kids reading this today may well be influenced …!

I don’t think so somehow, as certainly all the kids I know today that are teenagers growing up, certainly appear to be – sadly – a lot smarter than we probably were and they are certainly a LOT more aware of what is going on in the world today, the only sad part is … Teenagers of today, very often just don’t care … So many don’t feel they need an education and that somehow or another, they’ll get by … Sad indeed that they can be so naïve, but … They are just kids, right?!

Anyway enough on that, yes I did love The Sweet, but sadly in my years of UK concert going from late 1978 to 2000, somehow or another I missed checking the band out in whatever shape or form they were in … Shame.

Of course original vocalist Brian Connolly passed away in 1997 from a heart attack, original drummer Mick Tucker passed away sadly from leukemia in 2002. Two classic Sweet line-up survivors remain today, guitarist Andy Scott who in fact was not a founding member, but was in the most successful line-up and original founding member Steve Priest on bass and vocals.

Both have their own versions of ‘The Sweet’ today.

 The line-up that graced us in Mt. Clemens was – In my opinion – the better of the two. Why?

Steve Priest is a solid bass player, who is still winning recognition for bassist of the year -  http://www.thesweetband.com/press/Buzzle.jpg - and Stuart Smith on guitars / vocals, an immense talent in his own right -  Check out the band / project, Heaven and Earth: http://www.heavenandearthband.com – Richie Onori on Drums (Also from Heaven and Earth), Joe Retta on vocals, great voice and front man and the band is completed by the very talented Stevie Stewart on keyboards / vocals.  They are still playing big festivals across the US and Andy Scott’s Sweet is doing what...? Low key gigs across the UK ..?

Editor's additional note:
It seems I was quite wrong in my original estimation of Andy Scott. As the guy certainly seems to be out on the road, across most of Europe and the Eastern Bloc even, touring much more than the Sweet line up over here.
Seriously, I say all the best to both of them, enjoy it while you can right guys?

 The Sweet onstage at Mt. Clemens, Stars and Stripes 2011!

Photo Alun Williams©

Sorry, it’s just how I see it, also this line up of The Sweet late last year released the much recommended ‘Live in America’ album, perhaps I can do a retrospective review of that here to give you another clue on this act.

So the stage was set, there was a heat index here of around 100°F but there was a slight helpful breeze, phew, a scorcher indeed and a storm was threatened!

They hit the stage with ‘Action’ and I have to say, I love it! What a great song, without doubt as for a couple of years, Def Leppard took it and covered it as their own opener! Vocals are good and the band looks like they are having fun, even in the heat!

‘Hell Raiser’ fires up next and the wind is starting to get up and the sheeting around the stage is flapping, making it hard to take good pictures, but the crowd is up for it and enjoying the band.

Stuart Smith, what a player, I love his style, seriously good stuff!

 Stuart Smith - Throwing shapes! Photo Alun Williams©

With ‘Teenage Rampage’ next, memories come flooding back from those teenage years of my own! It’s good stuff and it’s an appreciative crowd for sure, but there are some spots of rain coming down and it’s not looking good …

The Sweet - July 2nd 2011 

L to R: Richie Onori, Stuart Smith, Joe Retta, Steve Priest and Stevie Stewart

 Photo Alun Williams©

Joe introduces ‘Love is Like Oxygen’ but the weather is really looking bad, the rain starts coming and before too long, people are running for cover as it becomes torrential and thunder is rumbling, but the band is still on and then it’s worse than ever and the band has to leave the stage, so they’re not electrocuted!

 Joe Retta centre stage at Stars and Stripes. Photo Alun Williams©

 The Sweet live at Stars and stripes ..., storm approaching! Photo Alun Williams©

Steve Priest with Joe Retta and Stuart Smith - Photo Alun Williams©

The storm continues for around thirty to forty minutes and people are still in front of the stage chanting, ‘We want Sweet, we want Sweet!’

As the storm and rain seems to abate, the crew gets up trying to dry everything that couldn’t be covered or what was covered after a lot of the rain hit already. An announcement is made that Sweet will return to finish their set!

The show must go on and go on it does!

 

Top: Steve Priest and Stevie Stewart.

Bottom: Stuart Smith.

All photo's Alun Williams© 

At 8.15pm the band returns with an absolute killer rendition of ‘Set Me Free!’ They were here to play a show and that’s what they were going to do and the crowd welcomed them back with open arms.

Stevie Stewart keys and Stuart Smith’s guitars completely rock out here, some great Hammond rockin’ from Stewart and the interplay between both him and Smith is great!

Anyone still thinking these guys are pop rock are seriously mistaken, as they rock!

There were a few spots where some of the levels seemed a little off, but Stevie Stewart’s keyboards were on the side of the stage where the rain got through hardest. These guys are lucky they’re not getting shocked!

Stuart Smith - Ready to strike! Photo Alun Williams©

‘Fox on the Run’ for whatever reason, back in the day became my favourite Sweet tune, but I don’t know now  after hearing ‘Set Me Free’ first hand, reminded me that so much of their album material deserves to be heard, I think I’m going to start digging out the old material!

 

The band were now back into their groove and ‘Sweet F.A.’ is up next and there’s more crowd taking notice of the band and rightfully so. Once more the keyboard work from Stewart interacting with Stuart Smith’s guitar work is excellent.

I have to make clear though, not so much mention of the other players is simply because they’re keeping it tight and Steve Priest’s supporting vocals are right there, to Joe Retta who’s doing a grand job throughout.

Richie Onori is a spot on, powerhouse drummer, who’s a joy to see play … I know I’m biased! LOL!

‘Blockbuster’ has all the crowd cheering , even if the USA wasn’t it’s most successful release territory and the band’s combined harmony vocals, show clearer here than at any other time, how strong together they are.

The Mt. Clemens crowd from the stage towards the end of the set. - Photo Alun Williams©

 Sadly, ‘Little Willy’ is played, but since it was the band big breakthrough single here hitting number three back in ’72, hardly surprising that it gets such a great reception.

The song ‘AC/DC’ from the ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’ album, obviously caused a stir back in the day when it was released, but put simply it rocks, again emphasizing this band is beyond a shadow of a doubt, first and foremost a rock band and looking at the rock t-shirt’s (Thin Lizzy, Metallica, AC/DC, The Cult, Rolling Stones, etc) on the fans here, I think it speaks for itself! I had my England shirt on proudly …!

‘Ballroom Blitz’ closes the set to great applause and I know the fans would’ve liked more, but it was a festival and there were two final band still to play, who probably had to drop one or two songs of their own, from their sets, to allow Sweet to complete theirs.

Top - Stuart Smith, 'Well I guess we'd better get this cleaned up!'

Bottom - Stevie Stewart - 'How's my Macbeth here?!' Joe Retta to the side chats with out of shot Steve Priest.

All photo's Alun Williams©

A good and truly eventful show by this very good band, who I hope to see again, in the not too distant future! Thanks guys!

Rating: 4 out of 5 – All things considered, with the storm and everything else, I know for sure it would be better in a better situation and weather wise!

The impressive sky at Mt. Clemens, after the storm passed.

Photo Alun Williams©

Official band site:

http://thesweetband.com/

Another couple of pictures showing the clean up effort after the storm. It suddenly hit so hard, I was just running to keep the camera dry!

Brief News Update for Monday 4th July, 2011

First of all folks, Happy 4th July, to American's everywhere or those of us, who maybe aren't American's or not yet anyway, but live in the good old U.S. of A!

Hope you've had a great weekend, hey, you still have Monday off too, eh?!

I know, the site's been a little different lately right ..., a few more reviews up, but not too much news, well, sometimes it's just how it pans out folks ...

I needed to catch up with some reviews and there's more in the works, don't fret, also a live review of an originally British band, now kind of split between two Brit's and three Americans, The Sweet!

A good live band for sure with original Sweet founding member Steve Priest (Bass/Vocals), Stuart Smith (Guitar/Vocals), Joe Retta (Lead vocals), Richie Onori (Drums) and Stevie Stewart (Keyboards/vocals).

I caught them live on Saturday night, here in Michigan, Downtown Mt. Clemens Stars and Stripes festival and spent a little time with them - Great guys, each of them! - and the gig review will be up on the site soon.

Anyway, on with some updates! Cheers, Al

3 Doors Down new album 'Time of My Life,' coming soon

3 Doors Down, the guys that brought you a whole load of hits including 'Kryptonite,' 'When You're Gone,' 'Here Without You,' 'Away From The Sun,' 'Let Me Go,' 'Landing In London,' 'It's Not My Time' and so many more, have their new album 'Time of My Life' released on July 19th.

If you pre-order it now, through  www.newburycomics.com you might just pick up a pre-order copy with an autographed booklet!

Actual order link is here:

http://www.newburycomics.com/rel/v2_home.php?storenr=103&deptnr=605

Official band website is here:

http://splash.3doorsdown.com/

Jorn to release 'Live In Black – Sweden Rock 2010' through Frontiers Records

Jorn Lande is considered as one of the leading voices in nowadays classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal world. Often described as the “Norse God of Metal”, Jorn is certainly one of the leaders of the renaissance of classic Hard Rock on its highest level and one of the most prolific and sought-after singers of today, whose immense vocal talent has reserved him a status of a living legend to be counted amongst the greatest giants in the history of rock.

Jorn Lande became widely known in the Hard Rock / Metal community singing for such bands as Millenium, Ark and finally Masterplan, the band featuring former Helloween guitar player Roland Grapow. He also guested on several projects such as the Allen Lande albums (with Symphony X singer Russell Allen), Avantasia, Beyond Twilight and Brazen Abbot. However he also has his own band project JORN, who debuted with in the year 2000 and with whom he has released 8 successful studio albums so far.

2010 was an important year for Jorn. Besides releasing his tribute album to Ronnie James Dio, he also took part to the final Heaven & Hell concert in Victoria Park, London together with Glenn Hughes on vocals. JORN appeared a few weeks earlier at the Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg where they took a crowd of 20,000 + by storm.

This live CD / DVD is the ultimate legacy of Jorn as and artist and band where they focus on the band’s repertoire and set a Hard Rock crowd on fire!

JORN is: Jorn Lande: Vocals
Tore Moren: Guitar
Tor Erik Myhre: Guitar
Nic Angileri: Bass
Willy Bendiksen: Drums

Official weblinks:

http://www.jornlande.com/

http://www.myspace.com/realjorn

http://www.frontiers.it

Peter Frampton featured in USA today, interview available

As Peter Frampton this year celebrates the 35th Anniversary of his recording breaking live album, 'Frmapton Comes Alive,' people are asking the man all sorts of questions, USA Today included it seems.

The man is also currently touring to celebrate the albums anniversary and guarantees fans a three hour show, every night!

The piece that Peter Frampton did with them, has been summed up in the below mention interview link.

USA Today Feature!In case you missed this yesterday, check out these incredible video and print interviews:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2011-06-29-peter-frampton-comes-alive-tour_n.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/video/index.htm?bctid=1028754914001#/Five+questions+for+Peter+Frampton/1028754914001

You can keep up with the man right here:

http://frampton.com

George Lynch update courtesy of Gibson.com

This update piece on George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), has been just posted over on Gibson.com 

Former Dokken guitarist George Lynch is a breed apart from most of his six-string cohorts. The 56-year-old axeman, whose new Kill All Control album hits stores on July 19, is an admitted scavenger and mad scientist when it comes to his trademark instrument.

The man behind “Mr. Scary” told www.GuitarWorld.com that the tinkering started when, as a 10-year-old, he remodeled his first electric guitar with a hacksaw, swapping “the terrible pickups with new crappy pickups.” He also set about creating his own amps.

“I kept the old cabinets and stacked them on top of each other to make it look like I had a bunch of amps,” he said. “I would make these cabinets six feet tall, so they would look impressive, but they would only have one speaker in them. I made them out of Masonite and fiberglass and covered them with green shag carpet. Since I didn't know what I was doing, the new cabinets sounded horrible.”

Lynch continued to build guitars during his years as an up-and-coming fretburner on the L.A. metal scene in the early ’80s.

“I used to assemble guitars for a lot of my students to supplement my income while I was teaching in various places. One of the people I worked for was Delores Rhoads, Randy Rhoads' mother, for a while. Randy got the Ozzy gig, but I got his teaching job. I would get $5 to $10 an hour, but I had kids to support, so I would build guitars for my students to supplement my teaching income.”

To this day, Lynch’s hunt for parts takes him to places like a Los Angeles computer scrapyard.

“I come here to scavenge for parts for guitar and amplifiers and whatnot,” he admitted.

“They have everything from amplifier tubes to torpedoes. If there was an earthquake, you'd be buried under all the crap, because they have stacks of junk that are 30 feet in the air.”

Original story source:

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/george-lynch-0703-2011/

George is currently hitting the road for live dates and the guy is a class act so go and check him out.

Go to the man's official site for tour dates and news updates.

George Lynch website:

http://georgelynch.com

Saturday 2nd July, 2011 - Christopher Cross Contest update

OK folks, you know ... I'm guessing that because of the holiday weekend and I know a lot of people were traveling, maybe it wasn't fair to have wrapped up the contest, quite so soon!

Soooo, I'm going to leave it open until Tuesday 5th July now ...

If there's no takers - And as soon as I receive the correct answer, I will post that the contest is closed!

If Tuesday comes and there's no correct answer ... Listen closely, I WILL open the contest INTERNATIONALLY! Yes, really!

So, here we go again!

Who is ready to answer a question that 'relates' to Christopher Cross, for an autographed copy of 'Doctor Faith' from Christopher Cross, courtesy of Universal Music and a runner up prize of a regular copy of the CD, not autographed?

The first correct answer will get the signed copy, the second correct answer will get the regular copy.

The question is this, Ride Like the Wind was covered in a very different way, in 1988.

Who was the act that did so?

 

Giveaway rules - Note new closing date!

1. Answers to me at: alun_williams@comcast.net

2. Please provide your full name and postal address.

3. The contest is open to US and Canadian residents only.

4. Please understand, there are ONLY two copies, one signed, one not and the editors decision is final.

5. Competition closes Tuesday 5th July, 2011.

Friday 1st July, 2011 - Last day on Competition Giveaway!

Hi folks,

Well, what's up with you all, you don't like 'something for free?'

Today is the last day for the Christopher Cross signed album giveaway competition!

So, who is ready to answer a question on Christopher Cross for an autographed copy of 'Doctor Faith' from Christopher Cross, courtesy of Universal Music and a runner up prize of a regular copy of the CD, not autographed?

The first correct answer will get the signed copy, the second correct answer will get the regular copy.

 

The question is this, Ride Like the Wind was covered in a very different way, in 1988.

Who was the act that did so?

Giveaway rules:

1. Answers to me at: alun_williams@comcast.net

2. Please provide your full name and postal address.

3. The contest is open to US and Canadian residents only.

4. Please understand, there are ONLY two copies, one signed, one not and the editors decision is final.

5. Competition closes Friday 1st July, 2011.

 

Thanks!

 

Whitesnake – 'Live at Donington 1990' album review

Whitesnake – Live at Donington 1990 album review

Released through: Frontiers records. Release date: Available now

Whitesnake, the 'David Coverdale Band,' for all intents and purposes, since the musicians surrounding the main man seem to have changed so much over the years - Since 1977 - just as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow used to do.

The line up that took to the stage in 1990 was the line up that recorded the ‘Slip of the Tongue’ album with the exception of the keyboards, although in fact Adrian Vandenberg was not present on the recording sessions due to a wrist injury, so new recruit Steve Vai actually completed all the album’s guitar parts.

The ‘Live at Donington 1990’ album featured David Coverdale (Of course!), Steve Vai, Adrian Vandenberg (Back on board), Rudy Sarzo (Bass), Tommy Aldridge (Drums) and guest keys man, Rick Serate.

This was Whitesnake’s third appearance at Donington’s Monster’s of Rock festival and their second time as headliners there, playing to around 100,000 rock hungry British fans.

They opened the show with the title track of the ‘Slip of the Tongue’ album and possibly the whole emotion of the event, was initially too much for Coverdale as seems to struggle a little to be honest on this opening number. Vai is just soloing like crazy and the band is simply a powerhouse and wall of sound!

‘Slide It In’ is up next and it’s a real treat for the Donington crowd and Coverdale is belting the tune out, much like the opener.

No wonder he finally endured throat problems in 2009, guessing the old vocal chords can only handle so much and he’d already had problems before in 1986 where it looked as though he may have been finished, but as always, the man keeps coming back!

Next up is ‘Judgement Day’ which starts huge and then eases back before getting into that almost (Led) Zeppelin like groove and again Vai is all over the song and his performance overall the whole performance is basically fitting as many solo’s into the show as is humanly possible!

Coverdale in some parts again seemed to really have pushed himself too much as he’s almost straining at times here.

‘Slow and Easy’ actually sounds great as it opens and the guitar tone is presently a little differently from its original format and it comes across very well. That said in the main guitar solo part, it almost seems as though Vandenberg and Vai are a little at cross purposes, as when Vandenberg is trying to play his solo and Vai takes the rhythm part, he has trouble trying to contain himself … You’ll see!

‘Kittens Got Claws’ next is a pure riff fest for both players, the song itself was always perhaps a little throwaway, but a fun number nonetheless, expressed by Coverdale at the start, with his introduction of, ‘Here kitty, kitty,’ and Vandenberg and Vai just let loose!

When it comes to the solo though it’s weird as it almost hits a Van Halen like bridge section, then with the solo both players are kind of all over each other.

Next it’s Adrian Vandenberg’s solo spot and it's kind of reminiscent of the intro to Michael Schenker’s ‘Lost Horizons’ live, in his piece ‘Adagio for Strato’ which then leads into ‘Flying Dutchman Boogie.’ Loads of widdly, widdly stuff here, where he’s now accompanied by the rest of the band.

‘Is This Love,’ possibly now the bands best know song next and I think that Vai seriously over plays on this one, while for Coverdale, it’s a tune that really suits his voice and kind of gives the guy a breather, compared to all the other songs he’s really belted out.

It’s back to the cheesy song titles next with ‘Cheap An’ Nasty,’ and sure enough prior to the solo, there another sub-Van Halen type bridge with ol’ Coverdale even adding the ‘Mmmm yeah, just to the left a bit … Don’t talk with your mouth full …’ innuendo and then the solo just rips it up.

‘Crying in the Rain’ closes the first disc here, clocking in at just under fourteen minutes, with it’s extended intro, then Tommy Aldridge’s drum solo in the middle and various other bits and pieces. A great song that is seriously exaggerated here though, with extended solos everywhere.

Disc two is slightly shorter than the first, opening with the modern version of ‘Fool For Your Lovin’,’ very different from it’s original incarnation on the ‘Ready and Willing’ album of ’80.

With Adrian Vandenberg back in the band after his wrist issues, it does seem a lot of the time on this recording that both players are fighting for the spotlight. I do recall in a more recent interview Coverdale was asked about the addition of Steve Vai to the band and he said, he was kind of ‘persuaded’ to ‘go with it’ for extra clout, but in hindsight, as much as he’s an excellent player that Vai really wasn’t a fit for Whitesnake.

Next up, Steve Vai gets to perform his elaborate style, with two tracks from his ‘Passion and Warfare’ release in ‘For the Love of God’ and ‘The Audience is Listening.’ All very good stuff, but a little overboard for a Whitesnake gig, I mean come on … The guy gets just over eight and a half minutes playtime, which was certainly more than Mr. Vandenberg. I’m sure it was written into the contract!

‘Here I Go Again’ is next brings back loads of great memories of just how fantastic the ‘80’s were for some killer songs.

It’s a rich and lush track, whether you hear the original version from 1981 or the re-recorded version on Whitesnake’s ‘1987’ album, then this version too. Anyway you look at it, the crowd always loved it!

Another number from the ‘Coverdale / (John) Sykes’ era of writing is next in ‘Bad Boys’ again, milked for all it’s worth by Mr. Vai.

The ultimate song for all British Whitesnake fans was always ‘Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,’ for pure crowd participation value.

Ironically, this was never carried over for US audiences, as I guess it came from that earlier ‘unknown’ period of Whitesnake for US audiences, which is a shame, as US fans have missed out on some great rockin’ blues inspired tunes from the album’s ‘Trouble' (1978), ‘Lovehunter’ (1979) and the previously mentioned 'Ready and Willing’ (1980).

Coverdale does sound here like he’s struggling at times, bit of a shame, but after presenting the newer more American driven Whitesnake numbers from ‘Whitesnake (1987)’ and ‘Slip of the Tongue,’ it kind of rips his voice up a hell of a lot.

Last number on here is ‘Still of the Night’ which at the time of its first release had the band accused of ripping off Led Zeppelin, in its structure.

To be honest, however you look at it; it’s a killer tune that so many old and newer fans alike really loved.

It’s not a bad live album at all, OK, in places there’s a lot of overplaying but it was – musician wise – a killer line up of players, who all in their own right knew how to present themselves live on stage. I’m sure the DVD is very good indeed and personally I’d rather have reviewed that here, as I’m sure it has a lot more value to it than this.

By the way, don't forget, this is also available on DVD, which I wish I had, as I'm sure that would be a treat to review!

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

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