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Monday, June 14, 2010

Rock News for Monday 14th June, 2010

Yes, I know ... Where's the news Al?! It's here, sorry it's late on Monday ...
Been a busy rest of the weekend after my last post folks, a couple of interviews too that will be shared as soon as I can get them wrapped up.
Still trying to get you the Gil Moore one from May up here, but with all the CD's / DVD's I'm trying to wrap up, there's just not enough hours in the day folks!
I know, England were huge disappointment to so many of us, but I have to say, the USA team didn't deserve to lose, so all in all, England were lucky to get a draw if you ask me ... Anyway, Friday will show us if they are up to it or not ... 
So, on with the news! Happy days!

Tony Iommi Announces Dio Tribute Gig

14th June 2010 -
“The Devil You Know” won Best Album at the Metal Hammer Awards this evening.

While accepting the award on behalf of Heaven and Hell, Tony Iommi announced they would be performing a tribute to Ronnie James Dio at the High Voltage Festival next month (Saturday 24th July). Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will take to the stage with guest singers and perform a 60 minute set of songs in memory of the band’s lead singer who sadly lost his fight against stomach cancer last month. Proceeds from their performance will be going to the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up and Shout” Cancer Fund (http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/).

For tickets and further information please visit:
http://www.highvoltagefestival.com/
http://www.iommi.com/index.php


 Frontiers Records to release a TERRY BROCK second solo album “Diamond Blue”


Napoli, June 2010 – Frontiers Records will release on August 27th in Europe and September 14th in the USA “Diamond Blue”, the anticipated second solo album from the gifted singer Terry Brock.
Best known as current vocalist in the Melodic Rock titans Giant, Terry has also recently announced to rejoin Strangeways, the legendary British AOR band that launched his name in the spotlight in the late 80’s, for the recording of a brand new album.

Still, in between these two very important milestone albums in the melodic rock year, Terry managed to complete “Diamond Blue” in collaboration with renowned guitarist / producer / songwriter Mike Slamer. The two of them have already worked together in Seventh Key and on the Slamer album “Nowhere Land” and have already showed the world the magic that the combination of their talent can achieve. “I had been working with Mike on Seventh Key and Slamer, so it was a natural progression. I begged him, basically, to do it !!” states Terry “I wouldn't have wanted anyone else !!”

In “Diamond Blue” the two of them explore a more classic Melodic Rock sonic landscape which showcases Terry’s vocal abilities in its most natural environment. Still, when Mike Slamer’s around you can’t help but having some roaring guitars and riveting guitar solos. All this, combined with a brilliant songwriting, builds up a fabulous release which is already very much talked and anticipated by the legions of Melodic Rock fans around the world. “Diamond Blue” also includes a song “Jessie’s Gone” written by Terry with Strangeways’ guitar player Ian Stewart.

“This record” says Terry, “is the end result of years of very hard, fun work. It is the solo CD that I've always wanted to make, but never thought I could make. Mike pushed me to be better as a singer, songwriter and musician, and I believe the results show that. It is very representative of where I'm at as an artist now and I'm particularly happy that I could involve a lot of friends in the recording process”.

Terry Brock’s musical career started as a background vocalist on Kansas album "Drastic Measures" in 1983. On that session he met Neil Kernon (the producer of the record) who subsequently turned out to be very important in Terry’s career. He also toured with Kansas in support of that album, playing guitar and doing background vocals. Before joining the legendary british Melodic Rock outfit Strangeways, Terry toured extensively with the Steve Morse Band, playing guitar and singing. Strangeways, of course, were Terry's best known experience in the music business. With them he recorded two albums on BMG / RCA: "Native Sons" and "Walk In the Fire".
With Strangeways he toured extensively around the whole of Europe garnering the band a reputation as one of the best UK based AOR bands ever and for himself the mantle of being the real heir to Steve Perry's (of Journey) throne. After he left Strangeways he moved to New York working mainly with famed producer Neil Kernon, who hired him to sing background vocals on albums by bands such as Aviator, Heaven's Edge, Valentine, Britny Fox and Michael Bolton. After a few years spent in Nashville, he came back on the scene taking part in the Melodic Rock supergroup The Sign and later with Seventh Key (both featuring Kansas bassist/singer Billy Greer) and Slamer. He recently joined Giant as replacement for Dann Huff on vocals on the acclaimed “Promise Land” album and he is currently working on the recording of the anticipated Strangeways reunion CD scheduled for a fall release on Frontiers.

“Diamond Blue” final tracklisting includes:
Diamond Blue; It’s You; Jessie’s Gone; No More Mr. Nice Guy; The Rain; Broken; Face in the Crowd; Why; Too Young; Soldier Falls; Face The Night.

The songs “Diamond Blue” and “Jessie’s Gone” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio from June 13th. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Musicians
Terry Brock: vocals, guitar
Mike Slamer: guitars, bass, keyboards
Andy Bigan: drums

Weblinks:

Whitesnake wine anyone?

OK, so in my younger years, I remember drinking Snakebite - A mix of Lager and Cider for those who don't know, often finished off with a splash of blackcurrant as the venom! - which often was the cause of many a rough morning, sometimes a rough night, but what about a fully fledged Whitesnake bottle of wine?
Indeed, it seems where a band thinks there's a market these days, they'll ..., erm, take advantage of it!
Let's face it, Kiss have ripped everyone off for years with their extreme, beyond belief sometimes - Kiss coffin / casket?! - and even Styx in recent years have been selling Styx coffee ... Sigh!
OK, without further ado, here you have it, the Whitesnake Zinfandel press release!


Whitesnake & Dennis de la Montanya are proud to present
The Whitesnake Zinfandel 2010

"Its a bodacious, cheeky little wine, filled to the brim with the spicy essence of sexy, slippery Snakeyness... I recommend it to complement any & all grown up friskiness & hot tub jollies ...
Is This Love?... I believe it is..."

The Whitesnake Zinfandel 2010 wine will be available in most US states after July 1 and available internationally shortly thereafter.

Iron Maiden - El Dorado Update / Pre-order details - The Final Frontier

This news update from Maiden's website:
Demand for Iron Maiden’s free download of the forthcoming album track EL DORADO has been phenomenal. So much so, we regret that some visitors might have had trouble in accessing the site during the first couple of days. Now the traffic has eased off there should be no problems in grabbing your download if you haven’t already done so. Don’t forget we have an exclusive offer to pre-order a digital version of the album at a very special price. Grab it while you can as the offer closes Monday 21st June.

The upcoming new studio album THE FINAL FRONTIER was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau. Producer Kevin “Caveman” Shirley reports “Each of the guitar players has a very much more distinct sound on this record. The textures sound quite different to each other. It’s nothing that I’m doing any differently, it’s what they’re doing differently, a spectacular landscape they’re painting for themselves”.

10 tracks and 76 minutes of Maiden Metal in overdrive.

 Robin Trower - 2011 US Tour Update


An update from Robin Trower's website regarding his next US tour:

Good news US Trower fans ...! We are booking the Robin Trower 2011 US tour.
The current plan sees the tour starting in Florida in February, cutting across Texas to California and up the West coast, finishing in Seattle in April. Then Robin will take a break, and will start again in Chicago in June, going thru the midwest, and finishing in the Northeast at the end of July.

The Agency is soliciting offers, and as shows are confirmed, we will post them in the tours section.
Robin has asked Davey Pattison, Glenn Letsch and Pete Thompson to join him on the 2011 US tour, which will feature some new songs from the CD that is being recorded now, along with some musical surprises.
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Saturday, June 12, 2010

Rock News for Saturday 12th June, 2010

So, here we are Saturday 12th June, 2010 and another World Cup has just kicked off!
Who are you supporting, anyone? For me, it has to be 'England, my England!'
Yes, I've been living in the US now for 10 years, and my wonderful American wife Rhonda has my heart, but when it comes down to footy and the USA versus England, aha, it's showdown time!
Seriously, I just hope that everyone out there in South Africa has a great time and a safe time.
There's been a lot of fear of what may or may not happen while the event takes place and I pray that people are civilized and everyone keeps their heads - Literally! - out there and everyone simply enjoys themselves.
'Come on you England,' says I and good luck to everyone else. May the best team win! - Hope it's England! ;-)

 Jimmy Page 'gets his Mojo Award' and is inducted into the Mojo Hall Of Fame

(Picture courtesy of http://www.mojo4music.com/blog/)

It's nice to see some seriously talented old classic rockers, still making their mark in todays ever changing  music scene and lets face, there's not that many bands that come as legendary as Led Zeppelin.
Good for Jimmy Page then for getting inducted into the 'Mojo Hall of Fame,' winning his last Mojo award back in 2007 when Led Zeppelin reunited, albeit very briefly!

He also revealed he was working on new material, with a number of different projects.
He has also been taken on by Robbie Williams' management company IE.

"I'm just looking forward to making some music and surprising people with it," he said.
"It won't be just teaming up with lots of people who are [big] names. I've got an idea of something which I've had for a long time and now's the time to do it."
Read more on other details from the awards here:

Rush to be on Hollywood 'Walk of Fame'

RUSH TO BE HONORED WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Hollywood Honor Coincides With Tour, Documentary and New Single

WHO: RUSH- Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler
Guest speakers: Donna Halper , former radio personality at WMMS in Cleveland
where Rush received their first airplay with 'Working Man'

WHAT: 2,412th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
WHERE: 6752 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Musician’s Institute
WHEN: Friday, June 25, at 11:30 a.m.

Rush – is without question one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, equally famed for both its virtuoso musicianship and provocative songwriting.

The honor comes as the progressive-rock trio comprised of bassist-frontman Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart gear up for their North American Time Machine tour and pre-releasing 2 new songs “Caravan” & “BU2B” from their forthcoming 20th studio album Clockwork Angels (due spring 2011)

Just last year, a career-chronicling Rolling Stone feature praised the band for its continuing artistic vitality, noting that “It’s true that Rush doesn’t mean today what it did in ’76 or even ’96. It may mean more.”

Rush's enduring pop culture relevance is perhaps best evidenced by a pair of high- profile appearances - a rare national television performance and interview on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" in 2008 (the band's first TV appearance since 1975), and a pivotal role in the storyline of the 2009 hit comedy, I Love You, Man, starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segal, where the band also made a memorable cameo in the film.

Beginning with their self-titled debut album in 1974, their extraordinary body of work – which includes such formidable works as 1976’s 2112, 1981’s Moving Pictures, 1996’s Test for Echo and the latest studio album “Snakes & Arrows”- made a triumphant debut on the Billboard 200 upon its initial release in 2007, entering the chart in the #3 spot. The album’s success marked Rush’s highest chart debut since 1993, as well as the group’s eleventh Top Ten album in the U.S.

Rush has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and garnered untold legions of devoted and admiring fans. According to the RIAA, Rush's sales statistics place RUSH third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band. Some of their most popular songs include: The Spirit of Radio, Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Closer To The Heart, YYZ, Working Man and Subdivisons.

Rush has also won a number of Juno Awards, been nominated for multiple Grammy awards, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994, bestowed the Order of Canada in 1997, inducted into Canada’s Walk of Stars in 1999 and Canada’s Songwriting Hall of Fame in March of 2010.
Consistently celebrated and respected worldwide, Rush is the most successful Canadian rock band of all time, and they remain one of the biggest grossing arena rock bands ever.

Rush has become known for the instrumental skills of its members, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and libertarian philosophy, as well as addressing humanitarian, social, emotional, and environmental concerns.

Also happening this month is a special limited engagement big screen release of the documentary "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage," which opens worldwide on June 10. Directors Sam Dunn with Scot McFadyen's rock doc, which follows the band's 40-plus-years career, premiered this past April at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival where it won the coveted Audience Award. The documentary includes interviews with some of today’s most respected rock artists such as Billy Corgan, Taylor Hawkins, Trent Reznor, Sebastian Bach, Kirk Hammett and Gene Simmons speaking about the influence of Rush.
The doc is slated for release on DVD and Blu-Ray in the U.S. on June 29.

Four days after receiving the Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6752 Hollywood Blvd., Rush will kick off its "Time Machine Tour" on June 29, in Albuquerque, New Mexico and finish October 2, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Stryper's covers album, coming along ...

Brief one, but thought I'd share this anyway ...
If you visit Michael Sweet's Twitter page -  http://twitter.com/michaelhsweet
You can keep up with the progress of the new covers album they've done / are doing, of many of their musical influences.
Michael in the last couple of days has posted these brief updates:

"Inagaddadavida" turned out absolutely incredible - we're on to "Fire" by Arthur Brown now....
about 10 hours ago via txt.

Mixes are sounding great! 7 down and 6 to go... Mastering on the 21st-yes! It's good hanging with Oz...
about 11 hours ago via txt.

Well, it's reality now-mixing is here and it sounds excellent! Oz gets in tomorrow and Tim and Rob next week... Samples soon :-)
4:54 PM Jun 8th via txt.

Last week of vocals and into mixing next week! Also, the haircut was a joke-it was pulled back-just me clowning around again :-)
7:19 AM Jun 1st via txt

Also keeping checking here for any other possible updates:
www.michaelsweet.com/

How about a little charity and maybe you'll win a signed Eddie guitar?!

This from the Van Halen newsdesk:

Walk on Role for Curb Your Enthusiasm, Meet Lady Antebellum or Sean Hannity, win David Lee Roth’s Guitar, Plus Numerous Auctions for Good

Celebrities & charities come together to raise vital funds via unique online auctions on Auction Cause

Los Angeles, Calif (Vocus) — Auction Cause, the leading online cause marketing agency for unique and memorable celebrity driven auctions has seldom had a lineup like this. “In a time where nonprofits are challenged to find creative revenue sources, we have seen a tremendous outpouring of generosity from celebrities across the spectrum of the entertainment industry.”, commented Eric Gazin, President of Auction Cause. “We have many bidders who want to take part in a once in a lifetime experience, buy a piece of rare memorabilia, or just give to a cause they believe in. TV shows, brands, and celebrities realize they now have a safe way to fundraise, drive viewership, and showcase the good they are doing through cause marketing with us”, he added.

Those visiting http://www.auctioncause.com/ will be able to some very special Father’s Day shopping as well as treat themselves to the kinds of auction items rarely offered to the public at any price. Highlights include:

David Lee Roth’s customized Tacoma acoustic guitar, complete with his drawing on it, is now available. Money raised will support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Auction ends June 17th. Bid on the DLR guitar here.
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Friday, June 11, 2010

Rock News for Friday 11th June, 2010

Ozzy's Going To SCREAM For The Record Books!

Whatever next from the madman of rock?!
If you thought Ozzy Osbourne's SCREAM was gonna be huge, wait until you see this!
On Friday, June 11 at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, Ozzy will lead fans in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for Loudest Scream by a Crowd and set a new record for Longest Scream by a Crowd!

As part of the stadium's third annual ThinkCure! - http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/community/think_cure.jsp?utm_medium=epic-email&utm_source=ozzyosbourne&utm_campaign=epic-email%7cozzyosbourne%7c20100610 - Weekend at the stadium, Ozzy and his wife Sharon Osbourne, a cancer survivor, will take the field and lead the crowd in a "Scream for a Cure" in the middle of the 5th inning.
This stadium-wide scream is also in celebration of Osbourne’s upcoming Epic Records album SCREAM, due out June 22.

Stone Sour are back

Three-time Grammy nominees Stone Sour have announced a September 7th release date for their much-buzzed-about new album 'Audio Secrecy.' “It's probably the best thing I've done in a long time," lead singer Corey Taylor recently told MTV News. "We recorded 18 songs — and knowing that every tune not only has its own identity but is damn good, I'm very, very proud of that."
Read more on this here:

The long awaited reveal of new music from Stone Sour is finally here!

"Mission Statement," the brand new track from Stone Sour's upcoming album 'Audio Secrecy' is now available.
Click here for your free download:

Hurry, this download will only be active for 48 Hours - ending on Saturday, June 12th at 11 AM EST.
Stay current on everything Stone Sour right here:

Go-Go's Farewell tour no go!

No, that doesn't mean that they the Go-Go's are not breaking up, it seems that is still on the cards, but Pollstar posted yesterday that, 'An injury occurred while hiking has forced the Go-Go’s to cancel their farewell tour scheduled to begin in July.

A couple of weeks ago Jane Wiedlin suffered injuries after falling 20 feet while hiking near her Northern California home. The Go-Go’s guitarist is scheduled for ACL replacement surgery on her knee in the coming weeks and is expected to need up to a year for recovery.
Not so good news all round then and at the time of writing, their website was still showing the tour as on, with no mention of any cancellation.

LEGACY RECORDINGS ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF HEART'S RED VELVET CAR 
THE FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN SIX YEARS FROM ANN & NANCY WILSON,
AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE TUESDAY, AUGUST 31

Legacy Recasting Classic Heart Catalog For New Physical and Digital Editions

Legacy Recordings proudly announces the release of 'Red Velvet Car,' the first new studio album in six years from the groundbreaking Seattle-based band Heart, available everywhere on Tuesday, August 31.

The release of Red Velvet Car heralds Legacy's forthcoming reissues of the classic Heart catalog in new physical and digital editions.

For their first new album since 2004's Jupiter's Darling, the first ladies of arena rock took an acoustic approach to a collection of songs inspired by the world around them, arranged for an assortment of strings including guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle, viola, cello and autoharp, all played by Nancy Wilson and the album's producer, Grammy winner Ben Mink.

Nine of the album's songs were written for, and appear for the first time on Red Velvet Car. The album's closer, "Sand," is a newly recorded version of a song originally written and recorded by the Lovemongers, Ann and Nancy's 1990's acoustic side project.Tracks on Red Velvet Car include "Death Valley," "Safronia's Mark," "Red Velvet Car," "Queen City," "Sunflower," "Wheels," "There You Go," "WTF," "Hey You" and "Sand."

Red Velvet Car marks the return of Heart to the Sony Music Entertainment family.
Heart's last Sony-related release was 1983's Passionworks on Epic Records.

"It feels good to have Sony Music holding our new baby. It's sort of like coming home, since we worked with them on Little Queen, Dog and Butterfly, Bebe le Strange, Private Audition and Passionworks, among others," said Ann Wilson. "We're excited about taking it on the road. A fresh sound with all the original Heart magic."

"This album feels so right for the times," said Nancy Wilson. "We can't wait to share this one with the world!"

Heart will be performing songs from Red Velvet Car, as well as classics from the band's repertoire, at selected Lilith Fair dates and in headline concerts across the U.S. and Canada from July through September.
Tour details available on the Heart website.

Red Velvet Car is slated for late summer release.

Ann Wilson and her younger sister, Nancy Wilson, first showed the world that women can rock when their band Heart stormed the charts in the '70s with hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda," ‘Straight On," "Even It Up," "Kick It Out" and so many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs, and played the instruments too, making them the first women in rock to do so. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80s and into the ‘90s with huge hits like "These Dreams," "Alone," "What About Love," "If Looks Could Kill," "Never," and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters' enormous talents as both musicians and singers. Along the way, Heart sold more than 30 million records, had 21 top 40 hits, sold out arenas worldwide, and had a profound influence on rock music.

Status Quo not feeling the love in Brighton

This was posted over at Classic Rock magazine:

Status Quo are furious with Brighton and Hove Council (Sussex, England), after they launched a recruitment drive by using a seemingly anti-Quo slogan.
For some bizarre reason, the council have launched a website advertising four new jobs – each with a salary of £125,000 – under the address of http://www.saynotostatusquo.com/ and are using the slogan ‘Status Quo fans need not apply’!

Says Quo’s manager Simon Porter: “This is a direct insult to the capabilities of millions of Quo fans, many of whom are probably totally overqualified for these jobs.
Read more on the story here:
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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 10th June, 2010

UK AOR rockers FM land late Download spot in place of Ratt
  
This press release through the Download site came late Wednesday:

FM to replace Ratt on the Main Stage this Sunday!

British hard rockers step in to fill the shoes of the band who sadly have had to pull out of this year’s Download

Yesterday we reported the sad news that owing to illness, RATT have had to pull out of Download 2010. Well, we’re thrilled to announce that a replacement has stepped in at the 11th hour…

Filling Ratt’s shoes on the Maurice Jones Stage this Sunday are none other than British hard rockers FM, who have been back on tour this year following the recent release of their latest album Metropolis.

Featuring Steve Overland, Merv Goldsworthy and Pete Jupp from the band’s original line up, it’ll be one hell of a performance when FM take to the Download stage on the final day of the Festival.
Thanks to the boys for stepping in at the last minute! Nice one chaps…

SCORPIONS LAUNCH NORTH AMERICAN LEG OF THE “GET YOUR STING AND BLACKOUT”
FAREWELL WORLD TOUR JUNE 18
NEW SINGLE “STING IN THE TAIL” IMPACTS RADIO JUNE 21

CRITICAL PRAISE POURS IN FROM GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE
BAND RECEIVES THE “ROCK LEGEND” HONOR AT THE WORLD MUSIC AWARDS MAY 18
Scorpions at the World Music Awards in Monaco on May 18

As one of the most successful rock bands in the world with over 100 million records sold, the SCORPIONS announced this year that they will leave it ALL on the stage after 40+ years of entertaining fans worldwide. The band is currently out on their “GET YOUR STING AND BLACKOUT” farewell world tour and will hit the states Friday, June 18 to kick off the North American leg in Holmdel, NJ.

The German rockers will be bring their heavy, full-on, electrically charged energy to major cities across the U.S. including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver and many more as they celebrate the success of their latest and final album STING IN THE TAIL. Special guests on the tour will include Vince Neil, Cinderella, Great White, Dokken, Ratt and Tesla supporting along the way.
The full tour itinerary is below.

Released March 23 via Universal Music Enterprises, Sting in the Tail entered the Billboard Top 200 charts at #23, marking the band’s highest chart debut in over 20 years. In their home country of Germany the album has reached Gold status. “Raised on Rock” -- the album’s anthemic first single -- claimed the #1 spot at classic rock radio for weeks and adds to their remarkable list of hits including “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” “Wind of Change” and “No One Like You.” The band’s next single “Sting in the Tail” -- going to radio June 21 -- is all about attitude. Lead singer KLAUS MEINE wails “I’m driving out of town, just follow my heart/I think I’m gonna be a rock ‘n’ roll star/The girls would go mad, I’d give ‘em all I can give/If I had a cheap guitar and one dirty riff.”

Thus far the Scorpions--MEINE (vocals), MATTHIAS JABS (lead guitar), RUDOLF SCHENKER (guitar), JAMES KOTTAK (drums) and PAWEL MACIWODA (bass)--have taken the “Get Your Sting and Blackout” farewell world tour to Germany, Switzerland and France and received rave reviews. Of the in-progress European tour, the German daily paper Bild said, “Farewell Scorpions–you were sensational!...Why do they want to call it quits? The Scorpions rocked the sold-out arena...there were elaborate video animations, fantastic light effects and a perfect sound--it was a show of superlatives!”
Munich’s paper TZ said, “It was very emotional early on: 45 minutes after the Scorpions took the stage in the fully sold out Olympia Halle and sang their opener ‘Sting in the Tail’ from their final, hit album, the five musicians approach the forestage, while the crowd renders homage. The band then begins to play a marvelous acoustic version of their Nineties ballad ‘Send me an Angel.’ It seems as if the fans do not want to stop applauding -pure emotions…A brilliant, two-hour long, rock show. The musicians illustrate why they rank among the most successful German bands in the world: they are a momentum on stage.“ Frankfurt, Germany’s Frankfurtonline said of Meine’s voice: “It still sounds just as young and fresh and easy-going as it did from day one: powerful and flexible.”

In other exciting news, the rockers were honored at the World Music Awards at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club on May 18th, in presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco. Back in 1992 and again in 1994, the band proudly accepted the award for "Best International Selling Artist from Germany.” This time, the Scorpions were awarded with the World Music "Rock Legend Award" for their outstanding contribution to rock music. The show aired in over 160 countries around the world to more than 100 million viewers. And earlier this year the group were honored in Los Angeles at Guitar Center’s “Rock Walk,” where they were inducted alongside other artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Blues and R&B.

MEINE continues to thank their loyal fans and invite them out to the biggest party of the year. “We are so incredibly happy about the fantastic feedback we have been receiving from around the world on Sting in the Tail. We can’t wait to see our fans soon!”

Check out the SCORPIONS on the “Get Your Sting and Blackout” Tour:
DATE CITY VENUE

w/ Cinderella supporting
Fri 6/18 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
**Sat 6/19 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
Tue 6/22 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Theater

w/ Vince Neil supporting:
Wed 6/23 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook Amphitheatre

w/ Cinderella supporting
Fri 6/25 Quebec City, QC Pavillion de la Juenesse
Sat 6/26 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Sun 6/27 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
Wed 6/30 Columbus, OH LC Outdoor Amphitheatre
Thu 7/1 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
**Fri 7/2 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
Mon 7/5 Pittsburgh, PA Amphitheatre at Station Square

w/ Great White supporting:
Tue 7/6 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre

w/ Cinderella supporting:
**Thu 7/8 Sarnia, ONT Sarnia Bayfest Festival

w/ Ratt supporting:
Sat 7/10 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
Sun 7/11 Memphis, TN Mud Island
Wed 7/14 Atlanta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Fri 7/16 Miami, FL Bayfront Park Amphitheatre
Sat 7/17 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
Mon 7/19 New Orleans, LA Mahalia Jackson Theatre
Wed 7/21 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
Fri 7/23 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

w/ Cinderella supporting:
**Sat 7/24 Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre

w/ Tesla supporting:
Mon 7/26 Albuquerque, NM The Pavilion
Tue 7/27 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theater

w/ Cinderella supporting:
Thu 7/29 Ontario, CA Citizen’s Business Bank Arena
Sat 7/31 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre
Sun 8/1 San Francisco, CA Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord
Tue 8/3 Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center

w/ Ratt supporting:
Wed 8/4 Sacramento, CA Raley Field

w/ Dokken supporting:
**Fri 8/6 Roseburg, OR Douglas County Fairgrounds
**Sat 8/7 Ridgefield, WA Amphitheatre at Clark County

w/ Local support:
Mon 8/9 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Tue 8/10 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Center
Support TBA:
**Fri 8/13 Sturgis, SD Buffalo Chip Campground
**Sat 8/14 Billings, MT Montana Fair

w/ Tesla & Jackyl supporting:
Mon 8/16 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre

w/ Cinderella supporting
Tue 8/17 Denver, CO 1st Bank Center

w/ Dokken supporting:
Fri 8/20 Moline, IL I Wireless Center

Support Michael Schenker Group:
Sat 8/21 Chicago, IL The Rosemont
** denotes festival appearance

 Saxon DVD get's into UK's DVD chart at Number 3

Amazing as it may seem to many, it appears there are plenty of die hard rock and metal fans who wanted to snap this new Saxon rock documentary, 'Heavy Metal Thunder - The Movie' up when it was released this past weekend in the UK!
Perhaps they can thank Canadian metal heads, Anvil for some of this success, based on how much attention their 'The Story of Anvil' movie has received all over the world and I don't mean to take anything away from SAxon, as they've always been a hard touring band.

Saxon got some publicity a few years back (2007) with a 'wind up' TV show 'Get Your Act Together' they did with legendary promoter Harvey Goldsmith. It was apparently meant to be a wind up anyway - So some sources would have it. - but many people believe it backfired on the producers of the show as the audience apparently really got into it!.
These details were also posted at Blabbermouth at the time:

Details on the 2 disc Saxon DVD set just released as follows:
Saxon are true heavy metal heroes. Their story is a classic rock 'n' roll saga: five friends from the backstreets of Yorkshire setting out to take on the world. The resulting chart glory, mixed with band infighting and full-on rock'n'roll excess, ensures their dramatic tale will become part of heavey metal history.

A Special Limited Edition featuring over SIX HOURS of Saxon, including:
• Heavy Metal Thunder – the Movie!
(A special extended edition of the dramatic story of Saxon)
• Saxon In Concert, 1981
(A classic concert from the archives of The Beat Club)
• ‘Building the Labyrinth’
(A mini-doc following the recording of Into The Labyrinth)
• ‘The Eagle & The Bomber’
(A mini-doc shot on tour with Motorhead in 2009)
• ‘On a Crusade’
(Archive interviews from the recording of Crusader)
• ‘No Excuses’
(Archive footage from the ‘Innocence Is No Excuse’ recording sessions)
• St George’s Day 2008
(Saxon’s inaugural St George’s Day gig filmed in London)
PAL, Region 0, Exempt from classification but contains some strong language.
You can order it here:

Anyone remember Montrose, any fans still out there?

It seems Ronnie Montrose is still getting the odd live Montrose show in here and there ...
3 dates are currently showing in the bands schedule coming up, starting this weekend with 2.
Dates as follows:
JUNE 12, 2010 - NOVATO ARTS FEST, NOVATO, CA.

JUNE 13, 2010 - THE SADDLERACK, FREMONT, CA.

AUGUST 7, 2010, X - FEST, MODESTO, CA.

Ronnie's website and details on all his previous bands, can be found here:

Gallery Books to Publish KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley's Memoir

NEW YORK, June 8, 2010 – Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, announced today that it will publish legendary rocker and KISS guitarist Ace Frehley’s memoir NO REGRETS.
The book, to be published under the VH1 Books imprint, is scheduled for publication in Summer 2011.

Ace Frehley is known worldwide as the legendary original lead guitarist for the seminal rock band KISS and respected as a solo artist who has influenced generations of guitar players. KISS is known for its wild make-up, spectacular costumes, and theatrical live shows (not to mention their music)! Frehley will delve into his life as a kid growing up in the Bronx, his ups-and-downs and influences which catapulted him into a life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll, and reveal what is was like to be one of the founding members of one of the most influential bands in the world.

Ace Frehley said “I think Sinatra said it best…‘regrets I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.’”

Jennifer Bergstrom, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief of Gallery Books, said "NO REGRETS is sure to be the next must-read rock-and-roll memoir.”

Gallery Books’ Senior Editor Jeremie Ruby-Strauss negotiated the deal with Frank Weimann, President of The Literary Group International, which includes world rights.

Gallery Books is an imprint dedicated to publishing a wide variety of must-read books on a wide array of topics. The imprint was designed to showcase established voices and to introduce emerging new ones—in both fiction and nonfiction, and across a variety of genres. Some of Gallery Books’ bestselling titles include Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, sTori Telling by Tori Spelling, and Oh My Dog by Beth Stern. Upcoming titles include I Know I Am, But What Are You? by Samantha Bee, Gunn’s Golden Rules by Tim Gunn, I Remember You by Harriet Evans, and Lisa Genova’s new novel, Left Neglected. VH1 Books is an imprint of MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION and Pocket Books.

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at http://www.simonandschuster.com/
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 9th June, 2010

Bad Company more North American dates

Yes indeed, BAD COMPANY Featuring, Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke have confirmed a few more dates in the US and there's two in Canada as well.

Those full BAD COMPANY confirmed dates are as follows:

USA / CANADA
Friday 16th July 2010 Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California
Saturday, 17th July 2010 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA
Thursday, July 22 The Lakeland Center Jenkins Arena Lakeland, FL
Friday, July 23, 2010 St. Augustine Amphitheater St. Augustine, FL
Sunday, July 25, Chastain Park Amphitheater, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, 27th July 2010 Bank Of America Pavilion, Boston, MA
August 2010
Sunday, 1st Aug 2010 Outlaw Jam, Frederick County Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD,
Wednesday, 4th August 2010 Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario, Canada (Toronto)
Saturday, 14th August , Bike Rally, Port Dover, Ontario, Canada
 
Ratt Cancel European Dates While Frontman Undergoes Surgery

June 7th, 2010 - Ratt have been forced to cancel their upcoming European tour dates. Vocalist Stephen Pearcy will be undergoing urgent hernia surgery this week. The band regrets missing the European dates on the heels of the release of their first album in eleven years, Infestation, which enjoyed a high chart debut in European territories.

Ratt shares this disappointment with all their European fans who planned to attend the shows at Sweden Rock, Sauna Open Air Festival, UK Download, Hellfest, Grasspop and Gods of Metal as well as their other dates. The band is looking into rescheduling as many of the shows as possible.

Pearcy's doctors anticipate a full recovery in time for Ratt’s North American touring schedule, which includes a run with The Scorpions, beginning in July and running through September.

Here's wishing Stephen a speedy recovery. Good luck mate!

SCHOOL OF ROCK TO PRESENT JOE LYNN TURNER AS GUEST PROFESSOR/PERFORMER AT THREE LOCATIONS IN NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA JUNE 17-19

Students attending the SCHOOL OF ROCK programs in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania will have an opportunity to share a studio and stage with legendary rock singer/guitarist Joe Lynn Turner, when he serves as guest professor and performer with the All-Stars at three locations in June: Downington PA 6/17, Bergen County, NJ 6/18 and New York City 6/19.
Included in the set list for the shows, the students and Turner will perform a tribute to his former Rainbow band mate who recently passed away, Ronnie James Dio.

Turner's career highlights in the heavy metal/rock world include performing and/or recording with Rainbow, Bob Daisley and Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne), Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Yngwie Malmsteen and Deep Purple.

Turner excitedly agreed to take on the role of guest professor, saying 'I wish there was a School of Rock when I was growing up...what a fantastic idea! I wanted to work with the student's way before this but my touring schedule did not allow, so I am so excited to have this opportunity to rock out and share my experience. It will be a blast!!'
Tickets for the three shows are $5.00 for School of Rock members and
$10.00 for general admission at the door.

Thursday June 17:
School of Rock
478 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-518-7625
Showtime: 7:00pm

Friday June 18:
School of Rock
31 Schrieffer Street
South Hackensack, NJ 07606
201 342 8314
Showtime: 7:00pm

Saturday June 19:
Crash Mansion
199 Bowery Street, NY, NY 10002
212-982-0740
Showtime: 5:00pm
About School of Rock:
School of Rock is the national leader in music education for kids.
Our mission is to inspire kids to rock on stage and in life. Our proprietary performance-based curriculum teaches kids to play rock music in a unique and interactive way, which is changing the way kids learn to play music across America. Professional musicians teach students of all levels, developing both their music skills and confidence. School of Rock operates 58 schools in 23 states and has developed an aggressive growth strategy seeking franchise partners throughout the United States.

For more information about School of Rock, please visit http://www.schoolofrock.com/
For more information about Joe Lynn Turner, log on to:

UFO's keyboard / guitarist, Paul Raymond has an updated newsletter
 UFO's Paul Raymond new newsletter is now available online at his site and he discusses some interesting road stories as well as the recent email he received from Michael Schenker, asking him to join in the 30th Anniversary of M.S.G. celebrations and all star line up at Shepherds Bush Empire, London, England and Paul goes on to tell more on that, including the appearance of Pete Way after so long away from the live scene:

http://www.paulraymond.info/newsletter9.htm

By the way, some footage from the show of the encore Doctor Doctor is available on You Tube, check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYV8PaN7pSs

The 25th Vibe for Philo?

'Vibe for Philo' has been an annual event in Dublin, that pays tribute to the work of the late, great Phillip Lynott and of course his work with Thin Lizzy.
Next year, 2011 celebrates 25 years of the event, although the organizes are saying that it seems there may be powers that be out there trying to stop it happening this year.
This posted at the site telling you more on the whole event and you can join the Facebook site / page to support the event / cause here, to prevent it's cancellation:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=126872264006264
It seems Lizzy fans are currently split down the middle on the event.

Last year, in the worst weather in 40 years, supporters from 16 countries braved the attrocious conditions to pack out the Button Factory for the 24th annual Vibe for Philo. Hail, rain, shine, or financial loss, the Vibe has held constant the 4th January as the day to commemorate Dublin's own King of Rock since his death. But it wasn't always like that.


When Jimi Hendrix died Drugs were cool. By the time Philip P Lynott died in the mid-80s they were so so un-pc they were off the radar. Official Ireland may have been in denial of the exploding drugs problem but there were many who were loath to see one of our Rock Icons become poster-boy for an addicted generation.A cynical Irish and international media shredded his reputation forgetting all those wonderful songs that made a pre Celtic Tiger Ireland feel it had some worth.

As Dublin nailed its flag to the Indie-Rock mast, for many, Lynott was "a writer of some good but largely mediocre songs" as one Irish reviewer put it, and musically out of step with their vision of Ireland's musical future. It would take several years before Ireland fully accepted the late Bill Graham's thesis that when Philo died Ireland lost its Elvis. But in Crumlin, and Finglas, and Ballyfermot, and all those other working class enclaves he loved so much, they didn't see the negativity, they just saw all those glorious celebrations of their lives enshrined forever in vinyl and they got it and they would never forget. He was one of their own afterall.

The Vibe is unlike any tribute you've ever been at. Rooted in Phlio's 1981 personal request to Smiley Bolger to "Do a Vibe for me sometime", from the first anniversary of Lynott's death it has set out to make that day a proper commemoration of his entire musical legacy.The first ever Vibe was probably an indication of his then standing as only 30 people turned up. The Lizzy roadcrew were there as were Eric Bell and long time admirer Philip Chevron. It was a slow haul in which the wars were fought and scars won to bring Philo back into the affections of those who loved him in his native town. From Predator hitting the first power chord at Sides, the Vibe has grown ito the longest running tribute event in the world, inspired and nurtured similar shows from Toronto to Tokyo, all over the UK, Scandinavia, Belgium,Holland and Germany, as well as events in Los Angeles and New York. Along with the Roisin Dubh Trust it has provided the focus for worldwide Lizzy supporters who make the annual pilgrimage to Dublin to visit Philo's grave and meet up with "the family". Philomena Lynott recently called it a "family event," and its a term many who come year in and year out from the four corners would use too. Friendships have been made, relationships started, all focused around the legacy of the man himself.

Almost every single member of Thin Lizzy has played the Vibe at least once, most notably at
the 10th Vibe when Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Darren Wharton, Brian Downey, Marco Mendozo, Midge Ure, and Eric Bell took the stage with a host of special guests. Brian Robertson has also proved to be a friend and supporter of the Vibe, appearing on numerous occasions.

Tribute acts from 14 countries have graced its various events. It has been the subject of numerous international documentaries and both Mark Putteford and Stuart Baillie deemed it important enought to be subject to a chapter in their biographies of Philo. The former claimed that it was from attending the Vibe that he was inspired to write "The Rocker."

Now sadly after a quarter century of Love, Sweat, and Tears, what should be a culmination of all that hard work, we find ourselves embroiled in controversy, not of our own making. Somewhat misguidedly Scott Gorham's latest incarnation of Thin Lizzy are set to play Dublin on the same night, in a re-enactment of the 10th Vibe, using a similar format. This has split both the Irish and International Lizzy supporting community. Phil's mum has called for fans "not to go and see my Phil's old band." She's also called for a petition to be set up asking for them to respect her sons memory and play any other date other than the 4th January.
At the time of writing that petition has been started on Facebook - "Save the 2011 Vibe for Philo from being Hijacked" and has attracted over 1000 supporters in less than 19 hours.

The Lizzy community is split right down the middle as we head into the 25th anniversary of Philip Lynott's death. As Philo said in Suicide, "Dont that make you feel sad".
The 25th Vibe for Philo will take place as ever in Dublin on January 4th 2011 with a venue and line-up yet to be announced.
http://www.vibeforphilo.com/index2.htm
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Crazy Lixx - New Religion CD review

Crazy Lixx – New Religion CD review (Frontiers Records)
Released: April 2010

Well, it has to be said that it certainly seems the Frontiers label has gathered themselves, quite the ‘cream of the crop’ when it comes to melodic and hard rock artists and Crazy Lixx from Sweden, who are yet another of that ilk!

With this their second official release, the perhaps misread rockers identified as sleaze are out to prove they are more than capable of a little more. – Current album cover forgiven! If you really like the cover, apologies, personally I think another may have been more in their favour … Just my 2c.

Anyway, all that aside the line up of Danny Rexon (Vocals), Andy Dawson (Guitars), Joey Cirera (Drums) and Luke Rivano on bass, prove that they are a clever bunch of guys, who've written some very catchy songs here!

Opening with ‘Rock and a Hard Place’ certainly set the tone for where this album will take you and yes, you would most certainly be forgiven for thinking you are back in the 80’s again!
An impressive production from Chris Laney too who handled their ‘Loud Minority’ album as well.
Side note – Be careful when you start this album, as the opener starts with the guitar riffing well down in the mix then the whole band explode in, just as you’re cranking it up to try and hear it! LOL!
Yes, it caught me out!

The band has been compared to a few obvious acts already and I guess there are possibly hints of Def Leppard in here, but there are certainly other influences here too, but they do have their own magic touch here too, without a doubt.

‘My Medicine’ hints at Poison meets Def Leppard if you ask me but to get this sound down, still takes a lot from any act to try and pull it off and to be honest, just drawing those comparisons should give you an idea of how this album comes across and yes, its songs if you ask me, are certainly up there with the big hooks, big choruses and much more!

Oh dear, clichéd song title in ’21 ‘til I Die’ would probably instantly make you think Bryan Adams, ’18 ‘til I Die’ but it’s really not. – and I liked that too by the way.;-) – I actually like this song more than that. Danger Danger (The band) kind of spring to mind for me and it’s huge. I love it and yeah, I don’t care how clichéd it may be. This kicks ass!
OK and there are distinct hints of the ‘better’ Bon Jovi material here and there on this album too ...

‘Blame it on Love’ in some small way reminds me a little of Honeymoon Suite, but you know being 4 tracks in now you’ll have got the gist of Crazy Lixx by now and if you like it this far, stick with it as the album sticks with all the quality hook lines you would ever be looking for in a commercial sounding, well produced melodic hard rock album. This one really has got it down.

With ‘Road to Babylon’ hints of the aforementioned bands are present and a seriously big American influence here with this one, strong hooklines, big choruses, big guitars – nice lead break too here.
Most of these songs are short and snappy numbers, so they’re not dragging anything out here.

Uh oh, the opening strains of ‘Children of the Cross’ and even my wife said, ‘Is that Skid Row?’ When this one started in the car but then it moves on to be its own little beauty.
I swear you’ll be driving along singing the chorus to this from the start.

‘The Witching Hour’ literally starts with a wicked sound guitar, this is again a track loaded with those big harmony, multi voice choruses. Nice timing changes here to keep it all the more interesting too and boy does Danny Rexon push his voice here.

Anyone for cowbell?! ‘Lock up Your Daughter’ has that down and dirty sound ala Poison perhaps, but edgier, maybe even a little hint of Kiss?!
You see what I'm saying?!
They really have a great overall sound and I would imagine these guys would be a great live to see, wonder if they’ll get over to the US for some dates? Huge sound here throughout ... Didn't I say that already?

I just keep hearing so many influences here, but I really need to stop on that front!
These guys really have it down with more and more good time, hard rockin’ and rollin’ on this album and you should certainly lap up ‘She’s Mine.’

‘What of Our Love’ is a big time power ballad in a fashion that anyone would be proud of in this game.
Some steel guitar for you with ‘Desert Bloom’ for a slight twist here before the guys come crashing right in, as only they know how to with ‘Voodoo Woman’ on the album’s closer.

Again it’s another track just chock full of hooks and big choruses, as is par for the course here.
Yes, Crazy Lixx have a great album here and again as I’ve said of some other recent acts I’ve covered reviews on - where I’ve not heard their material before - they do follow a trend that really is treading if you will, a fairly safe path.

It’s perhaps not that original in its sound, as it’s all very familiar throughout although they have added their own edge to it.
So yes, Frontiers have another rather good album here, if you still love the big sounds that the 80’s gave us originally and then add a little more edge, say ‘Hi’ to Crazy Lixx!

Overall Rating – Even if a little clichéd: 4 out of 5 – It just plays and sounds so contagious. Fact!
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