Brief update for November 1st, 2010

Hi all, just like to start by saying a huge thanks to everyone for helping the site past it's 25,000 page view mark, since I started tracking views / hits with the Sitemeter in January. The views / hits, has clearly increased over the past 2 - 3 months, after a fairly slow start at the beginning of the year, with some days seeing upwards of 300 views a day and even one, not so long ago of 400+. Thanks!

Clearly there's enough interest from you regulars for me to keep this going hopefully ..., be able to push forward with the fullblown website in the not too distant future.

Well, for today not so much in the way of new, news to share with you after my update on Sunday - Not a regular event! - but pleased to hear that this years UK Firefest Festival in Nottingham's Rock City, apparently went pretty well, barring the usual issues with set change overs, causing a few problems and consequently shortening some acts originally allotted time slots, due to the enforced local city curfew. Always, an issue at festivals.

I'm sure they'll be plenty of Firefest footage posted up on www.YouTube.com if not already. It was certainly a good looking line up over the 3 days ... Wish I was there ...
Ah well, another year perhaps! :)

I'll try to seek out some news updates later on, that I can share with you all later today, but if not, there's sure to be something to share tomorrow. Thanks again for the site support! Have a great day folks!

News update for Sunday 31st October, 2010

Happy Halloween everyone!

Hope you've all had a fun weekend, with one thing and another, but enough of that, here's to some news updates for you!

Legendary Prog-Rockers YES Signs New Worldwide Recording Deal with Frontiers Records

New Studio CD, First In Nearly A Decade, Slated For 2011

HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 29, 2010) Grammy Award winners YES, one of the most influential and ground-breaking progressive rock ‘n’ roll bands, today announced the signing of a new worldwide recording deal with the Italian-based record label, Frontiers Records. Songs such as “Roundabout”, “I’ve Seen All Good People”, “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”, and countless others, have served to place the group upon the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll history. But history is still, yet to be written, because Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White, along with Oliver Wakeman (Rick Wakeman’s son) and new lead singer Benoit David, will enter the studio to record the group’s first new CD in a decade. It is anticipated for release before Summer 2011.

Frontiers Records President, Serafino Perugino said: “I am truly honored and excited to have these Rock and Roll pioneers on the label. YES have written some fabulous pages in the history of this music and I look forward to keep on writing new exciting chapters with them!”

“Having the two new guys in the line-up has inspired the impetus behind the need for YES to return to the studio” explains Chris Squire, while Steve Howe adds “The new lineup has shown that we can operate well as a touring band, so now to expand that to recording would broaden our repertoire and the inclusion of Oliver and Benoit on new recordings will show a new leaf in YES music's continuing development.”

One of the most popular concert attractions of all-time YES’s remarkable career has served to re-define the boundaries of rock. Proving to be a dominant force, for more than four decades, YES has sold over 33 million albums worldwide. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical style has made each of the group’s players are virtuosos in their own right.

Band official website: www.yesworld.com/

www.frontiers.it/home/

Also from Frontiers comes this ...

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce ...

Nelson - Before The Rain and Perfect Storm

To be released December 3rd, 2010

The phenomenal success of NELSON’s 1990 debut LP “After The Rain” was literally a dream come true, but it did not happen overnight and it wasn’t an accident. The recordings included in “Before the Rain” document the hard work that stood behind that album. “Before the Rain” tells the story of twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson and their musical journey to reach the Rock N’ Roll Promised Land.

NELSON was conceived and realized as a vocal and melody heavy hit song oriented hard rock band with pop leanings and it took them not less than five exhaustive years for the giving shape to “After The Rain”, from 1986-1990.

In 1986, after writing songs with Dweezil Zappa for his debut LP “My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Momma” and writing and recording the title cut for the film “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” under the band name Power Tool, the Matthew and Gunnar Nelson decided they needed to hone their songwriting craft and learn from experts. They started with writer/producer Jack Ponti in New Jersey and recorded the songs they wrote that year with friends that eventually became the band Skid Row. Next, they journeyed to Australia to collaborate with Little River Band’s hit writer Graham Gobel and other writers for two months Down Under. A subsequent 3 month stay in the UK to write with hit makers Adrian Gurvitz and Argent’s Russ Ballard followed.

Though elements from those experiences and sessions would wound up in later attempts, Nelson finally hit musical pay dirt writing songs in a bedroom in Pacific Palisades California and recorded them in a 16-track demo studio in a converted garage in the San Fernando Valley with an unknown writer/producer named Marc Tanner.

The results are what you can hear now on “Before the Rain”. These are the original demonstration recordings that caught the attention of A&R legend John Kalodner in late 1989 and scored Nelson a recording contract with Geffen/DGC Records which led to eventual sales of more than 3,000,000 copies of “After The Rain” and all that followed, including a World tour with over 300 concerts. NELSON live line-up was even overqualified for the job. With some incredible virtuoso musicians such as Bobby Rock on drums, Brett Garsed on guitar, Paul Mirkovich on Keys and vocals and the addition of Joey Cathcart on vocals and second lead guitar, what you got was 4 part harmony, stellar musicianship, veteran showmanship, twin frontmen, and most importantly - great songs. Nelson played venues ranging in size from 1,200 to 60,000 seats between 1990-1992 from New York to Tokyo, sharing the stage with some great other bands and had some great openers, including House Of Lords, Tyketto, Enuff Z’nuff, Cinderella and Lynch Mob.

Before the Rain

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson – All instruments

Amazingly and sadly, throughout the 3 year phenomenon of “After The Rain”, none of the tour’s concerts were ever filmed in their entirety. “Perfect Storm” is all that remains to document the height of NELSONMANIA for posterity. If you were there you are sure to remember how you felt that night experiencing the “After The Rain” tour in person. If you weren’t, you can be back there now.

The right components for success, the right cast of characters, the best fans, everything converging at the right place and time.... NELSON’s After The Rain World Tour was “The Perfect Storm”.

Perfect Storm – performers:

GUNNAR NELSON – Lead Vocals, Guitar

MATTHEW NELSON - Lead Vocals, Bass

BRETT GARSED - Vocals, Lead Guitar

JOEY CATCHCART - Vocals, Guitar

PAUL MIRKOVICH - Vocals, Keyboards

BOBBY ROCK - Drums

http://www.frontiers.it/home/

Thin Lizzy first 3 Decca Albums Remastered and Expanded

Thin Lizzy were formed in Dublin in 1970 and moved to London in March 1971 to sign to Decca Records. The original line-up of Phil Lynott (bass), Eric Bell (guitar) and Brian Downey (drums) recorded three seminal albums for Decca and broke into the UK singles chart with their take on the traditional Irish song 'Whiskey In the Jar' in January 1973. By 1974 they signed to Vertigo and the rest, as they say, is history.

Their first 3 albums - Digitally Remastered with extra tracks...

THIN LIZZY

Thin Lizzy were originally conceived as Ireland's very own power-trio in the same mould as Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist / vocalist Philip Lynott taking centre stage. The band's debut album from 1971 has now been digitally remastered and expanded with 9 Bonus Tracks including 4 songs which were overdubbed and remixed by the band in 1977.

SHADES OF A BLUE ORPHANAGE

Thin Lizzy's second album from 1972 has now been digitally remastered and expanded with the addition of 9 Bonus Tracks including the hit single, "Whiskey In The Jar" plus its B-side, "Black Boys On The Corner", 3 songs which were overdubbed and remixed in 1977 and 4 songs recorded in session for John Peel's BBC Radio One show.

VAGABONDS OF THE WESTERN WORLD

Thin Lizzy's 3rd and final Decca album from 1973 has now been digitally remastered from the original master tapes and expanded with the addition of 23 songs over 2 CDs.

Disc One contains the original album plus non-album tracks including the German-only B-side, "Cruising in the Lizzy Mobile", and radio promo edits of "Whiskey In The Jar" and "Randolph's Tango".

Disc Two contains 5 live tracks, 2 songs recorded for a John Peel session plus a further 6 songs recorded in session for the BBC.

Official band website:

www.thinlizzyonline.com/

RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE -- London, UK - For One Night Only!

London, UK - For One Night Only!
MONDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2010
CINEWORLD HAYMARKET, LONDON, UK
6.00 PM (SHARP)
TICKETS: £10
FOLLOWED BY LIVE Q&A WITH GEDDY LEE
AND FILM DIRECTORS SCOT MCFADYEN AND SAM DUNN
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
http://www.cineworld.co.uk/
TICKETS ON SALE FROM 9AM GMT MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2010
The critically acclaimed documentary Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage is being brought to Cineworld Haymarket, London by Arts Alliance Media, in association with Classic Rock magazine, Universal Music Group and Banger Films.
The film will be followed by a one - off exclusive Q & A with Rush’s Geddy Lee. Also answering questions will be the directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. The Q&A will be hosted by Philip Wilding.
Geddy Lee will also be accepting the Living Legend Award at the prestigious Classic Rock Awards at The Roundhouse, London on Wednesday 10th November 2010. It will be the first time the main award has been presented to a band, previous recipients include the likes of Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Alice Cooper and Lemmy.

Rock News Brief Update for Saturday 30th October, 2010

Guitar Guru GARY HOEY Releases 17TH Album

UTOPIA

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!

HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 28, 2010) – Ax-slinger Gary Hoey has had a busy year with numerous projects and extensive touring. Most recently, he wrapped up his latest album UTOPIA, which released on his own label Wazoo Music Group.

While Hoey is known for his signature versions of covers (Hocus Pocus, Lowrider, Misirlou, etc.) this album features 12 all new, all original songs. UTOPIA features Hoey’s widely recognized guitar skills, while showcasing his growth as a singer and songwriter. “Utopia's been a long time coming,” explains Hoey. “Utopia took over 2 years to make because I wanted time to develop my songs on tour and then bring that to the studio. That is why I started my indie label, Wazoo Music Group, so I could have that creative control over my music and be able to give it to my fans on my own terms.”

Hoey has toured North America throughout the year opening shows for Jeff Beck, Styx, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bret Michaels. Additionally, he was Camp Counselor at Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp. That session was filmed and produced by Mark Burnett for a reality TV series that is currently airing on VH1 Classic.

With a collection of 17 albums and five top 20 Billboard hits, it’s clear to see why Gary Hoey is listed in the top 100 greatest guitar players of all time. Whether Hoey plays rock, blues, surf or Christmas, Hoey’s command of each style makes his live show one of the most exciting on the circuit today.

UTOPIA is a must have for your collection, available now through http://www.garyhoey.com/ , iTunes and Amazon.com.

Full track listing:

1. Utopia

2. Walk Away

3. Reminds Me Of You

4. Inevitable

5. Something's Going On

6. Only Human

7. You're Killing Me

8. Barn Burner

9. If I Knew Then

10. Simplify

11. Big Cactus

12. Bonzai Island

Recent Gary Hoey info:

*Extensive Fender guitar clinics in the US this year (nearly 30 cities)

*Appeared at Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany earlier this year providing demos for the new Fender American Stratocaster and the new G-DEC amp

*Opened for Jeff Beck on this year’s spring tour in the US

*Cover of Pollstar Magazine – April 2010

*Tour of Malaysia and Japan – June 2010 / Appearances at Tokyo Guitar Show including performance with Sham Kamikaze

*20 city summer tour in US, including support slots with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Styx and Bret Michaels *“Camp Counselor” at Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp – filmed by Mark Burnett Productions –airing on VH1 Classic Gary Hoey’s “Need to Lead” guitar instruction DVD released on RockHouse Method

*Annual “Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday tour starts November 26th in Detroit

2010 HO HO HOEY ROCKIN’ HOLIDAY TOUR DATES

November 26 Detroit, MI / City Theatre

27 Pittsburgh, PA / The Altar Bar

28 Chicago, IL / Reggie’s Rock Club

December 1 Sellersville, PA / Sellersville Theatre

2 Norfolk, CT / Infinity Hall

3 Lincoln, RI / Twin River – Lighthouse Bar

4 Salisbury, MA / Blue Ocean Hall

9 San Luis Obispo, CA / SLO Brew

11 Redwood City, CA / Club Fox

14 Exeter, CA / Orange Blossom Junction

15 Bakersfield, CA / Majestic Fox Theatre

16 Redondo, CA / Brixton

17 San Juan Capistrano, CA / Coach House

18 San Diego, CA / House of Blues

Official website: www.garyhoey.com

Kings of Leon announce massive UK outdoor Summer shows for 2011

Kings of Leon have announced details of a series of huge headline outdoor shows for 2011 that will see one of the country's most adored bands perform in five UK cities this summer, including a return to London’s Hyde Park "the scene of last year’s triumphant headline performance to 65,000 fans." Tickets for the shows in Coventry, Sunderland, Manchester, London & Edinburgh go on sale on Wednesday 3rd of November at 9am.

Their highly acclaimed fifth album 'Come Around Sundown' became their third consecutive album to debut at #1 when it topped the UK album charts last week on release, claiming both the biggest week one sales of the year & the biggest ever first week digital sales along the way.

Like last years Hyde Park show, their forthcoming brace of December arena shows sold out in seconds and these new shows are set to be one of the highlights of next year’s live calendar. The dates are as follows:

Kings of Leon: Summer 2010

May 2011

May 30th Coventry Ricoh Arena

June 2011

June 17th Sunderland Stadium of Light

June 19th Manchester Lancashire County Cricket Ground

June 22nd London Hyde Park

June 26th Edinburgh Murrayfield Stadium

Tickets on sale: Wednesday 3rd of November at 9am

Buy Online at:

http://www.livenation.co.uk/

http://www.gigsandtours.com/

http://www.ticketline.co.uk/

Also ...

Kings of Leon return to Ireland on Saturday 28th of May to headline Slane Castle and celebrate 30 years of concerts at the historical Co. Meath venue.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets priced €79.00 inclusive of booking fee are on sale from 8am on Friday 5th November

In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide

24hr hotlines: Tel: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300/ ( NI ) 0844 277 4455

Buy online: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/

Tickets are limited to 8 per person. Under 16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian 25 or over.

Keep up with the band at: www.kingsofleon.com/

Simple Minds new music

Simple Minds have recently completed four weeks recording in London. In total 4 songs were recorded and mixed, including an 8 minute long version of 'In Every Heaven'. This was originally recorded in '82 during the New Gold Dream sessions and subsequently released in instrumental form as a B side to 'Someone Somewhere In Summertime'. All other tracks recorded are entirely new compositions with both 'Stagefright' and 'On The Rooftop' being credited to Charlie Burchill and Jim Kerr. "Broken Glass Park" written by Jim and Owen Parker was, however, heard previously this year during the live sets from Jim's solo project Lostboy!AKA.

Band official website:

www.simpleminds.com/

As well as Jim Kerr's side project Lostboy!AKA - http://www.lostboyaka.com/

Ace Frehley Appears on VH1 Classic's Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Reality Series

Ace Frehley will appear on this season of VH1 Classic's new Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp reality series which premiered on October 16th.

Please check http://www.vh1classic.com/ for airtimes.

Photo Caption:

Michael Anthony (Chickenfoot/ex-Van Halen) and Ace Frehley performing with a Fantasy Camper

Credit: © VH1 Classic

For all Ace Frehley updates go to:
www.acefrehley.com/

Herman Ze German - Take It As It Comes album review

Herman Ze German – Take it As it Comes album review

Released on: Dark Star Records. Release date: Available now.

Yes, for those of you wondering this is indeed the new ‘solo’ album from former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, supported by various – perhaps – lesser known friends, at least to my knowledge.

Someone who is close to Herman that does play on here is his other half – At least based on his reference to Claudia Raab, that it is his other half?! – playing saxophone on a number of tracks, which comes across to make a very interesting release, alongside much hard rocking material!

It’s not too bad an album overall, although Herman himself, when he takes on lead vocals, has some moments that are clearly, tongue squarely in cheek, nowhere more so than on his re-recording of Scorpions classic, ‘Rock You Like A Hurricane,’ but more on that later …

Opening with the title track, ‘Take it as it Comes,’ starts with some laid back guitar and solitary snare drum before then building up and straight into a rocking chorus, with some strong shared harmony vocals. Herman then takes the lead vocal throughout the verses and it’s amusing at times, but still alright as an overall track, very catchy chorus indeed. Great sax solo here too.

It’s funny to associate sax solo’s with so much of a rock album, the likes of which is hard to think of, except for say Quarterflash (I know, they were pretty laid back ... Not too rocking!) or Bruce Springsteen’s E. Street Band.

In ‘Don’t Lose Your Trust’ the song has a very AC/DC type vibe, right down to Stefan Erz’ almost Bon Scott like vocals.

Another good solid mid to up tempo track, with that AC/DC style of riff throughout and then, yes, sax solo again and then some tasty guitar riffing towards the end from Winnie Thomasschewski – Phew, now there’s a name for you!

Herman says in the sleeve notes that ‘Rough Job’ – That almost sounds like the words ‘Rapture’ to me! – is about phone sex girls … Enough said on that except that the point is emphasized by ‘artificial’ moans and groans of ecstasy in the chorus. Talk about seriously tacky, this seriously is!

Ready for a little more AC/DC … ‘Let Me Rock You’ is certainly in that style again, good up tempo rocker and really is totally contagious and you try not to sing along with it and get into the Angus Young style solo no less! Good one!

It’s power ballad time next in ‘Your Love Is Hurting’ and it almost reminds me of Def Leppard musically with the intro and then almost Meatloaf in the rest of the structure, in the same style as Meatloaf’s biggest hits. This could seriously be a big hit with the right promo behind it. I certainly think it would work in the UK, in the US, who knows?! The guitar solo could be Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora, it’s really that strong a track.

‘Freak Show’ next starts in an almost prog rock type laid back, haunting style through the verses, then the chorus kicks in and is it something Alice Cooper could’ve done or Queensryche?! There, I bet that throws you a little folks!?! There’s a lot musical interaction going on in the background of the track, to certainly give it that almost prog rock type feel.

Next track ‘Heya, Heya’ was recorded for the childrens charity organization, ‘World Vision’ - http://www.worldvision.com/ – and it starts with Indian ritual chanting, before the band kicks in with an overall mix that sounds great! It actually reminded me of Swedish band Europe, with the great guitar licks, big Hammond organ sound and powerful rhythm and then kids start chanting, ‘Heya, heya, heya, heya,’ and Herman then take the lead vocals and overall it just works. How to describe the overall sound, tough, but it’s a good strong rock backing mid paced rocker. I love it!

‘Back Attack’ is a more jangly poppy, commercial type rocker with some great harmonica too and yes, catchy chorus too!

OK, Herman says in his sleeve notes to Scorpions fans to give his version of ‘Rock You Like A Hurricane’ a chance.

I must say the intro builds in an interesting way and then the rocking band kicks in, with a lead synth solo where the Scorpions had wailing lead guitar, but it sounds good ... Then comes Herman vocals … Basically it’s a fast talk through of all the original verse lyrics, but then for the chorus it’s sung in the same fashion as the Scorpions did it, but then where Klaus Meine would sing the ‘C’mon, c’mon, c’mon …’ Herman speaks some German … Odd, but kind of amusing! When it comes to the solo, everything stops for a laid back sax solo … Sure it’s done differently and at first I thought, ‘No! What are you doing?!’ Now I think it’s great fun!

Then Herman and his friends cover the old classic surf track ‘Wipeout’ in a completely rockin’ it out manner and some seriously impressive guitar soloing from the artist simply identified as, ‘The Mistery Man!’ Yes, more fun!

Herman then lets rip with ‘Drum Dance’ another instrumental track, that I can’t help hearing a nod or so towards one of my own drumming heroes, Cozy Powell. - If you’ve heard Cozy’s solo material, you’ll know where I’m coming from.

‘I’m Back’ is a very commercial laid back almost like a modern country pop song, as the last official track here.

There’s then a bonus track in the shape of the ‘Radio version’ of the power ballad ‘Your Love is Hurting,’ that closes the album proper and it really sounds like ‘hit single’ is written all over it.

So, is it a good album? Well, I’ve really come to like it, for it’s clearly tongue in cheek moments, some great rocking moments, some clearly, good musicianship and more. Give it a chance I’d say and perhaps you’ll get the kick that I did!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.



Brief News Update for Friday 29th October, 2010

Pollstar announces the Top 20 Concert Tours so far this year

Yes, Pollstar the industry trade standard for all touring activities, have published their Top 20 Concert Tours, which ranks artists by average box office gross take in each city, as well as including the average ticket price for each show in North America.

Last week's ranking is in parentheses.

This list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers.

The Top 20 Tours so far this year, is still led by ex-Beatle, Paul McCartney. Boy! He really can't make enough money, now can he:

TOP 20 CONCERT TOURS

1. (1) Paul McCartney; $3,434,998; $145.72.

2. (2) Dave Matthews Band; $1,560,586; $58.89.

3. (5) The Black Eyed Peas; $1,155,868; $63.74.

4. (7) Michael Buble; $1,154,485; $87.15.

5. (8) Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; $1,066,364; $65.95.

6. (9) Rush; $759,731; $72.91.

7. (12) Jack Johnson; $684,195; $42.83.

8. (10) Toby Keith; $676,814; $36.10.

9. (11) Iron Maiden; $632,352; $54.25.

10. (13) Tim McGraw; $614,101; $41.31.

11. (15) Rascal Flatts; $596,478; $43.06.

12. (16) Brad Paisley; $591,676; $40.63.

13. (17) Justin Bieber; $585,209; $47.39.

14. (New) John Mayer; $570,326; $48.65.

15. (New) Kings Of Leon; $456,979; $40.07.

16. (18) Furthur; $418,424; $49.35.

17. (19) Carrie Underwood; $409,002; $47.99.

18. (New) Arcade Fire; $324,311; $43.24.

19. (22) Sugarland; $322,378; $50.29.

20. (23) Neil Young; $306,183; $108.05.

For all of your favourite artists upcoming tour activities, go to: http://www.pollstar.com/

Frontiers Records to reissue the original TRIUMPH catalogue in Europe

Triumph is one of Canada's greatest Hard Rock bands. With 10 classic albums released between 1976 and 1987, they have left an indelible mark on the history of Hard Rock, Melodic Rock and are nowadays considered among the forefathers of Progressive Metal.

Epitomizing the essence of the Power trio sound: Rik Emmett (guitar and vocals), Mike Levine (bass and keyboards) and Gil Moore (drums and vocals) are regarded as virtuoso musicians in their own right and great entertainers thanks to the Triumph concert spectacle that was second to none.

Frontiers Records is therefore proud to announce that the official reissues of Triumph’s 10 classic albums, in digipak version and with the original tracklistings, will be released on December 3rd.

"In The Beginning" (1976)

"Rock and Roll Machine" (1977)

"Just a Game" (1979)

"Progressions of Power" (1980)

"Allied Forces" (1981)

"Never Surrender" (1983)

"Thunder Seven" (1984)
"Stages" (Live) (1985)

"The Sport of Kings" (1986)

"Surveillance" (1987)

All CDs have been remastered and feature an extensive booklet including lyrics.

In addition, Frontiers will issue a very limited collector’s edition Box Set entitled Diamond Collection which will include all the 10 albums in vinyl replica, and will feature the artwork from the original vinyl edition of the albums.

While future plans remain uncertain for the band, and after the recent reunion shows, the time to re-live the impressive legacy of their music has come. This new set of reissues is a real present to the Triumph fans, both old and new, who now have the opportunity to own these timeless masterpieces of Classic Rock. Enjoy !

www.frontiers.it/

www.triumphmusic.com/

The UK's Firefest Festival is this weekend!

OK folks, chances are if you don't already have tickets for this event, you'll be extremely lucky to try and get in to this event!

Every year now, the Firefest Festival - Which replaced the old 'The Gods' festival - takes place in northern England and this year is it's seventh year and each year the promoters manage to pull the odd rabbit out of the hat and persuade some artists to reform, especially for the event.

All power to Kieran Dargan and Bruce Mee ...

This year - now spread over 3 days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday  - they have talked American AOR / Melodic rockers Nelson and UK AOR act Strangeways to reform for the event, for starters and as I already mentioned, the whole thing kicks off  tonight, Friday 29th October at Nottingham's Rock City venue, with headliners from Sweden, H.E.A.T. 

Saturday's line up includes the reformed Grand Illusion, German rockers Bonfire, UK favourites Dare and is headlined by former Dokken guitar wizzard George Lynch's band, Lynch Mob.

Sunday closes things with the aforementioned Strangeways, now reformed with Terry Brock on lead vocals once more and then Nelson will headline with special guest Jimi Jamison (Ex-Survivor, Cobra and Target), alongside Stage Dolls, Newman and Pretty Maids to name a few.

For complete details on all things Firefest, go to:  www.thefirefest.com/

If you're going, enjoy yourselves, be safe and say 'Hi' to my old mate Steve Newman!

Sorry folks that, it's all there is right now, but kids will be up early for us, so enjoy the weekend you lucky people!

Rock News update for Thursday 28th October, 2010

Hi all, apologies for so few updates recently, just swamped with loads going on. :(

Anyway, in trying to catch I'm starting with - A huge surprise to anyone who knows me! - with an update from those masters of metallic thrash and then some, Metallica!

Read on!

Metallica release two special EP's in conjuction with Tour Down Under

Metallica in support of their sold out tours in Australia and New Zealand are releasing not one, but two commemorative live EP releases targeted for Down Under fans (Sold at shows), but also available through the bands webstore.

Six Feet Down Under EP

This eight song limited edition EP is only available in Australia/New Zealand and here in the Met Store!

http://store.metallica.com/store/store_summary.asp

Released in celebration of the band's sold out tour there in the Fall of 2010, there are two songs recorded from each of the previous four Trans-Tasman tours in 1989, 1993, 1998, and 2004 and none of these songs have been released before as live “b-sides.” This EP was compiled from fan submissions of bootlegs, sound board tapes from the vault, and live multi-track recordings. The sound on a few tracks is well, “bootleggy,” but all part of the fun!

Tracklist:

1. Eye of the Beholder - Recorded live on May 4, 1989 at Festival Hall in Melbourne

2. ...And Justice For All - Recorded live on May 4, 1989 at Festival Hall in Melbourne

3. Through the Never - Recorded live on April 8, 1993 at the Entertainment Centre in Perth

4. The Unforgiven - Recorded live on April 4, 1993 at the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne

5. Low Man's Lyric (Acoustic) - Recorded live on April 11, 1998 at the Entertainment Centre in Perth

6. Devil's Dance - Recorded live on April 12, 1998 at the Entertainment Centre in Perth

7. Frantic - Recorded live on January 21, 2004 at the Entertainment Centre in Sydney

8. Fight Fire With Fire - Recorded live on January 19, 2004 at the Entertainment Centre in Brisbane

Then this second EP!

Australian/New Zealand EP # 2 Details

If you picked up "Six Feet Down Under," you may have noticed the words "EP One" on the package and were quick to ask "what the hell does that mean?" Well, drum roll please . . . you guessed it, there is indeed an "EP Two" in the works . . . very clever clue, don't ya think? Look for "Six Feet Down Under Part II" in Australian and New Zealand stores, along with http://www.metallica.com/ and http://www.metclub.com/, on November 12.

In our quest to have something unique and special to celebrate our long overdue visit to this part of the world, as well as the final stretch of World Magnetic tour dates, we wanted to release some live recordings from previous tours on EP # 1 and a companion EP from the current 2010 tour. The first time around we called on you to send us your bootleg recordings from those earlier tour dates going back as far as 1989 and we pulled a track list together from the submissions. Once again we went to you, the 'Tallica faithful, for help and polled Fan Club members from Australia and New Zealand to come up with their top eight picks from all the 41 songs played during the early part of the Trans-Tasman run this year.

We played 'em . . . you picked 'em . . . here it is:

1. Blackened, recorded live on October 16, 2010, at the Brisbane Entertainment Center, in Brisbane, Australia

2. Ride The Lightning, recorded live on October 14, 2010, at the Vector Arena, in Auckland, New Zealand

3. The Four Horsemen, recorded live on September 18, 2010, at the Acer Arena, in Sydney, Australia

4. Welcome Home (Sanitarium), recorded live on September 15, 2010, at the Rod Laver Arena, in Melbourne, Australia

5. Master Of Puppets, recorded live on October 16, 2010, at the Brisbane Entertainment Center, in Brisbane, Australia

6. ...And Justice For All, recorded live on October 18, 2010, at the Brisbane Entertainment Center, in Brisbane, Australia

7. Fade To Black, recorded live on September 18, 2010, at the Acer Arena, in Sydney, Australia

8. Damage, Inc., recorded live on September 22, 2010, at the CBS Canterbury Arena, in Christchurch, New Zealand

And finally from Metallica and their mates!

Free download of "Am I Evil?"

The Big 4 and iTunes in the U.S. have teamed up to celebrate the upcoming release of the "Big 4: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" DVD by offering you a FREE video download of members from all four bands performing "Am I Evil?" together that night. Download the video and check out discounts on all four bands' audio and video releases that are available on iTunes in the United States here.

Be sure to grab the video quick . . . this offer is only good for one week!! And for all the scoop and video previews of the upcoming Big 4 DVD, check it out here: www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/download/

For more details go to: http://www.metallica.com/

Bon Jovi announce new UK and European Summer shows and Winter North American dates

It seems that following on from Tuesday's announcement of the Foo Fighters summer UK dates, Bon Jovi have jumped in on the act to announce their own outdoor summer shows in the UK and Europe themselves, as well as new North American shows for 2011!

The shows on British soil, kick off in Edinburgh at Murrayfield Stadium on June 22nd, 2011, then they play Manchester's Old Trafford Cricket Ground on the 24th, London's 'Hard Rock Calling' festival on the 25th and then they travel across the Irish sea to play Dublin RDS Arena on June 29th.

The new North American tour dates kick off in February 2011, in University Park, PA on the 9th, then they visit Pittsburgh, PA (11th), Toronto, ON (14th), Montreal, Quebec, Canada (18th) and other dates through the US and Canada, finishing in Vancouver on March 25th.

Live dates after that - Confirmed so far - take them back to Europe in June starting in Zagreb, Croatia on the 8th.

Other dates will take the band all over the place, wrapping up - Based on current info! - in Lisbon, Portugal on July 31st.

For all Bon Jovi tour date and ticket info go to:

http://live2011tour.bonjovi.com/tour

Frontiers Records presents Nelson - 'You're All I Need Tonight' video

"You're All I Need Tonight" the videoclip of the first single taken from Nelson's forthcoming album "Lightning Strikes Twice" is available now on Youtube:

The videoclip premiered live successfully on AOL Music and Noisecreep - http://www.noisecreep.com/ or http://www.music.aol.com/ last on October 20th.

"You're All I Need Tonight" is the first music video created by Matthew & Gunnar Nelson in over 15 years. It is the first single to be released from the critically acclaimed new album “Lightning Strikes Twice” from Frontiers Records scheduled for release in Europe on November 5th, and in the U.S. in February 2011 from Frontiers Records. “Lightning Strikes Twice” is a sequel to Nelson's classic multi-platinum debut album, “After the Rain”.

"You're All I Need Tonight" was written by the Nelson twins together with fellow songwriters Marc Tanner and Richard Wilson. The song captures the melodic rock signature Nelson sound and harmonies from the twin lead front men and songwriters performing at the top of their game. A-list stage performance led by Matthew Nelson and featuring backing musicians Juke Kartel, provide the perfect compliment to the powerful lead vocals of Gunnar Nelson, whose stellar vocal performance ignites the screen.

The full album video trailer can be enjoyed here: http://www.nelsonkicksass.com/ or on www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKq8NaSnzOE

Nelson's single "You're All I Need Tonight" is available now for digital audio download purchase from Frontiers Records online at Amazon.com, iTunes and Napster.

Molly Hatchet announce new dates in support of 'Justice' release

Following on from the band latest release through SPV, 'Justice,' Southern boogie merchants, Molly Hatchet will be hitting North American venues through the last days of October and into November, before heading to Europe in late November and through December.

Here's the current dates - According to Pollstar:

October 2010

Thu 10/28/10 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage

Fri 10/29/10 Newark, OH Brushy Fork Campground And Music Center

Sat 10/30/10 Manistee, MI Little River Casino Resort

Sun 10/31/10 Brantford, ON Jackhammers Night Club

November 2010Tue 11/02/10 Toronto, ON The Rockpile

Wed 11/03/10 Rochester, NY Water Street Music Hall / Club @ Water Street

Thu 11/04/10 Newport, RI Newport Blues Cafe

Fri 11/05/10 New Hope, PA Havana

Sat 11/06/10 Manville, NJ Rhythms of the Night

Thu 11/11/10 Sarasota, FL Beach Club

Fri 11/12/10 Charlotte, NC Tremont Music Hall

Sat 11/13/10 Ulmer, SC Lazy B's

Sat 11/27/10 Vitoria, Spain Jimmy Jazz

Sun 11/28/10 Madrid, Spain Ritmo Y Compas

December 2010

Mon 12/06/10 Warsaw, Poland Progresja

Tue 12/07/10 Verviers, Belgium Spirit of '66

Wed 12/08/10 Aschaffenburg, Germany Colos-Saal

Thu 12/09/10 Mannheum, Germany Maimarktclub

Fri 12/10/10 Zurich, Switzerland Dynamo

Sat 12/11/10 Singen, Germany Stadthalle

Mon 12/13/10 Nuremberg, Germany Hirsch

Tue 12/14/10 Bremen, Germany Aladin

Wed 12/15/10 Hannover, Germany Capitol Hannover

Thu 12/16/10 Berlin, Germany Columbiaclub

Sat 12/18/10 Andernach, Germany JUZ

Sun 12/19/10 Wissen, Germany Kulturwerk

Mon 12/20/10 Bochum, Germany Zeche

Tue 12/21/10 Prague, Czech Republic Retro Music Hall

For more details:
www.pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=31645&SortBy=Date

Band official site: www.mollyhatchet.com/

Brief Rock News Update for Tuesday 26th October, 2010

Goo Goo Dolls adding more dates on Inner Machine Tour

Buffalo, New York band, The Goo Goo Dolls have been out on the road, touring in support of thier latest album, Something For The Rest of Us, on the tour that is named after the bands fan club, The Inner Machine and although the venues they're playing in the US are in general perhaps a little smaller than previous, they are still keeping their fans happy and good reports continue to be heard.

The band are currently wrapping up some US dates before crossing the 'Big Pond' to play dates in the UK starting on November 11th, in Glasgow and wrapping up in London on November 21st, before returning back to the US for more US dates in December.

The band seem to go from strength to strength and I must say, Johnny Rzeznik and the boys certainly impressed both Rhonda and I each time we've caught them live.

They return to the US on December 1st, playing the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, NY and then play the following confirmed cities: Hartford, CT (3rd), Orlando, FL (12/05), San Fancisco, CA (12/10), wrapping the year up with two shows at Thackerville, OK (12/30 and 12/31).

Full tour date info can be found at: www.googoodolls.com/tour.php

With some big gaps inbetween some of those dates, you can be certain more US dates will follow.

Keep up with the band at: www.googoodolls.com/

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of JEFF SCOTT SOTO’s double live album “Live at Firefest 2008” on December 3rd 2010.

Firefest has become a pivotal event in the Melodic Rock season in Europe. Born from the ashes of the ‘Gods of AOR’ festival, Firefest started in 2004 and not only did they continue the tradition of Europe’s finest Melodic Rock/AOR festivals, but exceeded all previous expectations.

Not many bands have the chance to play on ‘that’ stage nowadays and when Bruce Mee and Kieran Dargan have realized the demand for particular artists to continuing rounding up annually. Jeff Scott Soto was no stranger to ‘that’ stage. He performed at the Gods festival in 2002 putting up an amazing show that was mirrored with a live CD/DVD. So when the call came to Jeff about the new and continued version of this proven festival, he wasted no time in answering “Of course!”.

But not all good things come easily… “Unfortunately the date clashed with my commitments touring with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in the US for their annual Winter Tour” recalls Jeff. “This meant a week of 12 hour rehearsals in the US, leaving on a Friday to land in London on a Saturday morning, bee-line it up to Nottingham for 4 hours in traffic, meet with the band for 30 minutes, as they were wrapping up the ONLY rehearsal we had prior to the show (the last time we had played together was nearly a year prior!), straight to the venue and onstage within the next hour!”

But once onstage, the warmth of the crowd and the energy transmitted by the electricity of the event was such that Jeff and his band stormed through our 70 minute set like gangbusters! It was the first time the songs from the “Beautiful Mess” album were performed in Europe and the last show the original JSS band featuring Howie Simon on guitar, Dave Dzialak on drums and Gary Schutt on bass played together.

In JSS words: “Here it is in all its glory, a little extra something for you all to help me remember this wonderful night of music and memories”.

“Live at Firefest 2008” tracklisting includes:

CD1: 21st Century; Colour My XTC (prelude); Soul Divine; Drowning; Our Song; DD Solo; Guitar Jam; Mountain; Eyes Of Love; Testify; Broken Man.

CD2: Hey; Crazy; Piano Medley (If This Is The End, Nobody Said It Was Easy, 4 U); Gin & Tonic Sky; I'll Be Waiting; Funky Medley (Play That Funky Music, Jungle Boogie, The Roof Is On Fire, Brick House, Shake Your Booty, Kung Fu Fighting, Yo Baby Yo, Macho Man, Ice Ice Baby, Stayin’ Alive, Another One Bites The Dust, Walk This Way, My Love, My Friend)

The songs “21st Century” and “Eyes Of Love” can exclusively be listened in full in streaming on the Frontiers Web radio. Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

Foo Fighters to play at Milton Keynes Bowl - Summer 2011

The Foo Fighters are set to rock the bowl, the Milton Keynes Bowl that is, on the weekend of 

2nd and 3rd July 2011!

Tickets are set to go on sale Friday 5th November @ 9am

For more details go to: www.foofighters.com/us/news