JUDAS PRIEST’S BRITISH STEEL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY
The album that introduced “Breaking The Law” and “Living After Midnight”
Judas Priest - Winners of the 2010 Grammy Award for “Best Metal Performance”
BRITISH STEEL: LEGACY EDITION CD + DVD package:
• CD features 2001 remaster of original 9-song album with two bonus tracks
• DVD features live 16-song set from the 2009 tour (the album sequence plus seven more tunes) plus new “Making of British Steel” interview
Available at both physical and digital retail outlets starting May 11, 2010
In the summer and fall of 2009, while on tour throughout North America and Japan, Judas Priest celebrated the 30th anniversary of the album British Steel at each of their concert stops. Each night featured a complete performance of their breakthrough album – source of “Breaking The Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “Metal Gods,” “Grinder,” and more. Released in April 1980, British Steel became Priest’s first RIAA platinum Top 40 album in the U.S., their first Top 10 studio album in the UK.
Judas Priest is comprised of lead vocalist Rob Halford, dueling lead guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and (since 1989) drummer Scott Travis.
Now British Steel’s 30th anniversary moment officially arrives, commemorating one of the most influential albums in heavy metal, a record that fellow musicians and disciples credit for unleashing metal from its blues origins. BRITISH STEEL: LEGACY EDITION will be available through standard retail and digital outlets starting May 11, 2010, on Columbia/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.
BRITISH STEEL: LEGACY EDITION features the 2001 remaster of the original 36-minute, nine-song album (plus two bonus tracks). Also included is a DVD which combines a live 16-song concert filmed in August 2009 at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena in Hollywood, Florida (the album sequence plus seven more cuts), with a 30-minute “Making of British Steel” interview that includes all four original band members.
There is no overstating Judas Priest’s position at the very top of heavy metal’s Mount Olympus, and the critical importance of their deep album catalog on Columbia Records in the U.S., from 1977’s 'Sin After Sin' to 1990’s 'Painkiller.' In 2004, Halford reunited with Judas Priest and the band returned to Sony Music Entertainment. The appropriately leather-bound and metal-spiked five-disc retrospective boxed set 'Metalogy' was followed in 2005 by 'Angel of Retribution' (#13 on the Billboard 200 albums chart) and in 2008 by 'Nostradamus' (#11).
In 2009, 'A Touch of Evil: Live' recapped Judas Priest’s world tours of the previous four years. One of its tracks, “Dissident Aggressor” earned Judas Priest their first Grammy Award this year, for Best Metal Performance.
Indeed, Judas Priest is celebrated as progenitors of metal’s defining sound. The upgraded version of 'Behind The Music – Judas Priest' (Re-Mastered) continues in circulation on VH1, and the band’s influence spreads far beyond the 30 million albums, singles and videos they have sold worldwide in their career.
British Steel
The long-term association (eight consecutive live and studio albums) between Judas Priest and producer Tom Allom includes this classic, their second LP together. It was recorded in four weeks at Tittenhurst Park, previously owned by John Lennon, and the home of Ringo Starr at the time. Radio airplay on AOR (album-oriented rock) stations for “Living After Midnight” and “Breaking the Law” (with its early promo video clip by Julien Temple) propelled the LP to #34 in Billboard and an 18-week stay on the chart.
When the Judas Priest album catalog on Columbia was restored for the first time starting in 2001, the band members offered their own recollections (in lieu of a liner notes essay) on each individual CD. They recalled the clanging sounds of “trays of cutlery” and “billiard cues” heard in “Metal Gods,” which became a concert favorite along with “The Rage.” Of the bonus tracks, “Grinder” is a live version recorded in 1984; and “Red, White & Blue,” written as a sing-along for the 'Turbo' album sessions in 1985, never quite made the cut. “A little tongue in cheek,” the 2001 notes declared, “it is also very patriotic and may bring a tear to your eye!”
When British Steel was issued in 1980, a Columbia Records promotion involved a giveaway contest for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle (signed by the band members) that Rob had taken to riding onstage at shows each night. Three decades later, the 2009 tour resurrected the contest with another ‘autographed’ Harley.
The British Steel 2009 Live Tour
As planned, Judas Priest hit the stage running every night of their summer tour, crashing into “Rapid Fire,” the opening track of British Steel, and reclaiming the other eight songs on the record in grand style. Of course, the concerts did not end there. The band tore through another program-length of songs from the four corners of their history, starting with “The Ripper,” from their first Columbia LP, 1977’s Sin After Sin.
“Prophecy” dated from their most recent studio album of 2008, Nostradamus; “Hell Patrol” was from the Columbia album of 1990, Painkiller; “Victim Of Changes” is one of the staples from their 1976 album Sad Wings of Destiny; “Freewheel Burning” was one of the stellar tracks (along with “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll”) that sent their 1984 album 'Defenders of the Faith' to RIAA platinum; “Diamonds & Rust” is their jaw-dropping treatment of a Joan Baez song from Sin After Sin; and the show closed with “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” Judas Priest’s singular appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, from 1982’s 'Screaming for Vengeance.'
Tom Allom and Judas Priest were reunited again (having worked together not so long ago on the audio for the DVD 'Rising In The East') for the live recordings that comprised 2009’s A Touch of Evil. Allom is responsible for the stereo and 5.1 SurroundSound mixes of the live recording from the Seminole Hard Rock Arena concert that appears in this Legacy Edition. The DVD will include bonus content as well, “The Making Of British Steel,” a 30-minute interview featuring the four original band members.
BRITISH STEEL: LEGACY EDITION by JUDAS PRIEST
(Columbia/Legacy 88697 66744 2)
Disc One: CD - BRITISH STEEL (remastered in 2001) 1. Breaking the Law • 2. Rapid Fire • 3. Metal Gods • 4. Grinder • 5. United • 6. Living After Midnight • 7. You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise • 8. The Rage • 9. Steeler • Bonus tracks: 10. Red, White & Blue (studio track) • 11. Grinder (live version).
Disc Two: DVD - THE BRITISH STEEL 2009 TOUR (Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena, Hollywood, Florida, August 17, 2009) 1. Breaking the Law • 2. Rapid Fire • 3. Metal Gods • 4. Grinder • 5. United • 6. Living After Midnight • 7. You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise • 8. The Rage • 9. Steeler • 10. The Ripper • 11. Prophecy • 12. Hell Patrol • 13. Victim Of Changes • 14. Freewheel Burning • 15. Diamonds And Rust • 16. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming.
Heart Brings New Material to North America
Classic rockers Heart will spend time this spring and summer on a North American tour in anticipation of a long-awaited new studio set, their first as Heart since 2004's 'Jupiter's Darling.'
Foreigner, Styx and Kansas - Seven More Dates Added to Spring Tour!
Los Angeles, CA and Toronto, ON – March 9, 2010 – Leading independent studio, E1 Entertainment is thrilled to finalize their production and development deal with legendary rock band KISS. E1 will tap the worldwide enthusiasm for the KISS brand, collaborating with founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to create a comedic half-hour kids television series that galvanizes the band’s iconic personas for its young fans.
“We’re honored to be involved in carrying on the KISS legacy,” comments Frank Saperstein, Senior VP of Kids and Animation for E1. “It’s wonderful to collaborate with the creative forces behind one of the greatest rock bands of all time and unquestionably one of the most recognized worldwide.”
E1 has snagged the KISS brand as it eclipses its roots, building energy in new family and youth media outlets. KISS’s role as the face of Dr. Pepper, their significant presence during Super Bowl XLIV, and their appearance on the 2009 American Idol Finale, which reached over thirty million viewers, has made the make-up and leather-clad giants a household name for kids and families today. The KISS tradition continues to grow generation after generation transcending age, race and creed.
"KISS continues to be the juggernaut of licensing and merchandising, from KISS M&M's to KISS Dr Pepper,” remarks KISS co-founder Gene Simmons, “KISS is a band, but also the only music BRAND. Continuing in our 35 year history of going where no band has gone before, we are proud to partner with E1. Like all things KISS, we intend to make this a very special show for our fans."
“We couldn’t be more excited. Coupling E1’s successes and ingenuity with the global force of KISS guarantees an express pass into the homes of our youngest KISS Army members with a show of superior quality,“ adds KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.
The as- yet untitled series will be produced and distributed worldwide by E1. Executive Producers are John Morayniss and Frank Saperstein for E1 Entertainment; Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS. E1 and KISS will handle all licensing and merchandise for the series.
About E1 Entertainment
E1 Entertainment (AIM: ETO) is a leading independent entertainment content enterprise that acquires and exploits world-class film, television and music properties around the globe. Its four primary businesses units (E1 Television, E1 Films, E1 Music and E1 Distribution) operate in Canada, the U.S., the UK and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Holland and Belgium, providing extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production and distribution, kids programming, and merchandising and licensing. E1's growing content library, which currently includes more than 4,000 feature films, 2,700 hours of original television programming and 15,000 music tracks, is distributed across all media formats in more than 190 countries.
About KISS
With thirty-seven years of record‐breaking tours across the globe, KISS is truly a multi-generational phenomenon. Whether joining forces with Hasbro for their Tooth Tunes musical toothbrushes, featuring KISS music in the Guitar Hero games series, lending their voices and images to popular animated series like "Fairly Odd Parents" and "SquidBillies" or designing their own line of toddler and infant clothing, KISS has proven to be as popular with "KISS Kids" today as they were with teenagers of the 70's who originally created the KISS ARMY (and who continue to attend their legendary live shows). Having sold 80 million albums throughout their career, the 2009 release of their chart topping "Sonic Boom" album (exclusive with Wal-Mart) and the announcement of their Sonic Boom: From The Beginning To The Boom 2010 World Tour only proves that KISS remains the “Hottest Band in the World”.
According to the outfit's website http://www.heart-music.com/ they are working on their 14th studio album for a 2010 release, though no confirmed date has been announced. Grammy-winning producer Ben Mink (Barenaked Ladies) helmed the project, some songs from which will be performed during the forthcoming run.
The Wilson sisters both contributed to the recently reworked "We Are the World," the proceeds for which will go to the We Are The World foundation, a newly created, not-for-profit organization founded by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie.
Last year, the sibling musicians were given the ASCAP Founders Award at the organization's 26th Annual Pop Music Awards.
The band has tour dates lined up, from now through into August 2010, which you can keep up with through their website's tour page:
Foreigner, Styx and Kansas - Seven More Dates Added to Spring Tour!
Seven more shows have been confirmed for the Spring 2010 Tour, that will feature classic rockers, Foreigner, Styx and Kansas.
Date City Venue
May 2010
5/14 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre
5/15 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
5/18 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre
5/21 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
5/23 Jackpot, NV Cactus Petes Casino
5/25 Concord, CA Sleep Train Pavilion
5/30 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 2010
6/3 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
6/3 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
6/4 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
6/5 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion
6/7 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park
6/13 Gilford, NH US Cellular Pavilion
6/20 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion
Don't see your city? Check out the list below to see if Foreigner, Styx, and Kansas is coming to a city near you! You won't want to miss this line-up! - Dates to be finalized:
Grand Prairie, TX
Ontario, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Billings, MT
Salt Lake City, UT
Grand Island, NE
Cary, NC
Virginia Beach, VA
Washington, DC
Uncasville, CT
Wantagh, NY
Cleveland, OH
Indianapolis, IN
Pittsburgh, PA
Detroit, MI
Milwaukee, WI
Omaha, NE
Lampe, MO
Status Quo's Francis Rossi solo work update
Francis Rossi's second solo album: 'One Step At A Time' will be released in the UK and Europe on May 3rd. The album will feature the following 10 songs:
1. Sleeping On The Job (Rossi/Young)
2. Tallulahs Waiting (Rossi/Young)
3. Crazy For You (Rossi/Young)
4. One Step At A Time (Rossi/Johnson)
5. Here I Go (Rossi/Johnson)
6. Faded Memory (Rossi/Young)
7. Strike Like Lightning (Rossi/Young)
8. Rolling Down The Road (Nicholas Rossi)
9. Caroline (Rossi/Young)
10. If You Believe (Rossi/Young)
Francis will undertake his first ever solo tour in May 2010. The "One Step At A Time" tour, that takes the name of his solo album to be released by EarMUSIC, through Edel in April 2010, will take in six UK dates. He will be accompanied by an 8 piece band.
Support for the tour will be The North, featuring Francis's daughter Bernadette Rossi. http://www.wearethenorth.net/
Solo UK tour dates as follows:
12th May 2010 Edinburgh Queens Hall
13th May 2010 Birmingham Town Hall
14th May 2010 Manchester Academy,
16th May 2010 London Her Majesty's
17th May 2010 Sheffield Memorial Hall
18th May 2010 Cardiff Glee Club
More info at: http://www.statusquo.co.uk/index.html
E1 ENTERTAINMENT AND THE LEGENDARY KISS SEAL DEAL
E1 ENTERTAINMENT AND THE LEGENDARY KISS SEAL DEAL
“We’re honored to be involved in carrying on the KISS legacy,” comments Frank Saperstein, Senior VP of Kids and Animation for E1. “It’s wonderful to collaborate with the creative forces behind one of the greatest rock bands of all time and unquestionably one of the most recognized worldwide.”
E1 has snagged the KISS brand as it eclipses its roots, building energy in new family and youth media outlets. KISS’s role as the face of Dr. Pepper, their significant presence during Super Bowl XLIV, and their appearance on the 2009 American Idol Finale, which reached over thirty million viewers, has made the make-up and leather-clad giants a household name for kids and families today. The KISS tradition continues to grow generation after generation transcending age, race and creed.
"KISS continues to be the juggernaut of licensing and merchandising, from KISS M&M's to KISS Dr Pepper,” remarks KISS co-founder Gene Simmons, “KISS is a band, but also the only music BRAND. Continuing in our 35 year history of going where no band has gone before, we are proud to partner with E1. Like all things KISS, we intend to make this a very special show for our fans."
“We couldn’t be more excited. Coupling E1’s successes and ingenuity with the global force of KISS guarantees an express pass into the homes of our youngest KISS Army members with a show of superior quality,“ adds KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.
The as- yet untitled series will be produced and distributed worldwide by E1. Executive Producers are John Morayniss and Frank Saperstein for E1 Entertainment; Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS. E1 and KISS will handle all licensing and merchandise for the series.
About E1 Entertainment
E1 Entertainment (AIM: ETO) is a leading independent entertainment content enterprise that acquires and exploits world-class film, television and music properties around the globe. Its four primary businesses units (E1 Television, E1 Films, E1 Music and E1 Distribution) operate in Canada, the U.S., the UK and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Holland and Belgium, providing extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production and distribution, kids programming, and merchandising and licensing. E1's growing content library, which currently includes more than 4,000 feature films, 2,700 hours of original television programming and 15,000 music tracks, is distributed across all media formats in more than 190 countries.
About KISS
With thirty-seven years of record‐breaking tours across the globe, KISS is truly a multi-generational phenomenon. Whether joining forces with Hasbro for their Tooth Tunes musical toothbrushes, featuring KISS music in the Guitar Hero games series, lending their voices and images to popular animated series like "Fairly Odd Parents" and "SquidBillies" or designing their own line of toddler and infant clothing, KISS has proven to be as popular with "KISS Kids" today as they were with teenagers of the 70's who originally created the KISS ARMY (and who continue to attend their legendary live shows). Having sold 80 million albums throughout their career, the 2009 release of their chart topping "Sonic Boom" album (exclusive with Wal-Mart) and the announcement of their Sonic Boom: From The Beginning To The Boom 2010 World Tour only proves that KISS remains the “Hottest Band in the World”.
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