Saturday, February 20, 2010

Update - Saturday 20th February, 2010

Apologies for no news updates today folks, just been one of those days where I haven't had the time.
I will do some more updates tomorrow though. :)

FYI - Regarding the Michael Schenker competition.
I apologise for limiting who it's open to, got to watch the cash right now, but it is open to US and Canadian residents. Thanks!
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Friday, February 19, 2010

Michael Schenker Group - Live and Loud CD review

Michael Schenker Group – Live and Loud

So the Michael Schenker Group, 'Live and Loud ...' Hmmm
Ah, here I was getting all excited about receiving this release, wondering quite what to expect … How disappointed I was to realise that it is simply a compilation made up of just 7 tracks, all previously issued …, that I already have. I will say this though there is an added bonus …, cough, if you can call it that of the history of Michael Schenker, in both English and German.

In actual fact, let me correct myself there. There are 6 live tracks and the studio title track from ‘Written in the Sand.’ An odd inclusion also if you ask me?!
If someone was simply looking for a reasonable, live – Albeit brief! - compilation then its OK I guess, but bearing in mind Michael Schenker’s history, you would certainly have expected the UFO classic ‘Rock Bottom’ on here for sure, but alas, no.

To be honest, this release reeks of exploitation! Maybe it’s Mr. Schenker’s ex-missus perhaps?!

The live tracks don’t come from the classic ‘One Night at Budokan’ either, so not the classic line up performing here. This is made up with tracks from ‘The Michael Schenker Story – Live’ and ‘The Unforgiven World Tour – Live,’ so nothing new here music wise, so what is there then?
The album opens with the UFO classic ‘Doctor, Doctor,’ from the ‘Unforgiven tour’ which I will say is a great live set so it’s not bad at all. Good start.
Then from the Schenker / Bonnet writing years comes ‘Assault Attack,’ which is taken from ‘The Story …’ release, which isn’t bad either.

So to ‘Written in the Sand’ an album that to be honest was OK, but to me was only that.
The track is OK, co-written by Schenker and then singer Leif Sundin.
‘Attack of the Mad Axeman’ is a very good performance next from ‘The Story’ album and one of my personal favourite M.S.G. tracks.

Then to another favourite UFO track of mine, ‘Natural Thing,’ from the same album but this version is simply alright at best.
A totally charged ‘Lights Out’ from the ‘Unforgiven’ release picks it up and is enjoyable, before final music track, ‘Captain Nemo’ which is also very respectable!

A shame and a clear indication that this compilation was simply ‘thrown’ together – Sorry, but what else can you call it?! – is that they could’ve at least tried to merge the tracks, to at least make it come across as a complete live set, but alas no.
Next are the 2 ‘History’ tracks, in English first then German.

It is interesting that it states during the history, that when Schenker left the Scorpions in ’79 it was due to exhaustion and inability to perform due to alcohol over indulgence.
It was something that was not often mentioned before, so a little surprised by this on here.
It also mentions his little known stepping into Ratt to cover for the then sick Robbin Crosby for some live shows.
It comes right up to date to talk about the 2009 US tour cancellation due to ‘visa issues.’
Nowhere anywhere on the album cover or inner sleeve is the narrator credited.

No special sleeve notes, no details – for those who don’t know – of who played on the tracks presented here, so all in all, this really is for collectors only.
That said, apparently the European version does have ‘Rock Bottom’ on it as well as a cover of ‘You Really Got Me.’ I guess not in the USA?!

I would strongly recommend to anyone wanting to hear MSG live, to go and check out ‘MSG – One Night at Budokan’ or the “Unforgiven World Tour’ set, both good in this fans opinion!

Rating: For overall validity 2 out of 5, for the material itself 4 out of 5.

OK, competition time folks! (Please note: Sorry, it's only open to US residents.)
Those kind people at MVD Entertainment have provided an additional copy of this Live and Loud release for giveaway, so here's your question:
Name 4 drummers who have played 'live' with The Michael Schenker Group?
First correct answer to me at: alun_williams@comcast.net wins!
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*Breaking News* - Friday 19th February, 2010

Late Breaking News!
Whitesnake signs deal for new album with Frontiers Records
(Whitesnake photo - Alun Williams from 2009 US Tour.)

Following on from my earlier posting today concerning David Coverdale and Whitesnake and their plans for 2010, the following Press Release has just been announced.

NAPOLI, ITALY (February 19, 2010) - Frontiers Records is very proud to announce the signing of legendary rock band WHITESNAKE.

David Coverdale and band are gearing up for their latest endeavour. WHITESNAKE has already started composing new material that promises to deliver one of the finest chapters in WHITESNAKE'S career. “We are off to a very good start, with the new songs taking positive shape. It feels good, fresh & exciting,” explains Coverdale.

The next release already feels like a solid, natural progression to their last opus, the successful, critically acclaimed ‘Good To Be Bad’ album, awarded by the influential Classic Rock magazine as “Best Album of the Year” in 2008. “As always, we want to take it to the next level,” states’ Coverdale. “I feel that with the last album we achieved a strong WHITESNAKE ‘cocktail’ that comfortably embraced & mixed all the previous musical aspects & styles of the band’s history, while taking our identity a little further... all on one album..."

Born in 1977, WHITESNAKE have been among the most influential representatives of the their genre, having produced numerous rock music classics such as ‘Here I Go Again’, ‘Is This Love’, ‘Still Of The Night’, ‘Fool For Your Loving’, ‘Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City’ or ‘Walking In The Shadows Of The Blues’.

Coverdale said the production team for the new album will most likely be the infamous Brutal Brothers, or Los Bros Brutalos, who handled the recording of "Good To Be Bad”. “The new songs are in the very familiar and recognizable WHITESNAKE territory of soulful, bluesy, melodic power rock, with a couple of ballads thrown in for good measure... It can’t be a WHITESNAKE album without ballads, mate!”

WHITESNAKE have conquered the love and respect of the audiences all over the world with their driving shows and music. The new album promises to follow in the steps of a great heritage of solid and timeless songs.
For more information, please visit:
and
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Rock News for Friday 19th February, 2010

Heaven and Hell band Nominated for 4 Revolver Golden Gods Awards
With all that the band members in Heaven and Hell have been going through this past year, primarily the terrible discovery for Ronnie James Dio of him having stomach cancer and going through various chemo and other treatments, I guess the nomination for these Revolver awards, bring some small relief, encouragement and a little happiness.
Ronnie's wife Wendy Dio has been keeping every one up to date on Ronnie's progress on a pretty regular basis. -  http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/
Tony Iommi had to have some stem cell treament for joint problems with his right hand back in November last year. - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8340697.stm - Apparently he's doing much better now.
Vinny Appice has had to go through shoulder surgery also in November last year, after enduring an injury on the last Heaven and Hell tour. http://www.vinnyappice.com/news.asp

The official nominations for the Revolver Golden Gods Awards have been announced and Heaven and Hell are nominated in 4 categories! The winners are based on fan votes, with the winners to be determined by public online voting at WWW.REVOLVERMAG.COM/GOLDENGODS so make sure to get your vote counted!

The nominees are:
Ronnie James Dio, in the BEST VOCALIST category;
Tony Iommi is nominated in the BEST GUITARIST category;
Heaven and Hell, in the ALBUM OF THE YEAR category;
Heaven and Hell, in the "DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK" category

The winners in all categories will be announced live at the 2010 REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS SHOW at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on April 8. The show will be broadcasted on VH1 CLASSIC on May 22.
So here is your mission: Visit WWW.REVOLVERMAG.COM/GOLDENGODS and cast your vote for Ronnie, Tony and Heaven and Hell today!

3 Doors Down trying to help Team USA to 'Shine' in Winter Olympics

This latest news from the 3 Doors Down camp regarding their new single 'Shine.'

The link to purchase / download the new 3 Doors Down tune 'Shine' is here:

Let me introduce you to Karnivool!
Karnivool finally released their internationally lauded full-length 'Sound Awake' in the U.S. this week and much is abuzz to celebrate the long-awaited album hitting the streets domestically.
The band line up is: Ian Kenny – Vocals, Drew Goddard – Guitars, Mark Hosking – Guitars, Jon Stockman – Bass and Steve Judd - Drums


AOL are hosting a listening party and are currently streaming the album in it's entirety in the 'New Releases' section - http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/4 - and 'Sound Awake' is a featured "New & Noteworthy" release on iTunes, along with sidebar highlights on Facebook and iLike.
The video for the first single for "Set Fire To The Hive" is also heading up the rock section at MTV.
Live performance of "Set Fire To The Hive" in front of 40,000 at noon on Big Day Out

Karnivool are about to hit Europe before coming back to the States for their first U.S. tour in three years. The tour will begin with multiple performaces at SXSW, including a few special ACOUSTIC sets!
Tour dates can be found here: http://www.karnivool.com.au/tours.php

Produced by Forrester Savell (The Butterfly Effect, Mammal, Dead Letter Circus), Sound Awake is kaleidoscopic, engaging & multi-dimensional. It delivers the band’s trademark sound while taking the listener to new heights as it ventures into innovative exploratory territory.

Here is what the media in general is saying about the band:
“Introducing the progressive album of the year”
- Guitarist UK
“A sprawling work of melody, mood, tempo and musicianship…A statement of Karnivool’s musical proficiency and vision, Sound Awake will make for hypnotic listening live”
- Rolling Stone (Aus)
"A hail of expansive melodies, that, when at their best are a little short of breathtaking. This is genuinely impressive stuff’
- Kerrang! (UK)
“Accomplished musicianship and adventurous songwriting…truly awe-inspiring moments”
- Rocksound (UK)
“the wait for this album was worth it…Sound Awake is out of the top drawer and should be a big success”
- Powerplay (UK)
“If you’re looking to get your socks rocked off, you don’t have to look much further than Sound Awake.”
- Elliott Politte, Guitar EDGE
"Western Australia has produced a champion of the genre sharing the podium with Isis and Mastadon. Sound Awake is quite an accomplishment."
- Bill Chenever, MXDWN
"A true masterpiece… This may be one of the best live, hard rock performances I’ve heard in my twenty years as a music professional and writer, prepare to be awakened by greatness and witness true musical brilliance. They are the real thing.”
- (10/10) Just Push Play
"This rock band has it all and their album, 'Sound Awake', proves that."
- Morgan Bonges, Static Multimedia
  "Every song a journey and unveiling new, fascinating, and compelling layers with every repeated listen... Displaying smart songwriting suss and masterful musicianship throughout, they are equally as adept when dealing in short(ish) punchy tracks or sprawling epics that crawl up inside your head and carry you off to some far away place."
- Dan Slessor, Outburn Magazine
To keep up with the band visit them at:
 
Eagle Rock To Release 20th Anniversary Re-Issue Of
LIVE AT KNEBWORTH 2CD ~ To be Released March 23, 2010

New York, NY (February 18, 2010)—On March 23, Eagle Rock Entertainment will drop a British bombshell, when the 'Live at Knebworth' 2CD hits stores.

On June 30, 1990, the best of the Brits flooded the Knebworth House in Hertsfordshire to perform a benefit concert for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the Brit School Of Performing Arts. Heralded as “The Best British Rock Concert Of All Time,” this aggregate of talent included Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Elton John, Phil Collins, Genesis, Dire Straits, Tears For Fears, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, and Status Quo. All performing free of charge to support the charities, this incredible line-up was amassed from recipients of the prestigious Nordoff-Robbins’ Silver Clef Award, which recognizes acts who make outstanding contributions to the British music industry.

Originally released on Polydor in 1990, this 20th anniversary re-issue will continue the tradition on giving back, as sales will raise funds for both Nordoff-Robbins (the UK’s leading independent provider of music therapy) and the Brit School of Performing Arts.

Track Listing:
Disc #1:
1.) Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
2.) Tears For Fears – Badman’s Song
3.) Status Quo – Dirty Water
4.) Status Quo – Whatever You Want
5.) Status Quo – Rockin’ All Over The World
6.) Cliff Richard & The Shadows – On The Beach
7.) Cliff Richard & The Shadows – Do You Wanna Dance
8.) Robert Plant – Hurting Kind
9.) Robert Plant – Liar’s Dance
10.) Robert Plant – Tall Cool One
11.) Robert Plant – Wearing And Tearing
12.) Genesis – Mama
13.) Genesis – Turn It On Again Medley: Somebody To Love / Satisfaction / Twist And Shout / Reach Out I’ll Be There / You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling / Pinball Wizard / In The Midnight House / Turn It On Again

Disc #2:
1.) Phil Collins – Sussudio
2.) Eric Clapton – Sunshine Of Your Love
3.) Dire Straits – Think I Love You Too Much
4.) Elton John – Sad Songs (Say So Much)
5.) Elton John – Saturday Night’s All Right (For Fighting)
6.) Paul McCartney – Coming Up
7.) Paul McCartney – Hey Jude
8.) Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb
9.) Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell

David Coverdale answers questions on Whitesnake activity for 2010
 (Picture by Alun Williams from Whitesnake's 2009 tour)

Over at http://www.whitesnake.com/ the bands only original member and leader, David Coverdale has responded to various questions put to him from fans at the website.
Below are a couple of those for you. 

WS News for 2010 - Frequently Asked Questions and other things you might like to know.

Question #1: Will Whitesnake tour during 2010?

Answer from D.C.: It is unlikely that Whitesnake will tour in 2010, as we have committed to writing and recording a new studio album and delighted to report we are working with an enthusiastic, highly respected record company, whom at this time I am reluctant to name, until they wish to make their own announcement.
The album will feature all new, fresh material ...
We are off to a very good start, with the new songs taking very positive shape. At this time it feels like a solid, natural follow up to 'Good To Be Bad' ... but, taking it to the next level.
Soulful, bluesy, melodic power rock with a couple of underwear moistening, tear jerkers thrown in for good measure.
I personally feel we are off to a very strong and positive start.


At this time the plan is to resume touring in Spring 2011, to coincide with the release of the new studio album.
The tour will be a World Tour, yes, that includes YOUR country, Boys and Girls...

We also are planning to mix several other Whitesnake related projects this year that have been consistently requested by our supporters. So fingers crossed, it will be a very, very busy, creative and productive time thro' 2010.'

Q: You were forced to cancel some shows at the end of the last tour, due to a problem with your Throat. Is everything OK, now?
D.C.: My health and my voice have never been better, thank you. I am pleased with how I'm sounding on the demos of the new songs. Very secure, good tone, very powerful, no worries. Baby, none whatsoever ...


I am so disappointed that I had to cancel the show and the US tour but, these things happen ...
Fortunately, it doesn't happen a lot to me ... and the problem I had is not something that is ongoing. It was a one time problem, some kind of blister on one of my vocal cords and it hurt ...
The cure was simple ... Rest! I would have been able to tour again, had their been an opportunity, 6 weeks later.
The human voice is a very fragile instrument, no matter how well you take care of it and I assure you, I invest in every vocal protocol you can possibly imagine, ask any of my throat specialists.  
It was just one of those things ...
To read more of the Q and A's go to: http://www.whitesnake.com/

 The end perhaps for The Who?

UK Classic Rock magazine is quoting Rolling Stone magazine - Don't we all do this?! ;-) - as saying that perhaps Who guitarist Pete Townshend could be forced into retirement if he can’t find a successful treatment for his tinnitus.
Townsend is quoted as saying, “If my hearing is going to be a problem, we’re not delaying shows. We’re finished. I can’t really see any way around the issue.”

The Rolling Stone story is here:

SingSOS for AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
JACKSON BROWNE, DAR WILLIAMS, MARSHALL CRENSHAW, JONATHA BROOKE, TEDDY GEIGER, ARI HEST, DAN BERN AMONG ARTISTS SUPPORTING AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN APRIL WITH NEW CHARITY ALBUM AND NYC BENEFIT CONCERT “SONGS OF THE SPECTRUM” TO BE RELEASED TUES., APRIL 6
Dar Williams, Marshall Crenshaw, Christina Courtin, Fiona McBain of Ollabelle, The Cucumbers, Kelly Flint to Sing for Autism at New York CD Release Benefit – Wed., April 7
NEW ALBUM OF ORIGINAL SONGS ABOUT AUTISM TO BE FUNDRAISING TOOL

FOR AUTISM ORGANIZATIONS LARGE & SMALL, INCLUDES ‘E-BUNDLE’ OF AUTISM RESOURCES AND BOOK EXCERPTS
Sample the album by clicking here: http://www.singsos.org/listen.php

Watch the "Day After Day" Music Video, See Artist Video Messages and View the Cucumbers' performance of "Understanding" at the United Nations by clicking here:

A world-class collection of troubadours are banding together to support Autism Awareness Month in April through SONGS OF THE SPECTRUM, an all-star album of original songs about autism set for release Tuesday, April 6, 2010 through SingSOS, a new nonprofit organization formed to enlist the power of music to spread the word about autism.

Jackson Browne, Dar Williams, Marshall Crenshaw, Jonatha Brooke, Teddy Geiger, Ari Hest, Dan Bern, Richard Julian, Ollabelle, Valerie Carter, Don Dixon and Marti Jones, Christina Courtin and Mike Viola, Kelly Flint and The Cucumbers comprise the cast of established and emerging artists singing songs expressing the journey of heartbreak to the unexpected joy and understanding that comes from encountering the world of autism.

The songs are all collaborations between Jon Fried and Deena Shoshkes the husband-wife team at the heart of the veteran indie-pop band The Cucumbers, and John O’Neil, a New York Times editor whose 2004 essay for the paper about his autistic son James was part of a Pulitzer Prize-nominated series. Fried and Shoshkes are close friends of the O’Neil family, and have witnessed first-hand James’s struggle and progress. One song was co-written by O’Neil’s oldest son, Chris, about the issues siblings face, and the final track, a poem about the different point of view of someone on the spectrum, was contributed by James.

“Early intervention and dedicated, relentless treatment can have a genuinely transforming effect,’’ says O’Neil. “We want to bring listeners inside an experience that is so hard to see and so hard to understand. Autism has understandably been called an ‘invisible epidemic.’ We hope to make it tangible.”

SONGS OF THE SPECTRUM already is generating excitement in the autism community through an innovative online marketing and distribution system involving dozens of autism awareness organizations and schools in a grassroots outreach effort.

“It captures ALL the emotions a family experiences while living in the realm of autism.” So wrote a mother of a child on the spectrum after receiving the CD. “Now I feel less alone,” said another listener.

SONGS OF THE SPECTRUM will be available at singsos.org as a digital download for a $15 donation or on CD for $20, as well as iTunes and Amazon. Buyers choose where the proceeds of their purchase will go from a list of dozens of autism service providers approved by SingSOS. On the album and at the site, there is also a hand-selected set of high-quality information for parents and educators about autism spectrum disorders in free downloadable form, including excerpts from books by leading experts.

The SONGS OF THE SPECTRUM Benefit CD Release Concert, starring Dar Williams, Marshall Crenshaw, Christina Courtin, Fiona McBain of Ollabelle, The Cucumbers and Kelly Flint
will be held in New York City Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the Bitter End, the legendary Greenwich Village troubadour club. Tickets are available NOW at http://www.singsos.org/  

This album is unique and timely because: Autism is of greater concern than ever; with recent studies putting prevalence at 1 in 100.

In a field flooded with misinformation, the album offers a hand-picked selection of brochures, articles and book chapters, along with links to videos and interactive tools – a one-stop shopping resource for those with a need to know more.
It offers both a message of hope and an unflinching look at the realities faced by the families of people on the autism spectrum.
Unlike most charity CDs, this features a unified set of songs with a single point of view.
An innovative distribution plan engages the autism community to spread the word.

Featured beneficiaries include three national organizations -- Autism Speaks, the Autism Society and Easter Seals -- and six programs in the New York area: the Alpine Learning Group, the Connecticut Center for Child Development, the Learningspring School, the McCarton School, and the New York Center for Autism and Spectra Academy.

Nonprofit groups serving the autism community are encouraged to use the album as a fundraising tool by registering on the site, www.singsos.org. SingSOS wants to help the groups doing grassroots work and to spread the word about the importance of early detection and intervention.

Experts from the featured schools are available to discuss the issues raised by the songs and answer reader questions on a SingSOS blogsite at http://www.singsos.org/

The original cover image is by Jonathan Lerman, the winner of a recent SingSOS contest for artists on the spectrum. Several other autistic artists contributed art to the CD packaging and our website, where all contest entries can be seen.

A performance of the SingSOS songs was the concluding event of the United Nation’s activities marking World Autism Awareness Day in April 2009.
Track Listing:
1. One Went Missing - Ollabelle
2. Diagnosis - Richard Julian
3. Shiny House - The Cucumbers
4. Hide and Seek - Kelly Flint
5. Understanding - Marshall Crenshaw
6. Afraid (My Brother's Cries) - Teddy Geiger
7. If It Were His Legs - Christina Courtin
8. House on Fire - Dar Williams
9. Treatment - Ari Hest
10. Day After Day - Jackson Browne and Valerie Carter
(Dr. Maturin's Daughter)
11. When You Grow Up - Jonatha Brooke
12. He's Coming Back - Don Dixon and Marti Jones
13. It's Time - Dan Bern and Mike Viola
14. My Perspective - James O'Neill
For more information, visit http://www.singsos.org/

Are you ready for ...BugGiRL?~!

Impedance Music and MVD Visual are pleased to announce the US leg of the BugGiRL 2010 world tour.
Since forming in 2004, Australian sister/brother duo BugGiRL (Amber and Clinno) have lived their life on the road, touring constantly across Europe, North America and Australia. Recorded by Mark Opitz (AC/DC, Rose Tattoo), their recent five track EP "Blood, Sweat & Beers" is a blast of fearless rock n' roll. This record, the band's third, has been backed with touring across the world following its October 2009 release. They'll follow it up in June 2010 with a new full length album that was recorded in California with Sylvia Massy (Tool, System Of A Down).

One look at the tour schedule of BugGiRL will show you exactly how hard working these guys are.
They give it all for rock n' roll. Jumping on a plane from their Australian home in May 2007, the power-duo headed for the UK and Europe spending the next eight months touring the continent. Living only in their tour van and eating roadside scraps and small insects, they covered a distance of over 30,000 km, playing over 100 shows to over 30,000 fans.

BugGiRL are an old-school breed of road warrior. Old school rock work ethics, with an old school rock sound. They have been described as "rock n' roll road warriors from hell".

After an outback tour in the Australian summer of 2008, the road worn siblings hit the international highways for another round in 2008. Throughout their travels they have played Wacken showcases and Popkomm festivals and have toured alongside The Damned, The Bones, Mad Sin, Danko Jones, Brant Bjork, Doro, Girlschool, Peter Pan Speedrock and Texas Terri Bomb.

UK giants of media love BugGiRL. Impressed by the band's no bullshit attitude towards rock, blazing guitars tones and fun rockin' party vibe, long time fan Malcolm Dome invited BugGiRL for a special guest appearance on Total Rock Radio London. Legendary UK Rock magazine, Classic Rock featured BugGiRL on the cover mount CD alongside The Datsuns, Airbourne, Stone Gods, The Donnas, Saxon and Rose Tattoo (Nov 2008 issue).
Celebrating the release of new EP "Blood, Sweat and Beers", BugGiRL will hit the USA, UK and EU from March 2010, touring until December 2010. Turning every town on its head, making friends, fans and rock n' roll parties everywhere they go. "Blood, Sweat and Beers" is a pure piece of Australian pub rock history, featuring five solid rock classics, emerging from the snot and guts of beer-soaked pub carpets and blistering down the sunburned desert highway. "Blood, Sweat and Beers" will glass your face, hit on your girlfriend, start a free for all - all out brawl, slap ya on the arse and ride off into the morning desert sun...
"Blood, Sweat and Beers" Music Video: http://tinyurl.com/yacofqd
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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Black Robot - Black Robot Debut CD


Black Robot – Black Robot CD review


This new band is totally out to rock you and this is not an album for the faint hearted!

The band here is Black Robot, the brainchild of Buckcherry’s Jonathan "JB" Brightman on bass, who hooked up with Detroit raised Huck Johns on vocals, who himself had relocated to the West Coast, following no success on his own earlier solo path. This album also features Yogi (Guitar) and Devon Glenn on drums, both with Buckcherry backgrounds. Additional drum work here by Darren Dodd and Chris Powell and the legendary Fred Mandell (Queen, Elton John, Pink Floyd) on keyboards. Production duties are handled by Dave Cobb.

Opening with the totally AC/DC riff-tastic ‘Baddass,’ they just knock you dead, right out of the blocks!
I must also add that with the band’s interpretation of the J.J. Cale tune, ‘Cocaine’ (Yes, I know, Eric Clapton made it famous!) is also like The Who meets AC/DC and the vocal is totally Bon Scott!

Now if people want to say that Black Robot is just another AC/DC wannabe band, they would be so wrong, as they have their own vibe in there too, but the influences to me are without doubt the aforementioned AC/DC, but perhaps some Black Crowes, Aerosmith and Rolling Stones in there too .

Let’s face it, Jet did it, Silvertide too and er, of course Buckcherry had a little of that too you know, but there’s many more too and didn’t folks enjoy their stuff? Oh yes, they most certainly did.

This band / album just has that certain something about it, that tells me they are going to break big.
I said Black Crowes and 'Momma Don’t Cry' certainly nods that way, but with their own twist to it, in a tale about a boy gone to war and a message back to his dear old Mum at home.
The Bon Scott type vocals return with the AC/DC driven ‘Girls Kissing Girls.’ So down and dirty, how can you not enjoy the cheek these guys have?! Great fun stuff!

'Money' opens with simple southern rock style riff, before the drums come pounding in, I must say that I’m really not into the more punky style chorus of, ‘Money, money! Money, money!’
Probably my least favorite track on here, but no lack of energy about it …!

In ‘I’m In Love’ the band hits rock ballad territory and it’s probably something Aerosmith would’ve like to have written, with perhaps a little hint of Extreme to it in the chorus, but musically they’ve totally made it their own. Love this song.
A trashy approach is what we get with the opening of ‘In My Car’ and you know there’s something a little Roger Daltrey in Huck’s voice here and then the guitar solo gets a little soulful, which then seems odd as everything else starts to crank again before wrapping the song up.

The band’s theme song ‘Black Robot’ next is really a little out there, kind of edgy space rock a little weird and actually not so impressed with this one.
‘Love on a .45’ is next and it seems the punky vibe within the band strikes again and it’s kind of strange because half the song I really love, but the other half kind of throw me a little too.
The good parts bring to mind perhaps Alice Cooper, but then there’s even a whacky synth solo right at the end.

Next is ‘Dissatisfaction’ that grooves with an almost sub-Zeppelin rock groove, but that punky vocal approach again kind of kills it for me.
‘23 Days of Night’ seems grooving musically but then becomes a little repetitive after a while.

OK, back to the better stuff in ‘Stop the World’ which is another great rock ballad, some great harmonies and really good structure. Another gem in here for sure!
Final track is ‘Nervous Breakdown’ which has a kind of southern and roots feel to it and closes the album nicely.

No question that these guys found a groove and went with it, sometimes though for me it takes more of a punky path rather than true rock path, that to be honest lost something for me.
I will say this though, they certainly have something here that will get attention, mark my words!
Rating: 3.5 / 5
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Rock News for Thursday 18th February, 2010

Pat Travers Band, new single available and new album on the way and tour dates too!

Canadian rocker Pat Travers is about ready to release a new studio album, hot on the heels of his latest single, 'Ask Me Baby.'
PT has also just made the cover of '22nd Century Rock Magazine.'

This message was shared from PT to his fans through MySpace:

'Hello Music Lovers, or should I say HAMMERHEADS!!! Haven't been on in awhile. Hope everyone's doing great! Make sure you get over to "Pat Travers Band" facebook page, PT's posting on a regular basis, stop by and say, AWANNAKICKBOOTY!! Make sure you join the fansite.

Been in conversations about the release of the CD. It's coming finally!! We will be putting plans together to tour and support the release this summer, if all goes as planned, should start end of May. Keep yer fingers crossed!
Here are some links to check out. A magazine cover story on PT, as well as Alexus Records US website. Stay tuned for more to come.
Looking forward to a great year!!

To hear his new single, 'Ask Me Baby' go here:

Bon Jovi Tour watch from home ....

Well, just the first 15 minutes apparently.
WATCH THE FIRST 15 MINUTES OF 'THE CIRCLE TOUR' FROM HOME!

Bon Jovi kicks off The Circle Tour this Friday, February 19 in Seattle, WA and they wants fans all over the world sharing the excitement of the first concert! Be there for when the band enters the Key Arena and reveals the new stage, the new screens, the new production! These will be 15 minutes you are sure to remember for years to come and will undoubtedly get you fired up to see Bon Jovi in 2010 and 2011! Visit the homepage of http://www.bonjovi.com/ at 8:30pm (PST) on 2/19 to see a live stream of the first 15 minutes of Friday night’s debut on The Circle Tour!

Also ...
Bon Jovi wants YOU to be in their music video for 'Superman Tonight.'

Bon Jovi and Animoto are teaming up so you can add photos and videos of you and your heroes to the official Superman Tonight music video for a chance to win 1 of 5 Flip Camcorders or an autographed guitar!

How it Works
1. CREATE
All you need are photos and a few minutes. Animoto takes care of the rest. Clips of the "Superman Tonight"
music video are already added.

2. SHARE
Send the link to your Animoto video to friends, family, social networks, EVERYONE! The more people who watch your video, the better chance you have of winning.
To check out a sample entry and create your cool Animoto video, click here:

Neal Schon hits the road solo
 
Original Journey member and guitarist Neal Schon, is giving Journey a brief rest it seems, while he goes out on the road for some solo shows.
Dates so far are as follows (According to Pollstar and his MySpace page):

Date City Venue
March 2010
Wed 03/17/10 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
Thu 03/18/10 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
Fri 03/19/10 Henderson, NV Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
Sat 03/20/10 Modesto, CA The State Theatre Of Modesto
Mon 03/22/10 Chico, CA El Rey Theatre
Thu 03/25/10 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House
Sat 03/27/10 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Tue 03/30/10 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
Wed 03/31/10 West Hollywood, CA House Of Blues

Some brief updates from the Frontiers Records label

RICK SPRINGFIELD
It is now possible to watch on You Tube, a trailer video clip that RICK SPRINGFIELD put together for the “What’s Victoria’s Secret” single off “Venus in Overdrive”. Surf on the link to enjoy it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLSXZHxg_I4

PRETTY MAIDS
PRETTY MAIDS are working hard to complete the recording sessions for their new studio album tentatively entitled “Pandemonium”. The band has started to post video updates from the recording sessions. It is now possible to enjoy the first one watching this clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSbVninKO7A

TWO FIRES
Former THE STORM singer Kevin Chalfant is busy writing the songs that will be included in the highly anticipated third TWO FIRES album. Some of the songs that will be included on the album include “All For One”, “Is It Any Wonder”, “Shattered Without You”, “Answer in My Prayer”, “Relentless”, “Some Things are Better Left Unsaid”, “Epic In The Night”, “Still In Love” and “Burning Bright”. Stylewise the album will go back to the debut album super AOR atmospheres and songwriting with some major harmonies and melodies. The new record promises to be a complete must for all THE STORM and JOURNEY lovers! Frontiers hopes to release the album by August 2010.

STAN BUSH
Stan Bush is completing the writing sessions for his brand new album together with his usual songwriting partner Holger Fath. “It's turning out to be a great album!” says Stan. “I was concerned that "In This Life" would be a tough album to follow, but the new one is turning out even better!” Some of the songs that Stan has lined up for the inclusion in the final tracklisting include the album title track “Dream The Dream”, “All That I Am”, “Two Hearts” and “Don’t Give Up On Love”. Frontiers hopes to release the new CD by August 2010.
And maybe a new star in the making ....?

ISSA

Frontiers Records is pleased to announced the signing of a new female music star from Norway.
Her name is simply Issa and she is destined to stardom in the Melodic Rock musical world ! With amazing looks and an equally amazing set of pipes, Issa has been working hard on her debut album under the coordination of producer Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon, Primal Fear, Dyonisus etc.).

Issa is a 26 years old girl from Oslo, Norway, since she was 17 she started working her way into the music business as a ”demo” singer for different labels in studios all around Norway and at the age of 19 Issa won a competition with almost 150,000 votes singing the song 'Fade Away' written by Stian Aarstad, who was earlier a member of Dimmu Borgir. The song got released on a record in cooperation with tv channel Fox Kids.

Somehow people just love listening to this girl sing and she soon hooked up with Gaute Ormaasen from the Norwegian Idol Show touring with him. Issa has also performed on more Metal and Rock records such as Gaia Epicus and Illusion Suite. Issa has also played over 400 shows with Norwegian artist such as Postgirobygget, Dde, Jahn Teigen etc.

Musicians participating on her debut album include Uli Kusch on drums (Helloween, Masterplan, Gamma Ray), Nobby Noberg on bass (Saint Deamon, Dionysus, Nation), Peter Huss on guitars (Sinergy, Shining, and guitarist for world known Bosson "One In A Million Hit") and Tim Larsson on keyboards (producer for Nick Lachey among others with Play Production).

Frontiers hopes to unleash this outstanding new talent to the unsuspecting public after the summer 2010. Stay tuned for more news.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE - Third Album, “Fever” Coming April 27th

Free Download Of “Begging For Mercy” Available Now: http://www.tweematic.com/bfmv/

New York, NY- Hard rock band Bullet For My Valentine returns with its third Jive album, 'Fever,' on April 27. The official first single, the blistering “Your Betrayal” impacts at radio on March 9, with a video to follow shortly.
Fever pairs Bullet For My Valentine with producer Don Gilmore, best known for his work with Linkin Park and Good Charlotte. The Welsh band—vocalist/guitarist Matt Tuck, guitarist Michael Paget, bassist Jason James and drummer Michael Thomas recorded Fever in studios both in its native Wales and Los Angeles. The album follows 2008’s 'Scream Aim Fire,' which debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200, a career high for the group, whom Kerrang! named Best British Band in both 2008 and 2009. Worldwide Scream Aim Fire has sold one million copies and debuted in the Top 5 in Germany, Austria, Australia and #1 in Japan and reached gold status in the UK and Canada. Their 2006 debut, 'The Poison,' has sold a million copies worldwide and certified gold status in America, the UK, Canada and Germany. Since those releases BFMV have rocked audiences on the Taste of Chaos, Mayhem, and No Fear festivals.
Eager to get new music into their fans’ hands as quickly as possible, BFMV is offering album track “Begging For Mercy” as a free download for a limited time at http://www.bulletformyvalentine.com/

The electrifying live band starts a headlining U.S. tour on April 30th. Stops for the festival veterans include New Jersey’s Bamboozle Festival and Columbus, Ohio’s Rock on the Range. Upcoming international festival highlights include the Download Festival in the United Kingdom, Germany’s massive Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, Sweden’s Metal Town, Belgium’s Graspop, Austria’s Nova Rock and Italy’s famed Gods Of Metal. The international release of Fever is April 26th.

StyxWorld up and running again!

Brief update on news yesterday regarding the Styx website http://www.styxworld.com/
Yes, today it is up and running, so I guess the guys have paid for the domain name again! Phew!
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 17th February, 2010

Steve Miller Band 2010 Tour Dates lining up...
(Steve Miller - Picture courtesy of www.stevemillerband.com)
Legendary rocker Steve Miller who for many years, put touring on hold until about 5 or so years back is once again lining up a number of dates across the USA and Canada.

This statement issued at his website:
The Steve Miller Band has confirmed more than a dozen shows for 2010 with a Canadian swing through Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island coming in June. Check the tour page for details and ticket links to these and more shows as they are booked.

DATE CITY COUNTRY VENUE
February 2010
February 20 Anaheim, Ca USA Honda Center
May 2010
May 21 Las Vegas, Nv USA M Resort 
May 22 Palm Springs, Ca USA Morongo Casino 
May 28 Robinsonville, Ms USA Grand Casino Tunica
May 29 Bossier City, La USA Harrah's Louisiana Downs
May 30 Little Rock, Ak USA Riverfest
June 2010
June 4 Summerside, PE Canada Credit Union Palace 
June 5 Halifax, NS Canada Halifax Metro Center 
June 7 Corner Brook, NL Canada Pepsi Center 
June 8 St. John's, NL Canada Mile One Center 
Jun 12 Atlantic City, NJ USA Hilton Hotel
June 13 Mashantucket, Ct USA MGM Grand 
July 2010
July 24 Pittsburgh, Pa USA PNC Park (after game with SD) 
July 25 Louisville, Ky USA Churchill Downs Music Festival
More to come...

Styx ..., where did you go guys???!

Today I went to the regular http://www.styxworld.com/ site, only to find that the 'domain name has expired?'
What the heck???!!
Guys, what's going on?! Where is Styx at now?!
I guess MySpace is the only place to follow the band for now then?!

Jeff Beck back on the road again
For Jeff Beck, the new album 'Emotion & Commotion' and tour follow in the wake of a triumphant 2009 - his most successful year ever. Among the many highlights were a sold-out world tour; his second induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the release of the platinum-selling 'Performing This Week… Live At Ronnie Scott’s,' which earned a Grammy nomination for his breath-taking live performance of “A Day In The Life” and magnificent performances with his band at the 25th Anniversary Concert of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden. 

The Jeff Beck Band also has a new line up for those that didn't know - Full band line up:
Jeff Beck - Guitar

Narada Michael Walden – Drums. A multi-Grammy Award winning producer, drummer and singer- songwriter in his own right Narada has collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Tom Jones. Narada also featured and composed four tracks on Beck’s classic 1976 album 'Wired' and has been a long time friend of Jeff’s.

Rhonda Smith – Bass. Has played with a whole host of artists from Prince (playing to 1.4 million people on The Musicology Tour), Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Little Richard to name a few. In addition to this Rhonda has made genre defining solo records also employing her unique vocal talents.

Jason Rebello – Keyboards. The UK Jazz supremo who has worked with Jeff since 2006, has performed with Madeleine Peyroux, Chaka Khan and Sting.

Hot on the heels of all that, he's confirmed to play at this years Bonnaroo festival.
'Bannaroo Music and Arts Festival' have announced Jeff Beck will be playing on the 12th June.
Go to http://www.bonnaroo.com/ to purchase your tickets.

That's not all as Jeff has also lined up a number of other tour dates too.
With Eric Clapton:
Thurs Feb 18 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Fri Feb 19 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
Sun Feb 21 Toronto, Canada Air Canada Center
Mon Feb 22 Montreal, Canada Bell Center

with Jeff Beck Band
Jeff Beck’s Emotion & Commotion Tour (First Leg of U.S. Tour):

April 2010
16 San Francisco - Nob Hill Masonic Centre
17 Los Angeles - Nokia Theatre LA Live
18 Temecula - Pechanga Resort&Casino
19 San Diego - 4th & B
24 Houston - Verizon Wireless Theatre
25 Dallas - Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
27 Tulsa - Brady Theatre
28 Kansas City - Starlight Theatre
29 St. Louis - Fox Theatre
30 Memphis - Beale Street Music Festival
May 2010
1 New Orleans - Jazz Festival (Gentilly Stage)
June 2010
20 Detroit - The Fillmore - 94.7 WCSX Birthday Jam

Asia announces more tour dates for 2010

Asia are in the process of wrapping things up on their forthcoming new album, 'Omega' due for release in April 2010, meantime new dates have been added to Asia's 2010 tour. The complete list (so far) is below.

Europe - April 2010
Apr. 21 - Helsinki, Finland - House of Culture
Apr. 22 - Moscow, Russia - B1 Club
Apr. 24 - Rome, Italy - Auditorium
Apr. 26 - Prague, Czech Republic - Retro
Apr. 27 - Winterthur, Switzerland - Salzhaus
Apr. 28 - Graz, Austria - Orpheum
Apr. 30 - Paris, France - Casino De Paris

May 2010
May 1 - Uden, Netherlands - de Pul
May 2 - Asschaffenburg, Germany
May 3 - Nuremburg, Germany - Hirsch
May 4 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
May 6 - Reichenbach, Germany - Die Halle
May 7 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche Prinz-Regent-Strasse 50-60
May 8 - Osnabruck, Germany - Rosenhof Rosenplatz 23
May 9 - Bonn, Germany - Bruckenforum
Japan - May 2010
May 13th – Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall
May 14th – Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall
May 15th – Yokohama, Japan - Kanagawa Kenmin Hall
May 17th – Osaka, Japan - Grancube
May 18th – Nagoya, Japan - Nagoya Shi Kokaido
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Rock News for Tuesday 16th February, 2010

Goo Goo Dolls announce first batch of new tour dates prior to new album
The Goo Goo Dolls have been hard at work on tour rehearsals for their upcoming tour that starts in April, in Augusta, Georgia on the 6th.

I guess it’s not 100% certain the exact release date for their new album, ‘Something for the Rest of Us,’ but I’m guessing since the band is now in rehearsals for the upcoming tour, it must be complete.

The band keeps on releasing snippets from tour rehearsals through their MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/googoodolls so I guess it cannot be long!

Here’s tour dates announced so far:
Apr 6 2010 8:00P
First Tee Golf of Augusta
Augusta, Georgia

Apr 10 2010 8:00P
SUNY Campus Center
Oswego, New York

Apr 13 2010 8:00P
Hershey Theatre
Hershey, Pennsylvania

Apr 15 2010 8:00P
Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Apr 17 2010 8:00P
Penn State Behrend
Erie, Pennsylvania

Apr 20 2010 8:00P
The National
Richmond, Virginia

Apr 21 2010 8:00P
The Norva
Norfolk, Virginia

Apr 23 2010 8:00P
War Memorial Auditorium
Greensboro, North Carolina

Apr 24 2010 8:00P
Performing Arts
North Charleston, South Carolina

Apr 27 2010 8:00P
Hard Rock Live
Orlando, Florida

May 2 2010 8:00P
Ryman Auditorium
Nashville, Tennessee

May 4 2010 8:00P
Tennessee Theatre
Knoxville, Tennessee

May 5 2010 8:00P
Louisville Palace Theatre
Louisville, Kentucky

Alan Parsons "Eye 2 Eye - Live in Madrid" finally out on CD and DVD on Frontiers!
Frontiers Records Signs The Legendary ALAN PARSONS
“EYE 2 EYE – LIVE IN MADRID” RELEASES MARCH 19TH IN EUROPE & APRIL 6TH IN USA
Legendary studio wizard Alan Parsons returns with a live concert recording - 'Eye 2 Eye - Live In Madrid' to be released March 19 in Europe and April 6 in the USA on Frontiers Records. Eye 2 Eye - Live In Madrid will come out in two separate configurations in CD and DVD format.

Eye 2 Eye - Live In Madrid was filmed and recorded at the May 14, 2004 show in Playa Mayor - Madrid, Spain. The location is a gorgeous plaza surrounded by historic buildings and is a legacy to a very fine performance from an outstanding group of musicians.

Alan Parsons’ career started aged 19 when he worked on The Beatles last two albums, Let It Be and then Abbey Road, an album recorded in the legendary London studios of the same name. He soon become a well respected studio engineer and producer, working for Paul McCartney, John Miles, The Hollies, Al Stewart and Pink Floyd among others. He is particularly renowned for his work on the Pink Floyd masterpiece 'The Dark Side of The Moon.' This classic album was recorded in 1972, and Parsons’ contribution to the album is legendary.

With The Alan Parsons Project, Alan went on to release 10 acclaimed studio albums but never performed live, even after several US and UK Top 20 hits. The Project ended in 1990 when Eric Woolfson and Alan went separate ways. Eric devoted his career to the musical theatre, while Parsons felt the need to bring his music to the live concert stage and to continue to record conceptual symphonic rock music.

As well as receiving gold and platinum awards from many nations, Alan Parsons has received 12 Grammy Award nominations for engineering and production. In 2007 he received a nomination for Best Surround Sound Album for 'A Valid Path.'

Eye 2 Eye – Live in Madrid features an outstanding performance and for many fans this is the first opportunity to see Alan Parsons' touring band. The musicians’ performances are superb throughout, and this could well be the definitive band line-up that Alan has toured with. An added treat is Alan singing lead vocals on three songs as well as all band members sharing the lead vocal duties.
CD track listing includes:
I Robot; Can't Take It With You; Don't Answer Me; Breakdown / The Raven; Time; Psychobabble; I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You; Damned If I Do; More Lost Without You; Don't Let It Show; Prime Time; Sirius / Eye In The Sky; (The System Of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether; Games People Play.

The DVD includes the entire concert and is available in NTSC region free format with stereo mix 2.0
ALAN PARSONS FORTHCOMING TOUR DATES:

March 14, 2010 Prague, Czech Republic - Congress Centre
March 16, 2010 Warsaw, Poland - Sala Kongresowa
March 18, 2010 Bratislava, Slovakia
June 1, 2010 Paris, France - The Olympia

For more information go to

New Fireworks magazine on sale February 20th
Top melodic rock magazine ‘Fireworks’ has it’s March / April 2010 issue released on February 20th, 2010.

This new issue will cover Foreigner, Giant, Dare, Brian Howe. Marillion, Jeff Scott Soto, Cinderella and much more!
For more details on ordering and more go to:
Also, follow the magazine through:

Angels and Airwaves (AVA) announce massive US / Canadian set of dates
Following the release earlier this week of their new album ‘Love,’ via free download no less, the band Angels and Airwaves or AVA as they are know to their fans, have just announced a massive list of tour dates throughout the USA and Canada.
I can honestly recommend these guys live show, as I was totally blown away a few years back.

Without further delay, here are the dates just announced:
April 2010
4/5 San Francisco, CA Warfield Theater
4/7 Seattle, WA The Showbox SODO
4/8 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
4/9 Vancouver, BC Vogue Theater
4/11 Edmonton, AB Edmonton Event Center
4/12 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall Ballroom
4/14 Fargo, ND The Venue
4/15 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
4/16 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater
4/17 Milwaukee, WI The Eagles Club
4/18 Minneapolis, MN Epic Nightclub
4/19 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
4/22 Columbus, OH PromoWest Pavillion
4/23 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amphitheater
4/24 Chicago, IL Aragon Theater
4/25 Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
4/27 Detroit, MI The Fillmore Detroit
4/28 Toronto, ON Sound Academy
4/29 Rochester, NY Main Street Armory
4/30 East Rutherford, NJ Hoodwink Festival

May 2010
5/1 Potsdam, NY SUNY Potsdam
5/2 East Rutherford, NJ The Bamboozle Festival
5/3 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
5/4 Boston, MA House of Blues
5/6 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
5/7 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
5/8 Wallingford, CT The Dome
5/10 Norfolk, VA The NorVa
5/11 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte
5/13 Tampa, FL The Ritz
5/14 Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach Amphitheater
5/15 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live
5/16 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
5/18 Houston, TX House of Blues
5/19 San Antonio, TX Sunset Station
5/20 Dallas, TX The Palladium Ballroom
5/22 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
5/24 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
5/25 Tempe, AZ The Marquee
5/27 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
5/28 Las Vegas, NV The Joint/Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Eagle Rock Honors Britain’s Blues-Rock Pioneers
FREE FOREVER

~2DVD Released March 23, 2010~
New York, NY (February 16, 2010)—Bringing forth a mighty brand of blues-rock in the early 1970s, Free was a critical piece of foundation in hard rock’s roots.
On March 23, Eagle Rock Entertainment will celebrate their career with the release of the 'Free Forever' 2DVD set.

One of the most heralded bands of the 1970s, Free Forever amasses archival video footage, interviews, audio, memorabilia, and other bits of the band’s history to create the ultimate fan package. Featuring the powerhouse combination of a young Paul Rodgers’ gravelly vocals, Simon Kirke’s solid drums, Paul Kossoff’s infamous guitar leads, and Andy Fraser’s groove-infused bass lines, Free laid the foundation for a blues-rock revolution.

This set features live performances from the Beat Club in Germany and UK’s Granada TV. The second disc boasts full audio from their set at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight festival (which also featured Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and The Doors), littered with a collection of band photos, posters, artwork, and unearthed video footage of tracks “Be My Friend,” “Mr. Big,” and “All Right Now.” Bonus features include original and brand new edits of these Isle of Wight videos with split-screen views. Interviews and special feature “The Freelist,” which contains a Top of the Pops appearance, Australian interviews, and other bits, is also included.

Disbanding in 1973, the members went on to enjoy continued success, both in acts such as Bad Company and Queen, and in solo careers. Sadly, Kossoff passed away in 1976. Yet, even in this short time, Free made a lasting impact that has influenced musicians and garnered countless fans. Eagle Rock is proud to capture the essence of this ground-breaking act and present it with the release of Free Forever.

Track Listing:
Disc #1:
Beat Club – Germany, 1970
1.) Mr. Big
2.) Fire and Water
3.) All Right Now

Doin’ Their Thing – Granada TV, July 1970
4.) Ride On Pony
5.) Mr. Big
6.) Songs of Yesterday
7.) I’ll Be Creepin’
8.) All Right Now
Original Videos
9.) All Right Now
10.) The Stealer
11.) My Brother Jake
12.) Love You So
13.) Wishing Well

Disc #2:
Isle of Wight Audio 1970
1.) Ride On Pony
2.) Woman
3.) The Stealer
4.) Be My Friend
5.) Mr. Big
6.) Fire and Water
7.) I’m A Mover
8.) The Hunter
9.) All Right Now
10.) Crossroads

Isle of Wight Videos:
1.) Be My Friend
2.) Mr. Big
3.) All Right Now

Winger new US tour dates announced
WINGER have announced the first US tour dates in support of the band’s recent successful - and excellent might I add! - come back album “Karma”.

Apparently, these are only the first and more will follow TBA.
Current confirmed dates:
May 2010
May, 2 2010 MelodicRockFest 2 - The Roadhouse, Elgin, Illinois
June 2010
June, 19 2010 M3 Rock Festival - Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland (also appearing NELSON)
June, 20 2010 B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill - New York, New York
June, 25 2010 Grizzly Rose - Denver, Colorado
July 2010
July, 24 2010 Midwest Rockfest - Lake Afton, Wichita, Kansas
August 2010
August, 9 2010 Ocean City Music Pier - Ocean City, New Jersey
More dates TBA
 
Sebastian Bach plays hero at G 'N' R low key gig
Former Skid Row frontman and ex-VH1 Supergroup member Sebastian Bach, played the hero at an intimate Guns 'n' Roses gig in New York on Sunday night.
The New York Post published the story where they described;
Chaos was narrowly averted at an intimate Guns N' Roses concert when a man with a knife was tackled by ex-Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach.
The mystery man casually pulled out what appeared to be a switchblade knife as he walked into the packed and uber-exclusive "Nur Khan's Rose Bar Sessions" at the Gramercy Park Hotel on Sunday.

But Bach, who was standing near the door, immediately got the stranger thrown out of the bash, which was attended by a host of stars including Mickey Rourke.

The private Valentine's Day concert was the hottest ticket in town, with a handpicked crowd including the Strokes' Fabrizio Moretti and Albert Hammond Jr., Ryan Phillippe, Zoe Kravitz, Josh Lucas, Yigal Azrouel and Sophia Bush, who all packed into the Rose Bar for the DeLeon Tequila-sponsored first of Khan's series of intimate concerts. Guns N' Roses played for two hours for 150 guests, finishing up at 3 a.m. before moving the party upstairs with a group of model and rocker friends until 6 a.m.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/knife_menace_at_guns_show_QM2ZkBJ1Bzz7jqi1BpZGVI#ixzz0fjFFKfqX
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