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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Auras – New Generation (Frontiers Records) CD review

Auras – New Generation (Frontiers Records) CD review
Released: April 2010


Fans of Journey, The Storm, Tall Stories (Original), Hugo, Kevin Chalfant and even Toto to a degree should all check this album out, as if you like all the above, you know where I’m going with this review!

South American band Auras – Strange name, still … - have captured – No pun intended! – ‘that’ perfect AOR sound akin to ‘that’ band and have it down well, with their own side magic touch.

Opening with ‘Beauty of Dreams’ really is a pure magic track, great vocals – ala You know who! – great overall sound, rich and powerful and plenty of lush harmonies, both musically and vocally. Great way to start. 
With ‘Forgive and Forget’ next they push more of the same classy material, that huge production sound, strong vocals with big harmony vocals, power chords galore, nice guitar work and some interesting keyboard / piano touches here and there. Nice catchy chorus of course goes without saying.
Never Give Up’ starts with punchy riffs and synth stabs, then chills a little as the vocals initially come in, then picks up in the second part of the first verse before strong pre-chorus and chorus kick in passionate, rich harmony vocals in this mid-paced melodic rocker.

It is all very slick and smooth overall and it’s incredible these that a band that is at this level can produce such quality, but then they do have Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) at the helm, Frontiers main man when it comes to production work. Nice job, again Dennis!

Next it’s ballad time with ‘In My Arm’s’ and it’s really classy stuff, right up there with anything many of the aforementioned acts could provide.
‘Reach Out’ provides a back into mid-paced commercial rock, again rich sounds throughout with nice structure and some deft little fills that almost bring Toto to mind. Nice stuff.
In ‘New Generation’ it starts with a really funky electronic keyboard intro, before getting back into the general AOR smooth rock vibe, before upping the tempo a little later in the song.

What I’m getting a lot of from this and it’s not a knock, is that it’s very heavily driven by lots of background orchestration / strings, perhaps just a little more so than the aforementioned acts. That said, I wouldn’t say that all the tracks actually clone other songs by ‘a certain band’ as many other acts do. In saying that, sure the overall sound is reminiscent of others and we all know that it’s most likely down to the lead vocals of Gui Oliver that attribute to that fact.

‘Forever in Your Eyes’ next is quite possibly my favourite track here, though it’s actually leaning in a Toto type direction in the songs structure, I’d say heavy Lukather influence here, nice guitar solo too. Love it. I can’t stop singing the chorus!

Very atmospheric start to ‘Hungry Hearts’ and the track has a kind of chug along type groove, before growing, a song written in classy style ala Early Michael Bolton type style, when he knew how to write and play AOR!

In ‘That’s the way Love Goes,’ the song starts with a heavy grinding riff before it eases back as the first verse kicks in and it’s almost as if the guys have switched into a totally Toto type direction. This is sheer class.

No, ‘Keep on Lovin’ You’ is not the REO Speedwagon tune, it’s punchier for starters and again it’s a very catchy riff and melody throughout. Nice mid to up tempo pop rocker and what a mix of sound and again I’m very impressed by what I hear here!

‘Out of Love’ is introduced with a laid back intro, before we get the power chords kicking in, but the track is in that chug along type direction, with almost a kind of poppy power ballad intention!
Final track is ‘Love to Survive,’ which closes the album nicely with again one of those mid to up tempo number, again classy AOR to please fans of the genre that may not have considered checking this out.

My one peeve if any is not enough soaring solo’s throughout, the potential to go there more often is virtually endless, but nonetheless a very classy release that I must admit I took my time to get play, but I’m certainly very glad I did!

I recommend this to fans of AOR. An enjoyable album for sure!
Rating: 3.5+ out of 5.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Rock News for Friday 27th May, 2010

ASIA's critically acclaimed single "An Extraordinary Life” chosen to promote Hit NBC show America's Got Talent
“OMEGA” OUT NOW ON FRONTIERS RECORDS


HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 27, 2010) - ASIA's critically acclaimed rock track "An Extraordinary Life," was chosen as the soundtrack for promotional spots announcing the 2010 season of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT. This show is among the most popular entertainment reality shows of all time. Last season the show peaked at the #1 position in overall viewership.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT producers specifically sought out the rights to use the famed ASIA song, which was written by members John Wetton and Geoff Downes. The track was recorded shortly after Wetton survived open heart surgery, in 2007. The song celebrates "carpe diem": each person's ability to seize each day, living life to the fullest. The promotional spots for America’s Got Talent featuring “An Extraordinary Life,” begin airing on NBC in prime time, Wednesday, May 26th.

English band ASIA recently released OMEGA, their fifth album since 1982's multi-platinum world best-selling debut, and the third release since reuniting in 2006. The band will launch a new North American tour in August, 2010. The already well-received album OMEGA is distributed by Frontiers Records (http://www.frontiers.it/).
EMI released ASIA’s best-selling album Phoenix [under license from Frontiers Records], containing the hit “An Extraordinary Life”. Both albums are available at http://www.amazon.com/ and other fine retailers.

The original members of ASIA are rock n’ roll superstars Geoff Downes (keyboards), Steve Howe (guitars), Carl Palmer (drums) and John Wetton (lead vocals and bass).
More about the band can be found at http://www.originalasia.com/

 Ozzy Wants To Scare The $&%* Out Of You

...and for some unsuspecting tourists at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square, he really made ‘em SCREAM! Watch now as Ozzy poses as a wax statue and gives them the scare of their lives:


And while you’re there, make sure to get a sneak peek - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg5i9xF87R8 - of Ozzy shooting the music video for “Let Me Hear You Scream” right now! Rolling Stone called it an ”over-the-top spectacle”, and promises that “The Prince of Darkness is making sure you'll hear his call.” So, what are you waiting for?!
To get your Ozzy fix go to: www.ozzy.com/

Journey new album expected Spring 2011
 
Journey's lead guitarist and founding member, Neal Schon has been talking to Classic Rock's Dave Ling recently, giving some insight into the new album being produced by class act, Kevin Shirley.
 
Schon told Ling, “We’re going to be here [in the studio] for a little bit over a month,” he continues. “Overdubs and vocals are going really well. Kevin has to run off to another project, so we will come back and sing some more in November. The material is extremely strong.”
 
The band have recently been given more of a boost, on the back of children's TV show, 'Glee' using a remake of the band's possibly best known song, 'Don't Stop Believin'' which actually battled it out in the UK's Top 10 singles chart, earlier this year, with the original Journey version of the song.
“[The song’s success is] brilliant for us and bands like us,” maintains Schon.
 

The bands' as-yet untitled forthcoming album is to be released next spring.

Barclay James Harvest lines up 2010 UK dates
 
Well, the current line up featuring BJH founder members John Lees and Woolly Wolstenholme that is anyway! This from their website:
 
JLBJH Confirm UK Dates

27th May, 2010 - John Lees' Barclay James Harvest have just confirmed three UK dates for November 2010, as follows:

November 26: London Islington O2 Academy
November 27: Manchester Academy
November 28: York Grand Opera House

Tickets should be available from 31st May - more news here as soon as we have it.

A message from Carl Dixon (Coney Hatch)

No, he's not announcing any new product or doing anything along the lines of Coney Hatch, but this week, Carl Dixon wanted to share with fans a very personal message:

MAY 25-2010
(Photo by Denise Grant from www.carldixon.com/
 
Sunny days, starry nights; freedom from winter cover-ups, which are now tucked away for another six months; the livin’ is easy and it’s only late May. What news?

The equipment I needed for so long to get around, ie crutches and then walking sticks is now set aside. I propel and support myself now. Hurts a bit, but why cry about it? The healing and recovery from my car accident continues nicely.

In April I returned to Australia, the scene of my erstwhile setback. With my wife Betty I visited the hospitals where I spent months in medical care. We also went to see the people who were on the scene of my crash
and who saved my life. It was a very emotional time. I owe so much to so many. Gratitude will forever be the enduring theme and guiding light of my days.

How can we ever know the full extent of the impact we have on other people’s lives? During this trip I learned of the psychological trauma which my rescuers suffered. I learned of the pall which was cast over the little town outside Melbourne, Daylesford, where my family was based when the news of my accident reached the townsfolk. I learned of the changes which were wrought in the aftermath of my crash, and of factors that night which both aided and endangered my survival. Betty and I visited Australian friends and restored some calm to the waters made turbulent by my dramatic change to everyone’s script. Everyone in Oz needed to see me whole and ambulatory so as to move on.

There was also an agenda of visits to medical specialists, nine in all, to be attended as the main reason for my return. Their task was to determine, collectively, the extent of disability which I am left with at this point and presumably for good. That became a bit of a depressing discussion, as I was made to focus repeatedly on the complete story of what’s wrong with me (I grant that may be an inexhaustible topic). I’d spent these last two years thinking about what’s still right with me. Positive thinking makes such a difference, as I was reminded again in those testing appointments. I don’t know yet what those otherwise genial doctors decided about me, but my own determination is that nothing will stop me from returning to the things I do well with all the energy I can muster. To that energy I can now add the wisdom and knowledge with which I’ve been blessed.

Enjoy this life. It is good! People are good. We should reach out and help one another to make the best and happiest world that we can. Peace, brothers and sisters.

NEW CHICKENFOOT SHOW ANNOUNCED!

Joe, Chad, Mike and Sammy are focusing their time together for the rest of the year on material for a new album, but we are happy to announce they are getting together for what might be their last live show of 2010 Sep 11 @ HARVEY'S LAKE TAHOE!
We have two exclusive premium ticket packages that will be available for this show.
Go here to visit the tour page for details: www.chickenfoot.us/tour

News from Glenn Hughes

Glenn's new band now has it's website online - Go here for news and tour dates - and a video of the band live!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 27th April, 2010

New music coming from Rush, but no new album until 2011

It appears that Canadian rockers Rush will release 2 new songs entitled "Caravan" & "BU2" on June 1, 2010 via digital music providers. - Some international territory dates may vary.

These 2 new songs are part of the recording for their 20th studio album entitled 'Clockwork Angels' due out next year, and both songs will be performed live on the Time Machine Tour this summer.
When purchasing the 2 track bundle on iTunes there will be a pdf booklet of artwork & lyrics.

Both tracks were recorded in Nashville with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, The Deftones), who previously collaborated with Rush on 2007’s critically acclaimed "Snakes & Arrows."
Info from: www.rush.com/

Gary Moore announces, '2010 - Summer of Rock!'

(Photo credit ©Sam Scott-Hunter)
With the “Blues” line up on summer recess, Gary Moore will be hitting the road this summer, with a whole “new” band line up: Neil Carter returns after 20 years, to take up his rightful place stage left, behind a battery of technology. He is planning to throw some on stage shapes, as he dusts off his guitars; after 20 years, to take up his rightful place stage left, behind a battery of technology. He is planning to throw some on stage shapes, as he dusts off his guitars; after 20 years, to take up his rightful place stage left, behind a battery of technology. He is planning to throw some on stage shapes, as he dusts off his guitars; Jon Noyce, (ex Jethro Tull/Sessions) will be holding down the bottom end on bass, again someone who is making a return to the live line up (he was last seen on the Phil Lynott, “One Night in Dublin” Tribute DVD in 2005), and providing the percussive edge is a very familiar face, Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream/Sessions) on drums.


This re-energised line up have been locked away, since Gary’s return from a successful “Blues” tour of the Far East earlier this year, working up a live set based around a selection of live favourites from the “Wild Frontier/After the War” period. Songs that have been regularly requested at live shows, over the past 15/20 odd years.
This may prove to be a real treat for fans, old and new, as many will not have heard Gary play these songs live, for a very long time.
In addition to the older tunes, a number of new “Celtic Rock” style tracks are to be included in the show. Tracks that slot easily into the live set.

The debut live show for the line up will be at the Trondheim Rock Festival, Trodheim, Norway on May 22nd, and the first opportunity for UK audiences to see and hear the new tracks will be at the “High Voltage” Festival in July, when Gary performs on the bill with the likes of ZZ Top, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Foreigner, Asia, Marillion and many more. Gary Moore is due on stage on Saturday July 24th.

This “Summer of Rock” is set to continue with a number of European festival shows, which have been added to the touring schedule, so looks like a very busy year for Gary and the “new” band.

June / July dates for Roger Daltrey

The Who frontman Roger Daltrey is hitting the road briefly in North America in late June/early July, doing just three solo gigs ....

Tuesday, June 22: Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre

Friday, June 25: Salina, KS - Steifel Theatre for the Performing Arts

Saturday, June 26: Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater

... but then he's doing four gigs supporting Eric Clapton ...!

Monday, June 28: Milwaukee, WI - Markus Amphitheatre Summerfest

Wednesday, June 30: Cincinnati, OH / Riverbend Music Center

Friday, July 2: Indianapolis, IN / Verizon Wireless Music Center

Saturday, July 3: Detroit, MI / DTE Energy Center
Please note that there are no presales, special packages or 'meet & greets' for any of these shows.

Meanwhile, back on the Who farm, Roger and Pete (Townsend) are in discussions about the future plans of The Who, so do check into http://www.thewho.com/ for an announcement, which could come in a few days or a few weeks.

The Faces Reunion is on!

On Friday 13th August, the legendary 1970s English supergroup, The Faces, will perform at the inaugural Vintage at Goodwood festival at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, England.
The reformed Faces will feature original members Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan, plus Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), and vocals from Mick Hucknall (of Simply Red).

Ronnie Wood says: “We got together to receive a PRS Lifetime Achievement award last year and very simply the magic was still there. Playing with the boys again just felt right so we thought well why not? It’s exciting to be on this path again and I hope that the Faces fans are excited as we are – I’m just really looking forward to seeing them this summer – bring it on!”

Kenney Jones says: “When we realised at the PRS Awards we hadn’t played a live gig since 1975 we just couldn’t believe it! The timing is just right, we can feel the excitement and we cannot wait to be back on stage playing to a live audience again. Expect the classics and also some incredible guests when we get back on the road, it’s going to be lots of fun.”

Ian ‘Mac’ McLagan says: "Frustrated Faces fans can finally feel the heat as Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones and me hit the stage with Mick Hucknall and Glen Matlock fanning the flames!"
Keep track of all Faces activity at:  www.the-faces.com

Krokus set to 'Hoodoo' you, in the USA!
“Hoodoo” the new album from 80's Swiss rockers Krokus, was officially released on May 25th, 2010 in the United States and the response from the press has been overwhelmingly positive.

Vocalist Marc Storace worked marathon hours for the last 2 weeks as well as this week to accommodate the US media. The phone lines are smoking across the Atlantic between Switzerland and America in order to respond to all the requests for phone interviews.

Marc was supposed to do an interview for the “Eddie Trunk Radio Show” in New York this coming Friday. Due to the untimely death of rock icon Ronnie James Dio and the planned public memorial service this coming Sunday, May 30th in Los Angeles and open to the public to celebrate the life and music of Ronnie James Dio, Eddie Trunk had to postpone said interview for the near future. When the news first broke that Ronnie had passed on May 16th, Marc had been asked by many to comment on his passing. In a conversation with Jason Coldiron for CWG Magazine / Metal Assault, Marc paid tribute to the rock icon in a touching way, extending his and the band’s condolences to Dio’s wife Wendy and their family. This interview has been picked up by various other magazines and can be seen/heard on YouTube as well.

To hear Marc’s tribute to Dio, visit our NEWS page and click on this link: “Marc Storace Tribute To Ronnie James Dio” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Axsp-i7bGk  Marc actually auditioned at one time for Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow prior to joining Krokus and eventually Dio became Rainbow’s vocalist.

To our fans in the United States: Look for “Hoodoo” in your local record stores. And if you can’t find it there, log on to some of the web sites like http://www.amazon.com/ and get your copy directly sent to you within days. Produced by founder and bassist Chris Von Rohr, “Hoodoo” will not just rock your socks off but the enclosed CD booklet will be “eye candy” for every Krokus fan. Besides pictures and credits it also includes all the lyrics of the songs. And for our “old faithfull’s” we printed them even a little larger than usual! [weren’t we told that first thing that “goes” is the eyesight, as we get older] So, what are you waiting for?

To get the hard copy/jewel case delivered directly to your doorstep in no time, click on/copy in your browser:

To download it including extra track “Live For The Action”, especially written by Krokus to be the official 2009 IIHF-International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship song, log on to http://www.itunes.com/ [Rock > Krokus > Hoodoo]
Here's some press quotes:
“Hoodoo has, in fact, achieved the difficult task of preserving the true Krokus vibe while sounding fresh and vibrant against the present-day hard-rock landscape – in short, it has brought the past into the present” -- Heavy Metal Hog

“Krokus has taken that shot and created an album that is on par with some of their best work. I would rank HOODOO right up there with the classic albums of the 1980-1984 era and I am positive that this record will be one of my top albums of 2010”Heavy Metal Addiction

“Krokus Bring An All Out Rock Assault With "Hoodoo"Revolver Blips
“This is easily one of the best albums I’ve heard so far this year. It rocks from beginning to end. The sounds are full of energy and the band is fired up”Metal Excess
“Hoodoo is proof that Krokus is simply one of the best Hard Rock bands ever, and, that they aren’t stopping any time soon”Hard Rock Haven

“Krokus has chosen the perfect time to get back into the game. Hoodoo fits nicely next to their classic albums of yesteryear. While Swiss cheese may come with holes in it, Hoodoo has none; this is a complete album, start to finish”Classic Rock Revisited


Three Days Grace's “The Good Life” No. 1 On Active Rock Radio Songs Chart
Band Scores Second No.1 Hit From Their New Album “Life Starts Now”

New York, NY – Multi-platinum rock band Three Days Grace scores their second No.1 hit with “The Good Life.” The song claims the No. 1 spot on the Active Rock radio chart for the second week in a row and No. 5 on the Alternative Rock radio chart. The single follows the success of their previous No.1 hit, “Break” the lead single from their current effort 'Life Starts Now.' “The Good Life” marks the seventh No. 1 song at Active Rock for the Toronto-based foursome comprised of Adam Gontier (vocals, guitar), Neil Sanderson (drums, piano), Brad Walst (bass), and Barry Stock (lead guitar).


Life Starts Now (Jive Records) debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart making it the highest debut ever for the band. This is the band's third album, their eponymous debut 'Three Days Grace' and sophomore effort 'One-X' have both been certified platinum. To date the group has sold in excess of four million albums worldwide.

Three Days Grace is currently on the road and is slated to perform at various music festivals including Rocklahoma in Pryor, OK on May 28th, May Day in Indianapolis, IN on May 29th, Pointfest in St. Louis, MO on June 6th, Verge in Milwaukee, WI on June 4th, Jamboree 2010 in Tinley Park, IL on June 5th and the recently announced Rock and Rev Festival in Sturgis, SD on August 9th.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Ratt - Infestation CD review

Ratt - Infestation (Roadrunner Records)
CD review – Released April 2010


Ratt is a band that I have to say during the 80’s - when there was ‘so much of it' about. – I never really took to.
I mean ‘Out of the Cellar’ and ‘Invasion of Your Privacy,’ were both good releases to me, with some good songs, but there was something not really grabbing me about Ratt overall …, at that time …

Then comes this little beauty ‘Infestation,’ that’s full of all the traditional, tongue firmly in cheek innuendos from the band and yes, it’s perhaps a little predictable here and there, but it certainly rocks and rock well and then has great hook lines throughout too, so read on folks!

Opening with the killer riff for ‘Eat Me Up Alive,’ it almost conjures up the power of say Judas Priest but with a hook not so far away from say prime time Ratt and then some! It knocks you for six from the start.
Killer dual guitar work throughout and then vocally, Stephen Pearcy means serious business almost sounding like he could outdo Alice Cooper if he played a set! Great opening salvo for sure.

OK, I’m sorry but as awesome a track as ‘Best of Me’ is, it reeks of a combination similarity to 2 other bands that were also huge in the 80’s. One whose initials are VH and another whose name starts with a J, but I’m saying nothing more on that matter though!
Those thoughts aside, it’s probably become my favourite Ratt track, EVER!!! It’s really got everything, it’s an absolutely killer!

‘A Little Too Much’ continues with some seriously edgy sound, killer licks, great hooks, big choruses and I love the line from the band, where they take things down a bit in the middle and Pearcy does his little guy to gal talk, before the band all sing, in cheesy tone, ‘You’re wrong, I’m right, two wrongs don’t make a right,’ then a killer guitar solo fires up. It’s great!

Have to say – Sorry, but … - hint’s of Aerosmith in the music with Pearcy doing his best Alice Cooper vocal perhaps on ‘Look Out Below.’ Huge vocal harmonies, dirty guitars rockin’ away and so much more!
This really is a hook laden album that Roadrunner really did themselves a huge favour, in signing up Ratt for this album and should certainly back the band going forward, if they can follow this!

‘Last Call’ almost sounds like the guys are singing ’Let’s go!’ in the chorus and again, the song is full of so much great stuff to praise. Love the harmony guitar solo on this track. Just such punchy material and yes, chances are people will say it sounds like something else. I’m sure it’s hard to write original hooks these days as there’s only so many melodies you can play before it starts getting compared to other things, even so, it’s one of those that you have to say, ‘So what, this album kicks some serious ass!’

On ‘Lost Weekend’ it’s one of those seriously guitar solo driven songs, where the lead breaks are drifting in and out throughout the verses and choruses. The song although not so hook driven, is still big hit in my books.
The current band have got a great vibe and sound overall and with the playing off one another, in their 2 great guitar players Warren DeMartini and Carlos Cavazo (Ex-Quiet Riot), they’re onto a winner.

‘As Good as it Gets,’ ‘Garden of Eden’ and ‘Take a Big Bite’ keep up the good time fun the band certainly seem to have found in the recording of this album, although the latter track, is perhaps the winner of the gutter lyric award here.

You know when ‘Take Me Home’ started it brought to mind the Rolling Stones ‘Gimme Shelter’ just for a second, but the song then takes a different direction than the rest of the album, with the closest thing they have to a ballad on here. Surprisingly, a big old dose of keyboards layered throughout, but not quite at power ballad level.

‘Don’t Let Go’ is the last track here and it kind of rocks with a punky like vibe, but it’s not sloppy and the tight sound pays out big time and the whole band deserve a pat on the back for getting the full sound here, with an album chock full of sing-a-long chorus songs.

I’m impressed and live these tracks should go across really well with die hard fans of the band, alongside all the usual favourites in their set.

Yes, another strong album I’ve had the pleasure of listening to and reviewing and I’m just wondering when I’m going to get something new to listen to that’s really just an, ‘OK’ album.

Keep up with Ratt and their big summer tour schedule here:

Rating: 4 out of 5. Enjoy! 

Rock News for Wednesday 26th May, 2010

Frontiers Records to release a retrospective album from
TONY HARNELL & THE MERCURY TRAIN


Napoli, May 2010 – Frontiers Records will release on July 2nd in Europe and July 27th in the USA “Round Trip”, the debut album from Tony Harnell & The Mercury Train. This is a very special record: a stripped down, reinvented retrospective of Tony Harnell's past classics originally recorded with his previous bands TNT, Westworld and Starbreaker, with one brand new song “Anywhere But Here” recorded especially for this release.

The idea of re-recording some repertoire classics came about after Tony performed some low key shows in New York in late 2008, with some talented and accomplished musicians that were not part of the Metal/Hard Rock scene. The desire was to breathe new life into the songs with new arrangements, key changes and added parts, it's like listening to songs you know in a whole new way.

Frontiers Records President, Serafino Perugino liked the concept and in Harnell’s own words “The idea was originally based on it being the usual cliché “acoustic” album. Well, for us hard rockers that usually means simply playing the songs pretty much as they were but with acoustic guitars. That’s not exactly what I had in mind. If I was going to do this I was going to have some fun. I wanted to strip things down and see what would happen when musicians outside the hard rock community played my songs. That intrigued me. So, I gave all the guys the original album versions and then pretty much gave them carte blanche to reinterpret the songs. That meant key changes (cause you can’t sing like a banshee when you strip things down, sounds silly), chord changes and even arrangement changes if the mood hit. I also wanted a semi-live vibe. What we ended up with is an album that honors the original songs with a little added spice, color, and above all…fun”.

At the end of 2008 Tony and the other musicians entered the studio for a marathon two-day recording session that was supposed to lead into a whirlwind mixing session and an immediate release. But immediately after the session Tony hit some rather intense personal bumps in the road and production stopped. Months later the album was quickly completed.

“Recording this album was an extremely cathartic experience, allowing me to gently close the door to the past with love and gratitude and regain the pride I rightly deserve to have for these songs and for the years of my life I gave to the various periods when they were written” continues Tony. “This is in no way meant to erase, dismiss or compete with the incredible original recordings of these songs. This is just a little fun reinvention, a way to leave the past behind on my own terms. These are your songs as much as they are mine, some of you, like me, have all kinds of memories attached to them. My lyrics were, are and always will be filled with my experiences, struggles, hopes and dreams and my observations of the world around me. Hopefully you’ll listen to these songs in a new way and hear them with new ears. I know I have”.
“Round Trip” final tracklisting includes:
Somebody Told You; Intuition; Month Of Sundays; Lonely Nights; Shame; Northern Lights; Down To The River To Pray; Satellite; 10K Lovers; Uninvited; Ready To Fly; When I'm Away*; Song For Dianne; Anywhere But Here.
* Bonus track
Hear samples here: www.frontiers.it/default.aspx?tabid=73&cond3=where ItemID=580


The Mercury Train:
Jason Hagen - Acoustic guitar and ukulele
Chris Foley - Electric guitar
Brandon Wilde - Bass and vocals
Brad Gunyon - Drums and percussion
Amy Harnell - Vocals and descant recorder
Special guest: Sandi Saraya on “Shame”
Weblinks:

Night Ranger, yes it's tour time again!

You know, it may be 3 years since Night Ranger's last studio release 'Hole In The Sun' but every summer comes around, it's time for the guys to hit the North American tour trail to show us all, once again, that without any doubt, 'You Can Still Rock In America!"
Rumours last year, were that they were doing plenty of recording at Jack Blades studio but as of yet, nothing has revealed itself. I'd also heard that Jack was recording again with Tommy Shaw for the third Shaw/Blades release, but likewise ..., silence on that as of this time ...
You wait, within a week of me posting this, they'll probably announce a new release of one or the other!
Anyway, I can assure you that a Night Ranger show is always worth checking out. so without further ado, here are those North American tour dates:

June 2010
Jun 05, 10 Kalamazoo Greek Festival Kalamazoo Greek Festival Kalamazoo, MI
Jun 10, 10 Diamond Jo Casino Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque, IA
Jun 11, 10 Riverfest Riverfest Gadsden, AL
Jun 12, 10 Brandt's Harley Davidson Store Brandt's Harley Davidson Store Wabash, IN
Jun 19, 10 Merced County Fair Merced County Fair Merced, CA
Jun 23, 10 Solano County Fair Solano County Fair Vallejo, CA
Jun 24, 10 Summerfest Summerfest Milwaukee WI
Jun 26, 10 DeVent Center DeVent Center Norfolk, NE
July 2010Jul 01, 10 Riverside Park Riverside Park Oshkosh, WI
Jul 02, 10 Frontier Days Festival Frontier Days Festival Arlington Heights, IL
Jul 03, 10 Fort Dodge Soccer Association Fort Dodge Soccer Association Fort Dodge, IA
Jul 09, 10 Rock Dakota Ranch Rock Dakota Ranch Sawyer, ND
Jul 10, 10 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Maryland Heights, MO
Jul 11, 10 Down by the Riverside Festival Down by the Riverside Festival Rochester, MN
Jul 17, 10 Quake on the Lake Festival Quake on the Lake Festival Waterford, MI
Jul 23, 10 Rock The Park - Harris Park Rock The Park - Harris Park London, ON
Jul 24, 10 Waukesha County Expo Grounds Waukesha County Expo Grounds Waukesha, WI
August 2010
Aug 07, 10 Hideaway Park Hideaway Park Winter Park, CO
Aug 11, 10 B.B. King's Blues Club B.B. King's Blues Club New York, NY
Aug 12, 10 Starland Ballroom Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ
Aug 14, 10 Franklin County Fair Franklin County Fair Malone, NY
Aug 17, 10 Mohegan Sun - The Wolf Den Mohegan Sun - The Wolf Den Uncasville, CT
Aug 20, 10 Amphitheatre at Station Square Amphitheatre at Station Square Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 28, 10 Blue Ash Towne Square Blue Ash Towne Square Blue Ash, OH
September 2010
Sep 02, 10 Northwest Missouri State Fair Northwest Missouri State Fair Bethany, MO
Sep 04, 10 Moody Gardens Convention Center Moody Gardens Convention Center Galveston, TX
October 2010
Oct 22, 10 Epcot Center Epcot Center Orlando, FL
More on Night Ranger through their site here: www.nightranger.com/

A message from 'Luke' - That's Steve Lukather for those who didn't know!

This update posted at Luke's site yesterday ...

Good morning LA and beyond...

Steve Lukather: "It was an awesome weekend at the SPUD 40th. SO many great old friends and some amazing playing.
I was stoked to have such great people jammin with me in the true spirit of the Baked Potato: Steve Weingart, Tal Wilkenfeld and Vinnie Colaiuta.



Now I am waiting to OK mixes from MAC and I am VERY excited about finishing the album project, just did a KILLER photo session with Ash Newell and they came out great. I look OK for an old guy. Hahaha.
The way he shoots is really not the same old same so the whole presentation is gonna be cool, I think anyway. You guys be the judge.



It all comes out in September and the the tour starts in November. LOTS goin on...

In pre-production for Toto and that is gonna be cool, gigs are already sold out and the general vibe is great. I think people will be happy with the set list. A few surprises but there are still the obligatory tunes we have to do. Promoters are now ASKING what tunes they want to hear. THAT is a new one but we knew that goin in. We are playing enough old album cuts to keep everyone happy considering we have a 90 minute limit in most cases, especially festivals. Our OWN shows we can stretch a bit but even then we only have 9 days of rehearsal now and all new people so we cant just go off the map often cause people dont know all the songs. Hell *I* dont know all the songs. Hahaha, I have homework too.



I am off for a run. It has been now a little over 7 months sonce I stopped smoking and boozin and I feel great. I really dont miss it at all or I guess I would still do it. I think I will check out this decade without those vices. Maybe if I make it to 60 I will have some champagne, or not but for now, I am pushing straight ahead feeling great and working out and trying to look my best and I am playing/practicing and singing better than I have in many years and still working on ALL of it. I wanna be the best I can be for you guys and mostly for ME. "Personal best" sort of a vibe ya know. Only my shrink knows how insane I really am. hahaha



Hope everyone has a nice day and I will be back.



Peace and love, Luke."

Styx gets 'Regenerated!' - Details of forthcoming 'Regeneration - Volume 1' Announced

STYX Regeneration, Volume 1
STYX is putting the finishing touches on the soon-to-be-released "Regeneration, Volume 1". Produced by the band and their long-time studio/live sound engineer Gary Loizzo, "Regeneration, Volume 1" contains six re-recorded versions of STYX classics, and one brand new song, "Difference In the World" (which is also available as a free MP3 download via http://www.styxworld.com/). The six classic tracks are "Grand Illusion," "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)," "Lorelei," "Sing for the Day," "Crystal Ball" and "Come Sail Away."

In a recent interview with Doug Fox of the Daily Herald in Salt Lake City, UT, James "JY" Young said "We're in the ultimate, final-polishing stages of it." Look for the complete interview with Doug coming soon.

In addition to the CD, the band also plans to make "Regeneration, Volume 1" available on vinyl.
Additional information will be passed along as it becomes available. Keep an eye out for a sneak-peek of the album cover coming soon.


Remember also that Styx will will joining up with both Foreigner and Kansas for the 'United in Rock tour' Details on that here:
or here 

Canadian rockers Triumph may play the UK in 2011 ...

Well, who knows .... Bassist / Keyboards man Mike Levine told Classic Rock magazine that next year will be 30 years since the band last played the UK.
The band are currently doing loads of press to promote current release, 'Triumph Greatest Hits - Remixed' - Which sounds great by the way! - and so maybe we can all twist the guys arms to come out and play some more!

Triumph are currently looking at their touring options for 2011 – and the band may decide to play at least one UK date. Mike Levine went on to say to Classic Rock magazine:

“Next year is the 30th anniversary of our last show over there,” Mike Levine told Classic Rock.
“We did a gig in Port Vale (the Heavy Metal Holocaust Festival, 1981). So, if we do tour, then very high up on our list of priorities will be a return. It’s been long enough.”
The closest Triumph got to the UK in recent years was when they played the Sweden Rock festival in 2008.
However, fans of the Canadian band should not yet get too hopeful.
“Working out a touring schedule is very tough, because all three of us (Levine, guitarist/vocalist Rik Emmett and drummer/vocalist Gil Moore) have such busy and separate lives.
“So this year is out of the question, and trying to do this next year is dependent on making it all fit into individual commitments.”

Here's hoping, I must say when I spoke to Gil Moore last weekend ..., I wasn't convinced it will happen.
Rik Emmett had told me 2 years back that the band were looking at lining up a big summer tour through 2009, but that didn't happen, so I guess we'll see.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Brief Update for Tuesday 25th May, 2010

KISS RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA WITH HOTTEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR!
(LOS ANGELES) May 24, 2010 – Throughout their 37-year career, KISS (http://www.kissonline.com/) has sold 80 million albums, played in front of millions of people and become an integral part of American culture. Now, rock’s most iconic band is unleashing another assault on North America with The Hottest Show on Earth tour starting on July 23. KISS will perform such classics as “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” as well as hits that they haven’t played in the US in many years.

The Hottest Show on Earth tour, produced by Live Nation, will trek through a mix of arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America. Tickets for shows produced by Live Nation go on sale to the general public in select markets beginning June 4 at http://www.livenation.com/. Citi® cardmembers can access presale tickets beginning Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit http://www.citiprivatepass.com/ KISS is also giving back to the United States Armed Forces by donating one dollar from each ticket sold to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.

Dr Pepper is a proud sponsor of the KISS tour and will be offering exciting contests and prizes in tour markets. Watch and listen for the Dr Pepper Cherry and KISS TV and radio spots that will be back on the air in late June.

GUITAR CENTER ON-STAGE
KISS has given some of today's now-legendary bands their first shot by opening for the band at sold out arenas and stadiums around the world -- AC/DC, BON JOVI, RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and many others. Now, the legendary rockers are partnering with Guitar Center, the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, for Guitar Center On-Stage, an unsigned band competition that will provide emerging artists the chance to open for KISS at 22 of the band’s tour stops. In addition, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will choose one grand-prize winner to receive a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree among other prizes. For more information, visit http://www.gconstage.com/ Registration begins on June 1.

LIVE FACEBOOK/USTREAM CHAT ON JUNE 1
For the first time, KISS will host a live internet chat on Facebook via Ustream on June 1 to give fans an opportunity to speak directly with the band about the tour. Users can watch and interact by visiting the official KISS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KISS

KISS ARMY FAN CLUB
KISS Army Fan Club members will have EXCLUSIVE access to the first presale for each show on the tour. For a limited time only, new fan club members will receive a choice of one of four limited edition, exclusive prints with each membership purchase. Watch http://www.kissonline.com/ for information on these exclusive prints, a new Fan Club renewal offer, and VIP Ticket Packages for the Hottest Show On Earth Tour.

DATE MARKET VENUE
July 2010
Fri, Jul 23* Cheyenne, WY Cheyenee Frontier Days
Thu, Jul 24* Minot, ND North Dakota State Fair
Thu, Jul 29 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagra Pavilion
Fri, Jul 30 Cleveland, OH Riverbend Music Center
Sat, Jul 31 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Stadium
August 2010
Fri, Aug 06 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
Sat, Aug 07 Boston, MA Comcast Center
Mon, Aug 09* Indianapolis, IN Indiana State Fairgrounds
Fri, Aug 13 Darien Lake, NY Darien Lake PAC
Sat, Aug 14 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Sun, Aug 15 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
Thu, Aug 19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Fri, Aug 20 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat, Aug 21 Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live
Fri, Aug 27 Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach Amphitheater
Sat, Aug 28 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sun, Aug 29 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
September 2010
Thu, Sep 02 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre
Fri, Sep 03 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sat, Sep 04* St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair
Fri, Sep 10 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
Sat, Sep 11 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Sun, Sep 12 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
Fri, Sep 17 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sat, Sep 18 Dallas, TX Pizza Hut Park
Sun, Sep 19 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
Wed, Sep 22 Sandy, UT Rio Tinto Stadium
Fri, Sep 24 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
* These shows are already on sale.

To sign up for the Kiss fan club - To get pre-sale access and more:

Monday, May 24, 2010

Rock News for Monday 24th May, 2010

Bad Company North American Tour Dates
Well, well, well ....
I guess the guys in Bad Company may have had many of us believing, that the US tour they undertook last year, may well have been it, but that appears to be wrong. I'm sure to the delight of many who didn't manage to catch any of those 10 exclusive dates?!

As of this moment though, their website: www.badcompany.com/ is only displaying just 5 dates scattered over July / August, but I think the above banner tends to indicate that there will be a few more I'm sure!

Those dates announced so far are as follows:
July 2010
Friday July 16, 2010 Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, CA
Saturday July 17, 2010 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA
Tuesday July 27, 2010 Bank Of America Pavilion, Boston, MA
August 2010
Sunday August 1, 2010 Outlaw Jam, Frederick County Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD
Wednesday August 4, 2010 Casino Rama Entertainment Center, Rama, Ontario (Toronto)

Bret Michaels Personal message to fans ...
 
Over at http://www.bretmichaels.com/ the Poison frontman, Bret Michaels has issued the following statement today:

Personal note from Bret...
With all of my heart, soul and the remaining organs I have left (lol) I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your support and awesomeness.
All the good vibes and well wishes gave me the strength to go back to New York and win Celebrity Apprentice. I am not at 100% yet but I have every intention of trying to continue the tour starting Friday in Biloxi. I hope to see your rockin rollin, smiling faces on the road that is the best medicine I can think of right now. You rock my world.
Love and respect,
Bret Michaels

Chickenfoot - Cabo Webcast video archives are here!


We're happy to announce that the Chickenfoot Cabo Webcast video archives are here! Four songs from the show are now available for your streaming enjoyment (standard or high def). If you want to go full screen follow the link in the bottom right since Facebook blocks that.

The four songs are: Soap On A Rope, Sexy Little Thing, My Kinda Girl, and Oh Yeah!
Follow the below link, then scroll down:
 
This news from the Chickenfoot website: http://www.chickenfoot.us/news
 
Aynsley Lister - THE TOWER SESSIONS finally getting released
 
Blues rocker Aynsley Lister finally has his THE TOWER SESSIONS – Aynsley’s new live album is finished and is now being manufactured.

The album includes a stunning version of ‘Purple Rain’
The album will be available for purchase at http://www.manhatonrecords.com/ for £10 plus p&p from 5th MAY. You can pre-order your copy NOW.

Full retail release inc Amazon & I Tunes etc will be 14th June.
You will also be able to purchase the album on the following dates:-

Friday 28th May
THE TOWER WINCHESTER
TICKETS: £12
01962 867986
Box Office: 08444 771 000
Thursday 3rd June
Jazz Café, 5 Parkway London, NW1 7PG
TICKETS: £13
0844 847 2514

LYNYRD SKYNYRD - LIVE FROM FREEDOM HALL CD/DVD SET TO BE RELEASED ON JUNE 22
LAST CONCERT RECORDED WITH LONGTIME MEMBERS BILLY POWELL AND EAN EVANS

New York, NY: Lynyrd Skynyrd will release Live From Freedom Hall on June 22 as both a CD/DVD set and as a stand-alone DVD. Live From Freedom Hall not only captures the band in its most natural state – on stage- but is also one of the last concerts to be recorded with longtime members Billy Powell and Ean Evans, both of whom passed away last year. The release is a tribute to and a celebration of Skynyrd.

The track listing for Live From Freedom Hall is as follows:
“Travelin’ Man”
“Workin'”
“What's Your Name?”
“That Smell”
“Simple Man”
“Down South Jukin’”
“The Needle and the Spoon”
“Ballad Of Curtis Loew”
“Gimme Back My Bullets”
“Tuesday’s Gone”
“Red White and Blue”
“Gimme Three Steps”
“Call Me The Breeze”
“Sweet Home Alabama”
“Free Bird”

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s latest, Gods & Guns, was released via Roadrunner/Loud & Proud, debuting on the Billboard Top 20 at #18, representing their highest debut since 1977. Throughout the past year, the band has been enjoying continued success and increased visibility, appearing on The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien, The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, FOX News Channel’s Huckabee, Hannity, Fox & Friends, PBS Soundstage and more.

The band was recently inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Their classic and beloved American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” has surpassed the two million mark in downloaded ringtones. With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a major cultural icon that appeals to all generations.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will return to the road for the next several months, touring with Bret Michaels and 38 Special in June before embarking on the Hannity Freedom Concert Series in August.
 
URIAH HEEP Start North American Tour - More Dates Coming
This update from Uriah Heep's Newsletter.
See a very cool promo ad here:

June 18th Chattanooga Tennessee Riverbend Festival - Bud Light Stage
Riverbend began in 1981 with the intention of revitalizing Chattanooga and bringing diverse elements of the community together through music. Originally known as Five Nights in Chattanooga, Riverbend has grown to nine nights with more than 100 performing artists each year. Over its nine days over 650,000 people attend the various venues. Among this year’s artists taking the Riverbend stages will be Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss, The Waybacks, George Clinton and P-Funk, Darius Rucker, Billy Currington, The Charlie Daniels Band, Drivin' n Cryin', Dan Baird, Uriah Heep and Third Day.

Uriah Heep will play Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 26th at the Marcus Ampitheater at 10:00 PM.
Summerfest 2010 will take place June 24 - July 4 from Noon until Midnight daily.
The World's Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee's cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry's hottest stars, along with emerging talent and local favorites. The 23,000 capacity Marcus Amphitheater, 10 additional stages, diverse selection of food and beverages, marketplaces and interactive exhibits are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrop, creating a festival experience like no other.
July 2nd Algona IA Freedom Park Iowa

Please visit http://www.uriah-heep.com/newa/HeepUSA2010.php and sign in to for gigs you'll be attending so that other Heepsters can get in touch with you - and party on!

More dates will be announced, stay tuned to http://www.uriah-heep.com/
JUNE 2010
June 18th Chattanooga TN Riverbend Festival - Bud Light Stage TN
June 19th Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage MD
June 20th Wilkes-Barre, PA Kirby Center for the Arts PA
June 21st Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater 1894 PA - SOLD OUT !
June 22nd New York NY B.B. King Blues Club NY
June 24th St. Charles MO Ameristar Casino St. Charles MO
June 25th Kansas City MO Ameristar Casino & Hotel Kansas City MO
June 26th Milwaukee Summerfest
JULY 2010July 2nd Algona IA Freedom Park IA

MORE LIVE DATES AT http://www.uriah-heep.com/