Friday, July 2, 2010

Rock News for Friday 2nd July, 2010

Saw a great show last night, The Scorpions with Cinderella opening ... Boy, were The Scorpions great!
Full report and pictures to follow on here soon.
To the news!

Whitesnake settles lawsuit, with show attendees ...

I can't and you can't possibly call these people that went to a Whitesnake show fans, when they took Whitesnake to court and sued them for suffering loss of hearing?! Unreal!?!
The bands will have to start writing disclaimers on their tickets now ....

When you go to a rock show, don't you realize it could be very loud?
Heck, I remember reading tales of fans who - stupidly - deliberately put their heads in the bass bins at shows until their ears bled?! What the ....??!
This was posted yesterday through Pollstar:

'A couple claiming that a 2003 Whitesnake show caused long-term hearing loss has been awarded a $40,000 settlement by the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

The suit was filed by Maryellen and Kevin Burns against Whitesnake, the promoter and venue owner, according to a report written by Noah Schaffer and published on the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly news blog, The Docket.'
Full story here:

Toto's Mike Porcaro Honor Tour starts next week

(Picture from: www.stevelukather.net/)
Mabvuto Mavuto, Joseph Williams, Steve Porcaro, David Paich, Jory Steinberg, Steve Lukather, Joe Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Nathan East

Steve Lukather: "Toto are sounding AMAZING! Best Toto line up ever (aside from Mikey but Nate is awesome), the vocals are FAR the best ever in our history. Set list is a wam bam knock out 90 minutes+ so THIS will be great and fun."

In additional Toto related news ...

First 13 concerts new Lukather tour in November

Today Luke's management confirmed the first 13 concerts of Lukather's Alls Well That Ends Well tour that starts in November this year. Check out the info at the tour data section.

Soon, get A FREE Dio Download!

In keeping up the support of the 'Ronnie James Dio - Stand Up and Shout Concer fund,' to help promote the cause, the Dio website will be offering the fans the track of the same name in live format as a free download.
This from the Dio site:

'On July 8th, the live version of "Stand Up And Shout" from Dio will be the "Amazon Free Download Of The Day." Just go to Amazon.com on July 8th and download the song for free!'

Heart - 5 New songs available for download

In fact it's just two new songs and 3 live Heart classics ...

New songs available on iTunes and Amazon! [ 6/22/2010 ]

WTF + 4 available at iTunes
1. WTF
2. Sand
3. Barracuda (live at the Experience Music Project)
4. Alone (live at the Experience Music Project)
5. Crazy on You (live at the Experience Music Project)
$5.55

Sorry it's brief, but I've got to get to the day job folks! :)
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Thursday, July 1, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 1st July, 2010

Apologies for lack of news updates on Tuesday and Wednesday folks, the late news on Monday, was literally posted around 11.30pm Monday night, so maybe I should've called it the late, late news! ;-)

I did give you the Eddie Money live review though, so I hope that sufficed for you, a little!
I wasn't expecting Eddie to be as good as previous years, as each year he comes out you look and think, 'Well, no spring chicken here, what are we going to get?' Then he goes and puts in a really good performance, all things considered.
So, to the updates.

Scorpions cancels Columbus show but ..., inks new publishing deal with BMG

Sad to see and learn that last nights show in Columbus, Ohio for the Scorpions was cancelled.
Klaus Meine has apparently been suffering with a chesty cold and was told to rest by doctors.
Although there were no Scorpions playing and refunds are to be given, opening act Cinderella it seems saved the day, by offering to play a free show for rock fans there and pulled in local rockers American Dog to kick things off.
More details on that story here through Blabbermouth:
Apparently the Detroit show is still on, as their next gig.- I hope so, I'm supposed to be reviewing it! ;-)

Meantime for the band ... A new deal seems to have been struck on publishing rights with BMG for the three longest serving band members. Funny that, haven't they just told us they are retiring? Hmmm
Here's that

BMG Rights Management has signed an exclusive, comprehensive and long-term publishing deal with Scorpions band members Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs.

The agreement includes the rights to the current album Sting in the Tail which has been the band’s highest new entry in the US Billbord charts in 20 years.
Commenting on the deal, BMG Rights CEO Hartwig Masuch says, “We are proud that we will be working closely with one of the most successful international rock bands and especially one which also has its roots in Germany, and we are confident that we can build a successful partnership.”


Scorpions manager, Peter F. Amend adds, “We believe that by signing with BMG, we have found a reliable and international partner who will help us exploit our musical works worldwide.“

The rock band, who come from Germany, have won the ECHO award for lifetime achievement and three World Music Awards.


Foreigner Joins NASCAR on Labor Day Weekend!


This Labor Day Weekend, rock and race cars will take over the Atlanta Motor Speedway as Foreigner headlines a pre-race concert prior to the second running of the track's Labor Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Sunday, Sept. 5.


Promo videos featuring Foreigner are currently available to view at the Atlanta Motor Speedway's website. A third video has just been added and all three can be seen by clicking on the linked image below.

Pre-race party passes for the Foreigner concert and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver introductions are available for just $49 and will provide fans with up-close, stagefront access for both events on Atlanta Motor Speedway's front stretch famed for NASCAR's closest finishes.
A limited number of pre-race party passes are available, so fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their exclusive access for the concert and driver introductions. Grandstand tickets are required for admission.

Currently touring to support their latest and 11th-career album, Can't Slow Down, Foreigner has sold more than 70 million albums in a 33-year career and has released 39 singles, including rock anthems, Double Vision, Hot Blooded, and Cold as Ice, among others. In addition, Foreigner hit, Feels Like the First Time is currently featured in Atlanta Motor Speedway's advertising campaign.
For more information, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/

Eddie Van Halen on Lopez Tonight footage available

Guitar superstar Eddie Van Halen made a brief taped appearance on the June 24 edition of  "Lopez Tonight", comedian George Lopez's new talk show on TBS. The segment now can be viewed below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr0zGRLD3zU&feature=player_embedded

Recently http://www.melodicrock.com/ reported that Van Halen's current line up Eddie, Alex, Eddie's son Wolfgang Van Halen and David Lee Roth, are working on a new studio album, most likely due in the first half of 2011.
A single is slated for release before the end of this year, all timing on these event is very patchy at best.
I guess keep checking www.vhnd.com/ for any other possible updates.

Johnny Winter "Live Through the '80s"DVD

To Be Released On August 24


"An extensive retrospective of the legendary guitarist in live performance, during what proved to be an incredibly prolific and successful decade."
- Andy Aledort, GUITAR WORLD

MVD Visual is proud to announce the release of Johnny Winter Live Through the '80s for North American distribution on August 24.

This DVD includes an incredible collection of official archival performance footage from around the world compiled from the original masters. It features 18 performances from various locations such as MTV Rock Influences '84 "Guitar Greats", Massey Hall (Toronto '83), Roskilde DRTV (Roskilde, Denmark '84), New Hampshire ('84), Sonet Studio (Bromma, Sweden '87), Piazza Duomo (Pistoia, Italy '88), and more. Intermixed with the live content is interview footage from various locations. This program is the definitive document of Johnny's career in the '80s, and is also the perfect companion to 2007's live DVD compilation, Live Through the '70s.

This DVD also includes rarely seen archival footage of Johnny riding his tour bus, talking candidly about his deep feelings for blues music, and relaxing backstage prior to a Swedish television appearance in 1987. Two songs are included from that performance: a rock-solid rendition of "Sound the Bell" (featuring subtle quotes from Freddie King's "Sen-Sa-Shun" and "San-Ho-Zay") and the hard-rocking shuffle that has become one of Johnny signature songs, "Mojo Boogie."

The final segment of the DVD features two absolutely scorching performances from the 1988 Pistoia Blues Festival in Italy: the extended slow blues, "Early in the Morning," and a lightening fast version of "Serious as a Heart Attack."

"For guitarists interested in learning from one of the true masters of blues and blues/rock music, Live Through the '80s provides an intimate and well-produced view of Johnny Winter's genius as an innovative and endlessly inventive player, offering enough guitar pyrotechnics to last a lifetime. And for music fans, it is simply a priceless collection of riveting performances from a true hero of electric blues guitar."- Andy Aledort, GUITAR WORLD

More details of the release can be found here:
http://www.seeofsound.com/p.php?s=MVD5037D
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Eddie Money (and Jesse Money) live at DTE Energy Music Theatre

Eddie Money (Jesse Money) live at DTE Energy Music Theatre – May 28th, 2010

(Eddie Money picture from Internet source with no credit given.)

Sorry for the delay in getting this review posted, but simply it was a case of having lost my review notes from the gig ... Don't ask! Anyway, here you go, the review.

Eddie Money is a name that has been around in the game for many a year and to simply be honest about it, he looks like he has too! Sorry Eddie but ... That said, even now, every year Eddie seems to still get the Pine Knob / DTE opening weekend gig of the summer season and often closes the season in September too.

While Eddie does look his years, he still has a great back catalogue of songs he always seems to have a great live backing band too and he can still sing them alright too. Admittedly he looks like he’s struggling to get around the stage during his sets, but he doesn’t give up … Eddie, lose the suit man, you’re a rock ‘n’ roller, not a stand up comic!

Over the last few years of catching the ‘Moneymaker’ live, he’s been introducing his daughter Jesse Money to his audience and each year she seems to do a little more, this year she’s Eddie’s opening act.

Sadly, we got to the venue a little late and missed most of her set, but I have to say two things, she looks good – and very pretty. Eddie, there's trouble! - fronting a band no problem and boy, can this girl sing! Watch out for her name going forward, I’m sure we’ll be hearing plenty from her in the future. She seems to lean towards a strong blues rock vibe generally.

Eddie then opens his set with ‘Two Tickets to Paradise’ and sure enough, he’s got Jessie in his backing band and the band sounds good, as does Eddie.
Next we get ‘I Think I’m In Love,’ which along with ‘Two Tickets …’ has really got the crowd up on their feet.
Eddie is always loved by the Detroit crowd.

Moving on, he includes a tribute to Motown legend – Well, it is a Detroit gig! – Smokey Robinson with ‘You Really Got A Hold On Me,’ which of course impresses here.
After a couple of older album tracks that didn’t seem that well known by the crowd, time for a new song.

Dedicated to the troops fighting for all causes that the USA supports globally, who are sent overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan. The song is called ‘One More Soldier’s Coming Home,’ which was co-written with local Detroit musician Greg Stryker.
Side note – Here’s a link to a You Tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pUVoA6jILo
Great song and certainly got the attention and support of the crowd tonight.

Eddie asks next if anyone wants to take a trip with him down to Mexico … Didn’t really follow that, as next song is ‘Gimme Some Water (Cool, Cool Water)?’ Still the song’s another winner here.

He then cracks some jokes about having a drink since the Police took his license away, but now he’s got it back – Says this every year … - and goes on with, ‘but I’d better watch it though as my probation officer is in tonight …!’

Next is ‘Trinidad,’ a popular song with die hard Money fans and gets Eddie playing some Sax for us. Good one.
Then back to his banter with the crowd, about Detroit’s famous sons like Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Bob Seger and Kid Rock and asks to be considered as Detroit adopted son as he always gets such a great welcome here. The crowd clearly give their approval!

Then through some classics with ‘I Wanna Go Back’ and ‘Take Me home Tonight,’ before ‘Give a Little Bit of My Lovin’,’ ‘You Should be Sleeping’ and ‘(Ain’t Got) No Control.’

Throughout the evening, I’ve got to tell you that Eddie’s daughter Jessie is pretty much stealing the show!
She’s all over the stage, interacting with her Dad and she is clearly, one hot young lady that brings Eddie to tell her to, ‘Go and get some clothes on!’ She can move, sing and clearly is full of self confidence and the cameraman – for the venue’ video screens – can’t leave her alone either!

Next was ‘Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star’ before he introduced the band in full.
I must add that Eddie’s band really were cooking tonight, on their game and especially Tommy Girvin’s guitar work, strong keys from Chris Grove and a solid rhythm section in Lee Beverley (Bass) and Glenn Symmonds (Drums).

So it seems as things get closer to that grand finale, it’s time for the Eddie Money hit juke box, as we get, ‘Walk on Water’ – Possibly my fav Eddie Money song. – then ‘Baby Hold On To Me,’ and ‘Where’s the Party?’
Unbelievable how Eddie just keeps going, as its clear the guy has got to be dying in that suit, even if he has lost the jacket!

Eddie then pulls out 2 local musicians to jam with him and the band, a lead vocalist Brandon Calhoon – Well known locally – and another guitarist, who’s name I didn’t catch?
They jammed a new song from Calhoon called ‘Detroit.’ Pretty good diversion before they closed the set.

A good night had by all and as I say, keep an eye and ear out for Eddie’s daughter Jesse Money, you’ll find out soon enough I’m sure.
3.5 out of 5 for a simply fun evening with the Moneyman.

FYI - Jesse Money apparently doesn't have an official website, but you can read more about her here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Money
There appear to be two MySpace pages created, dedicated to her, but what's official is anyones guess?
Eddie's site is: www.eddiemoney.com/  
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Late Update - Monday 28th June, 2010

Rock 'n' Roll Legend Manager, Bill Aucoin Passes Away
1943 - 2010

(Picture from www.aucoin.biz/)

'THE GENIUS BEHIND KISS, BILLY IDOL and BILLY SQUIER...' is how his site described the man behind the successes of Kiss, Billy Squier and Billy Idol ...

This posted by Carol Kaye, of Kayos Productions, Inc today:

R.I.P. My Dear Friend and Mentor, Bill Aucoin:

William Aucoin, beloved record industry executive, manager, entrepreneur, and creative visionary, passed away this morning, Monday, June 28 at 9:11am EST at the Aventura Hospital and Medical Center in Aventura, FL.

Born December 29, 1943, Bill was battling prostate cancer, and passed away from surgical complications.



The man known for masterminding the career of the world-renowned group KISS, Bill Aucoin also managed Starz, Toby Beau, Billy Squier, Billy Idol, and numerous other artists. His most recent venture is Aucoin Globe Entertainment, which he founded in 2007 (http://www.aucoinglobe.com/). In its three years, Bill and his company developed bands in the US and around the world.



He leaves behind his boyfriend of fifteen years, Roman Fernandez, and two sisters Betty Britton and Janet Bankowski.
Funeral arrangements are pending.

Maroon 5 Announce NEW Dates for Nationwide Tour
Maroon 5 are excited to announce they’ve added new dates to their 2010 ‘Hands All Over’ tour.
The second leg, which will kick off on October 6th will follow the release of the band’s third studio album, Hands All Over (A&M/Octone), out September 21st. Produced by rock studio legend Robert John "Mutt" Lange (AC/DC, Def Leppard, The Cars)

In addition, the band’s first single “Misery,” which was released last week on June 22nd, will impact radio airwaves today, June 28th with the video’s world premiere, July 1st on MTV and VH1. The guys will debut the track live on "Toyota Concert Series on Today" this Friday, July 2nd.

To kick off the summer tour, the band just announced they will take the stage at New York City’s Beacon Theatre for “Fuse Presents: Maroon 5 Live From the Beacon Theatre,” airing live in HD, Tuesday, July 27th at 9pm ET on Fuse TV. This concert will be held in support of The Garden of Dreams Foundation and Maroon 5’s charity of choice. Tickets will not be sold to the public, all seats will be reserved for those involved in the organizations.

Joining Maroon 5 for the first leg of their nationwide tour is an exciting group of rotating special guests, including: Owl City, Guster, Kris Allen, V.V. Brown and Ry Cuming. For the second leg of the tour, Bruno Mars and Ry Cuming will share the run of dates with pop rockers OneRepublic (see routing below). Tickets for select dates of the tour will go on sale the weekend of July 10th, 2010.

NEW tour dates for Maroon 5’s 2010 concert tour are as follows:
Aug. 2010
August 17th Raleigh, NC Raleigh Amphitheater (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown)
Oct. 2010
October 6th Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 8th Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 10th Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 12th Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 14th Fresno, CA Save Mart Center (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 15th Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 16th San Diego, CA Viejas Arena (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 19th Tulsa, OK BOK Center (w/ One Republic, Bruno Mars)
October 21st Dallas, TX SuperPages.com Center (w/ One Republic, Ry Cuming)
October 22nd Houston, TX The Woodlands (w/ One Republic, Ry Cuming)
October 23rd Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Casino (w/ One Republic)
October 27th Chicago, IL UIC Pavilion (w/ One Republic, Ry Cuming)
October 28th Minneapolis, MN Target Center (w/ One Republic, Ry Cuming)
October 29th Mahnomen, MN Shooting Star Casino (w/ Ry Cuming)

Select dates go on sale to the general public Saturday, July 10th @ 10am local time,please check http://www.maroon5.com/ for more info and Fan Club / VIP Packages
Previously announced tour dates for Maroon 5’s 2010 summer concert tour are as follows:
July 30th Saratoga Springs NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center (w/ Guster, Ry Cuming)
July 31st Gilford NH Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion (w/ Guster, Ry Cuming)
Aug. 2010
August 1st Uncasville CT Mohegan Sun Arena (w/ Guster, Ry Cuming)
August 4th Toronto ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre (w/Owl City, Ry Cuming)
August 5th Clarkston (Detroit) MI DTE Energy Music Theatre (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
August 7th Canandaigua NY Constellation Brands Performing Arts Cnt. (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
*August 9th Boston MA Comcast Center (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
August 11th Wantagh NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
August 13th Bristow VA Jiffy Lube Live (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
August 14th Camden NJ Susquehanna Bank Center (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
August 15th Holmdel NJ PNC Bank Arts Center (w/Owl City, V.V. Brown)
August 19th Miami, FL Bayfront Amphitheater (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown)
August 21st Alpharetta, GA (Atlanta) Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown)
August 24th Davidson, NC John Belk Arena at Davidson College (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown)
August 26th Chattanooga, TN McKenzie Arena (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown)
August 29th Pittsburgh, PA Trib Total Media Amphitheater at Station Square (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown)
August 28th Lexington, KY Applebee’s Park (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown, Miggs)
August 31st Dayton, OH Fifth Third Field (w/Kris Allen, V.V. Brown, Miggs)
**September 1st Indianapolis, IN Murat Theater (w/ V.V. Brown)
* Previously August 10th at Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
** Previously August 6th at Verizon Wireless in Noblesville, IN

Journey frontman Arnel Pineda solo US and Canadian shows

Yes, it's funny, there seem to be some rumours doing the rounds already, that Journey frontman Arnel Pineda, is no longer with the band ... How much truth is in that remains to be seen.
The band at this time, based on interviews given by Neal Schon to Classic Rock magazine - But not many others ... - say the band is recording their next album, with Kevin Shirley.
A posting at http://www.melodicrock.com/ read that Arnel is still in the band and he's helped with writing 2 of the new songs ...
That's not very convincing if you ask me, just 2 songs he was 'allowed' to contribute to?


Anyway, Journey aside, the frontman is hitting the US and Canada to play some live shows of his own!
The band is billed as, 'Arnel Pineda & Ammo Band' although some of the dates are already showing as cancelled? 
These dates from his site:

July 3, 8p - Reno, NV
Peppermill Resort Casino
or Call 877-525-7469

July 4, 8p - Las Vegas, NV CANCELLED
Las Vegas Hilton
Call 888-874-1719 or 323-590-3512
or 732-533-8880

July 9, 8p - Anaheim, CA CANCELLED
Heritage Forum
Call Katz Entertainment 562-219-7235

July 10, 8p - Rancho Mirage, CA
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa - "The Show"
AA Entertainment 213-713-2033, 619-972-8824, 626-536-9305

July 17, 8p - Edmonton, Canada
Jubilee Auditorium
Forsight Promotions 780-995-6907

July 18, 8p - Vancouver, Canada
Center for the Performing Arts
Call 778-918-2508 or 778-865-5859

July 23, 8p - Calgary, Canada
Jubilee Auditorium
Ticket contact # to follow

July 25, 2p - Atlantic City, NJ
Boardwalk Hall
MPG Global Productions 732-257-4560

July 30, 8p - Toronto, Canada
Roy Thompson Hall
Call Box Office 416-872-4255

Aug 1, 7p - Honolulu, HI CANCELLED
Neal S. Blaisdell Arena

For more details on the guy:
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Monday, June 28, 2010

Monday 28th June, 2010

Hi all, yes, I know .... Where's the news Al ....?
Sorry, busy day yesterday, as well as watching England follow the USA out of the World Cup, I did get to a great show last night with Foreigner, Styx and Kansas ... Review will be up later this week.
Sadly while we could hear - most of - Kansas' set, we missed it while we were backstage catching up with Foreigner briefly. Long wait for short meeting, ah well ...
I have pictures from the Foreigner set, not from Kansas or Styx though, although Styx sounded great and looked great ... As always!

Interviews are being typed up - Sorry, takes a long time and this site doesn't have the bandwidth to upload the sound files ... Sigh ... It would be so much easier.
So, be a little patient with me today folks, it was a late night last night so news updates will follow later. Alun
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