Saturday, July 10, 2010

Rock News for Saturday 10th July, 2010

Stryper's 'The Covering' is on the way!

This update from Michael Sweet through the Stryper website on the forthcoming covers album, 'The Covering' as follows:

As most of you know, Stryper has been busy in the studio working on the brand new record "The Covering". As described by Michael Sweet, this record is a collection of covers from "bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Kansas and many others, who helped shape our sound and make us who we are today, musically speaking."

The album tracks - as it stands right now - are:
1. Set Me Free
2. Blackout
3. Heaven and Hell
4. Lights Out
5. Carry On Wayward Son
6. Highway Star
7. Shout It Out Loud
8. Over The Mountain
9. The Trooper
10. Breaking The Law
11. On Fire
12. Immigrant Song
13. God

Want to hear samples of the new Stryper album, The Covering?

Not quite sure about Christianity and Michael asking you to be a 'follower' of his though ...

All you need to do is become a follower of Michael Sweet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/michaelhsweet Michael will be revealing a hidden website via twitter where fans can listen to samples of the new Stryper album.
Go now to www.twitter.com/michaelhsweet and sign up to follow Michael and get the latest news on the new album. 

Also ...

JULY 10, 2010 - We just wanted to remind the fans overseas that Stryper will be headed to South America and the land down under this summer!
They'll be playing Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Australia! Be sure to get your tickets soon as they are going fast!
Please visit the TOUR DATES section of http://www.stryper.com/ for all of the confirmed shows and ticket info.

His Music And Spirit Will Live On Forever In Our Hearts!

Ronnie James Dio would have been 68 years old on July 10th.

Ronnie will live on forever in our hearts and through his amazing, timeless music. We Love You!
Happy Birthday Ronnie!

Black Country Communion - Full Details NOW!

UK Album Release: September 20th
US Album Release: September 21st

Black Country Communion the Anglo/American rock supergroup comprising vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner, UFO, Airrace, Bonham), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, today confirmed the release date and track listing for their highly anticipated debut album “Black Country”.

The album will be released by Mascot Records in the UK and the rest of Europe on Monday September 20th, followed by a North American release through J&R Adventures on Tuesday September 21st.

All songs are sung by Glenn Hughes, with the exception of Song Of Yesterday and The Revolution In Me which are both sung by Joe Bonamassa. Hughes and Bonamassa share lead vocals on the songs Sista Jane and Too Late For The Sun.
Also included on the album is a new version of Medusa, the classic rock song that Hughes originally recorded with his first band Trapeze.


Black Country Communion is the brainchild of producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin). The album, produced and mixed by Shirley, is mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig.
Black Country Communion initially came to fruition when Kevin Shirley saw Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa join forces on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event.

Shirley recruited powerhouse drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper).
The band, named after the industrial area in the British Midlands where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised, recorded the debut album at Shangri-La Studios in early 2010, and are planning a tour in 2011.

Nicko McBrain & David Swales
Announce the release of VOICES OF EXTREME new studio album!!!

July, 2010 – New York and Massachusetts Melodic Rockers VOICES OF EXTREME will release their anticipated new album “Break the Silence” on August 2nd in the USA. “Break the Silence” is the band’s 2nd original studio album and their second full length release within the last five years.

V.O.X. is an infectious rising band who has caught the interest from top industry peers like Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) and David Swales (Affinity Management) who co-manage the band.

V.O.X. was created by childhood friends Don Chaffin and Bob Brennan. They started working on the recordings for their second release in late 2009 when Bob Brennan returned to New York and reunited with Don Chaffin and John Macaluso. The second release introduces new musicians Rob Katrikh and Mike Khalilov.
V.O.X. have a powerhouse line-up previously involved with artists like Doro, TNT, Ark, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

V.O.X. is now complete with Don Chaffin on lead vocals, Rob Katrikh on lead guitars, Bob Brennan on bass guitar, Mike Khalilov on keyboards, and John Macaluso on drums.
"Break the Silence”, states Don Chaffin, “Is a culmination of the band’s collective influences and various individual styles of the band members and a direct outreach to the fans who have come to love and support our music and live performances! ”

V.O.X. debuted in 2005 with the amazing ‘Hypocrite’, a record that was produced by Danny Spitz (Anthrax) in 2005.
Once the debut album was complete, it wasn’t long before the V.O.X. hit the stage opening for Disturbed , Alice in Chains, and Godsmack.

“Break the Silence” will inspire fans of true Melodic Rock! Don’t miss one of the highlights of the season.

“Break the Silence” track listing includes:
Damned, Tell Me What It Takes, Apocalypse, Break the Silense, Numb, Did It Again, Hollow, Made of Stone, Blown Away, Sorry

Check out VOICES OF EXTREME website for upcoming shows and news.

VOICES OF EXTREME are:

Don Chaffin- Lead Vocals
Rob Katrikh– Guitar
Bob Brennan- Bass Guitar
Mike Khalilov- Keys
John Macaluso-Drums

Weblinks:

Toto setlist details from European dates ...
 
Sorry, no other updates on Toto folks, but just thought I'd share the setlist from one of the shows performed recently in Europe.
 
Setlist as follows:
1.Child's Anthem
2.Till the End
3.Afraid Of Love
4.Lovers In The Night
5.Somewhere Tonight
6.Lea
7.99
8.Stay Away
9.I Will Remember
10.Keyboard SoloSpot
11.Africa
12.Georgy Porgy
13.Stop Loving You
14.Rosanna
Encore:
15.Home of the Brave
16.Hold the Line

It really would be great if they'd only agree to make the reunion official and do more dates and I'm sure they could pull another album off too!

Bad Company to make 2010 US live shows music available

It seems that Bad Company are continuing to follow where others have led in releasing the live sets from each night of their forthcoming US Tour dates. I do personally still think that $30 for a CD is pricey, even if it is from the show you've just attended.
Also, how can an album be fully mixed and mastered and then given out right after a show?
Wouldn't the engineer need to go over the recording a few times first to tweak where needed?
I don't buy that statement, sorry!
Read on with this statement from their website: 
LIMITED EDITION COLLECTIBLE CDs FOR US TOUR


We are happy to announce that Abbey Road Live will be recording all the Bad Company shows on the US leg of our tour and making the recordings available immediately after each show!

These are limited-edition, collectible CDs that will sell out fast. They are fully mixed and mastered, not to be confused with a "sound board" feed. The quality is amazing!
The good news is that they are on pre-sale as of NOW at this link: http://www.abbeyroadliveus.com/

Go there now to reserve your copy to pick up at the show, or to have it sent home to you.
And make sure to "friend" Abbey Road Live for all the latest news and updates on the recordings:
http://www.myspace.com/abbeyroadliveusa

Live dates are as follows - At this time:
July 2010
Friday July 16, 2010 Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, CA
Saturday July 17, 2010 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA
Thursday July 22, 2010 The Lakeland Center Jenkins Arena, Lakeland, FL
Friday July 23, 2010 St. Augustine Amphitheater, St. Augustine, FL
Sunday July 25, 2010 Chastain Park Amphitheater, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday July 27, 2010 Bank Of America Pavilion, Boston, MA
Friday July 30, 2010 Choctaw Resort Casino Event Center, Durant, OK
August 2010
Sunday August 1, 2010 Outlaw Jam, Frederick County Fairgrounds Frederick, MD
Wednesday August 4, 2010 Casino Rama Entertainment Center Rama, Ontario (Toronto), Canada
Saturday August 14, 2010 Dog's Nest At Grand Bend Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada
October 2010
Monday October 4, 2010 Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee, WI
Tuesday October 5, 2010 Potawatomi Casino, Milwaukee, WI
Thursday October 7, 2010 The Joint/Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Catoosa, OK (Tulsa)
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Friday, July 9, 2010

Rock News for Friday 9th July, 2010

KISSTERIA WORLD PREMIERE JULY 20 ON A&E


"KISSTERIA", a one-hour KISS tour special, will air on the A&E network Tuesday, July 20 at 10pm ET.
KISS makes a last minute decision to tour Australia in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of their landmark "Alive" album.

Unfortunately, planning such a huge undertaking so quickly has its consequences, both onstage and off.
Our cameras are given unprecedented access into the world of KISS and what life is like for the legendary band on the road.

Now come on Kiss, Def Leppard already had Hysteria, isn't this going a little close to the mark guys?


Y &T Newsletter update from the band

Thanks to all the European fans who came out in full force to support Y&T at this year's summer festivals.


The band returned with a small handful of "Facemelter" European digipaks. We have them up for sale in our web site store for those interested who live outside of Europe. This is the European version with the bonus track "Losing My Mind." We truly only have a few, though, so orders are limited to one digipak per order.


Here we go! The band is now off to perform their largest US tour since the '80s. If you're anywhere near where the guys are playing, please come out and support the band and have a great rocking experience! After this summer tour the boys return to Europe and the UK for 7 weeks of headline shows, back home, then on to Japan to finish up the Facemelter world tour.

I'M COMING HOME - NEW VIDEO
If you haven't seen the new Y&T video "I'm Coming Home" off the "Facemelter" album, check it out on our multimedia page. It's been spotted on television, including HDNet in the States.

RESCHEDULED SHOWS
Our apologies, but the Underground show in Cologne, Germany is rescheduled to November 3. The guys look forward to a kick-ass show for their great German fans.

The Corpus Christi show is moving to Austin, and the El Paso show is changing venues. Check the web site soon for details.

MELTING FACES AROUND THE GLOBE
The boys have done loads of interviews in response to their new album "Facemelter" and the reviews around the world have been fantastic. Check the web site forum, as some reviews have been posted there. "Facemelter" is on Frontiers Records, on Meanstreak Music Co in the US, and on King Records in Japan. The US version is available from our web store.

FACEMELTER SWAG
Y&T's new Facemelter shirt is so hot that it keeps selling out! Apologies to those of you who tried to order one last month from our web site store. Rest assured, we do have stock so be sure to order yours.

The new T-shirts feature the Facemelter cover art (created by John Taylor Dismukes) on the front and tour dates on the back.
New shirts for the ladies have the gold Y&T logo and the Facemelter title on the front. Visit our web store to see all the new items and hear a preview of the album.


Y&T SHOWS
Details for each of the shows below are on the TOUR DATES page of the web site.

2010 Y & T US Tour Dates

July 2010
July 16 ~ Portland, OR - Peter's Room @ Roseland Theater
July 17 ~ Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
July 18 ~ Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory (all ages)
July 21 ~ Dacono, CO - The Roadhouse
July 22 ~ Colorado Springs, CO - SODO
July 24 ~ Wichita, KS - Midwest Rock Fest (all ages)
July 27 ~ Springfield, IL - The Field House
July 29 ~ Middleton, WI - Scatz Nightclub
July 30 ~ S Barrington, IL - Penny Road Pub
July 31 ~ Midlothian, IL - Papa T's
Aug. 2010
August 1 ~ Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
August 4 ~ Pittsburgh, PA - Hard Rock Cafe
August 5 ~ Allentown, PA - Sterling Rock Room (all ages)
August 6 ~ Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance Theatre (16 & over)
August 7 ~ New York, NY - BB King Blues Club (all ages)
August 8 ~ Springfield, VA - Jaxx
August 11 ~ Fort Worth, TX - Rock Dogs
August 12 ~ Corpus Christi, TX - CANCELLED
August 12 ~ Austin, TX - TBA
August 13 ~ Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
August 14 ~ San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live (all ages)
August 15 ~ El Paso, TX - TBA
August 19 ~ San Jose, CA - Music in the Park (all ages)
August 20 ~ Reno, NV - New Oasis (all ages)
August 21 ~ Sacramento, CA - The Crest Theater (all ages show)
August 26 ~ Hollywood, CA - Key Club
August 27 ~ Tempe, AZ - Club Red
August 28 ~ Las Vegas, NV - Feelgoods
Nov. 2010
November 19 ~ Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theatre
November 20 ~ Petaluma, CA - Mystic Theatre

Europe Dates
Setember 2010
September 27 ~ Belfast, N Ireland - Spring & Airbrake
September 28 ~ Dublin, Ireland - The Village
September 30 ~ Cardiff, Wales, UK - Millennium Music Hall + special guest Tigertailz
October 2010
October 1 ~ Manchester, UK - Manchester Academy
October 2 ~ Bradford, UK - Bradford Rio's
October 7 ~ Glasgow, Scotland, UK - O2 Academy Glasgow
October 8 ~ Newcastle, UK - O2 Academy Newcastle
October 9 ~ Nottingham, UK - Rock City
October 12 ~ Ipswich, UK - Corn Exchange
October 14 ~ Southampton, UK - The Brook
October 15 ~ Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy Birmingham
October 16 ~ London, UK - O2 Academy Islington
October 20 ~ Paris, France - Le Trabendo
October 22 ~ Haarlem, Netherlands - Patronaat
October 23 ~ Uden, Netherlands - De Pul
October 25 ~ Verviers, Belgium - Spirit of 66
October 26 ~ Bruchsal, Germany - Fabrik
October 28 ~ Prague, Czech Republic - Exit Chmelnice Music Hall
October 29 ~ Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal
October 30 ~ Isernhagen, Germany - Blues Garage
October 31 ~ Berlin, Germany - Magnet
November 2010
November 2 ~ Hamburg, Germany - Ballroom Hamburg
November 3 ~ Koln, Germany - Underground Cologne
November 5 ~ Zaragoza, Spain - Sala Devizio
November 6 ~ Valencia, Spain - Durango Club
November 7 ~ Madrid, Spain - Sala Heineken + special guest Lynch Mob

2011 - Japanese Tour Dates

January 14 ~ Shangri-La - Osaka, Japan
January 15 ~ Club Citta' - Kawasaki, Japan
January 16 ~ Club Citta' - Kawasaki, Japan

*Schedule subject to change. Be sure to verify with each venue.*
Check the web site TOUR DATES page for the most up-to-date concert information.
Thanks for your support!

.... and likewise ..., albeit limited ...

UK rockers Magnum's newsletter updates
New Magnum Studio Album

Magnum are busy at Mad Hat's Studio working on their new album 'The Visitation'
The new album will have a World wide release through Steamhammer / SPV and is due for release in January 2011, titles so far are:

Freedom Day
Like Midnight Kings
The Visitation
Mother Natures Final Dance
Eyes Like Fire
Fatal Embrace
The Doors To Nowhere
The Last Frontier

More album news as we get it ..........

Magnum live Festival Appearances 2010

25 July 2010 High Voltage Festival London, UK
30 July 2010 RBCS Derbyshire, UK

Magnum Official Website

Magnum on Myspace
Magnum on Facebook

New video available from Tony Harnell & The Mercury Train

TONY HARNELL & THE MERCURY TRAIN - “NORTHERN LIGHTS”


Video directed by Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir - http://www.dolcefilms.com/

TAKEN FROM THE NEW ALBUM “ROUND TRIP”
RELEASED IN EUROPE ON JULY 2ND 2010 AND IN THE USA ON JULY 27TH
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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 8th July, 2010



Nickelback announces 2010 Tour Dates


Nickelback, who were named Billboard's 'Group of the Decade' and kicked off 2010 by performing at the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. They have extended their Dark Horse World Tour. The next leg of the tour, produced by Live Nation, will begin on September 14 in Nashville and will run through October 30 in Las Vegas. Three Days Grace and Buckcherry will join Nickelback on these dates. Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 17 at http://www.livenation.com/

The Dark Horse World Tour has been a smashing success, as all previous legs have been completely sold out. Since 2009, Nickelback have sold more than 1.6 million tickets and have played more than 120 global shows.
 
"Our fans have been amazing all over the world from Japan to New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, the UK and North America," said Nickelback's Chad Kroeger. "Our fans keep us going and we are excited to play 25 more dates in the US with Three Days Grace and Buckcherry."

The dates for the September-October leg of 'The Dark Horse World Tour' are as follows:
September 2010
Sept 14 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN

Sept 15 - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - Ft. Wayne, IN
Sept 17 - Consol Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA
Sept 18 - Joe Louis Arena - Detroit, MI
Sept 21 - HSBC Arena - Buffalo, NY
Sept 22 - Times Union Center - Albany, NY
Sept 24 - Comcast Center for the Performing Arts - Mansfield, MA
Sept 25 - Hersheypark Stadium - Hershey, PA
Sept 28 - Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT
Sept 29 - Izod Center - East Rutherford, NJ

October 2010
Oct 01 - Nationwide Arena - Columbus, OH
Oct 02 - Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH
Oct 08 - Rupp Arena - Lexington, KY
Oct 10 - Verizon Arena - Little Rock, AR
Oct 12 - New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, LA
Oct 15 - Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion - Spring, TX
Oct 16 - Ford Center - Oklahoma City, OK
Oct 18 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO
Oct 20 - Energy Solution Arena - Salt Lake City, UT

Oct 22 - Honda Center - Anaheim, CA
Oct 23 - Arco Arena - Sacramento, CA
Oct 26 - Sleep Train Pavilion - Concord, CA
Oct 27 - Save Mart Center - Fresno, CA
Oct 29 - Cricket Wireless Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
Oct 30 - MGM Grand Garden Arena - Las Vegas, NV
Band website:
www.nickelback.com/

And from Three Days Grace comes their own Press Release ...

THREE DAYS GRACE ANNOUNCED AS SPECIAL GUESTS ON NICKELBACK’S GLOBAL SMASH “DARK HORSE TOUR”

Tour Starts September 14th In Nashville And Concludes October 30th In Las Vegas
Three Days Grace Fanclub Presale On July 9th At http://www.3dgfanclub.com/
Tickets Go On Sale To The General Public On July 17th At http://www.livenation.com/

New York, NY -- Three Days Grace will head back on the road again as Special Guest on Nickelback’s Dark Horse tour beginning September 14th.

Three Days Grace recently scored their second No.1 hit at Active Rock Radio with “The Good Life.”
The song claimed the No. 1 spot on the Active Rock radio chart for five weeks 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 (which was #1 at Active Rock Radio for eight weeks) 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 combined.
Tickets for the Three Days Grace Fanclub Presale will go on sale July 9th at 12 PM local market time.

The dates for the September-October leg of “The Dark Horse World Tour” are as follows:
September 2010
Sept 14 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN
Sept 15 - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - Ft. Wayne, IN
Sept 17 - Consol Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA
Sept 18 - Joe Louis Arena - Detroit, MI
Sept 21 - HSBC Arena - Buffalo, NY
Sept 22 - Times Union Center - Albany, NY
Sept 24 - Comcast Center for the Performing Arts - Mansfield, MA
Sept 25 – Hersheypark Stadium - Hershey, PA
Sept 28 - Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT
Sept 29 – Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
October 2010
Oct 01 - Nationwide Arena - Columbus, OH
Oct 02 - Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH
Oct 08 - Rupp Arena - Lexington, KY
Oct 10 - Verizon Arena - Little Rock, AR
Oct 12 - New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, LA
Oct 15 - Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion - Spring, TX
Oct 16 - Ford Center - Oklahoma City, OK
Oct 18 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO
Oct 20 - Energy Solution Arena - Salt Lake City, UT
Oct 22 - Honda Center - Anaheim, CA
Oct 23 - Arco Arena - Sacramento, CA
Oct 26 - Sleep Train Pavilion - Concord, CA
Oct 27 - Save Mart Center - Fresno, CA
Oct 29 – Cricket Wireless Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
Oct 30 - MGM Grand Garden Arena - Las Vegas, NV
www.threedaysgrace.com/us/home
Judie Tzuke announces UK tour to back up recent double disc retrospective 'Moon On A Mirrorball'


In April of this year, Judie Tzuke - Much loved songstress by many a rock fan! - released a double disc retrospective CD set, 'Moon On The Mirrorball' through her own website that included 4 new compositions, 2 re-recorded tracks and 27 remastered tracks.
She has now lined up a UK tour from late September through into October. - Details below.

Details of the album are as follows:
Moon On A Mirrorball  - Definitive Collection - Retrospective 2010
Released on: Wrasse Records WRASS259 (BM 004)

Disc: 1
1. If (When You Go) (new)
2. Faith
3. Submarine Boy (new)
4. All At Sea
5. Like The Sun
6. Leaning (new)
7. Break Your Skin
8. Won't Do It Twice
9. Lion
10. Secret Agent
11. I Will
12. Love Me No More (new)
13. Bully
14. Don't Look Behind You
15. Cup Of Tea Song
16. One Minute

Disc: 2
1. Stay With Me Till Dawn
2. How Do I Feel (new)
3. Vivien
4. Let Me Be The Pearl
5. Welcome To The Cruise
6. Come Hell Or Waters High
7. Parallel Lives
8. For You
9. Late Again (new)
10. City Of Swimming Pools
11. Sukarita
12. Sportscar
13. Higher And Higher
14. Understanding
15. Joan Of Arc
16. We'll Go Dreaming
17. Under The Angels

"I have to think it's all possible or I might as well stop, and I don't want to stop now." - Judie Tzuke

Marking 30 years since Judie Tzuke first found herself in the British pop charts; Moon On A Mirrorball is less a retrospective and more a bookmark on a career that shows no sign of quietening down. Bookended by tracks made for Elton John's Rocket label and songs that bring the story up to date, it's a collection that contains many of the reasons why she remains one of Britain's most successful songwriters.

Moon On A Mirrorball is a collection of re-mastered tracks from 12 of her studio albums as well as 4 new tracks and 2 re-recorded tracks which were originally on the albums Shoot the Moon and Ritmo. To Judie her most recent recordings are just as important as the old hits, so Moon On A Mirrorball covers three decades of creativity, and offers Judie's own perspective on her battles and her triumphs as a work in progress.

"I haven't really come to terms with the fact that it is 30 years yet, it really makes me think about all the wonderful people who become my friends and helped me make my music possible. Compilations in the past have tended to be put together without our involvement, but this is our thing. I wanted something new on it, so it really is from then till now. I don't want to be thought of as an artist from any particular era, I feel I am just as much from the 70s as from this new decade, which I like to call the 'One-derfuls'. I'm just doing what I do."

The UK only tour dates are as follows:

September 2010
Sept. 29: Leatherhead Theatre
Sept. 30: Sheffield Memorial Hall
October 2010
Oct. 1: Worcester Huntingdon Hall
Oct. 4: Barnstaple Queen’s Theatre
Oct. 5: Bristol St. George’s Hall
Oct. 7: London Highbury Union Chapel
Oct. 8: Burgess Hill Martlet Hall
Oct. 9: Wavendon Stables
Oct. 11: Salford Lowery
Oct. 14: Basingstoke Anvil
Oct. 16: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Oct. 17: Edinburgh Queen’s Hall
Oct. 18: Gateshead Sage
Judie Tzuke's website can be found here: http://www.tzuke.com/

Michael Schenker Group - US Tour and Carmine Appice


Michael (Schenker) is very much looking forward to the upcoming 'MSG - 30th Anniversary - US Tour' with Carmine Appice on drums.
Tour dates listed here:
www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/tour.php

Carmine is a major influence in Rock who also helped creating the foundation of Rock. His incredible drumming always had a big inpact on Michael. In fact, when Michael was around 15 years of age, owned a Beck, Bogart & Appice album and actually went to see them in concert.
Michael says "It is a real Honor to have Carmine with us on this Tour".
www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/

Steve Lukather comments on the first Toto 2010 show

Toto who recently started a reunion tour in Europe, although only as a tribute to Toto bandmate, Mike Pocaro who is living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
The line-up will include David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Joseph Williams and special guest, Nathan East.

On the opening night of the tour, Luke had this to say:

Lukather: "Had a fun fist show in Neu-Isenburg in Germany, despite some tech bummers (guitar went out of tune and broke at one point, and other small shit) but the crowd was great and with us 100%/. Our first REAL run thru of the set and even if it was loose a bit, I still feel good about it. At least I get 2 hours off of pain in my life. Thank GOD for music and being out here with my high school buds and my new friends."
Website link: www.stevelukather.net/
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Scorpions with Cinderella live review - Clarkston (Detroit) 1st July, 2010

The Scorpions with Cinderella live at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI.
Thursday 1st July, 2010

(Just in case you wondered whose gig this was! Photo: Alun Williams)

Wow! You know every year when summer rolls around, it’s like it’s the 80’s all over again!
Based on the success of all the bands that broke through at that time and their ability to continually tour through each summer, with massive US / Canadian tours packing out venues it really does speak volumes that the 80’s was possibly the most enjoyed period of music ever!

I mean seriously, how many successful 60’s – OK, maybe they’re a little old or …, dead. – or 70’s act’s or even 90’s act’s, do you see doing anywhere near as well as 80’s acts do out on the amphitheater circuit?
Anyway, enough on those facts … Let’s get on with the show, so to speak!

Cinderella I must say, did seem to only have a brief period of success albeit very reasonable – Gold and platinum albums don’t lie! – Even if it was towards the end of the 80’s, but here they are the original members all here, plus a keyboard player. – Who I don’t know at all?

(Cinderella live at Pine Knob / DTE July 1st, 2010 - Photo: Alun Williams)

The band open’s with ‘Somebody Save Me’ and although there’s not many people in the venue at the time they hit the stage there’s no doubt that the crowd likes it. Although Tom Keifer’s voice does sound like he’s struggling a little.
Oh and his first guitar change of many starts right here from the off!

Another track from their debut release in 'Push, Push' is next and Keifer is really trying to get the crowd to make more noise, but come one Tom, there’s not many in yet and you guys have it cranked up! LOL!

Title track 'Night Songs' of the aforementioned album is next and gets the biggest scream so far from the crowd, but Mr. Keifer has to change his guitar again … He’s clearly not happy with things and seems to walk by Jeff Labar indicating as much. Labar seems to laugh, although he certainly keeps it together with some nice licks.

(Left picture: Tom Keifer and Eric Brittingham. Right picture: Jeff Labar and Fred Coury. Photo's: Alun Williams)
 
Song wise, they are doing no wrong with ‘Falling Apart At the Seams’ next, but Keifer doesn’t look happy – Is he ever? – and the guitar goes again ... Maybe it’s a way of distracting the crowds’ attention from his vocal tonight?

Then it’s to the more blues driven ‘Heartbreak Station’ and then ‘Coming Home’ follows next in the set.

By now Keifer has discarded the guitar as the band guitar tech steps in to play out the rest of the bands set, although with next song ‘Shelter Me’ Keifer picks up the sax for a nice solo mid way through.

The rest of the band are tight and look like they’re enjoying themselves, although you wonder about the validity of the keyboard guy, as the sound comes and goes and isn’t always obvious even if the guy looks like it should be.

(Tom Keifer live with Cinderella at DTE, Clarkston, MI. 1st July, 2010. Photo: Alun Williams)

‘Nobody’s Fool’ now gets the biggest cheer of the evening and it’s good, but closer ‘Gypsy Road’ next wins hands down as favorite of the set. Certainly it’s my favorite here tonight, but Keifer does shows signs of struggling a little again.

The band leave the stage, but even with limited calls for more do come back out and there’s a baby grand piano for Keifer to start ‘Don’t Know What You’ve Got (‘Til it’s gone)’ and yes, best reaction tonight is drawn from the crowd.
They wrap things up with ‘Shake Me’ and you’d think it was an AC/DC song as everyone is singing along. They were not bad, not great.

The Scorpions are a different prospect altogether with a career that stretches back to the beginning of the 70’s and now they tell us that they are finally calling it quits on touring and since both Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker are 62 this year and this tour is scheduled to run the next 2 – 3 years, they seriously do not see themselves doing another album and tour after this at the age of about 66!

(Klaus Meine with The Scorpions at DTE, Clarkston, MI. 1st July, 2010. Photo: Alun Williams)

To be honest I did wonder if this show would go ahead, as the band had cancelled their last 3 shows due to Klaus getting sick, but go ahead it does!

The show starts amid dry ice and bright white lights and the drum riser being raised along with an intro tape building up and then boom! The band comes running out!

They open with the title track of the latest album, ‘Sting in the Tail’ and they look like they are ready to go out with a party bang!
The stage set is impressive, the huge screen across the back drop area relays black and white images – for the most part – of the band as they perform, interspersed with some older live footage of the band through their career and more.

The classic ‘Make it Real’ is next before ‘Bad Boys Running Wild' and it’s just great! Rudolf Schenker is grinning constantly like a Cheshire cat and joins Matthias Jabs in running a marathon around the stage throughout the evenings set. Phenomenal!

(Left picture: Rudolf Schenker with James Kottak behind. Right picture: Matthias Jabs. Photo's: Alun Williams)
 
You wouldn’t know Klaus had been sick as he is clearly enjoying himself here ...!

(Klaus Meine with tambourine with James Kottak behind at DTE, Clarkston, MI. 1st July, 2010. Photo: Alun Williams)
Then we get the excellent ‘The Zoo’ leading into ‘Coast to Coast’ with the rest of the band allowing Klaus the chance for a breather, before getting back into things with ‘Loving You Sunday Morning.’

The band is then joined briefly by a 3rd guitarist as they play new track, ‘The Best is yet to Come.’ Who this is, I’m not sure?

For next track ‘Send Me An Angel,’ the band all gather at the front of the runway, with Rudy holding an acoustic Flying V and Matthias an acoustic Explorer, they both look great! James Kottak is perched on a stool with some shall we say, reduced percussion in front of him. This is very classy stuff and the crowd loves it!

They remain acoustically present for the classic ‘Holiday’ which sounds great. They really seem to have a great live mix tonight and I was over to one side, so how good is that?!

Another new song with the album’s opener, ‘Raised On Rock,’ which is killer as it’s almost a re-write of ‘Rock you like a Hurricane,’ so it is a real winner here.

(Left picture: Rudolf with Paweł Mąciwoda. Right Picture: James Kottak attacks the drums! Photo: Alun Williams)

Getting on track with the better known songs, ‘Tease Me, Please Me’ is next, with Rudy sporting a rather tasty cut away red Flying V, I believe his 4 guitar of the evening, although he’s not switching them around as Cinderella’s Tom Keifer was, mid sets!
The huge screen at the back portrays a dancing girl silhouette, ala the James Bond movie intro footage.

‘Dynamite’ next starts with the screen showing a stick of dynamite with the fuse just lit and as they jam the mid section of the song, Rudolf is skipping around the stage like a little kid, just enjoying himself, great stuff guys!

Then it’s time for the ‘Kottak Attack’ as the drum riser goes up in the air with James Kottak pounding away and he puts on quite the sideshow too. Ever an entertainer!

The band is then back out for …, ‘Blackout’ with Rudolf sporting headgear ala the album cover with bandage style ski hat and freaky sunglasses made to look like the forks as the cover portrays.
They are it seems totally just out to rock ‘til they drop!

Matthias Jabs takes a solo spot next with the ‘Six String Sting’ before the band reunite for set closer ‘Big City Nights,’ which is simply killer!

(Rudolf Schenker, perfect rock star pose! Photo: Alun Williams)
After many chants for more, they re-emerge and Klaus shouts out, ‘Detroit! There’s No One Like You!’ Cue music!

They take things down with possibly their biggest hit next, as they strike the sounds of ‘Winds of Change’ and Klaus has the whistle down to a tee and Rudy brings out the acoustic V again. Nice, very nice!
Now it really is the end as Klaus signs off by saying, ‘Detroit, we couldn’t leave without 'Rocking you like a Hurricane …’ And indeed that’s exactly what they do!

A really great set, yet so sad to think that it really is the last time we’ll see these guys live in Detroit.
Many people might say, ‘Well, they are getting up there …’
I’ll tell you folks, based on this performance, you wouldn’t know it!
Detroit, you have just been stung by The Scorpions! Thank you and good night!

Rating: 5 out of 5 - Yes, they certainly more than deserve that rating! Great show!

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Rock News for Wednesday 7th July, 2010

Robert Plant solo UK live dates announced

The Led Zeppelin frontman or should that be 'Ex-Led Zeppelin' frontman, Robert Plant has announced through his website that he will be playing the following UK dates:

• HMV Forum, London - Thursday 2nd September 2010
• St David’s Hall, Cardiff - Tuesday 26th October 2010
• Symphony Hall, Birmingham - Wednesday 27th October 2010
• Palace Theatre, Manchester - Sunday 31st October 2010

Pre sale tickets will go on sale from 9am on Wed 7th July, and everyone registered (on the email mailinglist) for the pre sale will be sent instructions for purchase on the 6th.
Tickets will go on general sale from 9am on the 9th July from the following places:

St David’s Hall, Cardiff http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/
Symphony Hall, Birmingham http://www.thsh.co.uk/
Palace Theatre, Manchester http://www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk/

Fans can still gain access to the pre sale by ordering Band of Joy from HMV here, before 8am on Monday 5th July:
Robert Plant website: www.robertplant.com/

No new Van Halen on the way ..., apparently ...

It seems Eddie Van Halen's wife and 'spokesperson' Janie, has spoken out to Rolling Stone magazine, denying reports previously posted through http://www.melodicrock.com/ that there was a new album on the way.
She says, "What is going around is exactly that, rumors. I don't have any updates at this time," Janie Van Halen said.
Hmm, no smoke without fire but why can't she tell us what is or has been going on or when something 'will' happen?! Not much of a spokesperson if you ask me ...
Anyway, it's a shame ... A new VH album featuring Diamond David Lee Roth would've been something to look forward to. 
Read more on the background to this here:

Rush Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and Radio conversation

Rush would like to say, 'Thanks again to the fans who came out to celebrate with the band for their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
And to Donna Halper, Billy Corgan and the City of Los Angeles.'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio host Jeff Woods in conversation with Geddy & Alex:

The radio special ran in North America, but it was also filmed so you anyone can watch it here:
Spread the word!


FRONTIERS RECORDS releases
POWER BALLADS COMPILATION VOL.1


August 27 will see Frontiers Records issue their first ballads compilation titled Power Ballads Vol. 1.
The track listing will be:

Journey – After All These Years (Taken From “Revelation”)
Winger – On A Day Like Today (Taken From “IV”)
Glenn Hughes – Imperfection (Taken From “Music For The Divine”)
Jeff Scott Soto – Holding On (Taken From “Prism”)
Allen / Lande – Master Of Sorrow (Taken From “The Revenge”)
Giant – Can't Let Go (Taken From “III”)
Primal Fear – Hands Of Time (Taken From “16.6 Before The Devil Knows You're Dead”)
Pride Of Lions – Interrupted Melody (Taken From “Pride Of Lions”)
Place Vendome – My Guardian Angel (Taken From “Streets Of Fire”)
House Of Lords – Sweet September (Taken From “Cartesian Dreams”)
W.E.T. – Comes Down Like Rain (Taken From “W.E.T.”)
Blanc Faces – Everything (Taken From “Falling From The Moon”)
Places Of Power – I Live For You (Taken From “Now Is The Hour”)
Treat – A Life To Die For (Taken From “Coup De Grace”)
Sunstorm – Walk On (Taken From “House Of Dreams”)
Shadows Fade – Speak (Taken From “Shadows Fade”).

BENEDICTUM Signs for Frontiers


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of US Classic Heavy Metal band BENEDICTUM for the release of a brand new studio album in early 2011. Since 2005 Benedictum has been heralded as one of metal's most exciting bands. Fronted by the awesome talent of Veronica Freeman, her raw and powerful vocals have been the driving force behind this international metal sensation.

This year proves to be a very intense and exhilarating time, as Benedictum are set to deliver their 3rd album of jaw dropping, head banging, female-fronted fury. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums (Seasons of Tragedy & Uncreation), produced by internationally renowned producer and bassist Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio & Foreigner), Benedictum is back to unleash their career defining release!

Benedictum is ready for the next step: with a new label behind them, they are currently working hard on the recording with Grammy Award winning producer Ryan Greene (Megadeth, F5, MXPX, NOFX). Benedictum is firing on all cylinders! Veronica is joined once again by lead guitarist extraordinaire, Pete Wells, bassist Chris Shrum, Tony Diaz on keyboards and drummer Mikey Pannone.

Benedictum’s success and legacy have been well documented and the band have already earned their place at the head of the power metal genre. “There is really a feeling of excitement in the air for us, the new material will be another level in our evolution as a band and we have a lot of confidence in our new label Frontiers Records and their willingness to stand with us on our journey!” states Veronica.

TEN update


Gary Hughes and the other TEN guys are working hard in the studio to lay down the tracks of the forthcoming TEN album to be entitled “Stormwarning”.

According to Gary: “The album is coming on nicely. The songs are incredibly strong this time out, the strongest I feel since the first two albums. This album has very commercial overtones as did the first two but when it kicks it does exactly that. some songs being more in the Spellbound era style too”. Some of the song titles include, apart from the title track: “Centre of My Universe”, “Kingdom Come”, “Endless Symphony”, “Love Song” and “The Wave”.

Mark Zonder (Fates Warning) was chosen to lay down the drum tracks, while the mix will be handled by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm, Place Vendome). The cover art will be again designed (like it was for “Spellbound” and “Babylon”) by the spanish artist Luis Royo.
Frontiers hopes to release the album in early 2011.

FM on the Radio!!!!



British AOR'ster's FM, just shared this message yesterday on their MySpace page:
'We're joining Andy Fox for the whole of his GTFM show tomorrow night (Wednesday) from 10pm to midnight. We'll be playing some of our favourite tracks, giving away copies of Metropolis and tickets for our Cardiff show on Thursday and answering listeners' questions.'

If you have any questions/comments please email them to rockshow@gtfm.co.uk. Tune in at http://www.gtfm.co.uk/

Marco Mendoza opening for Ted Nugent

Former Ted Nugent, Whitesnake, Soul SirkUS and sometime Thin Lizzy bass man, Marco Mendoza has a little update for people! 
He's going open 3 shows for Ted Nugent, on the Motor City Madman's forthcoming tour.

Upcoming US Marco Shows, see here:

July 7 w / Ted Nugent
Ardmore OKlahoma ............. Heritage Hall

July 9 w / Ted Nugent
Alburqueque, New Mexico...... Hardrock Casino

July 10 w / Ted Nugent
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
...Starlight Amphitheater

OFFICIAL MARCO MENDOZA WEBSITE CLICK HERE:
as well as ...
www.myspace.com/marcomendozamusic


Finally, please spare your thoughts and prayers for a very good friend of ours and extremely talented musician, Steve Newman of the band Newman.
After losing his Mother back in February of this year, after a long illness his Father passed away in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 7th July.
Steve, we're so very sorry to hear this, although know that he is now at peace and no longer suffering. Our love, prayers and deepest condolences go out to you, your sister and brother. Take care mate.
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