Friday, August 27, 2010

Rock News for Friday 27th August, 2010

Glasgow-Based Rockers, LOGAN, Prepare to Unleash ‘THE GREAT UNKNOWN’



Producer Keith Olsen certainly has a knack for spotting talent - over the years he has overseen the creation of some truly mammoth rock records - namely Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘No Rest for the Wicked’, Whitesnake’s ‘Slide It In’, and the Scorpions’ ‘Crazy World’.
Logan is in some splendid company with Olsen at the helm of the group’s first world wide release, ‘The Great Unknown.’


‘The Great Unknown’ - available on October 5th, 2010 - will be the first Logan recording to receive a major push Stateside. It will be released on Guardian Angel in conjunction with Mesa Bluemoon through Universal. The group - Kenny Collins (vocals), Al Reilly (lead guitar), Mick Coll (rhythm guitar), Steve Reilly (bass), and Iain Stratton (drums) - is already a major player in Europe. Case in point, they have opened up stadium gigs for Bon Jovi and toured alongside the likes of Alter Bridge and Hinder. In fact, Logan left Alter Bridge vocalist (and current frontman of Slash’s solo band), Miles Kennedy quite impressed, as evidenced by his quote, “They drank Central Europe dry of vodka."

Accolades continuously pour in about this fast-rising band - including praise from such respected publications as Guitarist Magazine ("If Logan are taken on by a US label and producer, they could go a long way") and Classic Rock Magazine ("Anthemic, stadium filling sound"). Their instantly memorable tracks as “Hallowed Ground,” “Jump in Again,” and “Rock & Roll Way” are ready to take radio by storm - it appears to be only a matter of time until America catches up with the rest of the world, and falls under the hard rockin’ spell of Logan and ‘The Great Unknown.’

Album Track Listing:

1. The Great Unknown
2. Rock’n’Roll Way
3. When I Get Down
4. Save Me
5. Jump In Again
6. Hallowed Ground
7. Brother
8. Lost &Found
9. Spin the Wheel
10. Born to Run
11. Hurricane
12. Hold My Hand
13. Gone *cd bonus
14. Light it Up *cd bonus

Logan are Kenny Collins (Lead Vocals), Iain Stratton (Drums), Al Reilly (Lead Guitar), Steve Reilly (Bass), Mick Coll (Rhythm Guitar)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT:

Other Logan related sites:


Scott Weiland (STP) ... Is the guy miming?

Well, controversy rages again it seems as another lead singer, takes a tumble off stage and yet it seems the whole time ..., he doesn't stop singing or miss a word in the song as he goes down ...
The accused this time is Stone Temple Pilots frontman, Scott Weiland.
UK Classic Rock magazine posted the story here:

You can watch and judge for yourself, by watching the YouTube video here, he falls around 90 seconds in.


THIN LIZZY ANNOUNCE REMAINING EUROPEAN SHOWS


It seems the new look / line up of Thin Lizzy is set to extend their tour dates to beyond the UK.
Additional European dates have now been added, taking them all over the place.
This of course gives hope to US and other worldwide fans that other dates could still be added.
It also raises the question, will we see some new product from this incarnation of the band?
Various interviews that band members have done, tend to indicate it is very likely. We'll see I guess!
Anyway, here's the latest update via the bands MySpace page:
www.myspace.com/thinlizzynow

In addition to the previously announced UK and Ireland shows, Thin Lizzy have announced the remaining Europe dates for their Jan / Feb 2011 tour. The full itinerary is as follows:

January 2011
Thursday 6th – Scotland, Aberdeen Music Hall
Friday 7th – Scotland, Glasgow O2 Academy
Saturday 8th – England, Newcastle City Hall
Monday 10th – England, Leeds O2 Academy
Tuesday 11th – Wales, Llandudno Theatre
Wednesday 12th – England, Leicester De Montfort Hall
Friday 14th – England, Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Saturday 15th – England, Manchester Apollo
Sunday 16th – England, Bristol Colston Hall
Tuesday 18th – England, Southampton Guildhall
Wednesday 19th – England, Ipswich Regent
Friday 21st – England, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Saturday 22nd – England, London Hammersmith HMV Apollo
Tuesday 25th – Holland, Amsterdam Paradiso
Wednesday 26th – France, Paris Bataclan
Friday 28th – Spain, Madrid Joy Eslava
Saturday 29th – Spain, Bilbao Rockstar Live
Sunday 30th – Spain, Barcelona Apolo

February 2011
Tuesday 1st – Italy, Bologna Estragon
Wednesday 2nd – Italy, Milan Live Club
Friday 4th – Germany, Munich Theaterfabik
Sunday 6th – Austria, Vienna Arena
Monday 7th – Poland, Warsaw Stodola
Tuesday 8th – Germany, Berlin C Club
Wednesday 9th – Germany, Wurzburg Posthalle
Friday 11th – Germany, Hamburg Markthalle
Saturday 12th – Germany, Stuttgart LKA
Sunday 13th – Germany, Koln Live Music Hall
Wednesday 16th – N. Ireland, Belfast Waterfront Hall
Thursday 17th – Ireland, Dublin Olympia Theatre

UK dates On sale now
Holland date On Sale TBC
France date On Sale 9/3/10
Spain dates On Sale 9/3/10
Italy dates On Sale 8/30/10
Germany dates On Sale 9/3/10
Austria date On Sale 9/1/10
Poland date On Sale 8/30/10
N. Ireland & Ireland dates On Sale 8/27/10

Tickets available from usual outlets and respective venue box offices.
VIP packages available for all shows at http://www.thinlizzyfanclub.com/
Thin Lizzy's current website is: http://www.thinlizzyband.com/

Sebastian Bach Live in the UK ... with Guns 'n' Roses!
News on both acts here!

Well it seems the date I posted the other day as Sebastian Bach only live appearance, where I speculated that surely there must be more than one UK date in Leamington Spa, was right!
The man and his band have secured the opening slot on Guns 'n' Roses second UK jaunt this year - They are playing the Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend. - is set up for October.

The interesting thing about two of the Guns 'n' Roses dates, the 13th and 14th is that according to a new G'N'R website: http://www.newgnr.com/ they are due to play in Spain!
I wonder then IF the G'n'R UK dates are valid and if they are, I wonder when he plans on telling Spain, he's not coming!
Actual dates listed can be found here: www.newgnr.com/newgnr.html - FYI: The UK dates are NOT posted there yet.

The above info conflicts with the 'official' Guns 'n' Roses sites.
At the 'Official' Guns 'n' Roses site though, some UK dates are posted:
The bands MySpace page does actually shows all the UK dates and the Spanish dates appear to follow the UK shows:
www.myspace.com/gunsnroses

Sebastian Bach has posted this flyer on his site:


The full confirmed UK tour dates though - If you can't read the flyer! - are:
BACH IN THE UK 2010 WITH GUNS N' ROSES !!!

WED. OCTOBER 13 LONDON O2 ARENA SOLD OUT
THURS. OCTOBER 14 LONDON O2 ARENA
*FRI. OCTOBER 15 WARWICKSHIRE LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
(*Note - This is a solo show. NOT with Guns 'n' Roses)
SUN. OCTOBER 17 BIRMINGHAM LG ARENA
MON. OCTOBER 18 MANCHESTER MEN ARENA
 
To follow his updates: www.sebastianbach.com/
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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Rock News for Thursday 26th August, 2010

Genesis Publications releases
Jimmy Page - The photographic autobiography


Genesis Publications is proud to present Jimmy Page's first official published work. His photographic autobiography is a visual history of one of the world’s most iconic guitar players.

Jimmy Page: "I’ve really got a lot of time for the way Genesis produce their books, they’re really quality items. As someone who’s always been interested in having a library themselves, I appreciate fine bookbinding and their whole ethic of what they do and what they’re trying to do with a whole catalogue of books."

I will say this about the book, it is a limited edition with only 2150 being made available, but come on, even with 650 pictures that Jimmy Page has provided, being leather bound and having Jimmy's signature ... £445?!!! That's nuts!
If you're still interested in checking this out:
  
Frontiers signs Swedish rockers 'The Poodles.'


Frontiers Records are proud to announce their new worldwide partnership with Swedish Rockers THE POODLES, which will kick off with the world wide release of the group’s long awaited live-DVD, “In the Flesh” and the accompanying live-album “No Quarter” before the end of 2010, followed by The Poodles’ fourth studio album in early 2011.

The band promises that the forthcoming studio album will be something extraordinary; a modern take on a classic rock n’ roll epic. Fans of the band will recognize themselves while the journey will take them to unchartered waters. Non-believers will get an opportunity to reappraise their beliefs and take the music of The Poodles to their hearts. The producer of “Clash of the Elements”, Mats Valentin, is once again the Captain of the new adventure and will take the band further along the road they started on together in 2009.
Since the release of The Poodles’ third studio effort, “Clash of the Elements”, the band has received and discussed several offers from potential collaborators in anticipation of future releases. After long and careful consideration, the band chose to go with Frontiers Records, a powerful independent label with a strong passion for rock music and an equally strong desire to work with The Poodles and to develop the band’s presence in all territories.

The Poodles are excited and eager to see the new business venture unfold and they have high expectations on what the partnership will bring in the near future. Jake Samuel, the lead singer of The Poodles says that “The most important thing in any collaboration is a shared vision of what one wants to accomplish. In our case, that vision must come from a deep love for rock n’ roll, mutual respect and willingness to do whatever it takes to reach your goals. I think we have found those qualities in Frontiers Records”.

Stay up-dated on what’s happening with The Poodles and coming releases on http://www.poodles.se/ or www.facebook.com/thepoodles

Ted Nugent talking new album "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead" ... Nice ....

'The Nuge,' Ted Nugent who is currently on tour here in the US, that wraps up a week this coming Sunday in his hometown of Detroit on Sunday September 5th, has been talking to Billboard about his next album.
His last release was 2007's 'Love Grenade' which received mixed reviews upon it's release.

Nugent tells Billboard.com that he has "well over a dozen" tracks written and "eight or nine that I 'have' to capture on tape as soon as possible," including a couple that were demoed in Waco, Texas, prior to his current concert tour. The album is to be named after his current tour's title of, "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead", the album, which Nugent describes as "just a roustabout, a classic Motor City upheaval. You can hear my Mitch Ryder influences in there right away."

Other songs include a "grinder" called "I Love My Barbecue" and "I Still Believe," which he likens to 1975's "Motor City Madhouse." And he compares "Never Stop Dreaming" to the Rascal's "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" and says it was inspired by his hunting trips with terminally ill youth.
To read the full story at Billboard, go here:

  Classic Meets Rock European Tour 2011
 
A line up of classic rock vocalists, promises an interesting night of music for any attendees.
It seems that Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE), Lou Gramm (FOREIGNER), Steve Lee (GOTTHARD) and Dan McCafferty (NAZARETH) will take part in the 2011 edition of the "Rock Meets Classic" tour.
They will be supported by a band, directed by Mat Sinner (PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER) and including American singer-songwriter Amanda Somerville, and by the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague.

Not much more info on this event unfortunately and even the official website - Link at the bottom - doesn't mention this line up?
"Rock Meets Classic" 2011 dates:

Jan. 05 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
Jan. 06 - Prague, Czech Republic - Telsa Arena
Jan. 07 - Vienna, Austria - Stadthalle
Jan. 08 - Linz, Austria - Tip Arena
Jan. 09 - Nuremberg, Germany - Frankenhalle
Jan. 11 - Passau, Germany - Dreiländerhalle
Jan. 12 - Bamberg, Germany - JAKO Arena
Jan. 13 - Kempten, Germany - Big Box
Jan. 14 - Genf, Switzerland - Arena
Jan. 15 - Sursee, Switzerland - Stadthalle
Jan. 16 - Zurich, Switzerland - Kongresshaus
Jan. 18 - Basel, Switzerland - Congress Center
Jan. 20 - Regensburg, Germany - Donau Arena
Jan. 21 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Frankenstolz Arena
Jan. 22 - Halle/Westfalen, Germany- Gerry Weber Stadion
Jan. 23 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom

Links to help give anyone, any more information on this tour are sketchy at best.
Here's one that is simply an Ad for one show:

Here's a link to the official website and the story behind the whole production, but the website currently shows nothing on the above line up?!

High Voltage Festival Performances to be Aired in the UK

Interesting to see this piece about the 'High Voltage Festival' that is to be aired this weekend, sadly only in the UK.
This was posted at Foreigner's site actually, but for anyone who missed the gig in London's Victoria Park a couple of weekends back or anyone who's wants a reminder of the event, here's a few more details. 
Highlights of the High Voltage Festival 2010 in London will premiere on Sky Arts 1 in the UK on Saturday, 28 August at 21:00. The program will be available in both HD and regular programming. Foreigner leads the highlights with their performances of Urgent and Feels Like The First Time. The highlights will re-air at 2:00, 9:00 and 15:00 on Sunday.

Details and full highlights list at the Sky Arts website here:

Francis Rossi Shows Cancelled

Due to unforseen circumstances the three Francis Rossi shows in Norway on Sept 7th, Sweden on Sept 9th and Denmark on Sept 11th have been cancelled. Refunds are available from the point of purchase.

The forthcoming shows in Amsterdam, Antwerp and London will go ahead.

Yes Union DVD and Double CD Coming Soon
This DVD of the 'Union tour' - which featured eight members of Yes - will soon be released by Voiceprint, as well as a double CD; release date forthcoming. Click here - http://www.yesuniondvd.com/ - to sign up to be notified when the DVD is available, and a clip from the DVD can be found here:


Looking at the order site details I'd guess they'll be a deluxe set too of the DVD plus the 2 CD set.
Yes website: www.yesworld.com/


An update from Luke Morley (ex-Thunder)

This update from Luke Morley was posted over at the Thunder website.

'Hello everybody,

As a group of people to whom I owe a great deal (not least of all my house!), I wanted to bring you up to date on what has been a very busy and happy year for me musically.

Since the other Thunder boys and me toddled off into the sunset to pursue new and exciting things twelve or so months ago (where did the time go???!!) I’ve spent most of that time working on a new project called ‘The Union’ with my old friend/collaborator Peter Shoulder. I know some of you have already been along to a Union show (well done and thanks for the support!) and some of you will have seen Pete performing even before that with Winterville or helping us out on extra guitar and vocals at our Xmas shows so you’ll already be acquainted with his exceptional talents.


Our first album together as The Union (cunningly titled ‘The Union’!) is released this week on our own ‘Payola’ label and, although I know some of you have already got your hands a copy, there’s probably still a few of you who haven’t. If you’re one of the ones who haven’t, may I politely suggest you get yourself over to The Union's official website immediately where you can listen to the album in it’s entirety with no obligation. You’ll also find tracks to download and links to our Facebook, You Tube and My Space pages there.


If you like what you hear you might also want to pick yourself up a couple of tickets to our UK tour in September and October (we’d love to see you there) - www.crowdsurge.com/theunion/


Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous and fancy getting up close and personal with Pete and myself, we have introduced a VIP option which gains you access to the band’s soundcheck and aftershow meet and greet as well as dinner with the band which also features my old Thundermucker Chris Childs!!

We’ve really had a fantastic start with Classic Rock, Guitarist and Powerplay all giving us fantastic reviews for the album as well as appearances at Sonisphere and High Voltage during the summer and over the next few weeks we’re hoping as many people as possible will come along to a show or grab a listen to the album. We’re really proud of the album so please check it out, and if you like what you hear, maybe you can help us spread the word.

You know it makes sense!
Cheers,




Gary Moore Announces Russian Tour Dates for October 2010


Summer of Rock Tour Dates (In Autumn!)

October 17 Dvorets Sporta Yarygina, Krasnoyarsk
October 19 Fesco Hall, Vladivostok
October 21 Platinum Arena, Khabarovsk
October 23 LDS Sibir, Novosibirsk
October 24 Teleclub, Ekaterinburg
October 26 UDS Molot, Perm
October 28 Dvorets Sporta Don, Rostov-On-Don
October 30 Kremlin Palace, Moscow

The “Summer of Rock” tour is set to continue into the autumn, with a major tour of Russia announced today. Gary and the “rock” line up will be playing eight shows across the vast landscape of the Russian continent.

Alice Cooper Joined On Stage By Peter Frampton




When Alice Cooper recently played at 'Rock The Park' in London, ON, he was joined onstage by the great Peter Frampton for "School's Out." Check out this video at YouTube as Peter KILLS the guitar solo!
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Rock News for Wednesday 25th August, 2010

Guns 'n' Roses frontman warned to be on time in the UK

Yes indeed the reputation of one Axl Rose is certainly known around the world and it's not for good things!
His tendency to always make fans wait ... and wait and wait, is all too familiar and we've experienced it here too in the Detroit area as I remember from a few years back the last time Guns 'N' Roses played here, he not coming onstage until around 11pm in a major venue, not some nightclub.

Anyway, officials in the UK in charge of both Reading and Leeds festivals that are this weekend, 27th and 29th respectively, have said 'if the band don't go on, on time, then they won't play at all!'
It's actually not quite as cut and dried as that, but in a nutshell, due to Police curfews on the finishing times of outdoor gigs, the Leeds show MUST finish at 11pm and Reading at 11.30pm.
Details on this story can be found here: www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52638

Ex-Skid Row man Sebastian Bach to play the UK

Well, not a great deal of info on this and his website says nothing, but via Sebastian Bach's Twitter site, he's announced one UK date in ..., Leamington Spa! What?!
Yes, you'd think a first date to announce would be London or something but no, 'The Spa' gets the first word!
The date is Friday October 15th, so expect other dates to be added around this time.

D&E Entertainment to Theatrically Distribute
“SUCK: THE MOVIE”

A Rock-n-Roll Vampire Comedy Featuring Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins, Moby, Alex Lifeson and Alice Cooper

Hollywood, CA (August 25, 2010) D&E Entertainment in association with Entertainment One, Capri Films and Joker Films proudly announce the rock-n-roll vampire comedy ‘SUCK: THE MOVIE’ will receive its U.S. Digital Cinema theatrical campaign starting on September 2.

The film follows a down and out band, ironically known as The Winners, that are desperately seeking a record deal and will do anything to make it big. After a life-changing encounter with a vampire, they rocket to stardom only to discover that fame and fortune are not all they are cracked up to be.

After its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, “SUCK” made its U.S. debut at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin and also played the Chicago International Movies and Music Festival earlier this year. Rolling Stone said the film “has the potential to become a cult classic,” and MTV.com called it “‘Twilight’ meets ‘True Blood’ with a dash of ‘Rock Star’.” “SUCK” is directed by Canadian Rob Stefaniuk (“Phil the Alien”), who also stars along with Jessica Paré (“Hot Tub Time Machine”), Malcolm McDowell (“The Book of Eli”) and Dave Foley (“The Kids in the Hall”) as well as some the music industry’s biggest names including Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins, Moby, Alex Lifeson, Carole Pope and Alice Cooper. Dimitri Coats of the band Burning Brides portrays the film’s villainous vampire Queenie.

“SUCK: THE MOVIE” is theatrically distributed and marketed in the United States by D&E Entertainment (http://www.dandeentertainment.com/) in association with the film’s U.S. distributor Entertainment One and will premiere for a special run in over 100 digital cinemas starting September 2. Participating theatres include: AMC, Carmike, Celebration Cinemas, Dipson, Lee Neighborhood, Mann, Marcus, Clearview, Wehrenberg, Bow Tie, Rave, Studio Movie Grill, Cleveland Cinemas, Allen Theatres, Harkins, Alamo Drafthouse, Regent Theatre, The Michigan Theatre, Cinema West, Spectrum 8, The Movie Experience, Cinema Café, and Showplace East Cinemas.

For a listing of theaters and more information on the film, please visit: http://www.suckthemoviepremiere.com/ or http://www.dandeentertainment.com/

New 70’s Sounding Christian Rock Group One Way Inks Deal with Salvation Rock Music Company and Announces Release of Debut CD, "Forgiven"

Laguna Hills, CA, August 25, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Clearly the 70’s sound is back and with the new debut CD by "One Way" from southern California, this versatile CD offers well-crafted music engineered with warm analog sound reminiscent of the 70’s which hasn’t been heard since that era itself.

Audible influences include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Who and Led Zeppelin but make no mistake; One Way is a "Christian" rock band. From tracks like the in your face "Forgiven" to craftier tracks like "Narrow is the Path" to the anthem end of "Silver Horses," this CD is easy on the ears and the tracks have legs.

The versatility of One Way is shown on tracks like “In the Clouds” which has musical melancholy references to “Jesus, There’s Just Something About That Name” as well as Dreams Part I and II which showcases the groups writing ability to score film.

The latest release "Battlefield of Dreams" is a very patriotic American sounding country rock track and shows a story-telling side of the group which seems absent from its contemporaries. The entire CD is available to preview at the groups labels site http://www.salvationrock.com/ (click on the headphones at the home page) and although the CD is available on ITunes, Amazon and all the usual suspects, to get it with Battlefield of Dreams (free) get it at the labels site shown above.

As far as performances, the charter of One Way is to perform at international evangelical Christian crusades and revivals etc.
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Pat Travers – Fidelis CD review
Released on Alexus Records. Available now.
You know Canadian guitarist Pat Travers is a talent that I stumbled upon back in 1979 with his excellent live album ‘Go for What You Know,’ which featured a phenomenal band alongside the man from Ontario. The band was PT himself, another flash player with the same initials in Pat Thrall who went on to record with Glenn Hughes (Hughes/Thrall) and even Asia too. He had Tommy Aldridge on drums, who went on to work with many folks including Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy and then the ever present, well at least from the first PT album through many others, Mars Cowling on bass.
Well, that line up was a long time ago and while Mars Cowling has appeared here and there, PT has generally had a much younger line up for some time now.
This new album 'Fidelis' - Strange title and stranger cover! - is Pat’s first in a while and opens after a very strange voice – Someone must’ve grabbed some kids helium balloon! - with the excellent and extremely catchy ‘Ask Me Baby,’ which on hearing the initial opening verse may not grab you, but believe me after a few plays you can really appreciate the content of this song. Great hook line riff, catchy chorus and a storming guitar solo.

Next is another grower in ‘Edge of Darkness,’ which at times is not a million miles from say the early Whitesnake blues sound. It’s a chug along blues rocker and seriously the guitar solo work is great here.
Pat Travers has discovered an excellent foil to share and play lead breaks off, in Kirk McKim who’s been a part of Pat’s band for sometime and live he takes PT’s classic solo’s to a whole new level.
‘Then I’ll Fall’ is a mid paced almost power ballad rocking track with a big chorus and some real feel again in the solo and then it takes off before the band come back in with the chorus.
With this album it’s clear PT is trying to mix things up a little with touches of his older harder rocking sound and elements of his more blues phase, but he’s brought it all up to date nicely.
He’s got a nice sound on the more ballad like ‘Josephine,’ fairly laid back and some organ backing in the mix to give it that more traditional feel and yes, plenty more classy guitar work.

A slow blues groove to ‘Save Me’ and some great gospel style backing vocals from Pat’s wife Monica Travers here.
Not to take anything away from the other players, Rodney O'Quinn (Bass / Vocals) and Sean Shannon (Drums) as well as Randy Lane who also plays drums on a couple of the track here make for a seriously tight a rhythm section as you could wish for throughout.

‘Stay’ is a much more up to date song from the man and is an excellent power ballad that could possibly spark the man a hit song if it would get the airplay. I have to say it’s serious AOR territory for PT. Class.

I guess the middle of this album is ‘slow it down’ time as ‘When I’m With You’ next follows the same trend and has fairly commercial new blues style to it.

OK back to the rock vibe with ‘I’ve Got Love To Give,’ with a kind of down and dirtier type feel, a little edgy and great groove. Love this track!

‘Tear of Love’ is a more mid paced track that runs up and down, with light and heavy touches throughout.

OK, now if you thought the strange funky intro at the beginning was weird, get this next track …! ‘Yeah, Yah.’ It is for the most part a tasty rocking blues jam, interspersed with some ‘Yeah, Yah’s’ and more thrown in for good measure.

The album closes with a more standard blues jam in ‘So Missing You,’ rounding things off.

I personally loved the older Pat Travers stuff, from his self titled debut, through Making Magic, Putting It Straight, Heat In The Street and some of his 80’s releases in Crash and Burn, Black Pearl and a few others too.
I recognize Pat’s roots are in blues, but felt he went a little too bluesy for a while.

With this new album, which I will say is a grower and not really instant, I really think he’s got something special and he’s captured a lot of all he’s done previously, while moving on to a new era.
To coin the old phrase, ‘So here to kick your ass, the Pat Travers Band!’
Indeed he’s back, perhaps not totally kickin’ hard rockin’ ass, but there’s plenty of good PT material to enjoy here.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Pat Travers homepage: http://www.pattravers.com/
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Rock News for Tuesday 24th August, 2010

Hi folks, well apologies for lack of news yesterday, but hoped you found the Black Sabbath DVD review, a little entertaining.
As you can guess, it's relatively quiet on the update front right now and there very few press releases hitting my inbox, so apologies for the quieter days.
I keep scouting around to try and find what I can though, so at least there's something for you!
Keep on rockin'!
Al

New Syd Barrett compilation due: 'An Introduction To Syd Barrett'.


On 4 October 2010, EMI/Harvest Records will release An Introduction To Syd Barrett, a brand new collection that brings together for the first time the tracks of Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett on one compilation. David Gilmour, having co-produced The Madcap Laughs (with Roger Waters) and produced Barrett, has taken the role of executive producer for the album, collaborating with engineers Andy Jackson and Damon Iddins, who have remixed five tracks including 'Octopus', 'She Took A Long Cool Look', 'Dominoes' and 'Here I Go'. David has added bass guitar to 'Here I Go', and the team have also remixed Pink Floyd's 'Matilda Mother'.

Brand new artwork has been provided by long time Pink Floyd associate Storm Thorgerson and his estimable studio.

Tracklisting is Arnold Layne, See Emily Play, Apples And Oranges, Matilda Mother (2010 Mix), Chapter 24, Bike (all by Pink Floyd), Terrapin, Love You, Dark Globe, Here I Go (2010 Remix), Octopus (2010 Mix), She Took A Long Cool Look (2010 Mix) (aka She Took A Long Cold Look), If It's In You (all from The Madcap Laughs), Baby Lemonade, Dominoes (2010 Mix), Gigolo Aunt, Effervescing Elephant (all from Barrett) and Bob Dylan Blues (from Wouldn't You Miss Me – The Best Of Syd Barrett). All tracks have been remastered from the original analogue masters by Andy Jackson of Tube Mastering.

An addition to An Introduction To Syd Barrett is the previously-unreleased 20-minute instrumental 'Rhamadan'. Produced by former Pink Floyd and Syd co-manager Peter Jenner, the list of musicians is lost in the mists of time, though it's rumoured to include congas by Steve Peregrine Took of Tyrannosaurus Rex. It is to be offered as an extra downloadable track with the CD (via an auxiliary Website), and also the iTunes version of the album. Once again Damon Iddins and Andy Jackson mixed it in 2010.

Rush 2112 and Moving Pictures (Classic Album) DVD and Blue Ray to be released September 28th  


The latest addition to the acclaimed and award winning Classic Albums series tells the story behind the making of two legendary albums from Rush. “2112” was the album that saw Rush break through to major chart success, going to No.1 in their native Canada and Top 75 in the USA where it would eventually be certified triple platinum. “Moving Pictures” opened them to a mass audience for the first time and remains the biggest selling album of their career. It also went to No.1 in Canada and went quadruple platinum there while hitting No.3 in both the UK and USA. Rush members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart talk us through the making of the albums, together with original producer Terry Brown via interviews, demonstrations, archive videos and use of the original multi-track tapes. BONUS FEATURES Over 50 minutes of additional interviews, archive footage and new demonstrations not included in the broadcast version.
For more info on 'Classic Album' releases go to: www.eagle-rock.com/

Michael Schenker jams with Scorpions on last night of tour

For some lucky people, this past Saturday night in Rosemont, IL, The Scorpions played their last night of the recent US tour and who was opening? None other than ex-Scorpion Michael Schenker and M.S.G.
It promised to be a great show and it seemed obvious that as the last night of the tour, they would jam together.
It seems they did with Michael Schenker joining The Scorpions on 'Another Piece of Meat' and Michael's guest drummer on his tour, Carmine Appice joined The Scorpions for 'No One Like You.'
It seems http://www.blabbermouth.net/ got the lowdown on it and feature both fan shot videos over there.
Here's the direct link to the story:

As a reminder of the Scorpions gig here in Detroit, here's a link to that review:
www.chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/07/scorpions-with-cinderella-live-review.html
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Monday, August 23, 2010

Black Sabbath – Paranoid – Classic Albums DVD review
Released by Eagle Rock - Available now.


OK, here’s the thing that most of my mates already know and would most likely tell you about me, I was never really a fan of the Ozzy Osbourne fronted Black Sabbath days. Ronnie James Dio (RIP) was always my preferred choice, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that they still produced some really good material with Ozzy.

So you guessed right, if you wondered if I had a copy of this original 'Paranoid' album, as the answer would be, ‘No I don’t!’
That’s not to say I’m not familiar with the obvious tracks on this album, such as the controversial ‘War Pigs’ and the other two probably best known Sabbath tracks from this album, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Paranoid’ itself.

I’ve got to tell you that I’ve seen a number of these ‘Classic Album’s’ presented on VH1 Classic and I think for trivia ‘freaks’ such as myself and many other rock fans they are a great behind the scenes gaze into how each release came into being.

This one starts with each of the four band members, saying a little piece each, with:
Ozzy Osbourne – I think ‘She Loves Me’ was the first record that turned me on and then I wanted to be a Beatle!
Tony Iommi – The music is very honest and what you see is what you get!
Geezer Butler – The stuff we wrote was very valid at the time and it still stands!
Bill Ward – It was just put it down there, play your hearts out, play everything you’ve got and put it on a piece of tape!

The guests that they pulled in to interview about the album and what it’s effect was in their eyes, include: Henry Rollins, Phil Alexander (Kerrang / Mojo magazines), original band manager Jim Simpson, Tom Allom (Engineer on Paranoid and very successful producer) and Geoff Barton (Classic Rock magazine) and a few others too.

Discussions start and it’s not long before the mention of how ‘Earth’ then became ‘Black Sabbath’ as no one was getting much of a buzz from the name ‘Earth’ and ironically it was Geezer Butler who threw the name suggestion out.

The track ‘Black Sabbath’ apparently started with Geezer playing around with ‘Mars’ from the Holst piece ‘The Planets Suite’ and Tony Iommi came up with a riff alongside the bass line and Bill Ward joins is and Ozzy starts singing some words he’s making up just to string it all together. Incidentally, you’d be forgiven if you’ve never been sure if it was ‘that’ track, as the word ‘Black Sabbath’ are not mentioned anywhere within!

Apparently it was something Ozzy did with most songs, to get them through as a guide line before Geezer would typically write the full lyrics later. The band all felt they equally contributed on the album's completion, so all members were credited with contributing to lyrics and music.

Some funny stories are scattered throughout and a funny one comes up early here about how they got a gig at The Star Club in Hamburg and thought great! The Beatles played there.

When they got there, reality struck as the place was apparently a dump and they were expected to play about eight, forty five minute sets and they only had 8 songs, so each song became a mega jam just to get through! Oh and their first set started at 2pm in the afternoon and there were just about three people there at the time. Some weirdo, a prostitute and someone else who they can’t really remember …

Tom Allom was the Engineer on the album and it was produced by one Rodger Bane who was not a part of the interviews, although not really sure why … The guy seems a bit of a mystery these days. Anyway Tom goes over quite a few of the events that took place at the time and plays back the various different parts in detail, fading each instrument and Ozzy’s vocals in and out here and there.
It’s incredible that the original recording was done in just two days, in two sessions.

Geezer talks about what his inspiration or influences were at the time for writing each song, although they all say that the songs all came together wherever! Sometimes, in the van between gigs or possibly anywhere else?!
Geezer and Tony talk about how Tony lost the tips of two of his fingers and how he was inspired to carry on.

It’s funny that the track ‘Paranoid’ was in fact the last to be written, when the band were asked to come up with a track that will take up about three to four minutes, so the band gave them two minutes, fifty seconds!
The album got to number one in the UK, displacing Simon and Garkfunkel at the time and in the USA it started getting support here and there and went up to number twelve. Not bad for how the album was pulled together.
This is an interesting DVD, the bonus features here are extra interview pieces that will entertain a little too.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Rock News Update - Sunday 22nd August, 2010

Joe Satriani new album and tour on the way

JOE SATRIANI - THE NEW ALBUM
"BLACK SWANS AND WORMHOLE WIZARDS"


UK RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 4th
US RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 5th

Joe Satriani, one of rock music’s most renowned electric guitarists, has announced details of his highly anticipated 14th studio album, Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards. The album will be released in the UK on Monday October 4th by Epic records and dovetails 'Satch’s' autumn 2010 UK tour, which kicks off on October 17th at the Manchester Apollo.

On the new album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, Satriani’s classic sound is accompanied by a surprisingly rich new texture. The first single "Light Years Away" is destined to be a hit, alongside several other high energy offerings, like “Wormhole Wizards” and “Premonition.”


Satriani joined with former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith, to form the stand-out rock collaboration, Chickenfoot. After a highly successful world tour, their self-titled debut album was certified gold in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America with over 500,000 sales.

Over the last two decades, Joe Satriani has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza. As one of the world’s most renowned instrumental artists, Satriani recorded Live in Paris: I Just Wanna Rock! in 2008 at The Grand Rex Theater in Paris, France. The live two-disc CD and DVD was released in February 2010 through Epic Records and contained such memorable songs as, “Surfing With The Alien”, “Flying in a Blue Dream”, along with recent hits like “Super Colossal” and “I Just Wanna Rock.” Of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them.

The UK release of Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards dovetails Joe Satriani’s autumn 2010 UK tour, tickets for all UK shows are on sale now and available from the national credit card hotline 0844 888 9991 or can be booked online at http://www.ticketline.co.uk/

JOE SATRIANI - UK TOUR DATES
SUNDAY OCTOBER 17TH – MANCHESTER APOLLO
MONDAY OCTOBER 18TH – BRISTOL COLSTON HALL
TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER – LONDON HMV HAMMERSMITH APOLLO
THURSDAY 21ST OCTOBER – NEWCASTLE CITY HALL
FRIDAY 22ND OCTOBER – GLASGOW CLYDE AUDITORIUM
SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER – BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL

Also Joe Satriani has announced North American tour dates that start in December 2010!

As a special treat to 'Satch' fans, if you pre-order his new album through his online store, there's a few bonuses that should be of interest to die hard Satriani fans!

Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards (Autographed CD) offer!

Signed CD, Ticket Pre-sale Code and Instant Grat Track Offer Includes:
- An autographed copy of the Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards CD
- A ticket pre-sale code for a chance to access concert tickets before the general public

- An MP3 download of "Light Years Away"on 9/7

Every Signed CD Bundle pre-ordered through this offer receives a code for exclusive access to ticket pre-sales for Joe Satriani's upcoming tour*! 

Visit www.satriani.com/road/ for a full listing of participating tour dates.

December 1, 2010 Center Stage Atlanta, GA US
December 2, 2010 Pompano Beach Amphitheatre Pompano Beach, FL US
December 3, 2010 House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, FL US
*December 4, 2010 Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL US
*December 6, 2010 The Palace Theatre Greensburg, PA US
December 7, 2010 Aronoff Center for the Arts Cincinatti, OH US
*December 8, 2010 Massey Hall Toronto, ON CA
December 9, 2010 House of Blues Boston, MA US
December 10, 2010 Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA US
*December 12, 2010 Metropolis Montreal, QC CA
December 13, 2010 Nokia Theatre New York, NY US
December 14, 2010 Nokia Theatre New York, NY US
*December 15, 2010 The Music Center @ Strathmore North Bethesda, MD
December 16, 2010 Fillmore Detroit Detroit, MI US
December 17, 2010 House of Blues Cleveland, OH US
December 19, 2010 Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL US
December 20, 2010 Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO US
December 21, 2010 Historic Paramount Theatre Denver, CO US
* = This show is not participating in the cd pre-order ticket presale offer.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL JOE SATRIANI WEBSITE:


Uriah Heep ... 'We're Coming Back!'

When Uriah Heep came and visited US shores a few months back for their first US dates in many years, upon arrival in country they ran into immigration problems and had to cancel their first few shows.
Well, the band are coming back in November!
The sad news - In my books anyway ... - is it's for very limited dates only.

Here are the details of those few dates.

Enjoy the shows if you go!
Uriah Heep's site is here: www.uriah-heep.com/


Line Of Fire new album Momentum gets North American release


It’s been 5 years since LINE OF FIRE unleashed their debut album upon the unsuspecting masses. The band had planned to swiftly capitalize on the glowing success of 'Line Of Fire' but when the sessions for 'Momentum' began in 2006 it seemed that fate had other plans. Numerous personnel problems, sudden and life threatening health issues and other disruptive elements ran rampant throughout the LINE OF FIRE camp. It’s a miracle the band survived such tumultuous times. But it’s been said that great music comes from great struggle and Momentum is the culmination of 5 years of very complicated and strenuous circumstances. Despite the negative energies circulating during its conception, Momentum emerges as a bright light beaming from that dark period to carry the band forward and thrust them back into the spotlight of the AOR scene.


To help aid in the album’s completion, the band enlisted several session musicians (Killwhitneydead, The Demonstration, Hip Pocket) in addition to adding a new guitarist. Thomas Clark (Jonin) joined vocalist Shawn Pelata and guitarist Nikki Dimage as a permanent member of LINE OF FIRE and brought with him a new spark and creative insight. The resulting material doesn’t stray too far from the Melodic Rock formula for which the band is best known. Despite using digital technologies to track Momentum, the band wanted to draw influence from classic albums like Boston’s 'Boston' and Journey’s Departure for a more raw and organic sound. A sound which producer Jamie King was easily able to deliver. Momentum is a standout Melodic Rock album through and through and should not disappoint any of the fans who have been waiting patiently for this long promised and much delayed sophomore album.

TRACK LIST:
01 It Takes Time
02 Obsession
03 Give Me All
04 I'll Be The One Tonight
05 I Belong
06 The Fire Never Dies
07 I'm Crying For You
08 In The Stone
09 Undone
10 Ghost In Your Heart
11 Breaking The Chains (CD ONLY)

Momentum is available now at:

The band has also re-issued their debut album 'Line of Fire' as a Deluxe Edition with 2 bonus tracks.
Tribunal records is currently offering a deal on if you buy both album for the special price of $19.98
More details here: www.tribunalrecords.bigcartel.com/


Geezer Butler ponder future with Dio gone

Black Sabbath and Heaven and Hell bassist Geezer Butler is not sure what path his future will take at this time, but has admitted he would like to work with both Tony Iommi and Vinny Appice again.

He recently spoke with Canadian site http://www.exclaim.ca/ and has opened up his feeling there.
For more details go here:


FORMER RAINBOW/DEEP PURPLE VOCALIST PLANS TO HELP ORGANIZE MAJOR MUSIC
FESTIVAL ON TURKEY'S "GOLD COAST" IN 2011

(Antayla, Turkey) While vacationing in Antayla, Turkey this summer, some Turkish businesspeople approached Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen) with the idea of presenting a major rock music festival in or near the city sometime in 2011. Turner agreed that this was a great concept.

While the festival is only in the "idea stage" at this time, Joe helped lay the groundwork for it by visiting with Mayor Mustafa Akaydin of Antalya. Akaydin said that the municipality should support the organization of such a festival. He stated, "Famous artists coming to the city will favorably promote both Turkey and the city. We already stage events to boost the city's cultural and artistic reputation. It will make us very happy to do this."

"Antalya is a 'Gold Coast' of international holiday destinations," says Turner, "They have over 300 five star resorts in or near the area and are still building. Over 32 nations come here for vacations so this region seems like a great fit for a large scale music festival."

He explains that the event would feature a mix of international and Turkish rock musicians. Although there is no definite date yet, Turner mentioned the possibility of holding the festival in May 2011.
Joe describes his role as "The celebrity face of the project, working with government and sponsors. This will be a very big project and the work will be hard but worth the effort. We hope it is a big success!
We have government support and the sponsors will give full support as well!"

Dave 'Bucket' Colwell releases solo album


Long time Bad Company guitarist Dave 'Bucket' Colwell leads his allstar band Bucket & Co. on his eponymous debut album 'Guitars, Beers & Tears.'

Bucket is joined by an all star list of friends including Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith, Edwin McCain, Steve Conte (New York Dolls), Spike (The Quireboys) and Mark Reid (A1) among others. The album features songs written by Bucket as well as famed country singer/songwriter Tommy Lee James (over 50 #1 hits).

Guitars, Beers & Tears has been a labor of love for Bucket. Colwell had the chance to write and record with some of his best friends and band mates from his storied career in Rock and Roll. Playing the guitar since the age of eight Bucket has shared the stage with some of music's greatest artists such as Slash, Bon Jovi, Mick Ralphs to name a few. Classically trained and inspired by the likes of Steve Marriott, Paul Kossoff and Mick Ralphs, it wasn't long before Bucket began to form his own bands and play in the local venues.

His first taste of success came with the release of his first song 'Running Away' with his band Angel Street. The band quickly built a dedicated following in the city of London. Dave also worked with 720 and then went on to Samson. With Samson, Bucket toured Europe extensively appearing with Black Sabbath, Gary Moore and UFO.

Dave would eventually leave Samson to form FM. Also, during this period Dave signed a songwriting deal with Rondor/Universal and penned an early hit for Iron Maiden called 'Reach Out'. Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden then called on Bucket to write and record the ASAP album 'Silver & Gold' which saw release worldwide.

Bucket was then tapped by one of his guitar heroes, Mick Ralphs, to play in Ralphs' solo band. This gig led to Bucket becoming a member of Bad Company in 1990. Bucket would tour and record with the platinum selling act during the Holy Water, Here Comes Trouble and the What You Hear Is What You Get tours. Dave would also co-write the The Company of Strangers and Stories Told and Untold albums for Bad Company.

During a brief hiatus for Bad Company, Bucket was asked to join Humble Pie by founding members Jerry Shirley and Greg Ridley. Bucket wrote and produced Back on Track for Humble Pie. Paul Rodgers reformed Bad Company and requested that Bucket rejoin for the Merchants of Cool tour which culminated in a CD/DVD that went Gold.

Since then Bucket has stayed very busy. He recorded and toured behind the solo project from Spike of The Quireboys. Bucket then joined The Jones Gang featuring Kenney Jones (Faces/The Who) along with old band mates Robert Hart and Rick Wills. The single 'Angel' from the debut album Any Day Now would stay at #1 on the US radio charts for 12 weeks.

During his career Bucket has lived the life most musicians have dreamed about. Bucket's songwriting is sure to leave a legacy of producing and performing high quality hard, melodic rock. It's no wonder that Dave 'Bucket' Colwell was recently inducted into the Harrod's Guitar Hall of Fame.
Bucket & Co.
The album can be ordered here:
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