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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Rock News Update for Saturday 26th February, 2011

Great Britain's Arena Rock Legends Def Leppard Announce US Tour Set to Hit the Road This Summer with Very Special Guests Heart
Tickets set to go on-sale March 4th!




PRESS RELEASE - Def Leppard, Great Britain's premiere arena rock band, have announced that they will make their triumphant return to the US with a summer tour kicking off on June 15 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Joining Def Leppard for this highly anticipated tour are Seattle rock legends Heart. Leppard's influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums -- including two of the best-selling albums of all time, "PYROMANIA" and "HYSTERIA". The anthemic rock megastars have earned their stripes as one of the most enduring and successful touring acts in history.

Heart showed the world that women can rock when they stormed the charts with hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda," "Alone" and many more, a stream of hits showcasing the sisters, Ann and Nancy Wilson's, enormous talents as both musicians and singers, selling more than 30 million records. Tickets for the Live Nation produced tour will go on sale on beginning March 4th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Additional dates to be announced soon.

"After having had the last 18 months off, Leppard are ready to get back on the road! Add Heart to the bill and it truly makes for a special evening," says singer Joe Elliott.

"Nancy and I are really excited to be bringing Heart to the stage this summer with Def Leppard. It's going to be a powerful, monster show. The real thing. The summer of 2011 will be amazing," says singer Ann Wilson.

Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets in select cities through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

The band has partnered with I Love All Access to provide a variety of VIP ticket packages for the show, including premium seats, pre-show parties and more.

Def Leppard's US tour dates with Heart are as follows:

June 2011
June 15 - West Palm Beach, FL (Cruzan Amphitheatre)
June 17 - Tampa, FL (1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre)
June 19 - Orange Beach, AL (Amphitheater at the Wharf)
June 22 - Charlotte, NC (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
June 24 - Raleigh, NC (Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion)
June 26 - Philadelphia, PA (Susquehanna Bank Center)
June 29 - Scranton, PA (Toyota Pavilion)

July 2011
July 2 - Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
July 3 - Hershey, PA (Hersheypark Stadium)
July 5 - Milwaukee, WI (Summerfest)
July 12 - Wantagh, NY (Nikon at Jones Beach Theater)
July 13 - Holmdel, NJ (PNC Bank Arts Center)
July 15 - Chicago, IL (First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre)
July 17 - Cadott, WI (Rockfest)
July 20 - Dallas, TX (Gexa Energy Pavilion)
July 24 - San Antonio, TX (AT&T Center)

August 2011
August 8 - Sturgis, SD (Buffalo Chip)
August 10 - St. Louis, MO (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater)
August 13 - Des Moines,IA (Iowa State Fair)
August 21 - Buffalo, NY (Darien Lake Performing Arts Center)
August 27 - Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center)
August 26 - St Paul,MN (Minnesota State Fair) August 31 - Salt Lake City, UT (USANA Amphitheatre)

September 2011September 14 - Portland, OR (Sleep Country Amphitheater)

For complete ticket and tour information visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and http://www.livenation.com/.
Keep up with all things Def Leppard and Heart right here:


30th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION of RUSH MOVING PICTURES
To features audiophile surround sound mix, music videos, rare photos, liner notes & more -- available April 5th.

Rush's Moving Pictures celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a spectacular Moving Pictures - Deluxe Edition via Mercury/UMe. The reissue of this seminal album on April 5, 2011, will be available in two formats: (1) a digitally remastered CD plus DVD and (2) a digitally remastered CD plus Blu-ray. For this Deluxe Edition, the DVD & Blu-ray discs will feature the album and three bonus music videos, "Tom Sawyer," "Limelight" and the previously unreleased clip "Vital Signs," in both a stunning 5.1 surround sound mix supervised by the band’s Alex Lifeson using the original multi-tracks and in newly remastered stereo from the original analog master tapes.

Both DVD and Blu-ray formats will boast the 5.1 surround sound and stereo audio in 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audiophile playback which offers 256 times more resolution than CD audio, providing the listener with the closest experience you can have to what the artists hear in the studio. The DVD is playable on both DVD-Audio and DVD-Video players, the latter players will include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and PCM stereo playback. Blu-ray discs will also feature DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound in addition to 96kHz/24-bit PCM 5.1 surround sound and stereo.

The Moving Pictures experience has never sounded better or been more moving. Also included in the package is an extensive gallery with previously unreleased photos from the original recording sessions, new liner notes by renowned music journalist David Fricke and 30th anniversary artwork by original album designer Hugh Syme.

At quadruple platinum in the U.S., Moving Pictures was the band's eighth studio album and remains its biggest selling release to date, highlighted by the group’s best-known track, "Tom Sawyer," as well as the hit "Limelight," radio favorite "Red Barchetta" and Grammy®-nominated instrumental "YYZ."
Rush continues to garner new fans through new recordings and touring, and are a mainstay at Mainstream Rock radio. Last year, Rush had 100 different tracks get radio airplay, one of only 6 rock artists - including AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones - to have that deep a catalog. They also are one of only 16 artists to have remained in the top 40 in radio airplay for the last 10 years at Mainstream Rock. As singer-bassist-keyboardist Geddy Lee, lead guitarist Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart record their 20th studio album "Clockwork Angels" and continue their "Time Machine" tour in America and Europe this year - during which they will perform the entire album - Rush continues to stay true to the spirit that made Moving Pictures a classic.

Tracklisting:


FORMAT 1 (CD + DVD):CD:


Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta


YYZ


Limelight
The Camera EyeWitch Hunt


Vital Signs

DVD-AUDIO/VIDEO:

Tom Sawyer (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
Red Barchetta (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
YYZ (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)


Limelight (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
The Camera Eye (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)


Witch Hunt (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
Vital Signs (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)

Tom Sawyer (Music Video – 5.1 & Stereo)
Limelight (Music Video – 5.1 & Stereo)
Vital Signs (Music Video – 5.1 & Stereo – Previously Unreleased)

FORMAT 2 (CD + BLU-RAY):CD:


Tom Sawyer


Red Barchetta
YYZ
Limelight
The Camera Eye


Witch Hunt


Vital Signs

BLU-RAY:


Tom Sawyer (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
Red Barchetta (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)



YYZ (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
Limelight (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
The Camera Eye (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
Witch Hunt (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)
Vital Signs (Audiophile 5.1 Surround and Stereo)

Tom Sawyer (Music Video – 5.1 & Stereo)
Limelight (Music Video – 5.1 & Stereo)


Vital Signs (Music Video – 5.1 & Stereo – Previously Unreleased)


RECORDING SESSION UPDATE FOR FORTHCOMING TOMMY BOLIN TRIBUTE CD


Greg Hampton (producer of the Tommy Bolin Whips and Roses CDs) and Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule, Allman Brothers) are currently co-producing sessions with some of the world's most famous and revered guitarists and singers for their upcoming Tommy Bolin Tribute CD (as yet unnamed). Fabrizio Grossi (Whips & Roses I & II, Glenn Hughes) is also on board as Associate Producer/Mix Engineer.
It's been inspiring to learn that all of these legendary guitarists are all fans of Tommy, and are excited about adding parts to original Tommy Bolin multitrack tapes that have never been made public.

Greg’s recent sessions with Steve Lukather which were especially poignant, as the drummer on that original multitrack was the late Jeff Porcaro with whom Lukather played in Toto. Completed sessions include:

• Steve Lukather (Toto, solo)
• Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule, Allman Brothers)
• Brad Whitford (Aerosmith)
• Nels Cline (Wilco, solo)
• Glenn Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple, solo)
• Oz Noy (Roger Glover, Nile Rodgers, solo)
• John Scofield (Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, solo)
• Prairie Prince (The Tubes, drums on Savannah Woman and Wild Dogs)
• Peter Frampton (Humble Pie, solo)
• Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge)
• Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion, solo)
• Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs, solo)

Also in negotiation or committed to the project are Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Tom Morello, Derek Trucks and John Scofield.

Greg will keep us updated with more photos and news as the sessions progress, so keep an eye on the Bolin Board for announcements about updates on this page.

Official website: http://www.tbolin.com/

Friday, February 25, 2011

Rock News Update for Friday 25th February, 2011

URIAH HEEP's "Into the Wild" scheduled for European and North American release!


Frontiers Records has scheduled the release of URIAH HEEP's forthcoming studio album "Into the Wild" on April 15th in Europe and May 3rd in North America. Produced by Mike Paxman (Status Quo, Asia) the new album will include the following songs: Nail On The Head (Link), I Can See You ((Link), Into The Wild ((Link), Money Talk, Trail Of Diamonds, Lost, Believe, Southern Star, I'm Ready, T-bird Angel, Kiss Of Freedom.
The cover art was designed again by the renowned Greek-American artist Ioannis (LYNYRD SKYNYRD, STYX, SAGA etc). A videoclip for "Nail on the Head" is going to be shot in the coming days and will be added to the album as a special interactive tool.

The band has also recently posted a new video recording diary which can be seen following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHl768v25Ho.
European and Australian tour dates have been announced already and can be found on the band's official websites. The first leg of the US tour was also recently announced.

US Tour Dates confirmed so far:

June 2011
6/14/2011 Atlanta GA Variety Playhouse
6/15/2011 Chattanooga TN Riverbend Festival
6/17/2011 Kettering OH Fraze Pavilion for the Performing Arts
6/18/2011 Annapolis MD Rams Head on Stage
6/19/2011 Falls Church VA State Theater
6/20/2011 Sellersville PA Sellersville
6/22/2011 New York BB King Blues Club
6/23/2011 Foxborough MA Showcase Live
6/24/2011 Jim Thorpe PA Penn's Peak
6/25/2011 Ridgefield CT Ridgefield Play House
6/27/2011 Norfolk CT Infinity Hall

August 2011
8/12/2011 Three Forks MT Rocking the Rivers Festival Site
8/14/2011 Rochester MN Mayo Park

I can add that Mick Box recently shared with me, that the band hope to play more US dates in July too, following the success of their last two, shorter tours.
Weblinks:

Also from Uriah Heep ...

URIAH HEEP
OFFICIAL BOOTLEG III- LIVE IN KAWASAKI JAPAN - Released in March 2011


Legendary British hard rockers URIAH HEEP will release a new live album, "Official Bootleg Volume Three - Live In Kawasaki Japan 2010", on March 29 via Phantom Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Wake The Sleeper
02. Overload
03. Bird Of Prey
04. Stealin'
05. Love In Silence
06. The Wizard
07. Traveller In Time
08. Easy Livin'
09. Poets Justice
10. Circle Of Hands
11. Rainbow Demon
12. All My Life
13. Paradise/Spell
14. Rain
15. Free 'n' Easy
16. Gypsy
17. Look At Yourself
18. Angels Walk With You
19. Shadow
20. July Morning
21. Lady In Black

I have to say, this set list looks like a cracker to me!
This live album should be great!

URIAH HEEP debuted in 1970 with the release of one of hard rock music's milestones "Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble", and has since sold in excess of 30 millions albums worldwide. They constantly tour in the world, playing in over 53 countries and the band's live setlist features hits from the '70s and '80s, such as "The Wizard", "Free 'n Easy", "Sunrise" and their monster hits "Easy Livin'", "July Morning" and "Lady in Black", as well as new material.

URIAH HEEP is:
Mick Box - Guitar, Vocals
Trevor Bolder - Bass, Vocals
Bernie Shaw - Lead Vocals
Phil Lanzon - Keyboards, Vocals
Russell Gilbrook - Drums, Vocals

HARD "ROCKAHOLICS" WARRANT  PREPARE NEW ALBUM AND SIGN TO FRONTIERS RECORDS

Frontiers Records is proud to announce the signing of Warrant, one of the most popular and successful American hard rock bands to come out of the Los Angeles musical scene. The band is currently in the studio recording a brand new album under the direction of Keith Olsen (Scorpions, Whitesnake and Night Ranger). The album tentatively titled "ROCKAHOLIC" is scheduled for a May 2011 Worldwide release.

Jerry Dixon commented, "The last few years has been like holding in a big "secret" from the world and now we get to share it. I really think we captured a perfect mix of the past and present on this record. Each song has its own vibe that's going to take people on a kick-ass Warrant rollercoaster ride. To help achieve an old school sound mixed with the flair of today, we called on the legendary Keith Olsen to do the production. There's enough 80's influence on songs like "Tears In The City" and "Sex Ain't Love" to keep the die-hard Warrant fans rocking while introducing them to new material".

Warrant has sold over 8 million records worldwide. The band first came into the spotlight with their debut multiplatinum album "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich", which included the smash hit single "Heaven." The band continued its success in the 90's with the multiplatinum album "Cherry Pie" and the gold album "Dog Eat Dog", both albums providing more hit singles in the Billboard Top 30.
"ROCKAHOLIC" is sure to add more Billboard action for the band. With singer Robert Mason on lead vocals and original band members Erik Turner and Joey Allen on guitars, Jerry Dixon on bass and Steven Sweet on drums Warrant is ready to spread the ROCKAHOLIC addiction to the world.

2011 Rockaholic Schedule:

March 2011 - US Tour Dates
03/04/11 -Club Broadway, Everett, WA
03/05/11 - Performing Art Center Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA
03/19/11 - Glass Cactus, Grepevine, TX
03/31/11 - Arizona Bike Week - Handlebar Saloon, Scottsdale, AZ

April 29th - May 9th Australia Tour

May 2011
May 13th - M3 Rock Festival, Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia, MD

September 2011 - South America Tour

October 2011 - European Tour

10/22/11 - Firefest Festival, Nottingham Rock City Nottingham England
Web links:


MR. BIG New Release "What If …" OUT NOW on Frontiers Records U.S.A.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (February, 2011) MR. BIG is back with their highly anticipated new studio album entitled "What If …" out now on Frontiers Records.

"What If …" is MR. BIG’s first all original album since the reunion of the four original members, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey back in early 2009. Sixteen years after the release of  "Hey Man", the new recording is set to bring back MR. BIG on the height of the current Hard Rock scene.

Guitarist Paul Gilbert said: “This is the first MR. BIG album I have been a part of, since fourteen years and it was done in a snap. It was fun and we had really a good time in making this one”. Continues Billy Sheehan, “It’s so great to be back with Paul, Eric and Pat too. We wrote this record like we did in the old days for the first 2 records. Jamming together in the same room to write songs”.
Pat Torpey adds “Some of the recording process is different now from what we were used to in the old times. But I think this record really managed to capture the performances of the band, not of the individual musicians”.

Eric Martin concludes: “I like to compare this to the first album, when we just got to know each other in a reharsal studio and cut it in 8 or 9 days. This is like chapter 2. We had so many years, so many records and so many things behind us. Now this feels like a beautiful brand new chapter starting for all of us”.

"What If …" was produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden) and the release will be followed by a World Tour which will kick off in South America in March and will hit Europe in early summer.

Formed in 1988, Mr. Big forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark "shredding" musicianship with awesome vocal harmonies. The original line-up – vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey. Mr. Big produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres – be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock.

Their hits included "To Be With You" (Billboard Hot 100 number one single in 15 countries for weeks, in 1991, propelling the band the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions), "Wild World", "Green-Tinted sixties Mind", "Just Take My Heart", and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy", "Addicted to that Rush", "Colorado Bulldog", and "Take Cover".

“What If…” will be released in a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.

“What If…” tracklisting includes: Undertow; American Beauty; Stranger In My Life; Nobody Takes the Blame; Still Ain’t Enough for Me; Once Upon a Time; As Far As I Can See; All The Way Up; I Won’t Get In My Way; Around The World; I Get The Feeling; Unforgiven (exclusive bonus track for Europe / North America – not on vinyl edition).

The DVD will include the videoclips of “Undertow” and “All the Way Up” plus a documentary “Making of” the album including interviews and exclusive behind the scenes features of the four members.

For more information go to http://www.mrbigsite.com/


THE POODLES

"Cuts Like a Knife"




Direct link to view at You Tube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NngB_UwLTZ4&nofeather=True

The new Videoclip!
Taken from the forthcoming album


" Performocracy "


Out on in Europe on April the 15 th 2011
May 3rd 2011 in North America
on Frontiers Records
http://www.frontiers.it/

Official band site: http://www.poodles.se/



UFO adds extra tour dates ...

British rockers UFO, have just added a new bunch of tour dates for the US in September, although at this time, those are all West Coast dates.
I guess when you look at the original May tour dates, they're all Mid-West dates, so it makes sense I guess.
Current European dates are set for June and August.

Since there's no new album out yet, the band will be promoting their newest 'Best of' called ... 'Best of a Decade,' which captures elements from all of the bands work since Vinnie Moore joined them.
There's also a few classic UFO live tracks present too.

Here's what the band are currently plugging through their site:

2011 Tour Dates
USA

May 2011
5th May - Farmingdale - NY - The Crazy Donkey
6th May - Poughkeepsie - NY - The Chance
7th May - West Springfield - VA - Jaxx
9th May - Pittsburgh - PA - The Altar Bar
10th May - New Hope - PA - Havana
11th May - Baltimore - MD - Bourbon Street
13th May - New York - NY - B.B. Kings
14th May - Foxboro (Boston) - MA - The Showcase Live
15 May - Londonderry - NH - Tupelo Music Hall
18th May - Milwaukee - WI - Shank Hall
20th May - Chicago - IL - House of Blues
21st May - Chicago/St. Charles - IL - The Arcada Theatre
22nd May - Akron - OH - The Tangier

EUROPE
June 2011
10th June - Germany - Hannover - Bluesgarage
11th June - Germany - Barby (n. Magdeburg) - Zum Rautenkranz
12th June - Germany - Berlin - Columbia Club
18th June - France - Clisson - Hellfest

August 2011
12th August - Poland - Slupsk - Dolina Charlotty Resort and Spa

USA
September 2011
15th September - Santa Rosa - CA - Last Day Saloon
16th September - Sacramento/Orangevale - CA - Boardwalk
17th September - Santa Clara - CA - Avalon
23rd September - Las Vegas - NV - Boulder Station Casino
24th September - Los Angeles - West Hollywood - Key Club

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Source: www.ufo-music.info/news.htm


Eddie Trunk book being released
"Eddie Trunk's - Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal"


Yes, Eddie Trunk the man behind 'That Metal Show' and Sirius XM's radio 'Monday night's rock show' on the Boneyard and so much more, is about to release his latest book.


This is what the blurb at Amazon.com says about it:

'Known as a leading expert on all things hard rock and heavy metal, Eddie Trunk continues to entertain fans on the radio and as the host of VH1 Classic's hit television program That Metal Show with his passion for music. In his debut book, Eddie discusses his most essential bands, his unique personal experiences with them, his favorite "Stump the Trunk" anecdotes and trivia, as well as his favorite playlists. Whether you're a classic Metallica or Megadeth metalhead or prefer the hair metal of old-school Bon Jovi or Poison, Eddie Trunk's Hard Rock and Heavy Metal salutes all who are ready to rock!'

Then this quote from someone very special, sadly no longer with us:

"Eddie's name should be spelled M-E-T-A-L. All of us should be thanking him because he has kept this scene alive for everyone."
- Ronnie James Dio,
Rock and Metal Legend

To order and learn more details go to ...
http://bcove.me/0xdl32e6
or even:
www.amazon.com/Eddie-Trunks-Essential-Heavy-Metal/dp/0810998319

Eddie's website:
http://eddietrunk.com/

BEBE BUELL SIGNS DEAL WITH WENDY DIO’S NIJI MANAGEMENT, INC.


February, 2011 (Hollywood, CA) Bebe Buell has come in close contact with rock royalty quite a few times throughout her vibrant life! She is one hell of a Singer, Rocker and Entertainer and Wendy Dio certainly agrees, as she recently signed Bebe Buell to Niji Management.
“I went to New York City to see Bebe Buell perform live and I knew after two songs that I had to manage her.” Said Wendy Dio
"I have a genuine connection with Wendy," says Bebe Buell. "She gets it - my music and me!
Her coming into my life felt like divine intervention." Bebe's stature within the rock world remains great to this day, as she presented two awards at this year's Pollstar Awards that took place at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA.

Bebe maintains a very large and loyal Social Network and live show following around the world.

Niji Management recently secured a major International Booking Agency for Bebe Buell and there are plans for her to tour Europe in conjunction with her soon to be released new CD.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
http://www.bebebuell.org/
http://www.facebook.com/bebe.buell
http://www.twitter.com/bebebuellband
http://www.facebook.com/#!/nijientertainmentgroup

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Brief Rock News Update for Thursday 24th February, 2011

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING FORMER KANSAS SINGER, JOHN ELEFANTE, RETURNS WITH NEW ALBUM, 'REVOLUTION OF MIND'


The first singer/keyboardist to replace Steve Walsh in Kansas, John Elefante, has just issued a new album from his solo band (credited to John Elefante and Mastedon), titled 'Revolution of Mind.' And fans of Elefante's former band are sure to find plenty of satisfaction within the album's grooves. "I think there are shades of Kansas in just about everything I write," explains Elefante, who was a member of Kansas from 1981 through 1985. "I'm a tenor singer like Steve Walsh, I like a lot of mood changes in songs, although sometimes I get in the mood to just write a straight pop song from head to toe. Like in all great Kansas records, there are a lot of twists and turns and things you don't expect musically, that keeps the listener surprised. And at the same time, excited."

The album also features guitar work from none other than Elefante's former band mate in Kansas, Kerry Livgren. "These days, another thing that makes it easier for people to work together is you don't have to be in the same studio and in the same room anymore. I can literally send files to Kerry and hear what he's doing in real time. The song 'One Day Down By the Lake,' I was going to take it off the record, because I thought it was a little too 'Kansas-y,' if you will. So I kind of put the song on hold for a while, and when Kerry agreed to play on it and when I heard what he did on it, I went, 'Wait a minute, now it makes sense.' So I decided to put it on the record. I probably get more email about that song then any other song on the record."

As evidenced by such standout tracks as "Questions (It's About Time)," "The Western World," and the aforementioned "One Day Down By the Lake (See You Real Soon)," fans of finely crafted melodic rock are surely in for a treat. And Elefante is quick to point out that 'Revolution of Mind' is a different kind of record than previous Mastedon efforts. "Sonically, it's different. It's definitely a different record. Sonically I think it's more modern. We were quite limited in the old days, we didn't quite have the technology we have now. We had more capability to do more things. And the one thing that makes it different is the past Mastedon records were a little more like an Alan Parsons Project, where it was a studio thing and we'd have guest singers and guest musicians all over the place. This time, I sang everything - I wanted to sing everything. So that inherently makes it way, way different."

Elefante also sees a difference between his work with Mastedon compared to his earlier work with Kansas. "Mastedon is my show, so the sky's the limit - I can do whatever I want. I'm not confined to a brand that's already in place. Nowadays, things have definitely changed. Instead of going into a big-time Record Plant type studio, which we used to own, I'll go to a friend's house who is a killer drummer, and in his basement, he's got his drums mic'd up to the max, with a ProTools rig. It's so easy and fun - there isn't any down time in setting up mics to get drum sounds."

Elefante plans to support 'Revolution of Mind' with a set of live dates. "The touring plans are in the works. We're going to take it as it comes. We're working on getting some opening dates. I would like to secure an opening slot for a multi-band tour. I think that would be right up my alley. Even though I don't have the mega hits that Styx had, without tooting my horn, I think the people will be pleasantly surprised when they hear what I have to offer."

"I'm very proud to have John join our label, Big3," says the label's chairman, Bill Edwards. "John and I go way back, and I've been a huge fan of his for years. I strongly feel that 'Revolution of Mind' is a great showcase for his talents, and we're honored at Big3 to be working with John."

'Revolution of Mind' Track Listing:
1. Revolution Of Mind 2. Slay Your Demons 3. Nowhere Without Your Love 4. One Day Down By The Lake (See You Real Soon) 5. Water Into Wine (Fassa Rokka) 6. Questions (It’s About Time) 7. You Can’t Take Anything 8. Lying 9. The Western World 10. That’s What You Do

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:


Thin Lizzy guitar hero Gary Moore laid to rest as son plays Danny Boy

Gary Moore who recently died while on holiday in Spain, was laid to rest yesterday in a small village graveyard outside Brighton, Sussex, England.

The family of Gary Moore, who died in his sleep at the age of 58 from a heart attack while on holiday, made the decision to hold his funeral not in his birthplace of Belfast, but instead close to where he had lived and made his home over the last 15 years and also where his children live today.

The service took place at St Margaret's Church, Rottingdean, East Sussex.
Gary Moore is survived by four children — Saoirse, Lily, Jack and Gus.

Gary's daughter Lily spoke of her father as “a man with rather colourful shirts, who possessed a childlike quality and was an inspiration to many and the kind of person you could never forget”.

The musician's other daughter Saoirse chose a verse for the service called Guitar Poem.

I understand that Gary's son Jack, himself a guitarist, performed a moving version of 'Danny Boy' on guitar, which led to some mourners in the church weeping openly.

Apparently Scott Gorham, long time and current Thin Lizzy guitarist was not even made aware of the funeral.
He said this, “No one kept me informed of any arrangements regarding his funeral,” he said.

“I'll drive down to Brighton one day on my own and pay my respects,” Gorham added.
Story source: 


Black Country Communion offer 2 exclusive digital downloads

Black Country Communion have joined forces with “Planet Rock”, the UK’s leading classic rock radio station, to offer rock fans the opportunity to download two exclusive free “live” Black Country Communion tracks.

The tracks, “Black Country” and “One Last Soul,” were originally recorded live in front of a specially invited audience at John Henry’s, London on 20th September 2010. The live recordings have been exclusively mixed for Planet Rock by BCC’s producer, Kevin Shirley.

To be eligible to download the live tracks, rock fans are being asked to become VIP members of Planet Rock’s website by signing up to www.planetrock.com/vip once free membership has been activated, fans will have access to the free download, along with other VIP offers. Additionally, fans will also be able to order tickets for Black Country Communion's forthcoming UK summer concerts in July.

BCC, featuring Jason Bonham (drums), Joe Bonamassa (guitar, vocals), Derek Sherinian (keyboards) and Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals), play the following UK summer dates - Leeds O2 Academy (July 26), Newcastle O2 Academy (July 27), Glasgow O2 Academy (July 29) and Manchester Academy (July 30). Ticket Hotline: 0871 230 1101, http://www.seetickets.com/

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION OFFICIAL WEB LINKS:

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Rock News Update for Wednesday 23rd February, 2011

IT'S OFFICIAL!
DEF LEPPARD HEADLINE DOWNLOAD 2011
+ NEW BOOK
+ NEW LIVE ALBUM


Def Leppard Headline Download Festival 2011
Book: Def Leppard - The Definitive Visual History
Forthcoming live album also featuring new studio recordings


PRESS RELEASE - Def Leppard, Britain's greatest arena rock band, are set to headline Download Festival 2011 on Friday, June 10 at Donington Park (UK) to kick off their world tour. The band are also set to release a brand new live album, "MIRRORBALL", this summer featuring a mix of live Def Leppard classics, three brand new studio songs and a bonus DVD that contains energetic live performances and intimate backstage footage captured on the road. Also set for release this summer is Leppard's first coffee table book titled "DEF LEPPARD - THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL HISTORY", with exclusive photos by legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin.

Def Leppard remain one of the world's biggest and most successful live acts. The band last played the UK in 2009 - headlining Download festival that year after a hugely successful sold out UK Arena tour in 2008. 2011 will see Def Leppard headline Download Festival for the second time in three years!
For ticket information please refer to http://www.downloadfestival.com/

ABOUT DEF LEPPARD:
With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards (Def Leppard are one of only five rock bands to have two consecutive 10 million plus selling albums in the U.S. -- the others are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Van Halen) to their credit, Def Leppard -Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums)- continue to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide. Their epic live show and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry.
Official band website: http://www.defleppard.com/

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Tune in to Planet Rock tomorrow (February 23) at 8:45 AM (GMT) to hear an exclusive interview with Joe Elliott on the breakfast show!


Also ...
It's Official!!!
Journey Announce New Album "Eclipse"


Well, the news is out! "Eclipse", the new Journey studio album, will be released on May 24th!
In North America, the album is available only at Walmart.

Frontiers Records will release the album in the rest of the world on, or close to, May 24th.
The twelve tracks were written over the past eighteen months by the core team of guitarist Neal Schon and keyboard player Jonathan Cain with collaboration from singer Arnel Pineda.

Stay tuned for more on Eclipse, as well as North American tour information!

So, it's out as originally announced over at http://www.melodicrock.com/ - Well, let's face it, Andrew is very close friends with Neal Schon! - Journey will be giving us a new album in 2011.
The above note is just how it is posted at Journey website ... The reference to newest member Arnel Pineda, is a little ..., erm, 'minimal' wouldn't you agree?
He is given a reference as a collaborator to both Schon and Cain ... 
No mention of Ross Valory or Deen Castronova there, what does that mean .. They had no input?
Are they still in the band ....?

I would imagine so, since at Deen Castronova's website added this note:
'More 2011 tour dates have been posted for Deen and Journey. The tour will begin with some kick off dates in Las Vegas and Reno. Journey then heads off for stops in South America, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The European leg of the tour begins in June and winds up in early July playing at the Peace and Love Festival in Sweden. To view the full tour schedule, please visit the tour page. As more dates become available, we will post them! See you on the road in 2011!'


 
NOISECREEP.COM STREAMING NEW TRACK FROM KINGDOM COME
"RENDERED WATERS" IN STORES APRIL 5, 2011 ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER


Hard rock and heavy metal hub NOISECREEP.com is currently streaming one of the three brand new songs from KINGDOM COME's highly anticipated new release "Rendered Waters"
The album will be released in North America on April 5, 2011. Check out the track "Blue Trees" at http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/02/21/kingdom-come-blue-trees-song-premiere/

It is not the success of the early days which Lenny Wolf associates KINGDOM COME with, nor earlier hits from his long-standing career. What he really cares about is the present. Is this a contradiction in view of his new album Rendered Waters (out on April 5 in North America, March 25 in Germany and March 28 in Europe), which features eight old and three newly recorded songs? Certainly not, all eleven tracks were cut at Lenny's Two Square Noise Factory studio in Hamburg, Germany. In particular, the new recordings of old material show KINGDOM COME'S vision of living in the here and now. "I purposely chose tracks from the very early days to show how we play, hear and feel the songs nowadays," says Wolf. "Listening habits have changed dramatically, especially among the younger audience, which made it exciting for me to breathe new life into numbers which have not been heard for a while."

For example "Should I", this time is played more slowly lending it a heavier appeal. The drums are more open and the guitars, according to Lenny, feature a more tube-oriented sound and warmer, more driving tone: "Just to give it an overall 2011 vibe. Of course, you can only change songs to a certain extent if you don't want to lose the character and central theme of the original version." The same goes for "I've Been Trying", "Pushing Hard" and "Living Out Of Touch". None of them have been reinvented, but all three certainly have a noticeable new approach to them. On the other hand, Lenny changed the verse of "I've Been Trying" completely, giving it a different arrangement, just like he transported the song "Seventeen" into the year 2011. "Seventeen" has always been kind of a key song for KINGDOM COME, yet it has never received much attention since it has a very non-commercial approach and is either loved or hated, but with the new version it will hopefully get the recognition it deserves."
LINE-UP:
Lenny Wolf - vocals
Eric Förster - guitars
Nada Rahy - drums
Frank Binke - bass

Album tracklisting:
01. Can´t Deny (new recorded version)
02. The Wind (new recorded version)
03. Blue Trees (brand new song)
04. Should I (new recorded version)
05. I´ve Been Trying (new recorded version)
06. Pushing Hard (new recorded version)
07. Seventeen (new recorded version)
08. Is It Fair Enough (brand new song)
09. Living Out Of Touch (new recorded version)
10. Don`t Remember (brand new song)
11. Break Down The Wall (new recorded version)

For More Info Please Visit

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Brief Update for Tuesday 22nd February, 2011

Hey folks,
Well it's another lean one, with not too much to share at all ...
Sorry, but what can I tell you?
Here's what I do have!
Cheers,
Al

Quiet Riot tour Down Under April / May 2011 plus other dates announced


The reformed / revamped and new Quiet Riot featuring Frankie Banali (Drums), Chuck Wright (Bass), Alex Grossi (Guitar) and Mark Huff (Vocals) are due to pay a visit down under to play for Australian and New Zealand fans. 
Seven shows have been lined up with the revived band now featuring new vocalist Mark Huff who replaces, the late Kevin DuBrow (RIP), as frontman for the West Coast rockers.
They'll be playing the shows with fellow American rockers Warrant and LA Guns.

The dates down under are as follows:

April 2011
Apr 29 - The Palace Theatre, Melbourne, Australia
Apr 30 - ANU Bar, Canberra, Australia

May 2011May 02 - The Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand
May 05 - HQ Complex, Adelaide, Australia
May 06 - Metro City, Perth, Australia
May 07 - The Tivoli, Brisbane, Australia
May 08 - The Metro Theatre, Sydney, Australia
Other dates currently confirmed for Quiet Riot include two shows in March, ahead of the 'Down Under' dates, which will be with Dokken:

Mar 18 - The Venue, Fargo, ND
Mar 19 - Medina Entertertainment Center, Medina, MN
Then the band return to the US for further headlining dates May / June dates as follows:
May 2011May 14 - LAS VEGAS, NV - SUNSET STATION CASINO
May 20 - ST CHARLES, IL - THE ARCADA THEATER
May 21 - JANESVILLE, WI - THE BACK BAR
June 2011
June 16 - DES MOINES, IA - VAL AIR BALLROOM
June 17 - SIOUX CITY, IA - AWESOME BIKER NIGHTS

Official band website: www.officialquietriot.com/


Black Country Communion "2" is now done, European live dates coming too!

At least according to Glenn Hughes Twitter site it is as he's been adding little snippets of extra info almost everyday!
Are you ready for the new Black Country Communion? It's being released in June 2011!

Here's what he's said with his latest updates:
I'm a strong believer in fate..but i am also a workaholic..I'm foucused on one thing ~ BCC... when Joe and I started this Band, we gave 100%..

Just an hour Prior to that he said:
BCC fans..".2"is now Complete..! Its longer than "1"..mastering in NYC weds..release date: June 011..more info soon...here we go puppies*!

Before that yesterday:
Everyday is a gift...2day was another special one...BCC has given me new belief in Rock 'n Roll....GH

Are you getting excited yet folks?!

The band has also lined up a bunch of European summer live dates, comin' atcha here!
2011 - Black Country Communion Live dates

June 2011
23rd Azkena Rock Festival - Recinto Mendizabola, Spain
30th Killesberg - Stuttgart, Germany

July 2011
1st Jahrhunderthalle - Frankfurt, Germany
2nd Parkbühne - Leipzig, Germany
4th Zenith - Munich, Germany
5th Zitadelle - Berlin, Germany
6th Stadtpark - Hamburg, Germany
10th Bospop - Weert, Holland
12th KB-Hallen - Copenhagen, Denmark
14th Kunst-und Ausstellungshalle - Bonn, Germany
24th High Voltage Festival - London, UK
26th O2 Academy - Leeds, UK
27th O2 Academy - Newcastle, UK
29th O2 Academy - Glasgow (Scotland), UK
30th Academy - Manchester, UK


Official band website: www.bccommunion.com/



Other rock news briefs ...

Journey will apparently release their next album, to be titled 'Eclipse' through Frontiers records in Europe and Walmart in the US.
No further details at this time officially posted, but this information was posted at http://www.melodicrock.com/ on Monday.
Official band site, where you'll find a massive tour being added to on a weekly basis:

AC/DC are due to release yet another live CD and DVD according to Classic Rock Magazine in April of this year.
The show was recorded on their Black Ice tour, from back in 2009.


NFL FOOTBALL PLAYERS/HEADBANGERS, FREE REIGN, RETURN WITH HARD-HITTING NEW SINGLE, "ONE STEP AWAY" OUT TODAY
Comprised of two Dallas Cowboys (Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis) and a Miami Dolphin (Cory Procter), Free Reign is certainly a larger than life heavy metal crew. With the line-up rounded out by non-footballer and accomplished guitarist Justin Chapman, the quartet is readying the release of an all-new single, "One Step Away," which follows up on the promise of last year's five-song release, 'Tragedy.' The "One Step Away" single goes on sale via:

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-step-away-single/id418100414

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/One-Step-Away/dp/B004M7VMWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1298352270&sr=8-1

and all digital sales providers today Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011.


Explains Colombo, "'One Step Away' is a song about feeling close to success - whether it'd be a band that has worked so hard but could not quite reach their dream, or a team/player that's accomplished so much but a championship just seems to allude them. What keeps people coming back is the idea that maybe this time nothing will stand in your way of achieving your ultimate goal."

"One Step Away" will be released by the band via their own label, DC Rightside Music, and a new, full-length studio album titled 'Heavier Than Metal'. will follow-up the single on April 19th, 2011. Recently, Free Reign won Revolver Magazine's Golden Gods Award, for "Most Metal Athletes."
In the group, right tackle Colombo handles vocals, right guard Davis handles bass, and center/guard Procter mans the drums. Immediately upon hitting the metal scene, Free Reign was heralded by some of hard rock/heavy metal's most recognizable names, including Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde "FREE REIGN kicks ass! These guys will pound you into submission, check them out now!", and Twisted Sister's Eddie Ojeda "These guys are Twisted Cowboys, I love it...horns up!!". And with the impending arrival of "One Step Away," Free Reign are quickly becoming a true hard rocking powerhouse.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Reign/125593670843995?v=info
http://freereignmusic.com/