Friday, March 11, 2011

Brief Rock News Update for Friday 14th January, 2011

It’s BLACK ‘N' BLUE time ! "Hell Yeah!" finally scheduled for release on Frontiers Records


Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the new album from Portland-based Rockers BLACK ‘N' BLUE on May 13th in Europe and May 17th in North America.
“Hell Yeah!” is a proud comeback statement for a band that wrote the pages of hard rock history in the 80’s. Black ‘N' Blue released four successful and critically-acclaimed albums through Geffen Records: their self-titled debut (1984), “Without Love” (1985), “Nasty Nasty” (1986), and “In Heat” (1987), with the latter two albums produced by the legendary Gene Simmons of KISS. Catalogue sales in the US were in excess of one million units and the band’s original guitar player Tommy Thayer went on to replace Ace Frehley in the current KISS lineup.

Black 'N' Blue reunited for the first time in 2003 under the initiative of singer Jaime St. James, when he began writing tracks for a new album along with original member, Jef "Woop" Warner. The process came to a halt when St. James joined Warrant as their new lead vocalist in February of 2004.
In recent years, Jaime has been releasing records and touring the world with Warrant.

In late 2008, plans to get back into the studio and finish the “Hell Yeah!” album were underway, as well as festival appearances and other touring. “The band’s line-up is all original except Shawn Sonnenschein”, tells Jaime St. James “but he has been in the band now for about 8 years. Still the new guy... Jeez!”. Black ‘N' Blue recently joined the ever-expanding roster of Frontiers Records.

“Hell Yeah!” goes back to the roots of the “classic” Black ‘N' Blue sound, mixing tight and hard rocking songs with a sleazy attitude. “This new album is a real thrill for us and all of the BNB fans” says St. James. “Our last studio recording was in 1988 so it's a big deal. This is a classic BNB-sounding CD and could be described as a cross between all our previous records. It is heavy for the most part, but I like to think it reminds me of our first album. That's why we brought back the original logo. We just modernized it”.

Black ‘N' Blue will make a special live appearance at the M3 Rock Festival at the Merryweather Post Pavilion in Columbus MD on May 14th. More shows and festivals to be announced.

The new album “Hell Yeah!” will include the following tracks: Monkey; Target; Hail Hail; Fool's Bleed; C'mon; Jaime's Got The Beer; Angry Drunk Son Of A Bitch; So Long; Trippin'; Falling Down; Candy; Hell Yeah!; World Goes Round.


BLACK ‘N' BLUE
Jaime St. James - vocals
Jef “Woop” Warner - guitar
Patrick Young - bass
Pete Holmes - drums
Shawn Sonnenschein - guitars
Produced by Jef “Woop” Warner

Weblinks:


Ronnie James Dio 'Stand up and Shout' Cancer Fund Update

An update from Wendy Dio on the Ronnie James Dio, 'Stand up and Shout Cancer, through the Dio website. 

A lot of Dio fans have been interested and asking about the Ronnie James Dio 'Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund,' so I thought I would try to get you up to date on some of the things that we have been doing. First of all, the SUAS Cancer Fund and the Niji Entertainment Group are two separate organizations and have nothing to do with each other!

Niji is the Record label and The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund is a non profit Cancer Fund run by 15 volunteers. To date the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund has raised over $450,000 from donations from fans just like you and from some of the biggest bands in the world!

We just donated $100,000 to the T.J, Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia research and have pledged $100,000 for the next 3 years!!!! We have also donated $117,000 to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Facility for Gastric Cancer, this is where Ronnie received most of his Chemo research. We have pledged $117,000 for the next 3 years.

We donated $10,000 to the Phil Kennemore (Y&T) Foundation and unfortunately he passed away on January 7th from Lung Cancer.

We are planning 3 major events to help raise even more money for Cancer Research and awareness in Ronnie's memory. We are planning a major guitar and bass auction that will take place at Christie's later this year! So far we have autographed guitars from Slash, Metallica, No Doubt, Lit, Slayer, Tom Morello, Aerosmith, As I Lay Dying, Gwar, Tony Iommi, Geddy Lee, Billy Sheehan, Paul Gilbert and many, many, many more top bands!

Next year we are doing 3 charity concerts in Los Angeles, New York and London and last but not least, we will be doing an Official Ronnie James Dio Tribute CD with the biggest names in music singing their favorite RJD songs!

If you would like to make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, please go to http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/ and in the lower left corner of the main page is a donate button.
We know times are tough, even if you can give $1.00, every penny helps to save lives! Men!!!!! If you are over 50 years old, please go get a complete Cancer Check-Up. If not for you, do it for you wife, your children, you family!
Official site: http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/


PAUL RODGERS 2011 SUMMER US DATES ANNOUNCED

I can't tell you anything about any new material from Paul Rodgers, but if you are a fan, the man has announced some initial North American tour dates, that will follow his UK tour in April.

PAUL RODGERS 2011 LIVE DATES

April 2011Saturday, April 2, 2011 Eastside Cannery, Las Vegas, NV

Paul Rodgers 2011 UK tour

April 2011
Fri 04/15/11 Blackpool, United Kingdom Opera House
Sat 04/16/11 Sheffield, United Kingdom Sheffield City Hall
Mon 04/18/11 Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Metro Radio Arena
Tue 04/19/11 Glasgow, United Kingdom Clyde Auditorium
Thu 04/21/11 Manchester, United Kingdom O2 Apollo Manchester
Fri 04/22/11 Nottingham, United Kingdom Royal Centre
Sun 04/24/11 Bournemouth, United Kingdom Bournemouth International Centre
Mon 04/25/11 Southend-On-Sea, United Kingdom Cliffs Pavilion
Wed 04/27/11 London, United Kingdom Royal Albert Hall
Thu 04/28/11 Birmingham, United Kingdom The NIA

North American 2011 Tour Dates
July 2011
Saturday July 2, 2011 Atlantic City Hilton, Atlantic City, NJ
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 Milwaukee Summerfest Miller Lite Stage, Milwaukee, WI
Sunday, July 10, 2011 Snowqualmie Casino Mountain View Plaza, Snowqualmie, WA
Friday, July 15, 2011 Moondance Jam, Walker, MN
Saturday, July 16, 2011 Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Island Events Center, Red Wing, MN (St.Paul)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 Orange County Fair, Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa, CA

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


Former Strangler "Hugh Cornwell" to release Ltd Edition album on UK tour

To coincide with Hugh Cornwell’s upcoming nationwide Spring 2011 UK Tour, the former Stranglers front man and singer/songwriter, has announced an “exclusive” limited edition 10-track album entitled “You’re Covered!” The album is strictly limited to 250 copies and will be available to VIP ticket holders only!

All VIP tickets are available from www.seetickets.com, or fans can hit the Red Button on Cornwell’s official website http://www.hughcornwell.com/ where they can also hear two exclusive streamed audio tracks from the limited edition CD.

"Over the years I've heard certain songs which have stayed with me and will suddenly pop up into my head for no apparent reason,” says Hugh about ‘You’re Covered!’.
“They range from 'things' that I heard as a kid, to 'calling your name', which I only heard a few years ago for the very first time. This selection is by no means comprehensive, but is a cross-section of influences."

“You’re Covered!” - Album Track Listing:

1) “Things” (Bobby Darin)
2) “She Smiled Sweetly” (Jagger/Richards)
3) “Message To Pretty” (Arthur Lee)
4) “His Latest Flame” (Doc Pumus/Mort Shuman)
5) “The Shrine on the Second Floor” (Heneker/Moore/Norman/Mankowitz/Robbins)
6) “Just A Little Too Much” (Johnny Burnette)
7) “Take A Message To Mary” (Felice and Boudleaux Bryant)
8) “Hear Me Calling Your Name” (Jack Bruce)
9) “Full Moon and Empty Arms” (Mossman/Kaye/Rachmaninoff)
10) “The Way Young Lovers Do” (Van Morrison)

Cornwell’s nationwide UK tour kicks starts Wednesday April 6th. Dates include Portsmouth South Parade Pier (April 6), Gateshead Sage (April 7), Manchester Academy (April 8), Glasgow 02 ABC (April 9), Sheffield 02 Academy (April 10), Clitheroe Grand (April 12), Leamington Spa Assembly (April 13), Bath Komedia (April 14), Wolves Slade Rooms (April 15), London Islington O2 Academy, and Brighton Komedia (April 17). 24 Hour Box Office: 0871 230 1101. Book Online - http://www.thegigcartel.com/, http://www.seetickets.com/, http://www.hughcornwell.com/.

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

News Update for Thursday 10th March, 2011

Foreigner's to release 3 disc special set prior to tour with Journey

Foreigner will release a new 3-disc package prior to the tour that will include new digital studio recordings of the greatest hits, featuring the current line-up of the band – Mick Jones, lead guitar, Kelly Hansen, lead vocals, percussion, Jeff Pilson, bass guitar, Tom Gimbel, guitar, saxophone, flute, Michael Bluestein, keyboards and Mark Schulman, drums – some new songs, a unique live CD and a video of a very special live performance that will be featured in a Public Television national broadcast in the summer.
More details of these exciting events will follow.

No further details on those new songs at this time, but I'm guessing the the live stuff will be from the PBS shows the band are doing that I posted here yesterday, should be good though, I thought the band were strong last summer and I'm sure this tour will just extend that to more of Foreigner long time fans, that have questioned Lou Gramm being replaced. Kelly Hansen nails Lou's voice very well if you ask me.

Foreigner’s Mick Jones added this simple statement to sum it up, “This will be one of the main events of the summer.  Bands who represent the magic era in Classic Rock together for the first time in ten years.  Get ready to rock!”

Foreigner are already out on the road, before they hook up with Journey and Night Ranger in the summer, check out their live dates right here:



MOLLY HATCHET TO RELEASE GREATEST HITS II MAY 17TH ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER
BAND TOURING NORTH AMERICA ALL YEAR


The unusual band name refers to an apparently particularly love-hungry lady named MOLLY HATCHET, who lived in the 17th century and had her lovers decapitated after enjoying their favours. In 1978, the band signed their first recording deal and sold almost a million copies of their self-titled debut release. MOLLY HATCHET went on tour with Aerosmith and Bob Seger that same year, and their second album release Flirtin' With Disaster (1979) followed twelve months later. Their third album Beatin' The Odds (1981) was a commercial success, selling over two million copies and entering the Billboard charts at no. 25. The group's unmistakable trade mark is the warrior who appears on their album sleeves and was designed by the American fantasy artist, Frank Frazetta.

Their fourth offering, Take No Prisoners (1981), made it directly into the Billboard charts. Two years later, MOLLY HATCHET presented their exceptional No Guts ... No Glory (including the anthem 'Fall Of The Peacemakers'). Their 1984 The Deed Is Done was the first release to meet with mixed reactions. While some attested the album with HATCHET'S typical blues rock and boogie feel, others criticized its all-too-polished sound. However, MOLLY HATCHET managed to reunite their fan base again with their live release Double Trouble Live (1985), recorded in Dallas and Jacksonville.

Their eighth album, Lightning Strikes Twice, saw the light of day four years later, followed by an almost seven year sabbatical, which came to an end with Devil's Canyon in 1996. "After all those years, it was still a great feeling to pick up a guitar, connect it to an amp and start playing", Ingram rejoiced at the successful comeback. "Devil's Canyon put us back on the rock music map." Two years and countless gigs later, MOLLY HATCHET presented their eleventh album Silent Reign of Heroes, followed by an 18-month world tour and the dynamic Kingdom Of XII. "Silent Reign of Heroes was not really a sinister album, but it did deal with the dark side of the band. Kingdom Of XII was pure fun. It's an album for beer drinkers, for people who enjoy hoisting the rebel flag again,"
Ingram compares the two studio recordings.

A few weeks after the release, MOLLY HATCHET were back on stage in Germany to complete the recordings for their live release, Locked And Loaded in 2003. Their 2005 album, Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge, was released in memory of Bobby Ingram's late wife Stephanie, and today, five years later, Justice presents MOLLY HATCHET as a band which fills the spirit of the Southern community with life. Now Greatest Hits II marks the 35th anniversary of this legendary rock band the south has risen again!

Tracklisting:
CD 1
01. Son Of The South 04:44
02. Heart Of The USA 04:00
03. Fall Of The Peacemakers 06:55
04. Safe In My Skin 04:33
05. Rainbow Bridge 06:18
06. Mississipi Moon Dog 03:47
07. Devil`s Canyon 06:18
08. American Pride 04:02
09. Tatanka 05:01
10. Down From The Mountain 04:38
11. Edge Of Sundown 07:10
12. Dreams I´ll Never See 07:25
13. The Journey 07:20

CD 2
01. Bounty Hunter (live) 03:31
02. Gator County (live) 07:08
03. Whiskey Man (live) 03:45
04. Beatin`The Odds (live) 03:35
05. The Creeper (live) 04:55
06. Flirtin`With Disaster (live) 06:22
07. Sacred Ground (07:07) - Previously unreleased

SPV - Molly Hatchet back-catalog:
1996 Devil`s Canyon
1998 Silent Reign Of Heroes
2000 Kingdom Of XII
2003 Locked And Loaded (double live CD)
2003 25th Anniversary - Best of Re-Recorded
2005 Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge
2005 Live In Hamburg (DVD+CD)
2010 Justice
2011 Greatest Hits II

Current Line-Up:
Phil McCormack - vocals
Bobby Ingram - guitars
Dave Hlubek - guitars
Tim Lindsey - bass
John Galvin - keyboards
Shawn Beamer - drums

Molly Hatchet Live:

March 2011
3/10 - REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA @ BRIXTON REDONDO
3/11 - AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA @ THE CANYON
3/12 - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA @ RAMONA MAIN STAGE
3/13 - SAN LUIS OBISTO, CALIFORNIA @ SLO BREWING COMPANY
3/15 - EXETER, CALIFORNIA @ ORANGE BLOSSOM JUNCTION
3/25 - GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA @ BLIND TIGER
3/26 - JIM THORPE, PENNSYLVANIA @ PENN'S PEAK
3/27 - CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA @ SPRING FEST 2011

April 2011
4/30 - ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA @ SUNSHINE BIKE RUN AND SOMER CONCERT

May 2011
5/27 - MONTEAGLE, TENNESSEE @ BIKER FEST 2011
5/28 - EDEN, NORTH CAROLINA @ 2 RIVERS SPRING BIKE RALLY
5/30 - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI @ SOLDIERS MEMORIAL PARK RIB AMERICA FESTIVAL

June 2011
6/4 - MEARS, MICHIGAN @ VAL DU LAKES

July 2011
7/15 - DETROIT, MICHIGAN @ WOUNDED WARRIORS BIKE RALLY
7/16 - OGEMAW, MICHIGAN @ BIKE WEEK FESTIVAL
7/23 - BIRKENFELD, OREGON @ NORTHWEST'S PREMIERE BIKER RALLY
7/30 - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI @ WOUNDED WARRIORS BIKE RALLY

September2011
9/16 - NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS @ OTT RALLY COUNTY EXPO FAIRGROUNDS
9/17 - PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA @ RIB AMERICA FESTIVAL

December 2011
12/1 - ROCK LEGENDS CRUSIE 2011*
12/2 - ROCK LEGENDS CRUSIE 2011*
12/3 - ROCK LEGENDS CRUSIE 2011*
12/4 - ROCK LEGENDS CRUSIE 2011*
12/5 - ROCK LEGENDS CRUSIE 2011*
*with ZZ Top and George Thorogood and the Destroyers
Official band site: http://www.mollyhatchet.com/



WHITESNAKE’S FORTHCOMING ALBUM “FOREVERMORE” DUE OUT IN MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS MARCH 25th; MORE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

FIRST SINGLE “LOVE WILL SET YOU FREE” HEATS UP AT RADIO; TRACK/VIDEO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW

Whitesnake’s brand new album FOREVERMORE, due out via Frontiers Records on March 25th in Europe and March 29th in North America, is set for release in four different configurations. FOREVERMORE will be available as:

- a single CD
- a CD+DVD combo: the DVD features the “Love Will Set You Free” video, the making of “Love Will Set You Free” video, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary on the recording of FOREVERMORE; the CD includes three bonus tracks: “Love Will Set You Free” (alt mix), “My Evil Ways” (alt mix with drum solo) and “Forevermore” (acoustic version)
- a 2LP gatefold sleeve
- a special edition box set which includes the CD, DVD, 2LP, as well as a cover litho, a poster and a logo sticker.

The digital album is available for pre-order now via http://www.whitesnake.com/ and includes an instant track download of “Love Will Set You Free.” Pre-order of the album is also available at all digital stores now, with Amazon digital stores offering “My Evil Ways” (alt Mix with Drum Solo) as a bonus track; while the iTunes LP edition features the “Love Will Set You Free” (alt mix) and “Forevermore” (acoustic version) as bonus tracks.


FOREVERMORE will be will be specially released on a “Snake Pack” edition in the United Kingdom only. This very special release – arranged in conjunction with Future Publishing and Classic Rock magazine - will come with a collectors edition 132 pages deluxe magazine + A1 poster & metal pin badge and shall feature an exclusive cover art and 2 bonus live tracks “Slide It In” and “Cheap An’ Nasty” which will serve as an appetizer for the forthcoming “Live @ Donington 1990” CD and DVD to be released in the summer 2011.

The first single from FOREVERMORE, “Love Will Set You Free,” has been heating up at radio with serious spins at stations such as Planet Rock, Star FM, ARFM and Total Rock in the UK, Rock ‘n Roll Radio (Italy), Radio Die Neue 107,7 (Germany), Radio 88,6 Vienna (Austria), Radio DRS3 (Switzerland), RNE/Radio 3 (Spain) and more.

David Coverdale will be on the cover of April editions of several magazines in Europe and Japan and This Is Rock (Spain) has already hit the newsstands.

The corresponding video, which can be seen on VEVO, has received upwards of 230,000 views in its first two weeks. Directed by Devin DeHaven/Fortress Entertainment (Papa Roach, Method Man, Extreme), the video was shot in Lake Tahoe, NV. “Love Will Set You Free” is now available for purchase at all digital service providers – click here to purchase the single on and click here to purchase the video on iTunes.

In other Whitesnake news, more US and European tour dates have been announced including headlining the M3 Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD on Saturday, May 14th, an appearance at the Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, OK on Friday, May 27th, and an appearance at the Kazlicesme Festival in Istanbul, Turkey on July 11, together with Bon Jovi and Judas Priest.
Please see below for the itinerary with more tour dates to be announced shortly.

FOREVERMORE finds founder/singer/songwriter David Coverdale and company returning to their no-holds-barred, bluesiest, sexiest rock n’ roll roots. This will be Whitesnake’s 11th album and the first release via Frontiers Records. FOREVERMORE was recorded, produced and mixed by Los Bros Brutalos (Coverdale, Doug Aldrich and Michael McIntyre). Whitesnake is David Coverdale (vocals), Doug Aldrich (guitars), Reb Beach (guitars), Michael Devin (bass) and Briian Tichy (drums).

Formed in 1977, and steered by the legendary David Coverdale, Whitesnake carry a rightful reputation as one of the world’s leading rock n’ roll bands. Coverdale’s blues roots, combined with a feral sense of rockin’ and rollin’, have consistently shaped the ‘Snake’s sound along with Coverdale’s love and appreciation of impeccable musicianship. Whitesnake’s ascent to the very top of the rock n’ roll heap was confirmed with 1987’s self-titled mega-platinum album, which saw two massive Top 10 hits, two #1 singles with “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love” and a virtual 24-hour domination of MTV around the world.

Whitesnake on tour:

May 2011
12 May 2011 Hartfort, CT, USA @ Webster Theatre
14 May 2011 Columbia, MD, USA @ M3 Festival - Merriweather
20 May 2011 Biloxi, MS, USA @ Hard Rock Biloxi
22 May 2011 Richardson, TX, USA @ Wildflower Arts and Music
27 May 2011 Pryor, OK, USA @ Rocklahoma

June 2011
02 June 2011 Moscow, Russia @ Megasport Arena
04 June 2011 St. Petersburg, Russia @ Icearena
06 June 2011 Helsinki, Finland @ Icehall
08 June 2011 Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
10 June 2011 Solvesborg, Sweden @ Rock Festival
13 June 2011 Newcastle, UK @ City Hall
14 June 2011 Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy
16 June 2011 Wolverhampton, UK @ Civic
17 June 2011 Manchester, UK @ Apollo
19 June 2011 Bournemouth, UK @ BIC
20 June 2011 London, UK @ Hammersmith Apollo
22 June 2011 Milano, Italy @ Gods of Metal
23 June 2011 Basel - St. Jakob, Switzerland @ Sonisphere Festival
25 June 2011 Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop
27 June 2011 Munich, Germany @ Zenith
28 June 2011 Prague, Czech Rep. @ Saska Arena
29 June 2011 Vienna, Austria @ Stadthalle

July 2011
01 July 2011 Belgrade, Serbia @ Arena
03 July 2011 Bucharest, Romania @ Romexpo
05 July 2011 Athens, Greece @ Water Park Faliro
06 July 2011 Thessaloniki, Greece @ Kautatzogleio Stadium
08 July 2011 Sofia, Bulgaria @ Akademik Stadium
10 July 2011 Istanbul, Turkey @ Kazlicesme Festival Site
13 July 2011 Budapest, Hungaru # Millenaris Theater
15 July 2011 Singen, Germany @ Hohentwiel Festival
16 July 2011 Kerkrade, Netherlands @ Rodahal

For more information please visit:



Saga and Marillion on tour in Europe

These dates just posted over at the Saga website, it seems Saga and Marillion are hitting the road together!
As you can see, they are taking it in turns to share headline duties each night.

SAGA and MARILLION Live!

November 2011
11.11.2011 Munich, Circus Krone - Headliner Saga
12.11.2011 Würzburg, Post Hall - Headliner Marillion
14.11.2011 Münster, Jovel Music Hall - Headliner Saga
15.11.2011 Offenbach, Stadthalle - Headliner Marillion
16.11.2011 Mannheim, Mozart Hall - Headliner Saga
18.11.2011 Stuttgart, Hegel Hall - Headliner Marillion
19.11.2011 Idar-Oberstein, Exhibition Hall - Headliner Saga
20.11.2011 Cologne, E-Werk - Headliner Marillion
22.11.2011 Berlin, Tempodrom - Headliner Saga
24.11.2011 Hamburg, Docks - Headliner Marillion
25.11.2011 Mülheim, RWE Arena - Headliner Saga
26.11.2011 Pratteln (Switzerland), Z7, Headliner Marillion







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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Brief News Update for Wednesday March 9th, 2011

Christian Cullen Departs Night Ranger After Four Years as Keyboardist; Famed Performer Eric Levy to Replace.

Well, just as soon as Night Ranger line up possibly their biggest tour in sometime, alongside fellow melodic rockers Journey and Foreigner comes this line up change announcement.
This posted on Tuesday at http://www.nightranger.com/

After taking the stage countless times alongside Night Ranger's Jack Blades (bass guitar, lead & backing vocals, acoustic guitar, rhythm guitar), Kelly Keagy (drums, percussion, backing & lead vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals), and Joel Hoekstra (lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals), Christian Matthew Cullen (keyboards, backing vocals) has made the announcement that he will be leaving the band.
Not to fear, the band has invited the very talented Eric Levy to join on keys.

Cullen had this to share, "Having been a part of Night Ranger (NR) over the last four years has been an amazing experience, and while I'm looking forward to new opportunities, I will always remain grateful for all of the friendships I've gained; all of the rockin' shows with the guys; and most of all, the fans! Night Ranger fans are the greatest, most loyal fans on the planet, and that is truly what it's all about. I will be succeeded by Eric Levy who is a fantastic musician. I know the fans will enjoy him rocking with NR. Peace and love to you all!"

Levy adds, "These guys (Night Ranger) are all so talented, and I'm honored and thrilled to be playing with the band."

Levy was born and raised in suburban Chicago. Piano lessons began at an early age, gigging most weekends with musicians over twice his age. He went on to study music at Northern Illinois University, under the tutelage of Willie Pickens and Fareed Haque. Levy has performed onstage with such artists/bands as The Brides of Funkenstein, Quincy Jones, Zakir Hussein, Kid Beyond, Jerry Goodman, Tom Scott and has been a member of the funk jam group, Garaj Mahal since 2000.

Jack, Brad and Kelly added, "We wish Christian all the best with his future endeavors and can't wait to rock the globe with Eric Levy!"
 
Night Ranger have also put together their own announcement on the forthcoming summer tour with Journey and Foreigner:


Thin Lizzy Announce Rescheduled Ipswich Regent Theatre show in the UK

Thin Lizzy have rescheduled the UK date at Ipswich Regent Theatre to Wednesday June 1st 2011.
The show, originally scheduled to take place January 19th was postponed due to structural problems at the venue. All original tickets are valid for new date and tickets are available via usual agents and outlets.
Special Guests to be announced soon.


Foreigner to Perform "Public Television Rocks!"


Foreigner will be filming the first episode of the new Public Television series "Public Television Rocks!" at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL.
The filming will span two performances on the nights of March 26th and 27th, 2011. http://www.foreigneronline.com/  is happy to announce that we are offering 50 pairs of complimentary tickets to Members! Submissions to enter the random drawing will begin March 10, 2011 at 12pm ET.

Foreigner will also be heading to New York, NY on March 30th and 31st for two special shows at the P.C. Richard & Son Theater.
Complimentary tickets will be available for New York as well! Stay tuned for more details as they come in!

Arcada Theatre
St. Charles, IL
Dates: March 26th and 27th
Doors: March 26th 7:00 / Showtime 8:00
Doors: March 27th 6:00 / Showtime 7:00



PETER FRAMPTON TO LAUNCH 'FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE!' 35TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR THIS JUNE!!

MASSIVE TOUR WILL FEATURE COMPLETE PERFORMANCES OF FRAMPTON’S ICONIC MULTI-PLATINUM-SELLING ALBUM!!

Following his critically acclaimed new album 'Thank You Mr Churchill', Grammy®-winning guitarist and songwriter Peter Frampton will embark on a world tour this June celebrating his multi-platinum-selling live album 'Frampton Comes Alive!', performing the legendary album in its entirety across the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
A schedule of confirmed dates will be available shortly.

The three-hour show will feature a complete performance of 'Frampton Comes Alive!' along with highlights from Frampton’s catalog, including his Grammy® Award-winning instrumental album, 2006’s 'Fingerprints'. To commemorate the anniversary of the landmark album, Universal Music Enterprises will be making a limited edition offer exclusively through http://www.peterframpton.com/ 
The offer will feature a unique autographed scrapbook containing rare photos and personal reflections from Peter. The scrapbook will be accompanied by 'Frampton Comes Alive' Deluxe Edition, 'Frampton Comes Alive II' Special Edition and other memorabilia.

Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. At 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British teen band the Herd. At 18, he co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. His fifth solo album, the electrifying Frampton Comes Alive!, is one of the top-selling live records of all time.
For all Peter Frampton live dates: http://frampton.com/live/
Official website: http://frampton.com/


Legendary Japanese hard rockers Loudness to play US tour

Japanese rockers Loudness, who over the years have released over twenty albums since 1981, are due to play a fairly low key club tour throughout May.
Sadly for many fans of the band, most of their albums released since the late 80's, have only been available as imports, outside of Japan.
Their last album, 'King of Pain' was released last year.

According to Pollstar, these are the band's current US live dates:

May 2011
Sat 05/07/11 Portland, OR Dante's
Sun 05/08/11 Seattle, WA Studio Seven
Tue 05/10/11 Santa Clara, CA Avalon Night Club
Wed 05/11/11 West Hollywood, CA Key Club
Thu 05/12/11 Tempe, AZ Club Red
Fri 05/13/11 Santa Ana, CA Galaxy Concert Theatre
Sat 05/14/11 San Diego, CA 4th And B
Sun 05/15/11 Las Vegas, NV Cheyenne Saloon
Tue 05/17/11 Denver, CO Summit Music Hall
Fri 05/20/11 Westland, MI The Token Lounge
Sat 05/21/11 Chicago, IL Reggies Rock Club
Sun 05/22/11 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Mon 05/23/11 Nashville, TN Cannery Ballroom
Fri 05/27/11 Dallas, TX Trees

If you don't read Japanese, then the band's MySpace page is probably the best place to keep track of live dates:


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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Journey Album and Tour 2011 - Special Update March 8th, 2011


NEW ALBUM & TOUR COMING SUMMER 2011
* * * * *
ECLIPSE SET FOR RELEASE MAY 24 IN THE U.S. AND CANADA
* * * *
JOURNEY AND SPECIAL GUEST FOREIGNER LAUNCH
THE "ECLIPSE TOUR" JULY 21 IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
* * *
Tickets on sale beginning March 11

JOURNEY, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, is gearing up to unleash their latest album of brand new material, Eclipse. The album will be released in the U.S. and Canada on May 24 exclusively at Walmart and beginning June 3 in Europe on Frontiers Records. To follow the release of Eclipse, Journey will launch the “Eclipse Tour” with Foreigner, and special guest Night Ranger, beginning July 21 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT. Fans can expect to hear new songs from Eclipse as well as classics such as Don’t Stop Believin’, Any Way You Want It, Faithfully, Lights, Separate Ways, Wheel In The Sky, and many more. The “Eclipse Tour” dates are listed below.

“I’m in love with this record, which I haven’t said about one of our albums for a long time,” says founding member and lead guitarist, Neal Schon. “It’s a rock record and it sounds amazing.” Commenting on the upcoming tour, Schon continued, “We’ve got a lot of hits to play and there’s plenty of time to do some new stuff too, so we’re gonna mix it up. We haven’t toured with Foreigner for over 10 years, so we’re really looking forward to this run.”

Tickets for “The Eclipse Tour” go on sale beginning Friday March 11, at all the usual online, phone and physical retail outlets, including select Walmart Ticketmaster locations across the country. Check http://www.journeymusic.com/ for complete ticket onsale information.

Journey has once again teamed up with http://www.iloveallaccess.com/ to offer their fans a variety of VIP ticket packages. For more details go to http://www.journeymusic.com/

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, keyboardist Jonathan Cain recently described Eclipse as "a concept record with some spiritual themes to it…pretty tough, hard-hitting stuff.” Jonathan continued, "We just felt like it was time to send a message to the world about how we feel about life in general.”

Journey toured the world for two years in support of their 2008 release, Revelation. More than a million fans attended the shows, and welcomed new lead singer Arnel Pineda. Completing the Journey lineup is Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals) and Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion, backing vocals). Revelation marked the band’s biggest first week's sales in more than a decade, debuting at #5 on the Billboard 200 in June 2008 and taking the top spot on the Independent Albums chart. Revelation earned the band their 11th Platinum album certification to date, leading The New York Times to declare that "the band…feels alive."

Since its formation in 1973, Journey has earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 gold and platinum albums. The band’s Greatest Hits album is certified 15 times platinum, bringing Journey into the elite club of Diamond-certified album holders. The group also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

For more information, visit http://www.journeymusic.com/

Initial 2011 Eclipse Tour dates:


July 2011
Thurs. July 21 - Salt Lake City, UT - Rio Tinto Stadium
Sat. July 23 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sun. July 24 - Phoenix, AZ - Desert Sky Pavilion
Wed. July 27 - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sat. July 30 - Tinley Park, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun. July 31 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

August 2011
Tues. August 02 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center
Wed. August 03 Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
Fri. August 05 - Columbus, OH - Crew Stadium, Ohio State Fair
Sat. August 06 - Noblesville, IN - Verizon Wireless Music Center
Wed. August 10 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Sat. August 13 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
Tues. August 16 - Hartford, CT - Comcast Theatre
Wed. August 17 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Fri. August 19 - Virginia Beach, VA - Virginia Beach Amphitheater
Sat. August 20 - Raleigh, NC - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Sun. August 21 -Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
Wed. August 24 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat. August 27 - Burgettstown, PA - First Niagara Pavilion
Tues. August 30 - Syracuse, NY - New York State Fair
Wed. August 31 - Allentown, PA - The Great Allentown Fair

September 2011
Fri. September 02 -Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Sat. September 10 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
Fri. September 16 -Atlanta, GA - Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Sat. September 17 - Tampa, FL - 1-800 Ask-Gary Amphitheatre
Sun. September 18 -West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
Sat. September 24 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
Sun. September 25 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Wed. September 28 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre

October 2011
Sat. October 01 - Englewood, CO - Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
Fri. October 07 - Chula Vista, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
Fri. October 14 - Wheatland, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sat. October 15 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
Wed. October 19 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden Arena
Fri. October 21 - Seattle, WA - KeyArena

Official Band website: http://www.journeymusic.com/
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Brief News Update for Tuesday March 8th, 2011

Genesis drummer / singer Phil Collins calls time on his career

The frontman for Genesis and the more than proven solo artist, Phil Collins, is quitting the the music industry ... At least for now!
I know, it's like they all say it don't they? Is it just another ploy to get more cash from one more farewell tour? I don't think so ....
Yesterday Phil Collins issued this statement at his website, on his decision. Fair comment if you ask me:

BREAKING NEWS - A Message From Phil ...


Greetings to all, I've decided to write this in response to the articles that surfaced last weekend regarding my retirement. Why they were printed at all is a mystery, as I haven't spoken to anybody in the press for a few months.

However, many of the articles printed over the last few months have ended up painting a picture of me that is more than a little distorted. Therefore, I would like to add my comments and try to explain again my reasons for calling it a day.

1/ I'm not stopping because of dodgy reviews or bad treatment in the press.

2/ I'm not stopping because I don't feel loved, I know I still have a very large fanbase that loves what I do. Thank you.

3/ I'm not stopping because I don't fit in, this was proved with "Going Back" reaching No 1 in the UK, and doing incredibly well worldwide.

4/ I'm not stopping so I can dive full time into my interest for the Alamo.

I am stopping so I can be a full time father to my two young sons on a daily basis.

Some of the things mentioned above have been said by me in various interviews, but said as asides with a smile on my face and in passing. They were not meant to be "headlines", they were small parts of a conversation. This clearly doesn't come over in print and I should know better.

However, the result is that I have ended up sounding like a tormented weirdo who thinks he was at the Alamo in another life, who feels very sorry for himself, and is retiring hurt because of the bad press over the years.
None of this is true.

Thanks for all your messages on the Forum regarding this stuff, it means a lot that you care.
But there's no need for the straitjacket !

PC x

Give it a year or two and see if he's bored yet?!


Journey posts US tour announcement through MySpace
Special Guests Foreigner and Night Ranger

Strange as it may seem, this is not announced through the band's official website first, but yes, Journey's MySpace page, has announced details of a number of live US summer dates, with the band being joined by Foreigner and Night Ranger!
Wow! What a line up, that's all I can say!

Tour dates confirmed so far:
July 2011
July 15th - Oshkosh, Wisconsin, .
21st July - Salt Lake City, Utah,
23rd July - Irvine, California,
24th July - Phoenix, Arizona,
27th July - St. Louis, Maryland Hts, MO,
31st July - Clarkston, MI,

August 2011
2nd August - Cuyahoga Falls, OH,
3rd August - Cincinnati, OH,
5th August - Columbus, OH,
6th August - Indianapolis, Noblesville, IN,
17th August - Wantagh, NY,
19th August - Virginia Beach, Virginia,
20th August - Raleigh, NC
and
21st August - Charlotte, NC.

I'm sure further dates will be added as clearly there are big gaps here and there.
There's also this video as a pre-cursor for the tour:

 
Or you can just follow this link:
 
The bands new album 'Eclipse' is due to be released on May 24!
In North America, the album is available only at Walmart. 


NEW "HEAVY METAL BAY" WEBSITE -THE ONLINE MARKET PLACE DEDICATED TO THE METAL COMMUNITY IS NOW OPEN.

NEW "HEAVY METAL BAY" WEBSITE IS THE ONLINE MARKET PLACE DEDICATED TO THE METAL COMMUNITY WHERE YOU CAN SELL, BUY AND AUCTION ANYTHING TO DO THE WITH METAL MUSIC IS NOW OPEN. FOR THE NEXT MONTH, LISTING AN ITEM IS FREE!

Are there a few one-of-a-kind pieces of heavy metal pieces that are missing from your collection, and you just can’t get a decent night’s sleep until you can get your hands on them?

Is there an album you want to lay your hands on? Do you have a poster to sell? Anything, as long as its heavy metal!
Your wishes will now be granted metalheads, as http://www.heavymetalbay.com/ is open for business, and will satisfy all of your headbanging needs.

This website is a unique online market place for the heavy metal music loving community and features any product related in any way, shape, or form to heavy metal - new, used, historic, collectable, http://www.heavymetalbay.com/ is your “go-to” site! Music, videos, memorabilia, clothing, jewellery, posters, instruments, amps - all are featured.

And to celebrate the site's launch, ALL AUCTION LISTINGS FOR THE NEXT MONTH ARE FREE! Unlike other similarly-styled websites, you will not need a PayPal account to buy items on http://www.heavymetalbay.com/. In addition to locating fantastic finds, the site will feature a concert guide to find local gigs from new and established bands. Also, you will be able to promote your own band or your own show, large or small – fees are within the budget of ordinary mortals.

Heavy Metal Bay.com was founded by Denise Dale (a.k.a Denise Love) who is no stranger to metal music, she is known in the music industry as an international booking agent specializing in the heavy metal music genre. Her company, Metal Music Bookings (http://www.metalmusicbookings.com/), has booked such artists as Tarja, Michael Schenker, Cinderella, Blind Guardian and Yngwie Malmsteen to name just a few. Denise saw a need for a specialist website which brings together the metal music community. Heavy Metal Bay.com is no doubt the only trading auction site on the net that is dedicated to metal music fans, promoters, and bands worldwide.

The time is upon us metalheads, to start rummaging through your closet, basement, or garage for any metallic artifacts you’d like to turn into cash, and start putting together your wish lists. HeavyMetalBay.com is open for business!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:


MR. BIG at the HOLLYWOOD HOUSE OF BLUES
SATURDAY, APRIL 2ND

Their First US show by the original band in 15 years!
New Release "What If …" Out Now!

HOLLYWOOD, CA (March 7, 2011) - MR. BIG will once again unleash their brand of brutal fury to the masses in Hollywood, Saturday April 2nd at the House Of Blues with their very first US show in 15 years! "Man, it's been a long time,” states guitarist Paul Gilbert. "I can't wait to play in L.A... actually, I can't wait to play our first show in AMERICA in about 15 years. It's gonna be huge!"

"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”.

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…” is 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/
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