Rock News Update for Saturday 7th May, 2011

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION Release Free Download of Single “The Outsider”

Sophomore Album ‘2’ will be released in the UK on June 13th via Mascot Records and June 14th in the US via J&R Adventures

Los Angeles, CA – May 6, 2011: Today, the English-American rock supergroup Black Country Communion (BCC) launch the release of their first single “The Outsider,” available for free download at http://bit.ly/bccommunion 

BCC, featuring the talents of bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), will release their sophomore album “2” on June 14, 2011 on the J&R Adventures label. Pre-order is available now at http://www.bccommunion.com/

“On 2, you can hear the band own their music, own their sound, and it is an astonishing musical group unlike any other and they are absolutely the kings of their genre,” says producer Kevin Shirley. “I wanted to explore more of the Bonham sound and more importantly each member of the band gets a unique opportunity to shine, but it has the distinct sound that is BCC.”

Track Listing:

1. The Outsider

2. Man In The Middle

3. The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall

4. Save Me

5. Smokestack Woman

6. Faithless

7. An Ordinary Son

8. I Can See Your Spirit

9. Little Secret

10. Crossfire

11. Cold

On June 9, 2011, the band will kick-off a US Summer Tour in support of their new album. It will take them across the country with stops in San Diego, CA; Anaheim, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; St. Louis, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Hampton Beach, NH; Sayreville, NJ; and Washington, D.C. The band will then head across the Atlantic for multiple dates in Europe and the UK, where recently The Birmingham Mail called their live performance “rip-roaring” and “breath-taking.”

US Summer Tour Dates:

June 2011
- 06/09/11 San Diego, California at San Diego Civic Theatre

· 06/10/11 Anaheim, California at City National Grove of Anaheim

· 06/11/11 Salt Lake City, Utah at The Depot

· 06/13/11 St. Louis, Missouri at The Pageant

· 06/15/11 Indianapolis, Indiana at Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

· 06/17/11 Hampton, New Hampshire at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

· 06/18/11 Sayreville, New Jersey at Starland Ballroom

· 06/19/11 Washington D.C. at 9:30 Club

Black Country Communion’s self-titled debut album was released in September 2010. It was #53 on Billboard’s Top 200, #18 on the Rock Albums Chart and #6 on the Indie Chart. In the UK, it was #1 on the Official UK Top 40 Rock Album Chart and #2 in the Top 40 Indie Album Chart. It hit #3 in Classic Rock Magazine’s “Critics Album of the Year” poll, while Planet Rock radio listeners crowned them Best New Band of 2010.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bccommunion.com/

ROCK & ROLL PHOTOGRAPHER MARK “WEISSGUY” WEISS

JOINS FORCES WITH THE SHARON OSBOURNE COLON CANCER PROGRAM AND THE WOMEN AND CANCER FUND

In conjunction with the www.LETUSINcampaign.org

BIDDING ENDS SUNDAY MAY 8th!

World renowned photographer Mark Weiss has been shooting Ozzy Osbourne for 30 years. What began in 1981 as an assignment for Circus Magazine -- to shoot a small b&w as part of a Rock 'n Roll Yearbook theme -- ended with the infamous photo of Ozzy on the cover, resplendent in a pink tutu and cowboy boots. So began the decade’s long camaraderie between the two, resulting in the provocative, dramatic and amusing iconic images of a legend. “Ozzy took me under his wing and away I went.” Mark Weiss.

Twelve photographs were originally unveiled at the Andaz, a/k/a “The Riot House” in Hollywood after Ozzy’s historic performance at the Sunset Strip Music Festival in September 2009. In celebration of the release of “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne,” these one of a kind archival giclée prints on canvas, with original signatures by Ozzy and Mark, and dated by Ozzy on April 25, 2011, one day after they were displayed at the documentary’s premiere, will be auctioned off to benefit “The Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars Sinai” and “The Women and Cancer Fund.”

LET THE BIDDING BEGIN!
http://www.letusincampaign.org/

"God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" is a new documentary about Ozzy’s life and times debuting at the 10th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The Festival runs through May 1. The film is the first release from Jack Osbourne’s company, Jacko Productions. 

Mark was honored when Jack interviewed him for the documentary on his dad, and he is proud to be a part of the film. Watching all of the Osbourne kids grow up, whether photographing family Christmas cards, Kelly’s album cover, or the controversial shot of Ozzy dressed as a housewife in curlers ironing baby Aimee (the iron wasn’t plugged in), he has been there. It has been quite a ride with Ozzy and more than once throughout his successful career Mark has surely uttered the phrase “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne.”

"I’ve known Mark Weiss since he was a teenager. He was relentless in the pursuit of his art. Mark would knock on my hotel door all hours of the day and night wanting to take photos. He definitely had and still has the rock and roll spirit.”

-- Ozzy Osbourne

Winner from each auction gets a free 11 x 14 print signed by Mark Weiss from

http://www.weissguygallery.com/

Bernie Marsden to be secret Whitesnake guest at SRF?

When Whitesnake was confirmed for Sweden Rock Festival 2011 it came with the announcement that the show would feature, “certain very special guest performers”. Interesting ...

According to a post on the Deep Purple Fan Forum, former original Whitesnake member Bernie Marsden recently announced at a show in Glasgow that he is one of the special guests and that there was a possibility of him guesting at some of the UK Whitesnake shows as well.

Story Source:

http://www.thehighwaystar.com/news/2011/05/04/bernie-marsden-secret-whitesnake-guest-at-srf/

Related links:

http://www.swedenrock.com/ - Official Festival site

http://bdeeppurplefanforum.runboard.com/ - Deep Purple Fan Forum

http://www.thehighwaystar.com/ - Official Deep Purple fan site

http://www.deeppurple.com/ - Official Deep Purple website

http://www.whitesnake.com/ - Whitesnake

New Judas Priest band shot 2011

So the new line up of Judas Priest reveals their first official photo, with K.K. Downing's replacement,
Richard Faulkner, just ahead of the band's Epitaph tour.

Official band website: http://judaspriest.com/

Dokken live summer dates, but no new album news

No word at this time, on what Don Dokken is doing regarding any new album, which is a shame as I thought 2008's "Lightning Strikes Again," was excellent!

A new 'Greatest Hits' package was released in May of last year through independant label Cleopatra records and this year, an import 'Anthems' through Mausoleum / Zoom (European labels), will be released.

No track listing for either release, seems to be available, so really not sure if any unreleased material is included on either release?

Based on the band's website - Which is apparently undergoing revamping ... Hope it doesn't take as long as Survivor's! Two years and counting! - the band are still playing Summer tour dates, so check them out here:

May 2011 
May 14 - Sunset Station Casino, Las Vegas, NV


June 2011
Jun 18 - National Orange Show Speedway,
San Bernadino, CA

July 2011
Jul 16 - Rock USA, Oshkosh, WI
Jul 17 - Down by the Riverside / Mayo Park,
Rochester, MN
Jul 21 - Stearns Square Concert Series, Springfield, MA
Jul 22 - Wild Bills, Duluth, GA
Jul 23 - Amos Southend, Charlotte, NC

August 2011
Aug 06 - Solano County Fair, Vallejo, CA
Aug 17 - UP State Fair, Escanaba, MI

Hopefully that's not all!
Band site: http://www.dokken.net/

Rock News Update for Friday 6th May, 2011

Frontiers Records announce

Night Ranger - Somewhere in California

New Album!

Night Ranger truly epitomizes the sound of the 80’s while at the same time transcending it. Since their reunion in 1996, they have brought their guitar-crunching, melodic brand of Hard Rock into the 21st century with unparalleled talent, energy and creativity.

Night Ranger’s legendary hits "Sister Christian," "(You Can Still) Rock in America," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception. Night Ranger’s contributions are featured in multiple entertainment realms, including the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” and hit videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". The band has also been recognized in such significant films and television shows as Boogie Nights and American Dad.

The remaining founding members of the band have impressive resumes. Jack Blades was also in the supergroup Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw, with whom he also released the now classic “Hallucination” album - As Shaw / Blades - and the more recent “Influence”. His songwriting credits include Aerosmith, Cher, Alice Cooper and Ozzy, to name just a few. Brad Gillis appeared on Ozzy’s “Speak of the Devil” live album, while drummer Kelly Keagy has had a successful solo career of his own.

Tracklisting: Growin' Up In California; Lay It On Me; Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight); Follow Your Heart; Time Of Our Lives; No Time To Lose Ya; Live For Today; It's Not Over; End Of The Day; Rock n' Roll Tonight; Say It With Love.

Coming of Age – Bonus track for Amazon (digital only)

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – Bonus track for iTunes (digital only)

SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA is the culmination of the band's work to date and celebrates the band's 30th anniversary with incredible melodic cuts and hard rocking numbers. Night Ranger's new album has everything the fans could ask for!

Euro Release date: June 17th, 2011

USA Release date: June 21st, 2011

In 2011 the group will headline tours in Japan (June 9-14, 2011; Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka) and Europe (June 17-26; Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the United Kingdom) before rejoining Journey and Foreigner for their North American Tour (July-October 2011) in celebration of their ninth studio album.

Night Ranger is:

Jack Blades – bass guitar, lead & backing vocals

Kelly Keagy – drums, backing & lead vocals

Brad Gillis – lead & rhythm guitars

Joel Hoekstra – lead & rhythm guitars

Eric Levy – keyboards

Official sites:

http://www.nightranger.com/

http://www.frontiers.it/home/

New TESLA on the way, so says the band! 

TESLA's Brian Wheat, Frank Hannon, and Jeff Keith have reviewed the tracks from the last recording sessions with former guitarist Tommy Skeoch from the 2005 "Acoustic Jam" tour, as well as the recently recorded tracks featuring the new TESLA song "Second Street" to be released this year.

TESLA'S RECORD COMPANY has signed a deal with EONE distribution to release this new CD .. tentatively titled "TWISTED WIRES" ... (the acoustic sessions). Troy Luccketta, will be joining Frank and Brian at Sonic Ranch studios where the REAL to REEL sessions were recorded and they will collectively wrap up the recording and mixing of "TWISTED WIRES" simultaneously, utilizing the studio's amazing analog equipment to record and mix down the tracks.

The album will consist of 6 tracks recorded back in 2005 at Brian's J STREET Studio (luckily these tracks survived the infamous fire!) and 6 newly recorded tracks recorded at Frank Hannon's studio including acoustic remakes of songs from "Bust a Nut" and a brand new song "Second Street".

During all of this JEFF KEITH and his wife will be welcoming the arrival of their baby boy due at the end of February! After all this mayhem is finished ...TESLA will be writing a follow up studio album of all new material with guitarist Dave Rude starting in March 2011 and performing select dates across the USA.

In the meantime Dave Rude Band, SoulMotor, and FHB will be finishing up some tour dates supporting their solo efforts ... Stay Tuned for more!

Tesla 2011 live dates:

May 2011
Fri 05 / 06 - Mahnomen, MN

Sat 05 / 07 - Medina, MN

Fri 05 / 13 - Hampton Beach, NH

Sat 05 / 14 - Columbia, MD

Fri 06 / 10 - Biloxi, MS

Sat 06 / 11 - Bossier City, LA

July 2011

Fri 07 / 01 - El Paso, TX

Sat 07 / 02 - Albuquerque, NM

Fri 07 / 08 - Rancho Mirage, CA

Sat 07 / 09 - Lincoln, CA

Sat 07 / 16 - Rock Island, IL

Sun 07 / 17 - Cadott, WI

Fri 07 / 22 - Chicago, IL

Sat 07 / 23 - Fond du Lac, WI

August 2011

Mon 08 / 08 - Sturgis, SD

Wed 08 / 24 - Wantagh, NY

Sun 08 / 28 - Clarkston, MI

Tesla website: http://teslatheband.com/

Def Leppard

First Live album ever on Frontiers Records

DEF LEPPARD to release their first Live album ever on Frontiers Records in Europe !

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of DEF LEPPARD for the release of the upcoming live album MIRROR BALL on June 17th in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, June 20th in the rest of Europe and June 23rd in France.

MIRROR BALL is Def Leppard’s first ever live album. The group’s spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry. It makes perfect sense that the band would finally release a live album, MIRROR BALL, featuring all of the triumphant hits that continue to make Def Leppard one of the most admired rock bands in the world.

MIRROR BALL was recorded across the world over the course of many of the band's sold-out dates and features all of the classic songs that have made Def Leppard one of the most respected and beloved power rock bands in the world. The album captures the group's legendary concert experience at its thunderous best, bringing together live versions of classic Leppard hits such as "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME," "ROCK OF AGES," "FOOLIN'," "HYSTERIA," "PHOTOGRAPH" and an incredible rendition of "BRINGING ON THE HEARTBREAK." With their creative juices at full flow, the band has also added three new studio tracks: "UNDEFEATED," "IT'S ALL ABOUT BELIEVIN'" and "KINGS OF THE WORLD," that are undeniably Def Leppard and take their place with ease within this classic setlist.

Joe Elliott says, "I'm really happy that we've been able to include three brand new songs on the album, all VERY different from each other & a teaser of what our next studio album will be like. We could have waited until next year, but to be quite honest, we're so excited with the new songs we want people to hear them now!" Rick Savage adds, "The 3 new songs on this release are what Def Leppard is and has always has been about. These songs are not just thrown in to have something not heard before. Personally, I think it's THE best work we have put together in years. From the "Sugar" quality of "Undefeated" to the Hysteria / Animal melodic rock of "It's all about Believing," to the ambitious and over the top epic, "Kings of the world. "The message is in the titles. If ever you needed reminding, the heartbeat of Leppard is as strong as ever."

Also included will be a 50 mins. bonus DVD that contains energetic live performances and intimate backstage footage of the band captured on the road.

MIRROR BALL follows the band's 2008 studio release, SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE, which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200, marking the group's highest chart position in the USA since 1992's ADRENALIZE.

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.

MIRROR BALL tracklisting includes:

CD1:

Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop); Rocket; Animal; C'mon C'mon; Make Love Like a Man; Too Late for Love; Foolin'; Nine Lives; Love Bites; Rock On.

CD2;

Two Steps Behind; Bringin' On the Heartbreak; Switch 625; Hysteria; Armageddon It; Photograph; Pour Some Sugar on Me; Rock Of Ages; Let's Get Rocked; Action; Bad Actress; Undefeated*; Kings of the World*; It's All About Believin'*.

* New studio tracks

DVD includes live performances of: Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop); Armageddon It; Pour Some Sugar On Me; Hysteria.

Music videos: Nine Lives; C'Mon C'Mon.

The new single “Undefeated” can be streamed on http://www.defleppard.com/ and on Frontiers Records webradio: www.frontiers.it/webradio

DEF LEPPARD TOUR DATES IN EUROPE

Tues 7th June 2011 - The Odyssey Arena, Belfast, N. Ireland

Wed 8th June 2011 - The O2, Dublin, Eire

Fri 10th June 2011 - Download Festival, UK

The band will of course also be touring North America with Seattle's Heart and will release Mirror Ball in the USA, exclusively through Walmart.

Official band website:

http://www.defleppard.com/

New Dates Added to DIO Disciples tour!

We've added some Italian and Spanish dates to the DIO Disciples tour:

June 2011
6/29/2011 Milan, Italy, Magazzini Generali

July 2011

7/01/2011 Bilbao, Spain, Rockstar Live

7/02/2011 Madrid, Spain, Heineken

7/03/2011 Barcelona, Spain, Bikini

Ripper Owens will be stepping away from the tour at this point to attend to his daughter's wedding, so we are proud to announce that the lovely and talented DORO will be filling in for him on these dates. The Rods, featuring Ronnie's (James Dio) cousin Rock Feinstein, will be joining the tour at the Download Festival, and rock icons Anvil join the party in Lucerne!

Check out: http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/ for further details or for tour dates go to:

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/tour.asp

Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath to Release Autobiography

Gibson.com reporter Anne Erickson has shared that singer and bassist Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Black Country Communion is getting onboard the autobiography bandwagon, as he readies for the release of his autobiography, Deep Purple and Beyond: Scenes from the Life of a Rock Star, on May 12. According to Blabbermouth.net, the book was co-written with British author and journalist Joel McIver, who has worked on the autobiographies of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, Ice Cube and others.

The collection features an introduction by none other than Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, as well as rare photos and a 10-inch vinyl EP featuring the following all-new recordings:

“What is a Woman’s Role?” (Trapeze, written by Hughes)

“Holy Man” (Deep Purple, written by Hughes, David Coverdale, Jon Lord)

“Dying to Live” (new acoustic track by Hughes)

A launch concert for the book will take place on May 12 in London, England.

“My autobiography is going to be a literary event. I’ve been working on this book for the last three years and you’ve never read anything like it,” Hughes told Blabbermouth. “It’s the true story of the Voice of Rock, from my childhood via my career in Trapeze and Deep Purple to my addiction and recovery. I’m now on top of the world as a solo artist and after so many years of sobriety, I can hardly believe that I survived. I spent a million dollars on cocaine and, when you’ve read this book, you won’t believe it either.”

Deep Purple and Beyond: Scenes from the Life of a Rock Star also features passages from Hughes’ friend and Deep Purple bandmate David Coverdale, his longtime musical collaborator Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and more friends, including Angie Bowie and John Varvatos.

Find more information, visit www.foruli.co.uk

Rock News Update for Thursday 5th May, 2011

FRONTIERS RECORDS ARTISTS TO REIGN AT THIS YEAR'S

M3 FESTIVAL MAY 13TH & 14TH AT MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION

(New York, NY) - With their ever-expanding roster of stellar hard rock, Frontiers Records will make its presence felt in a massive way at this year's M3 Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD on Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14th. The label will have six of their premier artists respectively strutting their inimitable stuff. Warrant will be first to appear with a Friday night set. On Saturday, most of the day's festivities will be dominated by Frontiers bands with performances by Sebastian Bach, Mr. Big, Black N' Blue, Hurtsmile and festival headliners, Whitesnake. Now in its third year, this year's I.M.P. Presents M3 Rock Festival is sure to be the best one yet with an unrivalled line-up. For more information on the festival, please visit: http://www.m3rockfest.com/ 

Whitesnake's new album FOREVERMORE just made its worldwide debut bowing in the Top 50 of multiple countries' album charts (including the United States). FOREVERMORE finds founder/singer/songwriter David Coverdale and company returning to their no-holds-barred, bluesiest, sexiest rock n' roll roots and is the band's 11th studio album. Whitesnake is David Coverdale (vocals), Doug Aldrich (guitars), Reb Beach (guitars), Michael Devin (bass), Briian Tichy (drums) and special guest Brian Ruedy (keyboard). Formed in 1977, and steered by the legendary David Coverdale, 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.

Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer with his former band, Skid Row and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, the singer/songwriter/actor/entertainer has expanded his career over the past decade to include episodic television with a 5-season recurring role on the CW's hit series "Gilmore Girls", starring roles on Broadway ("Jekyll & Hyde", "The Rocky Horror Picture Show") and national touring companies ("Jesus Christ Superstar"), as well as an ongoing relationship with MTV/VH1. Sebastian Bach's new album is due out worldwide early Fall, 2011 and is produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Atreyu, Shinedown, Filter).

Mr. Big's new studio album WHAT IF... is in stores now. The release finds all four original band members reuniting for their first album in 14 years and is produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden). Formed in 1988, Mr. Big forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark virtuosic musicianship with stellar vocal harmonies. The original (and now reunited) line-up features vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey. The quartet produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres, including the ubiquitous "To Be With You," which was a Billboard Hot 100 #1 single in 15 countries for weeks, propelling the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions.

Warrant's new album ROCKAHOLIC will be released on May 17th. At the helm of ROCKAHOLIC is mega-producer Keith Olsen (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Scorpions) and the album is mixed by Pat Regan (Kiss, Deep Purple, Ted Nugent). The album finds the band returning to its trademark sound. Warrant original members Erik Turner, Jerry Dixon, Joey Allen and Steven Sweet welcomed long-time band friend and fellow touring mate, singer Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Cry of Love) into the fold. With 8 million records sold worldwide, two Top Ten Billboard albums, five Top 40 Billboard hit singles and five #1 MTV videos, Warrant was one of the most popular and successful rock bands to hail out of the Los Angeles rock scene in the late 80s/early 90s. Formed in the mid-80s by original members Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon, Warrant's biggest hits included "Cherry Pie" and "Heaven".

Black N' Blue's new album HELL YEAH is due out May 17th. HELL YEAH returns to the roots of the "classic" Black 'N Blue sound, mixing tight and hard rocking songs with a sleazy attitude. Black N' Blue is Jaime St. James (vocals), Jef "Woop" Warner (guitar), Shawn Sonnenschein (guitars), Patrick Young (bass) and Pete Holmes (drums). 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.

Hurtsmile's self-titled debut was released earlier this year and has been winning over the press and fans alike. The Boston Herald said of the album, "the results are great", while Colossal Pop referred to the album as "a rock solid album"; Metal Assault avowed, "With an entertaining debut that excellently portrays a plethora of musical styles executed with aplomb by four seasoned musicians, Hurtsmile is here to stay." Chock-full of swaggering guitars, soaring vocals and eclecticism, HURTSMILE is a conceptually-cohesive album examining the nature of man and the human heart, with an added focus on the current state of world affairs and political commentary. Hurtsmile is Gary Cherone (vocals), Mark Cherone (guitars), Joe Pessia (bass, mandolin) and Dana Spellman (drums, percussion).

For more information, please visit:

http://www.frontiers.it/

http://www.whitesnake.com/

http://www.sebastianbach.com/

http://www.mrbigsite.com/

http://www.warrantrocks.com/

www.myspace.com/blacknblueofficial

http://www.hurtsmile.com/

And talking of Frontiers artists ...

BRAND NEW WARRANT VIDEO AND EPK REVEALED; "ROCKAHOLIC" DUE OUT MAY 17TH VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS

(New York, NY) - The first single from Warrant's forthcoming album ROCKAHOLIC and its companion video have just been revealed. "Life's A Song" will impact at Rock radio this month and finds Warrant returning to their trademark melodically-infused hard rock sound. The video for "Life's A Song" takes a look at the bands long and winding road in the world of music and can be viewed here. Warrant has also just released an EPK chronicling the making of ROCKAHOLIC; it can be viewed here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-9ahi1nqbA

ROCKAHOLIC is due out on May 17th in North America via Frontiers Records. At the helm is mega-producer Keith Olsen (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Scorpions) and the album is mixed by Pat Regan (Kiss, Deep Purple, Ted Nugent). Warrant is: Joey Allen (guitar), Jerry Dixon (bass), Robert Mason (vocals), Steven Sweet (drums) and Erik Turner (guitar).

With 8 million records sold worldwide, two Top Ten Billboard albums, five Top 40 Billboard hit singles and five #1 MTV videos, Warrant is one of the most popular and successful rock bands to hail out of the Los Angeles rock scene. "ROCKAHOLIC" is sure to capture the band another strip in rock history. Warrant will play on select tour dates around the world; please see below for the itinerary.

Warrant on tour:

May 2011

Fri 05/13/11 M3 Festival Columbia, MD

Sat 05/21/11 Coushatta Casino & Resort Kinder, LA**

Thu 05/26/11 Hartman Arena Wichita, KS

Mon 05/30/11 Speaking Rock Entertainment CenterEl Paso, TX*

June 2011

Fri 06/03/11 Snowdon Grove Amp Southaven, MS*

Sat 06/04/11 Verizon Wireless Music Center Birmingham, AL*

Sat 06/11/11 Antelope Valley Fairgrounds Lancaster, CA

Fri 06/17/11 Double JJ Resort Rothbury, MI

Sat 06/18/11 Prairie Fest Long Prairie, MN

Sat 06/25/11 Rochesterfest Rochester, MN

July 2011

Fri 07/08/11 Redwood County Fair Redwood Falls, MN

Sat 07/09/11 Whiskey River Perham, MN

Thu 07/14/11 The Wolf Den @ Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT

Fri 07/15/11 Rock USA Oshkosh, WI

Sat 07/16/11 Bear Tooth Motorcycle Rally Roberts, MT

August 2011

Sat 08/06/11 Hideaway Park Winter Park, CO

Wed 08/17/11 UP State Fair Escanaba, MI

Fri 08/19/11 Northwoods Rock Rally Glen Flora, WI

Fri 08/26/11 Western Speedway Victoria, BC

Sat 08/27/11 The Rickshaw Theatre Vancouver, BC

September 2011

Sat 09/24/11 Silver Legacy Casino Reno, NV

October 2011

Sat 10/01/11 Delta Downs Racetrack Vinton, LA

Sat 10/22/11 Firefest Festival Nottingham, UK

*With Poison

**With Whitesnake

For more information please visit:

http://www.warrantrocks.com/

http://www.frontiers.it/

KK. Downing issues fresh statement

The man who has just announced publicly, that he's quitting heavy metallers Judas Priest, K.K. Downing has just issued a fresh statement through his website, in response to the many fans reaction's and well wishes:

 Hi to you all!!

I would just like to say a big thank you for your support and kind words.

It is most heart-warming for me to be the recipient of such graciousness and compassion from you all.

For some of you that would seem to desire some more details as to why I have resigned from the band, I can only say that there is nothing more underlying than I have already put in my initial statement. I would like to reassure you that I am still here for you and I am still the same person with the same feelings and sentiments.

I have been lucky enough to have had a great life and to have fulfilled many goals, one of the most significant being the friendships that I have made with you my fans. Many of you I have met and we have enjoyed some time together, some of you I have just had a beer with and with others I might only have shared a couple of laughs or simply signed my autograph.

Nothing could ever have been more rewarding than to have experienced and enjoyed our special relationship and the things that we have shared together - those being Music, friendship and the love of life itself.

K.K. Downing

Source: http://kkdowning.net/home.html

 

AGE OF EVIL LAUNCH FREE APP FOR IPHONE AND IPAD


Fast rising rock band Age Of Evil has just released brand new iPhone and iPad apps, proving their consistent innovation and user experience for AOE fans and music fans alike. Both apps are free of charge and include a new song and new video that are exclusive to the apps. Some of the features include music, photos, videos, a rich social hub, news, tour dates, a mobile store, and more. Not only that, but almost all of the content is updated in realtime so that users always have the latest and greatest from Age Of Evil.

In less than 24 hours, Age Of Evil has already started to climb the charts by hitting the number 71 most downloaded free music iPad app.

The apps can be downloaded using the links below. Rock on!

iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aoe-for-iphone/id433306505?mt=8
iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aoe-for-ipad/id433307713?mt=8


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

Brief News Update for Wednesday 3rd May, 2011

UFO PREPARES TO KICK OFF 2011 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

DRUMMER ANDY PARKER AND GUITARIST VINNIE MOORE COMMENT ON THE UPCOMING SHOWS

***TICKETS, INTERVIEWS, PHOTO PASSES AVAILABLE***

-GET YOUR REQUESTS IN NOW-

UFO's 2011 North American tour with special guests MINDFLOW will kick off this Thursday May 5th at The Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale, NY. The band will be touring North America in support of their greatest hits collection entitled "Best of a Decade" which is out now on SPV/Steamhammer.

UFO is also in the process of working on a new studio album scheduled for release this fall. The following are a list of all confirmed dates as of now:

May 2011

5/5: Farmingdale, NY @ The Crazy Donkey

5/6: Poughkeepsie,NY @ The Chance

5/7: West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx

5/9: Pittsburgh, PA @ The Altar

5/10: New Hope, PA @ Havana

5/11: Baltimore, MD @ Bourbon Street

5/13: New York, NY @ B.B. Kings

5/14: Foxboro (Boston), MA @ The Showcase Live

5/15: Londonderry,NH @ Tupelo Music Hall - SOLD OUT

5/17: Dayton, OH @ McGuffys House of Rock

5/18: Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall

5/20: Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues

5/21: Chicago/St. Charles, IL @ The Arcada Theatre

5/22: Akron, OH @ The Tangier

September 2011
9/15: Santa Rosa, CA @ Last Day Saloon

9/16: Sacramento/Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk

9/17: Santa Clara, CA @ Avalon

9/23: Las Vegas, NV @ Boulder Station Casino

9/24: Los Angeles, CA @ The Key Club

UFO Drummer Andy Parker commented on the upcoming dates:

"I can't wait to get back on the road again, before my wife finds me something else to do. It's been two years since we toured the U.S. so I am really looking forward to the upcoming shows. Where will we see you?"

Guitarist Vinnie Moore chimed in:

"I am looking forward to the may USA tour. We haven't played any shows since December and i have some pent up energy that needs to be released before I go mental. Also, it's been a while since we played America and I am excited that we will be hitting some of our favorite places like Chicago, NY...etc. I can't wait to see all of our fuckin' awesome fans again."

True rock legends such as UFO are characterized not only by the fact that they have added several classic anthems to the annals of rock history, but that their musical output, after many years, still remains at such a consistently high level and they always have something new and fresh coming up. With classic albums such as "Phenomenon", "Force it" and "No Heavy Pettin" Phil Mogg, Vinnie Moore, Andy Parker and Paul Raymond still sound vital and imaginative to this day.

UFO's global breakthrough came when German guitarist, Michael Schenker, joined the fold in 1973, having left his band the Scorpions to accept an offer from Phil Mogg and Pete Way. UFO released three consecutive rock classics with Schenker ( "Phenomenon" (1974), "Force It" (1975) and "No Heavy Pettin'" (1976)), featuring classics such as: 'Doctor Doctor', 'Shoot, Shoot', and 'Rock Bottom'. Following the arrival of keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Paul Raymond, UFO released the albums "Lights Out" (1977) and "Obsession" (1978), which included the hit singles 'Too Hot To Handle', 'Lights Out' and 'Only You Can Rock Me'. Their live release "Strangers In The Night" came out in 1979 and is still considered to be one of the best live releases of all time, unfortunately, this also brought about the end of the Mogg, Way, Schenker, Parker and Raymond line-up.

The reorganized band underwent fifteen years marked by various eras and numerous line-up changes. To everyone's surprise, autumn 1993 saw the return of the former UFO line-up consisting of Mogg, Way, Schenker, Parker and Raymond. This new edition of the classic team released the album "Walk On Water", their first joint effort after in over fifteen years and they embarked on a world tour. However, Schenker left UFO again during the "Walk On Water" tour to continue working with his own group, MSG, while Mogg and Way - Under the name Mogg/Way - went on to release their second album, 'Chocolate Box.' The UFO albums 'Covenant' and 'Sharks,' recorded by Mogg, Way and Schenker, arrived at the stores in 2000 and 2002. Vinnie Moore soon joined the band and recorded songs for the new album "You Are Here" which also featured Jason Bonham (Airrace, Bonham, Led Zeppelin, Foreigner ) taking over the drumming duties. During the subsequent world tour, UFO recorded a show in Germany, which was later released as the live album, "Showtime", as well as a DVD featuring additional bonus material. In 2005 Bonham left UFO to join Foreigner and was replaced by UFO's original drummer, Andy Parker for their release "The Monkey Puzzle" In 2009 UFO released the critically acclaimed album "The Visitor".

For more info visit:

http://www.ufo-music.info/

http://www.spv.de/

ARTISTS SUPPORT JAPAN SELECTS JONATHAN TIERSTEN

TO JOIN MUSIC STARS WITH NEW COMPOSITION, ‘TO JAPAN’

Paul Rodgers, Rosanne Cash, George Winston, Glenn Hughes, Dee Snider, among fellow featured artists donating original acoustic songs on new social media channels

“It was a delight to get Jonathan’s contribution, because it is so full of warmth, hope and humanity as well as being just a very good song – period. It’s really added another dimension to the channel.” – co-founder Graham Thomas.

WATCH JONATHAN TIERSTEN PERFORM ‘TO JAPAN’ ON THE ‘ARTISTS SUPPORT JAPAN’ YOUTUBE SITE:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtistsSupportJapan?blend=22&ob=5#p/u/5/dXL7VZ5s0Uk

DENVER (May 3, 2011) – Musician/actor JONATHAN TIERSTEN has been selected to join the growing ranks of featured artists such as Paul Rodgers, Rosanne Cash, George Winston, Glenn Hughes and Dee Snider in ARTISTS SUPPORT JAPAN, the new YouTube and Facebook channel launched to raise funds for victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Tiersten, whose latest CD, 'We’ll See,' was just released in late April to notice by Magnet, Goldmine, All Access and beyond, contributed “TO JAPAN,” a song he wrote for the project that connects his childhood experience living in Yokahama during the Vietnam War while his father was an Army doctor, to his roots-with-an-edge songwriting approach.

“My father devoured the culture,” says Tiersten. “I don't know if he knew anything about Japan before that but he was - and is - a firm believer in being a part of a community. Not an outsider just visiting.”

“TO JAPAN” was handpicked by the ARTISTS SUPPORT JAPAN’s co-founders, veteran artist manager Alan Niven (Guns ‘N Roses, Great White) and long-time ad man Graham Thomas, president of Saatchi & Saatchi in Japan for many years. The idea for ARTISTS SUPPORT JAPAN, says Niven, is having artists record an acoustic song “with an i-Phone or whatever, something immediate and real and of the moment, and attach a message of support."

“It was a delight to get Jonathan’s contribution,” says Thomas, “because it is so full of warmth, hope and humanity as well as being just a very good song – period. It’s really added another dimension to the channel.”

Tiersten has been a musician and actor since his teens. As an actor, Tiersten is perhaps best known as the teen star of the cult horror classic Sleepaway Camp, but that soon could be eclipsed if early notice for his upcoming role as a serial killer in The Perfect House (Gratwick Films) is any indication.

As soon as he heard about ARTISTS SUPPORT JAPAN, Tiersten entered his basement studio, wrote the song and quickly videotaped himself, guerrilla style, performing it solo acoustic.

“I was a bit perplexed at first,” he admits. “I sat down in front of the computer for about an hour, and then it suddenly occurred to me how much Japanese culture has meant to my family. I realized in that hour that I had to write something. I couldn't let this opportunity pass. If they didn't like it so be it. I did what was true to my spirit. I knew that was the Japanese way.

“Once I took pen to paper it happened pretty quickly. I was amazed by the rush of emotions and memories that flooded my conscience. This is truly a country that believes the community is more important than the individual. This is a country that has proven its resilience over and over. It was the least I could do. My sincerest affection to those affected by this tragedy.”

Niven says “we want to offer music that is appealing to everyone: folk to rock, to country, to classical and everything in between. We've had a tremendous response and it just keeps growing every day.”

Tiersten is currently on tour behind 'We'll See,' among last week’s top 3 finishers in Magnet Magazine’s weekly “Most Anticipated Release” poll. The lead single, “Vertigo,” (featuring special guest John Magnie of the Subdudes), was selected in the same week by Goldmine Magazine as its "Download of the Week" and influential radio trade All Access as a "Cool New Music" Pick at Triple A.

Listen to streaming tracks from 'We'll See'

http://jonathantiersten.bandcamp.com/

JONATHAN TIERSTEN & TEN TIERS ON TOUR:

Fri., May 20: Soiled Dove Underground, Denver, CO – CD Release Party!

Fri., July 8: Dickens Opera House, Longmont, CO

Sun., July 17: Viscera Film Festival, Los Angeles, CA

JONATHAN TIERSTEN & TEN TIERS ON THE WEB:

http://www.tentiers.com/

www.reverbnation.com/jonathantierstenandtentiers

SIXX:A.M.'S "THIS IS GONNA HURT" OUT TODAY; CD IS COMPANION SOUNDTRACK TO NIKKI SIXX'S BESTSELLING BOOK

SIXX:A.M.'S FIRST SINGLE, "LIES OF THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE"

IS TOP 5 AT ROCK RADIO

"THIS IS GONNA HURT: PHOTOGRAPHY AND LIFE THROUGH THE DISTORTED LENS OF NIKKI SIXX" (WILLIAM MORROW) JUST BOWED AT #4 ON NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS LIST

(New York, NY) -Rockers Sixx:A.M. have released their second album, THIS IS GONNA HURT today, Tuesday, May 3rd via Eleven Seven Music. The band (Nikki Sixx, bass, James Michael, vocals and Dj Ashba, guitar) is currently enjoying the success of the first single from the new CD, "Lies Of The Beautiful People." The track is now Top 5 at Rock radio and follows on the heels of Sixx:A.M.'s "Life Is Beautiful," which was the most played rock track of 2008.

"Writing, singing and producing THIS IS GONNA HURT has been one of the most fulfilling artistic experiences of my life. Taking elements from Nikki's book and working with both Nikki and Dj has allowed me to move beyond just the typical process of making an album. THIS IS GONNA HURT pushed every boundary and when it was all said and done, I emerged a changed person," said singer James Michael.

THIS IS GONNA HURT will be available at Best Buy and wherever music is sold, as well as online.

Two-time New York Times bestselling author Nikki Sixx's latest offering and the companion piece to the new CD, "This Is Gonna Hurt: Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx" (William Morrow) is the first rock self-help book and just bowed in the #4 spot on the The New York Times Best-Seller list. Written as a tribute to Sixx's institutionalized sister, the book and companion album explores what true beauty is and embraces our own power around that. Written entirely by Sixx with no ghostwriter, the book is part journal, part memoir part social commentary and features his original photography. Sixx is currently on a national book-signing tour, please see below for upcoming cities/dates. The unabridged downloadable audio book of "This Is Gonna Hurt: Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx" read by the author will also be released today.

It is available at http://www.audible.com/, iTunes and wherever digital audio books are sold.

Sixx:A.M. is the rock band formed in 2007 by Nikki Sixx, Dj Ashba and James Michael. The last time Sixx:A.M. aligned, their first album which has sold over 300,000 copies, 2007's 'The Heroin Diaries' Soundtrack gave birth to the single, "Life Is Beautiful," which became radio's most-played rock song of 2008. They joined the Crüe Fest tour and played for more than half a million rock fans with Michael at the mic, Ashba on guitar and Sixx on bass.

See the first single from Sixx:A.M. here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzAv7K8BtN0

See 'THIS IS GONNA HURT: THE DOCUMENTARIES FROM NIKKI SIXX AND SIXX:A.M.' premiering on Hulu http://www.hulu.com/this-is-gonna-hurt-the-documentaries

"This Is Gonna Hurt"/Nikki Sixx book tour:

Tuesday, May 3rd -- New York, NY

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Borders Columbus Circle; 10 Columbus Circle; New York, NY 10019

Wednesday, May 4th -- Washington DC

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Barnes and Noble; 555 12th Street NW; Washington, DC 20004

Thursday, May 5th -- Philadelphia, PA

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Barnes And Noble; 1805 Walnut St.; Philadelphia, PA 19103

Friday, May 6th -- Boston, MA

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Boston University Book Store; 660 Beacon Street; Boston, MA 02215

Saturday, May 7th -- Toronto, ON

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Chapters Festival Hall; 142 John Street; Toronto, ON M5V 2E4

For more information please visit:

www.myspace.com/sixxam

Def Leppard appearing on US TV shows to promote 'Mirrorball' live album release

To promote the release of their first live album "MIRRORBALL", Def Leppard will be the musical guest on two late night TV shows next week. First, on May 10 they will appear on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35PM EST) and two days later, on May 12, George Lopez will welcome them on Lopez Tonight on (TBS, midnight EST).

The full tracklisting of 'Mirrorball' - To be released exclusively through Walmart in the USA June 7th, 2011 - as a 3 disc set (2 CD, 1 DVD), is as follows:

Disc 1 (of 3)

1. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)

2. Rocket

3. Animal

4. C'Mon C'Mon

5. Make Love Like A Man

6. Too Late For Love

7. Foolin'

8. Nine Lives

9. Love Bites

10. Rock On

Disc 2 (of 3)

1. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) (DVD)

2. Armageddon It (DVD)

3. Pour Some Sugar On Me (DVD)

4. Hysteria (DVD)

5. Nine Lives (DVD) (Music Video)

6. C'Mon C'Mon (DVD) (Music Video)

Disc 3 (of 3)

1. Two Steps Behind

2. Bringin' On The Heartbreak

3. Switch 625

4. Hysteria

5. Armageddon It

6. Photograph

7. Pour Some Sugar On Me

8. Rock Of Ages

9. Let's Get Rocked

10. Action

11. Bad Actress

12. Undefeated (New studio track)

13. Kings Of The World (New studio track)

14. It's All About Believin' (New studio track)

I must admit, this is pretty lame compared to other rock acts three disc releases through Walmart, at least on the DVD.

Journey, Foreigner, Kiss and REO Speedwagon have all released three disc sets through Walmart - and BTW Richard Marx has just done the same! - which have featured, one new studio album, one new re-recorded or remastered 'Best of' set and one live concert with at least ten tracks on, DVD recording, makes Def Leppard perhaps look like they are cutting corners?

I for cannot believe that they don't have ten unreleased live tracks that they could put on a DVD for Walmart.

I don't deny that once again, at the price of just $11.88 a three disc set is complete value for money.

It's just a shame that they only have six tracks on the DVD?

You can pre-order the Def Leppard three disc set right here:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/16533344

For further details on Def Leppard go to: http://www.defleppard.com/