Slight Update for Saturday August 27th, 2011

Hi all, first off today, my thoughts go out to those currently experiencing the pain that is Hurricane Irene, as she certainly 'ain't no lady,' as she is whipping it up along the East Coast.

All I can say is if there is an evacuation warning in place, take heed and run, somewhere safer!

To be honest though, if you haven't already acted on the initial warning, you're now going to find yourself in a seriously tight situation as all those roads out are going to be worse than ever right now.

Other than that, I hope those that are in the storms path remain safe with your families. :)

For Rhonda and I, it's another busy weekend, this afternoon I'll be interviewing Night Ranger's Joel Hoekstra, which I'm really looking forward to and then it's off to kids soccer - Footy! - this afternoon, after that drop the kids off with family as we head out to the Alice Cooper show with Ace Frehley opening. Should be a fun one, I hope!

Have fun, but be safe wherever you're going today and take care, Cheers, Al

Irene Hurricane causes havoc for concert goers too

Pollstar.com has just issued a statement regarding the impact of Hurricane Irene on upcoming gigs, a number of shows are for the safety of all, cancelled and I guess they'll be rescheduled at some point in time.

These shows include the following artists: ZZ Top, Styx, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Night Ranger, Foreigner, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Bullet For My Valentine, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, J. Geils Band and many more ...

  

For more details, here's the news story at the site:

http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2011/08/26/779727.aspx

Whitesnake fans that don't have 'Forevermore' go to Amazon.com, TODAY!

Yes folks, those kind people at Amazon.com - Yes, only here in the USA I'm afraid - are offering a special deal in conjunction with Whitesnake, for the bands latest release 'Forevermore.'

It's just $3.99 for the MP3 download, but it's only for today.

Have to say, it's a pretty tasty album if you haven't heard it already, here's the link to my review:

http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2011/04/whitesnake-forevermore-album-review.html

Meantime, here's the link about the deal, go get it folks!

http://www.amazon.com/Forevermore-Bonus-Edition/dp/B004P52NP6/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314100428&sr=301-1

Official band website:

http://www.whitesnake.com/

Status Quo's Andy Bown interviewed live on Resonance FM (London) Radio

Henry Scott-Irvine Presents Andy Bown on Resonance FM 104.4 London

Henry Scott-Irvine presents a one hour career exclusive, and preview of Andy Bown's solo album for Cherry Red Records.

This will go out tomorrow - Sunday Aug 28th at 3pm till 4pm and Tuesday 30th Aug at 8pm till 9pm in the series 'Clear Spot' and again on the Sunday 4th Sept at 3pm till 4pm.

On http://resonancefm.com and simultaneously on Resonance FM 104.4 London (only) next to Magic on the dial.

This will also webcast permanently at http://mixcloud.com/henrysgigs and there will be a direct URL there, too.
If you've not seen it yet, catch the video of 'Rubber Gloves' on Andy's site.

http://www.andybown.com

http://www.facebook.com/groups/8724451067/

http://www.youtube.com/andybownofficial

No doubt plenty of discussion will take place about Andy's new album, 'Unfinished Business,' check out the latest video 'Rubber Gloves' from the album, direct link right here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SsD4OQvoU2I

Rock Candy Records reissues some AOR classics

STAN BUSH ‘S/T’

Product number: CANDY103

STAN BUSH, a relative new comer to the scene - Back then ... - had previously fronted obscure Mid West outfit Boulder, recording an album for Elektra records, before going solo. Carving out a reputation as a handy songwriter, Bush’s demos secured him a solo deal with the giant Sony label, who figured that they might have the next Rick Springfield on their hands. In many ways they were right but ultimately such success was not forthcoming.

Ushered into the studio, with producer Pat Ryan (Styx), initial sessions amounted to little. Kevin Beamish, famed for his work with REO Speedwagon, interceded, taking over knob twiddling duties. The results, though, were a triumph, allowing Stan the opportunity to deliver one of the most impressive solo albums of the era. With raspy vocals and a backing band consisting of some of the best West Coast sessions players on the scene, it remains one of the best, if largely undiscovered,
AOR albums of the era.

THE STRAND ‘S/T’

Product number: CANDY102

THE STRAND’s origins can be found in a group called Rural Still Life, the very same group that spawned hugely successful multi Grammy winning West Coast AOR stars Toto.

In common with Toto the band were also extremely talented players, some having backed Boz Scaggs both live and in the studio. Just like the session players that birthed Toto, they too hatched plans for their own group, quickly securing a deal with Island Records.

Signed personally by Island founder Chris Blackwell (and named by him), the band’s one and only album , originally released in 1980, was produced, not unsurprisingly, by long time friend and colleague, Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro. The results, as you might reasonably expect, are spectacular, boasting killer songs, jaw dropping musicianship and superb arrangements, all bathed in a stellar production. Listen out too for vocalist Rick ‘Moon’ Calhoun, one of the greatest, yet largely overlooked, vocalists of the genre.

NOTICE:

APOLOGIES FOR THE DELAY WITH BOTH STAN BUSH & BARRAGE AND HARLEQUIN ‘LOVE CRIMES’ - WE HIT LICENSING PROBLEMS AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR BUT ALL IS BEING RESOLVED. CHECK BACK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS

For more details on these and other Rock Candy classic reissues, go to:

http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk

Joe Elliott - Planet Rock Radio anniversary show tonight, August 27th

Def Leppard's frontman Joe Elliott will be celebrating one year on the job for his weekly radio show on Planet Rock. So tune in Saturday (8/27) as Joe will be doing a look back at the year & featuring show highlights and bands including Mott The Hoople, Free, Down 'n' Outz, The Tubes, and Sparks!

Tune in every Saturday on PlanetRock.com at 6pm (UK Time) / 1pm (EST) to stream and listen to weekly new live shows from Joe. All shows will then be available for "ON DEMAND" stream afterward.
Weblinks:

http://www.planetrock.com/

http://www.defleppard.com/

News Update for Thursday 25th August, 2011

Lou Reed and Metallica new combined website up

The musical collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica, "Lulu," is coming your way this Fall and this space will be your spot for all things Loutallica(!).

We want to start sharing with you just how the "Lulu" project, recorded at HQ just a few short months ago, is coming together. As you can see this site is a work in progress and the plan is to build it before your very eyes. Please bear with us while we piece it all together!

"Lulu" was inspired by German expressionist writer Frank Wededkind's plays "Earth Spirit" and "Pandora's Box," which tell a story of a young abused dancer's life and relationships and are now collectively known as the "Lulu Plays." Since their publication in the early 1900's, the plays have been the inspiration for a silent film ("Pandora's Box," 1929), an opera, and countless other creative endeavors. Originally the lyrics and musical landscape were sketched out by Lou for a theatrical production in Berlin, but after coming together with the 'Tallica boys for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts in New York in 2009 all guilty parties knew they wanted to make more music together. Lou was inspired enough by that performance to recently ask the band to join him in taking his theatrical "Lulu" piece to the next level and so starting in early May of this year we were all camped out recording at HQ studios in Northern California, bringing us to today and ten complete songs.

We can't wait to share this music and the whole experience with you. Please visit us often... we'll be posting updates on a frequent basis.
For more info:
http://www.loureedmetallica.com/

New Release from Staind "Staind" On Flip / Atlantic Records

STAIND will release their highly anticipated, self-titled, 7^th studio album via Flip/Atlantic Records - September 13, 2011. Produced by Johnny K (Disturbed, Sevendust), STAIND is a return to the band’s heaviest roots that hearken back to their 1999 major label debut, Dsyfunction. 

Described by the band as a throwback of where they came from, STAIND is the band’s most intense and powerful work to date.

The debut single, ‘Not Again,’ is currently top 5 at active rock radio and the fastest rising single in the band’s history.

STAIND’s 16-year-plus career has garnered over 13 million in worldwide album sales, five #1 singles at 3 different radio formats, and the most played rock song of the past decade, ‘It’s Been Awhile.’

BAND OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

www.staind.com

Alice Cooper new song, new video available

From Alice Cooper's new 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' album, the first video of new material from the man, a rather 'tastefully' titled song  - Not! - called 'I'll Bite Your Face Off!'

The Video For "I'll Bite Your Face Off" Has Officially Been Released!
http://youtu.be/R439Y5Awe78

Official artist website:
http://alicecooper.com/

  ROCK LEGENDS FOREIGNER CREATE 'NO LIMITS' THEME SONG FOR TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY WITH 'HOT BLOODED' REMIX ROCK LEGENDS FOREIGNER CREATE 'NO LIMITS' THEME SONG FOR TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY WITH 'HOT BLOODED' REMIX
Remix Of Foreigner Hit Song To Become Focal Point Of Speedway's "No Limits" Marketing Campaign
Free Song, Ring Tone Downloads Available At www.texasmotorspeedway.com
Foreigner Also To Release New Three-Disc Set, "Feels Like The First Time", on Sept. 13

DALLAS, Texas - There truly are "No Limits" to the relationship between legendary rock-n-roll band Foreigner and Texas Motor Speedway.

Foreigner and Texas Motor Speedway collaborated on a remix of the band's hit song, "Hot Blooded," that incorporates lyrics supporting the speedway's "No Limits" marketing campaign and NASCAR racing in general. The song, which will be known as "Hot Blooded-No Limits," was unveiled to a throng of fans and special guests Tuesday evening during Texas Motor Speedway's 2012 Schedule Announcement Party at Gilley's Dallas. A free download of the song is available at www.texasmotorsspeedway.com.

Texas Motor Speedway plans to feature the remix of the chart-topping hit in its 2012 television and radio event advertising; position it as the theme song for race weekends and special events; offer downloads and ringtones of the song to its fans; and engage in further discussions with the band on additional ideas to utilize the speedway-specific anthem. Foreigner has pledged to donate royalties from the song in continuing support of Speedway Children's Charities for whom the band has raised thousands of dollars as part of its NASCAR relationship.

"A couple of years ago we introduced one of the most legendary rock-n-roll bands of all time, Foreigner, to NASCAR and they fell in love with the sport and the 'No Limits' attitude at Texas Motor Speedway," Gossage said. "Now we have entered into a unique creative arrangement with their legendary leader Mick Jones, lead singer Kelly Hansen and the guys in the band. They have rewritten one of the classic rock songs of all time. 'Hot Blooded' is now 'Hot Blooded - No Limits.' Who would have thought - Foreigner, No Limits, Texas Motor Speedway - all together. They just cut the song in the studio and it's hot for race fans. It's been cool to work with them on this project."

"Whether we are watching the race start from our friend (and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver) Carl Edwards' pit or playing our set for the fans on the start/finish line, the thrill of a Texas Motor Speedway event is a real rush," said Foreigner's leader and founder Mick Jones, who performed with the band for a NASCAR pre-race show at Texas Motor Speedway in April 2009. "It truly is Hot Blooded - No Limits."

The 4-minute, 10-second song opens as the traditional "Hot Blooded" smash hit, but at the 1-minute, 15-second segment lead singer Kelly Hansen begins the "No Limits" verses.

Now it's up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous Just me and you, I'll show you racin' like you never knew

Now there's No Limits, check it and see
Hear my engine turning one ninety three
Come on baby, why don't you take a chance?
It's No Limits, No Limits

If it feels alright, maybe we can race all night
Shall I leave you my key?

But you've got to give me a sign, come on now, some kind of sign Tell me, should we start revving? Yeah, that flag looks green to me

Now it's up to you - fender grindin' is what we're gonna do
If your timing's is right you can see the checkered flag tonight

Now there's No Limits, check it and see
Hear my engine turning one ninety three
Come on maybe you'll be lucky tonight
It's No Limits, No Limits

Hansen then closes the song with a shout-out to NASCAR legend Richard Petty with the verse of "Richard Petty is King. Yeah, this racin' is my thing."

"Hot Blooded" was released as a single in July 1978 and reached a high of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by September. The single, from the seven-time Platinum album "Double Vision," was certified Platinum (one million units sold) by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Texas Motor Speedway is allowing fans the opportunity to download the song for free for 24 hours beginning this evening (08/24/11) on www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

To coincide with the release of Foreigner's new album Feels Like The First Time, "Hot Blooded-No Limits" will soon become available at iTunes where charges are applicable.

A free download of a special ring tone of "Hot Blooded-No Limits" will be available on the speedway website beginning this evening and throughout 2012. Fans also will be able to share the song from the speedway site with their friends through social networks Facebook and Twitter.

Rock legends Foreigner will release a new three-disc set, Feels Like the First Time, on Sept. 13 through Razor & Tie.

The set includes two audio discs - CD One: Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged and CD Two: Juke Box Heroes: Brand New Digital Recordings of Foreigner's Greatest Hits and one live concert DVD: Live in Chicago.

The three-disc set will be available exclusively at all Walmart stores and www.Walmart.com with additional various digital configurations available on digital service providers (iTunes, Amazon, etc.). Foreigner is currently on tour with Journey and Night Ranger through October 2011.

More than 30 years after releasing their first multi-platinum album, Foreigner's music resonates globally across generations with album sales exceeding 70 million. An impressive run of 14 Top-20 hits includes worldwide number one hit "I Want To Know What Love Is,"
"Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "Head Games," "Urgent," "Waiting For A Girl Like You" and video-game staples such as "Hot Blooded" and "Juke Box Hero." Foreigner's tours continue to electrify audiences and establish the group in its rightful place as one of the top touring attractions.

  Formed in 1976 by English rocker Mick Jones, the current lineup includes: Jones (lead guitar), Kelly Hansen (lead vocals/percussion), Jeff Pilson (bass guitar), Tom Gimbel (guitar/saxophone/flute), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), and Mark Schulman (drums).

Official links:
http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/Home.aspx
http://www.foreigneronline.com/
www.razorandtie.com



RIOT Signs with SPV - New studio album "Immortal Soul" released in October / November 2011

RIOT
WELCOME BACK FROM ROCK CITY!
Steamhammer / SPV signs legendary US metal band for World ex Japan
new studio album "Immortal Soul" will be released in October/November 2011
Few bands deserve to be talked about in such revered terms as RIOT.
Bursting through from New York City at the end of the Seventies with three ground-breaking albums on the trot (‘Rock City’, ‘Narita’ and ‘Fire Down Under’) RIOT quickly became one of the biggest cult metal bands in the world. Stunning performances in the UK at the first ever Castle Donington Festival in 1980 and Port Vale the following year, and support slots with SAMMY HAGAR in Europe and AC/DC in the United States cemented their reputation as the hottest ticket to see.

With line-up changes knocking their momentum and the Eighties developing into a Thrash-fest a new-look RIOT bounced back in 1988 with the widely-acclaimed ‘Thundersteel’. Although the faces might have looked unfamiliar, with only guitarist MARK REALE now left from the band’s formative years, the aggression and musicianship remained unrivalled and unchallengeable. With TONY MOORE’s distinctive vocals, the muscle and might of bassist DON VAN STAVERN and drummer BOBBY JARZOMBEK powering the songs along, and Reale’s precision playing RIOT were reborn, and followed ‘Thundersteel’ two years later with the jaw-dropping ‘The Privilege Of Power’, an inspiring and at times truly epic album. However, by this time the music world was turning into a very different place, and RIOT found themselves struggling against a tide of apathy. Reale continued to guide the ship through the next two decades, delivering albums of consistent, quality metal, culminating in 2006’s ‘Army Of One’ – a true statement of intent, as if one were needed.

But the army of one is an army of five once more as RIOT’s classic ‘Thundersteel’ and ‘Privilege…’ line-up has re-united, adding guitarist MIKE FLYNTZ who played in the live band at that time. Signing with SPV/Steamhammer for all territories except Japan, RIOT will release their new album "Immortal Soul" on October 28th in Germany, October 31st in Europe and early November in the US and Canada.

RIOT have also been confirmed as special guests on the first leg of HAMMERFALL’s European tour this winter. The tour kicks off on 26th October in Copenhagen, Denmark, and ends for the five-piece metal machine in Cologne, Germany, on 18th November. This will be the first time the legendary ‘Thundersteel’ and ‘The Privilege Of Power’ line-up of TONY MOORE (vocals), MARK REALE (guitar), MIKE FLYNTZ (guitar), DON VAN STAVERN (bass) and BOBBY JARZOMBEK (drums) has played in Europe on a full tour, after the band’s celebrated one-off show at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2009.

Olly Hahn, A&R at Steamhammer, says: “Mark, Tony, Don, Bobby and Mike are really fired up once more, and "Immortal Soul" will be a true successor to the legacy of ‘Thundersteel’ and ‘Privilege…’. Classic metal will never die, and who did it better than RIOT?”
RIOT live in Europe 2011 - on tour with Hammerfall

26.10. DK-Copenhagen - Amager Bio
27.10. NO-Oslo - Rockefeller
28.10. SE-Gothenburg - Lisebergshallen
29.10. SE-Stockholm - Arenan
31.10. D-Hamburg - Grosse Freiheit
01.11. B-Antwerp - Trix
02.11. D-Filderstadt - Filharmonie
04.11. D-Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle
05.11. F-Paris - Bataclan
06.11. LUX-Esch Alzette - Rockhal
07.11. CH-Zürich - Volkshaus
09.11. A-Vienna - Arena
10.11. A-Graz - Orpheum
11.11. I-Milan - Magazinni Generali
12.11. D-Munich - Theaterfabrik
13.11. CZ-Prague - KD Vitavska
15.11. PL-Warsaw - Stodola
16.11. D-Berlin - Huxleys
17.11. NL-Tilburg - 013
18.11. D-Cologne - Essigfabrik

Weblinks:www.riotrockcity.com
www.spv.de

News Update for Wednesday 24th August, 2011

PBS presents Foreigner: Live In Chicago!

Watch the concert special of Foreigner performing in Chicago at the historic Chicago-area Arcada Theatre on your local PBS station!

Filmed in March 2011, the show will also be included on DVD in the newest Foreigner collection, "Feels Like the First Time", coming out September 13th and available exclusively at Walmart and www.Walmart.com.

The broadcast and the DVD both have exclusive performances unique to each.
More dates to follow! The schedule can be found here:

http://www.foreigneronline.com/news.html?n_id=741

Roger Glover New Album "IF LIFE WAS EASY"

Roger Glover was born on the 30 November 1945 on a farm near Brecon, Wales. He has one younger sister, Christine.

His musical career started in 1960 when he was living in Pinner, Middlesex and going to Harrow County School, where he helped form his first group, The Madisons. Personnel changes led the group name to be changed to The Lightings and eventually to Episode Six.

In 1963, he attended Hornsey Art College, still playing in the group.

In 1965, as Episode Six turned professional, they lost their lead singer abnd invited a local singer called Ian Gillan to join. Over the next four years they toured and recorded, achieving modest success. Roger and Ian became songwriting partners.

In 1969, Roger and Ian were invited to join Deep Purple, which very soon became one of the biggest bands in the world with albums such as Deep Purple In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, Made In Japan and Who Do We Think We Are.

In 1973, after their huge success with songs like Black Night and Smoke On The Water, Roger left the band and continued working as a record producer, one of his first successes being Nazareth’s Razamanaz. For six years he worked as a producer, with two more albums by Nazareth, three albums by Elf (Ronnie James Dio’s band), two albums by David Coverdale, and such artists as Judas Priest, Status Quo, Rory Gallagher, Michael Schenker, etc. before becoming the producer for Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore’s band. In 1979 he joined Rainbow and recorded and toured with them until 1984, when Deep Purple had a reunion. He has been in Deep Purple since then.

His solo records are The Butterfly Ball (1974), Elements (1978), Mask (1984), Snapshot (2002) and If Life Was Easy (2011).

His daughter Gillian resides in London and has her own career in music, releasing Red Handed (2007) and Still Life With Music (2011).

Roger currently lives in Switzerland with his partner Myriam and their two daughters, Lucinda and Melody.

Official website:

www.rogerglover.com

FAVORED NATIONS ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE
ACOUSTIC GYPSY LIVE ON CD BY L.A. GUNS ~SEPTEMBER 27, 2011~

New York, NY (August, 2011)— Favored Nations Entertainment is proud to announce the September 27th CD release of Acoustic Gypsy Live by L.A. Guns (Tracii Guns, guitar; Danny Nordahl, bass; Chad Steward, drums; Jizzy Pearl, vocals, Teddy “Zig Zag” Andreadis, keyboards, Muddy Stardust; guitar and back-up vocals; Doni Gray, percussion). Produced, mixed and mastered by Grammy winner Neil Citron, this is the first acoustic album by the acclaimed Los Angeles band in their 29-year history, recorded at The Hotel Café in Hollywood. L.A. Guns will embark on a national tour in September to support the CD.

The band who lit up Hollywood like a surprise M-80 in a garbage can with their raw radical rowdy ways earned themselves legendary status on the Sunset Strip. When Jason Kramer and Jason Rothberg suggested they do an acoustic record, Tracii was “terrified, as I hadn’t played live acoustically for more than an hour since my Bancroft Junior High School guitar ensemble when I was 13 years old. I gathered up the guys I trust the most musically to help make this as great as possible. After listening back to this performance, I am not so scared to perform acoustically anymore.”

What makes Acoustic Gypsy Live so startling is its nuanced attention-to-detail – a musical awareness that L.A. Guns, who never diluted the manic hysteria of their songs one iota in their previous records, relishes in on Acoustic Gypsy Live. With a gorgeous lead guitar solo by Tracii, the CD’s opener, “Crystal Eyes,” hits a bulls-eye with its beauty and clarity-of-vision. Stark, dramatic, simplistically pristine, the inherent harmonic structure of the song itself reaches that part of the soul where honesty is a given, not a constructed artifice. The song cruises to completion to set the scene for the kind of album that no one—including the band itself—even knew was in them. Vocalist Jizzy still works up the growl, as evidenced on “One Way Ticket.”
Tracii started L.A. Guns while still in high school in 1982. The original singer, Michael Jagosz, was replaced by Axl Rose. Signed to PolyGram in ’87, their self-titled debut, with Phil Lewis replacing Rose, sold over a million copies, as did Cocked and Loaded (1989) and Hollywood Vampires (1991).
With 14 tracks—including not only all their hits, but covers of Boudleaux Bryant’s “Love Hurts” and Otis Redding’s “These Arms Of Mine” — Acoustic Gypsy Live proves these longtime latenight denizens of the Sunset Strip need no electricity to kick ass.

Track Listing: 1) “Crystal Eyes,” 2) “One Way Ticket,” 3) “Decide,” 4) “Dreamtime,” 5) “Electric Gypsy,” 6) “It’s Over Now,” 7) “Never Enough,” 8) “Over The Edge,” 9) “Little Soldier,” 10) “Sex Action,” 11) “These Arms Of Mine,” 12) “Love Hurts,” 13) “The Ballad Of Jayne,” 14) “Rip And Tear”

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

Former AC/DC Bassist Mark Evans Book Release

Former AC/DC bass player Mark Evans, who played with the band from 1975 through 1977, and appears on the albums “T.N.T.”, “ High Voltage”, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”, and “Let There Be Rock” (and the “74 Jailbreak” album) is releasing his very own memoir titled “Dirty Deeds, My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC”.

The book has already been released in Australia this August, and the North American edition of the book is slated for release in November.

The book is now available for pre-order through from Bazillion Points books http://www.dirtydeedsbook.com

One day in 1975, 19-year-old Aussie rocker Mark Evans walked into a local bar to check out a band. Within days, he played his first show as bass player of AC/DC. A week later he was on national TV, alongside devious schoolboy Angus Young and the wild singer Bon Scott-dressed as a pigtailed, cigarette-smoking schoolgirl and waving a mallet. In the next few years Mark toured internationally, and appeared on the groundbreaking and platinum-selling AC/DC releases High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Let There Be Rock, and the '74 Jailbreak EP.

'Dirty Deeds: My Life Inside/Outside of AC/DC' brings the gripping, laugh-out-loud tale of a band that lived fast and played harder than anyone else. The first bio by a band insider during the early years, the book details the struggles and personalities behind the rise of hard rock's most successful group; with guest spots by rock n' roll icons like George Harrison, Gene Simmons, Phil Lynott, Rose Tattoo, and members of Metallica.
In his honest and revealing memoir, Mark Evans contends with life's many turns: A rough-as-nails upbringing, lucky breaks, soaring highs, and terrible personal loss and tragedy. It was a long way to the top...and he was just getting started.

"The aggressive attitude that AC/DC had towards Australian bands continued when we shifted overseas. The world's bigger bands became our new targets. Who the fuck did these pricks think they were? We saw a few of the so-called headline acts and straight away knew that we had nothing to fear."

Source:

http://www.acdc.com/us/news/former-acdc-bassist-mark-evans-book-release

Yes – 'Fly From Here' album review

Yes – 'Fly From Here' album review

Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: Available now

 I have to say that I haven’t listened to a ‘new’ Yes album in years and this one, 'Fly From Here' is really enjoyable.

I know, I’m sorry this has been out there since June, but I’ve been so swamped, it’s been so tough to keep up with everything.

The thing is, the reason I’m still posting this review, is because this is a really good album, it really is!

Perhaps the rejuvenated Asia connection has helped make it all the more enjoyable for me.

For me I must confess I’m not the biggest Yes fan, I do have various albums from different eras of the band, so mine is a mixed bag, but I must admit my favourite Yes albums are ‘Going For the One,’ ‘Drama,’ ‘90125’ and ‘The Big Generator.’

 It is basically the old concept format that’s presented here, with ‘Fly From Here – Part 1, 2, 3, 4, etc …’

The opener ‘Fly From Here – Overture’ is a beautiful musical trip, before running into ‘Fly From Here – Pt. 1 - We Can Fly,’ which for me is simply magical! Benoit David’s vocals are so much like Jon Anderson’s, it’s perfect!

It brings back – For me – elements of the ‘Drama’ album, starting slow and then picks the pace up in places, although it has Steve Howe’s distinct playing, there’s almost a hint of the more hook laden (Trevor) Rabin era about it.

Musically it seems to capture so much, and of course the classic Yes sound is present, but there’s no doubting the Asia influence, especially with Geoff Downes rejoining the group once more, alongside long time Yes man and Asia mate, Steve Howe. Add to that Trevor Horn (Yes, Buggles) getting in on the act, handling production duties. I’ve heard certain Yes / Asia fans say that to them, the ‘Drama’ album was really the first Asia album, so take from that what you will.

‘Fly From Here – Pt. 2 – Sad Night at the Airfield’ blends perfectly from ‘We Can Fly,’ as a beautifully melodic continuous journey. Huge melodies, fantastic harmony vocals and a nice slow to mid-paced adventure.

 ‘Fly From Here – Pt. 3 – Madman at the Screens’ starts with the by now familiar ‘Fly From Here’ general melody, but I have to say there are distinct Asia vibes to this track and yes, ‘Drama’ too. Mostly an up tempo number, with of course the typical prog interchanges you’d come to expect on any Yes album.

As well as long timer Howe onboard, Chris Squire (Bass/Vocals) is here, along with Alan White (Drums), the aforementioned Geoff Downes (Keyboards/Vocals) and Benoit David on lead vocals who has already toured with the band, prior to this album in place of Jon Anderson.

Many twists and turns in time changes on the appropriately titled, ‘Fly From Here – Pt. 4 – Bumpy Ride.’ Clever stuff!

‘Fly From Here – Pt. 5 – We Can Fly (Reprise)’ kind of perhaps closes out the concept ‘bit’ here and is simply a short revisit to ‘We Can Fly.’ Nice.

 On ‘The Man You Always Wanted Me to Be,’ the vocal sounds a little different and since the product I have is pretty much lacking in details of the album’s performances, I’d guess the lead vocal is shared here. This track actually brings to mind ‘Going For The One’ era Yes, at least to me and takes a slightly different path from the previous six tracks here.

‘Life on a Film Set’ should be re-titled ‘Riding a Tiger’ for sure, nice stuff, a lot going on here starting gently with a vocal almost like  America’s 'Horse With No Name’ … I think so anyway! LOL! It then seems to take an almost (Pink) Floyd type direction to a degree. Then all change into some nice more typical classic Yes territory.

I have to say, this really is a Yes album that grabs me very easily when other releases have taken more getting into.

 Next track ‘Hour of Need’ is a nice slow to mid paced acoustic driven number that sounds as strong as anything else here.

‘Solitaire’ is simply Steve Howe filling his desire to express himself … Par for the course on most Yes albums and if you see see Yes live, you'll’ understand much more what I mean!

A little acoustic piece basically.

 ‘Into the Storm’ starts with some power chords and intricate fills and almost reminds me of The Cars for a moment then it picks up and yes, Yes kick in here!

I don’t know though I’m still thinking The Cars here, it’s kind of synth driven, although there’s moments where it’s clearly prog without question, about a third of the way in for sure and then it just takes its own path.

 Overall it is Yes, without any question and those out there saying, but it’s not Jon Anderson (!), really, give it a chance!

It’s a seriously enjoyable release.

 Rating: 4 out of 5

 Official band site:

http://www.yesworld.com/

 

Update for Sunday August 21st, 2011

Night Ranger's Joel Hoekstra covers for an 'absent' Mick Jones

Joel Hoekstra (Left), Brad Gillis and Jack Blades - Photo by Alun Williams

I have to say, I'm proud to admit that I've always shouted the praises of Night Ranger's, Joel Hoekstra and now, even more than ever before, does the guy deserve praise!

If it wasn't enough living the dream of being Brad Gillis' guitar partner in Night Ranger and then touring on a killer triple bill with Journey and Foreigner, would be so fantastic, but now things have gone up another level.

Foreigner's sole surving original founding member Mick Jones, it appears is absent from the stage and while the bands website - http://www.foreigneronline.com/ - Facebook and MySpace have made no announcement as to why he is not playing, Joel Hoekstra has now twice been asked to step into the breach, to cover for Mick.

First at Virginia Beach and now for a second time at the Time Warner Cable theatre in North Carolina last night.

I'm really pleased for Joel to be offered this opportunity, as Joel is one of the nice guys in the rock 'n' roll game and lives and breathes the music, day in, day out.

With no announcement from Foreigner, you have to start wondering what is wrong with the man that has always been a constant in the Foreigner line up?

I have to say, my suspicions are certainly raised and I am genuinely a little concerned for the guy and my reasons are possibly backed up from a statement by Foreigner's management to me, when I asked about a possible interview with Mick, that ..,  'Mick is no longer available to do interviews ... Both Kelly (Hansen) and Jeff (Pilson) are ...'
I'm concerned because when I met Mick, he certainly comes across as a nice, good guy too.

I guess we'll keep our eyes on the situation and I hope that I'm proven wrong that it's just some flu or something, but that wouldn't really explain why he won't do interviews?

Maybe it's just me and I'm just considered small fry ...?

Whatever the case Mick, I do wish you well and hope you are playing out again soon.

Uriah Heep wraps up another successful US run of live dates.

As Uriah Heep head back over to Europe, they can be happy that they've played more live dates in the US over the past 2 years, than they have done in years and all the pointers indicate that they'll be back again in the not too distant future!

This message from their newsletter:

Uriah Heep's second USA tour of 2011 finished on a high, in Las Vegas where a sold out show AND day off at the prestigious Green Valley Resort allowed the band to sample the balmy, exciting, sultry, evocative environment that is Vegas, a unique "must-see" city that has played host to so many of the world's great entertainers. And at 55'Centigrade (yes - 55), 131 Fahrenheit, it takes no time to top up that tan.

In Los Angeles the band welcomed old friends from Frontiers, Universal, EMI, many industry colleagues too, and Keith Emerson was seen sharing a few jokes with the band. Bernie cries of "Hello Hollywood" brought raptures to an enthusiastic crowd who proceeded to sing along to old songs AND new.

The US tour has been successful for the band. Several renowned festivals playing to tens of thousands, and a number of new territories too. This is the 4th trip in 15 months, making up for lost time. The hard work has paid off - the band has been invited to play at the agents / promoters conference in Nashville on Oct

That will make 5 visits Stateside in 18 months and the showcase will help the band to return ever stronger in 2012.

The rest of 2011 is somewhat exciting, as the "Into the Wild" tour moves to Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Austria (headlining for 100,000 Harley Davidson fans), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, USA, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, 18 shows in Russia, Venezuela (yes - Venezuela), followed by the band's return to UK, the first tour there since 2008, including a return to Shepherds Bush - the EMPIRE is one of the band's favourite venues.

We hope to see you somewhere on the road.

Official band website:

http://www.uriah-heep.com

38 Special releases 'Live from Texas'

Southern rockers 38 Special, will on August 30th, 2011 release a new live album, 'Live from Texas' the bands first release since 2004's studio album 'Drivetrain.'

This from the band's website:

Around the fall of 2009, the notion of releasing a new live album started to take precedent. The band felt that their in-concert offering many years before had lacked in sound quality not yet available in the technologically-advanced decade since. Additionally, a need to showcase a new spirit of 38 Special was growing, a band that had matured into a tighter unit after three decades on the road, with an innate ability to read each other on the stage.

 

 

Don Barnes explains, "Back then, we had been rushed to release something quickly without having the luxury of choosing between different performances. It was a single show in the 90's that had been recorded at a venue where logistics were a real challenge, the weather wasn't cooperating, and we ended up not entirely satisfied with what we got.

For LIVE FROM TEXAS, we were able to carry our digital recording equipment with us to several cities, and now had our own private studio for remixing. So this was going to be a real pleasure to put together. The crowds were massive and all of those classic songs deserved a chance to shine in an enhanced live fashion. We were finally able to deliver what we represent onstage."

 

 

Their initial idea was to make a live recording available exclusively at the band's shows, with an eye toward having fans take home a copy to carry on the party. But what they found as they listened back – after gleaning select tracks from various cities across Texas - was a blistering new set with a distinct difference in performance as well as audio quality than years before. It grew into an excitedly motivated plan to make available to the world 38 SPECIAL - LIVE FROM TEXAS, a collectively proud history of a band that has made the road a part of its heritage.

 

 

“And the magic's still there,” adds Donnie Van Zant. "It's an emotional high for us to keep 'bringing it' after all these years. That's what you hear on the new live stuff, that sense of urgency and power.

When those lights go down and we all walk up those steps to the stage and hear that crowd roar, it’s a real rush to the head. It feels like we're getting ready to strap ourselves in and it just takes off from there."

Tracklisting:

1. Rockin Into the Night

2. 20th Century Fox

3. Back Where You Belong

4. Wild-Eyed Southern Boys

5. The Squeeze

6. If I'd Been the One

7. Help Somebody

8. Fantasy Girl

9. Trooper With an Attitude

10. Medley: Back to Paradise

11. Medley: Somebody Like You

12. Medley: Teacher Teacher

13. Medley: Rough Housin'

14. Medley: Stone Cold Believer

15. Medley: Like No Other Night

16. Medley: Second Chance

17. Caught Up in You

18. Chain Lightnin'

19. Hold On Loosely

20. Back in the U.S.A.

21. Travelin' Band

Official band website:
http://38special.com/