Friday, June 1, 2012

News Update for Friday June 1st, 2012

Hi All,

Wow! June 1st! We're now officially at the halfway time of the year!

Well, I guess I'm seriously beginning to think that many of you out there are starting to lose faith or even interest in 'Chambers of Rock,' as clearly the number of site visitors are down of late.
Sadder still to me, is that in the past, the giveaways have generated interest and I've recieved entries to pick up some goodies for free.
The last two giveaways sadly had no interest whatsoever and while I understand that both Girlschool and Lillian Axe may not be big names, if you're a rock fan and it's something new for free, why not drop in an entry?
I'm just a little surprised folks, that's all.

This site I started because of how much I love rock music and because of looking at how other rock sites often overlook a lot of stuff, that, I have tried to capture right here.
I know I have missed a day or two here and there and there have been the odd occasions where while travelling on business with the day job, I have either had no time to get on here or I've not had internet access to do anything either, so I do apologise for that and I wish I could do more.
I don't get paid by anyone for doing what I do here and it takes a lot of personal time to do this stuff and yes, I know, that's my choice ...
At the end of the day though, I hope the readers that do come back here, have enjoyed what I have done to date, as I am beginning to wonder how much longer to keep this site going and on that, I am serious.

I get very little feedback from anyone and I wish I did, as I have frequently asked for input from people as to what you would like to see here on 'Chambers of Rock' and have got nothing back, so I continue to do what I can.
I will certainly finish getting the reviews up on here, of materials I already have and hopefully will get to the interviews to post here, but they do take a lot more time, but if the number of visitors continues to fall, sadly I will have to look at wrapping 'Chambers of Rock' up. Fact ...
It's been fun as well as hard work, so I don't regret doing what I've done.
My huge thanks to those of you that are regular visitors, but with so few actual site followers, perhaps there really isn't that many of you and those that do come back, are simply doing so more than once a day, in the hope that there might be something new to see / read ...
Enjoy the rest of your week folks, take care, Cheers, Al

NEWS FROM FRONTIERS ARTISTS

 
JAMES CHRISTIAN

HOUSE OF LORDS singer James Christian is working on a new solo album, his third one after "Rude Awakening" (originally released on Now & Then Records in 1995) and "Meet The Man". James announced on his website:
"It's been a long time coming but a new James Christian solo album is currently in the works. The as yet untitled record will be released in late 2012 or early 2013 and will be the first solo release from James since 'Meet The Man' way back in 2004. Details of contributing musicians will follow soon but it will be worth the wait and it will be a worthy successor to the two previous releases, Meet The Man and the classic 'Rude Awakening'."

Musically the solo album will move in a more melodic territory if compared to House of Lords' sound. Stay tuned for more details to be released soon!

Website:

 
TEN

UK's Premiere Melodic Hard Rock band TEN have finally completed their new album for release later this year. This much anticipated album is TEN's 'tenth' studio release and it will be entitled "Heresy and Creed". The album is already being described as a landmark recording. First playback listens indicate that this collection of songs is potentially set to be their greatest opus since their 1997 release "The Name Of The Rose".
Musically it once again marks the perfect union between grandiose and epic Hard Rock tunes. Very melodic, hook-laden singalong songs with a scattering of immense and haunting power ballads to complete the typical TEN tapestry.

Singer and composer Gary Hughes says: "It is a particularly strong selection of material. I feel this is possibly our most mature, and diverse collection of songs ever. There is literally something in there for everyone and every taste".

The album was mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward and with its release scheduled for the fall, "Heresy And Creed" could crown another classic year, both for TEN, and historically for the Melodic Hard Rock scene as a whole. More details will follow at a later stage.

 

ISSA

Norwegian Melodic Rock star ISSA is busy recording a very special album called "AOR Classics Vol.1". Born after a concept that Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino had in mind for some time, ISSA will sing on a number of well known and hidden Melodic Rock / AOR Classics which have been arranged and produced for her by Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE, EDGE OF FOREVER).

Issa says "Serafino selected some very much loved melodic rock songs of all time, some of them cult songs and others that are more well known. I just can't wait to put my stamp on them, as all these songs were performed by male vocalists and had to be raised to fit my higher octave range. This will make them different from the original versions but we are still embracing the real quality songwriting involved in this collection of classics. My personal favourites so far are 'I Won't Surrender' originally recorded by Tower City, 'State Of Love' by Mark Free and 'Dream On' by Boulevard, but I love all of them to be honest.
The vocalists on the original songs are just amazing and I'm loving the challenge of capturing my own versions of them. I really hope the fans love this record as much as I do!"

The album will also include songs originally performed by the likes of 21 Guns, Regatta, Aviator, Tangier among others. The new recording will be hopefully released during the fall of 2012.

KING KOBRA

KING KOBRA are busy recording the follow up album to the successful self titled release of 2011. Guitarist David Michael-Phillips says: "We’ve got a high-energy combination of the classic King Kobra sound mixed with some of our favorite (heavy) influences: Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Blue Murder. Cool, heavy grooves, great melodies, soulful lead vocals by Paul Shortino, infectious harmonies and hooks...blazing guitars by yours truly and the thundering rhythm section of Johnny Rod and the legendary Carmine Appice! This is the next natural progression of Ready To Strike and our last, self-titled album King Kobra".

Some of the songs set for inclusion include In The Night, Feelin’ Fine, Take Me Back, Deep River, Got It Comin’, We Go Round. Stay tuned for a release in early 2013.
PLAYER

The Westcoast / AOR duo formed by Peter Beckett and Ronn Moss completed recently a very successful Italian promotional tour in support of the digital release only of their 3-songs EP "Addiction". PLAYER appeared successfully on "I Fatti Vostri" morning TV show on RAI 2 and "L'Italia Sul Due" afternoon show, still on RAI 2. They also had a cameo appearance on "Scherzi a Parte" prime time Monday night show on Canale 5 and were special guests on Radio Capital and Radio Deejay national radio shows.

Here are some of the links:

It is still possible to purchase the EP online through iTunes and Amazon and all other digital retailers. Some links are below:

In the meanwhile the album's recording is progressing well. Frontiers hopes to release the album before the end of 2012.


 
ASIA
The first single from the forthcoming ASIA album "XXX", “Face On The Bridge”, recently reached #1 in two major charts in the last week:
#1 in The Planet Rock UK Airplay Chart (climbing from #7 the previous week)
#1 in the Amazon UK MP3 Progressive Rock Chart

 
BEGGARS & THIEVES


On June 11th Frontiers Records will release BEGGARS & THIEVES' second videoclip for the song "Innocence" lifted off the last album "We Are The Brokenhearted"

The new album produced by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Ringo Starr etc) received fantastic reviews all over the world. The first album videoclip "We Come Undone" featured a guest appearance by legendary rock guitarist Jake E Lee, whose comeback album is being produced by Ron Mancuso, guitar player of B&T.

The videoclip will be exclusively previewed on iMusic1 in Germany and Noisecreep/Aol.com in the USA on Friday June the 8th. Don't miss it!

 
MELODICROCK.COM - THE 2011 MELROCK AWARDS
The 2011 Melodicrock.com awards were very favourable to Frontiers Records artists.
The popular website which is run by Andrew J. McNeice from Tasmania awarded 6 Frontiers 2011 releases in the first 6 places as best releases of 2011 with a joint first place in between Mr Big's "What If..." and Night Ranger's "Somewhere in California".
The Frontiers albums which ended up on top of the list are:

1. Mr. Big "What If..."
1. Night Ranger "Somewhere In California"
3. Journey "Eclipse"
4. Mecca "Undeniable"
5. Toby Hitchcock "Mercury's Down"
6. Work Of Art "In Progress"

Frontiers President Serafino Perugino said: "We are very flattered with these results, which show the ethic that the label has towards the music and the quality of the releases. We hope to keep on making rock music fans happy! Stay tuned for more great releases in 2012 and beyond!".
Official site:




KANSAS Keeps Sailing On, Announces Extensive 2012 Fall Tour
KANSAS TO HEADLINE CONCERTS THROUGHOUT UNITED STATES, JOINED BY KING’S X AND THAT 1 GUY, PREMIUM TICKET OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE 

After wrapping the immensely popular KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour of Spring 2012, America’s greatest progressive rock band, KANSAS, is transitioning to a more traditional tour approach for the fall. Without missing a beat, the band will be headlining shows in cities throughout the United States from September to November.

Original member and guitar virtuoso, Richard Williams, had this to say about the fall tour, “We are really looking forward to the upcoming shows with King’s X. They're a great band and a force to be reckoned with. It's a tour like this that allow us to dig a little bit deeper into our catalogue and play a few songs that KANSAS fans haven't heard for a while. It's gonna be a lot of fun!”
On most dates, fellow rockers King’s X will support KANSAS on the tour. Dug Pinick stated, “I've been a huge KANSAS fan since the beginning. I remember sitting on the floor with my friends listening to the just released record "Song for America" ... fast forward years later, King's X is going on tour with them!! It is an honor to be doing shows with them. This is gonna rock!!” King’s X is also comprised of drummer Jerry Gaskill and lead guitarist Ty Tabor.
This tour will mark the first major tour for King’s X since Gaskill’s remarkable recovery from a major heart attack earlier this year.

On select dates the one-man band, That 1 Guy, Mike Silverman, will open the show.

For the first time ever, KANSAS is partnering with Music One Live to offer a limited number of Premium and VIP ticket packages, as well as exclusive merchandise, for most shows. These exciting packages, available for purchase directly from KANSAS’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kansasband), will offer fans the very best seats in the house. The VIP ticket packages will also provide a limited number of fans a meet and greet photo opportunity with KANSAS. Fans are also encouraged to regularly stay connected with the band’s Facebook page for concert presale information.

With their self-titled first album released in 1974, KANSAS went on to become one of the decade’s most popular rock acts – issuing classic rock albums such as 1976’s ‘Leftoverture’ and 1977’s ‘Point of Know Return,’ along with the hit singles “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust In the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return.”
The band – which in addition to Williams, is comprised of drummer Phil Ehart, singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, bassist Billy Greer, and violinist David Ragsdale – continue to tour in front of large and enthusiastic audiences and to this day remain a fixture on classic rock radio.

Confirmed tour dates and venues with more to be added.
Tickets on sale June 15, 2012 unless otherwise noted.

September 13, 2012 – New York, NY (Best Buy Theater)
 September 14, 2012 – Bethlehem, PA (Sands Bethlehem Events Center)
 September 15, 2012 – Atlantic City, NJ (Borgata Spa & Resort - Music Box)
 September 21, 2012 – St. Charles, IL (Arcadia Theater)* **
 September 22, 2012 – Minneapolis, MN (The Myth)** ***

October 5, 2012 – Salina, KS (Steifel Theatre for Performing Arts)*
 October 6, 2012 – Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theatre)
 October 12, 2012 – Montgomery, AL (Alabama National Fair)***
 October 14, 2012 – Dallas, TX (State Fair of Texas)
 October 19, 2012 – Little Rock, AR (Arkansas State Fair) 
* Denotes tickets go on sale June 1, 2012
** Denotes King’s X is not confirmed for this date
*** Denotes That 1 Guy is not confirmed for this date

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
www.kansasband.com
 www.facebook.com/kansasband


Def Leppard exclusive YouTube show


Def Leppard are not only about to roll out their latest North American tour later in June, but they're about to play an exclusive small club gig through 'YouTube presents,' that will also be broadcast through the You Tube site.
Details of the announcement right here:

YouTube Presents to host Def Leppard Exclusive Club Gig


In partnership with YouTube, Def Leppard will play a one-time exclusive "YouTube Presents" club gig at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, CA on June 6th at 2:30pm (PST)!
Fans will get in for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis.
The performance will be followed by a Q&A of fan questions with the band.
Both the performance and Q&A will be available on YouTube HERE in full, at 12pm.


In related news, Def Leppard have also re-recorded two of their classic hits, 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' and 'Rock of Ages.'
These are to be made available on June 4th.

For more details on this and all Def Leppard updates, go to:
http://www.defleppard.com


Queensryche in disarray ...?


Seattle's prog come metal come what have you band Queensryche who just last weekend performed at the Rocklahoma festival, seem to be in disarray, with most of the current band members, with the exception of singer Geoff Tate, hooking up with Crimson Glory vocalist Todd la Torre to form Rising West.

I must admit, watching the Queensryche performance on HDNET last Sunday night, I was stunned when Geoff Tate start talking down to the audience, after one of their songs;
'Thank you, thank you very much! My God, this is Rocklahoma eh? I think we played here two years ago ... I think maybe it was a different crowd ... You guys suck!!!'
The crowd responds with boos and cheers, maybe thinking he's messing with them, then Tate continues ...
'I'm serious! Come on ... I know it's Sunday, you gotta go to work tomorrow ..., you gonna let that stop ya? My God, you only live once man, this is all there is. There ain't nothing else?! This is your chance, this is it, this is all there is. It doesn't get any better than this ... That's right ...'

He get a few cheers and then the band proceed but I have to say, I was stunned when I heard him speak that way to the crowd.
Here's the clip on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=d88du2GnAus


Anyway, it seems the other band members in Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren, have joined forces with Todd la Torre to form Rising West and word has it that they'll be playing classic Queensryche tracks from the bands first five albums.

They don't have a website yet, but there is this flyer for two upcoming gigs in Seattle's Hard Rock Cafe:


It does seem pretty serious, as according to the Facebook page created, it has this to say:
'They plan on hitting the studio sometime early summer 2012 to begin recording their first release.'
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Wilton/63653689972#!/RisingWest

Maybe you folks should check out Todd la Torre vocals on some Queensryche material, go check this out:
Queen of the Reich:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BQqkrxh_PlQ

If that's not enough, listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHICUMjG4oI&feature=relmfu


Geoff Tate has been speaking out about his next solo album ... Enough said?!
Check this out:
http://www.anthologysd.com/blog/2012/05/30/tate-returns-to-talk-relationships-intimate-shows-insania/

I guess we'll see as both Geoff Tate on Eddie Trunk's 'Trunk Nation' radio show a few weeks back prior to Rocklahoma, told Eddie that they're not doing many shows this years, but will regroup next year for a new album.

When Scott Rockenfield came offstage, Eddie Trunk stopped him to speak of what plans for the band in the year ahead, he pretty much echoed what Geoff had said on Eddie's radio show before, that there will be some more shows later this year, plus another rock cruise and then a new album.

We'll see I guess?!

Official Queensryche site:
http://www.queensryche.com/



Vocalist Chris Thompson releases live CD/DVD



Chris Thompson has had a long and varied career in the music business. Born in the United Kingdom but raised in New Zealand Chris first experienced local success with bands in New Zealand before relocating to the UK in 1973. Chris’s first big break came when he replaced Mick Rogers in Manfred Mann’s Earthband. His debut with the band was on the 'Roaring Silence' album which contained the worldwide number 1 hit single 'Blinded By The Light.'
Following that single the band re-recorded another Bruce Springsteen song 'Spirits In The Night' which had featured on the bands previous album 'Nightingales and Bombers.'


Whilst with Manfred Mann’s Earthband, Chris also featured on Jeff Wayne’s concept album 'War of the Worlds' recording the track 'Thunder Child' which was also a UK hit single. (Chris would regularly perform the song live in the concert presentation of the 'War of The Worlds' album in the noughties). He also enjoyed massive worldwide success with Manfred Mann’s Earthband recording the albums 'Watch' and 'Angel Station' and hit singles 'Davy’s On The Road Again,' 'Mighty Quinn,' 'Don’t Kill It Carol' and 'You Angel You' before deciding to leave the Earthband to concentrate on his solo career by way of the band Night which Chris led for two albums.

Following his time with Night, Chris returned to the Earthband but also continued to record solo albums More recently Chris has been performing concerts with the Mads Eriksen band where the band perform both new material from Chris alongside other songs.
Chris is rightly famous for from the Earthband catalogue.

To date the band has filmed two live DVDs and live albums for release.
This live 2CD and bonus DVD package is a mixture of a live radio concert and a previous rehearsal and concert that took place ion Aschaffenburg. The Aschaffenburg material was salvaged from a full concert film and recording and is included as a bonus as it was felt that the material contained in the salvaged footage conveyed the excitement of the concert.

The Berlin concert is just as it came from the radio transmission and as such is the complete concert as fans heard it at the concert and also on the radio Chris is backed by a full band which includes Mads Eriksen, Gunnar Bjelland, and Frank Hovland with Szolt Meszaros on drums for the Berlin concert and Steinar Krokstad drumming on the Aschaffenburg material.

Chris Thompson’s profile as an artist is currently high due to extensive touring and also as a result of his previous work with Manfred Mann’s Earthband and also as a solo artist and as such this package will be an attractive and much anticipated release.

Tracklisting for the disc's, is as follows:

Disc 1 - DVD1. Martha's Madman
2. Land of the Long White Cloud
3. Whole Lot to Give
4. If You Remember Me
5. Demolition Man
6. Redemption Song
7. Don't Kill It Carol
8. (Fan Cam Dexheim) Mighty Quinn, Drum Solo, You Angel You, Davy's On The Road Again, plus Interview

Disc 2 - CD11. Live at Radio Berlin - Father of The Day
2. Wasting Time
3. Hot Summer Night
4. Spirits In The Night
5. Martha's Madman
6. Land of the Long White Cloud
7. Whole Lot to Give
8. If You Remember Me
9. Demolition Man
10. Redemeption Song
11. Don't Kill It Carol
12. Runner
13. Mighty Quinn

Disc 3 - CD21. Live at Radio Berlin - Piece For The Wicked
2. You Angel You
3. Davy's On The Road
4. Blinded By The Light Encores
5. For You
6. You're The Voice
7. Questions

The set is available for purchase now, at:http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15409/Chris_Thompson-LIVE_IN_BERLIN.html




Introducing Sweet Child



New York, NY May, 2012:  Australia-based WhoTune Music has announced the signing of female power trio SWEET CHILD.  The NYC-based group consists of Lexie (lead guitar/vocals), Lily Z (bass/vocals), and Jolie Rose (drums), all highly proficient on their instruments and rarin' to go!

The band's debut EP is slated for release in mid-July and features two cover and three original tracks.  The lead single will be AC/DC's classic rocker "Back In Black," and a video has recently been shot for the song.  Filming took place in New York's famed Grand Central Station and Times Square.  During the video shoot, the ladies were continually surrounded by passersby taking their photos on cell phones, and being asked for autographs.  They caused such a commotion with their looks and swagger that the Station Master at Grand Central asked the crew to kindly find a different location!

Each band member exudes a very specific personality, represented by their individual highly stylized fashion and look.  18-year-old Lexie - a petite blond who wields her Flying V guitar with the best of them - projects the sweetness of the "girl next door" who has been toughened around the edges by standing up to the bullies who picked on her in school.  Lily Z is the quintessential soulful rocker who purrs like a kitten and roars like a lion, handling her bass while standing tall in stiletto heeled boots and always tells it like it is.  And drummer Jolie Rose may be short on words but is strong on backbone, always providing a solid beat in totally sync with her band mates.  What she doesn't say in words she shouts in music.

Plans call for a Fall tour and announcements are expected shortly regarding marketing and merchandising alliances with several high profile entities. 

For more information on the band, please visit:
www.sweetchildband.com.
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