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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Iron Maiden with Alice Cooper - Live in Detroit 2012

Chambers of Rock Guest Review


Iron Maiden with Special Guest Alice Cooper 





Wednesday July 18th 2012 
Pine Knob Music Theatre (DTE Energy Music Theatre)


My thanks go out to guest reviewer, Dave Dunford, who kindly agreed to cover reviewing the show he recently attended, the impressive Iron Maiden alongside old favourite Alice Cooper!
Wish I could've been there, but ... It wasn't to be ....

So I turn this review over to Dave, who it seems, he didn't have the best experience with the venue's operations on this evening ... Been there Dave, through that and know excatly what you mean!
Over to you Dave!




After many, many years I finally got to see Iron Maiden again. To be honest, I’ve always like Maiden (although don’t know their more recent stuff anywhere near as well as their 80’s ‘classics’) but for one reason or another I haven’t invested in a concert ticket to see them …… until they announced Alice would be opening for them on select dates on their “Maiden England” world tour. Even though the Alice set would be a shortened version of the same set he toured with last year I still have to make my annual outing to see him and his super band!

So, with Alice being the main reason for my journey to Pine Knob you can only imagine my frustration at missing half of his set!!
Even though we arrived in plenty of time, I had to stand in line at Will Call for almost thirty minutes….only to get to the window and have to wait another ten minutes while the lovely lady tried to figure out why she couldn’t locate my tickets?!!

Surprisingly, I remained patient while listening to the opening Cooper classics I could clearly hear playing inside the venue. When the lady returned only to inform me that I actually didn’t need a ticket, all I had to do was have the person at the entrance swipe my credit card (used to purchase the tickets initially) and they would be able to print me an instant ticket and I’d be good to go !!

Ed's note: Hopefully Dave, you don't find that you're charged twice for those tickets mate!

So…..another ten minutes in line to enter the venue…..and a short five minute walk from the entrance to our seats meant that by the time I arrived half the show was over.
Thanks Pine Knob !!

I felt sorry for Jeff…..who has suffered for years hearing me tell him that there must be something wrong with him for never attending an Alice Cooper show previously. Here he was, finally about to fulfill a musical dream of his (My words, not his!) and we finally get to the stage halfway through the show!!
Anyway, it was still in time to catch Orianthi’s solo (What a fantastic addition to the Cooper touring band) and the guillotine.


Orianthi with Alice Cooper - Photo: Dave Dunford


Rumour has it that Mr. Cooper will be touring again towards the end of this year with a new stage and set list and of course, I’ll have to be there and I’ll drag Jeff along again to enjoy the full experience this time…….


What more can one say about the legend? Personally, I’d love to hear this band playing some of the more obscure Cooper tracks (Maybe something from Special Forces, Dada, Lace & Whiskey or the really underrated The Last Temptation….and I could go on….).

Ed's note: Couldn't agree more Dave!

Longtime bass player Chuck Garrick, and (like Maiden) the three guitars of Orianthi, Tommy Henriksen and the returning Ryan Roxie are worth the entrance fee on their own merit.
Orianthi is just 21 years old but has already played with some pretty big names……she was due to play lead on the Michael Jackson “This is It” shows but for obvious reasons that didn’t get to happen. Can you imagine that call from her agent?
“Hey, I got some bad news…..the Jackson tour is off…….but the good news is that Alice just called you!!"


Alice with Chuck Garrick - Photo: Dave Dunford


Back up a little to the line for Will Call. While standing in line I got talking to a couple of guys who claimed to have seen Maiden on pretty much every tour since 1985!
I had a little chuckle about that because 1985 (by my calculations) was actually the last time I saw them!!
Really, 27 years since I last caught these guys at the Odeon in Birmingham (England) on the Piece of Mind Tour!!!
I can’t honestly remember if I ever caught them at one of their Donington shows back in the 80’s, so I’m sticking with the 1985 tour.


Iron Maiden live in Detroit, MI 2012 - Photo: Dave Dunford

Overall, it was a great show. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was glad to get to see them again, the band plays with a lot of energy and Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson just don’t ever stop running around covering every inch of the stage. It’s unusual perhaps nowadays for a band to still include the exact same members as it did in 1985, the only difference in 2012’s Iron Maiden is the inclusion of the third guitarist Janick Gers (who has been with the band since 1990).
Ha-ha, I saw Gers as part of the band (Ian) Gillan in the early 80’s……….


Ed's note: Dave, I can go one better mate, saw him with Gillan too, but also saw him in White Spirit, back in 1980!
Anyway, Maiden opened with Moonchild, Can I Play With Madness and The Prisoner (a seldom played track from the Number Of The Beast album that sounded great).
The set looked like something out of the ice age, everything on stage (including speaker stacks, monitors and lighting rigs) was draped with a sky blue tapestry of Eddie montages from different eras throughout the last 3 decades.
At the back of the stage the huge backdrop changed after pretty much each song to reveal a new image of Eddie that matched the period of the song they were playing.

After racing through 2 Minutes To Midnight, Mr. (Bruce) Dickinson announced to the crowd the “Detroit” stage was too small for them to fit all of their usual stage props and he received a very frosty (matching the stage set) response from the crowd who let him know of their displeasure at that comment ! However, he quickly got back on friendly terms by introducing another seldom played oldie called Afraid To Shoot Strangers and then straight into The Trooper – dressed in 18th century British military blazer waving his British flag around every corner of the stage. This was followed by Number Of The Beast,  Phantom Of The Opera, Run To The Hills, Wasted Years and Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son.



Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, flying the British flag! - Photo: Dave Dunford


Great to hear some tracks from Maiden’s very first album……that some will be surprised to hear did not include Bruce Dickinson on the original vocals!!!

The Clairvoyant, Fear Of The Dark and the classic Iron Maiden closed out the main set, the band leaving the stage behind some extremely hot flames and firecrackers.

Returning to play Aces High, The Evil That Men Do and finally Running Free (another from the first album that I remember seeing the original band play on the old BBC's, Top Of The Pops back in 1980 – music hasn’t really changed much in 32 years, has it?)

Like I said previously, really enjoyed the show, got a kick out of the changing backdrops that brought back great memories of the early Maiden albums and the evolution of Eddie and refreshing to see everyone in the band appearing to be genuinely excited about playing, putting on a great show and introducing some seldom heard songs into the new set.
Steve Harris is without doubt the heartbeat of the band, along with Dickinson’s energy and lung power. He still belts out the notes and is such a great front man.

I definitely don’t intend to wait another 27 years to see Maiden (mainly because at that point I’d be 72!) and would certainly like to catch them again soon.
It was definitely value for money and a reminder that even though bands come and go and styles and genres change like the weather, there really is no substitute for quality and Maiden undoubtedly are still doing it and are still capable of putting on a quality production and entertaining us.

Go check them out…….!!!

Official band websites:
http://www.ironmaiden.com/
http://alicecooper.com/

 
Thanks for the review Dave, what do you think? Kudo's to Dave, I think so!

 
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Thursday, August 2, 2012

Lita Ford – Living Like a Runaway album review

Lita Ford – Living Like a Runaway album review
Released on: SPV / Steamhammer. Release date: Available now.


After finding herself in a desperate situation in her personal life, where it basically sounds like Lita Ford  was literally running for her life from her ex-husband Jim Gillette (Nitro) and sadly, having to leave her two kids too, she has moved on and forward and done well!
Gillette was the main driving force behind Lita’s last terrible release, ‘Wicked Wonderland.’
The good news is, through it all, Lita has come up with a very good album indeed that firmly puts that disastrous last effort in it’s rightful place … The rubbish bin or sorry to my American readers, garbage bin!
Her new album, 'Living Like A Runaway' really has so much going for it and folks, you should check it out!  

Opening track ‘Branded’ is seriously heavy, edgy, almost punky – ala Runaways – and dark, but it rocks and after a while it does become a grower … Believe me, give it a chance!

Next up, ‘Hate’ sounds as mean as the song implies and follows same kind of edge of the albums opener.
Love the walking bass on this in places that follows the general groove, although some of Lita’s vocals, when she takes the punky attitude.

‘The Mask’ is next, and it starts in a creepy manner as she talks through a voicebox …
Then when she really gets into the song, her vocal performance is great.
Yes, I am at times thinking Ann Wilson (Heart), sings Joan Jett!
The album has without doubt got a great production about it, thanks to a certain Gary Hoey, a great player in his own right, who also co-wrote a lot of the material on this release.
The other co-writer here is Michael Dan Ehming, who along with Hoey, has really helped with this album's material.

Lita is really giving it her all here and with the title track, ‘Living Like A Runaway’ next, this song has really got my attention and I often find myself walking around and then the chorus comes into my head and I start singing it to myself.
Class song and killer guitar solo. It’s actually – and forgive me for this Lita – got a little Heart / U2 / Bon Jovi / Bryan Adams about it.
I'll bet, any one of those acts, wishes they'd written this number, it's great and seriously catchy!

‘Relentless’ is another strong song, with at times an almost Def Leppard vibe about it, but it sounds a seriously strong sung song and I absolutely adore the guitar work on this. The harmonizing guitar will win me over anytime! Excellent!
 
The heartfelt message to her kids that is the ballad ‘Mother’ is again, very strong and tells the situation just like it is, of the pain she has gone through and no doubt the children too.

‘Devil In My Head’ is Lita doing her take on a dirty Black Sabbath type vibe. Heavy and dark indeed!

With next track ‘Asylum’ there’s a more thoughtful, almost borderline prog metal with melodic overtones.

‘Love 2 Hate U’ starts acoustically but then gets into a great hard rocking groove and is an absolute winner for me!

Final track – On this version, there’s a deluxe version out there with two bonus tracks. – ‘A Song to Slit Your Wrist’s By,’ – Ed: Nice …! - was written by Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx …
It’s a little weird, as it starts as a kind of semi-processed sound, synths, distorted guitar in a kind of ‘intro’ style fashion, but then the tune gets into a sub-ZZ Top type groove, but quite heavy. There’s some serious riffing in places, but it’s a very different kind of groove to the rest of the album.

Basically, overlooking some of the negative song titles and some of the subject matter – She has been through a rough time! – it’s a very good album. Certainly night and day against that disaster that was ‘Wicked Wonderland.’
Do yourselves a favour and go check this out, Lita's back and playing well … Nice input from Gary Hoey and Michael Dan Ehming too though!
Catch her on the road this summer too, opening for Def Leppard and Poison, here in North America.

Rating: 4 out of 5


Official website:
http://litafordonline.com/



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News Update for Thursday August 2nd, 2012


ELO'S Jeff Lynne returns in October with two albums


Jeff Lynne returns in October with two albums on Frontiers records: The solo album "Long Wave" and the newly recorded "Mr. Blue Sky – The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra" 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           


Jeff Lynne photo credit: Martyn Atkins


 “It all comes down to what you truly love doing, and what I love doing is overdubbing and making new sounds out of things that are sometimes quite ordinary on their own, but when you put them together, they make something new--or something that sounds new. Just discovering things like that musically is a pleasure.”  -- JEFF LYNNE, 2012

 JEFF LYNNE, one of rock’s most iconic figures, is returning to make some new waves and shed a little electric light.

 The creative force of ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA and the singularly accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer will release two albums on October 5th in G.A.S, October 8th in the UK and Rest of Europe, October 9th in North America via Frontiers Records: the solo disc LONG WAVE, a heartfelt and vivid tribute to some of the very songs that originally inspired him, and MR. BLUE SKY – THE VERY BEST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA.
For the latter album, the British artist has artfully revisited and re-recorded--at his home studio in Los Angeles-- the greatest hits of Electric Light Orchestra, actually improving on some of the most classic and beloved recordings ever.

 The release of LONG WAVE and MR. BLUE SKY – THE VERY BEST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA mark the 40th anniversary of ELO. LYNNE’s legacy will further be celebrated with releases in 2013 including ELO Live! plus expanded reissues of the ELO’s 2001 album Zoom and LYNNE’s first solo album in 1990, Armchair Theater.
For up to date info on all things JEFF LYNNE and ELO, go here: www.elo.biz


 LONG WAVE powerfully celebrates the music of a time when LYNNE’s lifelong passion for music began, evoking an era back when old standards were just giving way to rock & roll. He somehow makes pre-rock standards like “Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered,” “Smile” and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” -- along with a few of his favorite gems from the Sixties such as the first single “Mercy, Mercy,” “Let It Rock” and “So Sad” -- his own with these loving versions. LYNNE’s deeply felt and musically brilliant one-man-band takes add up to an inspired love letter to music itself -- and an exquisite reflection of the way songs grace and change our lives.


 “I call this new album Long Wave because all of the songs I sing on it are the ones heard on long wave radio when I was a kid growing up in Birmingham, England,” LYNNE explains. “These songs take me back to that feeling of freedom in those days and summon up the feeling of first hearing those powerful waves of music coming in on my old crystal set. My dad also had the radio on all the time, so some of these songs have been stuck in my head for 50 years. You can only imagine how great it felt to finally get them out of my head after all these years.”


 MR. BLUE SKY – THE VERY BEST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA is a powerful testament to LYNNE’s enduring artistry and his singular desire to get things right once and for all. Featuring such classics as “Evil Woman, “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Livin’ Thing” and “Mr, Blue Sky,” the result is, in effect, a kind of showdown between JEFF LYNNE today and his extremely illustrious past, and thanks to improved technology and recording artistry, LYNNE somehow comes out on top again. It’s a fresh chance to hear these extraordinary songs sounding sharper and clearer than the old versions.

 “There was a big reason I wanted to re-record these ELO songs,” says LYNNE. "Ever since and have a completely new try at them. I’m not saying the old versions aren’t good; I like them very much. We were doing our best, but experience and technology also play a big a big part, and these new ones sound much more solid and tight.”

 The album includes a never-before-heard bonus track, “The Point Of No Return," “When I listen to the old versions they don’t sound the way I thought they did when I first wrote and recorded them. I wanted to use the experience I’ve gained producing records," and a very special version of “10538 Overture” that’s a nod to ELO’s 40th anniversary.

 The songs that JEFF LYNNE wrote and sang--and the recordings that he so expertly arranged and produced for ELO -- have endured beautifully and are perhaps even more beloved today than they were back in the Seventies and Eighties. By any standard whatsoever, ELO is one of the most remarkable success stories in rock history. Consider just the facts: ELO has sold over 50 million records worldwide, and continues to be a remarkably popular catalog. Between 1972 and 1986, LYNNE wrote and produced 26 Top Forty hits in the United Kingdom, and 20 Top Forty hits in the United States, including 20 Top Twenty smashes in the UK and 15 Top Twenty smashes in the U.S. Even more remarkably, the ELO catalog continues to have tremendous impact, as demonstrated powerfully when the compilation All Over The World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra was released in 2005 and became a Top Ten album in a number of international markets including England.

 Outside of the success of ELO, LYNNE has led a remarkable career that has found him taking the lessons learned leading ELO and using them to help produce and collaborate with many of the greatest musical artists of all time, including a number of LYNNE's all-time heroes including Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and remarkably, even the Beatles themselves, as well as contemporaries like Tom Petty and Joe Walsh, whose new album Analog Man LYNNE recently helped produce. Together with Harrison, Orbison, Petty and Bob Dylan, LYNNE was, of course, a member of the Grammy award-winning Traveling Wilburys --a super group like no other.
 “I’ve been in love with music since I was probably just five years old,” says LYNNE. "I was made for music then -- and I still am today.”

 Here are the track Listings for LONG WAVE and MR. BLUE SKY – THE VERY BEST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA: 

LONG WAVE
 1. She
 2. If I Loved You
 3. So Sad
 4. Mercy, Mercy
 5. Running Scared
 6. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
 7. Smile
 8. At Last
 9. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
 10. Let It Rock
 11. Beyond The Sea





MR. BLUE SKY – THE VERY BEST OF ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA:
 1. Mr. Blue Sky
 2. Evil Woman
 3. Strange Magic
 4. Don’t Bring Me Down
 5. Turn To Stone
 6. Showdown
 7. Telephone Line
 8. Livin’ Thing
 9. Do Ya
 10. Can’t Get It Out Of My Head
 11. 10538 Overture
 12. The Point Of No Return




Triumph to appear on 'Rockline.'


Canadian rock legends TRIUMPH will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show “Rockline” with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, August 29th at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET.

The band are on the verge of releasing new, previously unreleased material in a CD / DVD package, recorded at their appearance in 2008, at the Sweden Rock Festival.
'Live in Sweden' will be released toward the end of August.
 




Fans are encouraged to speak with TRIUMPH by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).
The show will be streamed on the “Rockline” web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

For more information, visit:

Official band website:
http://www.triumphmusic.com/




Peter Frampton involved in car crash


National press reports have shared that classic 70's singer / songwriter Peter Frampton, the man behind the multi million selling 'Frampton Comes Alive,' was recently involved in a car crash in California.

He's claiming that he believes the woman that crashed into him, was texting at the time and that the accident has caused him a whiplash injury.

Frampton posted on Twitter earlier this week: “Texting woman driver just ran into back of me while I was stationary in traffic 101 freeway. Can u say whiplash? People put the phones down!”
He later added: “Back and neck not good. Going to ER after my flight.”

Some links to stories elsewhere:





Peter Frampton is due to kick off a US tour tomorrow, Friday 3rd August at the Rockwoods Jamfest, Otsego, MN.

Official website:





Roger Hodgson, Legendary Voice of Supertramp, Returns with his Breakfast in America Summer Tour, First National U.S. Run in 30 Years




Fresh on the heels of sold out performances earlier this year in the U.S., South America, and Europe, Roger Hodgson, co-founder and original singer-songwriter from Supertramp, brings his Breakfast in America tour back to the United States.  Hodgson’s 34 date U.S. tour resumes on August 5 in Park City, Utah - marking his first major national U.S. tour since his departure from Supertramp in 1983.


Many may not know his name but would instantly recognize his voice and the classic hits he wrote and composed such as, “The Logical Song,”  “Breakfast in America,” “Give a Little Bit,”  “Dreamer,” “School,” “Take the Long Way Home,” “It's Raining Again,” and “Fool's Overture,” -  and other fan favorites including “Hide in Your Shell,” “Child of Vision,” “Don't Leave Me Now,”  and “Lord is it Mine.”


Uniting generations at his concerts, Hodgson transports baby boomers back to their youth and gives younger generations a taste of why his heartfelt songs have endured. Audiences are once again experiencing the magic and spirit that Hodgson created with Supertramp, a global success that resulted in sales of over 60 million albums.

For his U.S. Breakfast in America tour, Hodgson will be accompanied by a four piece band and promises an assortment of the classics he wrote and originally recorded with Supertramp, as well as select highlights such as “Only Because of You,” and “Lovers in the Wind” from his five solo album releases. 
Hodgson’s latest CD,  “Classics Live,” is available through iTunes, Topspin or from the Roger Hodgson Store.  

Journalists and fans agree that Hodgson is at the top of his game, his voice sounding richer and better than ever as he takes the audience on an uplifting musical journey. 


Journalist Reviews:“This is the real deal: a legendary music man, in brilliant form and shimmering presence, supported by a tight, terrific band. An evening with Roger Hodgson will raise your standards of concert-going.”  Huffington Post


“The power of the music was indisputable with many of the audience in tears of joy at the memories and emotions the songs evoked.  It was like seeing Supertramp back in their heyday.”  Evening Herald


“Frequently entertaining the audience with stories about the origins of his songs, Hodgson connects deeply with the fans in a way few stars of his stature do.”  San Diego Reader


“To the adoring fans who rise to their feet as Hodgson and his four-piece backing band take the stage … it might as well be 1979 all over again.”  Rolling Stone


“It was a love fest from the get go...”   Montreal Gazette


“All these years I thought I was a Supertramp fan when actually I was and am a Roger Hodgson fan.  What a show!  WOW is all I can say.”  David Wild, Contributing editor, Rolling Stone

Audience Responses:

“Hands down the best concert I have ever seen and I’ve seen everyone.   No other artist comes even close to the intimacy and magic that Roger Hodgson creates in his shows.   He holds his audience in his hands and they could not be happier.”

“Last night was by far the most inspirational and heartfelt concert I have EVER attended. What a great band you have put together. I kept commenting to my wife, that song was from his heart. We both did what you wanted everyone attending to do, left the show with a smile on our face and tears in our eyes. Great to have you back!!!”  

“We were blown away and deeply moved by the honesty and sincerity of Roger Hodgson’s show…All of life’s problems disappeared, and we felt like teenagers again!” 


ROGER HODGSON – BREAKFAST IN AMERICA U.S. DATES:


8/5       Park City, UT            Deer Valley Resort Amphitheater
8/9       Snoqualmie, WA        Mt. View Plaza, Snoqualmie Casino
8/10     Portland, OR              Oregon Zoo Amphitheater
8/11     Brooks, CA                 Cache Creek Casino
8/12     Saratoga, CA              Saratoga Mountain Winery
8/16     Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
8/17     Lincoln, RI                  Twin River Casino
8/18     Atlantic City, NJ        Borgata Music Box
8/21     Lewiston, NY              Art Park
8/23     Highland Park, IL      Ravinia Pavilion
8/24     Blue Ash, OH              Blue Ash Town Square
8/25     Chautauqua, NY        Chautauqua Institute Amphitheater
9/16     Newport Beach, CA    Taste of Newport
9/18     San Diego, CA             Humphreys
10/26   Rancho Mirage, CA     Agua Caliente
10/27   Modesto, CA                Gallo PAC, Mary Stuart Rogers
11/1     Glenside, PA               Keswick Theatre
11/2     Westbury, NY             Westbury Theatre
11/3     Ridgefield, CT             Ridgefield Playhouse
11/7     Englewood, NJ            Bergen PAC
11/8     Morristown, NJ           Mayo PAC
11/9     Shippensburg, PA       Shippensburg University
11/13   Carmel, IN                  Center for the Performing Arts


For complete information on Summer and Fall concerts go to: http://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/tour.html

Click here for a video montage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzrd3PmVCkw

 Visit Roger online at:
Roger Hodgson Website:
www.RogerHodgson.com

Official Facebook: 
www.facebook.com/RogerHodgsonOfficial
Official Twitter: 
www.twitter.com/RogerHodgson
Official YouTube Channel: 
www.YouTube.com/MrRogerHodgson

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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Brief News Update for Wednesday August 1st, 2012


Wow! Unreal, it's August already, where did that year go?!
Well, enjoy the rest of summer folks,
Cheers, Al

New Europe video for 'Firebox!'



'Firebox' is the new single from Swedish rockers Europe!

Released from the highly lauded latest album from the band, 'Bag of Bones,' it continues to to show the less pop / rock driven direction the band were tagged with, when they first broke ground around the world with 'The Final Countdown.'


EUROPETHEBAND.COM - The Official EUROPE Website
www.europetheband.com


 The band will continue to tour through 2012, currently through Europe ... - No pun intended! - then in September they head to South America, before returning to Europe in October hitting many countries including Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, France and Holland.
In November they play nine UK dates.
For more details on the band's activities, follw the above link!

I wish they'd make the trek to the US though, it's been too long!

'Bag of Bones' review here:


FOLLOW-UP TO DIO'S BEST-SELLING 'VERY BEAST OF' ANNOUNCED!


As revealed to you all in Sunday's news update here, there was a new 'Very Beast of Dio - Vol. 2' to be released in respect of one of the greatest vocalists to ever grace rock music, Ronnie James Dio. RIP.
I have to say, as the Dio website posted, the album artwork is nothing less than sick!
What a gruesome, horrible album cover, kind of matching Uriah Heep's 'Abominog' for nastiness!
Saving grace, it's chock full of great musical material!

Here's the official press release folks!



In addition to fronting such legendary hard rock/heavy metal bands as Rainbow, Black Sabbath / Heaven and Hell and Elf, singer Ronnie James Dio also was the leader of his own solo band, Dio, who were responsible for such all-time great rock anthems as "Holy Diver," "Rainbow in the Dark," and "The Last in Line," among many others. And on Tuesday, October 9th, a second volume of Dio's best tracks will be unleashed via Niji Entertainment - 'The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2' - a follow-up to the gold-certified 'The Very Beast of Dio.'
The 17-track CD picks up exactly where the first volume left off - from 1996 onward. And in addition to featuring such latter-day Dio classics as "Killing the Dragon," "Push," and "Fever Dreams," the compilation will also include several rarities that fans have long requested on a single disc - "Electra" (which previously was only a part of the ultra-rare 'Tournado' box set), "Prisoner of Paradise," and "Metal Will Never Die."

As the Dio Facebook Page Administrator, raves, "I absolutely know that every single Dio Fan is going to want 'The Very Beast Of Dio Vol. 2'! I'm a HUGE Dio fan, just like all of you, and I can't tell you how excited I am about this CD. I had the pleasure of listening to the CD that was produced, mixed, and remastered by Ronnie's longtime engineer, Wyn Davis, and it sounds BLOODY INSANE!!!"

Also included as part of the release will be liner notes penned by long-time supporter and friend of Ronnie's, Eddie Trunk from 'That Metal Show,' as well as an awesome front cover painting by artist Marc Sasso (who previously created the covers for Dio's 'Killing the Dragon' and 'Master of the Moon' albums).

'The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2' will also be receiving a significant promotional push, as it will be promoted on Trunk's radio program, and will be given away via the infamous "Box of Junk" on an episode of 'That Metal Show.' And of course, the very popular official Ronnie James Dio Facebook page will get behind the release - which has over 735,000 fans (and receives between 800,000 to 1,000,000 hits per month).

As the Dio Facebook Page Administrator notes, "Just to let you know, the first 'Beast Of Dio' was only released in the USA and Canada, and has sold over 800,000 CD's to date! This CD will be in EVERY COUNTRY and our Dio Store too!"
The stellar music of Ronnie James Dio continues to live on. And the forthcoming 'The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2' will be the perfect addition to every headbanger's collection.

TRACK LISTING FOR 'THE VERY BEAST OF DIO VOL. 2':

Killing the Dragon
Push
The Eyes
Along Comes A Spider
Better in the Dark
Fever Dreams
Black
Feed My Head
Shivers
Hunter of the Heart (Live)
One More for the Road
Lord of the Last Day
Electra (Bonus Track)
As Long As It's Not About Love
This is Your Life
Metal Will Never Die (Bonus Track)
Prisoner of Paradise (Bonus Track)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

www.ronniejamesdio.com
 www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
 www.facebook.com/nijientertainmentgroup



VH1 Classic presents
New 'That Metal Show' Season 11's guests announced!


Yes, the popular US TV rock show, 'That Metal Show' broadcast through VH1 Classic is due to return for it's 11th Season - Yes really! - on Saturday August 11th!

The show hosted by rock and metal mastermind Eddie Trunk and his co-hosts Don Jamison and Jim Florentine, should be a welcome breath of fresh air for rock and metal fans everywhere. I for one, am looking forward to it greatly!
So read on for the lowdown on what Season 11 is going to bring, rock on!
From EddieTrunk.com 7/31/12:

Thanks for your patience everyone.
You have all been asking and I am pleased to finally present to you the guests for That Metal Show Season 11 debuting 8/11 on VH1 Classic. This round was a bit of a challenge since so many bands are on tour in the Summer, but I hope you will agree we have a tremendous roster of new and returning guests and rock, hard rock and metal represented.

That is all a big key to the growth and evoltuon of TMS and I appreciate you all watching and supporting the show as always.
This season will consist of 6 shows we are taping starting this Sunday on Los Angeles, and two shows we shot in March that will make their debut.
So 8 new shows in all. The two shows from March start us off. They are:

8/11: David Draiman of Disturbed, Russell Allen, Mike Orlando of Adrenaline Mob, Mike Portnoy on drums. (this show was a sneak preview as well during the recent marathon but makes it official premiere)

8/17: Bobby Blotzer of Ratt, Stephen Riley and Phil Lewis of LA Guns, Steve Stevens on guitar.

The following shows will be the 6 new that will be added that we tape starting this weekend.

Premiere dates TBA:

Geoff Tate and Zakk Wylde
Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick
Steve Harris of Iron Maiden
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Lita Ford
Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony
King Diamond, Mark Tremonti

In addition, we have 3 returning guitar greats to play in the above 6 shows; John 5, Doug Aldrich and George Lynch.

Former Biohazard frontman Evan Seinfeld will appear in a Guest Top 5.
Maybe a few more surprises as well. Be sure to follow on Twitter @EddieTrunk for photos and updates as we shoot these shows. Thanks for watching and hope you like what's headed your way very soon! And a special thanks to all the above artists for being a part of the show and making the time to be on TMS!
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

News Update for Tuesday July 31st, 2012


United Kingdom, 'Are You Ready To Rock' with Michael Schenker ... In 2013?!




Due to the critical acclaim Michael Schenker received on his 2012 UK tour, the legendary guitarist will return with his classic rock band, "Temple of Rock" on a 12-date UK tour in April 2013.
The tour kicks-off on Tues 9th April at ARC, Stockton on Tees.

Tickets for all twelve 'Temple of Rock' UK concerts go on general sale Monday July 30th. Book online: www.thegigcartel.com or call the Ticket Hotline: 0844 478 0898. (UK)


Ed's note: I guess he's calling the band, 'Temple of Rock' now then ...?


Michael Schenker: April 2013 UK Tour:

Stockton Arc                           April 9
Aberdeen Lemon Tree           April 10
Edinburgh Picture House       April 11
Newcastle o2 Academy          April 12
Holmfirth Picturedrome         April 13
Warrington Parr Hall            April 14
Falmouth Princess Pavilion    April 16
Bristol O2 Academy               April 17
Salisbury City Hall                 April 18
Oxford o2 Academy               April 19
Nottingham Rock City           April 20
Norwich Waterfront              April 21




Following his acclaimed 2009/10 world tour performing the MSG 30th Anniversary Show, Michael was joined by (original MSG vocalist) Gary Barden, with a host of other classic rock legends including Carmine Appice, Simon Phillips, Chris Slade and Chris Glen. Schenker’s Temple of Rock band is ready to conquer the UK with a celebrated kick-ass, all-star line-up.

Boasting Ex-Scorpions stars Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), MSG stalwart Wayne Findlay (keyboards) and Scottish vocalist Doogie White (ex Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen), the Temple Of Rock concerts will feature plenty of hits spanning Michael Schenker’s career with The Scorpions, UFO and MSG.


Songs to be performed by the “Temple of Rock” include UFO’s 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor,' MSG’s 'Armed and Ready' and 'Into The Arena,' and the Scorpions classics 'Another Piece of Meat' and 'Rock You like a Hurricane.' In addition, Schenker will perform brand new songs from the recently released Temple of Rock album including the Planet Rock radio favourite 'Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.'

In 2010, Michael Schenker received the Marshall '11' Award at the Classic Rock Magazine Roll Of Honour Awards. The following year he rocked the High Voltage Festival, and also toured the UK with Black Country Communion.



More details on this press release and some great pic's, go to:


Michael Schenker - Official Website:
www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Michael Schenker - Official Facebook:





PRIDE OF LIONS to return with an "Immortal" fourth album!

 Frontiers Records is excited to announce the return of PRIDE OF LIONS with the release of their anticipated fourth studio album entitled “Immortal” on September 21st in Europe and September 24th in North America.
 


The 11 tracks new album is everything Melodic Rock fans expect from these guys: powerful vocals from Toby Hitchcock and Jim Peterik, amazing music from the Pride Of Lions band and guest musicians, and of course epic songs from the pen of Grammy - winning songwriter and founding member of Survivor, Jim Peterik.


 “After producing and writing the songs for Jimi Jamison’s wonderful 2009 release, “Crossroads Moment,” I needed a minute or two to get my juices back flowing in the direction of writing a great new Pride Of Lions record. When Toby decided to do his solo album, this was the perfect time for reflection. Once I started writing, the flood gates just opened up. I feel this is the CD to put POL on the map once and for all” says Peterik.

 Indeed all the pieces are there that made Pride Of Lions the group to watch back in 2003 with their self-titled debut record on Frontiers. Timeless songs such as “It’s Criminal”, “Sound Of Home” and “Gone” are still on the I-pods and cd players of thousands of rock fans worldwide, but Toby Hitchcock's voice this time has gained a new maturity and depth while sacrificing none of his incredible 4 octave range.


 “When I was approached by Serafino Perugino (Frontiers Records President and guiding light) to do the next POL record I knew he wouldn’t settle for less than my very best as a songwriter and producer. I couldn’t let him or the fans down - so I really got down to business,” continues Jim.


 The results speak for themselves. Joined again by Jim's long time musical partner Larry Millas the album is a sonic powerhouse. Back up vocals are supplied by Thom Griffin ex of Trillion and a new rock tenor on the scene Marc Scherer. The title track is sheer POL magic “Immortal” with its key line: “For the thousand times we fail, it’s the one thing we did right, that leaves a mark forever on this world - and makes us Immortal.” “Delusional,” another key cut (chosen to become the first single and music video) tackles the subject of the way we as a people overprescribe medication to young people that may be a bit different from the norm, to make them conform with the status quo- thus choking off their brilliant uniqueness.


Pride of Lions - Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock

 
Of course the power ballads are there as always: “Everything Money Can’t Buy,” the melancholy gem, “Are You The Same Girl” and “Sending My Love”.

 “For me,” states Toby Hitchcock, the pivotal song on this CD is “Sending My Love”. I’m a sucker for a great ballad and this one spoke to my soul. Being a new father, it gets more and more heartbreaking to be away from my loved ones on the road. I love the road, don’t get me wrong, but its tough being separated from them as well.”
The rockers, of course, rock as hard as ever. The album’s closer, “Ask Me Yesterday” explores the natural wisdom we seem to lose over time. “If It Doesn’t Kill me” explores the Nietzschian quote: “What doesn’t kill me- makes me stronger!”

 “Another strong rocker, in my opinion, is “Vital Signs,” says Peterik. “It’s a song I started back in 1984 while making Vital Signs with Survivor. I often like to have a song be the title cut- i.e. 'When Seconds Count,' 'Eye Of The Tiger,' 'Too Hot To Sleep,' 'Caught In The Game' etc. But this time I couldn’t quite finish this tune - until finally this year.”

 “Immortal” is a vital album (pun intended) for POL. “We hope to finally break big in our own country - the USA. It’s great having the world wide profile that we do - when Toby and I walk the streets of Barcelona the people point and shout - Pride Of Lions! I’d like that to happen in Cincinnati!” concludes Jim Peterik.

 Some big shows are currently being set up for Pride Of Lions including a show with Styx in the Chicago area around the time of this release.
 So enjoy another epic album from a band that is more than a flash in the pan project. Pride of Lions is the real thing - and they are here to stay!


 “Immortal” tracklisting includes:
 Immortal; Delusional; Tie Down The Wind; Shine On; Everything That Money Can’t Buy; Coin Of The Realm; Sending My Love; Vital Signs; If It Doesn’t Kill Me; Are You The Same Girl; Ask Me Yesterday.

 
 The first single “Delusional” will be available for digital purchase only on September 5th.
A videoclip will be made available soon – an album trailer is available now:

 
PRIDE OF LIONS:

 Toby Hitchcock: lead vocals
Jim Peterik: lead and harmony vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, all keyboards, bass (on 10), percussion.

Add. Musicians:
Kelly Keagy: drums on 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10
Ed Breckenfeld: drums on 3, 4, 6, 7, 11
Bobby Lizik: bass on 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9
Klem Hayes: bass on 3, 4, 7, 11
Mike Aquino: additional lead guitar on 3, 5

Websites:


 

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE GREATEST VIDEO HITS BY QUEEN
 ~2 DVD OUT AUGUST 28~
 



New York, NY (July 30, 2012)—Over three hours long on two DVDs, one of the greatest visual bands in rock history will get their due on August 28 when Eagle Rock Entertainment, the world leader in visual music, releases Greatest Video Hits by Queen.

Upgraded digitally in DTS 5.1 Surround Sound, with added commentary from lead guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, this 2 DVD set packages Queen’s pioneering and groundbreaking video history into a seamless whole.
33 videos deep, this is the first time that this collection will be released in one package.




Heavy on the early days, the first disc spotlights Queen in the 1970s, when the music video as an art form began to emerge. It includes the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions,” as well as “Flash,” from the 1980 sci-fi film Flash Gordon.
From the freezing backyard shoots of “We Will Rock You” and “Spread Your Wings,” to the visual masterpiece that accompanies “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen was already showing off the various ways that they visually wanted to represent their music.


The 1980 years are represented on Disc 2, from 1982’s Hot Space album through 1989’s The Miracle. With the advent of MTV in the US, Queen proved they could be as creative visually as they were on record. The ’84 “Radio Ga Ga” video was hailed by both film and music critics alike for its referencing of the original 1927 cinematic milestone Metropolis by Fritz Lang.
From the spoofing of Coronation Street in “I Want To Break Free,” to children replacing the band members in “The Miracle,” Queen put their stamp on the music video in the best way they knew how – offering something fresh and different every time.

Queen burned so bright it created a legacy that continues today. From its self-titled 1973 debut to its fitting finale 1995’s Made In Heaven, the band set precedents within rock music that will never be equaled. Singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist Freddie Mercury (1946-1991), bassist John Deacon, May and Taylor meshed like magic and the results will be seen, heard and deeply felt on August 28.

Eagle Rock will also release the Freddie Mercury documentary The Great Pretender on DVD and Blu-ray September 25.


Track Listing:

Disc #1)

Bohemian Rhapsody
Another One Bites The Dust
Killer Queen
Fat Bottomed Girls
Bicycle Race
You’re My Best Friend
Don’t Stop Me Now
Save Me
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Somebody To Love
Spread Your Wings
Play The Game
Flash
Tie Your Mother Down
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions

Disc #2)

A Kind Of Magic
I Want It All
Radio Ga Ga
I Want To Break Free
Breakthru
Under Pressure
Scandal
Who Wants To Live Forever
The Miracle
It’s A Hard Life
The Invisible Man
Las Palabras De Amor
Friends Will Be Friends
Body Language
Hammer To Fall
Princes Of The Universe
One Vision
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TOTO to appear at JackFM Concert, September 15!



Don't miss Jack FM's 7th Show on Saturday, September 15 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, California!

Appearing at this year's show will be Joe Walsh, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, TOTO, Gin Blossoms, MC Hammer, and Missing Persons featuring Dale Bozzio.
Tickets go on-sale this Friday, August 3 at www.livenation.com.

Don't forget to purchase your TOTO VIP Packages which include exclusive TOTO merchandise, a Meet & Greet / Photo Op with TOTO, and much more!


Get yours at:

Official band website:
http://www.toto99.com/
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