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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Brief News Update for Thursday 27th January, 2011

Foreigner to Tour in India for the First Time!

Foreigner will be headed to India for the first time for a 5 show tour!
They will be joined by renowned Indian musician Niladri Kumar, the young Sitar Maestro, in a concept-tour where Rock Stars meet Rock Sitars!

Every show will open with a 40 minute set by Niladri Kumar, a renowned Indian musician specializing in the Electric Sitar (Zitar). Foreigner will then take to the stage next, performing a set of their most popular songs. At the end of Foreigner`s set, Niladri Kumar will join them on stage for an encore fusing the musical styles of both artists and creating a uniquely unforgettable experience!
Sounds wild, huh?!

Date City Venue
February 2011
11.2.11 Delhi, India Talkatora Indoor Stadium
13.2.11 Mumbai, India St. Andrews Auditorium
14.2.11 Hyderabad, India Taramati Baradari
17.2.11 Kolkata, India Science City Auditorium
20.2.11 Bangalore, India Palace Grounds



UK's Download Festival Line Up grows

The UK's Download rock festival, at Donington Park race track, that started some years back now replacing the old Monsters of Rock annual event in the same location, appears to be almost - but a long way off yet I'm sure - to be heading back to including many classic rock style bands.

Of course when Download first started, it was simply all metal / thrash / goth stuff, but over the last few years, the line ups have included the likes of: Whitesnake, Def Leppard, ZZ Top, Journey, Europe, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Y&T, Thunder, Tesla, etc.

The 2011 festival line up, for the weekend of June 10th through to the 12th, although being headlined by newer acts, of a more metal nature or rap rock style in Linkin Park's case, are being crept up on already by the likes of Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Mr. Big and FM.
There's still a long way to go before the bill is completely finalised, so keep checking back here and also at:

Here's this years flyer so far ....
 


Bob Seger could tour again in 2011

According to Rolling Stone magazine and Bob Seger's site himself, there are hint's that the Detroit classic rocker, may well play a limited - Very! - set of tour dates.

At this time it's being suggested that these might be, St. Louis, Cleveland, New York and of course his hometown, Detroit, Michigan.
This is over at Rolling Stone magazine:
www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bob-seger-hints-a-tour-is-in-the-works-20110126

Over at the man's site, there's a video screen - Although it wouldn't play for me - and the simple statement ... Stay tuned!
Official site:
www.bobseger.com/news/

I must say, I was extremely impressed when I saw the man here in Auburn Hills, Michigan on his comeback, 'Face The Promise' tour back in 2006, which I reviewed for the site, www.classicrock.about.com/ and that review can be found here:
http://classicrock.about.com/od/artistsae1/a/seger_concert.htm

I sincerely hope the man does play some more dates, as he certainly came across like there was more in the guy to share with us all.
Here's hoping, eh?

"JAMMIT" - THE FIRST-EVER MUSIC APP DESIGNED TO ISOLATE ORIGINAL MULTI-TRACK RECORDINGS TO BE UNVEILED AT MACWORLD 2011

Advanced Capabilities, Intuitive Controls and Impressive List of Top Artists Sure to Change the Way Music is Learned ..

“If I had this when I was learning to play guitar, it would have saved me years of frustration,” - John 5 (Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson)

"Absolutely amazing,” – Al Schmitt (17x Grammy-winning engineer and 2x Latin Grammy winner- Ray Charles/Steely Dan)

"For years, musicians have been interpreting music incorrectly because up until now you couldn't hear the isolated the tracks. Jammit solves the problem,” - Steve Lukather (Toto/G3)

HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 26, 2011) - Learning music is difficult. Changing the way it is learned is even more challenging. Revolutionizing the industry is unheard of until now with the introduction of Jammit™, the first and only music software offering budding and veteran rock stars access to top industry artists’ original multi-track master recordings.
The unveiling will be held on January 27th at 1 PM in Media Center room #2008 at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Afterward, it will also be on display with live demos at booth #339.

Created by renowned music producer Scott Humphrey (Motley Crue, Rob Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne), Jammit™ gives music fans of all levels a way to learn their favorite artists’ tracks as they were meant to be played. Features include instrument isolation, synchronized notation and tablature combined with phrase looping and a slow speed function without changing pitch. Jammit™ truly is a music edu-tainment revolution. A quick product video demo is available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=28h9hvOS-m4.

Jammit™ is comprised of a proprietary technology developed by Humphrey and his team of engineers that will inevitably change the way music is learned in the home, music studios and education facilities across the world.

“Until now, there was always a level of uncertainty of how the original track was played,” said Humphrey. “Jammit™ offers musicians a unique combination of software features combined with isolated tracks from the original multi-track master recordings. Our ever expanding library features many of the top artists from the last four decades.”

A sampling of the vast Jammit™ library includes access to fan favorites such as Steve Vai, Rob Zombie, Nickelback, No Doubt, Marilyn Manson, Foreigner, Motley Crüe, Grateful Dead, Pantera and Alice Cooper among others.

Previously, people had to rely on traditional learning tactics like printed sheet music or mixed audio files, constantly pushing play, rewind and play again on their music player. With the introduction of Jammit™, musicians finally have access to the isolated multi-tracks sessions combined with innovative and easy-to-use software for maximum learning potential. Proprietary variable timing reference technology offers users access to many features including:

* Isolation of individual instruments and vocals for pinpoint learning
* Synchronized scrolling notation and tablature
* Audio waveform displays for visual cues and navigation
* Looping and song section markers for detailed accuracy
* Performance recording and playback
* Slow playback mode that doesn’t affect the original pitch

By having the ability to isolate an individual instrument within a dense mix, a musician can hear the intricacies of an instrument, making it easier and more enjoyable to learn and emulate. The scrolling digital notation and tablature makes it easy to reference and follow along with the audio. Users can practice in loop mode, mute the isolated track, jam along with the band track and record their own performance.

With the ability to learn from the master musicians themselves, Jammit™ is a must have for all music students and accomplished musicians. Available soon at www.jammit.com, music lovers can easily download, install and purchase their favorite songs for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, OS X, Windows and other devices.

ABOUT SCOTT HUMPHREY

Scott Humphrey is a world-renowned multi-platinum producer, composer and digital recording pioneer. In the early 1990’s Humphrey’s technical contributions to the Pro Tools audio software helped to shape the digital audio standard by which most of today’s recordings follow. Highly acclaimed recording artists such as Metallica, Motley Crüe and Bon Jovi have all prospered as a direct result of Humphrey’s digital audio artistry. He has also been a long time producer/collaborator with Rob Zombie and is the founder of The Chop Shop recording studios in Hollywood, California. For more information on Jammit™ go to: www.jammit.com/


T.S.O. head out on 'Beethoven's Last Night' 2011 tour



Yes indeed, almost no sooner than the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have wrapped up their Winter / Christmas Tour 2010, they have lined up a big old set of tour dates for 2011, for the 'Beethoven's Last Night' 2011 tour and this time around, it includes Europe!

Sorry UK fans, it seems to be that sad same old story of when US band come over and there's only one date, Hammy Odeon, oops, sorry Apollo!
This came to my Inbox late yesterday:

Dear TSO Fans,

We are excited to announce the 2011 Beethoven's Last Night Tour. Since there may be a couple of additions in the near future, check out our tour page for the latest updates.
- TSO


Beethoven's Last Night 2011 Tour Dates - US & Canada
(All dates and times are subject to change)
April 2011
2 April 2011 - Battle Creek, MI - Kellogg Arena - 8:00 PM
3 April 2011 - Windsor, ON - The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor - 8:00 PM
5 April 2011 - Akron, OH - EJ Thomas Perf. Arts Hall-Univ. of Akron - 7:30 PM
6 April 2011 - Erie, PA - Erie Civic Center - 7:30 PM
7 April 2011 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center - 7:30 PM
8 April 2011 - Syracuse, NY - War Memorial at Oncenter Complex - 8:00 PM
9 April 2011 - Atlantic City, NJ - Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre - 8:00 PM
10 April 2011 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena - 7:00 PM
13 April 2011 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Palace - 7:30 PM
14 April 2011 - Wheeling, WV - WesBanco Arena - 7:30 PM
15 April 2011 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena - 8:00 PM
16 April 2011 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum - 8:00 PM
17 April 2011 - Asheville, NC - Asheville Civic Center - 7:30 PM
19 April 2011 - Chattanooga, TN - Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 PM
20 April 2011 - Knoxville, TN - Knoxville Coliseum - 7:30 PM
21 April 2011 - North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Coliseum - 7:30 PM
22 April 2011 - Tallahassee, FL - Leon County Civic Center - 8:00 PM
23 April 2011 - Lakeland, FL - The Lakeland Center - 8:00 PM
24 April 2011 - Estero, FL - Germain Arena - 7:30 PM
27 April 2011 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center - 7:30 PM
28 April 2011 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum - 7:30 PM
29 April 2011 - Huntsville, AL - Von Braun Center Arena - 8:00 PM
30 April 2011 - Jackson, MS - Mississippi Coliseum - 8:00 PM

May 2011
1 May 2011 - Beaumont, TX - Ford Arena - 7:30 PM
4 May 2011 - Rio Rancho, NM - Santa Ana Star Center - 7:30 PM
5 May 2011 - El Paso, TX - El Paso County Coliseum - 7:30 PM
6 May 2011 - Amarillo, TX - Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum - 8:00 PM
8 May 2011 - Corpus Christi, TX - Selena Auditorium - 7:30 PM
11 May 2011 - Evansville, IN - The Centre - 7:30 PM
12 May 2011 - Cape Girardeau, MO - Show ME Center - 7:30 PM
13 May 2011 - Moline, IL - i wireless Center - 8:00 PM
14 May 2011 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino Showroom - 8:00 PM
15 May 2011 - Green Bay, WI - Resch Center - 7:30 PM
17 May 2011 - Rockford, IL - Coronado Performing Arts Center - 7:30 PM
19 May 2011 - Toronto, ON - Casino Rama - 8:00 PM
20 May 2011 - Binghamton, NY - Broome County Arena - 8:00 PM
21 May 2011 - Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid-Hudson Civic Center - 8:00 PM


Beethoven's Last Night 2011 Tour Dates - European Dates
(All dates and times are subject to change)

March 2011
16 March 2011 - Zürich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion - 8:00 PM
17 March 2011 - München, Germany - Zenith - 8:00 PM
18 March 2011 - Wien, Austria - Stadthalle - 8:00 PM
19 March 2011 - Stuttgart, Germany - Schleyerhalle - 8:00 PM
20 March 2011 - Mainz, Germany - Phoenixhalle - 8:00 PM
22 March 2011 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom - 8:00 PM
23 March 2011 - Hamburg, Germany - CCH2 - 8:00 PM
24 March 2011 - Düsseldorf, Germany - Philipshalle - 8:00 PM
25 March 2011 - Antwerpen, Belgium - Stadsschouwburg - 8:00 PM
26 March 2011 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heineken Music Hall - 8:00 PM
28 March 2011 - London, United Kingdom - Hammersmith Apollo - 6:30 PM
Official Weblinks:


And finally ....

Yes, it's one of these interesting little closers for today's news items.
I've had a request from a good friend of mine, if I could post this here at the site.
An established Ann Arbor based hard rock / metal band is looking for 'serious' manager, read on if this may be you!
I can tell you that they have just completed a self financed EP - Recorded, mixed, pressed, DONE and are ready to rock 'n' roll! Enough from me though ... 


 
Business Manager (Intern)

An established local Rock Band is seeking a business manager to provide the following services:

*Help develop marketing strategies and material
*Assist with creative input to develop “brand” and name recognition
*Develop and execute marketing programs
*Interface with suppliers, recording studios, and business owners
*Manage fiscal and material property

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in the business of music and an appreciation for the art of crafting popular music. The qualifications include a strong business background with a marketing flair and enthusiastic, “can-do” attitude. Previous experience, while preferred is not required.
Influences for this band include Nickelback, God Smack, and similar rock/metal groups.
The band writes and performs original music that could be considered Rock/Alternative.

The position is considered a part-time internship with a strictly commissioned compensation plan. It reports to the band members but will be mentored by a professional business consultant.

Interested and qualified candidates should send resumes, CVs or career summaries to Jim Miles at -











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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Vega – Kiss of Life Album review.
Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: Available now.


Vega, are a very tasty sounding band indeed, that features the talents of one Nick Workman (Ex-Kick, Eden) on vocals and the two guys Tom and James Martin (House of Lords, Khymera, Sunstorm, etc), who seem to have written many good songs, for many bands, including songstress Issa.

This debut album ‘Kiss Of Life’ is so solid and complete thanks to production by John Greatwood, who’s done engineering work for Tom Lord Alge and the album was mastered by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69).

If you like a really big sounding production / mix of say Loverboy, Bon Jovi and even hints of Def Leppard, with a poppy edgy sound, that’s helps to keep the sound more current, then this should grab you for real! I’ve played this album so much, I really, really do enjoy it!

You know, I really enjoyed Nick Workman’s material with Kick and really felt for that band, that they were so criminally overlooked.  Check out ‘Consider This’ sometime folks, a very good album, although I never did hear follow up ‘New Horizon.’

Anyway, here’s the thing and here I go again … - Sigh! – My apologies to artists out there that hate comparisons to other artists, but I really do find it helps give people with no previous knowledge of the artists work, put bluntly, a clue!

OK, I was never a big Loverboy fan, wait for it, give me a chance to explain where I’m going!
The thing is, I liked moments of Loverboy’s early material but one album from them that was much overlooked, was a more .., mature album in ‘Wildside.'
I really thought that was a great album that deserved to be globally huge!

So now back to what I find interesting here about Vega, is perhaps because of Nick's hooking up with both Tom and James Martin, but these guys have created a monster album! Full of great hooks, great melodies and Nick Workman’s voice at times reminds me of Mike Reno at his absolute best and this album sounds to me, like the album Loverboy should’ve recorded after Wildside!

It’s really great and kicks off with the almost ‘Boys of Summer’ like intro led ‘Into The Wild’ that builds up and grows into such a rich track. Killer vocals, great punchy power chords, great full rich keyboards and strong rhythm driving the track along, I just love it!

Title track ‘Kiss Of Life’ almost has a Honeymoon Suite / Bon Jovi like vibe and I love the underlying chugging riffs here and the keyboard fills just make the overall track sound so full. Full marks seriously to John Greatwood for getting so much out of these guys, I can’t wait for the follow up and I’m saying this after just the first two tracks!

‘One of a Kind’ …, I’m sorry, but the chorus is something as big as say Bon Jovi’s 'It’s My Life' or 'Have a Nice Day,' it just continues to show what these guys have achieved here.

‘Staring At The Sun,’ is once more just another superb sing-a-long song with over layered keys, those punchy guitar, great guitar solo work and a continued rich vocal performance. So, so good!

The power ballad ‘Too Young for Wings’ is just slick! It’s starts with haunting breathy vocals from Nick Workman before growing as any good power ballad should.
The band is capturing so much in their songwriting and performance here, that I would love to see them live.

In next track ‘A.N. Other’ it’s one of those tracks that chugs along, some stop, start punchy changes and some interesting bridge moments and yes, some tasty guitar work again.

With ‘Headlights’ it’s a solid up tempo pop rocker, while ‘Stay With Me’ starts with some atmospheric sounds before getting into Billy Idol sounding territory, almost ‘Rebel Yell’ like at times and ‘Heart’s of Glass’ reminds me a little of Kick’s sound a bit.

‘Wonderland’ next keeps up the multi-layered punchy pop rock in fine style, then the band take the sound down for some atmospherics and then it builds up again and rocks out.

Now I’ve got to say, when I first heard the gentle opening piano on ‘Whatever It Takes,’ I got goose bumps! Weird, but it comes right out of the blue, through a laid back verse, then the chorus picks things up, eases back in the verse then the piano again, with a soaring guitar ala say ‘Sister Christian’ style and it’s just a really nice track.

The last track ‘S.O.S.’ starts with keys, then the verse vocals, then in comes the band to a huge chorus and so follows a good steady mid paced rocker.

Yes, I really like this album and these guys have really impressed me and given the chance they should certainly do the same for you. Great stuff indeed.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Official band MySpace page: www.myspace.com/vegaofficial
 
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Kiske / Somerville Debut album review

Kiske / Somerville album review
Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: Available now.


First of all, huge apologies to so many folks out there who have been waiting for, expecting some of these 'Frontiers Records' reviews for some time now ... I have just been absolutely overwhelmed with new material to review, for the past few months and I'm trying to catch up where I can, as there are a number of these, that deserve serious attention and this for starters is one of them! 
So, let's get this thing started shall we, hmmm?!
For me, both these singers past history is really with bands I really hadn’t covered before, for any site I've previously written for or 'Chambers of Rock,' but you know what? I love this album!
It’s very good European sounding melodic hard rock meets symphonic metal kind of styling.

Amanda Somerville, possibly best know for her work with Avantasia, but if you look her up through the web, it seems she’s done plenty of varied work before. Michael Kiske I should know more about, from his best known band Helloween, but I really don’t, but together under the project guidance of one Mat Sinner (Sinner, Primal Fear), they really have something here!

‘Nothing Left To Say’ comes out of the gates – So to speak! – in a similar fashion to say, Gary Moore / Phil Lynott’s 'Out in the Fields' and it’s actually immense.

With ‘Silence’ next, which was apparently the first single, it makes me think of a more commercial / melodic Evanescence and it's very good indeed.

‘If I Had a Wish’ follows a similar path as the opener and the guitar harmonies remind me a little more of a heavier Thin Lizzy, but if you’re not a Lizzy fan, perhaps the bigger melodic hooks here are what should grab you! Very good indeed.

Amanda Somerville’s voice starts hauntingly on ‘Arise’ in a beautiful sense, yet the song started with a very metallic start and comes back to that metallic sound again and then there’s those harmony guitar solos, but the song is still indeed strong.

It’s that symphonic metal sound again, that starts ‘End of the Road’ and you know Savatage or should that be T.S.O. come to mind to a degree here and there’s a seriously widdly, widdly guitar solo here and I wonder if it’s Mat Sinner’s bandmate Magnus Karlsson from Primal Fear or the other guitarist here Sander Gommans, either way, they both combine very well in the overall sound, alongside great players in drummers Martin Schmidt and Ramy Ali, as well as keyboard man Jimmy Kresic.

  1. The great music continues with the huge hooks of ‘Don’t Walk Away’ and almost power ballad effect of ‘A Thousand Suns,’ where Somerville at times almost reaches Kate Bush peaks!

The harmony guitar work plays a big part in ‘Rain’ next to open the track and then we have another big chorus driven track. Great stuff indeed!

‘One Night Burning’ is a seriously big power ballad, interesting sounding guitar solo though, a little different with vibrato effect.

With ‘Devil In Her Heart’ it chugs along building with an almost Bon Jovi like way, but it’s in that symphonic metal manner.

It’s power ballad time again with ‘Second Chance’ which as with everything here, continues to impress and the way that Somerville and Kiske’s voices work so well together, throughout the album, I sincerely hope there’s a second one to follow!

Closing track or ‘bonus track’ as it’s called here on my copy of the album is ‘Set Afire’ that starts in a seriously metallic way, before rhythmic drumming guide Somerville’s haunting vocal line, then joined by Kiske and sounding all the more haunting.
Some mystical sounds, alongside the metal edginess here for sure.

So a very good album indeed, really great vocally and the music playing, although it’s quite metallic in places, it’s got so many hooklines, it’s sure to grab anyone who enjoys edgy yet melodic rock.

There was even a bonus 3 track DVD second disc with some copies with video’s of ‘Silence’ and ‘If I Had A Wish,’ along with the the making of the album.

Here’s to ‘Kiske / Somerville 2!’
Rating: 4 out of 5

  
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Rock News Update for Wednesday 26th January, 2011

Sorry for nothing yesterday folks, not much to be found to post when I scoured around ...
Few bits and pieces for you here today. Cheers, Al :)

Stryper - The Covering available through Stryper's site now! (If you're lucky!)


Christian rockers Stryper, who's latest album 'The Covering' gets an official release - Street date - on February 15th, but meantime the band have posted at their site - http://www.stryper.com/ - that they have a limited numbers available to order now! - May be sold out by the time this posts ...

Tracklisting for 'The Covering:'

1. Set Me Free (Sweet)
2. Blackout (Scorpions)
3. Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath)
4. Lights Out (UFO)
5. Carry On My Wayward Son (Kansas)
6. Highway Star (Deep Purple)
7. Shout It Out Loud (Kiss)
8. Over The Mountain (Ozzy Osbourne)
9. The Trooper (Iron Maiden)
10. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest)
11. On Fire (Van Halen)
12. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin)
13. God (Stryper)

The band, even before this album is released have come in for a lot of flak from different areas, fans and critics alike for covering artists like Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath and Kiss, but in defence of the album and the bands reasons why they are just 'paying their dues' to their influences, Michael Sweet had responded to those people by stating as far back as February last year, the following:

'Hey Everyone, Just as promised, I wanted to outline some more details regarding the new Stryper record. We grew up listening to many different styles of music and there is a list of bands that influenced us throughout our musical education. Bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Van Halen, UFO, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Kansas and many others, helped to shape our sound and make us who we are today, musically speaking. We grew up on the streets of LA playing every club in town from Gazzari's to The Whisky to The Troubadour to you name it. We played covers from all the bands mentioned above and we shaped our own sound from listening and performing songs from these classic bands.

We wanted to step outside the box and record a record that shows you, the fans, where we come from - our historical, musical roots so to speak. It's a side to Stryper that no one has really seen or heard before, or at least quite like this. We performed "On Fire" by Van Halen on a few tours and we also performed "Breaking The Law" by Priest on this last tour. The response was far beyond our expectations each time we performed these songs. People seemed genuinely surprised to hear Stryper cover these songs and even more surprised to hear Stryper perform these songs relatively well. This will be an opportunity for Robert, Oz, Tim and myself to loosen up and have some fun.

For those of you who may think that we're walking away from our faith - your wrong. We've never been more serious about our faith at any point in our lives. It is however important to enjoy what you do and lighten up from time to time. That's what we plan to do. This will be a fun record to make and we hope that this comes through, as well as the chance to showcase the abilities that we've been blessed with. More details to come and a specific song list and sequence to follow.

We're looking forward to getting back into the studio and more important, to seeing all of you on the road again this year!

Be well, be blessed and let the games begin,

Michael'

I have to tell you that the samples that I've heard are extremely impressive!
I look forward to hearing the complete album myself, as these guys really have something here and their last release, 'Murder by Pride,' while although a grower, was still very good indeed!

Band weblinks:


Uriah Heep coming back to the US again for live dates in June
 
Yes, Uriah Heep after they play two UK shows this coming weekend, they're then just about to head down under for three dates in Oz:
 
March 2011
Thu 03/31/11 Brisbane, Australia The Tivoli

April 2011
Fri 04/01/11 Newtown, Australia Enmore Theatre
Sat 04/02/11 Melbourne, Australia Palais Theatre

The band will then play a whole load of dates in Europe before returning to the US for what is shaping up to be a reasonable amount of live dates, following their successful few here last year.
Dates currently shown on Pollstar - Some are already advertised through http://www.ticketmaster.com/ too:
 
June 2011Wed 06/15/11 Chattanooga, TN Riverbend Festival Grounds
Thu 06/16/11 Saint Charles, MO Ameristar Casino St. Charles
Sat 06/18/11 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Sun 06/19/11 Falls Church, VA State Theatre
Mon 06/20/11 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater 1894
Wed 06/22/11 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club
Thu 06/23/11 Foxboro, MA Showcase Live
Fri 06/24/11 Jim Thorpe, PA Penn's Peak

Hopefully even more here in July ..., but nothing showing yet, one date in Switzerland in July shown at their site, then back for a couple more dates in:

August 2011
Fri 08/12/11 Three Forks, MT Rockin' The Rivers Festival Grounds
Sun 08/14/11 Rochester, MN Mayo Park

For all official tour date info on the band go to:


Black Country Communion confirmed for UK's High Voltage Festival 2011

This press release from the band's UK Management:


Black Country Communion is pleased to confirm that they will perform on the Main Stage at the celebrated High Voltage Festival on Sunday July 24th in London’s Victoria Park.
High Voltage will be the band’s only UK festival appearance during the summer of 2011. Other bands confirmed for High Voltage include Judas Priest, Dream Theater, Jethro Tull, and the Michael Schenker Group.

Black Country Communion is the Anglo-American rock supergroup that features vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, UFO, Foreigner, Airrace, Bonham), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa.
Hughes and Bonamassa originally appeared at the inaugural High Voltage festival in 2010, with Hughes singing for Heaven & Hell in tribute to his late friend, Ronnie James Dio.

Black Country Communion’s self-titled debut album was released in September 2010 to much critical acclaim. It entered the official UK album chart at #13 and shot straight to #1 in the official UK rock album chart. BCC’s debut was placed at #3 in Classic Rock magazine’s “Critics Album of the Year” poll, while Planet Rock radio listeners voted them as the Best New Band of 2010.

Black Country Communion are currently mixing their second studio album with Kevin Shirley, the album is scheduled for release in June 2011.

High Voltage tickets are priced £99 for the weekend and £56.50 per day, VIP tickets are available at £105.00 per day, and £199.00 for the weekend (stbf).
For further info about BCC and how to order tickets, visit:
or
www.highvoltagefestival.com/


THREE DAYS GRACE ANNOUNCE 2011 U.S. TOUR


Tour Kicks Off March 23rd In Seattle, WA
Three Days Grace Fanclub Presale Starts On January 25th At www.3dgfanclub.com
General Public Tickets On Sale January 29th

New York, NY- Three Days Grace will begin their 2011 U.S. tour in Seattle, WA on March 23rd at the Showbox SoDo. Fellow Canadian rock band My Darkest Days has been tapped as the opening act.

Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, January 29th. Fanclub early presale begins on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at noon EST and will end on Friday, January 28, 2011.

This past year Three Days Grace brought their live act to fans with three successful North American tours promoting their latest album, Life Starts Now, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The album spawned three No. 1 Active Rock songs including “The Good Life,” “World So Cold” and the No.1 Song of the Year at Active Rock, “Break.”
Overall, Life Starts Now spent the year dominating the Modern, Heritage and Alternative rock radio-airplay charts across industry radio-monitoring services, BDS and Mediabase. Their latest single, “Lost In You,” follows in their footsteps and is currently climbing up the Active Rock charts on Mediabase and BDS.

The Toronto-based rock band is comprised of Adam Gontier (vocals, guitar), Neil Sanderson (drums, piano), Brad Walst (bass), and Barry Stock (lead guitar). Since their debut eponymous platinum-certified album Three Days Grace has sold over four million albums worldwide.

Three Days Grace 2011 U.S. Tour dates are as follows:
Date City Location:

March 2011
March 23 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
March 25 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
March 26 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
March 28 Idaho Falls, ID Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium
March 29 Casper, WY Casper Events Center
March 30 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre

April 2011April 1 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
April 2 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre by AMC
April 4 Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Convention Center
April 7 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
April 8 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
April 10 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
April 12 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
April 13 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live
April 17 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
*Additional dates to be announced

Official Site: www.threedaysgrace.com/
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Monday, January 24, 2011

Rock News for Monday 24th January, 2011

Universal Music releases remixed, remastered, reissued and expanded Thin Lizzy classics!

Universal Music is proud to announce the imminent release of deluxe expanded editions of three seminal Thin Lizzy albums – Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox and one of the greatest live rock albums of all time, the iconic Live and Dangerous. Remixed, remastered and put together by original band member Scott Gorham and Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) – each contains a remastered version of the original release plus a bonus disc of rare material.
The scheduled release date for each of these - According to Amazon, Universal had nothing! - is February 8th, 2011.
Sad news for US fans though, is the Deluxe edition of Live and Dangerous is NOT as yet, being advertised on http://www.amazon.com/ ... It's only showing as available through Amazon.co.uk

The Amazon links included below each album's details.

JAILBREAK



1976's Jailbreak was Thin Lizzy's sixth studio album and features the seminal singles Jailbreak and the track that was one of Q magazine's 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks and Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Rock Tracks Of All Time – The Boys Are Back In Town. One of the classic rock albums of all time, this deluxe version now contains BBC session recordings and previously unreleased tracks.

Disc: 1
1. Jailbreak
2. Angel From The Coast
3. Running Back
4. Romeo And The Lonely Girl
5. Warriors
6. The Boys Are Back In Town
7. Fight Or Fall
8. Cowboy Song
9. Emerald

Disc: 2
1. The Boys Are Back In Town (Re-mixed Version)
2. Jailbreak (Re-mixed Version)
3. The Boys Are Back In Town (Alt vocal Re-mixed Version)
4. Emerald (Re-mixed Version)
5. Jailbreak (BBC Session 12/02/1976)
6. Emerald (BBC Session 12/02/1976)
7. Cowboy song (BBC Session 12/02/1976)
8. The Warrior (BBC Session 12/02/1976)
9. Fight Or Fall (Extended Version - Rough Mix)
10. Blues Boy (Unreleased Studio Track)
11. Derby Blues (Early Version - The Cowboy Song)

 

JOHNNY THE FOX


Released in 1976, Johnny the Fox was the band's follow up album to Jailbreak. They were at their peak and the album highlights the twin guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson and Phillip Lynott's own song writing and contains the all time classic "Don't Believe a Word". This deluxe version contains BBC session recordings alongside previously unreleased bonus tracks.

Disc: 1
1. Johnny
2. Rocky
3. Borderline
4. Don't Believe A Word
5. Fools Gold
6. Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed
7. Old Flame
8. Massacre
9. Sweet Marie
10. Boogie-Woogie Dance

Disc: 2
1. Don't Believe A Word (Re-Mixed Version)
2. Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed (Re-Mixed Version)
3. Borderline (Re-Mixed Version)
4. Don't Believe A Word (BBC Sessions 11/10/1976)
5. Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed (BBC Sessions 11/10/1976)
6. Fools Gold (BBC Sessions 11/10/1976)
7. Johnny (BBC Sessions 11/10/1976)
8. Fools Gold (Instrumental Run Through)
9. Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed (Instrumental Run Through/Extended)
10. Rocky (Instrumental Run Through)
11. Massacre (Instrumental Take With Lynott Directions To Band)
12. Scott's Tune (Unreleased Scott Gorham Composition)



LIVE AND DANGEROUS


Live and Dangerous was released in 1978 and is without doubt, one of the greatest live albums of all time, rated in 2010 as number 1 by http://www.planetrock.com/ and listed in 1001 Albums To Hear Before You Die. Recorded in London and Toronto in 1977, it is packed with Lizzy's timeless moments. This 3 disc set set comes with the original Live and Dangerous DVD, now expanded to include previously unseen performances from the show and their farewell tour.

Tracklisting as follows:
Disc: 1
1. Jailbreak
2. Emerald
3. Southbound
4. Rosalie/Cowgirl's Song
5. Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me In It's Spotlight)
6. Massacre
7. Still In Love With You
8. Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed

Disc: 2
1. Cowboy Song
2. The Boys Are Back In Town
3. Don't Believe A Word
4. Warriors
5. Are You Ready
6. Suicide
7. Sha-La-La
8. Baby Drives Me Crazy
9. The Rocker
10. Opium Trail
11. Bad Reputation

Disc: 3
1. Introduction/ Rosalie (Video)
2. The Boys Are Back In Town (Video)
3. Emerald (Video)
4. Dancing In The Moonlight (Video)
5. Massacre (Video)
6. Call On Me (Video) - (Still In Love With You) 
7. Don't Believe A Word (Video)
8. Are You Ready (Video)
9. Sha La La (Video)
10. Baby Drives Me Crazy (Video)
11. Me And The Boys (Video)


Artwork on all of these releases features extensive new sleeve notes, memorabilia and rare and unseen photos.
For more information on Thin Lizzy and these releases:


Tommy Shaw to release The Great Divide on March 22nd, 2011


In perhaps a strange twist, change of direction - Even considering the Shaw / Blades stuff. - Styx mainman Tommy Shaw will release a new solo album on March 22nd, 2011, 'The Great Divide' is a Bluegrass album!

Not quite sure about this, but here's more on the story from Tommy himself:

'In 2003, my friend Brad Davis asked me to sing a high harmony on a bluegrass song he’d written and was recording for a solo album. I had fun cutting that track and when he realized this was right in my wheelhouse he suggested we get together and try our hand at writing some bluegrass. Having grown up in Alabama in I’d been exposed to all kinds of popular music, including Saturday night radio broadcasts of The Grand Ole Opry, which came in clearly because of WSM’s 50,000 watt signal up the road in Nashville. Songs like The Carter Family’s “Wildwood Flower” were standards in my hometown no matter what type of band you were playing in because sooner or later you’d get a request for it, so you needed to know how to play it.

Brad and I got together every few months to write and record demos of new bluegrass songs. When we had three songs completed and recorded I said, “We have a story now and can start playing these for people.” We were thrilled but nobody else knew about it for months other than our closest friends. Their feedback was very positive.

But it was now 2005 and we realized by then this was going to be a was a slow process because we were both incredibly busy in our individual careers and it was tough finding a time when we were both available to get together, but we loved what we were creating and knew the day would come when we’d get it done.

In late 2009 we saw an opening and committed to begin writing the rest of the songs we needed to make an album. After the new year Brad began spending three, four and five days at a time at my studio in Los Angeles and over the next several months we amassed a list of 19 songs in various stages of completion.'

To read more of the story, go to:

Among others on the album, he's pulled in Brad Davis of course, 'the instigator' perhaps, then Dwight Yoakam and Alison Krauss as well.
You can read a whole lot more on this right here:

Interesting stuff for sure and I for one, am kind of surprised ...
I wonder where this leaves the Styx saga regarding any new material?
I have to say, I'm sure it's not likely, but I sincerely hope it's not going to follow a similar path!
It will probably be a while coming yet anyway since they've just released 'Regeneration Volume 1' not so long ago with one new song and the others all re-recording of Styx classics. My review of that can be found here:


Toto adding extra reunion live dates ..., but not in the US ..., yet!

In what seems to be a bit of a blanking out of the USA from both Toto and Steve Lukather - Sadly ... - the band who reformed originally to play just a few European live dates in June 2010 to honour Toto bassist Mike Pocaro, who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), had added more European dates for 2011.
Luke (Steve Lukather) had even toured the European circuit last Autumn / Fall, in support of his latest solo album, 'All's Well That Ends Well' - My review here: http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2011/01/steve-lukather-alls-well-that-ends-well.html 
OK, I know Luke played six New York live dates in January, but, come on, that's not a US tour?
On his 'Ever Changing Times' tour, I thought he did great, here in the US, not big venues by any means, but I understood the response was great, so where are his US tour dates for the album? 

Well, more dates are being added for the Toto tour with an additional six Japanese dates just announced on Sunday 23rd January.
The Toto tour dates currently confirmed for the band, run from May through into July, as follows:

May 2011
16 - May - 2011 Monday Nagoya (1,920) Shi Kokaido Japan
17 - May - 2011 Tuesday Kanazawa Kagekiza Japan
19 - May - 2011 Thursday Osaka Archaic Hall Japan
20 - May - 2011 Friday Osaka Archaic Hall Japan
23 - May - 2011 Monday Yokohama Pacifico Japan
24 - May - 2011 Tuesday Tokyo Budokan Japan

June 2011
21 - Jun - 2011 Tuesday Bruxelles Forest National Belgium
23 - Jun - 2011 Thursday Amsterdam Heineken Hall Netherlands
24 - Jun - 2011 Friday Amsterdam Heineken Music Hall Netherlands
26 - Jun - 2011 Sunday London Hammersmith Odeon UK
27 - Jun - 2011 Monday Paris Le Zenith France
28 - Jun - 2011 Tuesday Lyon Halle Tony Garnier France
30 - Jun - 2011 Thursday Copenhagen KB Hallen Denmark

July 2011
03 - Jul - 2011 Sunday Riihimaki / Helsinki Riihimakirock Finland
10 - Jul - 2011 Sunday Vejle Open Air Denmark
12 - Jul - 2011 Tuesday Hamburg Stadtpark Freilichtbühne Germany
14 - Jul - 2011 Thursday Straubing Jazz an der Donau Germany
15 - Jul - 2011 Friday Ulm Klosterhof Wiblingen Germany
17 - Jul - 2011 Sunday Verona Castello Scaligero Di Villafranca Italy

For more details go to: http://www.toto99.com/
 
 
Van Halen News Desk confirms Producer John Shanks is working with Van Halen
(John Shanks photo courtesy of www.vhnd.com)

This statement comes directly from the Van Halen news desk, so I guess there must now be some substance to the stories!

The Van Halen News Desk was the first to report last December that Van Halen were to record a new studio album with Grammy Award winning producer John Shanks in January, 2011. Shanks has confirmed this with a tweet late Thursday night, “here we go kids…..vh” followed by tweeting this photo he took from the studio:


Last week, Shanks tweeted the hint: “going back to cali..good bye london.hello la.time to rock.i still believe!! in the power and thunder.big bass drum and big guitars.just me?”

Keep checking at: www.vhnd.com/ for updates and I guess you could also go checking out:
http://twitter.com/johnshanks1 ... Here's to a new album from EVH and the gang!


Foo Fighters say, 'Told Ya We Were Comin’ For You!'
Announce new tour dates.

The Foo Fighters are psyched to announce headline shows in Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki! So says their website!

All times reflect local venue time. Presales start next week. Sign up to the http://www.foofighters.com/ email list to receive exclusive presale information!

June 18th – Berlin – Wuhlheide
With Band of Horses
Tickets go on sale to the public on January 26th at 10am through www.fkpscorpio.com & http://www.eventim.de/

June 21st – Copenhagen – Refshaleoen
With Biffy Clyro and The Gaslight Anthem
Tickets go on sale to the public January 26th at 10am through http://www.livenation.dk/

June 22nd – Stockholm – Stockholm Stadium
With Band of Horses and Biffy Clyro
Tickets go on sale to the public January 26th at 10am through http://www.livenation.se/

June 24th – Oslo – Telenor Arena
With Sahara Hotnights and Kvelerton
Tickets go on sale to the public January 26th at 10am through http://www.livenation.no/

June 26th – Helsinki – Kalasatama
With Biffy Clyro
Tickets go on sale to the public January 26th at 9am through: http://www.lippupalvelu.fi/

On the 17th January, the band made this announcement too:

Foo's set to headline their first arena gig of 2011 with the NME Awards Big Gig @ Wembley Arena on Friday the 25th of February.
The show will very special guests in the house including Cee Lo Green / Band Of Horses / No Age. Exclusive and limited number of tickets will be available from both Foo Fighters and NME on Wednesday, January 19th @ 9am (GMT). Stay tuned for presale deets from the band. General onsale Friday, January 21st @ 9am (GMT) available from http://www.gigsandtours.com/ / http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ / www.nme.com/tickets or via phone @ 0844 811 0051.
Head to http://www.nme.com/ for all the deets.

Full tour date information on the band can be found here: www.foofighters.com/us/events
For all other information on the band: www.foofighters.com/us


The Jan Holberg Project featuring Ex-Rainbow/Deep Purple Vocalist Joe Lynn Turner.

The Norwegian bassist/songwriter Jan Holberg has joined forces with legendary singer Joe Lynn Turner to release an exciting debut album, a move that will thrill the fans around the world.
The Jan Holberg Project is preparing to release the debut album 28th March, marking a huge stage in the career of Jan Holberg. Jan, who lives in Trondheim, Norway, has just put the final touches to the album and is now preparing for the imminent release that will hopefully build upon his fan base, and get his music heard by more people than ever.

The album, Sense of Time, consists of ten original songs from Jan, each providing a combination of high-energy playing, and melodious vocals by Joe Lynn Turner.
The album was mainly recorded in Reykjavik, Iceland, and some of Europes finest musicians participate on the album.

Jan says, 'The idea behind the album is that music should be free, there are no musical borders, on this album. You can hear ballads, pop-songs, instrumentals and funk. This is what I am all about as a musician.'

Turner adds, 'I had a great time stretching out the vocal style on Jan's songs. I'm always interested in something different with quality. Looking forward to the concert dates!'

JLT with JAN HOLBERG
27 April - BLAEST (Trondheim)
28 April - JOHN DEE (Oslo)
30 April - HEMNEHALLEN (Hemne)
(all dates with Jan Holberg are in Norway)

SAMPLE AUDIO AVAILABLE HERE:

On The Web:
JAN HOLBERG OFFICIAL WEBSITE:


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Saturday, January 22, 2011

Dio - The Legend Live! - DVD review

Dio – The Legend Live! DVD review
Released on: IMV Blueline Distributed via MVD Release date: Available now


Sadly this Dio live DVD release is another of those ‘bare bones’ DVD’s, that is simply just the show and no extra’s.
Worst still is that the case says it has a running time of 60 minutes, but all you get is little over 30 minutes.
It is a shame, because overall it’s not bad footage and seemed to catch the band in rockin’ form, which is how we will always remember Ronnie James Dio best!

It was recorded in Tokyo apparently, in 1985 and after investigating further around the web, it turns out that this is an edited version of ‘Dio Super Rock – Live in Japan’ which has currently been floating around as a bootleg for some time, on the web.
As a show, the band seemed on their game, quality wise for picture and sound, it’s not the greatest and at times, it makes you think someone has run off a copy of a VHS tape to DVD and put it out.
Some of the editing between tracks is also pretty blunt as well.

Anyway, to what we do have here and the band opens with ‘Hungry for Heaven’ and Ronnie James Dio appears to be in great form and looking as good as ever. He always looked like he was enjoying himself, always …
The band is rocking too, with the line that featured: Vivian Campbell (Guitars), Jimmy Bain (Bass), Vinny Appice (Drums) and Claude Schnell (Keyboards).

What’s immediately apparent here is that Vinny’s drum kit is tiny! He must’ve got a loaner! Perhaps customs held it up … I think I heard him tell a story about that once or someone, that the kit was quarantined for suspicion of drugs.

Anyway back to the music, the track finishes and the poor editing shows, is obvious as the band then kick off ‘Holy Diver.’
What cracks me up here is that as the track starts – Without any introduction – usually a familiar track as it starts gets a roar, the crowd seem to cheer loudly as Ronnie starts singing the chorus itself. Too funny!
The editing is obvious again it seems as after one verse and chorus, ‘Holy Diver’ then goes into ‘Last In Line,’ which is fine – And great track too! – and then it’s into ‘Heaven and Hell,’ as the medley continues.

The band do come across as in great form and hungry too, but Campbell does seem to play a bum chord during the change into the chorus from the verse. The average fan may think nothing of this or even fail to notice it, but to many die hard Dio fans, I’m sure you will too!

Ronnie makes me laugh too, as the band take the song down a bit and Ronnie tries to get the crowd to sing the line, ‘On and on, on and on, it’s Heaven and Hell,’ the crowd is lame and Ronnie says, ‘Oh bollocks, I can’t hear you at all!’ He then tells the band to ‘Shush!’ Yes really, ‘Shush!’ What a character! Then they wrap the song up and it’s into ‘Sacred Heart.’

It’s of course a great solid song, but I’m really feeling for Vinny on the ‘borrowed’ drum kit, as he would typically do some massive fills with his full kit, but he makes the best of the situation!

It’s Rainbow’s classic ‘Long Live Rock and Roll’ next and Ronnie again approaches the crowd again, and about halfway through he says, ‘You know this song right?’ Hardly any response, so he goes over to former fellow Rainbow band mate Jimmy Bain and says, ‘You know this song right?’ Jimmy says, ‘Yeah!’ Ronnie says, ‘I’m glad someone bloody does!’
Too funny Ronnie, you really were quite the character, we miss you!

A bad edit again into next track, ‘Rainbow in the Dark’ and the keyboards seem like they should be higher in the mix, but otherwise it sounds great!

The set here is closed with out and out rocker, ‘Stand Up and Shout,’ which simply just kills, it’s great!
Then that’s it and the credits come up and it’s all over.

It is a good show, sad that it’s so short, the word out there though is that it’s highly likely that ‘Dio – Super Rock in Japan’ may well get an official release through Wendy Dio, Ronnie James Dio’s widow, who co-founded Niji Entertainment.
Here’s hoping!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 – It’s not a bad show as I’ve said, but it’s all too short and the quality needs improvement.

Official Dio website: www.ronniejamesdio.com/

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