TODAY'S DAY IN ROCK NEWS!

Queen with Adam Lambert Gig Canceled (Gibson) Sonisphere Festival U.K. has been canceled, according to a statement Queen posted on their website, Queenonline.com. Queen, with Adam Lambert, were set to be one of the headliners at the festival, which was to take place at Knebworth Park on July 6-8. "It is with very heavy hearts and much regret that we announce the cancellation of Sonisphere Knebworth 2012," read the statement. An official statement from the festival organizers has yet to come. [Another interpretation is that the band is canceling their appearance and the event will still go on. We will know either way when organizers issue a statement.] more on this story Duff N' Adler for Golden Gods Original Guns N' Roses bandmates Steven Adler and Duff Mckagan will soon hit the stage together when they present the "Riff Lord" award at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards Show. The fourth annual Revolver Golden Gods Award will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. For the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages. more on this story KISS To Hire Vet For Motley Crue Tour (Banana 101.5) KISS will be doing their part to support veterans by hiring one as a roadie for their summer tour with Motley Crue. This is part of the 'Hiring our Heroes' movement. So many veterans risk their lives for us, and come back to unemployment. The veteran who is hired will travel with the band from July, 14 through September 25, 2012. More details Rob Zombie Plans New Album and Adds Dates With Megadeth Two new dates have been added to the upcoming Megadeth and Rob Zombie tour as Zombie announces plans to begin recording a new album. The Zombie camp sent over this update: Rob Zombie has announced that he and his band of maniacs - John 5, Piggy D and Ginger Fish - will enter the studio on June 1 to begin recording the next chapter in the Zombie musical legacy. This new, as yet untitled CD is set for a late 2012 release. "It has been way, and I mean way too long without any new music. I am dying to get back to it," said Zombie. "I have not felt this much excitement within the band since recording the first Hellbilly Deluxe record almost 15 years ago. We have been working on tons of songs for quite some time and I can safely say this will definitely be our best record yet." more on this story Korn Star Was Arrested For Driving While Sleepy (TMZ) Former Korn drummer David Silveria tells TMZ ... he blew a 0.0 on the breathalyzer during his DUI arrest this week ... but says cops nailed him anyway over a sleeping pill he took the night before. TMZ broke the story ... Silveria was popped in Huntington Beach, CA on Sunday at 10:45 AM. Silveria is adamant he hadn't been boozing ... telling us he suffers from insomnia and took a sleeping pill Saturday night to help him rest. When he woke up Sunday morning, David says he didn't realize he was still too tired to drive ... and accidentally rear-ended another car on the way to breakfast. Cops arrived to the scene and put David through a standard DUI test ... but Silveria tells us they didn't detect a drop of alcohol in his system. Silveria says he told the cops about the sleeping pill ... and that's when they made the decision to arrest him for DUI. Silveria -- who is now a member of the band INFINIKA -- says he plans to take responsibility for his actions ... telling us, "It was an honest mistake." more on this story Go To Camp With Steven Tyler If you ever fantasized about jamming with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, here is your chance as he has signed on to take part in Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp's next installment which is taking place at the Playboy Mansion in Hollywood in May. Kicking off May 2nd and culminating May 6 with a concert event featuring Steven himself, the camp will host such rock star counselors including Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), Alan White (Yes), Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath), Howard Leese (Heart), Mark Hudson (record producer/songwriter), John Moyer (Disturbed), Kip Winger (Winger), and Billy Sheehan (Big) with more to be announced. The 5 day rock camp allows music fans a chance to jam nightly with legendary rock stars, write and record an original song and perform live on stage at the Playboy Mansion in front of family and friends. Campers will jam with Steven Tyler at the culmination concert on May 5th at the Playboy Mansion. more on this story Pink Floyd TV Special Coming Music Choice will air the US TV debut of a retrospective of Pink Floyd entitled: A Pink Floyd Miscellany: 1967-2005. This marks the first time the show has appeared on television in the United States. The special program, featuring a selection of digitally remastered promotional videos and rare performance footage, will air nationally on MC On Demand April 2-29, 2012. The show will appear in a special Pink Floyd category On Demand under "Featured Artists." It will be housed in two (2) thirty minute segments along with additional features in the category, including a rare short film on the band and a special interview with drummer Nick Mason. Neal Schon, Eric Singer and More for Ronnie Montrose Event We have more details about A Concert for Ronnie Montrose, which will be held at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on Friday, April 27. All an all-star jam has been announced which will feature Neal Schon from Journey, Steve Smith formerly from Journey, members of Tesla, Eric Martin from Mr. Big, Rickie Philips from Styx, Eric Singer from KISS, Tommy Thayer of KISS and Jimmy DeGrasso from Y & T and Alice Cooper. The event will also feature the original Montrose lineup performing the first Montrose album, with special guest Joe Satriani on lead guitar joining Sammy Hagar- vocals; Bill Church- bass; and Denny Carmassi- drums. more on this story Opeth Reissues Coming The End Records are reissuing four albums from Opeth on April 10th, as part of their acquisition of rights to the Music For Nations catalog. They sent over these details: With collective Soundscans of over 300,000 sold, these three albums + one live DVD/CD recording present the very best of Opeth from their black metal era to their progressive rock transformation. The albums, produced by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, along with the magnificent live DVD and documentary Lamentations, are necessary reissues for any Opeth enthusiast. more on this story Rush Releasing New Song in April (hennemusic) Rush fans only have a few weeks until the band issues the first single from the forthcoming "Clockwork Angels" album. Rushisaband.com reports "Headlong Flight" will hit rock radio on April 19. The single will featured an edited track, running five-and-a-half minutes; the full album version clocks in at seven-and-a-half minutes. "Clockwork Angels" will be released on May 23 in Japan and May 29 in North America. more on this story The Darkness Plot American Invasion The Darkness will bring their over the top show to America this May between dates Down Under and their European tour. The reunited UK band return stateside this May for select dates as well as three festival appearances: Saturday, May 19 at InfieldFest (Baltimore, MD), Sunday, May 20 at Rock On The Range (Columbus, OH) and Saturday, May 26 at Rocklahoma. more on this story Silversun Pickups Set Album Release and Kimmel Performance Dangerbird Records have set a May 8th release date for Silversun Pickups new album, Neck of the Woods. They had these details: The record was produced by the Grammy Award-winning Jacknife Lee (U2, Weezer, REM, Snow Patrol), and the song "Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)" will be the first single. The band is confirmed to perform from the Jimmy Kimmel Live! outdoor stage on release day, May 8. more on this story Refused, The Promise Ring, August Burns Red, Boy Sets Fire for Riot Fest Riot Fest will return to Philadelphia as a three-day event on Thursday, July 19, Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21. The line-up for Thursday, July 19 includes the newly reunited Refused as well as The Promise Ring, August Burns Red, Off!, Gameface, Boy Sets Fire, Hirs and more. Additional performers for the 8th annual Riot Fest (8th annual in Chicago, 2nd annual in Philadelphia) will be unveiled in the coming weeks. more on this story Metallica Expand Mexico City Run Again (hennemusic) Metallica have added a sixth show in Mexico City this summer. Three new dates have now been added following the fast sell out of the initial three night. An August 9th concert joins the previously announced series, scheduled for August 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7. "WOW! A big THANK YOU to our friends in Mexico City for selling out three nights and 60,000 tickets at the Sports Palace in less than 90 minutes last week. There's no way we can stop now," posted Metallica earlier this week. more on this story Flaming Lips To Include Collaborator's Blood In New Album (Gibson) Some copies of the new Flaming Lips album will contain blood from "fwends" who collaborated on the album, Wayne Coyne has told MTVHive. "I don't have everybody's blood just yet, but I collected quite a few vials … and it's actually sitting in my refrigerator as we speak," Coyne said. "I'm going to try to … put little bits of everybody's blood in the middle of this record. Like a glass specimen thing." Coyne told New Musical Express that he's thus far collected blood specimens from Ke$ha, Neon Indian and Prefuse 73. Other collaborators – and presumably hoped-for donors – include Yoko Ono, Erykah Badu, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Bon Iver, Nick Cave and Lightning Bolt. more on this story Red Sparowes Offspring Marriages Premiere New Song Red Sparowes offspring' Marriages are giving fans a taste of their forthcoming debut album. The band have premiere the new song "Ride In My Place," at Spin.com and it comes from their new album Kitsune, which will be released on LP, CD and download on May 1st, 2012. Listen to the song here Marriages is a new band comprised of Red Sparowes members Emma Ruth Rundle (vocals, guitar), Greg Burns (bass, synthesizer) and David Clifford (drums). more on this story Paul McCartney Rearranged Tour To Headline Teenage Cancer Trust (Gibson) No one can say Paul McCartney doesn't keep his word. This week, the former Beatle booked extra shows in Europe in order to fulfill a promise made to Roger Daltrey to perform at this year's Teenage Cancer Trust event in London on March 29. "We almost got him last year, but he couldn't make the date work," Daltrey told London's The Sun. "He said, 'I'll be there for you next year, Rog' – and here he is. He did a few extra shows in Europe to make it work, so that no one had to foot the bill of getting his show here – and that means a lot." McCartney will headline the first night of the six-night event, which will take place at London's Royal Albert Hall. Daltrey, who organizes the annual charitable event, went on to praise McCartney as "brilliant." "To see his full arena show in the Albert Hall will be a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Daltrey said. "He's the most iconic figure in the world." more on this story ZZ Top New Album Completion Coming Closer To Reality (Gibson) Billy Gibbons has hinted that the finish line is in sight for ZZ Top's long-awaited new album. In an interview with Billboard.com, the veteran guitarist said the band has been "picking through the good stuff" and that the project is "down to seeds and stems." The new album, which will be ZZ Top's first studio disc since 2003's Mescalero, is being produced by Rick Rubin. Gibbons said Rubin's vision did not involve an overhaul of the Texas trio's trademark sound. "Rubin [told us], 'It's just pretty much straight-ahead. I don't see any major changes. If we stumble into something drastic, fine. If it works, we'll know it.'" Gibbons declined to predict whether the album would be released before ZZ Top's summer tour kicks off, on May 25. more on this story American Idol Contestant Rocks Led Zeppelin Classic (hennemusic) American Idol doesn't stray into rock territory very often, but the reality series did manage to get the Led out Wednesday evening. The show is down to the final 9 contestants, and this week's episode was built on the theme of each singer performing a song by their own idols. Elise Testone closed out Wednesday's program with a rocking version of Led Zeppelin's classic, "Whole Lotta Love." Testone received a standing ovation from the judging panel of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. "I wasn't sure if you were going to pull that off," said Tyler, "because nobody can pull that song off. You made Robert Plant proud tonight, girl." Check it out here. Linkin Park Tease New Song Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda has posted a new video on the band's website, teasing fans about their forthcoming single. In the clip Shinoda, teases, "Burn It Down," the first single from their new album, will be released on April 16. He also tells fans that they will soon be able to unlock the track on the band's site but doesn't provide details on that how that is going to happen. Check out the clip. Dream Theater, Santana, and NIN Drum-Off Videos Videos from Guitar Center's Drum-Off finale at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA have been posted online. The videos include live performance footage of legendary drummers Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Dennis Chambers (Carlos Santana) and Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails). Guitar Center's Drum-Off, entering its 24th year, is the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer. Drummers from across the nation compete in the world's largest drum competition, vying for thousands of dollars in prizes and the coveted title of Guitar Center's Drum-Off Champion. The grand prize package is valued at nearly $50,000. more on this story Gwar Oderus Urungus Launches Video Series Metal Injection have launched a new tour blog video series with Gwar front-thing Oderus Urungus called "Eye of Oderus." Using the latest in scientific technology, Metal Injection implanted a webcam chip in the eye of GWAR overlord Oderus Urungus, and will broadcast ongoing transmissions as part of a new web series "Eye of Oderus." The series will take a look at what happens backstage on GWAR's current tour with Municipal Waste and Ghoul. The first edition of the series can be viewed here. Downspirit Begin Recording New Album Downspirit have entered the studio to begin recording their new studio album. The album os expected to be released in late summer, followed by a tour in fall/winter. Downspirit is the band formed by ex-Symphorce/ex-Freedom Call guitarist Cedric "Cede" Dupont. More on Downspirit - Downspirit Music - Downspirit Tour Dates/Tickets - Downspirit CDs, vinyl and rarities Rammstein Guitarist Launches Signature Gibson Guitar (Gibson) Paul Landers, guitarist with Germany's loudest metal band, Rammstein, gets his own Gibson signature guitar this week. The Paul Landers Signature Les Paul is an EMG -equipped guitar that's as fierce a riff machine as money can buy. "The Signature Series celebrates artists and the guitars they are most associated with," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "Paul Landers is one such artist whose stage performance is synonymous with energy, precision and unparalleled showmanship."

TODAY'S DAY IN ROCK NEWS!

Korn Star Arrested (TMZ) David Silveria, the original drummer for the band Korn, was arrested for DUI in Huntington Beach, CA this weekend ... TMZ has learned. According to police records, 39-year-old Silveria -- who played with the band from 1993 to 2006 -- was arrested on Sunday at 10:45 AM. Silveria rejoined Korn in 2011 ... to play bass ... when Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu suddenly left the band. When asked if he had ever played the instrument before, Silveria answered, "It's common knowledge that anyone can learn how to play the bass in five minutes." more on this story Slash Would Love a Guns N' Roses Rock Hall Reunion Jam (hennemusic) Slash says he would love for the original Guns N' Roses lineup to have a reunion jam at the band's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony next month. Since the band's nomination last fall – even before GNR were confirmed as inductees – and beyond, various former members have publicly expressing appreciation for the historical recognition the event brings, while cautiously managing fans', and their own, hopes that the classic lineup will put aside the past for a few minutes and actually reunite on stage to play a couple of songs. The latest to speak on the subject is Slash, currently doing press interviews for his new album, "Apocalyptic Love," due out May 22. In a new session with Loudwire, Slash had this to say: "I would love to play. It's just, one of those things where I know that it's not going to happen, so… I just did an interview and said, 'I don't think we're playing.' [Laughs]. I mean I think it would be cool to play, but very early on when the whole thing came up, it became apparent that it wasn't going to happen — and you know, that doesn't surprise me. We've been at odds for… well, not at odds, but we just haven't had any sort of communication in a long time so… that's basically it. That's all I can tell you." What has Axl had to say about it? Stone Sour Recording Concept Album Roadrunner Records sent over word that Stone Sour have begun recording their fourth album, which turns out will be a concept album. Frontman Corey Taylor (Slipknot) previously said that the effort may end up being a double album as well. Roadrunner provided these confirmed details: With most of the new record already written, the band has headed into Sound Farm Studios just outside of their native Des Moines, Iowa with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Muse, Staind). The album is expected in the Fall of 2012. "This album will be another progression for the band," stated guitarist Josh Rand. "Musically, we have always challenged one another to push things to our limits, and this record is no exception." Rand also shared some details about the album's lyrical and storytelling narrative, saying, "Lyrically, the album follows one character to that complex moment in his life, when he finally has to decide which path to take. It's a spiritual and moral power play for control of what this man will be for the rest of his life. Each song will tell the story from different sides of the character's personality, with the listener ultimately deciding how the story ends." more on this story Staind's Aaron Lewis Giving Away Song From Forthcoming Solo Album Staind frontman Aaron Lewis will follow up his debut solo EP, Town Line, with the June 26th of his full length album The Road, and is offering fans a free song download from the effort. Once again produced by James Stroud (Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Chris Young) and LEWIS, The Road features 10 brand new songs. Lewis had originally planned to record five new songs to be paired with the songs from Town Line, but decided to record a full album as more song ideas blossomed while recording in Nashville. Lewis wrote all of the songs on the album except "Grandaddy's Gun," penned by hit Nashville songwriters Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Bobby Pinson, marking the first time Lewis has ever recorded another artist's music for an album. Lewis heard the song when on a hunting trip with Stroud and Akins and identified with the lyrics so much that he asked Akins for permission to cut it. more including free download details Carlos Santana Releasing New Album in May Carlos Santana has set a May 15th release date for his 36th album, Shaft Shifter, his debut release for his new label, Starfaith Records. His camp sent out these details: The 13-song set is an instrumental tour de force featuring tracks spanning from the late 1990's to the present. It's powered throughout by Carlos' instantly recognizable virtuoso lead guitar and the Santana Band's world-class musicianship (only one song features vocals from Santana's lead vocalists Andy Vargas and Tony Lindsay). Collaborations include "Never the Same Again," which Carlos wrote with producer Eric Bazilian, and "In the Light of a New Day," which began as a demo that Narada Michael Walden shared with Carlos. "Spark of the Divine"—often played on tour to introduce songs including "Black Magic Woman"—leads in to "Macumba in Budapest," the first of two songs Carlos co-wrote and produced with Walter Afanasieff—the song vamps into a classic Santana Latin jam featuring Raul Rekow on congas and Karl Perazzo on percussion. The second, "Eres La Luz," the only track featuring vocals, highlights the irresistible Latin groove that embodies the world music essence of Santana. more on this story Soul Asylum Releasing First New Album In Six Years Soul Asylum will release their first album in six years, "Delayed Reaction," on July 17th. 429 Records had these details: This time around, the veteran band is energized with a re-calibrated lineup that includes founders Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy alongside ex-Replacements, ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Tommy Stinson (who replaced original member Karl Mueller who passed away in 2006) and former Prince drummer Michael Bland. "Delayed Reaction," which was produced by the band and overseen by John Fields, bristles with the tightly wound, slightly ragged vibe that characterized the band when they emerged straight out of Minneapolis. more on this story Tenacious D Map Out Summer Tour Plans Jack Black's band Tenacious D has expanded their summer tour plans with close to 30 dates running from May until late July. The band will be hitting the road in support of their forthcoming third studio album, 'Rise of the Fenix,' which will hit stores on May 15. At this point the tour is set to kick off in Santa Barbara, Ca on May 23rd and will wrap up on July 29th in San Diego, CA. more on this story Mike Portnoy, Steve and Neal Morse's Flying Colors Release Debut (Stache) The new rock supergroup Flying Colors released their self-titled debut album this week. The group features drummer Michael Portnoy (Dream Theater,) guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple,) vocalist Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev,) Neal Morse (keyboards,) and Dave LaRue (bass.) Flying Colors marks Portnoy's first project since he departed Dream Theater. The seeds of Flying Colors' formation were sown in 2008, when executive producer Bill Evans brought the idea to each of the musicians as well as to producer Peter Collins. Intrigued by the idea of working together, the four musicians wrote and recorded this album in just nine days. more on this story Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Plan Second 2012 Release Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros plan to release a second album by the end of the year, which is in addition to their next studio album, Here, which will be released by Community Music on May 29, 2012. "In the middle of the recording process we realized we were essentially making a double album. Being four years since our last album, the writing explored a wide variety of subject and sound, as it turned out we had a lot to say," said the band's Alex Ebert. "Instead of putting it out all at once, we found that two different albums seemed to be forming. Alone these albums are albums. Together these albums express a varying and so relatively living portrait of our lives." Foreigner In The Studio This Week for 35th Anniversary Syndicated radio show In The Studio this week celebrate the 35th anniversary of Foreigner's debut album. In March of 1977 former veteran Spooky Tooth blues rocker Mick Jones introduced his new band Foreigner to America and the world. Growing up in England, Jones tells show host Redbeard how important America was to his musical upbringing. "Originally I had come over to America because I felt, in a funny way, that somehow I was destined to be here... It was like Mecca...I had to come here... (it's) musical heritage had started me off... I had to prove something here." Off the successes of "Cold as Ice" and the Top 5 single "Feels Like the First Time" Foreigner moved quickly up the ladder of bands that would dominate the '70s and '80s. InTheStudio is syndicated on over 50 radio stations throughout North America. The Foreigner/ InTheStudio program will air the week of March 26th. Stream this interview online here. Three Kinks Classics Remastered For Record Store Day Limited Editions (Gibson) The Kinks, who influenced generations of U.K. rock acts from Paul Weller to Blur, are releasing three classic albums on vinyl for Record Store Day 2012. Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), Face to Face and Something Else will be released in the U.K. on April 21. The albums have been remastered from original tapes and are limited to 500 copies, which have been individually numbered and pressed on colored vinyl. more on this story Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham Plans Solo Tour Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham will be hitting the road for a North American solo tour in May. The tour is set to kick off on May 3 in Solana Beach, CA and will end on Monday, May 21 in Spokane, WA. Buckingham says of the trek: "As I've grown as an artist, I've gotten more and more in touch with my center, and that center is voice and guitar. Over time it has become increasingly vital to express more with less; that is my touchstone now, and the embodiment of that philosophy is what will be largely represented in the new show. I've been thinking of doing this kind of tour for a while, and am quite excited to be doing something new, something outside my comfort zone." more on this story Smashing Pumpkins Set Oceania Release The Smashing Pumpkins have set a June 19th, 2012 release date for their forthcoming album, Oceania. Produced by The Smashing Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan, Oceania, the band's 7th studio record, is "an album within an album," part of their 44-song work-in-progress Teargarden By Kaleidyscope. Peter Katsis, manager of Smashing Pumpkins for Prospect Park, added: "The Smashing Pumpkins created Oceania as an album experience, and it is intended for the process of the release to follow a path of inclusion, so that best efforts are made for all the fans hear it at the same time as press or radio. more on this story Six Feet Under, Dying Fetus and Revocation Tour Six Feet Under will be hitting the road in June for their 18 Nights Of Blood Tour, which will also feature Dying Fetus and Revocation. The trek will kick off on June 8th in Atlanta and will conclude on June 29 in Tampa, Florida. Six Feet Under will be touring in support of their upcoming ninth full-length, Undead, scheduled for North American release this Spring. Six Feet Under frontman Chris Barne had this to say, "I'm proud and honored to be kicking off our first U.S. tour for the release of our new album, Undead with our good friends Dying Fetus and new killers Revocation! This tour is gonna be SICK! June will be murdered! 18 Nights Of Blood! Do not miss this tour!" more on this story John Mellencamp Heading North For Tour John Mellencamp will be taking his No Better Than This Tour north early this summer for a five week cross-Canadian trek. The tour starts in British Columbia and continues east, including concert performances in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Mellencamp will be joined by Canada's own Cowboy Junkies who are his special guests for this run of dates. more on this story Saint Vitus Set New Album Release Season of Mist will release Saint Vitus' new album, "Lillie: F-65," on April 27th (May 22nd in North America), under a new deal with the band. The band issued the following statement: "Even if this will sound like your stereotype statement for record deal-related news, we're still gonna say it: We are proud and actually honored to announce, that we have signed with Season of Mist, home to many of our favourite bands out there. Deathspell Omega, Cynic, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Misery Index, Septicflesh, Kylesa, Sólstafir, Nightbringer... and the list continues! We have been talking to several labels over the last few months, but were looking for one with an actual profile and character. A label and artist roster we would actually love to be a part of. And nothing rivals Season of Mist when you're looking for these things. We're an extreme band by any means and it was about time to take a step into the right direction. We feel that the guys at Season of Mist understand and appreciate our musical approach and really couldn't ask for more." As previously announced, a listening session of the album will be held at the Roadburn Festival at 3pm CET on April 14th in Tilburg, the Netherlands. more on this story Mariachi El Bronx North American Tour The Bronx are playing shows in the U.S. and Europe this spring and their alter-ego Mariachi El Bronx will be hitting the road for a North American headline tour in May. The tour kicks off on May 7 at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO. The run, which will feature special guests Two Gallants, will include free shows in Chicago (5/20) and Philadelphia (5/22) plus a Rocks Off cruise in New York City (5/23). Prior to the tour's launch, the band will play a pair of West Coast shows with Los Lobos and X, including a hometown concert at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre on May 5. more on this story The Men Add New Tour Leg The Men have mapped out dates for a West Coast tour which is set to kick off in June. Prior to that, The Men will head back to Europe to perform at the legendary Primavera Sound Festival & Field Day Festival. Sacred Bones will be releasing their Record Store Day follow-up, Todo Muere Vol. 2. The compilation features an unreleased 8minute slow-burning jam / head banger from The Men, entitled "A Minor". more on this story James Durbin North American Tour (KPG) Last season's American Idol finalist James Durbin will hit the road for his first-ever North American tour this Spring in support of his debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. James and his band will also open for Evanescence and also perform at Rock On The Range music festival May 20. Prior to rocking stages across America this Spring & Summer, James will return to the Idol stage Thursday, April 12th, for a special live performance with his band. In addition, James has been nominated for a Golden Gods Award in the Best Lead Vocalist category and will also be a presenter on the show. The Golden Gods Awards will take place on April 11th at Club Nokia, Los Angeles, and - for the first time ever- the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages. more on this story Ziggy Stardust 40th Anniversary Celebrated In London (MSO) Yesterday the Crown Estate unveiled a commemorative plaque to David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, marking the 40th anniversary of his album, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. The plaque was unveiled at 23 Heddon Street, just off Regent Street, London, W1, where the photograph on the front cover of the album was taken–a fact little known until now. David Shaw, Head of the Regent Street Portfolio at The Crown Estate, said: "Regent Street is famous for many cultural firsts. Not only was the first British cinema opened in Regent Street but the seminal album that launched Ziggy Stardust's arrival on planet earth had its spiritual home in Heddon Street which is now the food quarter to Regent Street. Regent Street is proud of the association with David Bowie, a true British cultural icon."

Today's Day In Rock!

Aerosmith and Cheap Trick Summer Tour
Aerosmith will be hitting the road with summer with support from Cheap Trick for their North American Global Warming Tour.
The Global Warming Tour will hitting 18 markets beginning on June 16 in Minneapolis, MN. "The old Aerosmith is back with a new vengeance and we will kick your ass and make out with yur mothers," says Steven Tyler.

Joe Perry adds, "Can't wait to bring this band back home. It feels like we've been away too long." more on this story


Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Cancer Fight Update
(Rock News Desk) Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has completed his programme of chemotherapy, he's revealed. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in December last year and told fans the news a few weeks later.

His cancer treatment forced the cancellation of Sabbath's highly-anticipated reunion tour, with their appearance at this summer's Download festival the only date to remain.

Iommi admits he's not out of the woods yet – but says his health battle hasn't got in the way of working on the band's new album after singer Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler moved the production operation from the United States to England.

He reports: "I've had the last dose of chemotherapy so hopefully my body will start to get back to normal soon. The steroids were the worst. I've now got three weeks of radiotherapy coming up, which I'm told can be very tiring, so we'll see. more on this story


Metallica Add Tour Dates
(hennemusic) This past weekend, Metallica sold out three shows in Mexico City. Now, Metallica have announced additional dates.

The band's August 1, 2, and 4th concerts at the Sports Palace – 60,000 tickets – sold out in less than 90 minutes.

"We've expanded our Mexico City visit to include August 6 and 7, also at the Sports Palace, for a total of five nights of the massive new stage show that will include elements from our entire 30 years of touring... you need to see it to believe it!" posted the band. more on this story


Sammy Hagar To Reunite With Montrose Bandmates To Honor Ronnie Montrose
(hennemusic) The Bay Area music community is coming together to remember and celebrate the late Ronnie Montrose, who passed away March 3 after a long battle with prostrate cancer.

"A Concert For Ronnie Montrose – A Celebration of His Life In Music" will see Sammy Hagar reunite the original Montrose band, plus Joe Satriani, to perform the group's landmark 1973 debut album...plus a variety of special guests.

"A Concert For Ronnie Montrose - A Celebration of His Life In Music" will feature the original Montrose lineup (Sammy Hagar, vocals; Bill Church, bass; and Denny Carmassi, drums), performing the landmark first Montrose album, with special guest Joe Satriani on lead guitar. The original Gamma lineup (Davey Pattison, vocals; Glenn Letsch, bass; Denny Carmassi, drums) will also be on hand, with special guest Marc Bonilla on lead guitar. more on this story


Nick Oliveri Explains SWAT Team Stand Off
(Rock News Desk) Former Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss bassist Nick Oliveri says the reason he's facing up to 15 years in jail after a SWAT team standoff is that he refused to open his door.

The musician was arrested in July last year following an armed police action. He's accused of holding his former girlfriend hostage for two hours, then refusing to surrender to officers, who forced entry to his home where they found a loaded high-power rifle and a quantity of drugs. He was later released on $100,000 bail.

And he's confirmed his departure from Kyuss part-reunion act Kyuss Lives after former frontman Josh Homme took out a lawsuit against them. In an extended video interview Oliveri tells Antiquiet: "Basically, at the end of the day I screwed up because I didn't open the door. I was like, 'I'm not going to open, I don't have to open.' I didn't think you have to open the door – you have to open the door. A robot came and knocked down my door." more on this story


ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down And Gretchen Wilson Gang of Outlaws Tour
ZZ Top will be hitting the road this Spring with 3 Doors Down for the Gang of Outlaws Tour which will also feature Gretchen Wilson on most of the dates.

The tour will hit select eastern, southern and mid western venues, kicking off May 25 in Manchester, NH.

ZZ Top, "That Little Ol' Band From Texas" will be topping the bill. Notes Gibbons, "We're really looking forward to working with the guys from 3 Doors Down and Gretchen too, if we may borrow from the late, great Robert Johnson, clear those stones from the pass way on this phenomenal tour. The Gang of Outlaws is ready to ride!" more on this story


Ratt Lose A Member
(Gibson) Ratt bass player Robbie Crane has announced his departure from the band after 15 years.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Crane wrote, "Hey all, Just thought I would let you know that as of a week ago I have decided to quit RATT… For me, it is just time to move on," while in his official press release he thanked "all of the Ratt fans who have been so supportive through my tenure. It has been a pleasure!"

Crane wrapped up his departure press release with "See you this summer," possibly a reference to touring commitments with George Lynch's Lynch Mob. A Lynch Mob mega-reunion occurred this weekend when original drummer (and Lynch's fellow Dokken alumnus) Mick Brown and the band's second vocalist, Robert Mason (now in Warrant), joined the current Lynch Mob lineup of Lynch, Crane, vocalist Oni Logan and drummer Scot Coogan on stage in Arizona. more on this story




Bobby Womack Fighting Cancer
(Gibson) Legendary singer-songwriter-producer Bobby Womack has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Womack, 68, had been hospitalized with pneumonia after a cancelled live appearance in Houston, Texas, several weeks ago.

Funk bass legend Bootsy Collins posted on Facebook: "I just spoke to our friend Bobby Womack. He wanted you all to know that he loves you & thxs for the prayers. Docs says he is in 1st stage of colon cancer, he is very up beat about his future, we laughed & joked before we hung up. Thxs funkateers, we will get him back on the one!"

Womack is preparing to release his first album of original material in 18 years, The Bravest Man in the Universe, on June 12 in the U.S. and June 11 in the U.K. The album was produced by Blur's Damon Albarn and XL Recordings label boss Richard Russell. Bootsy and his older brother, the last great the P-Funk guitarist Catfish Collins, collaborated with Womack on the song "Don't Take My Funk Away," from Bootsy's 2011 album Tha Funk Capital of the World. more on this story




Slash Album Preview
Slash's new album, Apocalyptic Love, hits stores on May 22nd, but fans can hear clips from the entire album right now.

Amazon has added 30 second song streams for all of the album tracks. We also learn that the album is being billed as Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.

The Conspirators in this case are Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass). Kennedy handles vocal duties for the band. They recorded the effort with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced Slash's first solo album disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy. Check out the previews here.


Van Halen Break Out More Rarities
(hennemusic) Van Halen continued their setlist surprises on the "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour Monday night.

The veteran rockers played the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA, and added two songs in the show that have yet to be performed on the current trek.

The new track, "Blood And Fire," and the 1978 classic "Jamie's Cryin'" made their first appearances of the tour; "Blood" was actually performed at the group's final dress rehearsal at the L.A. Forum on February 8.

"Jamie" replaced "Hear About It Later" in the song order, while "Blood" was slotted in where "The Trouble With Never" was positioned in the set. Check out video here.


Jet Break Up
(Rock News Desk) Australian outfit Jet have announced that they have officially split after going on hiatus two years ago.

The four-piece formed in Melbourne in 2001. After releasing an EP they achieved global success with first album, Get Born, featuring hit singles Are You Gonna Be My Girl and Rollover DJ. Follow-up Shine On received mixed reviews while 2008′s Shaka Rock attracted a more positive response, but they failed to recapture the scale of their 2003 debut.

In a brief statement on their website the band say: "After many successful years of writing, recording and touring we wish to announce our discontinuation as a group. From the many pubs, theatres, stadiums and festivals all across the world it was the fans that made our amazing story possible and we wish to thank them all. Thank you, and goodnight." more on this story


Iron Maiden's Dickinson and Deep Purple's Paice To Tribute Buddy Rich
(Gibson) Iron Maiden singer and all-'round talented fellah Bruce Dickinson has signed up to sing at the Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert at the London Palladium on Monday, April 2.

According to Music-News.com Dickinson will be a guest vocalist for the Buddy Rich Orchestra while Deep Purple's Ian Paice bangs the drums.

Also taking part are singer Tony Christie and some of the greatest drummers in the world including Dave Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, John Blackwell, Gregg Potter, Ginger Baker, Gavin Harrison, Clem Cattini and Elliott Henshaw. more on this story




Battle Over Red Hot Chili Peppers Bootleg Swag
(TMZ) A message to all those dudes who sell unofficial band t-shirts at concerts -- YOU WILL GET SUED ... especially if those t-shirts say Red Hot Chili Peppers.

A merchandising company named Bravado International just filed a lawsuit in Tampa -- claiming a Tampa resident named Mike Smith has been illegally hocking RHCP t-shirts outside the band's concerts ... and Bravado wants him stopped before he strikes again.
Bravado insists it struck a deal with RHCP for exclusive merchandising rights using the band's name -- and Mike's stepping all over its business ... with inferior products.

According to the suit, Mike's not only violating the exclusive merchandising agreement -- he's hurting their reputation ... because his t-shirts are easily confused with Bravado's.

As a result, Bravado is demanding Mike quit his operation and immediately DESTROY all offending merchandise. Bravado also wants unspecified damages. more on this story


Intronaut, Fearless and Abysmal Dawn Supergroup Set Release
Next month The End Records will release the debut album from Bereft, the supergroup featuring members of Intronaut, Graviton, The Faceless and Abysmal Dawn.

The group's debut album, Liechenhaus, will be released on April 24th and is self-described as "dark, depressing doom".

The band is comprised of Sacha Dunable of Intronaut and Graviton, Derek Donley of National Sunday Law and Graviton, Charles Elliott of Abysmal Dawn and ex-The Faceless vocalist Derek Rydquist. more on this story


Record Store Day Releases For McCartney And Little Richard And More
(Conqueroo) Concord Music Group plan a diverse array of exclusive Record Store Day releases for artists ranging from Paul McCartney and Little Richard to Dave Brubeck and Esperanza Spalding to Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Anders Parker, Yim Yames (New Multitudes).

National Record Store Day, which falls on April 21 this year, celebrates the culture of the more than 700 independently owned records stores in the U.S. The event celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Participating stores will host in-store events, performances, signings, and the release of special product exclusives. For more information, visit www.recordstoreday.com.

Concord Music Group's 2012 Record Store Day releases will be: Paul McCartney: "Another Day"/"Oh Woman, Oh Why" [7" vinyl single/ RSD exclusive / limited edition]: A classic McCartney vinyl single reissue manufactured exclusively for Record Store Day! "Another Day" was first recorded in 1970, during the sessions for the album Ram. It was the first single of his solo career, originally released February 19, 1971 with "Oh Woman, Oh Why" as the B-side. Upon its initial release "Another Day"/"Oh Woman, Oh Why" sold over a million copies worldwide. It was a #1 hit in France and Australia, in the U.K. it reached #2, in the U.S. it reached #5. This exclusive reissue single is featured on the forthcoming Paul McCartney Archive Collection edition of Ram coming this spring. more on this story


Dying Fetus Preview New Album
Dying Fetus are offering fans a taste of their upcoming album, Reign Supreme, which will be released on June 17th.

The album will feature nine tracks and is a "return to roots" with production focused slightly more on slam than in the band's last few works. Thematically, the album is set to be a good old-fashioned piece of social and political commentary in the style of Dying Fetus as we have come to know.

The album artwork for Reign Supreme has been revealed and can be viewed on the latest official album teaser for Reign Supreme, which you can check out here.


Trans Siberian Orchestra's Lyris Hung Releasing New Hung Album
(TAYF) ReThink Records have set a May 8th release date for the new self-titled album from Hung, which features Lyris Hung of Trans Siberian Orchestra.

ReThink Records is the new label founded by Chris Adler (Lamb of God) and The End Records. We were sent the following background info:

The album features 10 tracks engineered and produced by Andy Abel and Lyris Hung at Abel Studios in Connecticut, with vocals tracked and produced by Ryan Kelly at MSR Studios and Nova Studios in New York City. more on this story


Destruction Anniversary Tour Features Warbringer, Vital Remains, and Pathology
Warbringer will return to the road in May for a North American tour with Destruction for their 30th anniversary tour which will also feature Vital Remains, and Pathology.

The trek will run from May 8th to June 3rd, and after that, Warbringer will appear at various high-profile Summer festival appearances in Europe.

Vocalist John Kevill checked in to comment about these upcoming shows: "Hey all! Checking in at the end of the Iced Earth and Symphony X tour. We had a great time with those guys, there was a slew of incredible shows with awesome heavy metal fans in abundance, and a bunch of good times with both of those fine bands! Shame to say goodbye to them, but we're on our way home now to recuperate Before beginning out next tour with German thrash metal legends Destruction, on their 30th anniversary tour! We never rest long, the war rages on! We'll see you guys out on the road again in May, prepare to be annihilated! more on this story


Alter Bridge Deliver Wembley Boxed Set
Yesterday saw the release of Alter Bridge's special 3-disc DVD/CD/Documentary boxed set, Alter Bridge: Live At Wembley.

Directed and co-produced by Alter Bridge's longtime director, Daniel E. Catullo III (Rush, Nickelback, Smashing Pumpkins, Godsmack, Steve Miller Band), Live At Wembley is the maiden release from The Dude Films, a new multimedia company specializing in live concerts.

Live At Wembley includes every key Alter Bridge track from their three studio albums, including "Isolation," "Ghosts Of Days Gone By," "Wonderful Life," "Watch Over You," "Broken Wings," "Rise Today," "Open Your Eyes" and many more, and was captured in late November during the Fall 2011 European tour at the historic Wembley Arena more on this story


Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit, Marcy Playground Tour
Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit and Marcy Playground are teaming up for the Summerland tour.

Summerland kicks off on June 28th in Saratoga, CA and will run well into August, hitting more than 25 markets across the country this summer.

"We've wanted to do a tour like this for a long time and we're so excited to be hitting the road with our friends to bring you this huge summer party," said Everclear front man Art Alexakis. Sugar Ray lead singer Mark McGrath added "Get out your flip flops and your shades because Summerland is going to be a blast." more on this story


Keane Plan North American Tour
Keane plan to hit the road early this summer for a short North American tour in support of their upcoming new album Strangeland, due out May 8th.

Mystery Jets will support on all dates except Nashville, Chicago and Milwaukee.

Strangeland was produced by Dan Grech (Radiohead, The Vaccines, Howling Bells), recorded at Sea Fog, Keane songwriter/pianist Tim Rice-Oxley's studio in South Downs, UK. more on this story


Sigur Ros Return With New Album
Sigur Ros will deliver their first studio album in 4 years on May 29th with the release of Valtari. We were sent this background on the effort:

The first track from Valtari, entitled "Ekki Múkk," is now streaming on the band's website – www.sigurros.com. Valtari will be released on double LP, CD and digital download. Valtari is Sigur Rós's first studio album since 2008's acclaimed Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, marking the end of their indefinite hiatus. It is either the album they always wanted to make, or the album they almost didn't make, depending on how you look at it.

Taken together, the eight songs on this 54-minute album feel like an alternative musical path the band didn't take after 2002's untitled ( ) album. Frequently bereft of formal structures, and for large stretches of time more atmospheres than songs, the work – which the band has described as sounding "like an avalanche in slow motion" – offers a counterpoint to Sigur Rós's steady yet unconscious migration towards public acceptance. more on this story





Soundgarden Preview New Song
(hennemusic) It's been a long while since there's been any news from the Soundgarden camp, as the band has quietly been working on new music.

The group played its first tour in 14 years last summer since reuniting, and have talked about recording a new album without any need for a timeline.

Now, Soundgarden have issued a preview of "Live To Rise," a new single set to be featured in the new movie, "The Avengers." Listen Here


Iron Maiden Offer New En Vivo Preview
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden's new live set, "En Vivo!," arrives Tuesday. To get fans excited, Maiden have issued a second video from the package: "Wicker Man," which follows the previously posted "Blood Brothers."

Maiden were captured live on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the Round The World In 66 Days leg of The Final Frontier World Tour.

In addition to the Blu-Ray, the 2DVD will initially be available as a Limited Edition double DVD in Collectors Steel book case and Double Vinyl Picture Disc. As well as a traditional 2CD Soundtrack album, EN VIVO! will also be available as a Digital Download, CD soundtrack album and Digital Download Video. Check out the preview here.


Emmure Head To Classic Arcade For Protoman Video
Emmure have release their brand new music video for the song, "Protoman," a single from their forthcoming album Slave To The Game, which will be released April 10th.

Victory sent over these details: This video features the band rocking out in an 80's throwback arcade, as a tribute to their youth and gamer lifestyle.




Marduk Premiere New Song
Marduk have premiered, "M.A.M.M.O.N.," the first track from the group's forthcoming album.

The song comes from their 12th studio album, Serpent Sermon, which will be released on June 5th in North America.

Serpent Sermon will be available in both physical and digital formats, with an LP and limited-edition mediabook CD available exclusively via www.cmdistro.com. Check out the new song here.


Allan Holdsworth Inspires Dweezil Zappa
(Gibson) Dweezil Zappa famously woodshedded for years to tear down and rebuild his guitar technique for his ongoing Zappa Plays Zappa project, but the latest muse to be incorporated into his style is legendary fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth.

In an interview with this writer for Beat magazine, Dweezil said he began reworking his technique two years before ZPZ played their first show, in order to handle parts written for other instruments, such as Frank's intricate marimba arrangements. But now that that's all in his (seemingly effortless) grasp, the guitarist is looking to assimilate other influences into his style.

"One of the things that's been cool lately is that some of the things I've always admired in other players, like Allan Holdsworth, for instance," Dweezil said. "He has these fluid runs, this kind of tension and release around what he's doing. And Frank built his own tension and release in a way that was even more angular than Allan Holdsworth. And as I grow as a guitarist some of the influences I've always had have a chance to be expressed more specifically." more on this story




The Rise of Sun Records
(Gibson) On this day in 1952, Sun Records officially began operations in Memphis, Tennessee. Gibson takes a look back: If there was ever a place that could lay claim to the title of Rock and Roll's Delivery Room it was the building at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. This was the home of the Memphis Recording Service, which went on to house Sun Records – rock and roll's original label. The roster of artists who would get their start at Sun was staggering – Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and others – but the success of the company could all be traced back to one man who wasn't a performer at all, Sam Phillips.

The son of a Florence, Alabama, farmer, Sam Phillips grew up with a love of traditionally black music. Born on January 5, 1923, Phillips befriended some of the black sharecroppers in the area as a child and learned to love the rhythmic blues music they taught him. This love of blues and country-based music eventually steered his career designs. With no money to go to law school, as he had aspired to do, Phillips instead studied audio engineering at the Alabama Polytechnical Instititute. He took his degree and settled into a DJ position at WLAY radio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. After a subsequent stop in Nashville, Phillips finally made his way to the musical Mecca where he would find his fame, Memphis.

From the first time he visited Memphis in 1939, Phillips fell in love the sounds emanating from the clubs and the street corner buskers on Beale Street. He was electrified by a town that seemed to run on music – good music. And so, in 1945 he moved his wife Becky, pregnant at that time with their eldest son Knox, to Memphis, where he was both an on-air personality and an engineer at WREC. On his nationally syndicated Saturday Afternoon Tea Dance show, Phillips mixed in some of his beloved rhythm and blues with the jazz and pop offerings of the day. Ultimately, though, Phillips yearned to do more than play music; he had to make it.

In January 1950, Phillips leased an old auto upholstery shop on Union Avenue and set to work creating the Memphis Recording Service. He continued to pull double duty at the studio and the station for a while, but ultimately he decided to go all-in with his passion. Carrying a business card that read, "We Record Anything Anywhere Anytime," he took his recording equipment to weddings, parties and other events for bill-paying gigs. But even as he did this somewhat soulless busywork, his eye was firmly set on capturing the amazing sounds of the Memphis music scene

Today's Day In Rock!

Gregg Allman Taken To The Hospital This Weekend
(TMZ) Gregg Allman had to leave a gig early on Saturday night in NYC and was taken to a local hospital because of back pain, TMZ has learned.
A rep for the legendary guitarist tells TMZ he has bulging discs in his back and suffered a flare up 30 minutes before the end of a show at the Beacon Theatre in NYC Saturday night.

The rep says Allman went to a local hospital where he was treated and released. more on this story


Gene Simmons Vs Rock Hall of Fame
(hennemusic) Despite being eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and snagging a lone nomination in 2010, KISS have yet to make the final cut... something that clearly remains a sore spot for the group.

"It's become a joke," bassist Gene Simmons told Rolling Stone at last Wednesday's press conference announcing the band's summer tour with Motley Crue. "We've been thinking about it and the answer is simply, 'We'll just buy it and fire everybody.'"

Beneath the jokes, Gene explains some of his issues with the concept of the Rock Hall itself. "In all seriousness for the fans, for something to be called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is such an insult to Madonna, Blondie and Tone Loc. Who the f**k knows what other disco act is in there? It's an insult to them because they don't get to be in the 'Dance Hall of Fame,' because that's what they do," Simmons says. "They're legitimate dance, disco artists. They don't belong in rock and roll." more on this story


Rod Stewart To Reunite With The Faces
(Gibson) After years of false starts, it's now confirmed: Rod Stewart will perform with the Faces for the first time in 19 years.

In an interview with Music Radar, Faces drummer Kenney Jones said Stewart and the band will perform a three-song set in Cleveland when they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14.

"Contrary to what some people might think, we're all still great mates and we've never said we wouldn't play together again," said Jones. "We all had dinner about a month ago and decided that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would be the perfect time and place."

Jones said the last time Faces and Stewart rehearsed together was three years ago, and that "the magic was still there." He added that Mick Hucknall was brought in as vocalist for recent Faces gigs in part due to Stewart's busy schedule. Moreover, in a previous interview with Music Radar, Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan had indicated that Stewart's voice "had changed" since having surgery on his vocal cords.

"As to whether we'll do anything else after the Hall of Fame show, we'll just have to see how it goes," Jones added. "I'd like to think there's more to come, although it depends how everyone's individual schedules are shaping up. But we're all really looking forward to getting up on stage again. It's been far too long." more on this story




Aerosmith Doing Something 'Big' This Week
(hennemusic) Something's up in Aerosmith land. Two new posts - on the band's Facebook page and on Steven Tyler's twitter – suggest the band is getting together next week for a major news event.

Here's the tweet from Tyler's Twitter feed: "OK… NXT WEDNESDAY (((HUMP DAY)))…SEE U AT THE GROVE LA??? … SUMTHIN BIG GOING DOWN!!!...MEET ME AT THE FOUNTAIN…11:30???"

A similar message posted at the band's Facebook page reads: "Hey – something's going on big at The Grove in Los Angeles. Be at the fountain near the patch of grass, Wednesday, March 28th promptly at 12 PM. This is YOUR chance to see Aerosmith and a whole lot more!" more on this story


Red Hot Chili Peppers Want Jimmy Page To Join Them On Stage
(Gibson) Red Hot Chili Peppers are hoping they can persuade Jimmy Page to join them on-stage when they play at Knebworth Park in the U.K. on June 23.

Speaking to London's Daily Star, Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith said, "Jimmy Page has come to our shows before but we haven't had a chance to play with him. That would be really cool, so maybe that can happen. Maybe we can get Page to come out to Knebworth. I saw him come on with Foo Fighters at Wembley."

Smith went on to say performing at Knebworth held special meaning for the band. "I first heard about Knebworth when Led Zeppelin played there in 1979," he said, "so to me it's hallowed ground and pretty cool. Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Stones and Queen and The Who – I grew up listening to all of them. To be accepted where these guys play blows our minds. It's like a bucket list kind of thing. We can tick that one off." more on this story




Epica Lose A Member
Epica have parted ways with bassist Yves Huts and replaced him with Rob van der Loo from Mayan and Delain fame. The band had this to say:

"Yves has been with us from the start and has been of great value to the band. We want to thank Yves for his contribution to Epica's success and wish him the very best in his future career, whether musically or in a different way. We will never forget the good times we shared together on the road!

"The silver lining to this cloud is that we can already announce an awesome successor. Fulfilling duties on bass from now on will be none other than Rob van der Loo. You might know Rob from his work with Mayan or Delain. We are sure that Rob will fit perfectly as a musician and as a person, and we are looking forward to share the stage for the first time next week." more on this story


KISS, Jimmy Buffett and The Black Keys To Rock NCAA Final Four
(Turner) Jimmy Buffett, KISS and The Black Keys are set to headline the 2012 NCAA Big Dance Concert Series, in New Orleans in conjunction with the 2012 NCAA Men's Final Four.

The free, three-day music festival is produced by Turner Sports and the NCAA, and will take place at Woldenberg Park in New Orleans during the 2012 NCAA Men's Final Four weekend.

Additional artists performing at the 2012 NCAA Big Dance Concert Series include special guest Blondie, the Avett Brothers, New Orleans legend Dr. John, the Funky Meters, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Cowboy Mouth and Vintage Trouble. The specific time of each performance and final overall schedule will be available soon at NCAA.com/FinalFour.

The Big Dance Concert Series tips off Friday evening of Final Four weekend, March 30 with KISS headlining the Block Party. more on this story


Slash Debuts New Song Live
(hennemusic) Slash hit Toronto this past week to do some press for his forthcoming album, "Apocalyptic Love." The second solo effort from the guitarist is due May 22.

The album's first single, "You're A Lie," is already at radio, and fans have been given a tease of what the video looks like with an online preview.

At his first solo show to launch the new project, Slash played Toronto's intimate Phoenix Concert Theatre on Friday, where he played a mix of solo material, Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver and Slash's Snakepit tracks – and – the debut live performance of "You're A Lie." Check it out.


Paul McCartney Plans Deluxe Reissue of Ram
(Gibson) Paul and Linda McCartney's classic 1971 album, Ram, is getting the deluxe reissue treatment. The album, which was McCartney's second post-Beatles LP and the only album credited to both the former Beatle and his late wife, Linda, will be released in a variety of formats on May 22.

The most ambitious edition will be the Deluxe Edition Box Set, which will include a bonus DVD, 112-page book, bonus discs and assorted exclusive prints. The deluxe set will also include Thrillington, an instrumental version of Ram originally released in 1977.

In a post on his website, McCartney said: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is an album from a long, long time ago, when the world was different. This is an album that is part of my history – it goes back to the wee hills of Scotland where it was formed. It's an album called RAM. It reminds me of my hippie days and the free attitude with which was created. I hope you're going to like it, because I do!" more on this story




Thin Lizzy Added To Guns N' Roses Tour
(hennemusic) Thin Lizzy have been added to the upcoming UK tour by Guns N' Roses. The 8-show UK tour begins May 19 in Nottingham and wraps up with two shows at London's 02 Arena.

"To tour with a band the caliber of Guns N' Roses is an honor and a privilege," said Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham. "Being on the road with a great band who are also great friends is the perfect way to go. It's like one big family, so [we] can't wait to see you all out there."

Guns N' Roses made some UK news recently when Reading and Leeds festival organizer Melvin Benn said he'd rule out booking the current GNR line-up again, following the 2010 debacle orchestrated by Axl Rose's inability to get on stage on time. Read what he had to say.


Joe Perry's Birthday Surprise for Steven Tyler
(hennemusic) Aerosmith's Steven Tyler turns 64 today. American Idol gave Tyler some birthday love Thursday night, with host Ryan Seacrest setting things up.

"We couldn't get through tonight without acknowledging somebody's birthday this weekend," began Ryan. "And a cake would be too obvious, so…this seems more appropriate."

And with that, Aerosmith's Joe Perry surprised Steven - and everyone else - by appearing center stage, with guitar in hand, to play a song for the occasion. "I couldn't decide what to get you for your birthday this year, so I guess this'll have to do," said Perry. Read more and watch the clip here.


Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and Stevie Ray Vaughan Apps Launched
Legacy Recordings have launched "The Legacy Of," a new music app available now on Spotify.

The first set of featured artists on "The Legacy Of" app are Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and Stevie Ray Vaughan. New artists will be announced and added regularly.

An artist-centric app, "The Legacy Of" reveals the depth and breadth of catalog and influence of some of history's most transformative musicians through curated playlists, handpicked album selections, biographies, photos and more. more on this story


Jerry Cantrell To Be Honored at MusiCares Event
Alice In Chains co-founder Jerry Cantrell is set to be honored at the eighth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Cantrell will be honored with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction and recovery process. Lasher will be the recipient of MusiCares' From the Heart Award for his unconditional friendship and dedication to the mission and goals of the organization.

All proceeds will benefit the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation. more on this story


Paul Rodgers Jams With The Sheepdogs
(hennemusic) The Sheepdogs capped off an exciting year Saturday as they snagged four Independent Music Awards in Toronto, and added further to their street cred when they were joined by Paul Rodgers for the event.

QMI Agency reports Rodgers' band, Free, was apparently a big influence on the '70s-and-blues-inspired Sheepdogs, who also landed on the cover of Rolling Stone last year, becoming the first unsigned act to do so.

Rodgers happened to be in town to give a public chat at Canadian Music Week earlier in the day. "Man! These guys rock!" said Rodgers, 62, half-way through their trio of Free songs together – "I'll Be Creepin'," "I'm A Mover" and the fan favourite, "All Right Now." Check it out here.


Kasabian Deliver Neon Noon Video
(hennemusic) Kasabian have released the video for "Neon Noon," the latest single from their "Velociraptor!" album.

The song is the final track on the latest album and, as guitarist Serge Pizzorno says, it's the perfect way to bring the record to a close.

"'Neon Noon' is a great way of finishing," says Pizzorno. "Like the end credits roll: spaceship comes in to land, a little pod that you've been in, just traveled the galaxy. It's got echoes of Pink Floyd." Check it out here.


The Cult Preview New Song
(hennemusic) The Cult have offered up an audio stream of their new single, "For The Animals."

The first single from the band's forthcoming album, "Choice Of Weapon" (due May 22), goes to radio stations for airplay starting Monday.

A preview of the video for the brand new single can be viewed online here.


Animals As Leaders Lose A Member
Animals As Leaders have undergone a lineup change as they prepare to hit the road at the end of this week for their first European headlining tour and a string of shows with Meshuggah.

Drummer Navene Koperweis has decided to leave the group. He explains in a statement, "Tosin (Abasi) and Javier (Reyes, guitar) are the two most generous, caring and understanding individuals I've ever met and I look forward to a lifetime of friendship with the both of them. Over the past decade I have done nothing but music. Recording, writing, playing, practicing, touring and producing. It's taken me beyond what I could have dreamt of as a kid when I started. My new goals extend beyond the drum kit and I'm the type of person who will constantly chase new dreams. You'll be seeing a lot more of me soon."

The band's mastermind Abasi says, "I've shared some of my most memorable musical experiences to date with Navene and truly consider him a brother. I commend him for following his own path in life, even if that means i'll no longer be sharing the stage with him. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working together and creating a lifelong friendship." more on this story


Van Halen: David Lee Roth Scream Box Plans
(hennemusic) You may soon be able to take Van Halen singer David Lee Roth with you wherever you go; or, at least, Roth's vocal yelps, whoops and screams. Dave Rogge of Brooklyn has created a new "Roth Scream Box."

The battery-powered unit is designed to play the isolated vocal tracks of Roth singing "Runnin' With the Devil," the first song from Van Halen's 1978 debut.

Rogge says he plans to have units similar to this one on sale via online marketplace Etsy in the coming months. No word on whether Rogge will face any copyright infringement issues should he begin actually selling the item, which he says he built in his basement workshop. Check out a video demo





Brian May Would Liked To Have Been A Member Of AC/DC
(Gibson) Had he not forged his career with Queen, Brian May would like to have been a member of… AC/DC. May revealed that secret desire to London's The Independent in a wide-ranging interview, going on to add that, musically speaking, he was "the wrong sort of size and shape" for the Australian rockers.

"I'd have probably liked to be in AC/DC [if Queen hadn't existed]," he said. "But I'm the wrong sort of size and shape, unfortunately. Because it's different from Queen. Queen were very eclectic – that's the word isn't it? – and we just trampled over every boundary that there was. But AC/DC are in a sense the opposite. They know their style and it's incredibly pure and I have a great respect for that. And every single note they play is AC/DC completely."

May also said his vision of what he could do with the guitar came to fruition on Queen II, released in 1974. "When we came to Queen II, we were actually in a proper studio with time that was booked like a real, proper band," he said. "We had adventurous ideas on guitar harmonies but also vocal harmonies – just painting a huge picture, which was in our heads. Queen II is a lot of stuff. There are all sorts of guitar parts fighting each other." more on this story




Unaired KISS on Jimmy Kimmel Footage Goes Online
(hennemusic) KISS rocked Jimmy Kimmel's show Tuesday night. Fan-filmed footage of "Cold Gin" and "Shout It Out Loud" has surfaced.

The broadcast showed the band playing their classics, "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love," but the group actually performed an additional two songs for the live audience.

KISS were on the show to promote their upcoming summer tour with Motley Crue, which will hit more than 40 cities across North America starting July 20. Check out the unaired footage here.


Watch Kasabian's Terminal 5 Concert Online
(hennemusic) Kasabian took over Terminal 5 in New York Thursday night for a live show and concert webcast.

hennemusic carried the live feed, as the band ripped through a 17-song, 90-minute set featuring material from their four album, including the latest, "Velociraptor!"

Kasabian recently kicked off their North American tour; next week, they play shows in Boston (Tue), Montreal (Wed) and Toronto (Thu). Watch the video webcast footage here.


James Durbin Has Offer To Reluctant Fans
(hennemusic) James Durbin is gearing up to take his rock show on the road this spring and summer. New dates are being posted on Durbin's website, with some shows in April and May now listed.

James has offered an interesting challenge to music fans who might be on the fence about checking him out in concert.

Durbin invites people to contact him via his Facebook page and/or via Twitter, and say to him, "yo, Durbin, I'm hesitant about coming to your show," he tells Fox News. "If I have a guest list…" Find out what James has to offer you.


Remembering Jan Berry of Jan and Dean
(Gibson) On this day in 2004, Jan Berry of Jan & Dean died at the age of 62 after being in poor health from injuries sustained in a 1966 car crash. The duo's biggest hit was the 1963 #1 single "Surf City" (#26 in the U.K.), which was co-written by Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Gibson looks back:

Surf music pioneers Jan and Dean (Jan Berry and Dean Torrance) met at University High School in Los Angeles, where they both played football, and soon discovered that each had an interest in music. They and some other classmates eventually started getting together after football practice to sing and rehearse in Jan's parents' garage. After enough practice, they mustered the courage to perform at a high school dance under the name The Barons, and they did quite well. The Barons specialized in doo-wop songs popular at the time in the late '50s, tunes like "Get a Job," "Hushabye" and "Short Shorts."

Jan, in particular, had a strong passion for music, and he enjoyed writing and arranging music, including multi-part harmonies. Being an audiophile, his parents' garage quickly turned into a makeshift studio, complete with reel-to-reel tape machines and a piano, and over time his skills as both a producer and engineer grew mightily. He was way ahead of the curve in understanding – and conceptualizing – the possibilities presented with new and emerging technology. For instance, he learned how to utilize two machines to create an echo-delay effect, which in 1958 was no small feat. He was a student of multi-tracking and splicing pieces of numerous recordings together to create finished arrangements that were larger than the sum of their parts.

Jan's first commercial success came from the 1958 single, "Jennie Lee," which he recorded with fellow Baron, Arnie Ginsburg; the single climbed to #8 on the charts, resulting in Jan & Arnie appearing on American Bandstand. The fledgling duo recorded and released three more singles. Dean hadn't been available to record because he was serving in the army reserves. Upon Dean's return, he and Jan began making music together as a duo, eventually with a lot of the help from a couple of upstart producers – a jazz trumpeter named Herb Alpert and his songwriting partner Lou Adler.

Jan and Dean eventually signed with the Dore label, and along with Adler and Alpert, they began sifting through demos, which led them to their first hit as a duo, "Baby Talk," which climbed to #10 in 1959. Like "Jennie Lee," "Baby Talk" was recorded in Jan's garage before a full band was added to fill out the song. The song was filled with the soon-to-be trademarks of surf music – close harmonies, major and minor chords, and no small element of doo-wop and rock with plenty of falsetto thrown in on the high end. more on this story




Oasis Mom Didn't Want A New Home From Her Sons
(Gibson) Unlike some showbiz mothers, Peggy Gallagher has remained unaffected by her sons' success. According to the Daily Express, the Oasis boys tried to buy Peggy a new house when they hit it big with their Definitely Maybe album, but she wasn't interested in moving from her (government-owned) council house.

Noel, who dazzled in the '90s with his Epiphone Noel Gallagher Archtop Union Jack SuperNova guitar, told the BBC: "She gave it all up for us. I think she has great karma and two of her children became two of the biggest rock stars that England ever produced.

"All she got was a new garden gate from us. Liam offered to buy her a castle... but the gate at her council house had been squeaking and she wanted that fixed."

Today's Day In Rock!

Joe Perry, Ace Frehley, Michael Anthony, Skynyrd on New Bret Michaels CD
Bret Michaels have tapped a who's who of rock as special guests on his upcoming solo album "Get Your Rock On."
Aside from Phil Collen from Def Leppard and Sal Costa from My Darkest Days, Bret tells AZ Central he has lined up come more heavy hitters for the effort, "I put a lot of hard work into this. And everyone that's on it, I'm not only friends with but fans of. I've got Ace Frehley from Kiss and Michael Anthony from Van Halen. I redid "Nothin' But a Good Time" and played everything on it but the lead guitar and bass. Ace Frehley plays the solo and Michael Anthony plays bass. Then, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" has Joe Perry from Aerosmith and Hugh McDonald from Bon Jovi. And it's got Loretta Lynn singing it with me. Then, Jimmy Buffett, me and him did "Margaritaville" live."

"...it's all people I know. Vinnie Paul from Pantera. They're all friends of mine. The best one -- are you ready for this? -- I remade "Sweet Home Alabama" with the guys from Lynyrd Skynyrd playing and singing on it. Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke are on it. I wanted them to hear what I had done. I gave it a really cool feel. And they were like, "This is awesome."" Read the full interview to learn more!


Guns N' Roses Score Surprise No. 3 Hit on Billboard Album Chart
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses have a 25 cent digital hit on their hands. Billboard reports Guns N' Roses' "Greatest Hits" has landed at no. 3 on the new Billboard 200 album chart following a price war sale last week between two digital retailers.

The album was priced for 25-cents in both the Google Play and AmazonMP3 stores for one day last week, eventually going on to sell 85,000 copies – 12,000 more than the week before.

"Greatest Hits" came in behind One Direction and Adele, and just ahead of last week's #1, the new "Wrecking Ball" by Bruce Springsteen. more on this story


Oliveri Quits Kyuss Lives!
(Banana 101.5) Former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri explains why he recently jumped ship on the Kyuss reunion, explains his side of the story concerning his legal troubles stemming from a standoff with LAPD last July and briefly touches on the circumstances surrounding his exit from QOTSA.

In a new video interview with Antiquiet, Nick Oliveri gives a very long-winded update on all the hot topic issues surrounding the bassist — of which there are several. First there is the matter of Kyuss, who reunited without former guitarist and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme as Kyuss Lives. A lawsuit has recently been brought against the band by Homme and former bassist Scott Reeder regarding the use of the name Kyuss. Oliveri says that when Kyuss Lives was just a touring thing, Homme was fine with it — it wasn't until there was talks of a new album that it became an issue.

"Josh is a key player and songwriter in what Kyuss was and is. I don't know that without Josh there — it will be what it should be," says Oliveri of his exit from the partial reunion. "I don't want to let anyone down. I don't want to let myself down. I figure walk away with my head up high and do my own thing is the respectable thing and I think I need to do that." And about that standoff?


Motley Crue Star Distances Himself From Gene Simmons Rihanna Slam
(hennemusic) Gene Simmons stirred up some headlines this week in an effort to draw some media attention to the KISS summer tour with Motley Crue.

During Tuesday's press conference, Simmons boasted how "real" both veteran rock groups were in a live setting, adding, "Both Motley and KISS are united in one crusade: we are sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them," said Simmons. "No karaoke singers allowed. No fake bulls**t. Leave that to the Rihanna, Shmianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.' This is real stuff."Crue drummer Tommy Lee has added some thoughts of his own to Gene's comments.

"Gene Simmons recently mentioned at our Motley/KISS tour announcement on Tuesday about his distaste for faking it on stage. I somehow got lumped into that by saying that I, too, am tired of all the watered-down, not-so-real performances on award shows/live concerts/etc.," Lee said in a statement. "I am a fan of Rihanna's and think she's an amazing singer/entertainer and I think you all know how much I f**king love electronic music and dance. I make and perform electronic music live. And who am I to say what's good/bad/real or fake? It is what it is, right?..." more on this story


Ziggy Stardust Revisited For 40th Anniversary
(Gibson) It's hard to believe that it's been 40 years since the release of David Bowie's landmark The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album – especially since, according to the album, earth only had five years left. But here were are four decades later with the planet intact, Bowie retired and the 1972 concept album still hailed as a classic.

Ziggy Stardust will get a 40th anniversary reissue in a couple of months (June 4 in the U.K., June 5 in the U.S.), with editions on both CD and limited-edition vinyl, according to Pitchfork.

The vinyl release also comes with an audio DVD version, containing 5.1 mixes of the spaced-out album's tracks – along with three unreleased mixes ("The Supermen," "Velvet Goldmine" and "Super Head"). more on this story




Metallica Releasing 30th Anniversary Magazine
(hennemusic) Metallica are publishing a special edition of their fan club magazine, So What! The band have teamed up with Metal Hammer to offer fans a 30th Anniversary edition issue of the magazine, which is typically sent to MetClub members every three months.

"As we were putting together the first issue of 2012 commemorating our 30th anniversary celebration at the Fillmore Theatre in December of last year, we realized that the upcoming issue was looking so special, so unique and so unprecedented that we really should make it available to share with all our friends around the world," posted the band.

"I couldn't think of a cooler way to round out the first 30 years than how the Fillmore week played out in December," said drummer Lars Ulrich. "And I can't think of a cooler way to start off the next 30 years than immortalizing that unique, incomparable and unforgettable week in magazine form, our first So What! edition to leave the confines of our fan club." more on this story


Taking Back Sunday Headlining Warped Tour
Taking Back Sunday have been tapped as a main stage headliners of this summer's Warped Tour 2012.

This marks the first time since 2004 the band will participate in the entire tour, which begins on June 16 in Salt Lake City, UT and hits 41 cities throughout US and Canada before wrapping-up on August 5 in Portland, OR.

The band will release an exclusive 12" LP for Record Store Day on April 21st. We Play Songs is an acoustic four-song 12" LP featuring live tracks recorded at Fingerprints Record Store in Long Beach, CA and Looney Tunes in West Babylon, NY. more on this story


The Cult Preview New Song
(hennemusic) The Cult return May 22 with their new studio album, "Choice Of Weapon" and are now giving fans another taste of what is to come.

Co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E.) and longtime collaborator Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith), "Choice of Weapon" was made in several studios, including the band's own Witch Mountain, as well as spots in New York City, Los Angeles and the California desert.

Earlier this year, The Cult offered up a taste of the record by posting the song "Lucifer." Now, the group is previewing the video for the album's first single, "For The Animals." Check it out


Iron Maiden Preview Steel Book Limited Edition
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden's new live set, "En Vivo!," arrives next week. Maiden were captured live on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the Round The World In 66 Days leg of The Final Frontier World Tour.

The band is offering several different versions of the package, including Blu-Ray, DVD, 2CD, Digital Download, Double Vinyl Picture Disc, CD soundtrack album and Digital Download Video.

As if those options weren't enough for Maiden fans, there's also a Limited Edition double DVD in a Collectors Steel Book case; a video preview can be seen here.


Current Guns N' Roses Guitarist Wants Rock Hall Reunion Jam
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses fans were very disappointed to hear this week's comments by Slash that the band will not reunite their classic lineup to perform at the band's upcoming Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

Now, a current GNR guitarist is saying he'd like to see the reunion happen. During an online video chat this week, DJ Asha was asked about his thoughts on the Rock Hall event.

"The one thing I don't understand about the Hall Of Fame is nobody's f**king talking, nobody's talking about it," he said. "I just don't, I don't get it. In my opinion, I think it's a huge honor. I think it would be awesome to see, you know, everybody [from the classic GNR lineup] get up on stage and put all the differences aside for one night and just give the fans what they want. To me, that makes the most sense." more on this story


At The Drive-In Limited Edition Set For Coachella
At The Drive-In made news earlier this year announce that they were reuniting and we now learn that a special limited edition release is planned as well. Fearless Records sent out these details:

Fearless Records announced a limited edition yellow 10" vinyl version of At The Drive-In's seminal 1999 EP Vaya, that will be sold exclusively at this year's Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival through the Zia Record's pop up shop and the Coachella Boutique.

Fan-favorite Vaya contains their much-performed tracks "Rascuache" and "198d", and sparked the band's rapid rise to prominence. This is the first pressing of this record in 12 years. more on this story


Obscura Frontman For Death To All Tour
We told you last week that members of Death were heading out on the road for the Death To All Tour 2012. Today we learn they have recruited Steffen Kummerer of Obscura to sing on the trek. They put out the following:

We are very excited to announce Steffen Kummerer of Obscura, as the second vocalist for the Death To All Tour 2012. Steffen is an unbelievable talent and we are very excited to have him involved with this tour. The first Obscura record, to us, was very reminiscent of Death's Human album, so it should be interesting to say the least. Here is the official statement about the tour from Steffen:

"It was a pleasure to get the invitation to play all of those timeless classics as a tribute to Chuck and his work. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was a good idea at all to get this project running, due to my respect for the past. The band Death is gone and will never come back, that is the truth. These shows are a nice way to show tribute to the band and their previous work and help musicians via Sweet Relief. In the end, a good thing and definitely worth visiting one or two shows. I am glad to be involved and be part of this idea to bring this music back on stage. Let the metal flow."


Five Finger Death Punch Launch Tour Tonight
Five Finger Death Punch have returned from playing for the troops in Kuwait and are launching a North American tour tonight. SKH sent over these details:

This week, 5FDP prepares for a massive hometown headlining show at the Joint in Las Vegas, en route to more west coast headlining dates and a trek into Canada.

The band has just returned from a visit to military bases across Kuwait, where they touched down for performances and or visits on bases that included Camp Moreell, Camp Beuhring, Camp Patriot and others. This is the band's second visit overseas to perform for the troops in two years . "What a stellar way to start the spring," singer Ivan Moody shared. "Playing for the troops is always an honor and seriously humbling. Can't say enough about the experience- everyone was so respectful and warm. I hope we helped morale and it was a privilege to give back to those that give so much for us." more on this story


Nickelback Releasing Two Music Videos
Nickelback are releasing two new music videos almost simultaneously. One was released this week and the second is coming next week.

One video is for the song "Lullaby" and other is for the track "This Means War," both songs come from the band's latest album, Here And Now.

The video for "Lullaby" premieres exclusively on VH1.com yesterday for 24-hours; the video will make its broadcast debut on VH1's Top 20 Countdown on March 31, 2012. Additionally, the video for "This Means War" will premiere exclusively for 48-hours on the Xbox/Zune platform on March 27, 2012. more on this story


Motley Crue To Play New Music On KISS Tour
(Gibson) It's safe to say one of the biggest rock stories of the week is Motley Crue and KISS announcing a wild child, cross-county tour set for this summer. Motley Crue bass player Nikki Sixx is even promising the guys will pull out at least one fresh track on the run, and he says it's a good one.

"We're gonna play it on tour. We just wrote it and recorded it. We're just finishing mixing," he told VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner.

"It's called 'Sex' and it sounds very much like it's off of the first record [1981's Too Fast for Love]. And that was definitely on purpose. I've been writing very simple riffs for the last year and focusing on how these riffs would work for Vince [Neil, singer], basically, and took it in the studio with Tommy [Lee, drummer] and Mick [Mars, guitarist] and the thing just came alive." more on this story




Weapon Begin Recording New Album
Weapon have entered the studio to record their follow up to their 2010 release From The Devil's Tomb.

The band entered the studio on March 18th to self-record the new album along with producer Terry Paholek at The Physics Lab in their hometown of Edmonton, Canada.

Continuing on the same scathing path as their previous works, the upcoming release, planned for the Fall of 2012, is said to be their most vicious and all-out evil offering to date. more on this story


Evanescence Amy Lee As A Role Model
(Gibson) Evanescence are currently touring Australia in support of their latest, self-titled full-length, and when the band tours, all eyes are on frontwoman Amy Lee.

In fact, a lot of little rockers look up to Lee, and she's totally okay with falling into that position of role model.

"I do feel a little bit of that responsibility of role model, especially with our younger fans, and I like that, actually!" she told the Telegraph. "I think that's really cool. I'm the oldest of a big family. I'm the big sister, so I kind of feel like I fall into that role sort of naturally. It's nice. It's a little bit scary sometimes, when you're like, 'Okay, I'm not perfect. I'm never going to be perfect.' But I think that's an important lesson, too, to young people to say, 'Hey, nobody's perfect.' It's important to just be independent and be okay with yourself." more on this story




Phil Collen Gets Eclectic With Def Leppard/Sex Pistols Supergroup Man Raze
(Gibson) Sure, Phil Collen rocks the six-string for blockbuster '80s group Def Leppard, but nowadays, he's also making heavy sounds in Man Raze. The supergroup features Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and former Girl bass player Simon Laffy.

Man Raze's latest album, PunkFunkRootsRock, goes well beyond arena rock fare with a mix of sounds that's hard to pinpoint. That's the point, though. As Collen explains, the guys picked the moniker PunkFunkRootsRock because it perfectly fit the eclectic character of the album's songs.

"Paul Cook, our drummer, … he was like 'it's a bit punky, it's a bit funky,' and then he was like 'wow PunkFunkRootsRock,'" Collen told Ultimate Classic Rock. "The great thing about Man Raze is that, being in Def Leppard for 30 years this year, obviously we have a style and you can't really stray too far from it. Otherwise fans get very emotional, they get upset and so with Man Raze it's a great excuse to just go where you feel.

"There's definitely rock stuff, there's reggae stuff on there, we like blurring the lines. It's like your iPod, if you have shuffle, you just don't only listen to one type of music all day, hopefully, you've got to be a bit more diverse so that's really what that's about and the title sums it up." more on this story




Locrian Go with Relapse Records
Relapse Records have inked Locrian and plan a new album release as well as a wider format reissue. They sent out these details:

Locrian plan to enter the studio later this year for their full-length Relapse debut. Furthermore, this summer Relapse will reissue the group's most recent vinyl only release The Clearing as a 2CD/Digital deluxe album with a bonus disc re-titled as The Clearing/The Final Epoch. More details on the reissue and the new album will be available shortly.

André Foisy commented on the new collaboration with Relapse: "It's really an honor to be working with one of the labels that we grew up with and a label that's put out such a wide variety of material that we love. We plan to record our full-length album for Relapse later this year with Greg Norman at Electrical Audio in Chicago." more on this story


Hell Militia Plan New Album Release
Hell Militia have announced plans to release their first album on Season of Mist's Underground Activist division in late 2012, under their new deal with the label.

The band issued the following statement: "Hell Militia are really enthusiastic about that new signing with Season of Mist. We join many of our comrades and have known some of the SOM guys for quite a long time so it had to happen someday.

"There has been a lot of work on the new album, and it was composed in a very special way, far from everything, and even now we are still hard at work on the mix. We can't wait to have the final result in our f**king hands, for sure the sickest opus of Hell Militia..."


The Day R.E.M. Were On Top
(Gibson) On this day in 1991, R.E.M. scored their first U.K. #1 album with their seventh LP, Out of Time, featuring the hit singles "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People." Gibson looks back: Since releasing their debut album to rabid critical acclaim (and some commercial success) in 1983, R.E.M. had been steadily growing in stature in the music world. Coming out of the Athens, Georgia, college scene, the band built quite a following through the '80s, via constant touring and a string of extremely well-received indie albums.

By 1987, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe had a Top 10 album (Document), a Top 10 single ("The One I Love") and were christened "America's Best Rock & Roll Band" on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. R.E.M. had achieved major success, and they'd done it completely on their own terms. But there's a big difference between stardom and super-stardom – and the guys were about to find out, first-hand.

In the late '80s, R.E.M. jumped from the indies to the majors, signing a lucrative contract with Warner Bros. Records, which also helped increase the overseas distribution of their albums. Their first major label release, 1988's Green, was another hit and led to the band's biggest tour yet. After a busy decade, R.E.M. took their first prolonged break and reconvened to record their next album in the fall of 1990.

The sessions found the band members experimenting with different instruments and styles, building on Green's mixture of folk, rock and pop. Songs were written using an array of acoustic instruments, including organ, harpsichord, mandolin and acoustic guitar. In addition, country and classical music influences came to the fore.

The album was shaping up to be R.E.M.'s biggest departure from rock music. Strings were heard all over the album, lending it a baroque feel. Meanwhile, leadoff track "Radio Song" featured rapper KRS-One. "Country Feedback" was a rustic, lumbering dirge and "Shiny Happy People" was pure, bouncy pop. more on this story




Singled Out: I Am The Icarus' Doom Machine
Today Daniel Godfrey from I Am The Icarus tells us about the song "Doom Machine" from their brand new album "The Father, The Heretic and The Son". Here is the story:

"Doom Machine" is a song that almost didn't make it on the record. Like much of this record it was written rather quickly. One of my goals in writing this time around was to not overthink anything, trust my instincts and just let the songs come naturally. It's also a song where the lyrics came much later and are really just bits of journal entries and a few cryptic lines meant for close friends. Most of "The Father, The Heretic and The Son" deals with my views on religion and the process of dealing with death as an atheist.

There are other songs on the record such as "Rotting Away" in which the entire song is about religion. With this song I sort of concentrated it into one line - "We're outdated obsolete as god."

Sonically the song was informed by bands I grew up listening to, specifically The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails and Sonic Youth. This song is very much their bastard child. I wanted a really fuzzy and layered "Pumpkins" sort of guitar sound on this song. With the exception of the lead guitar under the chorus everything remained the same as the original demo which is a true testament to keeping things simple from the get go.