Guns N' Roses Snubbed
(hennemusic) The annual Reading and Leeds festivals are on schedule for late August this year, as usual, with headliners Foo Fighters, Kasabian and The Cure.
While talking up this year's events, organizer Melvin Benn tells NME that he has ruled out booking the current line-up of Guns N' Roses again, but says he'd love to get the band's original line-up to play the event.
"I wouldn't have the current line-up, certainly not at the moment. It doesn't feel right," said Benn. "Of course if it was the original line-up, I would definitely consider it and if they could tell the time, it would be fantastic," he added. "With the original line-up it would be something very special. We'd have to give them all a watch each, but we'd certainly try to get them if they reformed." more on this story
Tool To Begin Recording New Album
It may have felt like 10,000 Days since Tool has released a new album (it's only been 6 years), but fans won't have to wait much longer for a new release from the band.
Drummer Danny Carey tells Vic Firth in a video interview, "I'm hoping we'll get in the studio by June or July and start tracking, that's the plan anyway."
He also assures fans that they won't have to wait a long time after the band enter the studio as their tracking typically only takes two or three months and then it takes about a month for mixing and mastering. So it may be possible that fans might have a new album by the end of the year, or early next year. Check out the interview here.
KISS Playing Free Concert
(hennemusic) March Madness continues to works its way towards the Final Four showdown and fans will have some big names bands rocking free concerts for the weekend.
The Times-Picayune reports that, as part of the NCAA Final Four weekend, KISS, the Black Keys and Jimmy Buffett are slated to perform free concerts in Woldenberg Park along the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans.
KISS will kick off "The Big Dance Concert Series" on Friday, March 30, which is part of a full slate of festivities throughout the college men's basketball championship weekend. more on this story
Metallica Tease Orion Festival
(hennemusic) Metallica have issued a second trailer for their upcoming Orion Music + More festival.
Happening June 23-24 at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Orion Music + More is Metallica's first attempt at hosting their own multi-day festival event.
In addition to more than 30 artists on the bill, Metallica will headline both nights, each with its own cool angle: they'll play their classic "Black" album in its entirety on one of the nights for the first time ever in the U.S., and perform the "Ride The Lightning" album on the other night. Check out the video here.
Kittie's Original Lineup Talking Reunion
(Gibson) Kittie – the Canadian all-female metal band who went gold with their 1999 debut Spit – are considering a reunion of their original lineup to perform their debut album.
The band posed a question on their official Twitter account on the weekend: "If we did shows with the original lineup and played all of 'Spit' in its entirety, would you come? And where?"
The band also added via Facebook, doubtlessly to head off speculation about the job security of current members Trish Doan and Tara McLeod, "It should be mentioned that if it were to happen, it wouldn't be a permanent thing, or even a tour for that matter. Just a few select dates, and Kittie will still remain the Kittie we are now." more on this story
Jack White Expands Solo Tour
(Gibson) Jack White has announced additional solo tour dates, wrapping around previously announced festival dates.
Before, between and after White plays the Hangout Music Fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Sasquatch! Music Festival in George, WA, he'll perform another 10 shows.
The tour comes in support of White's forthcoming solo debut album, Blunderbuss, due out on April 24. At his recent shows, the singer-guitarist has mixed together selections from the Stripes, Raconteurs and Dead Weather catalogs, in addition to stuff from the new album. more on this story
Slash Previews New Video
(hennemusic) Slash has offered up a preview of the video for "You're A Lie," the first single from his forthcoming album, "Apocalyptic Love."
The guitarist's band – Myles Kennedy, Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz - have formed a cohesive unit and are now going by the handle "Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators."
Prior to the new album's May 22nd release, Slash and the band will play a show in Toronto before appearing at the Revolver Golden God Awards in Los Angeles on April 11. A mini-tour of the States starts May 3 in Baltimore. Check out the preview here.
Crosby, Stills & Nash Plan Summer Tour of North America
Crosby, Stills & Nash put out word yesterday that they plan to hit the road this summer for a North American tour.
The trek is set to kick off on June 7th at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia, PA, and will conclude on September 29th in San Diego.
The players accompanying Crosby, Stills & Nash on their 2012 tour are: Todd Caldwell (organ), Shane Fontayne (guitar), Steve DiStanislao (drums), Kevin McCormick (bass), and James Raymond (keyboards). more on this story
Garbage Giving Away New Song
Garbage are giving fans a free download of "Blood For Poppies," the debut single from their forthcoming album, "Not Your Kind Of People," which hits stores on May 15th
"We decided to give the track to our fans first," said the members of Garbage. "We've always had the most amazingly loyal fans, and we wanted to show them just how much they mean to us by setting it free to them first."
The band also plans to release "Blood For Poppies" as a limited edition, white vinyl 7-inch for Record Store Day (April 21st). The 7-inch will feature the track and an exclusive remix by drummer Butch Vig. Grab the download here.
The Strange Case of Alice Cooper Coming To DVD
Shout! Factory have set a May 22nd release date for the DVD version of "The Strange Case of Alice Cooper."
The film was originally released on VHS and hasn't officially been available for 30 years. Amazon had these details: The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper is more than a concert film. It is the warped tale of one man's descent into madness, a theatrical rock 'n' roll spectacle that could only emerge from the twisted imagination of Alice Cooper.
Filmed during a stop on the Madhouse Rock Tour in 1979, Strange Case was inspired by Alice's stay in a New York sanitarium and the people he encountered there. Vincent Price introduces the proceedings as ghoulish doctors and transvestite nurses cross paths with dancing bottles of alcohol. All the while, Alice performs songs off his album From The Inside, as well as many of his most well-known and best-loved hits. more on this story
Orgy Cancel Tour
Jay Gordon's current incarnation of Orgy have canceled the last 5 dates of their comeback tour "due to the high demand for new music," according to the band.
The band informed fans via their website that they were canceling shows in Sacramento, Tacoma, Portland, Oakland and Tempe.
Here was the reason they gave: "so the band can get into the studio. These markets will be rescheduled for the second leg of the tour, which is expected to begin in the middle of May (exact dates TBA), along with new markets that the fans have been asking for.
"The newly reformed band—founding member Jay Gordon (vocals) along with Carlton Bost (guitar), Ashburn Miller (guitar), Nic Speck (bass) and Jamie Miller (drums)–apologize for the inconvenience to the fans but promise the wait will be well worth it.
"The Hollywood, CA rockers are excited to record new music and get a single out to radio before they hit the road again."
The band will perform their scheduled dates this week in Southern California, Wed in Los Angeles and Friday in Santa Ana (Orange County). more on this story
Skid Row's Sabo Takes High Road Over Sebastian Bach
(Gibson) Skid Row guitarist Dave "The Snake" Sabo has opened up about the collapse of the band's original recording lineup, in an extensive interview with Legendary Rock Interviews.
On the departure of vocalist Sebastian Bach, Sabo explained that growing tensions within Skid Row were exacerbated by the diminishing returns for hard rock bands amidst the alternative and grunge revolution of the mid-'90s.
But Sabo still has fond memories of Skid Row's time with Bach. "I've always said that he's a great singer, a great frontman and a great showman," he said. "I've always wished the best for him if for no other reason than the fact that we had 10 or so years with him where we all accomplished so much. I'm really, really proud of that and don't feel the need to slag him or anyone else." more on this story
Rush Clockwork Angels Inspired Book Set For Release
(hennemusic) Colorado-based sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson announced last month that he is writing a novelization of the forthcoming new Rush album, "Clockwork Angels" now Amazon has listed a September 1st release date.
"Most of you are aware of my long-standing friendship with Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist from the legendary rock band Rush, as well as how much Rush has influenced my work," posted Anderson. "My first novel, 'Resurrection, Inc.', was closely inspired by the Rush album 'Grace Under Pressure', and I can point to dozens of other novels and stories that bear a clear Rush influence.
"For more than twenty years, Neil and I have wanted to collaborate on something MAJOR, a way we could tie together our imaginations, and at last that's happening. more on this story
Becoming the Archetype Set New EP Release
Solid State Records have set an April 17 release date for a new digital remix EP from Becoming the Archetype entitled, Celestial Progression.
SSR had these details: Crafted by Nashville electronica collective Born of Water and Chicago producer Giant Robot (who also contributed sitar to Celestial Completion), the six-song EP finds Becoming the Archetype once again defying expectations and stretching the boundaries of metal music with a challenging and rewarding set of remixes that range from adrenaline-pumping to industrial to atmospheric.
"I've been a fan of good remixes of heavy music for a long time," says Becoming the Archetype guitarist Seth Hecox. "The great thing is that I told these guys to make the songs their own thing, and that's exactly what they did. Each remix sounds like its own song and each remix is very exciting to listen to, bringing out a different emotion." more on this story
Triumph Reunion Concert Coming To DVD and CD
(hennemusic) A new live package from Canadian rockers Triumph is on the way. The tentatively titled "Live at Sweden Rock Festival" set will consist of a DVD and CD, with a release date targeted for later this spring.
After 20 years apart, the long-awaited Triumph reunion (of vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine, and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore) took place at Sweden Rock Festival, on June 7, 2008.
Now, the band is putting the finishing touches on the DVD of that historic performance. No word on the final track listing, but the band's setlist from the Sweden Rock Festival performance is here.
The Academy Is' William Beckett Going Solo
(FCM) Former The Academy Is frontman William Beckett plans to release a series of solo EPs in 2012.
The first release, Walk the Talk, will be available on April 17 through YIKE Records, with two additional EPs to be released in July and October.
Beckett will take his new tunes on the road this spring, with a headlining tour beginning May 4 in Minneapolis. more on this story
Shinedown To Rock Kimmel
Shinedown are set to rock Jimmy Kimmel Live's outdoor stage next Monday, March 26th.
The band will be appearing to promote their new album, Amaryllis, which is set for release the following day. LA area fans can RSVP to attend the free concert here.
March 27th also marks the kick off of the band's headlining run for this year's Avalanche Tour, which begins that night in Anaheim, CA.
KISS Open Miniature Golf Course
(Gibson) KISS's new album, Monster, may still be several months away, but the band has just launched a monster of a different kind: KISS by Monster Mini Golf, a rock 'n' roll-themed attraction in Las Vegas.
As reported in 2010, Kiss By Monster Mini Golf is a custom-designed, indoor, glow-in-the-dark, 18-hole miniature golf course – which also features a state-of-the-art arcade, the largest KISS gift shop in the world, a KISS Gallery, the "Hotter Than Hell" Wedding Chapel, a private VIP Room, KISS-themed event rooms and the "Rock 'n' Roll All Nite" Café.
As KISS vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley asked 8 News NOW, "It's great to hit a ball through a windmill, but wouldn't you rather hit it through one of my boots, especially with the black lights and everything glowing? It's very, very cool." more on this story
Wolfgang Van Halen Added To D'Addario Roster
(hennemusic) D'Addario has announced that Van Halen bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen, has joined their artist roster.
As the bassist for Van Halen, one of the most wildly successful rock bands of all time, Wolfgang's musical prowess shines on the band's latest album, "A Different Kind of Truth" and its current tour.
Wolfgang has been a part of his father's vision for the legendary band for some time, with the 1991 instrumental "316" being named in his honor, after Wolfgang's birthday (he turned 21 last week). Later, his father named a custom guitar after him, the EVH Wolfgang. more on this story
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Set New Album Release
(hennemusic) There's been a buzz for some time now about new music from Neil Young & Crazy Horse, and now the details have been confirmed.
Rolling Stone reports Neil and Crazy Horse will release their new album "Americana," on June 5th.
It's their first album together since 2003's "Greendale," and their first album with the full Crazy Horse line-up of Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina and Frank "Poncho" Sampedro since "Broken Arrow" in 1996. more on this story
Absu Cancel Tour
Absu have been forced to cancel their Brazilian tour with Inquisition this week due to visa issues.
Absu's vocalist/percussionist Proscriptor McGovern made the following public statement:
"First of all, we bitterly regret having to cancel our Brazilian tour being our debut South American appearance. Due to visa applications being inadequately processed, we cannot legally enter the country at this time; however, we are presently working with our agency to solidify rescheduling for the middle of October. We sincerely apologize to the Brazilian followers of ABSU who wanted to witness the band for the first time."
The Day Elvis Presley Got Stuck On You
(Gibson) On this day in 1960, Elvis Presley started his first recordings since being discharged from the U.S. Army. A 12-hour session in a Nashville recording studio produced his next #1 single, "Stuck On You." Scotty Moore and Bill Black, who had quit Presley's touring band in 1957, were in the studio with him for the last time. Gibson takes a look back:
In early 1957, Elvis Presley was on top of the world. On January 6 he appeared, for what would be the final time, on the The Ed Sullivan Show (the producers and network big-shots made sure to shoot The King from the waist up). Recognizing that his pulsating pelvis would not be shown, Elvis spiced up his wardrobe from the previous drab duds he'd worn on the show and let his long hair fall over his face. He ended his appearance by showing the world a bit more of his range by singing the spiritual "Peace in the Valley," a choice that went against Sullivan's wishes. Still, Sullivan concluded by telling the millions watching that Elvis was "a real decent, fine boy."
Two days later on January 8, 1957, the Memphis draft board announced that Elvis would be classified 1A and that the chances were good he'd be drafted into the U.S. Army within the year. Still, the #1 hits followed, including "Too Much," "All Shook Up" and "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear." He was becoming a sensation in places where his music was not officially released, including the Soviet Union. He purchased Graceland, an 18-room mansion in Memphis where he and his parents could live. The soundtrack to his third film, Loving You, became his third consecutive #1 album.
Still, not everything was as smooth as a grilled peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich. One person who was not too keen on the rock and roll phenomenon was Frank Sinatra, who said the music was "brutal, ugly, degenerate, vicious… It fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people. It smells phoney and false. It is sung, played and written, for the most part, by cretinous goons. This rancid-smelling aphrodisiac I deplore."
Elvis responded to the Chairman's harsh words, saying, "I admire the man. He has a right to say what he wants to say. He is a great success and a fine actor, but I think he shouldn't have said it. This is a trend, just the same as he faced when he started years ago."
On December 20, 1957, Elvis received his draft notice from the army. He was given a brief deferment to finish shooting the movie King Creole, then on March 24, 1958, he was inducted into the army as a private at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas, which whipped the media into a frenzy. Fans and photographers turned out in droves as Elvis stepped off the bus to begin serving his country. Amidst the hoopla, he informed the world that he was looking forward to serving and that he didn't wish to be treated any differently from any of the other young men he'd be serving with. more on this story
Singled Out: Automatic Static's I'm So Worn Out, I'm So Far Gone
Today Automatic Static mainman Z Rokk tells us about "I'm So Worn Out, I'm So Far Gone" from their brand new album "Number IV," which was released today. Here is the story:
"I'm so worn out, I'm so far gone" was a concept song for me which I don't think I have ever tried before this new album "Number IV." I saw the recent news stories about a certain reality star getting divorced after only a couple months of marriage and just laughed at the television and it inspired me to write a song that lyrically came from the inner demon of someone's head that was in that frame of mind. The first lyrics "bring me the stones bring me the flashbulbs baby, give me the money, give me all that I can get," are pretty obvious. They basically reflect the true motives of what I felt the star in question really thinks. Of course I cannot say for certain yet the rest of the actions following pretty much supported it. I am always trying to get new ideas for lyrics as it can definitely make or break the song and the listener enjoying the relationship they have to it.
The chorus starts out with " I have no soul I'm pretty, I won't feel bad for you," which again reflects the inner motives of the person in question as its a sad thing when being pretty and having sex tape can make you rich. I started writing and felt like it was pretty amazing that the situation that inspired me to write the song and the person(s) that were involved really weren't famous for doing anything at all except being wealthy. Weird, yet very common these days.
The next verse is the subject feeling desperate for their own survival and hoping that because of this circumstance and the negative exploits they are going through, they don't want it to affect their fame. "Please don't think twice, i need your eyes glued to me, don't turn the channel as you may realize you can't be me." The obvious meaning being that if you only thought for two seconds a viewer might realize that what they are watching is the slow train wreck that is reality TV and especially the stars of it. I am always amazed at people's in ability to let go of the cancer of insecurity and self hatred we participate in when we support people doing crazy negative things to themselves or others for the sake of entertainment. I'm no saint, nor am I perfect yet I definitely would never want to exploit pain as a form for entertainment, especially not emotional pain. It's a sad thing.
Most all of the lyrics in Automatic Static tunes tend to be much like a personal therapy session for myself and i use my lyrics as a way to get things off my chest that i would rather never say to the public or the person or persons that inspired the lyrics pin the first place. I think i am more than likely in the same boat as a lot of artists and lyrics can be a way to work through getting your frustrations or feelings out. I use metaphoric ways most of the time yet on every record i try and expand what I did the last time and get better at my craft and this new Automatic Static album "Number IV," I wanted to be a little more literal lyrically speaking and try being more obvious to the listener and watch the reactions. I'm hoping that my fans and new fans enjoy the new record and Ill continue to have the inspiration to do more.
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