Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Aerosmith Giving Away Their New England Patriots Song
(hennemusic) Aerosmith have created an anthem for the NFL's New England Patriots and are offering fans a free download of the track.
The new Aerosmith track, "Legendary Child – Patriot's Anthem," is part of the Pepsi NFL Anthems program, a national campaign that brings to life originally created anthems for seven NFL teams around the league.

"This is a program the band and I were excited to get behind as it is a true representation of our allegiance to the New England Patriots and the city of Boston," said Steven Tyler. "Hearing our song being played as the soundtrack at all the tailgate parties to every touchdown is a testament to all the diehard Aerosmith fans in New England... GO PATS!"

"There's something about the word legendary and the words New England Patriots that have an amazing ring to them. We're excited and proud to be part of that," added Joe Perry. Check it out here.



Gene Simmons Given Millions For Led Zeppelin Reunion?
(hennemusic) KISS bassist Gene Simmons claims he was given $320 million to tempt Led Zeppelin to reform.

Simmons was told to use his connections with the band to get them back together following the December 2007 reunion show at London's 02 Arena.

"In 2009/10, I was given a few hundred million dollars in an account by a large concert promoter," Gene tells UK tabloid The Sun, "and given the task of reaching out to Jimmy [Page] and Robert [Plant] and trying to convince them to get back together." more on this story




Jimmy Page Plans to Release New Music
(Gibson) Guitar Jimmy Page has told BBC 6Music that he has been working on new recordings. The new music, Page said, should be available by the end of the year.

Page said: "I'm just looking forward to making some music and surprising people with it. It won't be just teaming up with lots of people who are [big] names. I've got an idea of something which I've had for a long time and now's the time to do it."

Jimmy Page also hinted that his musical direction could surprise people. "I have got other ideas that have been nagging at me for a long long time, I think the way to present music is same picture different frame, and sometimes this frame is quite radical," he said. more on this story





Finch Reuniting For Anniversary Show
Finch announced plans to reunite to perform a 10th Anniversary concert for their album, What It Is To Burn.

The reunion will include Alex Pappas who left the group in 2004 along with other members of the group's final lineup: Nate Barcalow, Randy Strohmeyer, Alex Linares and Daniel Wonacott.

The band put out the following via their Facebook, Twitter and the venue's website: "Finch will be reuniting to commemorate the 10th anniversary of What It Is To Burn on Feb 1st, 2013 at the Glasshouse in Pomona CA. We are excited to play What It Is To Burn from front to back in it's entirety. Ticket information will be released soon. We'll see you at the show! Facebook link.




Guns N' Roses Play Unplugged
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses unplugged for the 26th Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert on Saturday, the first of the two-day weekend event.

Neil Young organizes the annual acoustic-based show, which raises funds for the Bridge School, a facility that develops and uses advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with disabilities; it was founded in 1986 by Pegi Young and Jim Forderer, with help from Dr. Marilyn Buzolich. The first benefit concert, in 1986, raised the money necessary to start the school, which opened in '87.

GNR's 7-song set opened with "You're Crazy" and featured acoustic run-throughs of concert staples like "Welcome To The Jungle," "Sweet Child 'O Mine" and "Paradise City." Watch video from the set here.



Ozzfest Heading To Japan
(hennemusic) Ozzfest Japan has been announced. The event will take place on May 11th-12th, 2013 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (outside Tokyo).

"Ozzy and I want to tell you that May 2013 we will bringing Ozzfest to Japan for the first time ever," said the singer's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. "We are so excited. Please be there because we love you Japan."

Ozzy is also expected to tour with Black Sabbath next year following the anticipated release of the band's first studio album since 1978's "Never Say Die." Ozzy, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler are currently working on the project with producer Rick Rubin while drummer Bill Ward sits out the planned reunion over a contract dispute. more on this story



Rolling Stones Rehearsed 70 Songs For 50th Anniversary Shows
(Gibson) The Rolling Stones have rehearsed around 70 songs for their upcoming 50th anniversary shows, set to take place in London and just outside New York later this year.

Meanwhile, the legendary group continues to drop hints that more dates might be added. "Rehearsals are going very well," Mick Jagger told reporters yesterday (Oct. 18), according to a wire report. "We've done about 70 different songs. I said, 'Look, we only need to do 30, we don't need to do 70.' But now we are doing 70. I don't know if we will do them all."

Alongside bandmates Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, Jagger directed his comments to the media prior to the world premiere of Crossfire Hurricane, a new documentary about the band. Keith Richards added, "You know, we are looking forward to a great time. See, it's a two-way thing. It's to do with all these people and it's to do with us. We will deliver alright - one love." Wood spoke as well, dropping the tantalizing hint that the Stones might stage additional concerts. "Once this wheel is turning, I don't think it will be able to stop," he said. "We won't be able to stop." more on this story






Eddie Vedder Surprise Opener For Guns N' Roses
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder made a surprise appearance at the 26th Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert on Saturday, the first of the two-day, weekend event.

Vedder was on hand to support pal Neil Young, who organizes the annual acoustic-based show that raises funds for the Bridge School, a facility that develops and uses advanced technologies to aid in the instruction of children with disabilities.

Vedder's surprise guest spot was right before Guns N' Roses hit the stage. "This is the last place I thought I'd be when I woke up today . . . opening for Guns N' Roses," joked Vedder, before playing a two-song set: "Last Kiss" and "Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town." Watch video here.




Robert Plant Offering Downloads of Live Shows
(hennemusic) Robert Plant's been busy lately promoting the forthcoming Led Zeppelin live set, "Celebration Day."

This past week, however, Robert returned to solo business as he kicked off a South American tour on Thursday with a show at the Live Music Rocks HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

All gigs from the tour will be made available for download in a variety of formats. more on this story




Geoff Tate Allowed To Use Queensryche Name
A judge ruled late last week that Geoff Tate will be allowed to perform under the Queensryche name until the lawsuit between him and his former bandmates is resolved.

Queensryche members, Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield and Eddie Jackson, filed a motion for a partial summery judgment against Tate last month, requesting that he barred from using the band name.

Washington State Superior Court Judge Carol A. Schapira denied the motion on Friday, according to Billboard.biz who carried this statement from the band, "Queensryche is disappointed in the denial of the motion to prevent our former vocalist from using our name, but we respect the court's decision to do so. That said, we apologize for any confusion to our fans that a second entity sharing our name may cause," the band said in a statement to Billboard. "We look forward to seeing all of you on the road and bringing you new Queensryche music in the near future. Thank you all for your continued support, and for now we will just have to let the rocking do the talking." Read the Billboard report here.




Soundgarden Preview New Song
(Gibson) Soundgarden's first studio album in over 15 years, King Animal, is set to reach stores and online outlets on Nov. 13 and so far, the band have been pretty tight-lipped about the new tracks, but now, Soundgarden are ready for fans to hear another song from the upcoming release.

The guys have posted a two-minute video on YouTube here that offers a sneak listen of the new song, "By Crooked Steps," as well as a short interview with singer Chris Cornell and drummer Matt Cameron.

In the video, Cornell describes the new song as "a heavy straightforward rock song." He also stated that "By Crooked Steps" offers "all of the strange time signatures stuff that Soundgarden's always been known for and...[takes] it to another level." As someone who certainly digs Soundgarden, that sounds killer to me! Watch the commentary here.






Soul Asylum Headlining New Year's Eve Show
Soul Asylum are set to headline Chicago's longest-running New Year's Eve party, the Rock 'N' Roll Ball.

The band will be performing at the event, in support of their new album, Delayed Reaction.

The annual Chicago event will take place at the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare (5300 N. River Road, Rosemont) on Monday, December 31 and feature live music in three ballrooms from Soul Asylum, Hairbangers Ball, Miles Nielsen, top dance DJs and more. more on this story




New Van Halen Book Released
(hennemusic) A new Van Halen book is on the market. "Van Halen: Exuberant California, Zen Rock 'N' Roll" is written by John Scanlan, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University.

A book description states: "I hate the word maturing", singer David Lee Roth once said. "I don't like the word evolving – or any of that bullsh*t. The point is to keep it as simplistic, as unassuming, and as stupid as possible."

Examining Roth's sentiment, "Van Halen: Exuberant California, Zen Rock 'N' Roll" follows the band's pursuit of the art of artlessness, and describes how they characterize what historian Kevin Starr terms 'Zen California' – a state of mind and way of being that above all celebrates 'the now'. In rock'n' roll terms it stands for the unregulated expenditure of energy; for a youthful exuberance that seems destined to extinguish itself." more on this story



Thin Lizzy Add Belfast Date To Farewell Tour
(hennemusic) Thin Lizzy have added a Belfast concert date to their fall farewell tour due to high demand from fans. The band will play The Limelight in Belfast on December 12.

Last month, Thin Lizzy announced the group will start recording a new album this fall, to be released under a new name, and that they will cease touring under the Thin Lizzy brand after going out on one last trek this fall.

"Out of respect to Phil Lynott and the legacy he created, we have decided that we should not release a new album under the Thin Lizzy name," said guitarist Scott Gorham. "It was a very difficult decision as we put a lot of time and effort into re-building the Thin Lizzy brand over recent years. Releasing a new album was the only way to continue this success. We all know how much Phil meant to this band and the fans. We have written 20 songs that we all feel very strongly do the band and Thin Lizzy name credit. We believe Phil would have been proud of them. We always knew a new record was a touchy subject with some people and, as such, really want the quality of these songs to be heard by everyone without any judgment or prejudice. To that end, we have decided not to release these songs under the name Thin Lizzy. We want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the years and to all our fans. We will release this material soon and you will be hearing some great new music with the classic Thin Lizzy sound intact. We will announce future plans early in the New Year." more on this story




Motley Crue's Vince Neil Launching Vodka Brand
(hennemusic) Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil has announced plans to launch his own brand of vodka, Tatuado.

This summer, Neil held a soft opening of his new expanded Tatuado Restaurant & Cantina at the LVH, formerly the Las Vegas Hilton.

The venue is billed as having a "cool and casual atmosphere and the menu expansive, with numerous innovative margaritas like the "Green Iguana" Margarita, "Blue Coconut" Rita, or "Perfect Cadillac" Margarita. The rockin' bar in Las Vegas also offers a comprehensive list of tequilas and beer. more on this story





Neal Schon Releases New Solo Video
(hennemusic) Journey guitarist Neal Schon will release his new solo album, "The Calling," on October 23 and has just released a video for the album's title track.

Produced by and featuring Schon on all guitars and bass, "The Calling" reunites Neal with former Journey bandmate Steve Smith, who handles drum duties on the new album.

Schon set up shop at Berkeley's Fantasy Studios during a break from Journey's busy touring schedule and recorded the album, completely from scratch, in just four days. Watch the video here.




Green Day Sharing Live Footage From Irving Plaza Show
(hennemusic) Late last month, Green Day ceased all live and promotional appearances in support of "¡Uno!", the first album in their forthcoming trilogy.

The decision followed an onstage meltdown by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong in Las Vegas on September 21, which resulted in the singer currently seeking treatment for substance abuse.

Prior to these events, Green Day had previewed their new material at live shows, including a September 15 date at Irving Plaza in New York.

The band is now sharing footage of the final part of the New York concert, which took place just days before Armstrong's Vegas incident. Watch it here.




Neil Young and Crazy Horse Release Twisted Video
(hennemusic) Neil Young and Crazy Horse have released a video for the song "Twisted Road" which comes from their second album this year, "Psychedelic Pill," on October 30.

The project follows the June release of "Americana," the group's first album together since 2003's "Greendale," and their first with the full Crazy Horse line-up of Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina and Frank "Poncho" Sampedro since "Broken Arrow" in 1996.

A double-CD and triple-vinyl will be released due to the lengths of many of the songs, some of which were previewed in Crazy Horse's live performances this summer. Watch the video here.




Lynyrd Skynyrd Question Hillbilly Status
(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd continue to promote their newly-released album, "Last Of A Dyin' Breed."

This week, the band appeared on E! Television's The Soup; the guys educate each other backstage about the program and question their own hillbilly status.

Upon its release, "Last Of A Dyin' Breed" debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, the highest charting for a Skynyrd album since 1977. Watch their Soup appearance here.




Eddie Van Halen Spotted At Concert As His Recovery Continues
(hennemusic) Eddie Van Halen continues to recuperate following surgery for a severe bout of Diverticulitis that will have him sidelined for the remainder of the year.

Last Sunday, Eddie attended the Smashing Pumpkins show at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.

The guitar icon posted a backstage photo of himself with Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan and guitarist Jeff Schroeder. See the photo here.




Black Country Communion Release Sixth Afterglow Webisode
(hennemusic) Black Country Communion are sharing the sixth webisode in their self-produced series entitled "The Making Of Afterglow."

The series takes fans behind the scenes of third studio album, "Afterglow," will be released on October 30.

The Anglo-American supergroup is made up of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater). Watch the webisode here.




Singled Out: Abiotic
Today Abiotic vocalist Ray Jimenez tells us about the song "To Burgeon and Languish" from their brand new album "Symbiosis," which hits stores today. Here is the story:

This is our debut album with Metal Blade Records, and we are very excited to finally share some of our new material with our fans.

I would say that, musically and lyrically, TBAL is one of our shorter and more straightforward songs. I had a great time in the studio recording vocals for this song because I really got to experiment with my vocal range. This song is a bit different from what we have done in the past. I don't want to speak for the rest of the guys, but I think we are all pleased with how it turned out.

Lyrically, TBAL conveys how change is the only thing that is permanent in life. My dad worked in hospice care for some time, treating terminally ill patients. In many of my dad's sessions with his patients, they would express to him that they had a great fear of dying. These individuals' circumstances pushed me to reflect on our inability to cope with how frail we are, and this gave me most of the inspiration I had to write this song. When human beings face difficulty accepting their mortality, they are sometimes forced to find alternatives to immortalize themselves. Some seek to do so with physical achievements, while others attempt to do it with their thoughts and ideas. Future generations will then be influenced by those before them, and they will continue to build upon the patterns and paradigms of the past.