Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Jimi Hendrix Track By Track Preview Of New Album
Today Jimi Hendrix would have celebrated his 70th birthday. To mark the occasion, Experience Hendrix LLC and Legacy Recordings have released a track by track preview of the forthcoming album, 'People, Hell & Angels,' which will feature twelve previously unreleased studio recordings by Hendrix and is set for release on March 5th.
Earth Blues: Totally unlike the version first issued as part of Rainbow Bridge in 1971, this December 19, 1969 master take features just Hendrix, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles--stripped down funk at its very origin.

Somewhere: This newly discovered gem was recorded in March 1968 and features Buddy Miles on drums and Stephen Stills on bass. Entirely different from any previous version fans have ever heard.

Hear My Train A Comin': This superb recording was drawn from Jimi's first ever recording session with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles--the powerhouse rhythm section with whom he would later record the groundbreaking album Band Of Gypsys. Read about the rest of the tracks here.



Jimmy Page Discusses Led Zeppelin Remasters Details
(hennemusic) Last month, Led Zeppelin manager Peter Mensch confirmed that guitarist Jimmy Page was holed up in a west London studio "remastering every Led Zeppelin LP."

Now, in a new session with Rolling Stone, Page is stepping forward to discuss the long-term project. "The catalog was last remastered 20 years ago," said Jimmy, referring to the 1990 release of the four-CD box set, "Led Zeppelin." "That's a long time. Everything is being transferred from analog to a higher-resolution digital format. That's one of the problems with the Zeppelin stuff. It sounds ridiculous on MP3. You can't hear what's there properly."

The group did not record a lot of additional songs for each LP. "But there was an overage of material – different versions of things, different approaches to the mixes," Page explained. He mentioned experiments with equipment and sound on early alternative takes at Headley Grange, the English manor where Zeppelin recorded some of their most iconic work, particularly their 1971 untitled fourth album. More from Page here.




Steven Adler Streaming New Album Online
Original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler's new band Adler released their debut album, "Back From The Dead," this week and are also offering a full stream of the effort online.

The album was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, Dokken) and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour) and features guest appearances by Adler's former Guns N' Roses bandmate Slash and Rob Zombie/Ex-Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5. You can stream the album here.

"I'm so proud of this record," says Adler. "This is the record I've been wanting to make for over 20 years and now I've finally found the band with the perfect chemistry to make it happen!" more on this story




Geoff Tate's Queensryche Launching Mindcrime Anniversary Tour
Geoff Tate will be hitting the road with his new version of Queensryche to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the "Operation: Mindcrime" album.

Tate tells fans that the band will kick off in April and the band will feature bassist Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne/Quiet Riot/Whitesnake/Dio), drummer Bobby Blotzer (Ratt), guitarist Kelly Gray (Queensryche/Myth) and keyboardist Randy Gane (Myth) along with special guest appearances.

The tour will feature a performance of the full "Operation: Mindcrime" album as well as other songs from the Queensryche catalog. more on this story




Izzy Stradlin Joins Guns N' Roses For Final Las Vegas Shows
(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin joined the band for their final two dates of their first-ever Las Vegas residency at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this past weekend.

On November 23, Stradlin played seven songs, including "14 Years," "You Could Be Mine," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," "Nightrain," "Used To Love Her," a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers," and "Paradise City."

On November 24, Izzy jammed on "14 Years," "Used To Love Her," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," "Nightrain," and the finale, "Paradise City." Check out video from the shows here.




Previously Unreleased Townes Van Zandt Recordings On New 2-CD Set
Omnivore Recordings have set a February 5, 2013 release date for a new 28-song, two-CD set by the late Townes Van Zandt.

Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions and Demos 1971-1972 features that have been hidden away in the vault since their initial recording and are now presented with the cooperation of the estate.

Due to acquisitions by various labels of the initial Poppy Records recordings, these session recordings have sat on the shelf with no one knowing quite where to find them — until now. more on this story




Todd Rundgren To Hold Toddstock II v6.5
Todd Rundgren plans to celebrate his 65th birthday (June 22) with Toddstock II v6.5.

The event will be held on June 17-22 at the historic Nottoway Plantation & Resort in White Castle, Louisiana.

"By popular demand, the summer solstice bacchanal known as Toddstock will descend like locusts upon the unsuspecting landscape," says Rundgren. "This year, we target an innocent Louisiana plantation a stone's throw from New Orleans. Come while the week away in the heart of Dixie." more on this story




Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx Gets Engaged
(hennemusic) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is engaged to longtime girlfriend, model Courtney Bingham.

Sixx shared the news with fans on Monday, writing, "When Courtney and I were in St Bart's I popped the question and she said YES"

"We would like to thank everybody who has been tweeting and posting online us congratulations," continued the bassist. "Both of us and our families are beyond happy." more on this story




Strangers on a Train Reissues Streaming Online
(MMP) Two long out-of-print albums from Strangers on a Train are set to be reissued in the U.S. on December 11th and right now fans can stream both albums in full.

Progstreaming is streaming the album "The Key Part I: The Prophecy" is available here, and "The Key Part II: The Labyrinth" can be heard here.

Strangers on a Train was formed in 1990 as a musical hybrid of talents comprising Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon, Shadowland, Caamora),Karl Groom (Threshold) and Tracy Hitchings (Landmarq). "The Key Part I: The Prophecy" (1990) is the beginning of The Key trilogy, an epic concept conceived by Clive Nolan, who also wrote all the music and lyrics. "The Prophecy" set out to be a performance album based on the strength of compositions, the skills of individual band members and a high level of emotional intensity. One could call it "chamber rock" - drawing from the roots of progressive rock, yet abandoning the unnecessary clichés that have always attached themselves to that genre of music. "The Prophecy" contains over an hour of thoroughly composed, well thought out, brilliantly performed music - sometimes haunting, sometimes soothing, versatile in style and just plain different, which makes for a unique listening experience. Strangers on a Train quickly got a faithful following and nowadays they enjoy a cult status. They have been known to be popular amongst progressive rock fans and those accustomed with Nolan's works, as well as crossing over to a wider audience, appreciative of New Age music and Cinematic soundscapes. more on this story




Out of Print BRAD Album Reissued In Multiple Formats
Razor & Tie are celebrating the 10th anniversary of BRAD's 'Welcome To Discovery Park' with a multi-format reissue campaign.

BRAD's long out-of-print, third studio album, Welcome To Discovery Park (originally released in August, 2002 on Redline Entertainment) has been re-issued in several configurations, including for the very first time, limited-edition 2LP gatefold vinyl.

In addition, the release is available as a digipak CD and also as a digital download through all digital service providers. Each configuration will include 2 bonus tracks (previously unavailable in North America) – "It Ain't Easy" and "Make Me Crazy." more on this story




Don Dokken Launching Acoustic Tour
Don Dokken will be kicking off a short West Coast acoustic tour next week in support of the new Dokken album, Broken Bones.

The tour will kick off on December 7th in Tempe, Az and then moves to California for a string of dates which conclude on December 16th in San Diego.

Dokken will be teaming up vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Doug Aldrich, Uli Jon Roth, Vinny Appice) for several of the dates. more on this story




Diamond Plate Replace Jon Macak
Diamond Plate have replaced frontman Jon Macak with vocalist and bassist Matt Ares. The band sent out these comments:

"Over the past few months we have been writing and demoing songs for the next album. During that time, we felt that the chemistry between Jon and the rest of the band wasn't as strong as it needed to be. We decided to move on, and find someone that shared the same passion to create the music that we've always wanted to make. We wish Jon all the best, and we want to thank him for being a part of this band.

"We are extremely excited to announce and welcome Matt Ares into the band as vocalist and bassist. Matt has really been a breath of fresh air for us, and in the first two weeks of jamming with him we were able to create an entirely new batch of songs and finish demoing the second album. Matt's voice and playing add new dimensions to our sound, and we can't wait for everyone to hear the band now. Thanks for always supporting, and keep your ears open for a new Diamond Plate record in 2013!"




Danko Jones Leak Volbeat Tour Dates
Danko Jones have leaked a handful of their upcoming North American tour dates with Volbeat.

The band will perform as direct support throughout the tour with Volbeat, which will take place this coming spring.

Danko Jones have announced an appearance at Banana 101.5's "End of the World Party" in Flint, Mi on December 21st. more on this story




Sixx:AM Frontman James Michael Releases New Single
Sixx:AM frontman James Michael has released his new digital single "Learn To Hate You."

"This project started as a recurring dream for me," explains Michael. "Countless times I'd wake up in the middle of the night with these ambient sounds and melodies going through my head. It didn't sound like any of the bands I was working with at the time, nor did it sound like my own band, Sixx:AM. I knew it was some kind of sign, I just didn't know what it meant. Until fans started asking me when I was going to do another solo project. That's when it hit me... My fans crave musical diversity just like I do."

Michael recorded the song at his own Red Level Three Studios in Nashville, TN; he squeezed tracking the music and recording his vocals in between producing and/or writing sessions for Kelly Clarkson, Motley Crue, Papa Roach, Halestorm, Hinder, Sixx:AM, James Durbin and a few new projects he has in development. According to Michael, "my decision to release "Learn To Hate You" now was based on how intensely creative the last couple of years have been for me. I've been in the studio non-stop producing one record after another with very little time to stop and deal with "life stuff" of my own."

The video for "Learn to Hate You," currently streaming on YouTube, was also shot in Nashville by renowned director PR Brown who has worked with many artists including John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Prince, Audio Slave, Motley Crue and Sixx:AM. "PR Brown has an incredible cinematic eye which is evident in everything he does," observes Michael, "including his very dark and beautiful still photography. His films and videos have a way of ripping an artist out of real life and placing them right in the center of a world he has created." "From working together on Sixx:AM," Michael adds, "Brown understands the intense emotional conflict that exists in me and my songs and he captures it in a perfectly narrative way."






Kreation Records React To Warning Reissue Controversy
Patrick Walker the cofounder of the now defunct doom metal band Warning publicly criticized a vinyl reissue of their "Watching From a Distance" album and now the label behind the reissue has issued their response:

We at Kreation Records would like to clear up some of the details about the controversy surrounding our license of the excellent "Watching From a Distance" album by Warning for vinyl reissue.

Here are the facts. Cyclone Empire recently reissued the CD and we have worked together before so I asked them about licensing it for vinyl here in the U.S. They told me to contact Miskatonic Foundation, which originally released the "Watching From a Distance" LP. Miskatonic agreed to license it to us. more on this story





Singled Out: The Great Book Of John
The Great Book Of John have released their new single "Dark Star" which gives fans a preview of their new studio album that is expected to be released early next year. We break from our traditional Singled Out formula to provide a little extra background information about the song and the album:

While on tour the band spent two days at Premier Studios in New York with Paul Logus (whose credits include Blondie and Anthrax.) The marathon sessions yielded an album's worth of material including the new single 'Dark Star.' The Great Book Of John's Bekah Fox had this to say about the session:

We were right in the middle of tour so us being tight as a band is an understatement. We were also really excited about laying down the new songs that we'd been playing on stage. Something about having them and not being able to share them outside of performances can really start to wear on you. We love Paul and were over the top when we found out we would have this time with him. And then our producer, Jeffrey Cain (Remy Zero, Isidore) came, too. We hung out, played music together, and got to watch two masterminds have fun behind the glass.

Paul will be coming to work with us in Birmingham to artfully toy around with some other possibilities before we release the newest album. But Dark Star is a perfect example of where we are as a band and what we look forward to giving to those who are interested.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the band and the album right here!





Video of Mick Taylor's Reunion Jam With Rolling Stones Goes Online
(hennemusic) Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor reunited with the legendary band Sunday night in London and video from the jam has gone online.

Taylor originally joined the Stones in 1969 as a replacement for Brian Jones. His onstage debut as a Stone, at the age of 20, was the free Hyde Park concert on July 5, 1969. An estimated quarter of a million people attended for a show that turned into a tribute to Jones, who had died three days before the concert. Mick played on some of the most popular Stones albums during his tenure with the group, which he left in 1974.

On Sunday, Taylor took to the 02 Arena stage to play "Midnight Rambler" with the Stones. Watch video here.




This Day In Classic Rock App Released
This Day In Music Apps have released their latest app at the iTunes store: This Day In Classic Rock. They sent over these details:

This Day In Classic Rock is a one-stop-shop for your daily dose of rock. It includes many daily rock facts, rock trivia, an interactive quiz with a running score, plus 75,000 words of expert critical and historical analysis of 50 classic rock albums – from AC/DC to The Who and everything in between. Additionally there is a free rock ringtone, unique to this App, and two free wallpapers with every download.

The App gives you the opportunity to learn more about 50 of the greatest albums of all time. Expertly critiqued, you can listen to tracks as you read the notes, if you have the tracks in your device's library, and if you fancy expanding your music collection, the App gives you a direct link to iTunes to download extra tracks you don't already own. more on this story




Aerosmith Joined On Stage By Reality TV Star
(hennemusic) Aerosmith rolled into Atlantic City on Friday to play a show on the second leg of their Global Warming tour where they were joined on stage by a reality TV star.

Aerosmith are sharing video from the Revel Ovation Hall concert, including their performance of "Livin' On The Edge" from 1993's "Get A Grip."

Frontman Steven Tyler wanders across the stage during the song, and gets some vocal help sidestage from Theresa Caputo, star of TLC's reality series Long Island Medium. Watch video here.




Led Zeppelin Use Blimp To Promote Celebration Day
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin teamed up with DIRECTV and Lone Star 92.5 in Dallas last week to promote the release of the band's new live set, "Celebration Day."

On Wednesday, November 21 at 5 PM, the DIRECTV Blimp broadcast the new live video of the band's classic track "Black Dog" on its one-of-a-kind LED screen while at the same time the rock radio station played the song on air.

"Celebration Day" captures the reunited band in concert at London's O2 Arena on December 10, 2007, when they headlined a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. See video of the Zeppelin's Dallas flight here.




Van Halen's David Lee Roth Talks Eat 'Em And Smile On Roth Show
(hennemusic) Van Halen's David Lee Roth has released episode number 5 in his new series of videos under the banner "The Roth Show."

This time out, Roth discusses NYC's Cafe Wha? and the origins of his 1986 album, "Eat 'Em And Smile."

Also included is the music video for "Goin' Crazy!" (starring the Fabulous Picasso brothers) with commentary from DLR, and viewers get a guided tour of Dave's art collection. Watch it here.




Eve 6 Film New Video In Reverse
Eve 6 have posted a new music video for their current single "Curtain" on Youtube.

Filmed completely in reverse, this video was directed by Patrick Meier in Long Beach, CA.

The track "Curtain" comes from the band's fourth studio album, Speak In Code. You can watch the video here.




Goodbye To Gravity Streaming Their New Album Online
Goodbye To Gravity's are giving fans a week-long full stream of their debut album on their Youtube Channel.

The album was recorded at Traian 150 Studios in Bucharest, Romania and mastered at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Kreator, Soilwork etc).

Hailing from Bucharest - Romania, Goodbye To Gravity started as an unexpected mixture of former members from the heavy metal band Thunderstorm (which in their 10+ years of activity opened for heavyweights like Judas Priest, Manowar, Helloween, Rage, Evergrey etc.) and the winner of the 2008 national TV casting show Megastar (Romanian equivalent of Idol)