Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


David Bowie Makes Surprise Return To Music
David Bowie has made a surprise return to music after a decade of silence, releasing a new music video and single as well as announcing the release of a new album.
Bowie celebrates his 66th birthday today (Jan. 8th) and fans who visited his website were greeted with a very special birthday gift; a newly relaunched site which featured the first new music from the legendary rocker since 2003.

The new single 'Where Are We Now?' was released today via the iTunes Store in 119 countries and the music video can be seen here.

The track comes from Bowie's forthcoming album, "The Next Day," will be released on March 8 in Australia, March 12 in the U.S. and March 11 in other countries.

The album will be released as a 14-track standard edition and a 17-track deluxe version and both are now available for pre-order on iTunes. more on this story



Rolling Stones Tour In The Works
(Classic Rock) The Rolling Stones are discussing details of a 2013 world tour, frontman Mick Jagger has confirmed.

The unsurprising news comes after they played a brief series of 50th anniversary shows last year. At their final scheduled appearance in New Jersey, Jagger told the crowd: "See you again soon."

Now he tells Rolling Stone: "There have been quite a few offers. I'm going to see what's on the table and discuss it with everyone. We'll announce it when we've figured it out." more on this story




Killswitch Engage Releasing First New Album With Jesse Leach Since 2002
This spring, Killswitch Engage will release their first new album with original frontman Jesse Leach in over a decade.

The band has set an April 2nd release date for the new studio album, which is entitled 'Disarm the Descent.' It is the group's first album with Leach since 2002′s 'Alive or Just Breathing.'

The group will be releasing the first single from the album, "In Due Time," digitally on February 5th. The album was produced by guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz.

"It is with a grateful spirit that we prepare for this record's release," Leach said. "From the music, to the lyrics, to the artwork, we are all proud of what we have accomplished. To me this is by far my best vocal performance, much thanks to Adam's guidance and faith in my abilities. I am very grateful to be where I am in life, back in an amazing band with a record we are all excited for the world to hear. Thanks to all the fans for their warm welcome back and their undying love for Killswitch Engage." more on this story



Metallica Continue To Help Search For Fan's Killer
(Radio.com) In 2009, Morgan Harrington, a 19 year old Virgina Tech student, went missing from a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, VA. Her disappearance resulted in a massive man-hunt. Months later, her body was found. Sadly, the killer still remains at large.

In an exclusive interview, Harrington's parents praise Metallica's unwavering support. Harrington's mother Gil explained, "Two days after Morgan was abducted, they could have distanced themselves from an ugly occurrence. But James Hetfield called this house to speak to Dan, as a father, and asked, 'What can we do?' Three years out, they are still doing things. James participated with the FBI and did public service announcements."

The band not only created videos urging people to come forward with information but also donated $50,000 to the reward fund, bringing to total to $150,000. That's not all. Read more and see a video here.



Bon Jovi Release New Song Because We Can
Bon Jovi have released a new song called 'Because We Can', which is the first single from their forthcoming album.

The new album, "What About Now," is set to be released on March 26th. The single was released digitally on Monday and also went to radio.

The track was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Billy Falcon. The band announced that additional songs will also be released prior to the March 26th album release date; these tracks will be eligible for an iTunes "Complete My Album" program. Check out the song here.



Judas Priest's KK Downing Ends Retirement From Music
(Classic Rock) Former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing has come out of music industry retirement – but instead of taking the stage the guitarist will be working behind it as a promoter.

The iconic axeman has announced his first two shows, one in Wolverhampton and one in Birmingham, where he'll showcase rising-star talent.

His aim to is ensure the Black Country – where he war born and where he lives today – remains on the rock and metal map for years to come. His promotion firm will operate under the title The Future Of Heavy Metal, and it's a collaboration with experienced industry man Dave Coleman. more on this story



Perry Farrell Plans Unorthodox Musical Featuring Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell is working on an unorthodox musical that will include performances by Jane's Addiction.

What makes the musical unorthodox is the venue where it will be performed, Farrell told Prefix, "...it's going to be immersive theater. It's not going to be in a theater, I'm going to create an environment and the music will be within that environment, and Jane's Addiction will be within that environment."

Farrell adds, "There are going to be different environments for people to play music. Musicals! Musicals make more sense because they're telling stories and they have costumes and something to look at. But it's going to turn into something else. It already is turning into something else. The agony and the frustration is that it's not developed yet." (FMQB)




Jack White Releasing Rare Early Recording From Bowling Alley Concert
Jack White's Third Man Records will be releasing a rare live Jack White and The Bricks recording as part of their forthcoming coming "Vault Package."

The album, Jack White and the Bricks: Live on the Garden Bowl Lanes, will be released on bowling-pin-white vinyl and will feature nine-tracks recorded live in 1999 at a Detroit bowling alley during the first concert performed by the short-lived group.

The band featured future Raconteur Brendan Benson on guitar, Kevin Peyok (The Waxwings) on bass and Ben Blackwell (The Dirtbombs) on drums.

According to the label: the live show took place on White's 24th birthday, July 9th, 1999. Sharing a bill with the Greenhornes, the stage itself was situated on lanes 11-14 (yes, the actual bowling lanes!) of the legendary Garden Bowl in Detroit. more on this story




Deep Purple Stretch Out Musically On New Album
(hennemusic) Guitarist Steve Morse is sharing his thoughts on the new Deep Purple album, their first new release in seven years, which will be released on April 26 (April 30 in North America).

After various songwriting sessions in Europe, the band recorded and mixed the project in Nashville with producer Bob Ezrin.

"This album stretches out in some new areas for us, instrumentally," says Morse. "Bob [Ezrin] and [engineer Justin] Corky [Cortelyou] really got fantastic sounds on everything from the very first day. Musically, there's a little bit of each of our lives in this album. Bob did the most amazing job with our preproduction; he really got ideas out of us that wouldn't have happened otherwise." more on this story




Nashville Pussy Embarking On Winter Tour
Nashville Pussy will be launching a headlining North American tour later this month.

The tour is set to kick off on January 24th in Houston, TX and will conclude February 24th in Nashville, TN.

Nashville Pussy are touring in support of their recently released live record recorded all over Europe in a special 2 CD re-release of their last studio album From Hell To Texas which was completely remixed for this edition. more on this story




Anubis Gate's New Members Has Same Name As The Old One
Anubis Gate are currently working on their next studio album, which they hope to release later this year amd they have announced that they have replaced their drummer.

The band announced that Morten Gade Sørensen (of Pyramaze and Wuthering Heights) has joined the group, replacing Morten Sørensen who left the group to pursue other musical interests.

The band says in a statement: "We would like to say that this is a peaceful parting of the ways and that we are still good friends. We are of course sad to see Morten Sørensen go but also excited to have another one of Denmark's very finest drummers to join the band.

"It is with great pleasure that we can announce his replacement Morten Gade Sørensen, known for his excellent drumming in bands such as Pyramaze, Wuthering Heights and Lance King." more on this story




Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child O Mine A Hit Again Down Under
News of an upcoming tour by Guns N' Roses has landed the band's classic track 'Sweet Child O Mine' back on the Australian charts.

The song, from the group's debut album "Appetite for Destruction," sold enough copies last week to land at No. 90 on the ARIA chart.

Sales of the song topped Justin Bieber 'As Long As You Love Me', Katy Perry 'Firework' and Black Keys 'Lonely Boy' last week, according to Noise11.com




FM Launching Spring Tour
(Classic Rock) AOR heroes FM have announced an eight-date UK tour in March, with special guests.

It Bites will appear on four dates, as will Serpentine, with Vega playing at all eight gigs.

FM's tour coincides with the release of their seventh album, Rockville, to be released on March 11. It was funded by a Pledge campaign, still active, which has raised 135% of its target – of which 5% will go to charity. More details including the dates.




Emmure and Whitechapel Kicking Off Tour Tonight
Emmure and Whitechapel are kicking off their "Brother of Brutality" Tour of North America tonight in Knoxville.

The tour will last for just over a month, concluding on February 11th in New York City at Irving Plaze.

Whitechapel are touring in support of their 2012 self-titled album and Emmure will be hitting the road in support of their 2012 studio album, Slave to the Game. more on this story




KISS' Tommy Thayer Plans Namm Appearance For New Les Paul
(hennemusic) KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer recently unveiled his new signature Les Paul guitar.

The Epiphone Tommy Thayer Signature "Spaceman" Les Paul features a solid mahogany body and a plain maple veneer top.

Thayer will be on hand to promote the guitar's launch at the 2013 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, later this month.

"It's essentially an exact version of one of the Gibson Custom Shop Standards I've played on stage for several years," Tommy tells Guitar World. "It is a silver-sparkle top, and the sides, back and neck are black. It has a cream binding. For an affordable guitar, it is a nice package. It's using really good parts. We are using Gibson 498 pickups, which are the ones I use. The tuners are Grover Deluxe tuners. It's really well put together with good components and parts." more on this story





Led Zeppelin Celebration Day Guitar Tab Book Released
(hennemusic) A new guitar tablature book for Led Zeppelin's "Celebration Day" has been released.

Alfred Publishing presents an exclusive songbook featuring authentic guitar tab transcriptions of the 16 classic songs that made up the legendary band's set at London's 02 Arena in December of 2007.

Upon its release last November, "Celebration Day" debuted at #9 on the Billboard 200 chart with opening week sales of 101,000 copies. more on this story





Soundgarden Town Hall Session Video Released Online
(hennemusic) On November 14, the day after Soundgarden released their new album, "King Animal," the band performed at Electric Lady Studios as part of SiriusXM's Town Hall series.

The program featured a mix of live music and a question-and-answer session moderated by Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Now, SiriusXM has released some video from the event, including footage of the album's lead single, "Been Away Too Long," and the band discussing their thoughts on being covered by the iconic Johnny Cash on "Rusty Cage." Watch it here.




Megadeth Share Video Footage From Recording Studio
(hennemusic) Megadeth are currently in the studio working on their 14th album. The band is now sharing some video footage from the sessions, which are being handled by producer Johnny K.

Fans can check out Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick recording tracks at Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California during late December.

The new album will be the first by the band in a new label situation, as they recently announced the completion of their deal with Roadrunner Records. Watch the footage here.




Van Halen's David Lee Roth Revisits Ice Cream Man and Stay Frosty
(hennemusic) Van Halen's David Lee Roth starts off 2013 with episode number 8 in his new series of videos billed as "The Roth Show."

Entitled "Stay Frosty/Ice Cream Man", Roth discusses "Stay Frosty" landing at #16 on Rolling Stone's Top 50 songs of 2012, as well as the band's 1978 self-titled debut album cover of "Ice Cream Man".

The episode winds up with a touching story about strippers. Roth and VH will return to live action this year to continue their "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour. Watch the video here.




Ozzy Shares Photo From Black Sabbath Recording Session
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath continue work on their new album, their first with Ozzy Osbourne since 1978's "Never Say Die."

The project is due to be released in April, the same month Sabbath kick off their 2013 world tour.

On Monday, Ozzy shared a photo from the recording sessions, writing, "Back to work on the Black Sabbath album - my view from the vocal booth."