Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Aerosmith Dude Really Looks Like A Lady on Idol
(hennemusic) Aerosmith's Steven Tyler made a surprise appearance on American Idol Thursday.
The rocker was a judge on the series for the past two seasons, after which he returned to the band full time last summer.

This time out, Steven was auditioning as a singer for the show…in drag. He introduced himself/herself as Pepper LaBeija, after the famous drag queen featured in the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning.

Tyler was decked out in a blonde wig, snakeskin miniskirt and fake breasts that honked when squeezed. Check it out here.



My Bloody Valentine Release First New Album in 22 Years
(Classic Rock) My Bloody Valentine have released new album mbv, 22 years after their previous record, Loveless.

The nine-tracker was launched online at the weekend, and is also available for streaming in full online.

Frontman Kevin Shields recently told NME: "I think with this record, people who like us will immediately connect with something. Some people think it's stranger than Loveless. I don't – I feel like it really frees us up. In the bigger picture it's 100% necessary." Read more and check out a song stream.



Wings' Henry McCullough Unlikely To Recover From Brain Damage
(Classic Rock) Former Paul McCartney And Wings guitarist Henry McCullough is unlikely to recover from brain damage he suffered during a heart attack last year, says ex-bandmate Denny Seiwell.

McCullough, who's also known for work with Spooky Tooth, Joe Cocker, Pink Floyd and others, was rushed to hospital in November. Some news outlets mistakenly reported he had died.

Now Seiwell – who left Wings alongside McCullough in 1973 after two years –tells Something Else: "By the time the ambulance got there, because of the lack of oxygen from the period of the heart attack to the first treatment, he suffered some significant brain damage.

"Some of the doctors, according to friends, don't think he's going to have much of a recovery. He's going to need constant care for the rest of his life."

The Irish guitarist and vocalist has not made any significant progress since his condition stabilised after the heart attack, says the drummer. "It's absolutely tragic – I love Henry. He and I were very close." more.




New Slayer Album Delayed By Rick Rubin
(Classic Rock) Slayer guitarist Kerry King says progress on his band's next album is being held up by producer Rick Rubin.

And he's hinted there may be doubts that Jeff Hanneman will contribute to recording sessions.

King's comments come after iconic deskman Rubin suffered a range of critical comments over the past year. In 2011 ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said he was responsible for delays to the release of their album La Futura, reporting they'd been pushed to "the brink of frustration" and admitting: "The band is wondering, 'Where is this thing? When do we hear it?'"

In the same year Graham Nash accused the producer of having ruined Crosby, Stills and Nash recording sessions. Earlier, Corey Taylor said he'd never work with Rubin again and Muse thanked him for showing them how not to record an album.

Now King tells Eddie Trunk: "The whole hold-up now, as with every record we ever do, it seems like Rick Rubin changes distributors. We're left in limbo until he lands somewhere.

"Realistically we're without a deal right now. We plan on staying with Rick, but he's working out his distribution. When that gets settled we'll be recording."

See what else Rubin is working on and read King's update on Jeff Hanneman's condition here.




Megadeth Finish Recording New Album
(hennemusic) Megadeth have completed the recording of their new album, according to Dave Mustaine.

"Played guitar, sang, & did minor adjustments yesterday to songs 1-4," posted the Megadeth mainman on Friday. "Mixing has begun & you'll have something soon to hear! I'm so pumped!!"

The band have been working on the project with producer Johnny K at Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California. more on this story




Stone Sour Set House of Gold & Bones Pt. 2 Release
Stone Sour have announced an April 9th release date for their new album, House of Gold & Bones Pt. 2.

The album is the conclusion to their two part concept album release and was produced by David Bottrill (Tool, Muse) and recorded at Sound Farm Studios just outside of Des Moines, Iowa.

The band will be releasing the first single from the album, , "Do Me A Favor," digitally on February 12th.

The group is currently on tour with dates that conclude on February 17th in Denver, Co at the Fillmore Auditorium.

Stone Sour also announced that they will be performing at the 2013 Revolver Magazine Golden Gods Awards May 2nd in Los Angeles where they are up for three awards including"Best Vocalist," "Album of the Year" for House of Gold & Bones Pt. 1 and "Best Drummer" for Roy Mayorga. more on this story




Noel Gallagher Diagnosed With Tinnitus
(Gibson) Noel Gallagher has been diagnosed with tinnitus. Speaking to U.K radio station Talk Sport, he said: "I went for a brain scan. They did find it… I've got a bizarre ringing in my ears. I think it's just through playing guitar for the last 20 years, so I had to sit in a tube in the hospital.

"The funny thing is they give you these headphones and I chose classical music. It came on and it was the exact music I play to my little kid when he goes to bed. I was in there for 25 minutes. It was horrible".

Commenting on the diagnosis, Gallagher added: "It's an accumulation of many things but I've had a bloody great time doing it all and if I do eventually die of brain disease, it will have been worth it".

Tinnitus is all too common among professional musicians: Pete Townshend, Neal Schon, Anthony Kiedis, Neil Young, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton also suffer the hearing disorder. more on this story






Jimmie Vaughan Recovering From Heart Attack
(Radio.com) Blues-rock guitarist Jimmie Vaughan suffered a heart attack last month and is now recovering after being discharged from the hospital, his rep confirms to Radio.com.

As a result, he has cancelled his upcoming perform at The Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, India next month.

Vaughan is the older brother of fellow guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, a founding member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, a four-time GRAMMY winner, and a regular on Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival.

A statement from his management reads as follows: "Jimmie Vaughan was admitted to Pomona Hospital Medical Center on January 23rd, 2013 with an acute Myocardial Infraction.

"He had a Coronary Angioplasty (Heart Attack) and Stent placement. He is progressing well after this routine procedure and was discharged from the hospital on January 25th." more.





Metallica Black Album Concert Not Going Down Under
(hennemusic) Metallica will not be performing their 1991 Black album at Australia's Soundwave festival, after all.

Festival boss AJ Maddah confirmed the news via Twitter over the weekend, according to MusicFeeds.com.au.

"Not a rumour. They're not doing Black album," he tweeted, in response to a fan inquiry.

Fans got into a flurry about the possibility of Black Album shows last month after it was revealed that Metallica were bringing a 'snakepit' style barrier/catwalk system for their performances. more on this story




Sebastian Bach Teaming Up With John 5 For New Album
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach is sharing more details about plans for his next solo album and revealed his is working with John 5 on the effort.

"People really got off on the track 'TunnelVision' from 'Kicking & Screaming'," posted Bach over the weekend. "Well, I am happy to report that once again I will be teaming up w @john5official on new songs for the next album.

"Here we are last Wednesday @revolvermag #GoldenGods talking about working on the new stuff & we are both looking forward to it! Along with Steve Stevens & Jeff George there is going to be some superior axe shredding going on the new disc! Coming your way SOON!" more on this story




The Strokes Releasing New Album Next Month
(Radio.com) The Strokes will release their awaited fifth studio album, Comedown Machine, on March 26.

The album's first single, "All the Time," is "coming soon," according to a press release from the band's label, RCA.

Earlier this week, the band released album track "One Way Trigger" as a free download on Soundcloud, with many critics likening the song's main synth melody to A-ha's '80s favorite, "Take on Me."

The tune was followed by an accompanying stylized lyric sheet, posted to lead singer Julian Casablanca's official website. more on this story




Whitesnake Expand Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Whitesnake have announced more 2013 live dates. The band will play 6 shows in Japan in May, before the previously-announced UK tour with Journey kicks off May 16 on Belfast.

Whitesnake will then head to Europe for concerts starting June 1 in Inzell, Germany, before playing two shows in Russia and the newly-announced June 16 date in Bratislava, Slovakia.

The 2013 tour will feature the return of legendary drummer Tommy Aldridge to the Whitesnake camp, following the recent departure of Brian Tichy. more on this story





Wilko Johnson Says Terminal Cancer Harder On His Friends
(Classic Rock) Wilko Johnson insists his terminal cancer is harder for his friends to deal with than it is for him.

The former Dr Feelgood guitarist announced a run of UK shows after revealing he was dying, and that he'd refused chemotherapy.

Johnson tells the Express And Star: "I think the concerts are all going to have a different kind of ambience – when you realise something is actually the last time you're going to be doing something.

"I'm just hoping against hope that I remain fit. I'm not going on stage sick, or anything like that."

He's previously discussed his feelings of euphoria since doctors gave him the news, and how much he's enjoying living for the moment.

Read about that and his feeling about his farewell concert tickets being scalped here.




Neal Schon Recruited Deen Castronovo and Marco Mendoza For Next Album
(Gibson) Neal Schon's last solo album, The Calling, was released last fall to rave reviews. The veteran Journey guitarist now says he's got another album ready for release – and this one has vocals.

"I'm getting the artwork together so that it will be ready for whenever I decide to put it out," he tells M Music & Musicians , in a just-published interview.

"Journey drummer Deen Castronovo is on drums, and [Thin Lizzy member] Marco Mendoza is on bass. It's more of a power trio album, but musically it's still all over the map, kind of like The Calling is. The material definitely is not all in one niche. Each of us – Marco, Deen and I – sings lead vocals.

"There are also two instrumentals. One is a dedication to Carlos Santana. I did a tribute to Santana on The Calling as well, but this one is more upbeat, and pretty jamming."

Schon is currently on tour with Journey, but he said it's unlikely a new Journey will be coming soon. "I think it's likely the next thing the band will do is work on a song or two for movies, rather than working on a full album," he revealed. "It just seems hard for anyone to get a new full album out there, in the face of downloading and everything else. Doing a little at time seems the better route for us to go right now." more on this story






Newsted Says Metallica Played Riot Makeup Show Despite Losing Money
(Classic Rock) Metallica returned to the scene of their infamous 1992 concert riot because of "integrity and a man's word," says former bassist Jason Newsted.

And he admits he's only just begun to realize just how important those gestures are to the band's army of fans.

The thrash giants were midway through a double-header tour with Guns n'Roses when the drama took place at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. Frontman James Hetfield suffered severe burns and was nearly killed after being caught in a pyro explosion, leading to the band cutting their set short. When GnR also cut their set, with Axl Rose complaining of a sore throat, furious fans took to the streets of the Canadian city and staged a riot. Aftermath scenes showed overturned cars, looted shops and vandalised buildings.

But Newsted wants people to remember that Metallica returned to Montreal the following year to make it up to fans, even though they lost money in the process. more on this story




Kid Rock Teams Up With Harley-Davidson
(Radio.com) Kid Rock has teamed up with motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson for a first-of-its-kind collaboration that includes tour sponsorship, co-branded merchandise and a headlining performance during the company's 110th anniversary celebration over Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee, WI.

"What's not to love about Harley?" said Kid Rock in a press release. "They are the backbone of American culture, the flagship American brand. I am honored and excited to partner with this legendary icon that has helped to define American freedom at home and abroad. In 110 years no one has done a better job of representing America – there is NOTHING that screams America like Harley-Davidson."

The motorcycle manufacturer will be the title sponsor of Kid Rock's upcoming "Rebel Soul" tour, with the partnership also yielding a co-branded merchandise line tagged with the slogan, "I can't hear you over the rumble of my freedom." Concert-specific items will be available on the tour, with an exclusive line going to Harley-Davidson dealerships around America.

Fans will be able to compete to win the opportunity to join Kid Rock and his band onstage at each stop on the tour, with another contest where one national winner will have the chance to win a customized Harley-Davidson motorcycle and ride it onstage at the 110th anniversary show in Wisconsin. more on this story




Motorhead Release Bag-In-Box Wine
(hennemusic) Motorhead have released the world's first Bag-in-Box for the rock 'n' roll world. The band is issuing Sacrifice Shiraz Bag-in-Box; this is modelled to look exactly like a guitar amplifier, this is a unique, iconic packaging from "the world's loudest band" that unreservedly demands its place on the wine shelf.

"Can you decorate your rock'n'roll table with something better? No, I would not believe so," says drummer Mikkey Dee.

"About 60 percent of the wine consumed in Sweden is from Bag-in-Box, which makes Sweden the world's largest consumer of box wine," says Yvonne Wener, head of Brands For Fans. "Naturally we want to provide the rock fans the same range of packaging choice." more on this story





Radiohead and Lance Armstrong Creep Mashup Goes Viral
(Radio.com) Matthis Vlot is a new breed of video editor. Rearranging words from popular film and TV shows, he syncs them to music, creating entirely new experiences known as "supercuts."

In Vlot's latest supercut titled "Creep." he slices and dices Lance Armstrong's now infamous sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, rearranging his words to form the lyrics of Radiohead's somber classic.

Take particular notice of Oprah's reactions. Vlot's supercut calls attention to details, like her wincing eye, that viewers of the original interview may have overlooked.

Vlot's "Creep" is merely the latest in a line of supercuts. Set to the music of Lionel Richie's 1984 smash single, Vlot's "Hello" supercut went viral after Vimeo selected it as a "staff pick." Check out the mashup here.





New Red Hot Chili Peppers Single Streaming Online
(Classic Rock) The Red Hot Chili Peppers have released their new single, In Love Dying, via their website and you can hear it online.

It's the latest in a campaign of 18 single releases taken from recording sessions for 2011 album I'm With You, and it's based on a classic Chilis funk vibe.

The band will headline the Coachella Festival in California in April. Listen to the new single here.




Matt Bellamy Explains Muse's Madness
(Radio.com) Although they're a mere trio, the larger-than-life sounds produced by British prog-rockers Muse carry the weight of bands twice their size. An arena rock band to the core, Muse's musical dexterity has earned them comparisons to Rush and Queen.

So it came as a surprise to some when "Madness," the second single from Muse's latest album The 2nd Law, shared more musical DNA with classic Depeche Mode and – dare we say it – dubstep than anything else. "Madness" eschews Muse's usual guitar-driven pomp and complexity for an electronic pulse that's far more minimal and quietly emotional than most anything in the band's extensive catalog.

"I kind of felt like that would be a good direction to go in for us, because everything we normally do is quite overblown and theatrical and all that stuff," Muse frontman Matt Bellamy told Radio.com in an exclusive interview. "I was quite into the minimalism of it. So it was written in that way. It was just me alone in a room, jaded, basically [laughs]. That's how the song emerged."

Apparently Muse's fans were into the song's minimalism as well. "Madness" not only reached No. 1 on Billboard's Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts, it's nominated for Best Rock Song at this year's GRAMMYs.

"It's one of those rare songs for me where it all just came at once," Bellamy said, noting that the words and music to "Madness" were crafted simultaneously. More from Matt and a stream here.




Black Star Riders Debut New Logo
(hennemusic) Black Star Riders,featuring former members of Thin Lizzy, have unveiled the new band's official logo. The emblem was created by Paul Tippett at Vitamin P Design in the UK.

Black Star Riders are Thin Lizzy alumni Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) with new addition Jimmy DeGrasso on drums (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, Suicidal Tendencies).

The band completed recording their debut album last week, after less than a month in the studio with producer Kevin Shirley. Check out the logo here.




Deep Purple Release New Album Tease Video
(hennemusic) Deep Purple continue to tease the spring release of their first new album in seven years.

In a newly-released video, the band discusses their process for selecting songs for the project.

Deep Purple recorded and mixed the project in Nashville with producer Bob Ezrin.

The band's first album since 2005's "Rapture Of The Deep" is rumored to be the perfect match from the original spirit of 70s Purple and a fresh and modern production.