Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Paul McCartney Plays Surprise Show
(Radio.com) Times Square is a place New Yorkers tend to avoid, but Sir Paul McCartney made the tourist spot a must-see for even the most jaded natives Thursday afternoon (October 10).
Five days ahead of the release of his new album, New, Macca played a quick gig at 1 p.m. EST at the intersection of 46th and Broadway. The show appeared impromptu, announced by Macca on his Twitter around noon, but clearly was not: there are certainly permits involved with opening up one side of a semi truck in the middle of Time Square, surrounding it with NYPD and letting a full band play.

It lasted a mere 15 minutes and consisted of four New songs, played by a smaller band made up of some of McCartney's touring players. Macca started with the single, also named "New," from behind his colorful upright piano. He then moved to the bass for the album's opening track, the upbeat rocker "Save Us," before switching to acoustic guitar for "Everybody Out There." Back at the piano, he closed with another unnamed track off the upcoming release before fleeing the semi.

Though the setlist was largely unfamiliar to fans, the charm was not. McCartney let the banter rip, joking that he'll soon be putting out a hat for busking purposes. He suggested staying there all day, which, for the many Midtowners on their lunch break, sounded more than appealing. "I'm only allowed 15 minutes up here," he surmised. "Mr. Andy Warhol predicted I would get 15 minutes of fame. This is it." more on this story



Pink Floyd 'Darkside' Play To Be Released On CD
(Prog) Darkside, the radio play written by Sir Tom Stoppard to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side Of The Moon, will be released on CD next month.

The production stars Bill Nighy and Rufus Sewell and was first broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August, receiving critical reviews in keeping with the 1973 album itself.

The play, described as "fascinating" by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, explores some of the themes of the prog masterwork. It's based on the story of philosophy student Emily, who becomes involved in a series of thought experiments.

Stoppard admits it was a labour of love, adding: "When it was a new album, a friend of mine walked into my room where I was working with a copy in his hand and said: 'You really have to do a play about this album.' Roughly 39 years later, Jeff Smith from Radio 2 asked me if I'd like to do some kind of play around the album's fortieth birthday; it really wasn't a very difficult decision." more on this story



Judas Priest's Rob Halford To Guest Star On The Simpsons
Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford will guest start in an episode of The Simpsons next January where he sings a parody of a classic Judas Priest song in a special guest-star filled episode.

Apart from Halford, the episode entitled "Steal This Episode," will feature guest appearances from Will Arnett, director Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, and Seth Rogen, according to EW.

The entertainment site reports that the episode plot focuses on Homer running afoul of copyright law and being hunted down by an overzealous FBI agent played by Arnett after Bart teaches him how to illegally download movies online and Homer starts screening them in his backyard.

Halford will sing a "parody" of the Judas Priest classic "Breaking The Law" in an effort to nab Homer during the episode, according to the report. Find out more about what to expect here.




Megadeth Added To George Jones Tribute Show
(hennemusic) Megadeth have been added to the lineup for the November 22nd tribute concert in Nashville honoring the late country music legend George Jones. Megadeth will contribute a performance of Jones' song "Wild Irish Rose".

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine admits the song "may be an unexpected choice", given country music legend's catalog, but he says that Jones' 1998 song is "a perfect example of Mr. Jones' way of reaching inside every one of us, and making us aware that we all have pain."

Megadeth will join a lineup that will feature Kid Rock and Sam Moore Charlie Daniels, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, and many, many more. more on this story



Tico Back With Bon Jovi Following Health Emergencies
(Classic Rock) Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres is back behind the drumkit after two health emergencies. The 59-year old had his appendix removed after experiencing pain during the band's tour of South America last month. Just a week later he underwent gallbladder surgery.

Rich Scannella, the drummer with Jon Bon Jovi's side project The Kings Of Suburbia, had been standing in – but Torres went back to work on Wednesday night in Fresno, California.

The band released a photo of the drummer in action, saying: "Welcome back Tico 'The Hitman' Torres! After a round of emergency surgeries, Tico came back to the tour tonight and played the full 2hr and 20min set!" more on this story




Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington Unplug For Black Heart
(Radio.com) When Chester Bennington was a teenager, he saw Stone Temple Pilots in Arizona and was inspired by their live show. "I've heard a lot of bands out there I liked, but there were not that many bands that came out in a live setting and just crushed it better than their records," said Bennington.

During a Stone Temple Pilots interview and live performance with Kevin & Bean, morning show hosts on KROQ (a Radio.com station), Bennington admitted to looking up to vocalist like Al Jourgensen from Ministry, Perry Farrell from Jane's Addiction, and even Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots' controversial former vocalist.

Joined by drummer Eric Kretz and brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo, the new incarnation of Stone Temple Pilots (who made their secret debut at KROQ's Weenie Roast this past year) played a few songs off their recently released five-song EP, High Rise, and talked about how they came together. Radio.com has posted a video of an acoustic performance of "Black Heart".

When Bennington said he was so nervous for his first two shows that he wore sunglasses onstage the whole time, the brothers laughed and remarked, "It's funny to hear that Chester gets nervous because Chester could actually stare down Chuck Norris." Bennington admitted that he gets nervous but it's because he might be "slightly a little bit of a control freak" and when he feels like he doesn't have control over anything he kind of "freaks out."

"Then I have to remind myself, I play music for a living," Bennington said. "Even if it's horrible, I'm in a band. I've got life figured out pretty good."

The members of Stone Temple Pilots knew in their "heart and bones" that "if there was one person that could do this justice" it was Chester. "There was no one else who came to mind," said STP. "There were no other names on the table."

During their performance at the Weenie Roast, the band released their single "Out Of Time" and it was a "perfect storm" for their tour with Bennington at the helm. Now the band has released a five-song EP called High Rise via 13Star–which Bennington said is indicative of both his time-crunch with Linkin Park and the current state of the music industry.

"You know, we're going to keep writing as much music as we can, but we're going to really laser focus on these five songs and put them out and go on the road and tour. The last thing we wanted to do was go on this big tour and not have music to back it up shortly thereafter," said Bennington.

He laughed saying that Stone Temple Pilots will be the first ever band to release a "double EP." "I think that's the way the music industry is going anyway. People buy music in single serving sizes now and it's almost an exercise in futility for a band to think that they have to make a whole record," Bennington said. "No one is going to pay attention to an entire record anyway."

Check out the acoustic performance video of Black Heart and read more here.





Nils Lofgren Added To Rock Hall's Rolling Stones Tribute Concert
(hennemusic) Nils Lofgren of the E Street Band is among the guests added to the Rolling Stones Tribute Concert in Cleveland on October 26th as part of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 18th Annual Music Master Series.

Lofgren, Chuck D, Sugar Blue, Lee Fields, Patterson Hood, Dave Pirner, Earl Slick and Cyril Jordan and Chris Wilson of the Flamin' Groovies are the newest additions to the concert at the Playhouse Square's State Theatre, which will feature a handful of musicians who have performed with the Stones during their 50 year career.

Grammy Award-winning drummer Steve Jordan will lead the house band as musical director. Jordan has assembled a group of critically-acclaimed musicians, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ian McLagan, Bernard Fowler, Bobby Keys, Trevor Lawrence, Steve Madaio, Waddy Wachtel and Willie Weeks to perform. Joining the tribute concert lineup are Merry Clayton and Sarah Dash. more on this story





Rush Announce Special Black Friday Release
(hennemusic) Rush will release a 10" picture disc of "The Garden", the closing track from 2012's "Clockwork Angels", as the band partners with independent record stores for Black Friday – November 29th.

The 10" includes two versions of "The Garden" – Side A features the studio version from the album, while Side B includes a live version of the song with the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble that is included in the upcoming live release "Clockwork Angels Tour."

The 10" was designed by Crankbunny (Norma V. Toraya) and features artwork from her animated screen projections that were shown during the band's performance of "The Garden" during the Clockwork Angels tour. more on this story




Protest The Hero Recruit The Kindred's Mike Ieradi
Protest The Hero have announced that hired The Kindred's Mike Ieradi as their new drummer. The band previously recruited Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler to play drums on their forthcoming album, Volition, following the departure of Moe Carlson.

The band made the move to find a permanent replacement ahead of their upcoming tours. The band had this to say, "Finding a new drummer has proven to be a tough task! We had interest and video submissions from many friends, fans, and family alike (yes, Choadie's mom sent in a video of her ripping "c'est la vie!"). Every single one of those submissions was wonderful - but we realized it was going to be impossible to select a drummer based on a YouTube video. We needed someone who we knew. Someone who we thought we wouldn't murder and leave at the side of the road two weeks into tour. We think we have found that person in Mike Ieradi - a Canadian fella we met many moons ago.

"What's that you say? Mike is already in another band? Yes, he is. He will be playing in two bands on this upcoming tour. He will be opening with his band The Kindred and will then wrap the night up playing with us. Despite pulling double duty on this tour, he IS the newest member of pth and will hopefully be with us until we hang up the old jazz picks. No pressure Mike! "

Mike Ieradi adds, "Hey everyone! Mike Ieradi here, and happy to announce my new role in Protest the Hero. I'm excited to be a full blown member of a great band with some great friends, and looking forward to the future with these goons. Stoked to see everyone out on this upcoming tour, and I hope you enjoy watching me sweat my way through two sets with Protest and The Kindred. It should be a fun one!"

The band will be releasing the new album, "Volition" on October 29th and kicking off the Canadian leg of their North American tour on November 3rd in Welland, according to their Facebook page. Grab the dates here.





White Wizzard Back Down To One Member Again
(Classic Rock) White Wizzard are down to one man again after all the current members of the band quit, leaving founder Jon Leon alone for the second time in the band's history. But the bassist has vowed he'll keep moving forward, and that will be his "revenge" on his former colleagues.

The collapse began at the weekend when Leon announced singer Joseph Michael had been fired after refusing to perform a show on their UK tour. Michael lashed back, saying he'd been dismissed the night before, and accused the mainman of acting "like a child."

Despite discussions with a stand-in singer, the US NWOHBM-fuelled outfit abandoned their tour and went home. Since then, guitarists Jake Dreyer, Will Warner and drummer Giovanni Durst have resigned from the band.

It's the second time that's happened – in 2008 original lineup fellows James-Paul Luna, James LaRue and Tyler Meahl abandoned Leon and formed their own outfit, Holy Grail. Read what the members had to say and Leon's plans to move forward.





Lamb of God Expand 'As The Palaces Burn' For 10th Anniversary
Lamb of God will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their sophomore album, "As The Palaces Burn," with a deluxe reissue that will include bonus songs and a New 70 Minute DVD Documentary.

Razor and Tie will release the reissue on November 11th. The original album was remixed and remastered by the band's longtime producer Josh Wilbur.

Aside for the original album tracks, the reissue will also include three previously unreleased demos as well as the new documentary which explores the making of the album and includes interviews with the band members and the album's original producer Devin Townsend, and Josh Wilbur.





Michael Schenker Reveals Temple of Rock Album Details
Michael Schenker and his band Temple of Rock have revealed more details about their forthcoming album, "Bridge The Gap", which will be released in the UK on Monday December 2nd.

Temple of Rock features Schenker, former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, bassist Francis Buchholz, former Rainbow member Doogie White on vocalist and Wayne Findlay on guitar and keyboards. The album also features a bonus track with guest vocals from Don Dokken.

Schenker explains what fans can expect from the album, "I wanted to combine the old with the new. That's why the album's called Bridge The Gap. With Wayne playing 7 string guitar we created some low, heavy modern sounds.

"Since I play and experiment on a regular basis, I always have some new, fresh sparks to share when I record a new album. I am inspired from within. It's infinite like a kaleidoscope.

"As former members of the Scorpions, Herman, Francis and I have been out of the loop of rock'n'roll for quite a while. Getting together for the first time since the Lovedrive album is an incredible jump. We're connecting the past with the present. We're bridging the gap." more on this story





Motorhead's Lemmy Vows To Continue Music If His Health Falters
(hennemusic) As Motorhead prepare to release their 21st album, "Aftershock", later this month and launch a fall tour early next month to promote it, frontman Lemmy Kilmister tells Classic Rock that he's leaving his summer health scare behind him. "It was nothing; I'm over it," says Lemmy of his hospital stint.

The band canceled a series of shows on their summer European festival tour following doctor's orders after Lemmy suffered a haematoma (where blood collects outside of a blood vessel) and needed to address the issue; the bassist had previously been fitted with a defibrillator because of heart problems. "I can still stand at that mic every night and play my songs," explains Lemmy. "I'm getting better. By the time the tour comes around I'll be ready."

If it comes to the point that he can no longer tour, Lemmy vows: "We plan to go on. Maybe we'll just make albums – we'll be like The Beatles after 1966." more on this story




LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy Remixes David Bowie
(Radio.com) After a ten year hiatus from writing new material, David Bowie surprised fans with the release of his latest album, The Next Day, back in March. But the man behind Ziggy Stardust isn't done surprising us just yet.

Bowie announced he's releasing a three-disc deluxe version of The Next Day, called The Next Day Extra, which will include the original 14-track album, a DVD featuring four music videos, along with another disc featuring four previously unreleased tracks ("Atomica," "The Informer," "Like a Rocket Man" and "Born In a UFO") and two remixes, including LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy's 10-minute revamp of Bowie's "Love Is Lost."

Murphy pays his respects to Bowie on the remix, layering the first half of the track with ceaseless handclaps a la Steve Reich's 1972 piece "Clapping Music." He tops the track off with '80s synth melodies and spacey electronic effects, all while Bowie's haunting vocals and melancholic piano chords serenade the ears. more on this story





New Bob Dylan App Released
(Gibson) Bob Dylan fans, get your iPhones ready: A new app is out that builds on the just released 10th volume of Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series, Another Self Portrait (1969-1971).

The new Bob Dylan Bootlegs app is available for download via the Apple App Store, and it's available for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. Best of all, it's free.

Fans will find a bevy of Bob Dylan goodies in the app, including photos, videos and historical details that compliment the songs of Another Self Portrait. Additional features include video interviews, song lyrics, track-by-track timelines and more.

The Bootleg Series, Vol. 10 -- Another Self Portrait arrived last month. The collection features a variety of previously unreleased recordings, demos, outtakes and alternative takes that were collected from the recording sessions for Dylan's Self Portrait and New Morning albums. more on this story






Motley Crue Not Going To Lie To Fans About Retirement
(Gibson) It's sad but true: Motley Crue are making plans for their farewell tour. Band members have been saying that the legendary '80s band is nearing its end, and now, bass player Nikki Sixx has confirmed that the group is currently plotting out that final big tour.

"It'll happen, but we don't know when it will happen," he told Rolling Stone. "The most important thing about a farewell tour is that the band doesn't lie to the fans, and the band doesn't tour and then come back years later. That's what's important for us: planning what's the right time to go out."

Of course, Sixx has plenty to keep him busy outside of Motley Crue. Right now, he's looking to record Sixx: A.M.'s follow-up to their 2011 release, "This Is Gonna Hurt."

"The album is so rich and we have so much music, we're deciding on which pieces of that music we want to put together to make an album," he said. "We still think it's important to make records, full-length records that somehow all tie together, that you want that whole body of work, all 10 or 12 songs, because they do something for your life." more on this story






Robbie Robertson Writes The Band Out Of Rock History
(Classic Rock) The Band guitarist Robbie Robertson has written a book about the most influential artists of the rock era and he admits that he deliberately left his own group out.

And while Legends, Icons & Rebels: Music That Changed The World covers Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Little Richard, the Beach Boys, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and many others, Robertson is happy that The Band aren't between the covers.

"I made them take it out. I just didn't want to be a distraction – I didn't feel comfortable with that," He tells GlobalNews. "I understood perfectly that The Band was one of the biggest examples of combining music into a whole new flavour. We did that more than anybody else.

"It just felt like, 'Hey, here's the greatest recording artists of all time, the music that that changed the world… and I made sure I was in there.' I didn't want that weighing over me." more on this story




Rush's Vapor Trails Remixed Debuts On Billboard Album Chart
(hennemusic) Rush's "Vapor Trails Remixed" has debuted at No. 35 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The updated version of the band's 2002 release also lands at #9 on the Rock Albums chart and at #3 on the Hard Rock albums chart.

"We overcooked it," bassist/singer Geddy Lee told Rolling Stone recently. "The mixes were really loud and brash. The mastering job was harsh and distorted."

Lee came to this realization not long after the record came out, but there was little he could do to fix the situation. "It's a terrible feeling that, due to lack of objectivity, you let an imperfect piece of work get out there," he says.

"But the songs are very strong and people really responded to the record and people were welcoming us back. The sonic defects of it got lost in the excitement of the band's return to functionality. It's always been a bee in my bonnet." more on this story




Von Hertzen Brothers Hope to Breakthrough With Upcoming Tour
(Prog) Mikko Von Herzten believes the Von Hertzen Brothers' upcoming UK tour with Touchtone (sponsored by Prog) is going to be a breakthrough moment for his band.

He's delighted that VHB are regarded as a prog outfit, and believes that's a strong foundation for them to build on as they perform six shows later this month. Mikko tells Prog: "Quite a few people tell me after gigs that that once they've seen us play live they get what we're really about.

"I guess it's a little bit of a cliche, but we are truly a live band. I'm thrilled to be able to return to the UK; I'm sure we'll have a great time with Touchstone and I hope to be able to meet as many 'Hertzenized' fans as possible. Meeting the people who have been influenced by our music is the salt of the whole thing." more on this story




Iron Maiden's Steve Harris Drops Price On His Mansion
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris has dropped the price on the sale of his 8-bedroom multi-million dollar mansion that is located in Essex, England.

The property went on the market last year for £6,750,000 (approximately $10,778,000), but that price has come down by £0.9 million to £5,850,000 (approximately $9,341,000).

Here's a description of the Harris estate for sale: "Approached via a pretty country lane and private gated entrance into a sweeping gravel driveway with large parking area, Sheering Hall is an historic substantial medieval country house of some 11,000 square feet full of character and period features throughout. It is grade II listed and there has been a house on the site since the Domesday Book and parts of the house date back to 1427. The property offers a fantastic variety of facilities for entertaining on a grand scale." more on this story




Ghost Release First Song From Dave Grohl Produced EP
(TeamRock Radio) Foo Fighters mainman Dave Grohl has produced a five-track EP with mysterious Swedish outfit Ghost, which is set for release next month and you can hear a track online.

It's not the first time Grohl has worked with the band – one of the Namelss Ghouls recently revealed the former Nirvana drummer had donned a costume and performed with them.

If You Have Ghost is a collection of covers including songs from ABBA, Army of Lovers, Depeche Mode and the near-title track, Roky Erickson's "If You Have Ghosts," which can be heard here.




Deap Vally Release 'Walk of Shame' Video
Deap Vally have released a new music video for the song "Walk of Shame," from their brand new album, "Sistrionix," which was released this week in North America.

The band had this to say about the new video, "The track is about a very important concept to us... the 'Walk of Shame'. We teamed up with one of our oldest and closest friends, Tyler Shields, to make this video and can't wait for you to see it."

You can watch the new video here. If you like what you hear, you can catch the group on the road for a handful of dates this month including Austin City Limits and Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man Cruise. more on this story





Megadeth's David Ellefson Releases Behind The Scenes Tour Clip
(hennemusic) Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has posted some behind-the-scenes video from Buenos Aires, Argentina and the second night (Oct. 6) of the band's South American tour supporting Black Sabbath.

The two legendary heavy metal groups are playing a 9-show series of dates across the continent this month, wrapping up in Mexico City, Mexico on October 26.

Megadeth have been on the road since the late spring release of their new album, "Super Collider." Ellefson will publish his autobiography, "My Life With Deth", on October 29 and has announced a series of book signings to launch the project. Check out the video here.



Aerosmith Dedicate Song To Uruguay President
(hennemusic) Aerosmith dedicated a song to Uruguay President Jose "Pepe" Mujica during their performance at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on Wednesday, and video of the event is available.

"Pepe, this is for you," said frontman Steven Tyler as Aerosmith kicked into their 1993 classic, "Livin' On The Edge." The show in the nation's capital came a day after band members Tyler, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford met with the President as the band continues its month-long tour of South America.

"We believe in what he stands for," explained Tyler as to why the band wanted to meet with the President. "We believe that some of the best American Presidents who were those that fought in war themselves. President [Mujica] is a freedom fighter; in many ways, we fight for freedom ourselves – with music – it transcends all languages. His behavior – the way he gives 70% of his salary to the people to build homes here, in a very small country, I think he's doing it the right way – grass roots – and we believe in that." Check out video here.




Anniversary of Led Zeppelin Legend John Bonham's Funeral
(Gibson) John Bonham's funeral was held on October 10, 1980. His body was cremated and is interred at Rushock Parish Church in Worcestershire, England. Bonham's headstone reads:

"Cherished Memories Of A Loving Husband And Father John Henry Bonham Who Died Sept. 25th, 1980. Aged 32 Years. He will always be remembered in our hearts. Goodnight my Love, God Bless."

Considered one of — if not the – greatest rock and roll drummers in history, Led Zeppelin percussionist John Henry Bonham was born on May 31, 1948 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. An early fan of legendary drummers Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, Bonham began playing drums at the age of five, first on a homemade kit of coffee tins and containers, then on his first real drum set, a Trixton kit his father, Jack, acquired for him.

An entirely self-taught drummer, Bonham joined a couple of musical outfits while still in school, including the Blue Star Trio then Gerry Levene and the Avengers. The headmaster at Bonham's secondary school once scribbled on the cheeky lad's report card that he'll "…either end up a dustman or a millionaire."

After leaving school, Bonham continued playing in different bands while also working as an apprentice carpenter for his father. In 1964, he joined his first professional band, Terry Webb and the Spiders. He soon met his future wife, Pat Phillips. Membership in more bands followed, including stints with the Nicky James Movement and The Senators, who released the moderately successful hit, "She's a Mod." This success helped convince Bonham to pursue music as a full-time profession. Two years later he joined the blues group, Crawling King Snakes, which featured a young Robert Plant on lead vocals.

Bonham and Plant eventually went their separate ways but kept in touch. When Plant formed Band of Joy, he contacted Bonham to play drums. When The Yardbirds broke up, guitarist Jimmy Page met Plant, who suggested Bonham for drums. Bonham already knew Page through session work, as well as bassist John Paul Jones. He was initially hesitant on joining the new project, partly because he was being heavily courted by already established artists like Joe Cocker and Chris Farlowe. In the end, Bonham accepted the offer to join Led Zeppelin, partly because he simply preferred their type of music over that of Cocker or Farlowe's.

In September of 1980, Led Zeppelin was preparing for their first tour of the U.S. in three years. Bonham was on his way to rehearsals at Bray Studios when he and Led Zeppelin assistant, Rex King, stopped for breakfast. Bonham reportedly drank vodka heavily during the meal, as well as during the rehearsals. Later that evening after rehearsals, the band retired to Page's home, where Bonham eventually fell asleep. John Paul Jones and Benji LeFevre, Led Zeppelin's tour manager at the time, found Bonham dead the next afternoon. He was 32-years old. The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.