Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Jason Newsted Finally Explains Why He Left Metallica
(Banana 101.5) Thirteen years after Jason Newsted left Metallica, the bassist is finally telling the story of why he left the band. In a new interview with ScuzzTV, Newsted finally chose to tell the much pondered-about tale.
"I've never told this story, I'm not sure if I should tell it now, actually," Newsted begins. "There was a lot leading up to it through time … The very upside-down thing that I don't think anybody knows; the management of Metallica was very, very excited about Echobrain [one of Newsted's side projects], wanted to take it out for me, wanted me to do Echobrain also, with Metallica. They felt Echobrain was that good, the singer was that good, and it didn't affect Metallica because it was a totally different kind of thing, and I was in Metallica; that would give it it's pedigree already."

Newsted continues, "And so they had told me, pretty convincingly, 'This is a great record, we've been playing it around the office, that's all I've been hearing, it's fantastic, this kid has a great voice. Let's do something with this.' That's what they told me, and then James [Hetfield] heard about it and was not happy. He was, I think, pretty much out to put the kibosh on the whole thing because it would somehow affect Metallica in his eyes, because now the managers were interested in something I was doing that had nothing to do with him."

The bassist sums up the situation as follows: "I have no idea what [Hetfield] was thinking, other than just protecting what he valued, just like he does; that's his thing. He protects what he loves, squeezes it too hard, like he said himself. Squeeze it too hard, protecting it too much. That's where I was coming from. The people that I had counted on for 15 years to help me with my career, help Metallica, take care of my money, do all of those things, told me, 'Your new project is fantastic, we'd like to help you with it.' James heard about it, the manager calls me back a couple of days later — 'Sorry we're not going to be able to help you with that Echobrain thing.'" Watch the video clip here.




Red Hot Chili Peppers Added To Super Bowl Halftime Show
(Radio.com) While the initial announcement of pop sensation Bruno Mars as the featured halftime performer at this year's Super Bowl had some questioning his star power to pull off the high-profile performance, he'll have additional muscle backing him up with the news that the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joining the show.

It won't be much of a commute for the Chili Peppers, with Anthony Kiedis and the crew also set to headline the massive "Big Hello to Brooklyn" concert happening at the Barclays Center arena the night before (Feb. 1) the big game that will occur at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. The concert is being presented by sports radio station, WFAN (a Radio.com station), and is already sold out.

The addition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Super Bowl halftime show only bolsters an already music-packed seven days during "Super Bowl Week" leading up to the game. More about that here.




Christine McVie Rejoining Fleetwood Mac
(hennemusic) Former Fleetwood Mac keyboardist Christine McVie will be rejoining the band, according to drummer Mick Fleetwood. Fleetwood Mac News reports Mick revealed the news Saturday during Uncle Willie K's BBQ Blues Fest on Maui at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Fleetwood and Willie K. had performed an acoustic version of Christine's "Songbird", when he reportedly told the crowd, "This is the worst kept secret there is, but Christine McVie will be rejoining Fleetwood Mac!"

McVie reconnected with Fleetwood Mac for a one-off reunion during their September 25th show at London's 02 Arena. Christine joined the group for a performance of the 1977 hit, "Don't Stop", which she wrote and sang on, and reached No. 3 on the US singles charts as part of the smash "Rumours" album. more on this story




U2 Take Home Golden Globe For 'Ordinary Love'
(Radio.com) On Sunday night (Jan. 12), U2 took home the prize for Best Original Song at the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards. The Irish band won for their track "Ordinary Love" – their first song in three years — from the Nelson Mandela biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

The Edge took to the podium first to speak about Mandela, telling the crowd, "We we have been working for President Mandela, since the '70s. Since we were teenagers." He explained that the first concert the band ever played was in support of ending the apartheid movement, remarking that 35 years later they were able to write a song for the man that inspired their activism.

Larry Mullen Jr. followed by telling the crowd that thanks to Mandela, "holy Catholic Ireland" was able to eventually see peace.

Adam Clayton than thanked Brian Burton, better known as Danger Mouse, for helping them make the song, and Coldplay frontman Chris Martins for helping them "work the song out."

Bono than took to the mic to talk about the band's great connection with the track and Mandela, who died Dec. 5 at his home at the age of 95.

"It really is personal for us, very, very personal," Bono said. "This man turned our life upside down, right side up. He was a man who refused to hate, not because he didn't have hate or anger or these things, but that he thought love could do a better job."

He then added, "We wrote a love song and that's kind of what's extraordinary about the film. It's this dysfunctional love story, that's why you should see it…You know about the global statesman, you don't know about the man."

His last word being, "We're good at the dysfunctional love stories." more on this story




Ten Years After Lose Singer and Bass Player
(Classic Rock) Ten Years After have lost frontman Joe Gooch and bassist Leo Lyons after the pair confirmed they've decided to move on. Gooch took over from the late Alvin Lee in 2003 while Lyons was one of the band's co-founding members, alongside current drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill.

Lyons reports he and Gooch are planning to focus on their other project, Hundred Seventy Split, saying in a statement: "Leaving Ten Years After was a difficult decision for us to make and we both wish Ric and Chick every success for the future.

"2014 is a new beginning for Hundred Seventy Split. Together with our drummer, Damon Sawyer, Joe and I will put all our energies into the band. We'll be on tour throughout the year." more on this story




KISS Dressed To Kill Again For Surprise Appearance
(hennemusic) KISS are featured in a new spring/summer advertising campaign by fashion designer John Varvatos it was revealed when the band made a surprise appearance at a special event.

The designer recently invited 200 guests to his upscale boutique at 315 Bowery in New York City, the space that formerly housed the seminal underground music club CBGB, for an intimate performance. The guests were not told whom they were about to see.

It was KISS, performing their classics while dressed in Varvatos suits…a look reminiscent of the cover of the band's 1975 album, "Dressed To Kill." Varvatos put together a video package with footage from the live event. Watch it here.




U2 Make Surprising Live Return For The First Time in Three Years
(hennemusic) U2 performed their first show in three years on Saturday night, surprising guests at the third annual Help Haiti benefit that took place at the Beverly Hills' Montage Hotel.

Billboard reports U2's brief full-band set in the hotel ballroom featured "I Will Follow," "Desire", and "Vertigo." Earlier in the evening, Bono performed alongside the Edge on guitar with Haitian singer Anaelle Jean-Pierre.

The benefit raised nearly $6 million for the J/P Haitian Relief Organization and was attended by the likes of Bette Midler, Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, Piers Morgan, Chelsea Handler, Sarah Silverman, Idris Elba, and Kathryn Bigelow. Check out video here.





Rolling Stones Had One Of Top Tours of 2013
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones placed fourth among the top-grossing North American tours of 2013 according to industry magazine Pollstar. The band grossed $87.7 million dollars through 11 of 18 reported concerts on their "50 & Counting" arena tour.

Country/pop star Taylor Swift topped the list, grossing $112 million, followed by Bon Jovi ($107.3 million) in second and Kenny Chesney ($90.9 million) in third.

Other rockers that placed high on the list were Fleetwood Mac at No. 7 ($66.7 mil), The Eagles at No. 9 ($59.7 mil) and Paul McCartney at No. 12 ($49.6 mil). more on this story




KISS Movie Now Being Edited
(hennemusic) Director Alan G. Parker continues work on the KISS film, "You Wanted The Best... You Got The Best", and has issued an update on the project.

"KISS movie is in edit stages... Week 6... Looking good...," writes Parker. "We currently have a very rough 8 hour cut, and we are pushing and prodding it down to its finished state... I would think about 2 hours plus... In keeping with my other movies... Release date is looking like late this year."

"You Wanted The Best…" promises to offer the most in-depth look yet at the band who formed in New York in the early 70s as Wicked Lester and went on to sell over 75 million albums.

"We are thrilled to have Alan onboard to help tell the definitive KISS story, a story of insanity… dedication… and a take no prisoners attitude combining to create the most spectacular beast in rock 'n' roll history; KISS," says Paul Stanley. "Alan's knowledge of the band amazed even us! We wanted the best….we got the best!" more on this story





David Bowie Releasing Rebel Rebel 40th Anniversary Picture Disc
(hennemusic) David Bowie has announced that he will issue "Rebel Rebel" as the next release in the continuing run of limited edition 40th anniversary 7" picture discs.

Due March 10, the A-side features the original single mix of "Rebel Rebel", which hasn't been available on 7" since the early 80's and remains unavailable on CD to this day; the AA-side has the US single version, a remixed edit with overdubs and extra backing vocals.

Originally released on February 15th 1974, "Rebel Rebel" was a first taste from the upcoming "Diamond Dogs" LP, though it was considered a bit of a curveball compared to much of the music on that album. more on this story




Marilyn Manson Working On New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Marilyn Manson says he's begun work on a new album and its theme will be "f**king thing up." The shock-rocker revealed some of details of the follow-up to 2012's Born Villain.

"It's very cinematic. The redneck in me comes out in my voice and it's got some old blues mixed with the very hard elements," he tells Kerrang. "I want to retain what I think is good about the past, the music I did and who I am.

"It's not about being pissed about the world – it's about realizing someone has to f**k things up." He also have a live appearance coming up. Details here.




Gregg Allman Honored With All Star Tribute Show
(hennemusic) The Allman Brothers Band's Gregg Allman was honored with a tribute concert at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta Friday night, and video from the event is available.

Rolling Stone reports "All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman" featured a mix of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, current and former members of the Allman Brothers Band, and guests including Sam Moore, Dr. John, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, John Hiatt, Zac Brown, Widespread Panic and others.

Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes opened the show with 1973's "Come & Go Blues", fronting a lineup that included London's the Killer Horns, backing vocals by the McCrary Sisters, Allman Brothers Band and Rolling Stones alum Chuck Leavell on keys, and the evening's music director, Don Was, on bass. Check out video here.





Foreigner To Rock Leno This Week
(hennemusic) Foreigner will perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday, January 15. The Tonight Show airs weekdays at 11:35pm EST/PST on NBC.

"If you want free tix, head over to this location," posted the band. "Also, a limited number of tickets and stand-by passes are available each tape day at the NBC Ticket Box in Burbank."

Foreigner are hitting the road for more live dates this year, with shows starting January 31 in Valley Center, California. Grab the ticket link here.





Kamchatka Release Tango Decadence Video
(Classic Rock) Kamchatka have released the official music video for their new song "Tango Decadence", which comes from the Swedish group's forthcoming album "The Search Goes On."

Kamchatka have quietly been building a formidable reputation across Europe and the US, where they've toured opening for the mighty Clutch (whose drummer Jean-Paul Gaster has featured on previous Kamchatka albums and who formed King Hobo with various Kamchatka members).

They describe their music thusly: "If Robin Trower were to cosy up to Warren Haynes and bust out some Cream/Zeppelin-inspired heavy blues whilst Jimi Hendrix looked on admiringly…"

Recorded in Kamchatka's own Shrimpmonkey studios in Varberg, Sweden, forthcoming album The Search Goes On is another boots-and-braces, soulful workout. Produced by ex-Opeth man Per Widberg (Candlemass, King Hobo, Spiritual Beggars etc), who also lends his bass-playing skills to the band, the record is said to ably demonstrate the power and passion that drives Kamchatka. Watch the video here.




The Crimson Projekct Premiere New Song
(Prog) Prog has premiered the track "Frame By Frame," a track from The King Crimson offshoot The Crimson Projekct's upcoming release Live In Tokyo.

The band has the approval of mainman Robert Fripp and features former member Adrian Belew plus Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto, who have been confirmed as part of Crimson's long-awaited return to action later this year. The Projeckt lineup imitates Crimson's 1990s double-trio format and is completed by Markus Reuter, Julie Slick and Tobias Ralph.

Live In Tokyo, the band's first official live album, was recorded in 2012 and goes on sale via InsideOut on March 3. The Crimson Projekct play London's O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on March 12 as part of an extensive European tour. Check out the new song here.





Fairport Convention Announce Winter Tour Dates
(Prog) Fairport Convention have announced their 30th consecutive UK winter tour, which kicks off at the end of January and includes 31 shows. But the band say they're looking forward to a more important milestone.

Co-founder Simon Nicol explains: "This will be our 30th winter tour in its present guise and while a few of the venues are new to us, most are places we've been back to previously – we've played a couple of them 29 times already.

"The band started out in 1967, so the big anniversary will be Fairport's golden jubilee in 2017. Even after nearly 50 years on the road we still look forward to playing in front of audience. Our first love will always be live performance." more on this story





Heart's Music Featured On Family Guy
(hennemusic) Heart's music was featured on the FOX animated series Family Guy this past Sunday, January 12. The episode included "These Dreams" (These Beans) and "What About Love" (What About Beans).

Heart will release "Fanatic Live From Caesars Colosseum" on CD and DVD/Blu Ray on February 25. The package captures the Seattle band live on their "Fanatic" tour at Caesars Colosseum in Windsor, Ontario, an event originally filmed by AXS-TV.

In addition to songs from the band's 2012 "Fanatic" album – which were performed for the first time for the television viewing audience – "Fanatic Live From Caesars Colosseum" also showcases many of Heart's classic hits including "Barracuda," "Crazy On You," "These Dreams," "Alone," "What About Love", and many more. more on this story






In This Moment Release Beautiful Tragedy Live Video
(TeamRock Radio) In This Moment have released a new performance video clip of their song "Beautiful Tragedy," which is taken from the group's first-ever live DVD.

It's taken from Blood At The Orpheum, which appears as part of their Blood Special Edition release, coming later this month via Century Media.

It's a repackaged edition of their breakthrough album, containing a bonus cover of Nine Inch Nails' track Closer, alongside the live DVD – which will be released in its own right on February 17. Watch the video here.




Skam Release Rivers Video
(Classic Rock) Powerhouse Leicester three-piece Skam have released a new video for their new single Rivers which will be released on February 24. The track is taken from their forthcoming second album, Peacemaker, which is set for a July 28 release.

The band ended 2013 on a real high, finishing at No.30 in Classic Rock's fan-voted Songs Of The Year poll with their track Massacre. Says bassist Matt Gilmore:

"The new Skam album is a culmination of two years on the road and our desire to just put out the music we love. We have a huge array of different influences and we don't hide behind them. We are rock fans, it's that simple. Between us we have a deep love for nearly all guitar-driven rock!" Watch the video here.




Black Sabbath Share Handwritten Lyrics To Zeitgeist
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath have posted handwritten lyrics to "Zeitgeist", a track from their latest album, "13." It is the latest handwritten lyrics the band has shared with fans since the release of the reunion album.

The project was recently nominated for three 2014 Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album ("13"), and Best Rock Song and Best Metal Performance for "God Is Dead?"

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will be held January 26, 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Check out the lyrics here.




Singled Out: Devour The Day Share The Story Behind 'Move On'
Today Joey "Chicago" Walser from Devour The Day tells us the powerful story behind the deeply personal song "Move On" from their album "Time & Pressure," which is being re-released this week. Here is the story:

I remember myself standing outside of a downtown Chicago apartment, freezing in the snow without socks or shoes, waiting on a ride from anyone that would come get me. I had just been removed from my house by the police, in front of my crying children.

My wife, who I discovered was having an affair with her drug dealer, was screaming and hurling hatred at me, to combat her guilt, as the officers and apartment staff pulled me into the elevator.

As I stood there in the snow, chained to my confusion and pain, I received a call. John, the singer of the band I had put ten years of hard work into was quitting. No real explanation, just the end. Everything was over.

I had discovered my wife's infidelity at 7am, and by 9am, my marriage, my home and my career were over. I was empty. I watched my breath as it hit the frozen air and drift away. But I was still alive. After months of hurting in a way only those of us who have experienced real tragedy would, I remembered that simple fact: I was still alive.

I wanted to write a song about that moment, when you stop crying and hurting and feeling bad for yourself. The instant when you stop allowing everything that has been piled on you, to crush and destroy you.

After all that devastation, I had two choices. I could let the circumstances overcome and conquer me, I could let this swallow me whole or I could refuse and keep fighting. I would not give in. I will move on. That is honestly what the song personally means to me. Nothing better than the truth.


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