Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Walter Trout Receives Liver Transplant
(Classic Rock) Walter Trout has undergone a liver transplant at last - and wife Marie reports he's doing well after the life-saving surgery. He's been on the waiting list since it was reported in March that he had 90 days to live unless the operation took place.

Marie reports: "Walter made it through the surgery with an A+. They are now just watching and cleaning up. Heart and lungs held up great. New liver was a 'great fit' and is doing well. Dr Mercer confirmed that they rocked out to Walter's music throughout the surgery!

"In an hour I can visit with him in the ICU, then I will turn my entire attention to Walter. Thank you for walking this road with me. I have felt your love, energy and support throughout. Now let the healing begin." more on this story




Led Zeppelin Release 'Whole Lotta Love' Rough Mix Video
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin have issued an official video for an unreleased version of "Whole Lotta Love" that will appear on the forthcoming expanded reissue of their 1969 sophomore album, "Led Zeppelin II."

The "Rough Mix with Vocal" version of the iconic song - featured on the companion disc of bonus material from the sessions for the album - is different than the one fans have known for decades.

"You realize just how important all of those additional layers and the filigree work is," guitarist Jimmy Page told the BBC recently. "There's all manner of bells and whistles to make it the song Whole Lotta Love as we all know it."

Due June 2 (June 3 in North America), the band are also releasing reissues of "Led Zeppelin I" and "Led Zeppelin III" the same day. Watch the video here.





Angus and Malcolm Pre-AC/DC Song Streaming Online
(hennemusic) A preview of one of the first recordings made by AC/DC's Angus & Malcolm Young, set to be reissued on June 2nd, is now streaming online. The song "Natural Man" appeared on Marcus Hook Roll Band's 1973 release, "Tales Of Old Grand Daddy."

The group was put together by Harry Vanda and George Young of The Easybeats (and, later, Flash And The Pan). The main sessions for "Tales Of Old Grand Daddy" took place during July/August 1973 in Sydney, Australia.

The members of AC/DC are currently in a Vancouver recording studio working on a new album. Guitarist Malcolm Young is sitting out the sessions due to health issues, and there's speculation that his nephew, Stevie, is helping out during his absence.

Check out the song here.




Rolling Stones Made Over 1.5 Billion From Touring
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones lead a new list of the top 25-selling live acts of the past 25 years, according to music industry magazine Billboard. The UK rockers top the list after grossing more than $1.5 billion on the road since 1990, playing more than 500 shows to almost 20 million fans.

"Mick Jagger is always going to be the role model," Jon Bon Jovi told Billboard in a recent interview. "Until [Jagger] hangs up the retirement number, I don't know where the end zone is. I just keep running the ball until Jagger says, 'Here's the goal line.'"

U2 lands in second place, with roughly the same numbers as The Stones; Bruce Springsteen is in third with a $1.2 billion gross over 700-plus shows to 15 million fans; rounding out the top ten are Madonna, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Celine Dion, Kenny Chesney and The Eagles. more on this story






Slash's New Album Coming A Month Early Via Classic Rock
(TeamRock Radio) Classic Rock magazine will release World On Fire, the new album from Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, as a special Fanpack edition on September 15, a full four weeks ahead of the album's regular release date.

The album, the follow-up to 2010's Slash and 2012's Apocalyptic Love (Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators) - both of which were released with Classic Rock in Fan Pack form - features 17 new songs and has been described by Slash's bassist Todd Kerns as "sleazier, tougher and more dangerous" than its predecessors.

Classic Rock's Slash Fan Pack includes the World On Fire album, a metal pin badge plus an in-depth, 116 page full-colour magazine dedicated to every aspect of how the album was written and recorded. The magazine will feature exclusive new interviews with Slash, Myles Kennedy, the band members, the album's producer Michael Baskette and Slash and Myles' full track by-track breakdown of the new release. More details.




Dimebag Darrell Tribute Song On Hellyeah's New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Chad Gray says a song on Hellyeah's upcoming fourth album is a tribute to late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Black December is the last track on Blood For Blood, released on Monday, June 9. Hellyeah singer Gray says it is a tribute to Dimebag, whose brother Vinnie Paul is Hellyeah's drummer.

Gray tells Metal Sickness: "I didn't really know Dime, but he inspired me and his band inspired me. A lot of people I have a brotherhood with were really close to him.

"I've heard just about every story you can hear about him. He lived in the moment and that how I strive to be. He very much lived for right now and it was awesome, he loved to put smiles on people's faces."

Dimebag was shot and killed while onstage with his band Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio, in December 2004. Gray adds that Blood For Blood "feels right", giving a lot of the credit to producer Kevin Churko.

More including a stream of the video interview here.





Paul McCartney Leaves Japan After Hospitalization
Paul McCartney has left Japan after he was discharged from a hospital for treatment of a virus that caused the former Beatle to cancel his tour of the country and a show in South Korea.

The promoters in Japan issued a statement on Tuesday that said McCartney left Japan on a charter flight on Monday and they added, "Paul McCartney himself hopes to return to Japan for more concerts as soon as possible," according to Reuters.

As previously reported, a statement was issued on McCartney's website last Thursday (May 22) that said, "Since contracting a virus last week that led to the postponement of tour dates, Paul received successful medical treatment at a hospital in Tokyo.

"He will make a complete recovery and has been ordered to take a few days rest. Paul has been extremely moved by all the messages and well wishes he has received from fans all over the world."

McCartney's website lists his next scheduled concert to take place on June 14th in Lubbock, TX at the United Spirit Arena, which will the kick off of his North American summer tour.





Motley Crue's Vince Neil Now Part-Owner Of Pro Football Team
(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil has signed on as part-owner of the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League. Neil's ownership venture into the AFL follows the recent purchase and launch of the LA KISS by KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

"As an owner, I'm just here to cheer on the team, you know," says Neil about his new role in an interview with First Coast News. "…and get some new fans in the seats - people who are maybe thinking about going to the game but really haven't committed to it - get off the couch and come down to the game. It's something really, really exciting and I think once you go, you'll be hooked."

Vince and Motley Crue will launch their farewell trek - billed as "The Final Tour" - on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan with guest Alice Cooper. The band will release a new song, "All Bad Things Must Come To An End", as part of a new greatest hits package that will surface in sync with the tour.

Check out the video interview here.





GWAR-Themed Restaurant Opening This Summer
(Radio.com) One of the dreams of fallen GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus), according to his bandmates, involved opening a GWAR-themed restaurant. Now, months after his death, Brockie posthumously realizes that dream.

According to a release, the band will open their own restaurant and bar that features menu items designed by band member BalSac himself. GWARbar, based in Richmond, Va., will open this summer.

BalSac, the band's guitarist and creator of the group's GWAR-B-Q Sauce, invented the menu. "My mother taught me the endless secrets of intergalactic cooking," he said in a statement. "And then I ate her."

GWARbar will move into a location previously operated by another entrepreneur. The band is raising funds via Indiegogo to help renovate the space. The $50,000 goal includes various tiers of prizes for donations, including $1,000 that gets one a barstool at the restaurant with one's name engraved on it. more on this story






The Offspring's Dexter Holland Sued For Unpaid Plane Payment
(Radio.com) Come out and pay, Dexter Holland - that's what bringers of a new lawsuit against the Offspring frontman, who allegedly owes nearly $800,000, are saying.

In court documents filed last week, Cessna, an aviation company based in Wichita, Kan., sued Holland for not fully paying for one of the planes he purchased through the company when he bought it years ago.

Holland's company, Jet Racers, Inc., currently owes the amount due under the Promissory Note, which, as of April 21, 2014, totals $782,422.43 and includes principal in the amount of $734,794.43, interest in the amount of $31,887.04, late fees in the amount of $15,740.69 with daily interest accruing at a rate of $80.32.

Unable to make the payments on his third and newest plane, a Cessna, Holland received authorization from the manufacturer to put the aircraft up for sale and offered up his two others, a Czech made Aero Vodochody and a Texas built Mooney M20R, as collateral. Selling the Cessna for less than he owed, Holland signed a new loan for the two remaining planes and the unpaid balance of the Cessna. The singer was to pay 71 monthly payments of $8,726.00 with one final balloon payment of $395,244.26.

But according to court documents secured by Radio.com, Holland ceased making payments in April of 2013. More.





Mark Tremonti Almost Snubbed Eddie Van Halen
(Classic Rock) Mark Tremonti almost missed out on meeting his guitar hero Eddie Van Halen - because he was too caught up in a band meeting. The Creed and Alter Bridge guitarist recalls the night in May, 1997, when Creed were supporting Van Halen at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Creed members were holed up in their dressing room and ignored repeated knocks on the door as they were deep in discussion.

It turns out they were snubbing Eddie Van Halen himself, who was only trying to hand over a guitar to the young Tremonti. Tremonti tells Fanpass: "The biggest memory I have of that day is getting the guitar from Eddie. He came in the room and was knocking on the door, but we were having a private band discussion and didn't answer it.

"He knocks again and we don't answer it, then finally he comes in and he's like 'here's your guitar.'" The pair have remained friends ever since, and Eddie's son Wolfgang now plays bass in Tremonti's solo project.

In the rest of the video interview, Tremonti and Creed/Alter Bridge drummer Scott Phillips discuss their festival highs and lows and their careers with the two bands. Check it out here.




Slash Reveals European Headline Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Slash has followed up news regarding the release of his new album, "World On Fire", with the release of dates for a headlining tour of Europe that will be taking place this fall.

Slash will hit the road for dates across Europe starting November 10 in Dublin, Ireland. The guitarist will wrap up the trip with a 3-show series in the UK, finishing up in Birmingham on December 1.

Due September 15 (September 16 in North America), "World On Fire" sees Slash working with his touring band, Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, and producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette. more on this story





Metallica Release MusiCares Event Behind The Scenes Video
(hennemusic) Metallica have released some behind the scenes video of the band's May 12th appearance at the MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit honoring Ozzy Osbourne.

Footage includes the band rehearsing on stage and in the dressing room, plus clips of each of the four songs that made up their acoustic set ("I Just Want To Celebrate," "When A Blind Man Cries," "In My Life" and "Diary Of A Madman").

Metallica have just released the audio of their four-song acoustic set from the evening to help further raise funds for the charity.The 10th anniversary event saw Osbourne presented with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in recognition for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction recovery process.

The rocker joins the list of previous honorees including Anthony Kiedis, James Hetfield, Chris Cornell, Alice Cooper and Jerry Cantrell. Check out the video here.





Floor Jansen Appears On New Timo Tolkki's Avalon Song
(TeamRock Radio) Nightwish singer Floor Jansen is the guest vocalist on the latest track from Timo Tolkki's Avalon - she fronts Design The Century from their album Angels Of The Apocalypse.

Former Stratovarius man Tolkki gathered with former colleagues Antti Ikonen and Tuomo Lassila on the record, which also features guests Simone Simons (Epica), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire), Zachary Stevens (Circle II Circle) and others.

Tolkki says of the follow-up to 2012's The Land Of New Hope: "I am following a specific storyboard in a musical format, and this time the musical direction is heavier and darker - the apocalyptic scenes described in the lyrics demanded that." Check out the song here.




Mastodon Recorded New Album At 'Devil Went Down To Georgia' Studio
(TeamRock Radio) Mastodon's Brann Dailor says he will always be a fan of studios with history over modern alternatives. The drummer and his bandmates recorded upcoming sixth album Once More 'Round The Sun with producer Nick Raskulinecz at Rock Falcon Studios in Tennessee.

Dailor tells Fanpass: "Nick's our buddy and we had a lot of fun doing the record. We did it at a place called Rock Falcon which is the studio where The Devil Went Down To Georgia was recorded.

"I love the history, I love being in all the rooms where all that stuff took place. I'd rather be there. A lot of those studios, they can't support it and they're closing because kids are producing stuff out of their bedrooms that sounds just fine.

"I like saying 'okay we're gonna make an album and it's gonna be special. We're gonna do the drums in this special room and we're gonna do it for real.'"

In the rest of the interview, Dailor discusses Mastodon's plans over the coming months and spending time with Metallica. Check it out here.





Bernie Marsden Releasing Solo Album
(Classic Rock) Former Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden has confirmed the release of solo album Shine in August - and it features a long-awaited guest appearance by David Coverdale.

The former colleagues worked together again on a version of early Whitesnake track Trouble, which they co-wrote for the band's debut album in 1978.

Shine also includes contributions from Joe Bonamassa, Ian Paice and Don Airey of Deep Purple, Jimmy Copley of Jeff Bekc's band and Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero.

Last year Coverdale said: "I've just done a song for Bernie. I want him to tell people what it is, but it was one of the songs that we wrote together many years ago in the early days. That was a lot of fun for me to do and it took no time at all." more on this story





Soundgarden Says Opening For NIN Makes Sense
(Classic Rock) Soundgarden will open for Nine Inch Nails on the bands' upcoming double-header US tour - and Kim Thayil believes it makes perfect sense. The outfits recently confirmed plans to hit the road together, with a string of shows kicking off in Las Vegas on July 19 and ending in Hollywood on August 25.

Now Soundgarden guitarist Thayil has explained why the running order will see his band playing ahead of Trent Reznor and co. He tells DC101 (via Blabbermouth): "It makes sense. Nine Inch Nails is a production-heavy band - amazing lights, lasers. They use a lot of production both in the audio performance and the visual performance.

"We're more of a live rock act. If we were to play after them it would be a long wait while they struck all their gear and cleared the stage for us. It's a lot easier to play before them." more on this story






Anathema Discuss Musical Direction Of New Album
(Prog) Anathema's Daniel Cavanagh says the band let their music dictate its own direction on upcoming album Distant Satellites - and one of their only deliberate moves was to introduce more electronic sounds to their tracks.

Their tenth studio record is due for release on June 9 via Kscope. Cavanagh says in a documentary clip: "What we try to do is be intuitive about it all. If a melody comes down from wherever, we try to let the music guide us, rather than the other way round.

"Sometimes we'll have to take the music in a certain direction - but more often you're listening rather than guiding; you're listening to where the music wants to go."

He hails bandmates John Douglas and Vincent Cavanagh for their "penchant and talent for electronica," adding: "It's something they've done really well."

Read more and watch the video here.





Magnum Plan To Keep Turning Out New Music On Schedule
(Prog) Magnum's Mark Stanway says there is no sign of the band's prolific output slowing down. The keyboard player says a follow-up to Escape From The Shadow Garden - released in March this year - will be out within 18 months, insisting that an album every year and a half is the target going forward.

And he adds that live material and possibly a DVD is in the cards over the coming months. Stanway tells MyRockWorld: "In the 80s we had a schedule to release an album as soon as we could, every 12 months. The record companies wanted this.

"So 18 months is a good gap and at our age we can't wait that long before we put another one out. We'll have another one in 18 months. Next year we're going to release some live stuff off this tour." more on this story





Black Crowes' Rich Robinson Streaming New Album Online
(hennemusic) Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson is streaming his new solo album, "The Ceaseless Light", in advance of its official release next week on June 3rd.

Robinson, who produced the set, primarily recording the project with a trio of drummer Joe Magistro and keyboardist Marco Benevento; vocalist Amy Helm sings on two tracks.

The guitarist recently released "In Comes The Night" as the lead single from the package. Robinson will launch the album with a live performance at The Satellite in Los Angeles on May 27.

Check out the stream here.





Led Zeppelin Discuss Expanded Album Reissues With The BBC
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and Robert Plant continue to make the rounds to promote the band's upcoming expanded album reissues project, which launches next week with the re-release of the band's first three albums.

Page and Plant recently sat down separately with the BBC's Rebecca Jones to talk about the reissues. The guitarist spent two-and-a-half years combing through the vaults, listening to hundreds of quarter-inch tapes before choosing the best material for the series.

Asked why he felt the need to be hands-on with this, Page explained, "I don't want to die and have somebody else do it. I'm authoritative about what was done in the first place."

Deluxe editions of the group's first three albums are the initial projects announced as part of an extensive reissue program that will see all nine of the band's studio albums reissued in chronological order, each remastered by Page.

Stream the interview here.





Judas Priest Appear On Later With Jools Holland
(hennemusic) Members of Judas Priest recently appeared on the BBC's Later With Jools Holland program to promote the forthcoming release of their new album, "Redeemer Of Souls."

Singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill and guitarist Richie Faulkner were on hand to talk about the project, while also confirming that they intend to tour to support the album.

Due July 15 in North America, "Redeemer Of Souls" will be issued in a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. The project marks Faulkner's studio debut with Priest; he replaced founding member K.K. Downing following his retirement in 2011.

Watch the Later With Jools Holland appearance here.





Singled Out: Mark Jones & 20 Paces' Fast and Free
Today Mark Jones, frontman of the alt-country stars Mark Jones & 20 Paces tells us about "Fast and Free" from their brand new album "Breaking Even," which was released this week. Here is the story:

"Fast and Free" is a tribute my childhood. It's a compilation of the things I did as a growing up. Living in four different houses in the same neighborhood, the people and scenery didn't change much and we became very familiar with both. It really speaks to the innocence of youth and how every day was full of exciting and new experiences.

Now that I'm older, and bombarded with the responsibilities of being an adult, the lyrics just came out while reminiscing about the good old days when life was free and easy. As a child you are always in such a hurry to grow up you don't take the time to enjoy life's defining moments. This song is an attempt to allow the listener to reflect on the simplistic beauty of those situations.

It also touches on the motif that as much as young people attempt to walk their own path in life, many of us follow in the footsteps of our parents. The nostalgia of returning to my roots and moving back home after college is what drove me to write this song. It's a song that all of us can relate to and we are proud to have released it as our first radio single.