Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Lars Ulrich Gets Drum Off Challenge From Chad Smith and Will Farrell
Red Hot Chili Peppers Chad Smith and comedian Will Farrell recently faced off against each other in a drum battle on The Tonight Show. But the two have now thrown down the gauntlet and challenged Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich to a drum-off.

Smith and Ferrell were discussing their epic Tonight Show drum off with Spin Magazine when the subject of Ulrich came up. Spin asked Ferrell if he and Smith had any future plans together and he responded, "I mean, we did talk about another drum-off. With a third person that looks eerily similar to Chad and I. A third drummer out there."

Chad Smith added, "I think it's - did we talk about Lars?" and Ferrell responded, We talked about Lars [Ulrich], from Metallica. So, I don't know."

Spin then asked him if they have heard anything back from Lars and Ferrell responded, "Your article will be the first mentioning of it." Chad added, "This is a scoop!" and Ferrell continued, "Lars gets pissed because he gets mistaken for both me and Chad Smith. He can settle that score now, too."

Chad Smith then sealed the public challenge by saying, "There it is. The gauntlet is down."

Read the full Q&A here.




Chickenfoot Working On New Album
(hennemusic) Joe Satriani is sharing an update on the status of Chickenfoot, the supergroup that also features Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith.

The guitarist says a third album by the band is in the works. "It is in the pipeline," Satriani tells Artisan News. "Everyone's got demos, everyone's excited. I don't know about the schedule though. That is still - as usual - in the chaotic Chickenfoot state."

Chickenfoot released their self-titled debut in 2009 and their second album, "Chickenfoot III", in 2011. Juggling the band member's schedules has been the group's biggest challenge. more on this story




Joe Bonamassa Reveals New Album Release Plans
Joe Bonamassa has announced that his new album "Different Shades Of Blue," his first album feature all-original material, will be released on September 23rd (September 22nd in the UK.)

"It's been a while since I've been involved in the writing on an entire album. So I decided I wanted to make a completely original blues album," said Bonamassa in the announcement.

"I've really had to push myself to make everything I do better than the last project. I know the fans expect it. And I feel like I owe it to the fans to give them an original record after all these years."

According to his website, Bonamassa recorded the new album at Studio At The Palms in Las Vegas, NV, with producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin).

"It's definitely my favorite Joe Bonamassa record to date," said Shirley. "It's an album that deserves to be listened to in its entirety. Luckily Joe's fan base really seems to appreciate a body of work and not just songs."

Shirley adds, "I think Joe has learned the value of not underestimating his audience. He plays music as well as he can, and always tries to bring music of depth to his audience. We try very hard to make the records as multidimensional as possible and really try not to cut any corners in delivering them."

For the new album, Bonamassa spent time in Nashville writing with Jonathan Cain (Journey), known for hits "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms," and "When You Love A Woman;" James House (Diamond Rio, Dwight Yoakam, Martina McBride), and Jerry Flowers (Keith Urban).

"The writers really inspired me, and having access to really great lyricists and songwriters made it such a great experience," said Bonamassa.





Tom Petty Streaming Two New Songs
(hennemusic) Tom Petty is streaming two more new songs from his forthcoming album, "Hypnotic Eye", following last week's release of the lead single, "American Dream Plan B".

Petty is sharing full previews of "Red River" and "U Get Me High." Due July 29, "Hypnotic Eye" will be available in CD, digital, high resolution Blu-ray audio and vinyl formats.

The vinyl will be available as 1-LP or as 2-LPs inclusive of an additional track not available in any other format. The project is the band's first new studio album in four years.

Stream the new songs here.






Classic Rock Stars To Pay Tribute To The Doors
(hennemusic) A star-studded list of classic rockers will appear on a new tribute album to The Doors. Due June 24, "Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute To The Doors" will feature a variety of artists performing versions of Doors classics like "Light My Fire", "Riders On The Storm", "Break On Through (To The Other Side)", "Love Her Madly", "L.A. Woman", "People Are Strange", and more.

Rockers included current and former members of Deep Purple, Yes, Grand Funk, Rainbow, ELP, the Moody Blues, The Cars and others, alongside Pat Travers, Todd Rundgren, Edgar Winter and more.

Not one but two members of the quintessential prog rock band Yes - keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman and lead guitarist Steve Howe - joined Deep Purple's Ian Gillan on the signature song, "Light My Fire", which as Wakeman explains, "has always been one of those iconic tracks that keyboard players listen to because of the fact that there are so few tracks with keyboard/organ solos on them compared to our six-stringed buddies. It's also a solo area that is totally open to interpretation so whatever you do is not comparable to the original, so it was an absolute joy to do." more on this story





Richie Sambora To Honor Les Paul At Upcoming Shows
(Gibson) In conjunction with guitar legend Les Paul's 99th birthday Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora announced that he will also be celebrating the musician with three special performances.

Sambora is set to play three gigs at The Iridium, the New York City club where Les Paul performed once a week up until he passed away in 2009. Richie is playing one show on July 22, followed by two appearances on the 23rd. It has not been made clear if Sambora intends to play his own solo material or if this show will contain many covers, only that it "promise to be impressive nights of authentic rock 'n' roll, celebrating the electric guitar sounds and versatility made possible by Paul's inventive mind," according to Richie Sambora's website.

In related Richie Sambora news, European fans have the opportunity to catch the man live during June and early July as the guitarist does a handful of solo appearances throughout the Europe, including gigs in the UK, France, and Germany. Richie is bringing along female guitarist Orianthi for the European shows. The pair toured together in Australia earlier this year have collaborated on an as yet unreleased album. more on this story






Motley Crue Country Tribute Album Release Pushed Back
(hennemusic) Motley Crue's country music tribute album, "Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Motley Crue", has been pushed back from its original July 8 street date and will now be released on August 19.

The project will feature a variety of notable country music artists covering Motley Crue tracks as the rockers prepare to launch their farewell tour this summer.

"Nashville Outlaws" features performances by Rascal Fatts, LeAnne Rimes, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Gretchen Wilson, Justin Moore, Cassadee Pope (with Cheap Trick's Robin Zander) and more. more on this story





Jack White Expands World Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Jack White has expanded his upcoming world tour in support of his newly-released album, "Lazaretto", with the announcement of a series of new concert dates.

New additions to the schedule include an appearance at the Newport Folk Festival on July 26, eight more North American shows in August/September, and a 4-show UK tour set for November.

White recently kicked off the trek with a series of US shows running to mid-month, including an appearance at Bonnaroo on June 14; he'll then head to Europe for a month of dates before returning to North America for some late summer shows. more on this story






Rush's Presto Set For Limited Edition SACD Reissue
(Prog) Rush's 13th album Presto is to be released in a numbered, limited-edition hybrid SACD by Audio Fidelity. They have not yet announced a release date but did offer some details about the special reissue:

The boutique label specialize in delivering 24-carat gold CDs which deliver "the ultimate sound of a classic recorded performance without the irregular plated surfaces of standard aluminium discs."

They say: "Rush were never a band known to play the same sort of thing for any extended period. By 1989 a change was inevitable - and with Presto it was a change for the better. The synths were toned back while the guitars were brought up to a reasonable level allowing the emphasis to return to the rhythm instruments, resurrecting the groove that Rush maintains so very well. more on this story





Rob Dukes 'Bummed' About Exodus Firing
(TeamRock Radio) Rob Dukes says he's "bummed" after being fired by Exodus in favour of classic-era vocalist Steve Souza's return. The thrash icons confirmed the move at the weekend, saying it was a "difficult choice" but that "a change was necessary."

Now they've reported Souza will start recording vocals for their tenth studio album this week. Dukes, who started out with the band as a guitar tech before rising to front them for nine years and four albums, tells Blabbermouth: "I've had the experience of touring the world, playing music.

"I was just a regular guy - a fan - and I got the chance to front a legendary band with no prior experience of being a singer. I had no idea what I was doing; I made it up as I was going along.

"It was a great chapter in my life. I'm bummed it ended with them, but I have another band, Generation Kill. So I'll concentrate on that right now." more on this story




Red Dragon Cartel Salvage Tour Following Promoter Dispute
(Classic Rock) Red Dragon Cartel have saved what's left of their UK tour following their public spat with their now ex agent. Tensions boiled over at the weekend after a disagreement, apparently over work visas, led to the last-minute cancellation of Jake E Lee's show in Wolverhampton.

The band accused agent Denise Dale of creating a "total f***ing joke" of a situation and branded her "completely unreasonable, immature" and "unprofessional." Dale responded by describing a "Spinal Tap moment" with Lee's girlfriend, and confirmed the band's next show at the Tivoli in Buckley had also been called off.

Now Red Dragon Cartel have secured the services of another promoter, meaning the Buckley show will take place as planned on Friday, with tickets reduced in price. more on this story





Bleachers Trys To Channel Springsteen Classic On New Single
(Radio.com) With Bleachers' latest single, "Rollercoaster" Jack Antonoff was looking to channel his inner-Springsteen. In an interview with Radio.com, Antonoff says the track off his upcoming debut Strange Desire was his full-hearted attempt at making his own, modern version of Springsteen's 1984 track, "Dancing in the Dark."

"He's like the greatest songwriter in history, ever," Antonoff said of the fellow New Jersey native. "He's just unapologetic and not afraid to make you dance or make you cry."

With the release of his new song, Antonoff also announced he'll be hitting the road for the first leg of his world tour. The 22-date trek kicks off on July 20 in Dover, Del., for the Firefly Festival, while also hitting New York City, Boston and Chicago's Lollapalooza. more on this story





Gilby Clarke Postpones Tour Dates
(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke has postponed a series of UK and Spanish tour dates that were set to begin this week. A total of seven shows are affected, including four in the UK and three in Spain.

"I regret that we couldn't make these dates happen," says Clarke. "You can refund your tickets or keep them for the rescheduled dates." Rescheduled concerts will be announced soon.

Clarke will now kick off his summer shows at the Tiszavirag festival in Szolnok, Hungary on June 20; he'll play a series of US shows with Quiet Riot and Faster Pussycat starting July 10 in San Diego, California. more on this story







Ace Frehley Performs KISS Classics With Night Ranger & George Lynch
(hennemusic) Ace Frehley performed some KISS classics at the May 24 debut of Carnegie Rocks!, an exhibit at the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, California designed to help gather support for the center and its community musical education programs.

The original lead guitarist for KISS played "Cold Gin" and "Rock And Roll All Night" at the event with fellow guests Night Ranger and guitarist George Lynch.

The Carnegie Rocks! exhibit features Frehley's Cherry Sunburst played during the sessions for the 1977 KISS album, "Love Gun", and at the band's legendary Budokan Hall concert in 1977; his original John Elder Robison Light-Up guitar from KISS' Dynasty Tour; and "Space Ace" costume from the KISS Farewell Tour. Peter Criss' KISS Reunion Tour drum kit is another of the highlights, amongst dozens more one of a kind items.

Watch the video here.






Spoon Release Unofficial 'Rent I Pay' Video
(Radio.com) Spoon recently debuted their new song "Rent I Pay" at a show hosted by NPR at NYC's Le Poisson Rouge, and now they're treating fans to a studio version of their latest track.

The bluesy guitar-heavy song, which kicks off their new album, They Want My Soul (out Aug. 5), has Britt Daniel repeatedly proclaiming, ""That's the rent I pay/Like my brother say."

The band has already previewed two tracks off their follow-up to 2010′s Transference live, including "Rainy Taxi" and "Knock Knock Knock," which they played at this past weekend's Governors Ball.

They Want My Soul is their first record to feature an outside producer in Joe Chiccarelli, who has worked with Beck and the Strokes, and Dave Fridmann, who has worked with The Flaming Lips.

The band also shared an "unofficial" music video for the song. Check it out here.




Rise Against Stream New Song 'I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore'
(Radio.com) Rise Against have released "I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore," the first single from their album The Black Market due in stores July 15. The single is available for download today on Amazon and iTunes.

As is customary with many of today's premieres, the band debuted the song with an accompanying lyric video with scenes from their latest photo shoot. "I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore" is a track fairly in line with many of the rockers' more recent affairs, with punk-esque drumming, rapid-fire riffs and a fist-pumping chorus from vocalist Tim McIlrath, plus refrains of "Where do we go?"

Last week, the band shot scenes for the official music video, which is said to be coming soon. The Chicago-based punk rock foursome have gone introspective for their seventh album. "Rise Against has always been a political band, but also a personal band," McIlrath said in a release. "We've always had songs that have a foot in both worlds. This album is a lot more introspective to me."

Check out the lyric video here.





Maybeshewill Releasing New Album This Summer
(Prog) Maybeshewill have confirmed their fourth album is named Fair Youth and it's set for release on August 25 via Superball Music. The band will mark the launch with their biggest-ever UK headline show at the Garage in London on October 17.

They say of the follow-up to 2011's I Was Here For A Moment, Then I Was Gone: "It's taken its time - but we're happy to say it's finally finished, and we're really, really happy with it.

"Fair Youth was recorded at Seamus Wong and Park Farm studios with our very own Jamie Ward's steady hand at the production helm once again. We're unbelievably excited for what the next couple of years have in store."

Watch the album trailer here.




Sepultura's Home Roots Demo Goes Online
(TeamRock Radio) The original demo version of classic Sepultura track Roots Bloody Roots has emerged. Max Cavalera's demo was recorded at home and features him on vocals and guitar. It would go on to become the opening track to the band's sixth album, Roots - released in 1996.

The heavily downtuned track drew influence from the nu-metal bands of that era, a fact Cavalera described as an about turn as those bands had themselves been influenced by early Sepultura.

Cavalera's new project Killer Be Killed released their self-titled debut album in May. Listen to the Max Cavalera's Roots Bloody Roots demo stream online here.






Metallica Perform Ride The Lightning Classics In Oslo
(hennemusic) Metallica are sharing video of their performance of a pair of classics from their 1984 album, "Ride The Lightning", from their show in Oslo, Norway on June 1.

The video package includes footage from the pre-show Met Club meet and greet, the band warming up in the Tuning Room and "Fade To Black" and "For Whom The Bell Tolls" from the concert.

Metallica are currently in the middle of a "By Request" European tour. Following their June 9 headlining slot at Holland's Pinkpop Festival, the band will enjoy a two-week break before returning to the stage on June 28 - when they will become the first metal act to headline UK's Glastonbury Festival.

Watch the video here.






Linkin Park's Full Rock am Ring Performance Goes Online
(hennemusic) Linkin Park headlined the Rock am Ring Festival in Germany this past Saturday night (June 7th), and video of the bands full performance is available online.

The 4-day festival also included headline sets by Iron Maiden (Jun 5), Kings Of Leon (Jun 6) and Metallica (Jun 8). On June 17, Linkin Park will release their new album, "The Hunting Party."

The project sees guest appearances from Helmet's Page Hamilton, System Of A Down's Daron Malakian and rapper Rakim. The follow-up to 2012's "Living Things" is the first project by the band since lead singer Chester Bennington joined Stone Temple Pilots last year.

Watch the Rock em Ring video here.







Video From Robert Plant's Tour Kick Off Goes Online
(hennemusic) Robert Plant launched his summer tour with The Sensational Space Shifters at the Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco last Thursday, and video from the event is available.

The group will be on the road for seven weeks through mid-July before taking a break in theier live schedule. Plant will release a new solo album on September 9th.

The Led Zeppelin singer primarily worked on the project at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in southwestern England. Watch video from the tour kick off here.




Singled Out: Brother Firetribe's For Better Or For Worse
Today Brother Firetribe singer Pekka Ansio Heino tells us about the song "For Better or For Worse" from their brand new album "Diamond In The Firepit," which was just released in the U.S. Here is the story:

As soon as I heard the keyboard riff our keyboard player Tomppa Nikulainen had come up with, I knew it would be fairly easy to end up with a good, catchy song. I wanted the chorus to be a sing-along type of thing - as always - and wanted to approach the thing through rhythm. I already had the melody for the chorus and tried singing it legato but something was missing. So we decided to splice up the first words to both bars of the chorus and ended up with a nice hook.

We basically had the song structured already when Tomppa came up with a great idea of modulating the second verse. It lifted the song nicely and made the return to the bridge sound interesting.

Lyrically it's basically about how hard it is to let go of someone after a relationship is over when you still have feelings for that person but knowing it only makes things worse if you stay in touch.