Today's Day in Rock
Def Leppard's New Album Is 'Finished' Says Joe Elliot
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott was in a good mood as he began his Planet Rock radio show last week, excited that the band has completed recording their new studio album.
Fans have waited for a new album since 2008′s "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge" and Elliot opened his radio show with the following good news, "Yes, I do sound very jolly, don't I?!
"I'm jolly because we have finished the new album. Yes, well, apart from the mixing of it. We have sung our last word, played our last solo, hit our last drum. It's done!"
He didn't indicate when the band planned to release the album, but Ultimate Classic Rock reports that he suggested last month that they would release it following their upcoming tours (Europe and Canada this spring and this summer and fall in North America with Styx and Tesla. See all the upcoming dates here.
Former Guns N' Roses Members Reunite In Concert
(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses members Duff McKagan and Gilby Clarke reunited with Slash during his concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Saturday night and video from the jam has been posted online.
McKagan hit the stage with Slash at the city's Mandarine Park to play "It's So Easy" as the first encore before they were joined by Clarke for the show-closer, "Paradise City."
It was the second night in a row for McKagan, as he teamed with Slash for the same pair of tunes on March 6 at Teatro Vorterix. Both concerts saw Duff McKagan's Loaded and Clarke open for their former Guns N' Roses bandmate.
"Its been an amazing couple of days," says Slash. "SO much love from Argentina fans; + jamming w/ @DuffMckagan & @GilbyClarke Good X's THANK YOU!"
Wrong Band Targeted As Dimebag Grave Vandals
(TeamRock Radio) A Florida metal band have appealed for calm after being confused with the outfit involved in the desecration of Pantera icon Dimebag Darrell Abbot's grave.
Fans erupted with fury last month after an outfit called Nuclear Hellfrost claimed responsibility for vandalising the Texas memorial to the guitarist, who was shot dead on stage in 2004. A statement from Pantera spoke of their "absolute disgust."
Now a band named Hellfrost say they're being misidentified as Nuclear Hellfrost - and that they've been receiving death threats ever since the grave desecration was revealed.
Mainman Sinjin Wheatley says: "Lately we have been receiving a lot of hate mail because people have been confusing us with Nuclear Hellfrost. We just want to clarify that we are not associated with them or the recent vandalism to Dimebag's grave." Read more here.
Jack White Plans Special Release For Elvis Presley's First Recording
(Radio.com) Jack White is one of rock's quirkiest figures but he took that unofficial title to a new level last month. In early January, when the only copy of Elvis Presley's first ever recording, "My Happiness," sold for $300,000 at a Graceland auction, no one knew who the buyer was.
As it turns out, the figure behind the extravagant purchase was Third Man Records head Jack White--and he has big plans for it, according to his new cover story for Billboard.
This Record Store Day, White will reissue the recording done by a then-18-year-old Elvis in 1953. Though the details haven't been announced, it will likely arrive in a sleek package since his label has a history of coming up with innovative ways to package vinyl. Recall the Lazaretto hologram LP. Read more here.
Papa Roach Frontman Predicts Rock Resurgence
(TeamRock Radio) Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix predicts the rock genre will enjoy a resurgence - and it'll be the "biggest thing on the planet" by the year 2020. And he's namechecked Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice & Men, Falling In Reverse and others as the bands who'll spearhead the explosion of interest.
Shaddix tells Higgo: "I feel it coming back pretty strong. There's the contingent of bands that have stuck around like Korn, Deftones, Incubus - then there's this new wave of younger, heavier bands coming up.
The vocalist says, "Everything's cyclical and we've survived a few of the phases. I definitely feel there's a resurgence in rock. Give it another five years and it's going to be the biggest thing on the planet again. It's cool - it's exciting." Read more here.
Zeuss Producing New Queensryche Album
(Classic Rock) Queensryche have started recording their second album with vocalist Todd La Torre - and they've named Chris 'Zeuss' Harris as producer. The news was confirmed to those who've signed up for the PledgeMusic campaign associated with the project.
Drummer Scott Rockenfield says: "Zeuss has a great history of working with some of the top-notch metal and rock bands in the industry. He's recently done some work with Rob Zombie, so super-fun stuff for us and we're really excited about it."
He adds: "We've been digging in deep with pre-production and we're going to start recording all sort of stuff." La Torre - who replaced replacedGeoff Tate in controversial circumstances in 2012 - recently said the album would see Queensryche returning to their 80s roots and that 15 songs had been written for their second album since a controversial split with original singer Geoff Tate. Read more here.
Motorhead Reveal New Album Release Plans
(Classic Rock) Motorhead have confirmed their 22nd album will be released in the autumn of 2015 - their 40th anniversary year. Lemmy and co have been sharing video clips and images from their Los Angeles sessions, where they recently ran into Tool working in the same premises.
A statement reports: "Motorhead are currently in the recording studio with longtime producer Cameron Webb working on their upcoming album, which is due out fall 2015."
And the launch will be accompanied with a second edition of their Motorboat cruising festival in late September. The inaugural 2014 edition featured Anthrax, Down, Zakk Wylde, Testament and many others and the raucous adventure was captured on film. Read more here.
Mastodon Added To Forthcoming Game Of Thrones Mixtape
(TeamRock Radio) Mastodon have contributed a track to the upcoming Game Of Thrones mixtape release - joining Anthrax and Killswitch Engage on the free release. The collection, number two in a series, will be launched to coincide with the fifth season of the fantasy TV show, which begins broadcast via HBO on April 12.
The production firm say of Catch The Throne: "Volume 2 will transcend genres by adding Grammy-nominated metal bands Mastodon, Anthrax and Killswitch Engage to the mixtape lineup.
"Showcasing the importance of music in Game of Thrones, each song on the mixtape samples music from the show's season 4 soundtrack. This year's mixtape also weaves in the overarching theme of fire and ice, providing listeners with an exciting line-up of heavy metal and hip-hop artists." Read more here.
Rammstein Making No Plans This Year Says Richard Kruspe
(Classic Rock) Rammstein guitarist Richard Kruspe says the band will only return when they have an artistic vision they want to explore - and that moment is at least another year away.
They met in late 2014 for an annual discussion but agreed to remain on hiatus and compare notes again towards the end of next year. Meanwhile, he's concentrating on side-project Emigrate, while Rammstein vocalist Till Lindemann - who last year said he wasn't certain the German giants would regroup - focuses on his self-titled duo.
Kruspe tells Loudwire: "We meet always once a year and talk about things. We decided to postpone for another year. Next year in September we'll meet again.
"There's no plan for an album and no plan for a tour at the moment. That's where we stand." And he argues the advantages of the arrangement: "We don't have pressure to do certain things when there's no vision. I think it's a problem that sometimes you have to do records to promote a tour without a vision." Read more and watch the interview here.
The Replacements Releasing Box Set
(TeamRock Radio) The Replacements will reissue their full catalogue in an eight-disc collection, The Complete Studio Albums 1981-1990, in April via Rhino Records.
The box set from the Minneapolis outfit includes seven albums and the 1982 EP Stink, all issued during their original 12-year run after forming in Minneapolis in 1979.
The band split in 1991 but frontman Paul Westerberg and guitarist Tommy Stinson regrouped in 2012 for the EP Songs For Slim, a limited edition 10-inch vinyl release that was auctioned to raise money for former bandmate Slim Dunlap following a stroke.
It was Dunlap who inspired the group to reunite. Westerberg says: "We were talking to Slim when he was in the hospital, and I was like, 'Should we play?' And he said, 'Yeah, play.'"
The Replacements did just that, delivering their first show since 1991 at Riot Fest in Toronto in 2013. They will launch their first US tour in 25 years - Back By Unpopular Demand - in Seattle in April. Read more including the box set details here.
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour Adds Dates To Fall Tour
(hennemusic) David Gilmour has added two more shows at London's Royal Albert Hall to his fall European tour. The Pink Floyd guitarist - who is currently working on his fourth solo album - will now perform on October 2 and 3 for a total of five nights at the legendary London venue.
Tickets for all shows went on sale Friday morning and the extra dates were added on the fly due to overwhelming demand from fans, who scooped up seats for the first three concerts.
The fall shows will sync up with the launch of Gilmour's first solo record in eight years. Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera recently shared an update on the project, telling Uncut: "It's going very well. I think it sounds fantastic, people will be very happy." Read more here.
King Crimson Releasing Limited Edition Rarities For RSD
(Classic Rock) King Crimson will launch three rare live recordings as limited-edition releases for Record Store Day. This year's annual event, designed to offer more reasons to visit independent retail outlets, takes place on April 18 and already features special titles from Metallica, Mastodon, Robert Plant and others.
Mainman Robert Fripp's offerings include Live At The Marquee, July 6, 1969; Live At The Marquee, August 10, 1971; and Live In Gulldford, November 13, 1972.
The band say: "Previously only available as part of the King Crimson Collectors Club mail order series, these titles are available for a limited period of time. They represent some of the most exciting and interesting dates in the Crimson calendar." Read more here.
Atreyu Finished Recording New Album, Plan Fall Release
(TeamRock Radio) Speaking to Metal Hammer at Soundwave in Australia, Atreyu's Alex Varkatzas and Brandon Saller talk about the importance of time off, getting new tattoos, and plans for the band's next album.
"We just finished tracking our next record," says Brandon. "We have some festival shows we're doing throughout the summer, and we should have some new music out in the fall."
"It'll come out in September or October," adds Alex. "It doesn't have a title yet, but the tentative working title is Kick You In The Face." Watch the video interview here.
U2 Add New Dates To Innocence + Experience Tour
(hennemusic) U2 have announced that they have added an 8th and final show at New York's Madison Square Garden as part of their 2015 "Innocence + Experience" tour.
The July 31 date will be the last North American concert on the trek in support of 2014's "Songs Of Innocence" before it heads to Europe for shows this fall.
With the band performing multiple shows as they stop in different cities through North America and Europe, Bono has described how the band plan to mix things up.
"We are going to try to have a completely different feeling from night one to night two and have some fun playing with the idea of innocence and experience. More to be revealed!" Read more here.
Mike Portnoy Apologizes For London Health Care Rant
(Prog) Mike Portnoy has apologised to anyone offended by his health service rant after a visit to Accident & Emergency in London on Saturday. The drummer caused controversy after issuing a "no thanks" message to London's Whittington Hospital on Saturday. He'd had to leave their A&E ward without medical attention in order to perform with the Neal Morse Band at the Islington Assembly Hall.
His Facebook post generated nearly 3000 responses in 24 hours, with some offering support and others suggesting his ego had got the better of him. One comment even came from a Whittington staff doctor.
Now Portnoy says: "I'd just like to apologise to anybody I offended. It was not a personal attack or rage against England's health care system in general, of which I know nothing.
"Yesterday I was the sickest I've ever been in my life. Paramedics came to see me at the gig and decided to take me to the emergency room - only for the ambulance to run out of gas. I was then driven to the hospital by a very kind fan.
"Neal and I calmly waited in the A&E without any indication of when I would be seen. I did not expect any special treatment, or want to be put ahead of anybody else in need, as I have been so wrongly accused. We only wanted some - any - answers as the clock was ticking until showtime."
Portnoy says he got to the point where he had to decide to keep waiting or return to the venue, and finally left with 15 minutes before he was to take the stage. He continues: "I played the show in the worst physical condition of my life. I'm sure you can imagine how frustrating this experience was, and I stupidly posted about it on my social media." He had a lot more to say. Read the rest here.
Hawkind Fan Paying Band's Tour Bus Parking Ticket
(Classic Rock) A Hawkind fan has volunteered to pay a band parking fine - after he drunkenly swiped the ticket from their tour bus. Dougie Kell from Livingston, Scotland, woke up the morning after the space-rockers' appearance in Glasgow last week, to discover the official document in his pocket.
And now he's going to add it to his collection of rock'n'roll memorabilia. Dougie, 50, tells TeamRock: "The gig was mind-blowing, and a few of us that interact online met Mr. Dibs, Richard Chadwick and some of the guys afterwards. We spoke for over half an hour and it was brilliant.
"Basically I was pissed. I took the ticket, then I woke up the next morning and there it was. So I'm going to pay it!" The lifelong fan adds: "I first saw them in 1979. I've seen them about 15 times, and they're a very friendly band." Read more and see the photo here.
Steve Hackett Leads Night Of The Prog Lineup
(Prog) Steve Hackett leads the tenth anniversary Night Of The Prog bill at the Lorelei Amphitheatre in Germany on July 17-19. The bill also features Pain Of Salvation, Steve Rothery, Camel, Fish, Pendragon, Riverside, The Enid and more.
Organiser Winfried Volklein, who runs the festival in association with InsideOut Music, says: "Back in 2006 we started by accident when the owner of the amphitheatre asked me if I wanted to set up a show there.
"This led me to start a small festival with Fish, Mostly Autumn and Sylvan. The success was astonishing - it was pretty clear that we could continue, and make it two days. Read more here.
Crosby, Stills and Nash Announce UK Fall Tour
(Classic Rock) Crosby, Stills and Nash will return to the UK for eight shows in September, they've confirmed. The veteran trio will deliver material from across their career as a band, while also debuting new solo tracks from each member.
They say: "Prior to beginning the tour dates in London, the group will be will perform a series of exclusive concerts on board the Cunard's flagship, Queen Mary 2, during her September 4-11 transatlantic crossing. CSN will also participate in a Q&A session and autograph opportunity for passengers."
David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash joined by guitarist Shane Fontayne, drummer Russ Kunkel, bassist Kevin McCormick, keyboardist James Raymond and organist Todd Caldwell. Read more including the dates here.
In Hearts Wake Releasing Secret Album
(TeamRock Radio) In Hearts Wake have revealed they recorded a second album while working on last year's release Earthwalker. The resulting record, Skydancer, can be regarded as a twin work, and it's to be launched on May 4 via UNFD. They've released a video for lead track Breakaway.
Frontman Jake Taylor says: "I'd been searching for a concept that could explain the relationship between the masculine and feminine worlds, and how we need to be at peace with both.
"Many cultures believed the human body was a bridge between Mother Earth and Father Sky. One could not exist without the other - and therefore everything was one. To me, the essence of those energies could be seen even within my own parents. I felt like I was the product of both."
Skydancer includes an alternative version of the previously-released title track. Jonathan Vigil of The Ghost Inside, Marcus Bridge of Northlane and Ben Marvin and J Hurley of Hacktivist. Watch the video here.
KISS Unplug For Led Zeppelin and Beatles Classics
(hennemusic) KISS delivered covers of tunes by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles during an acoustic performance at a soundcheck for VIP ticket holders prior to their March 3 show at the Tokyo Dome in Japan and video of the full set has been posted online.
The band played Zeppelin's "You Shook Me" (originally recorded by Muddy Waters) and two Beatles songs - "If I Fell" and "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" - alongside a selection of their own classics like "Hard Luck Woman", "Calling Dr. Love" and "Beth."
"Biggest KISS Meet & Greet acoustic ever!", reports the band. "Over 700 in attendance at Tokyo Dome!" The March 3 stop was the final date of a Japanese tour by the band in support of the Japanese special edition of their greatest hits collection, "KISS 40."
The package differs from the 2014 North American release with the addition of the band's collaboration with Japanese pop idols Momoiro Clover Z, "Samurai Son", plus a DVD featuring three songs filmed at the Budokan in Tokyo on October 24th, 2013.
Incubus Present Dancing Biker Gangs In 'Absolution Calling' Video
(Radio.com) A month after releasing new single "Absolution Calling," Incubus now have a music video to debut for the track. The clip, a big budget affair from start to finish, finds the band riding motorcycles through the streets, complete with tricks performed without helmets. While we can't vouch for the safety of this, it does certainly look cool.
As the video progresses, the band appears a various biker gangs, from gruff Harley riders to hipsters on scooters. And when the gangs meet, they have no choice but to have a dance-off.
It's all in good spirits, with ace choreography and costumes. And in the end, Incubus make a pretty epic exit from the video. "Absolution Calling" is the lead single from Incubus' new EP Trust Fall: Side A, due out on March 24. A second EP is expected out later in the year. Watch the video here.
Black Star Riders Release 'The Killer Instinct' Video
(hennemusic) Black Star Riders have released a music video for the title track to their newly-released second album, "The Killer Instinct." The band recently delivered an acoustic performance of the song after issuing the lead video for the track "Finest Hour."
The follow-up to the group's 2013 debut, "All Hell Breaks Loose", was recorded in Nashville last year with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, The Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Mastodon).
"The Killer Instinct" debuted at No. 13 on the UK album charts as the band continues a co-headline UK tour with Europe in support of the new project. Watch the new video here.
Hatebreed Frontman Jamey Jasta Releases Solo Track
(TeamRock Radio) Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta has released solo band track The Immortal, inspired by UFC fighter Matt 'The Immortal' Brown. The Immortal will be available as a digital download on March 10.
The Immortal was written after Brown approached Jasta to create his latest entrance music. He says: "When Matt asked, an idea instantly came to mind. I'm a big fan of his so this worked out perfectly. Matt is fighting on March 14 at UFC 185 - it's going to be a war!"
Jasta and Hatebreed are no strangers to UFC - they're longtime sponsors of fighter Chris Camozzi. They commence a run of US shows later this month that includes a series of appearances on Slipknot's Prepare For Hell Tour. Listen to the new song here.
Richie Kotzen Reveals 18-Minute Preview Of Forthcoming Live DVD
(Classic Rock) Winery Dogs frontman Richie Kotzen has launched an 18-minute preview of his upcoming solo live DVD. A tour last year brought him to London's Islington O2 Academy in September, and now he's is giving fans a first taste of footage from the trek.
Kotzen says: "Something that's going to be appearing soon is a live DVD. I've got a very rough cut here - so rough that you can see the time code - but I figured, why not share a little sneak-peek of what's to come?"
The guitarist issued his 20th solo album, Cannibals, in January. The Winery Dogs - also featuring bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Mike Portnoy - plan to record their second album in May and they're eyeing a late summer release.
Kotzen says: "In my studio and I'm holding a stack of paper. This paper contains song lyrics that will eventually become Winery Dogs songs. I've been working well - I've got almost five here." Watch the video here.
Frank Black And The Catholics Stream 'How You Went So Far'
(Classic Rock) Frank Black And The Catholics will release 'The Complete Recordings' on April 20 through Cooking Vinyl and Team Rock has an exclusive stream of How You Went So Far, which is not available on the forthcoming release.
The seven-disc box set collects the band's six studio albums and adds a bonus disc, True Blue, featuring recordings from the 2002 Black Letter Days sessions.
The tracks, which were recorded between 1998 and 2003, will be presented in alphabetical order. Black explains: "It feels like an approximation of randomness and its a way to randomise something, especially if its titles.
"We get away from the preciousness of LPs we put out and its more about the body of work, the good times that we had. It's all recorded live to 2-track, as was our rule in the band."
Thunder Streaming New Single 'Resurrection Day'
(Classic Rock) Thunder have released a stream of the song Resurrection Day as the latest single from 10th album Wonder Days. It's the second track to appear from the follow-up to 2008's Bang! after the title number appeared in November.
Wonder Days, recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, last month debuted at number 9 in the UK album chart. Frontman Danny Bowes reacted by saying: "Thanks yet another million to you Thunder-loving maniacs for not only buying it, but telling others to do the same. It would appear we are very much back!"
Thunder play three UK shows this week with Reef, before returning to the Download festival on the weekend of June 12-14 and a one-off show with ZZ Top at London's SSE Arena, Wembley on June 24. See the dates and stream the song here.
Soilwork Release 'Bastard Chain' Live Video
(TeamRock Radio) Soilwork have released a live video for Bastard Chain. Originally appearing on the band's 2001 album A Predator's Portrait, the new version is taken from the Live In The Heart Of Helsinki DVD.
The footage was shot in March last year at the Circus Club in Helsinki, and features guest appearances by Nightwish, After Forever and Revamp singer Floor Jansen, and Sonic Syndicate's Nathan J. Biggs.
Soilwork have previously released a video for This Momentary Bliss from the live DVD, which is released on March 16 and can be ordered now. Watch the new live video here.
Anthrax Tease New Album Vocals In New Studio Video
(Classic Rock) Anthrax have released a studio teaser video featuring a hint of Joey Belladonna's lead vocals on their upcoming album. They're at work on the follow-up to 2011's Worship Music, which is expected during the summer. It's being produced by Jay Ruston.
In the newly released studio video clip Belladonna says: "Really not much more to it than just get in there and start hammering away at each song. Stay tuned!"
Drummer Charlie Benante recently told how he got a head-start on writing duties while he was sidelined with a hand injury, saying: "These ideas would come out of me and I don't even know where they came from. Before I knew what was going on I had huge stack of riffs. It was a great way to work." Watch the video here.
Singled Out: Melechesh's Lost Tribes
Today Ashmedi from Melechesh tells us about the song "Lost Tribes" which features a guest appearance from Max Cavalera of Soulfly and comes from their brand new album "Enki" (out this week in North America). Here is the story:
Our Latest Single which is a hectic multi layered song is entitled Lost Tribes, it is taken from our upcoming album ENKI. The song is very personal, being Assyrian Armenian from Jerusalem I have many family in the entire region, the song has a few meanings one of which refers to the ancient tribes in the near east and the great cultural legacy they left. But another meaning is what is happening to the indigenous people there especially by ISIS.
I was writing the song when I heard my cousin was shot by ISIS and was still alive, no further news was given. He lives in Syria and he is of an Armenian Christian background. His city is taken over by the ISIS terrorists. It did hit home last time I saw him was in the mid 80s we were little kids. This gave me further motivation to adjust the lyrics and speak about the roots of the peoples in the region and how they are being lost.
Musically the song has various thrash and black metal touches with middle eastern scaling and drum beats aside from the fast paced drums as well, we were honoured to have Max Cavalera of Soulfly on guest vocals as well he offered a different vocal approach than mine.
The song itself comes in two sections that have different moods. A very intense song and deeply personal to me. The song is performed with 12 string and 6 string electric guitars and all was tuned on 432 HZ
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