Today's Day In Rock!

Guns N' Roses To Play For 2 and Half Hours on U.S. Tour
Following a series of leaked dates, Guns N' Roses have officially announced a fall tour of the North America, their first tour state-side in five years.

The band promises that the 30 concerts will each last two and a half hours and will kick off on October 28th in Orlando, Florida.

The initial dates and routing has been announced with a promise of more to come. The tour is set to conclude with a New Year's Eve concert in a yet to be announced location. more on this story

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RIP For R.E.M.
(Gibson) R.E.M. have decided to "call it a day as a band." After 30 years together, singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills have had enough. Founding drummer Bill Berry left in the mid-'90s.

In their own words: The guys share their thoughts on ending the band. Mike Mills: "During our last tour, and while making Collapse Into Now and putting together this greatest hits retrospective, we started asking ourselves, 'what next?' Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together.

"We have always been a band in the truest sense of the word. Brothers who truly love, and respect, each other. We feel kind of like pioneers in this – there's no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We've made this decision together, amicably and with each other's best interests at heart. The time just feels right."

Read the rest here

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Megadeth, Motorhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil Tour Coming
(Loudwire) Dave Mustaine is rarely at a loss for words. With the Big 4 at Yankee Stadium show behind him and a new album on the horizon, the Megadeth leader is already talking about touring plans down the road.

"This year coming up we're gonna be having us, Motorhead, a great band that's coming up called Volbeat and Lacuna Coil," the frontman revealed in a video interview with Street Date (watch here).

Megadeth toured as part of the Mayhem festival over the summer. It was while on that package tour alongside bands like Disturbed and Godsmack where Mustaine sustained a neck injury which required surgery. More including the video

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Pearl Jam Raring To Go Forward With New Music
(Banana 101.5) Pearl Jam hasn't let all the self-reflection involved with their 20th anniversary celebration turn them in to a nostalgia act, they are still looking to the future.

Prior to drummer Matt Cameron's touring obligations with Soundgarden, the members of PJ hit the studio with longtime friend and producer Brendan O'Brien to record some songs for what will become their tenth studio record. Bassist Jeff Ament recently told Rolling Stone how the album is coming along and how recording was a much needed break from memory lane.

While Pearl Jam is hoping to be finished by early 2012, Manager Kelly Curtis wouldn't be surprised if we hear more new music soon: "They knocked out a bunch of songs in just a couple weeks with Brendan, and everybody was blown away. It's hard for them to sit on that sh*t. They're raring to go forward." Read Ament's comments about the new music here

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Aerosmith Working Towards Spring Release
(hennemusic) Last week, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton checked in with an update on the band's new project in a video message for fans. He's back with another update.

"We're at the point now where Jack [Douglas], our producer, and our engineer, Warren [Huart], are compiling all kinds of stuff from all summer, just taking all the bits and pieces that we recorded for the last two and a half months and assembling it, so we can then go and put more guitars on, and more vocals and whatever else we think [we may need to do]," says Tom.

"I know I have a couple of little things to do before I'm done, but I'm mostly finished and I'm looking forward to the whole thing being put together and the vocals going on," he continues. "Next spring, baby — that's what we want. I know you've been waiting a long time; we've been waiting. We're excited. A lot of people that we know and trust who have come and heard what we're working on think we're doing something really cool. So I hope you'll think the same thing." check out the video here

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Chris Cornell Announces New U.S. Acoustic Tour
(hennemusic) This past spring, Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell went out on his first-ever solo acoustic "Songbook" tour, and now he's back for more.

Having already announced dates in Australia, New Zealand and South America, Cornell has added another run of U.S. shows to his solo acoustic trip, giving even more fans the chance to see him perform unplugged and up close.

Venues this time around include Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami, Florida; Carnegie Hall in New York City; Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco; and the Orpheum in Los Angeles. more on this story

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Hinder Record NFL Song
(Banana 101.5) Hinder has recorded a new song to contribute to the NFL's 'Official Gameday Music' arsenal, the track is called 'The Fight's About to Begin'.

Hinder has made it clear recently that they are big fans of the pigskin, whether it be handled by professional or collegiate athletes. About a month ago the band released a new fight song they recorded for the Oklahoma Sooners football team titled 'Sooners Don't Back Down'.

The Oklahoma natives' latest football-inspired tune has been officially picked up by the NFL. Read more and check out the song here

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Disturbed's David Draiman Getting Married This Weekend
(Loudwire) Disturbed singer David Draiman will marry his model/actress/WWE professional wrestler/professional tandem surfer fiancee Lena Yada on Sunday (Sept. 25) at an undisclosed location, the Pulse of Radio reports.

Draiman, 38, has known Yada, 32, for 10 years, dated her for two and got engaged to her last December, he revealed in a Tweet he posted on Monday.

Yada, who goes by the nickname 'The Asian Sensation,' also appeared in the video for Disturbed's 'The Animal,' the third single off the band's 2010 album, 'Asylum.' Other members of Disturbed will be involved in the wedding

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Evanescence To Deliver 12 Songs
(PopCrush) Evanescence's self-titled third album will feature 12 tracks, according to the tracklisting revealed today by NME.

The first song on the record is 'What You Want,' the powerful lead single from the project. The song has entered the Top 20 on Billboard's Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts.

Other titles on the album include 'Never Go Back,' 'Lost in Paradise,' 'End of the Dream,' and 'Swimming Home,' which serves as the final track on the album. Thoughts from Amy Lee and the full tracklisting

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Evans Blue Preview New Single
(Banana 101.5) Evans Blue are currently holed-up in Traverse City, Michigan recording the follow-up to their self-titled third album.

While their second outing with vocalist Dan Chandler is still a bit out of reach, the band is eying October for the release of their new single 'This Time It's Different'.

Check out a peek into the recording session for the single and a video of the band performing the track live here

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Staind and Dream Theater Make Top 10 Debuts
(Loudwire) Staind sold 47,000 copies of their self-titled seventh album to debut at No. 5 on this week's Billboard 200 albums chart.

Staind's last album, 2008′s 'The Illusion of Progress,' moved just more than 90,000 copies in its opening week to land at No. 3 on the tally.

In other chart action, Dream Theater's 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' bows at No. 8 on the tally on the backs of 36,000 units sold. Their 2009 release, 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings,' sold 40,000 in its first week to also debut in the top 10. See what other hard rockin' releases debuted in the Top 20

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Steve Perry Declines Journey Invitation
(Ultimate Classic Rock) Although he's been officially absent from the recording studio and concert stages for a number of years now, former Journey vocalist Steve Perry maintains an active connection with his fanbase, occasionally answering a series of questions via his official fan site to shed light on both his career and current activities.

With the imminent release of a new hits package from Journey, titled 'Greatest Hits Vol. 2,' Perry took some time to catch fans up with his latest happenings.

He responded to Neal Schon's recent comments that Perry has an "open door" to come out and jam with the group anytime by calling it a "kind invitation" but one that he says he will "respectfully decline." He has more to say on the matter here

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Jane's Addiction To Controversial Cover Art
(Ultimate Classic Rock) Fans waiting patiently for the Oct. 18 release of Jane's Addiction's fourth studio album, 'The Great Escape Artist,' have a little something to help bide their time: the disc's front cover artwork to stare at.

The cover art, which features what looks to be a lone male figure stripped down to nothing more than his skivvies and hanging out in a bedroom full of fun items like a computer, a diary, Christmas lights and an electric guitar, shares striking stylistic similarities with the original cover of the band's multi-platinum 1990 album, 'Ritual de lo Habitual.'

That cover, which included papier mache figures of a naked man with two (two!) nude women, was replaced by a second cover featuring only black text (featuring the so-called "freedom of speech" text of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution) on a white background. Farrell created the papier mache version, which was used by braver stores. Read more and check out the new art here

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Punk Rock Dads From Blink-182, Devo, Pennywise Are The Other F Word
(GA) Punk rock dads, including members of Blink-182, Devo, Pennywise are featured in the new documentary "The Other F Word" which be hitting theaters nationwide in November/December.

What happens when a generations ultimate anti-authoritarians – punk rockers – become society's ultimate authorities – dads? "The Other F Word" is the revealing, funny, and touching film that tackles this question.

With a large chorus of punk rock's leading men – including Blink-182's Mark Hoppus, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, and Rise Against's Tim McIlrath – the documentary follows Jim Lindberg, a 20-year veteran of the skate punk band Pennywise, on his hysterical and moving journey from belting his band's anthem "F—k Authority," to embracing his ultimately authoritarian role in mid-life: fatherhood. more on this story

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The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Fall Tour
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have announce their initial North American tour dates for this fall.

They will be hitting the road in support of their third studio LP, Am I The Enemy, which was produced by John Feldmann [Goldfinger].

The initial run of dates kick off on October 13th in San Antonio, TX and run until November 23rd in Jacksonville Beach, FL. More dates are expected to be announced soon more on this story

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Gary Holt Says The Mosh Pit Was Born in Berkeley
Gary Holt of Exodus explores the birthplace of stage diving and mosh pits in the Thrash metal scenes in a new book. The publisher sent this over: In upcoming deluxe thrash metal photo book Murder In The Front Row: Shots From the Bay Area Thrash Metal Epicenter, by Harald Oimoen and Brian Lew, guitarist Gary Holt of Exodus (and currently Slayer) claims that the bruising scenes seen nightly at metal shows everywhere first came to thrash metal from punk at Ruthie's Inn in Berkeley, CA.

"From our first show together with Slayer," Holt writes, "to all the shows with everyone from Death Angel, Possessed, Violence, Legacy, and many others, Ruthie's Inn lives in infamy because it's the one and only birthplace of violence becoming part and parcel to an Exodus show.

"I had never seen a stage dive, a pit, or anything coming close to resembling that before Ruthie's. It was born there, with the help of Wes Robinson and the Exodus Slay Team, and anyone who says different doesn't know what they're talking about or they're lying to you. While the rest of the metal world would later come around and learn the joys of a little good friendly violent fun, it all started there at Ruthie's, end of story." more on this story

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Within Temptation Member Sitting Out Tour
(Loudwire) Within Temptation's rhythm guitarist Robert Westerholt and frontwoman Sharon den Adel had their third child, a son, earlier this year.

With the band touring extensively behind its latest release, 'The Unforgiving,' Westerholt has decided to step away from the road in order to focus on the couple's children and help create future Within Temptation projects.

Adel and Westerholt released a statement on their official website, you can read it and find out who will be filling in here.

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Cradle of Filth To Release Mini Album in Roctober
(SMUK) Cradle of Filth will release their new mini-album, Evermore Darkly, in the UK on 24th October 2011 (US & Canada - 18th October).

This will be preceded by the single Lilith Immaculate, which will be available to download from October 3rd.

A follow-on from last year's triumphant Darkly, Darkly, Venus Aversa album, Evermore Darkly will arrive as a CD/DVD package including new tracks & rarities, with a lengthy on-the-road documentary and ten songs filmed live at this year's Graspop metal meet, as well as the video for Lilith Immaculate. more on this story

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Free Gary Moore Download
(Gibson) Live at Montreux is out this week and it features the last recorded concert from the much-missed Gary Moore.

In his later life, the renowned Irish Les Paul player was headed in a rockier direction after many years releasing songs that reflected his original blues inspirations.

The Live at Montreux set list, recorded in 2010, draws heavily on Moore's successful rock albums of the 1980s along with a couple of his classic blues tracks. It also includes three brand-new songs that would have featured on a planned album, left uncompleted on Moore's death in February 2011.

You can get a free video download of "Oh Wild One" now, by visiting the official Gary Moore website here and watch a video for "Where are You Now?" here.

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Madina Lake Added To Me Talk Pretty's Wake-Up! Tour
(MSO) Madina Lake will join the first-ever "Wake-Up! Tour" supporting Me Talk Pretty this fall.

The nationwide U.S. tour will kick off November 26 in Baltimore, MD and will wrap up December 18 in New York City, Hell Or Highwater and New Years Day will round out the bill.

Madina Lake will be touring in support of their new album, World War III, which features the single "Imagineer," co-written and produced by Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. more on this story

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Stevie Ray Vaughan Book Volume II Coming Soon
(Gibson) The second volume of Craig Hopkins' acclaimed biography of Texas blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan will be published in November.

Stevie Ray Vaughan – Day by Day, Night After Night: His Final Years 1983-1990 follows 2010's first volume, His Early Years, 1954-1982. This second volume covers Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's recording career, from their debut release in 1983 and performance at Carnegie Hall the following year through their rise to global stardom.

This volume promises hundreds of photos and quotes from some of SRV's famous fans. Indeed, the book's foreword is written by ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. It will be published on 15 November. more on this story

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The New Mastersounds Announce U.S. Tour
(SWM) The New Mastersounds will hitting the North American road this November in support of their new release, "Breaks from the Border," their first album recorded on U.S. soil.

The New Mastersounds funk powerhouse includes Eddie Roberts (guitar), Simon Allen (drums), Peter Shand (bass) and Joe Tatton (keys).

On tour the set will include cuts from "Breaks from the Border" the seventh studio recording from NMS released August 9th on Tallest Man Records. more on this story

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Brutal Truth Streaming New Album Online
(ESP) Brutal Truth are currently streaming their new full-length album, End Time, online for fans to preview.

End Time was recorded with Doug White at Watchman Studios in Lockport, NY and is set for a September 27th North American release date. Check out the stream here.

Beyond the normal CD, LP, and digital offerings, End Time will also be available in a limited edition box set that includes the CD with six bonus tracks, a 20-page booklet, six custom art flats, a marijuana-scented disc card, and more. more on this story

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The Amity Affliction Set U.S. Release
Roadrunner Records has plans to introduce Aussie rockers The Amity Affliction to U.S. fans. Here are the details they sent over:

The band has scorched a trail Down Under and is now poised to stake its claim in the U.S. Roadrunner will release Youngbloods digitally on Oct. 25 and the band will head back into the studio in early 2012 to record the follow up with Youngbloods producer Machine (Lamb of God, Cobra Starship, Suicide Silence.)

The Amity Affliction's humble origins date back six years ago in a small town in Queensland, Australia. With an industrial sized bucket of elbow grease, the band became a fixture on the local touring circuit. The Amity Affliction quickly ascended the ranks and became one of the best-loved bands in Oz. Armed with cheeky song titles, a party attitude and the type of aggressive and forward- thinking metal that will simultaneously make you think while putting hair on your chest, The Amity Affliction deliver a poignant message encased in mosh-worthy anthems. more on this story

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Gama Bomb, Onslaught and Fallen Fate Tour Kicks Off
(Earache) Gama Bomb kicked off a UK tour with Onslaught last night at The Globe in Cardiff.

Gama Bomb will be joining Onslaught and Fallen Fate for ten shows before heading out on a headlining European tour in October.

Gama Bomb frontman Philly Byrne comments: "There will be thrash. Let there be hair and booze and poorly maintained instruments and may the lord Dio bless this unholy enterprise. Amen." more on this story

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Singled Out: Edward Rogers' Porcelain
Today Edward Rogers tells us about the title track from his upcoming fourth solo album, "Porcelain," which hits stores on November 8th. Here is the story:

The inspiration for "Porcelain's" Charlotte came from a Musicians On Call visit to The New York Foundling facility in NYC. That day, I saw children and tiny babies that were given up to the city because their parents couldn't afford or didn't want to keep a sick child in their home. There was one young girl in particular that stayed in my head; she left a lasting image. I kept thinking, "what was going to happen to her while living in this very brittle white room with no one in the world to look after her?" I thought about what a tough and emotionally-disturbing life she was going to face. That experience and her reality motivated me write "Porcelain."

Charlotte holds her head up high
She wants to try and touch the sky
Lives in a world that's hers alone
No one enters fear of the unknown

Even though Charlotte's situation is unknown, I wasn't inspired to write a slow, and obviously sad song. I wanted the song to have an edge to it, reflecting the brittle situation she was put in and how she will have to deal with her future. And, I think the lyrics can have different meaning, different interpretations depending on who's listening. My producer, Don Piper, and I had three guitarists play on the track - Don, along with James Mastro and Pete Kennedy. I've worked with Claudia Chopek (violin) before, but on "Porcelain" her parts fight with the other instruments, adding to the intensity I felt the song needed. The rhythm section, Sal Maida and Konrad Meissner laid back a solid strong wall for the other musicians to play off of, while the intense baritone sax solo, played by Doug Weiselman, adds to the vibe of the song - pushing it to the last chorus and outro. The message is "it's a tough future for you out there"

Charlotte what will become of you
As your love ones fade away from view
No longer there to protect
The girl with the porcelain disease
Fading away

Priest fans don’t miss KK

Ian Hill says no one’s asking about departed axeman – and believes Downing didn’t enjoy being in band any longer


Out of sight, out of mind: KK Downing

The last remaining founding member of Judas Priest says former bandmate KK Downing isn’t missed by their fans.

Bassist Ian Hill reports that no one’s been asking him about the guitarist now he’s been replaced by former Lauren Harris axeman Richie Faulkner.

And while he’s in the dark about why Downing decided to quit ahead of Priest’s final world tour, he suspects he just didn’t like being in the band as much as he used to.

Hill tells the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner: “Richie is an altogether great talent. He does what Ken did plus his own little traits. He’s a great performer and character.

“The crowd is taking to him well, and with all due respect to Ken, no one’s missing him. No one’s asking about Ken. You’ll know why when you see Richie perform.”

Like other members of the metal pioneers, Hill says he was surprised when his schoolboy friend made the decision to leave. He reveals Faulkner knew for about a month he’d been given the role before it was announced.

“God bless him, he kept his mouth shut,” says the bassist. “We said, ‘Richie, if he doesn’t come back, you’ve got the job.’ He must have been waiting to tell somebody.”

Asked precisely why Downing quit Hill responds: “Anything I say would be speculation. Personally, I think he had enough. Out of all of us, maybe he’s the one who enjoyed it the least. If you ever get the opportunity that’s something you’d have to ask him.”

Meanwhile, Hill says the band are flattered by the number of big-name acts lining up to appear on tribute album The Chosen Few.

Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Joe Elliott, James Hetfield, Slash, Lemmy, Kerry King and Corey Taylor have all chosen their favourite Priest tracks to appear on the compilation.

Hill says: “There’s no high attribute when you get Lemmy and Ozzy on there. It seems like a fantastic list.”

Tracklisting:

Diamonds And Rust chosen by Joe Elliott
Dissident Aggressor chosen by Steve Vai
Exciter chosen by Accept
Beyond The Realms Of Death chosen by Lars Ulrich
Delivering The Goods chosen by Kerry King
The Green Manalishi with the Two Pronged Crown chosen by David Coverdale
The Ripper chosen by Ozzy Osbourne
Victim Of Changes chosen by James Hetfield
Breaking The Law chosen by Lemmy
Rapid Fire chosen by Vinnie Paul
Grinder chosen by Zakk Wylde
Living After Midnight chosen by Alice Cooper and Geezer Butler
Screaming For Vengeance chosen by Slash
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming chosen by Klaus Meine and Corey Taylor
The Sentinel chosen by Chris Jericho
Turbo Lover chosen by Jonathan Davis
Painkiller chosen by Joe Satriani

W.A.S.P. "30 Years of Thunder" World Tour starts 2012.

W.A.S.P. – “30 Years of Thunder”

Twenty Nine years ago today, on September 21st 1982, W.A.S.P. played their first show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

On September 21st 2012 W.A.S.P. will begin the “30 Years of Thunder” anniversary Tour starting in the United Kingdom and continue Worldwide!!

This World Tour will be the biggest spectacle W.A.S.P. have ever created. The two hour show will consist of three parts. A one hour set contain songs from the first four albums. The second set will be a 25 minute shortened version of “The Crimson Idol” complete with the movie accompaniment. A third set will consist of material from the New Studio Album, older material and everything in between. This show will see multiple video screens, pyrotechnics, and elements from the early W.A.S.P. shows (maybe even an exploding cod piece) and Blackie’s moving microphone stand “Elvis”!

The “30 Years of Thunder” World Tour - This promises to be the Greatest W.A.S.P. Show Ever !!!

http://www.waspnation.com/waspnation30.html

W.A.S.P. "30 Years Of Thunder - Part One

This is the first monthly installment of fifteen in total to chronicle the real events of this Band and give you all a little better insight to the last thirty years in our history. A lot has been written over the years, some true, some not. These monthly installments will give you a snapshot of what really happened.

The First W.A.S.P. Show

It was early June 1982 when I met with Chris Holmes to discuss working together again. It had been over 4 years since the two of us had played together in the band Sister. Sister was the group where we both learned the type of Rock-Theatre that we would later do in this new band. Originally we had no intention of playing live shows. I had written about 10 songs that we were only going to record and then shop them around trying to get a record deal. Many of those early recordings were songs that would be re-recorded for the first album. The problem was, we got no offers from any of the major labels. They all turned us down. So after impatiently waiting around for 2
months for a response (that never came), we decided to go out and try these new songs live. We didn’t know if they would be accepted by a very jaded L. A. audience but we thought they were pretty good. Love Machine, Hellion, Sleeping in the Fire, On Your Knees, these were songs that NO RECORD COMPANY wanted. Seems funny now!

Anyway, in our haste to make something happen we decided to go out and play live, something we said we would not do. First we needed a direction. The four of us were, Chris, Tony Richards (drums), Don Costa (bass) and myself. Don was the last to join. If we were going to do this, we did not want to just stand still and play songs. We wanted to entertain ourselves. This is where the idea of the “show” really came from.

For the record, the first show was played in August of 82’ but I was still playing guitar. Don Costa was playing bass. Don was a fantastic player and performer and was a real star. He used to do a routine where he nailed a metal cheese greater to the back of his bass. In the middle of the show he turned the bass over and started grating his knuckles on it. Blood was streaming down his arms – it was quite a spectacle! Chris had a major problem with this. Not that the visual of it bothered him. It was the idea that Don stopped playing the bass to do it. There were actually a number of times during the show that he stopped playing for one thing or another. The next day Chris gave me an ultimatum, either he or Don was leaving the band. I tried for an hour to get Chris to reconsider but he didn’t want to know about it. I would not leave Chris so I was elected to break the news to Don. This was tough, as I had actively courted both Don and Tony to leave the band they were in at the time. That band was called Dante Fox. They would later change their name to Great White.

Now we have no bass player! I had known Randy Piper from a couple of bands that he and I had played in before. An early incarnation that had Tony, Randy and myself could never get off the ground. The missing ingredient was Holmes and I knew it. So I called Randy and asked him to come down. I felt the chemistry was there but there was only one problem – no bass player. Randy could sing and I needed another voice to do all those harmonies with. I had sent copies of the demo tape to both Ace Frehley and former Kiss manager, the late Bill Aucoin. They had agreed to come out to L. A. to see our first show at the Troubadour that was quickly approaching. Now we have one of two options, find a bass player and rehearse him in 3 weeks and I just sing lead, OR I play bass. The other two would not even discuss the idea of them doing it. Holmes said, “we’ve already got 4 very volatile personalities, we don’t need a fifth guy to make it even worse”. So it’s off to Guitar Center (there was only one back then and this was the original on Sunset Blvd.) to buy myself what I would eventually refer to as “the tool of ignorance”. That description was unfair but it described my anxiety and frustration toward that instrument at the time.

There were two shows that were booked for us to play the Troubadour. The first was September 21st and the next week on the 28th. Both were Tuesday nights at 8 PM. Considering the Troubadour was closed on Monday, these were the worst time slots in the week. There were 63 people in attendance at that first show. Humble beginnings !!

More Next Month!!
B. L.

VAN HALEN - COLUMBIA RUMORS FIRM UP - AND EUROPE IN MAY/JUNE:

A couple of small Van Halen updates for you today. First., the following article from The Hollywood Reporter (link):
"After 35 years at Warner Bros., the band has reportedly left for Sony. An insider tells THR that Columbia A&R executive Stephen Ferrera has been tasked with overseeing a new Van Halen album, its first with David Lee Roth since 1984.
The rumor mill is abuzz with talk of a new Van Halen album -- their first with original singer David Lee Roth since he left the band in 1985, the band's first since 1998's Van Halen III and the first to be released on a label other than Warner Bros. Records, where they spent the better part of 35 years.
Several reports cite that Sony-owned Columbia Records will be Van Halen's new label home, with new music due out in 2012. Indeed, a source tells The Hollywood Reporter, “Nothing has been signed yet, but Columbia has been in the lead for some time,” adding that A&R executive Stephen Ferrera has been tasked with overseeing the album.
Ferrera came to Columbia in June after spending three years at EVP of A&R at Island Def Jam, where he worked with such acts as Bon Jovi and Ne-Yo. Before that, he held a senior A&R role at RCA, where he worked with the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
Producer-songwriter John Shanks (Michelle Branch, Melissa Etheridge) tweeted early this year that he was in the studio with the band and THR hears Ross Hogarth (Sick Puppies, John Mellencamp) recently finished mixing the album.
Van Halen's current line-up includes Roth, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, his son and bassist Wolfgang Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen.
A Columbia Records rep could not be reached for comment."

I can add the following information. Tour dates for USA continue to be booked, starting in February 2012. The tour could be split into two legs, to allow the band to take in some festival and select solo dates in Europe over the northern summer.

A trusted source in Europe tells me that there are 3 German shows being looked at (Stuttgart, Dortmund and Berlin) around the week of June 13.
I've heard from two sources now that Download UK want Van Halen to headline one of the nights there - the event runs June 6-11, 2012 and lastly, expect the band to figure in Sweden Rock Festival calculations - that festival runs June 6-9.
A Paris date is also rumoured for late May.

Today's Day in Pop

50 Cent Sued for Alleged Violent Attack He Didn't Commit- Snoop Dogg Family Sitcom- Jonas Brother Reality Show- Ne-Yo Engaged- more
(Billboard) 50 Cent is being sued for an alleged violent attack on a woman at his home, TMZ is reporting. The case is peculiar because the famous rapper was not present when the alleged crime took place more

Charlie Sheen's screen funeral on sitcom Two and a Half Men was watched by 28.7m in the US - the highest ratings for the show since it began in 2003. more

(FMQB) Ne-Yo is engaged to longtime girlfriend Monyetta Shaw, and the couple is expecting their second child together. more

(FMQB) Snoop Dogg is working on a family sitcom for Warner Bros., playing the head of a household loosely based on his own more

(BBC) X Factor boyband One Direction go straight to number one on the UK chart with their debut single, while Amy Winehouse's last recording enters the chart at number 40. more

(Jam!) Pop star Kevin Jonas is set to star in his own reality TV show about life with his wife Danielle Deleasa. The oldest of the Jonas Brothers has reportedly invited cameras into the couple's home to document its day-to-day activities. more

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John Mayer Suffering From Throat Condition
(rock nyc) According to Rolling Stones, John Mayer has been diagnosed with granuloma, a throat condition that may compromise his singing career and has already effected it.

He was forced to cancel his future appearances at the iheartradio Music Festival in Las Vegas and with Tony Bennett in Los Angeles.

The release of his future album will also be seriously delayed as he explained on his blog. Read what he had to say here

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Unlock Rihanna's New Album
(Rocnation) Rihanna is giving fans a chance to UNLOCK exclusives from her new album, which is expected to be released this fall.

The more fans that opt in, the more exclusives are unlocked from the new album.

You never know what the missions will be so make sure to check out the RIHANNA UNLOCKED FACEBOOK tab to accept your first mission here.

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Matt Hardy Arrested After Drug Raid
(TMZ) A week after he was arrested for DUI, Matt Hardy was thrown back in the slammer -- his third time in jail in a month -- and the search warrant makes it clear ... Matt has a major drug problem.

According to search warrant docs obtained by TMZ, It all started with a 911 call last Wednesday -- placed by Matt's model girlfriend, Reby Sky, who was worried Matt "was strung out on pills and needed help."

Police came and Matt's GF led them to a secret safe containing several prescription painkillers.

Police then obtained a search warrant -- and according to cops, when they raided his house they found 20 vials of anabolic steroids and some ecstasy.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Matt wasn't home at the time of the search so they couldn't arrest him on the spot ... he turned himself in yesterday.

Hardy -- who bailed out soon after his arrest -- posted an emotional YouTube video last night (below), saying he's enrolling in a 3-month rehab program paid for by the WWE, as part of its former talent rehabilitation assistance program. more on this story

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Luke Bryan Takes On Lady Gaga's Bad Romance
(Taste of Country) Luke Bryan gave Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' a southern-fried makeover in concert recently.

We always say it's a testament to the songwriting quality of a pop song when it can be reinvented in different genres and by totally different artists, and Bryan certainly took the song and made it his own, replacing the "rah rah" and "Gaga / ooh la la" parts with monster riffs.

Bryan even let the crowd sing that part when it reprised at the end of the song! It would have been comedic, though, to hear Bryan singing those silly, diva-esque lyrics. Could you imagine? Check it out here

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Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton to Play CMA Awards
(Gibson) The five nominees for CMA Entertainer of the Year have been announced as performers at the upcoming 45th Annual CMA Awards in November.

Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the awards show will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, November 9 (8-11 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Jason Aldean received first-time nominations in five categories in 2011 including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for My Kinda Party; and Single and Musical Event of the Year for "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson. more on this story

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Dr. Conrad Murray Lawyers Claim Video Shows Michael Jackson Was A Wreck
(TMZ) Lawyers for Dr. Conrad Murray want to show jurors just how worn down Michael Jackson was in the weeks leading up to his death -- and their proof ... MJ's blowout announcement for the "This Is It" concerts.

MJ held the news conference on March 5, 2009 ... announcing he would perform his last 10 concerts ever in London that summer ... insisting, "When I say this is it, it really means this is it."

Murray's defense team filed legal docs, claiming the video shows Jackson was rapidly deteriorating, both mentally and physically, when he made the announcement. They're asking the judge for permission to show jurors the video, to prove Michael was literally on his last leg ... several months before his death. more on this story

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Mary J. Blige Alter Ego Returns To Rap On New Album
(PopCrush) If you have been waiting patiently for Mary J. Blige to release her new album, well, wait no more.

The Grammy-winning songbird has penciled in Nov. 21 as the release date for her tenth album 'My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act I),' reports Rolling Stone magazine (via Rap-Up).

One of the surprises that awaits fans on the collection is the return of Blige's rap alter ego Brook Lynn, who is going to spit bars on the Rico Love-produced and written song, 'Midnight Drive.' More details here

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50 Cent Ringleader of Ray J and Fabolous Brawl?
(TMZ) TMZ has obtained footage of the Vegas nightclub brawl between Ray J and Fabolous -- and the wildest part ... sources tell us, 50 Cent stirred up the whole thing.

We're told Fiddy had been encouraging Ray to confront Fabolous about their recent Twitter feud -- and Ray finally decided to get in Fab's face at Moon nightclub inside The Palms casino.

In the clip, you can see 50 standing between Ray and Fabolous ... with a big ass grin.

But we're told Fiddy actually jumped in to break things up when Ray J and Fab started scrapping.

As we previously reported, Ray J was booted from the club after the fight -- but he was not arrested. more on this story

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B.o.B Refused To Pay Over $1K Bar Tab
(PopCrush) Few kinds of celebrity-entitlement stories are as maddening as when a famous person walks out on an expensive bar tab.

Which means B.o.B has some explaining to do, because a bar in Ithaca, N.Y., says the rapper refused to pay a more than $1,000 tab that he and his entourage rang up after their concert on Saturday at Cornell University.

Brad Weiss, owner of Level B, said that B.o.B. and a dozen friends ordered three bottles of $300 Grey Goose vodka and received a free bottle of champagne and bottle service in a reserved section. Including tip, the bill ran $1,060, and the group walked out without paying.
Many will scratch their heads at what B.o.B's manager reportedly said in response

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Ellie Goulding Announces Dates With Katy Perry
(FTW) Ellie Goulding plans to follow up her sold-out summer US headlining tour with some special shows this fall.

Ellie Goulding will be returning stateside this November to join Katy Perry on select dates of her California Dreams Tour.

Earlier this year, Ellie's debut album Lights earned her appearances on 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Live with Regis and Kelly' as well as a personal invitation by Prince William and Kate Middleton to sing at the Royal Wedding. more on this story

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Jason Aldean Has Over 20 Songs To Pick From For Next Album
(Taste of Country) Jason Aldean has enough songs set aside to make two new albums, but the 'Dirt Road Anthem' singer will soon begin whittling down a "pile of 20, 25 songs" to the one's that work best for his fifth studio album.

Aldean — who, as previously reported, will begin recording in October — says he waits to hear the songs before deciding which direction to take with a new project.

"We've never gone in and said, 'Hey, we're going to make a really country record,' or a country-rock record or whatever," Aldean tells Billboard. "I think you just wait on the songs to come in and then you go in the studio and the album takes shape. Whatever it sounds like when you're done is what it sounds like." A lot more here

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LeBron James Wins Victory Against Alleged Father
(TMZ) LeBron James' alleged father is full of it -- legally speaking -- which is why a judge just shot down the man's lawsuit against 'Bron ... according to new court documents.

TMZ broke the story ... Leicester Bryce Stovell sued LBJ and his mother Gloria last year ... claiming they defamed him, blocked him from making money -- and tampered with paternity test results that showed he was NOT LeBron's father.

Now, a Washington, DC judge has dismissed all 8 claims in Stovell's lawsuit. In the docs, the court said Stovell had insufficient facts to support his claims, and -- among other things, "had not identified any damages."

As for Stovell's belief he could have earned big money -- the court said, "Apparently Stovell believes that companies are willing to pay him for being the father of LeBron James." Not shockingly ... the court once again said Stovell has no proof to back that claim.

Stovell -- a lawyer who claims he knocked up Gloria after a one-night stand -- tells TMZ he still thinks there is "a likelihood" he's LeBron's biological pop ... and he wants to retake a DNA test.

He also says he might appeal the dismissal. more on this story

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Howard Jones To Play His Classic Albums Live
Howard Jones upcoming North American tour will feature two of his classic albums, Human's Lib and Dream Into Action, performed in their entirety.

Kicking off on October 12th at San Diego's 4th & B, fans will get to experience not only Jones' greatest hits such as "New Song," "What Is Love?," "Things Can Only Get Better" and his US #1 "No One Is To Blame," but also songs from these two albums that have never before been performed live. Please see below for the full tour itinerary.

Howard Jones commented, ""The idea of doing the first two albums came from the fans constantly asking me to do this. When I was finally able to get the multi-tracks from Warners in 2010 it was then possible to do these shows in an authentic way. The technology was not available in the mid 80's to do justice to the songs and so many of them I am performing for the first time live. It seemed a great opportunity to add video to the show and I commissioned visual pieces for all 24 tracks." more on this story

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The Eli Young Band Hitting The Road With Dierks Bentley
(Taste of Country) The Eli Young Band are looking forward to their fall on the road, as they will be linking up once again with Dierks Bentley on his Country and Cold Cans Tour.

The trek launches October 6 in Lacrosse, Wisc., and will run through November 19 after hitting a total of 22 cities.

For the Eli Young Band, sharing time on the road with the likes of an artist like Bentley is refreshing on many levels. Find out how here.

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Keller Williams Maps Out Busy Tour Plans
(MH) Keller Williams will be on tour through the end of the year in several of his various incarnations, including his newest collaboration – The Travelin' McCourys Featuring Keller Williams – debuting this fall at Magnolia Fest, Voodoo Music Festival, and others.

Also announced today, a New Year's run: beginning December 28 at The Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina. Then on December 29 and 30 the show rolls to The National in Richmond, VA and Norfolk's NorVa respectively, with Keller Williams on stage for one set solo and one set with his project Kdubalicious, plus very special guests The Pimps of Joytime. For New Year's Eve, Keller & The Keels ring in 2012 at Brooklyn Performing Arts Center in Wilmington North Carolina. All four venues will also host a Keller Plays for Kids matinee performance earlier that day.

Also in December, Keller Williams releases his 17th recording, Bass, which is also Keller's first-ever release playing only bass guitar. The lineup – dubbed Kdubalicious for live shows – features Keller on bass, Jay Starling on keyboards, and Mark D on drums. Additional details on the release of this reggae/ dub/ funk delight will be announced soon. more on this story

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Tom Sizemore Arrested
(TMZ) Tom Sizemore was back in a familiar spot yesterday morning -- a jail cell ... after getting busted for a battery warrant.

Law enforcement sources tell us Sizemore was arrested by LAPD officers last night while they were conducting a narcotics investigation at an apartment. It was not Sizemore's apartment.

We're told Sizemore did not have any drugs on him, but police did discover he had an outstanding warrant for misdemeanor battery ... and arrested him. more on this story

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Dwight Twilley To Deliver His Soundtrack Next Month
(VSR) Dwight Twilley will release of his new studio album, entitled Soundtrack, on October 4th.

Dwight Twilley's new studio album Soundtrack is unique and perhaps the most powerful recording of Twilley's career. Mr. Twilley signed on to write and produce the disc to accompany a film documentary about his life, which is now in production. "Creating this album was a real challenge for me. Something I've never attempted. It's completely autobiographical. For me these songs are like musical photographs of the people, places and events that tell my story."

The new album marks a bittersweet milestone of the end of a more than 30-year collaboration between Twilley and legendary guitarist Bill Pitcock IV, who made a significant contribution to the album. Pitcock passed away near the completion of the recording. more on this story

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Witness Says Mel Gibson Didn't Try To Run Man Over
(TMZ) Mel Gibson allegedly tried to run over a man outside a Costa Rican bakery ... but at least one eyewitness tells TMZ the man's a liar.

Quick backstory -- Nader Sharif sued Mel, claiming the actor swindled him out of $200,000 by cajoling him into investing in a recyclable rubber company.

Sharif filed a lawsuit in June, but he's filing new documents today, in which he claims Mel tried to mow him down in July, after the two ran into each other at a Costa Rican bakery.

Sharif says Mel got violent, calling him "vile and offensive names" and threatening him with physical harm if he didn't skip town.

Sharif alleges Mel stormed out of the bakery and got into his car. Sharif says he left the premises moments later, and Mel "accelerated the car to a high rate of speed" and drove the car directly at him while multitasking by giving him the finger! Sharif says he jumped out of the way... narrowly escaping his fate as Costa Rican roadkill.

But a witness tells TMZ it's all hogwash. He says Mel was trying to enjoy a "sweet pastry" and a cup of coffee, when Sharif walked in the bakery and tried to confront him. He claims Mel asked Sharif to leave, to no avail. The witness says Mel left ... Sharif followed. The witness says at no time did Mel drive toward Sharif. And he says there are at least 7 other witnesses who will tell the same story.

If only Oksana was there to record the incident. more on this story

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New Robert Randolph & the Family Band Coming Next Week
(TFS) Dare Records will release Robert Randolph & the Family Band Live In Concert next Tuesday, September 27th.

This definitive, career spanning album was recorded on Robert Randolph & the Family Band's recent U.S. tour and marks the group's first live collection since their 2002 debut album, Live at the Wetlands.

It will include such Robert Randolph & the Family Band classics as "Squeeze" and "If I Had My Way." The latter features Blind Boys Of Alabama's Joey Williams, who also guests on Prince's "Walk Don't Walk." Susan Tedeschi, Ryan Shaw, Chuck Campbell and Nigel Hall join in on the Staple Singers' "I'll Take You There" while Shaw, Tommy Sims, Ryan Scott and The Monophonic Horns guest on Earth, Wind & Fire's classic "Shining Star." The collection also includes a tour de force version of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze." more on this story

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Richard Smith and Francesco Buzzurro Fall Tour
(JPV) Jazz guitarist Richard Smith and classical guitarist Francesco Buzzurro will embark on their first West Coast tour to support their new recording, Un Mondo, Due Chitarre.

In addition to the concert performances, the duo will be visiting university campuses along the way to conduct master class sessions with aspiring musicians.

Since their initial meeting in 2005, the two have strived to create a presentation that combines their unique musical backgrounds into an anthology of tunes enjoyable and appreciated by the masses. Un Mondo, Due Chitarre takes its audience on a musical journey outside each respective player's genres to explore new dimensions in the sound of two guitars. The opening piece, an original composition from Buzzurro, "Paisaje" sets the tone as the music weaves through arrangements of Chick Corea's "Spain", Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely", Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" and ends in a finale of The Who's "Pinball Wizard". more on this story

Today's Day in Rock

Hear Mastodon's New Album- Bloc Party Drop Kele?- Dream Theater Idol- Nightwish and Jane's Addiction Set Dates- Pop Punk's Not Dead- Breathe Carolina Blackout- more
(Loudwire) Mastodon are making fans very happy by offering a free stream of their entire new album 'The Hunter' a week before its release on Sept. 27. The full album premiere is backed by an interesting montage of psychedelic images that complement the songs of the album. Check it out here

(Jam!) Kele Okereke fears he has been dropped as the frontman of Bloc Party after his bandmates held a session without him. "I hope I haven't been fired. I don't really know what's going on, because we haven't really spoken recently and I'm a bit too scared to ask." more

(superLOUD) Do you have singing talent but don't have a way to get to a major city? If you have a webcam, you can now audition for a vocal competition in the comfort of your own home. "Last Voice Standing" auditions will begin on October 1st. One of the judges will be Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess. more

(The 1st Five) New Found Glory are all over the place these days, first with a new song on KROQ and now with the Pop Punk's Not Dead 2k11 tour. The band will be joining Set Your Goals, The Wonder Years, Man Overboard and This Time Next Year as the newly announced headliners of this year's tour. more

(BW&BK) Nightwish, who recently announced their anxiously-awaited new album, Imaginaerum, will be released on November 30th in Finland and December 2nd in Europe, have confirmed January 10th, 2012 as the US release date. more

(FMQB) After a few slight delays, Jane's Addiction now will release their new album, The Great Escape Artist, on October 18. more

(Noisecreep) Move over, KISS coffins and condoms and cremation urns. Kiss [will once again] be immortalized as comic book heroes. The branding geniuses have partnered up with Archie Comics to launch a new, four-part, Kiss-centric series dubbed 'Archie Meets Kiss.' Forget the 'Phantom of the Park!' It's all about Archie, Archie, Archie! more

(FMQB) The video for up-and-coming electro-rock-pop duo Breathe Carolina's new single "Blackout" debuted on VEVO. The pair will release a new EP, Blackout: The Remixes, digitally next Tuesday, September 27. Watch the video here

(LG) Arsis will be touring as part of the "Frets of Fury Tour" this October with Firewind, White Wizzard, and Nightrage. And although the band will be performing some brand new material on the tour, guitarist/vocalist (and primary songwriter) Jim Malone will not be there. Find out why here

(superLOUD) Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump has premiered the music video of the lead single to his upcoming Soul Punk album. Called "This City," the tune also features a guest appearance by hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco. more

(BW&BK) Thin Lizzy's Bad Reputation will be reissued in the US on September 20th via Universal Music Enterprises. The reissue was previously released in the UK on June 27th along with other Thin Lizzy classics: Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979) and Chinatown (1980). more

(superLOUD) Tracii's version of L.A. Guns has seen some line-up changes since its introduction in 2006. It began with original singer Paul Black, continued with Marty Casey (of Rockstar: INXS fame), and finally seemed to stabilize with the return of singer Jizzy Pearl in 2009. However, Pearl has announced today that he's left the band again. more

Lambgoat is reporting that Hatebreed has announced new dates admist the Five Finger Death Punch tour that kicks off later this month. Many of the new dates also feature All That Remains. more

(LG) PMtoday has confirmed their rumored break-up, issuing the terse pronouncement via their Facebook more

(Jam!) Crash Test Dummies have cancelled their fall tour dates due to frontman Brad Roberts' ongoing back problems. more

(PNO) Plow United will be releasing a retrospective entitled Sleepwalk: A Retrospective this weekend via Paper and Plastick in conjunction with their reunion performance at Riot Fest East more

(superLOUD) Sleaze Roxx reports that the early 90's rockers Bang Tango have a new album set to arrive on September 27th. Pistol Whipped In The Bible Belt will be the first album of new material from the guys since 2006 more

(SRX) David Coverdale Celebrates His 60th Birthday On September 22nd "I've retired more times than Frank Sinatra but luckily I didnt tell many people," he laughs. more


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Metallica and Lou Reed Ban
(hennemusic) There's no freedom of expression on the London Underground…or, at least when it comes to what ads the subway system will display.

The NME reports the London Underground have banned promo posters for Lou Reed & Metallica's forthcoming album, "Lulu," from being displayed in stations.

The site reports Transport For London bosses made the decision not to allow the image on tubes, or in stations, after an unnamed "spokesperson" claimed it looked too much like graffiti. The album cover features a photo of a limbless mannequin with a realistic expression, and the album name written across it. See it here

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Tori Amos Issues Metal Band Challenge
(Gibson) In her own words, Tori Amos just laid the gauntlet down. In an interview with Spinner, the singing, songwriting piano player has challenged the world's metal bands to a throwdown.

"I don't think that just because I talk about emotional stuff that it's not motherf---er stuff. I'll stand next to the hardest f---ing heavy metal band on any stage in the world and take them down, alone, by myself," she said. "Gauntlet laid down, see who steps up. See who steps up!

"I'll take them down at 48. And they know I will. Because emotion has power that the metal guys know is just you can't touch it. Insanity can't touch the soul. It's going to win every f---ing time." more on this story

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Avenged Sevenfold Buried Alive Tour
Avenged Sevenfold will return to the road this fall for their own headlining "Buried Alive" tour, which launches in Ft. Meyers, FL, on November 23rd.

Hollywood Undead, Asking Alexandria, and Black Veil Brides are also on the bill, offering fans an incredible value with four of the hottest bands in rock today. Ticket prices range from $35-45 including special family four pack offers in particular markets.

The tour takes its name from "Buried Alive," the fourth single from the band's album Nightmare. more on this story

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Arcade Fire Win 2011 Polaris Music Prize
(SC) Last night Arcade Fire's acclaim album, The Suburbs, was crowned winner of the 2011 Polaris Music Prize.

Arcade Fire took home the $30,000.00 prizeThe other nine short list nominees were awarded $2000.00.

The gala ceremony included performances by short list nominees Austra, Braids, Galaxie, Hey Rosetta!, Ron Sexsmith and Timber Timbre, with members of Arcade Fire (Win Butler, Jeremy Gara, Richard Reed Parry) on hand as well. more on this story

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Two New Rush Releases Coming
Some big news for Rush fans, there are two new releases on the horizon. Here is the official word with all of the details:

Rush have announced details for the first offerings through their recently announced partnership with Roadrunner Records. On November 8, Anthem/Roadrunner will simultaneously release a two disc live album entitled "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" as well as "Moving Pictures: Live 2011" on vinyl and digital formats.

Captured in April at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena during the renowned trio's extensive Time Machine World Tour, "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" marks the band's first live album recorded at a U.S show, a deliberate nod of gratitude to the first city to support Rush on its radio airwaves. more on this story

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Megadeth's Mustaine Discusses Prospect Of Losing Ellefson To Metallica
(Rock News Desk) Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has revealed his relief that bassist David Ellefson wasn't invited to join Metallica after the tragic death of Cliff Burton. But it's added to his determination that members of both bands should come together to record an album.

Burton died on tour in 1986 in a tour bus crash, three years after Mustaine had been kicked out of the band. He'd gone on to form Megadeth, and as his former colleagues looked for a new bassist their thoughts settled on Ellefson.

"When Cliff died there was a moment where Dave's name had come up and I was a little concerned," Mustaine tells CBS/ "I didn't want to lose my bassist and I certainly didn't want to have another reason to be upset. God knows I had my reasons, even though they weren't all real. A lot of them were caused by myself." more on this story

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Mike Portnoy V Dream Theater Denied
(Rock News Desk) The most recent chapter in Mike Portnoy's split with Dream Theater is a non-event, says a lawyer representing the band.

Sources yesterday said the drummer had launched a lawsuit against his former bandmates after his surprise decision to quit the prog metal outfit in 2010.

Now Ronald Beinstock, representing Dream Theater, tells Blabbermouth: "On or around April 27, 2011, Mr Portnoy filed a 'Notice With Summons'. This document is not a formal complaint. Further, the document was never served on any of the named defendants, rendering it moot.

"There is no pending litigation between Dream Theater and Mr Portnoy." more on this story

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Slipknot Clown's Maggot Bible Dreams
(RockAAA) Slipknot's Clown, Shawn Crahan, is collating artwork submitted by fans to create The Maggot Bible.

Crahan who coined the phrase 'maggots' for the band's fans because of the way that he saw them feed from the band's energy now wants them to connect with him through art and poetry :

"Okay, I am going to do the very best I can to describe this crazy dream I had about a book called the Maggot Bible," he begins in a two-page introduction on Maggotbible.com, "My connection with you on the Internet or in person has always been surrounded by these ideas of art and how art can help ease the pain of life." more on this story

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Queen Star Auditioning Members for Queen Tribute Band
(Gibson) Aside from thinking about a one-off Queen show for next summer's Olympics, Queen drummer Roger Taylor is auditioning young musicians and singers for an official Queen tribute band, Queen Extravaganza.

According to the Guardian, the show will tour internationally with the band performing Queen hits along with archive footage and celebrity appearances.

Taylor told Rolling Stone magazine: "I'm quite convinced that there are tens of thousands of kids, of really talented people, in their bedrooms around the world playing drums, guitar, and singing. And I want to find some of those people." more on this story

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Double Concept Album For Stone Sour?
(Banana 101.5) Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor says that the band's next project is not only starting to look like a concept album, but that it may be a double album as well. A concept double album?

Stone Sour looks to join the ranks of bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Coheed and Cambria as they gear up to release a two-disc concept album.

In a recent interview Corey Taylor told Artisan News about Stone Sour's upcoming record. Read what he has to say here

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Lacuna Coil Set Dark Adrenaline Release Date
Century Media Records have set a January 24th, 2012 North American release date for Lacuna Coil's sixth studio album Dark Adrenaline.

Dark Adrenaline was produced by the acclaimed Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Good Charlotte, Bullet For My Valentine)

The first single from the new album, "Trip The Darkness" will impact at Active Rock radio next month on October 10th. Lacuna Coil will tour in North America in support of Dark Adrenaline around the album's release; look for a big tour announcement in the coming weeks. more on this story

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Cream Blu-Ray Coming Next Month
(Kayos) Eagle Rock Entertainment has set an October 11th release date for Cream: Royal Albert Hall London 2005 on Blu-Ray.

These songs, recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS-HD Master Audio, taken from four nights' worth, prove Cream's unerring sense of timing and drama remained intact. It was so good, in fact, they did what nobody ever thought they'd do: reunite for a stateside tour. And it all started here.

This epic 19-song high-definition reunion concert of guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker—who hadn't played together in nearly 40 years—comes complete with an additional three bonus tracks: alternate versions of "Sleepy Time Time," "We're Going Wrong" and "Sunshine Of Your Love." Interviews with all three legends make up the remainder of this historic two-hour and 47-minute classic. more on this story

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Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson Announces North American Tour For New Album
Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson has announced his first ever solo tour which hits North America in November.

Porcupine Tree and Blackfield star will be touring in support of his new solo album, Grace For Drowning, which will be released next Tuesday, September 27th via Kscope.

Grace For Drowning is the second album released under Wilson's own name, and builds on the artistic inroads he forged with 2009's exceptionally well-received Insurgentes. A double album ('two 40-45 minute albums in the same package') Wilson has described it as "my biggest project to date". more on this story

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Skillet Have 20 Songs for Next Album
(Banana 101.5) Skillet's story isn't one of overnight success, in fact, their last album 'Awake' was the band's eighth full-length release in their 15-year long career. Despite their long trip to commercial success, frontman John Cooper says they're just getting started.

Skillet made the difficult jump from Christian rock to mainstream success with their 2009 album 'Awake' — selling over 800,000 copies. The band's current single, 'It's Not Me It's You', is the album's sixth and is currently sitting at #12 on the active rock charts.

Though 'Awake' is still doing well, it is a two-year old album. Artist Direct recently asked vocalist John Cooper if the band had begun writing for the follow-up yet: "I have. I've got a good handful of songs—probably 20 or so for the next project. We're starting to do demos for that. I'm moving towards that way. I'm assuming we'll enter the studio early next year sometime between January and May." More from John here

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Winds Of Plague Announce Thrash & Burn Tour Details
Winds Of Plague have announced dates for this fall's North American Thrash & Burn Tour and they'll be bringing along a heavy lineup.

Winds Of Plague will be joined on the trek by Chelsea Grin, As Blood Runs Black, For The Fallen Dreams, Upon A Burning Body, In The Midst Of Lions, Like Moths To Flames, and Volumes.

In regards to this upcoming trek, Winds Of Plague's Johnny Plague (vocals) comments: "We are very excited that our first US headlining tour in support of our new record 'Against The World' will carry the Thrash & Burn brand. more on this story

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Mastodon Says They Aren't Cashing In On Fans
(Rock News Desk) Mastodon's Troy Sanders says his band aren't trying to cash in on fans' faith by releasing limited-edition versions of their albums.

He explains: "We always to a limited deluxe because we do have a handful of people who want to have everything. A lot of people think the deluxe stuff is only a cash-grab, but in our opinion that's not the case. I only buy the $50 version of things from bands that I truly love and I really want to own.

"That's why we only make a small run of those things, for those who wish to have that. If you just want to hear the fourteenth song you can simply buy that digitally for a dollar." more on this story

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Iwrestledabearonce Announce Film Premiere
(AMM) Iwrestledabearonce will premiere their feature film A Beary Scary Movie at the Rock And Shock Film Festival at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA on October 16.

A Beary Scary Movie will be featured as the headlining film of the day at this convention that exhibits the best independent horror films from around the world and boasts New England's largest gathering of horror and heavy metal fans.

The edgy horror film stars IWABO's Steven Bradley, Krysta Cameron, Mikey Montgomery, Michael "Rickshaw" Martin and John Ganey, along with actors Larry Parks, John Dillion, Phillip Wright, Jim Babel, Charlie Huffman and Kelly Keodara, with a special appearance by Jake Busey. more on this story

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Placebo DVD and Blu-Ray Set For Release
(Kayos) Eagle Rock Entertainment has set a November 1 release date for the Placebo DVD and Blu-Ray, We Come In Pieces.

This concert was filmed at London's Brixton Academy in September 2010 at the culmination of their world tour in support of the Battle For The Sun album released the previous year. The band played 143 shows to over 2.5 million fans in 44 countries.

A Deluxe DVD will also be available, as a limited edition import and includes a second disc containing the hour-long documentary "Coming Up For Air" which follows Placebo around the world on their "Battle For The Sun" tour, and also includes the short film "Trigger Happy Hands." We Come In Pieces comes off the back of their hit album Battle For The Sun which reached #1 in 10 countries and was Top 10 in England. The live concert "Battle For Brixton" features many of their hit tracks including "The Bitter End," "Nancy Boy," "Every You Every Me," "For What It's Worth," "Infra-Red," "Taste In Men" and many more. more on this story

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Neil Young Plans Autobiography
(Gibson) Following the recent successes of memoirs by Keith Richards and Sammy Hagar (both #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list), rock legend Neil Young has announced he's writing an autobiography.

The book is titled Waging Heavy Peace and is due out in the fall of 2012, according to Rolling Stone.

"I felt like writing books fit me like a glove," Young said in a statement. "I started and I just kept going. That's the way my Daddy used to do it on his old Underwood up in the attic. He said, 'Just keep writing, you never know what will turn up.'" more on this story

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Covers Helped Puddle of Mudd Find A New Dynamic
(Banana 101.5) Puddle of Mudd guitarist Paul Phillips says that recording their latest album, a collection of classic rock covers titled 'Re:(disc)overed', helped the band find a new groove.

Puddle of Mudd initially began the path to their latest album with the intentions of it being a Puddle of Mudd album. As guitarist Paul Phillips told Billboard previously, it didn't quite work out like that.

Now that the experience is behind them and the album is in stores, Puddle of Mudd is hitting the road for the next few months. Phillips recently told Artist Direct that treading through the material of others helped the band find a new dynamic within themselves. Read what he had to say here

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Aborted Finish New Album
Aborted have just finished work on their upcoming seventh studio album, Global Flatline! which will hit stores next year.

The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the renowned Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Pestilence, Hatesphere) at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark, and the artwork was once again created by the grotesquely-talented Justin Osbourn from Slasher Design.

Century Media will release a digital single of the title track, "Global Flatline", on October 15th. more on this story

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Black Cobra Added To Kyuss Lives! Tour
Black Cobra have announced that they will be hitting the road this fall supporting Kyuss Lives! on their North American Tour.

The second leg of Kyuss Lives! dates will kick off mid-November, and in addition to Black Cobra, will feature The Sword as direct support.

YOB will also join in the festivities on the Portland and Seattle dates of the excursion. At press time there are 14 shows confirmed, but several more are being added to the routing and will be disbursed to the public in the days ahead. more on this story

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Toxic Holocaust Split For Relief
Toxic Holocaust are releasing a split 7" with Midnight which will benefit the victims of the Japanese tsunami disaster.

The 7" is limited to a one-time pressing of 1,000 copies on Japanese-flag colored heavy-weight vinyl, and features tracks from both bands ("A.T.O.M.I.C." by Toxic Holocaust, "Destroy Tsunami's Power" by Midnight) exclusive to this release.

The split also features exclusive artwork by Daniel "Sawblade" Shaw (Toxic Holocaust, Insect Warfare, Coffins). All proceeds will go to the Red Cross relief efforts for victims of the tsunami disaster. The 7" can be ordered here.

Additionally, Toxic Holocaust heads to Europe for a five-week winter tour alongside Kvelertak, Trap Them and Wolves Like Us more on this story

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Kaura Unleash That Which Defines Us
(Sub) Kaura released their new album, That Which Defines Us, digitally at iTunes and physically at IndieMerchStore.com.

Produced by singer Malcolm Guess, That Which Defines Us is a testament of dedication, taking over two years to record with the assistance of rock luminaries such as Sylvia Massey (Tool, System of a Down, Danzig), Ken Andrews (Failure, A Perfect Circle) and Michael Romanowski (Dredg).

Central to the album's sound were instruments that the band collected on their travels to India, Thailand, Bali, Cambodia, Laos, and Nepal. more on this story

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Black Tusk Announce Fall Tour Plans
(Sub) Black Tusk has announced an Eastern US headlining tour in support of their forthcoming new record "Set the Dial".

The tour starts Nov. 2nd in Charlotte, and runs through mid-November, and includes a stop as part of the Metal Suckfest. Support on this run comes from Thou and Monstro on select dates.

Additionally, Black Tusk has confirmed a string of regional record release shows. Among them Savannah and Atlanta stops as well as two Texas dates supporting Mastodon. more on this story

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JD Malone & The Experts Encourage Fans To Do What You Can Do
(Glass Onyon) JD Malone has a plan unlike anything else ever attempted by a relatively unknown artist - an innovative way to address the fallen spirit of average Americans who just don't feel connected and don't think their voices can ever be heard.

The Do What You Can Do Project, inspired by a song of the same name from his acclaimed new CD/DVD 'Avalon' (ItsAboutMusic.com), is the Philadelphia roots rocker's great attempt to resolve this problem, by delivering a potent message allowing anyone to change his or her life by "doing what they can do" to make a difference in their lives and those of others.

Malone and his band, the Experts, are delivering the message through a groundbreaking touring concept – the 'Do What You Can Do' U.S. Tour launching this fall. more on this story

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Anberlin Singled Out Week: Depraved
Anberlin kick off a coheadlining tour with Switchfoot this week and to celebrate we asked frontman Stephen Christian to tell us about some of the songs from their latest album "Dark Is A Way Light Is A Place". Today he tells us about "Depraved" :

I once heard that Eddie Vedder went into a vocal booth drunk and recorded what would become one of the biggest single on their record Vs. He just sang whatever came to mind.

When Nathan, our drummer, sent me a song he had been working on to see what I thought. Just for fun, I thought I would write a few melody lines and lyrics for him and basically adopted the same Vedder style. I just sang whatever came to mind. When I sent it back, Nathan was so excited he sent it to the rest of the guys. It was never supposed to go on the record because it was just something Nate and I were doing for fun. Turned out everyone was way into it and the label wanted us to put it on the record!

JOURNEY'S GREATEST HITS VOL. 2 SPANS HIT SINGLES, ALBUM TRACKS AND RARITIES FROM 1978 TO 1996:

Journey's Enduring Appeal Is Affirmed Everywhere From Rock Band To The Sopranos, from Broadway's Rock Of Ages to Television's Glee --CD and gatefold double 180-gram virgin vinyl edition of Greatest Hits Vol. 2 -- AND gatefold double 180-gram virgin vinyl edition of original Greatest Hits -- available everywhere starting November 1, 2011

New York, Sept. 19, 2011 / Greatest Hits Vol. 2, a brand-new collection of original recordings by the mega-platinum band Journey will be available as a single CD, digital download, and special gatefold double-vinyl edition (which includes a code for a free digital download of the vinyl remastered album), available starting November 1, 2011. This new package from Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, spans singles and album tracks recorded between 1978 and 1996.
Journey's original Greatest Hits collection is one of the top-selling American rock albums of all time with worldwide sales in excess of 25 million. In conjunction with the double-LP version of Greatest Hits Vol. 2, the original Greatest Hits will also be issued as a gatefold double-vinyl edition on the same date, November 1 (which also includes a code for a free digital download of the vinyl remastered album).
Journey, founded by guitar virtuoso Neal Schon in 1973, has achieved iconic pop culture status that has earned the band cumulative sales of more than 62 million albums, singles, and digital tracks in the U.S. alone. Their enduring appeal is affirmed everywhere from Rock Band to Tony Soprano's musical daydreams on HBO's The Sopranos, from Broadway's Rock Of Ages to FOX's Family Guy. Most notably, the cast of Glee celebrated Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" on the series premiere episode of 2009. The kids later paid homage with three songs on 2010's Journey to Regionals ("Faithfully," the medley of "Any Way You Want It / Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'," and the new Regionals version of "Don't Stop Believin'").

When asked about his experience in the remastering back to vinyl of the original recordings of the Journey Greatest Hits and the new Greatest Hits Vol. 2, Steve Perry replied, "I truly forgot how sonically exciting and just plain better these Journey tracks sound back where they originally lived...on Vinyl. The stereo separation, the center imaging and the sonic depth of the tracks themselves is more true to what we all loved about these original final mixes. All the instruments and voices, to me personally, sound so damn good that all I want to do is reach for the volume and turn it up!"
"I'm very excited to be releasing this compilation," said Neal Schon. "Many of these songs were written in our earlier days by Steve Perry and myself, and hearing them again brings back great memories. 'Little Girl' has an extra special meaning for me because it's one of the songs my father, who worked with us for many years, worked on with us. All our songs have stood the test of time, and I hope our fans will enjoy this collection."
Jonathan Cain added, "Escape was my first album with Journey in 1981 and I never looked back. A lot of the songs in those days were in pieces -- like a puzzle to figure out. The connection we had was magic -- and like a Super Bowl team -- we always found a way to get it right."

Covering 18 central years in the Journey saga, Greatest Hits Vol. 2 includes tracks from the band's fourth album, Infinity (1978), produced by Roy Thomas Baker, which marked the entry of Steve Perry's distinctive lead vocals into the lineup ("Feeling That Way," "Anytime," "Patiently").
Their next album, Evolution (1979) was also produced by Baker and features "Just The Same Way". Departure (1980) was the first of seven consecutive studio albums by Journey to reach the Top 10, and platinum or multi-platinum, over the next 16 years ("Walks Like A Lady," "Good Morning Girl," "Stay Awhile").
One of the cornerstone bands in radio's new Album Rock format, Journey's popularity was so overwhelming that they were able to release a single from their double-LP concert set, Captured (1981). "The Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love)" broke inside the Top 40, and was the #2 song on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

Journey's hold on the charts continued with Escape (1981), the band's first #1 album. Escape spent nearly three years on Billboard's Top 200 chart and produced four hit singles -- "Who's Crying Now," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Open Arms" (all on Greatest Hits) and "Still They Ride" along with the rock staples, "Stone In Love," "Mother, Father" and the title track "Escape" (all on Greatest Hits Vol. 2).
Escape was produced by Mike Stone (Queen, Kiss, America and others) and Kevin Elson, who went on to produce the next album, Frontiers (1983). Frontiers ("After The Fall," "Chain Reaction") debuted the week before Michael Jackson's Thriller hit #1 -- thus the LP had the distinction of being one of many albums to occupy the #2 spot (for nine weeks) during Thriller's reign at the top.
Raised On Radio was released in 1986, featuring an assortment of top studio musicians including noted jazz-funk-R&B bassist Randy Jackson (of American Idol) who went on to tour with Journey through 1987. Raised On Radio was another double-platinum album for Journey, spending 67 weeks on the album chart, and spinning off the Top 20 hit "Suzanne."

In 1992, Journey became one of the first American rock bands to release a deluxe multi-CD box set, Time(3). Comprised mostly of hit singles and key album tracks from the band's first dozen albums, Time(3) also contained a number of previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Among these was "Little Girl," from the original motion picture soundtrack of Dream After Dream, an obscure foreign film whose entire score was performed by Journey, issued by Columbia in 1980.
A Journey reunion took place in the '90s, and the recording of Trial By Fire (1996) was the result, with Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith all on-board for their first album together since Frontiers. Featuring "When I Think Of You," Trial By Fire rose to #3 and continued Journey's platinum streak.

Greatest Hits Vol. 2 wraps up with a live concert version of "Mother, Father" -- a highlight of Live In Houston 1981 - Escape Tour, a Columbia/Legacy archive release in 2005 which featured both video and audio versions of the same 75-minute program.
As Rolling Stone contributing editor David Wild wrote, "Whether on the radio or on some stage, these well-built tunes remain sturdy crowd pleasers to this very day, in their second century of airplay. Some DJ is playing a Journey song somewhere right now and many more are out there singing along -- you can bet on it."

Greatest Hits Vol. 2 by Journey (Columbia/Legacy 88697 77986 2) Selections: 1. Stone In Love - 2. After The Fall - 3. Chain Reaction - 4. The Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love) - 5. Escape - 6. Still They Ride - 7. Good Morning Girl - 8. Stay Awhile - 9. Suzanne - 10. Feeling That Way - 11. Anytime - 12. Walks Like A Lady - 13. Little Girl - 14. Just The Same Way - 15. Patiently - 16. When I Think Of You - 17. Mother, Father (Live In Houston, 1981).

Greatest Hits Vol. 2 vinyl and CD meticulously remastered to vinyl by Robert Hadley and Steve Perry at The Mastering Lab in Ojai, CA.
Greatest Hits Vol. 1 vinyl meticulously remastered to vinyl by Doug Sax, Robert Hadley and Steve Perry at The Mastering Lab in Ojai, CA.
WebLink: www.LegacyRecordings.com.

Today's Day in Pop

Cops Pull Ray J From Nightclub After Fabolous Punch
(TMZ) It took several cops to pull Ray J out of a Vegas nightclub this weekend -- after the singer popped rapper Fabolous in the face -- and TMZ has obtained footage of the post-fight ejection.

Ray was hanging out at Moon nightclub in The Palms casino -- when a Twitter feud between him and Fab turned violent ... in person.

Ray says he was briefly detained by cops -- but as we previously reported, he was not arrested. Watch the video here

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Lady Gaga Dominates MTV EMAs
Lady Gaga dominates the 2011 MTV EMAs after landing six nominations for their year's awards show.

Katy Perry and Bruno Mars following closely behind with four nominations. British songstress Adele, who stands as the top-selling artist of the year, has been nominated for three awards, with Justin Bieber and Thirty Seconds To Mars also up for three.

The 18th annual MTV EMA will broadcast live on Sunday, 6th November at 9PM CET from Belfast's Odyssey Arena on MTV channels around the world. more on this story

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Susan Boyle Sets New Album Release
Susan Boyle will release her third album, Someone To Watch Over Me, on Tuesday, November 1.

For Someone To Watch Over Me, Boyle reunited with well-known British songwriter/record producer Steve Mac, who produced her second album, The Gift. Together they have created a sensational and contemporary album that will span the generations.

In her now-trademark style, Boyle gives her interpretations to pop classics once again on her new album. For Someone To Watch Over Me, Susan fearlessly takes on iconic songs such as "Unchained Melody" and "Both Sides Now," giving them a new identity. And, of course, there is her rendering of the title cut, a George and Ira Gershwin song that was written in the 1920s but sounds contemporary when sung by Boyle. more on this story

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Charlie Sheen To Get $100 Million Settlement For Two and a Half Men?
(TMZ) Charlie Sheen will immediately get $25 million in his settlement with Warner Bros. in his "Two and a Half Men" dispute -- but over time he'll get 5 times that amount ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the settlement tell TMZ ... Charlie will get the $25 mil in about two weeks and, as we reported, the sum represents the monies owed him for the work he already performed on the series and the profits that have already accrued.

But Charlie has shot around 180 episodes for the show, and in the next 7 - 10 years, the settlement will produce $100 million for the actor in syndication profits.

Not bad when you don't have to show up for work. more on this story

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LeAnn Rimes Sets New Concept Album Release
(ID) LeAnn Rimes new album Lady & Gentlemen is set to be released on September 27, 2011 and is said to breath new life into country classics originally performed by male recording artists by her reinterpreting each song.

LeAnn conceived of this concept album in which she covers country greats such as Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Merle Haggard, among others as an opportunity to give a woman's perspective for each song. The entire album has been rearranged and reinterpreted by LeAnn. 20-time Grammy Award-winner Vince Gill, Darrell Brown (Keith Urban, Rascall Flatts) and LeAnn Rimes executive produced the album. Other producers on the album include Justin Niebank and John Hobbs.

"This album was born out of the memories of when I first fell in love with country music and in reflecting, I realized that almost all of my favorite country songs from back then were sung by men," says LeAnn of the album. "I am honored to take a step back in time and sing these songs from a woman's perspective and hopefully help reintroduce them to a new audience." more on this story

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Demi Lovato Encourages Girls To Get Help
(rock nyc) As a kid Demi Lovato stated she was bullied and tormented which lead to an eating disorder and then the manifestation of self mutilation tendencies or 'cutting'.

But the beauty here is the rise above mentality of the now 19 year old Lovato. She performed at the Highline Ballroom and stopped the show to address her audience with the following: "A year ago today … I was not in a good place," "I needed help and I want anybody in this audience to know that if you're struggling with one of the issues that I dealt with or a different issue, that you can get help, that you can recover and it's possible if you just tell someone."

"There are so many beautiful girls in this audience that don't know that they're beautiful, but they just are," she said. "So I want to thank you guys for being there for me every single day I was away. I wouldn't be here without you guys today." more on this story

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John Travolta's Vintage Car Stolen
(TMZ) John Travolta's vintage sports car got stolen right out from under his nose Monday in Santa Monica ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us Travolta had parked his 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL on the street -- just a couple blocks from a Jaguar dealer.

We're told John was only in the dealership for about 10 minutes -- and when he returned ... his whip had vanished.

John went back to the Jag dealer and waited for police to show up to take a report. We're told there are no witnesses ... at this point.

By the way ... that Benz can sell for as much as $100,000.

Travolta's rep hasn't gotten back to us yet. more on this story

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Robert DeNiro, Richard Gere and Whoopi Goldberg Celebrate Tony Bennett's Birthday
Robert DeNiro, Richard Gere and Whoopi Goldberg were among the special guests that helped Tony Bennett celebrate his 85th Birthday at the Exploring the Arts (ETA) annual benefit gala on Sunday, September 18.

The event was hosted by Alec Baldwin and featured a performance by Elton John, was opened with Tony's sold-out debut at the Metropolitan Opera House, raised $2.5M for ETA, the non–profit organization established in 1999 by Tony his wife, Susan, to fund arts education in NYC public high schools.

Bennett's 90-minute concert received several standing ovations and included duet performances with Aretha Franklin, Alejandro Sanz and Elton John. Students from NYC schools were invited to join in the SRO seating at the concert, which was underwritten by HBO. more on this story

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Better Safe Than Sorry? Chaz Bono To Get Security Despite Lack of Threats
(TMZ) ABC believes there are "crazies" out there who have a thing against Chaz Bono ... and network execs have taken precautions by ordering security for Chaz both on and off the dance floor.

Sources connected with the show tell TMZ ... there have not been any specific threats against Chaz, but the honchos know there's an element of hatred out there and they feel it's necessary to block Chaz from harm.

As a result, we're told Chaz will get security while he's on the CBS Television City lot -- where the show is filmed -- and off the premises as well.

This isn't the first time DWTS has had to deal with security issues. The show provided security for Bristol Palin after an anthrax scare last year. more on this story

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Annie Crane Fall Tour
Annie Crane will head out on tour this October in support of her upcoming Jump With A Child's Heart album scheduled for release by Constant Clip Records on October 4th.

Crane will kick off the run of dates with a record release show on October 1st at NYC venue The Living Room where she will be joined by Jason Benjamin of the Red Hook Ramblers on Trumpet, Lauren Weaver on Cello, Brian Speaker on Drums, husband Eric Wolfson on Bass and Jeff Berner on Slide Guitar. Vocal harmonies will be provided by Claire Bowman of Americana duo The Bowmans.

The tour that follows will see Crane playing some intimate house shows in the same vein made recently notable by artists such as David Bazan and others. more on this story

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Police Inspect Salahi Dog Burial Site
(TMZ) The man just can't get a break.... Less than an hour after burying his beloved Doberman Pinscher, Tareq Salahi had cops knockin' on his door.

Apparently one of his neighbors called the police after seeing a backhoe digging a grave in his backyard.

Cops said they were there to follow up on a complaint and demanded to see the grave site. Once they saw nothing hinkey was going on, they left the premises. more on this story

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