Today's Day In Rock!

Foo Fighters Dominate Rock Grammys
The Grammy Awards have never really been about rock, America's best selling genre of music. But there were some big names in rock who performed on Sunday.
The show's big finale was led by Paul McCartney with a medley of "Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight"/"The End," where he was joined by Foo Fighters Dave Grohl, The Eagles Joe Walsh, Rusty Anderson, and Bruce Springsteen.

When it came to rock awards at the Grammy Awards, the Foo Fighters ruled the night winning five of Grammys on Sunday. more on this story

Rolling Stone Turned Down Spot in Led Zeppelin
(Gibson) The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood has claimed that he turned down the chance to join Led Zeppelin. Speaking on his U.K. Absolute Radio show, the guitarist said that his old manager Peter Grant sounded him out about joining the group when they were still known as The New Yardbirds. But Wood declined, as he thought they were a "bunch of farmers."

"Peter Grant used to manage myself and Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart and Mickey Waller and Nicky Hopkins back in the good old days," Wood recalled. "[Peter] was behind a band that was going to be called The New Yardbirds."

Wood added: "I had an offer to join, and I said 'I can't join that bunch of farmers'. Anyway, they eventually changed their name and turned out to be Led Zeppelin, and he managed them as well." more on this story



Slash Solo Tour
Velvet Revolver/former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash is hitting the road for a North American solo tour.

The solo tour is set to kick off on May 3 in Baltimore and will include three festival appearances: Saturday, May 5 at Carolina Rebellion, Saturday, May 19 at Rock On The Range and Friday, May 25 at Rocklahoma.

Before the tour begins, Slash will make a special appearing this Saturday, February 18, when he joins Stevie Wonder, Chris Cornell, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, actors Anthony Hopkins, James Gandolfini and more at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for a 70th birthday celebration to honor boxing legend Muhammad Ali. more on this story

Megadeth Unplugged
(Banana 101.5) Megadeth are well known for their mastery in the art of shred but aren't usually a band you think of when it comes to going, as we call it in the MTV generation, "unplugged." That's because they don't do it that often — hardly ever in fact.

Some lucky fans at The Palace of Auburn Hills last week got a chance to watch as Megadeth went from 11 to 0 (figuratively speaking) for a special acoustic set. Dave started the performance with the disclaimer "Some of the songs we haven't played in years and years and years — so just have fun with this. Try not to be too critical, because I'm not gonna be."

Watch Megadeth fire through unplugged versions of 'Public Enemy No. 1,' 'Angry Again,' 'A Tout Le Monde' with Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, 'Symphony of Destruction,' and 'Use the Man' here.

Gary Cherone Tells Van Halen Secret
(Rock News Desk) Gary Cherone knew Van Halen weren't planning a reunion with David Lee Roth when the original lineup appeared together in 1996 – because Eddie Van Halen had already hired the Extreme singer.

Anticipation exploded when Roth walked on with his former bandmates at the MTV Music Video Awards, telling an excited crowd: "This is the first time we've stood on stage together in over ten years."

Many believed Van Halen and Roth were about to get back together – but Cherone knew better."I got on the phone with Eddie Van Halen a few times and we wrote a song over the telephone. I flew out for the weekend and we just hit it off. We started writing the moment I got off the plane and he actually asked me to join the second day I was there," He tells Rolling Stone. "I remember one morning getting up to go to the studio, and no one told me all this press was interviewing the Van Halen guys because of the Video Music Awards. They told me, 'Gary, no one knows you're in the band'. I remember bumping into a photographer who knew me from Extreme – he goes, 'What are you doing here?' I go, 'Nothing'." More on this here.

Dave Grohl Releases Sound City Studio Film Trailer
(Banana 101.5) Dave Grohl has finally given us a taste of his upcoming documentary on Sound City Studios, check out the first official teaser trailer.

It's still not clear exactly what we can expect out of Dave Grohl's upcoming 'Sound City' but we have a much better idea now that a trailer has been unveiled. "I decided to make a film about that feeling when you put five guys in a room, hit "record" and the hair on the back of your neck stands up," Grohl previously told Rolling Stone. "Expect some epic jam sessions."

In addition to the previously announced "jam sessions" with Corey Taylor, Cheap Trick, and members of RATT — it appears that 'Sound City' will include interviews with artists who previously recorded at the legendary studio prior to it's closing last year. In the preview you can see interview segments with Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Rick Springfield, and Krist Novoselic just to name a few. Check out the trailer here.

Kid Rock Fires Back at 'Made in Detroit' Criticism
(Banana 101.5) Kid Rock's 'Made in Detroit' clothing brand made headlines this week after it was learned that the company uses materials not made in Detroit. Kid Rock fired back with an angry response to those claims.

We chose to pass on reporting this earlier in the week and boy did we make the right choice. It just didn't seem right covering a story that was so negative towards someone like Kid Rock, who has done so much for Detroit and constantly gives back to the community. We felt it would be in poor taste until all the facts were on the table. Now we're really glad we did, as Kid Rock has responded angrily at the "irresponsible" reports made initially by Susan Tompor of the Detroit Free Press. Rock's statement reads:

"I have always said that I do care what people in my hometown think of me, and the hatchet job you have just written about The Made In Detroit company in The Detroit Free Press has made me so upset that I am left with no choice but to defend myself and my company. I purchased MID out of bankruptcy and asked a friend of mine (Tom Dubak) to give up the security of a good paying job at a car dealership for a chance to help revitalize this brand. The goal of MID is to re-instill a sense of Detroit pride, give back to the community, try to create jobs in our home state and maybe one day build our own facility somewhere close to the riverfront in Detroit. We have succeeded in most of the this and have big plans for the future, not to mention the scholarship fund we have created at Wayne State, the numerous sponsorships we do every year and the hundreds of thousands of dollars we have given to local charities (all of which somehow had no place in your attempt to slander us in your article).

"You failed to say that the majority of our products are in fact Made In America. Let me address the small number of MID products not made in America..." Read the rest here.

Bruce Springsteen Delivers We Take Care Of Our Own Video
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen has released the video for "We Take Care Of Our Own," the first single from his forthcoming album, "Wrecking Ball."

The album is due March 6 and, a couple of weeks later, Springsteen and the E Street Band begin their 2012 tour in Atlanta on March 18.

The theme of the single is a reality for Bruce, as he has just announced the addition of the late Clarence Clemons' nephew, Jake, to the band's touring lineup, as Springsteen tried to fill the void left by the loss of the veteran saxman. Jake will handle sax duties, along with Eddie Manion, while the band is filled out with a horn section and backup singers. Check out the video here.

Guns N' Roses Kick Off Up Close And Personal Tour
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses launched their Up Close And Personal Tour Friday night at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

The nearly 3-hour show was the first of 7 intimate theatre shows GNR are doing this month.

"If you closed your eyes, you could almost imagine you were seeing Guns N' Roses on the Sunset Strip in 1987. Axl sounded that good," writes Andy Greene of Rolling Stone. "Then you open your eyes, and see a 50-year-old Axl in a black cowboy hat and sunglasses singing alongside some guy named Bumblefoot and you're brought right back to reality." Check out video from the gig here.

Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch for Spring Fling
105.7 The X in Peoria have tapped Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, Kyng, and New Medicine for their The X Spring Fling.

The concert is set to take place on May 18th at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Illinois. Doors open at 5:30pm, the ROCK begins at 6:30pm!

General admission floor tickets are $43.00, and reserved seats are $38.00. Official on-sale is February 17th. More info here.

Rush's Clockwork Angels Inspires New Novel
(hennemusic) While Rush complete work on their new album, "Clockwork Angels," word is that a companion project is also coming together.

RushIsABand reports Colorado-based sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson has announced, via his Facebook page, that he will be writing a novelization of the new Rush record.

"After dropping hints for a while, finally the big announcement, a new project unlike any other I've ever done...and something that I consider very cool," writes Anderson. "Most of you are aware of my long-standing friendship with Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist from the legendary rock band Rush, as well as how much Rush has influenced my work. My first novel, 'Resurrection, Inc.', was closely inspired by the Rush album 'Grace Under Pressure', and I can point to dozens of other novels and stories that bear a clear Rush influence." more on this story

Graham Coxon Says Blur Will Release New Album
(Gibson) Blur guitarist Graham Coxon says that fans can expect a new Blur album. However, he doesn't specify exactly when the reunited Britpoppers will begin work on a forthcoming release. In a couple weeks, Blur are being honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at this year's Brit Awards.

"It's pretty nice to be getting the Brit award," Coxon told NME. "We haven't planned the rehearsals yet, but there will definitely be another Blur album."

The guitarist, currently promoting his solo disc A+E, said that the band's 2009 reunion ensured the band's future. "2009 was an amazing healing experience for us. We were really swept away with it and got a lot out of our systems," he said. "We realized how much we still had in common, that we are good friends, that we are brothers. We're always going to meet up and want to play things. We do like recording. Eventually, even if things aren't around the corner, Blur will do more recordings together. We all love each other and still like making music so that's not a bad start." more on this story



Van Halen M&M Legend Explained
(hennemusic) Van Halen and brown M&M's will forever be linked in pop culture. Most people have heard that there's a connection between the two, without knowing the details.

The story begins with Van Halen adding a clause to their tour contract that required M&M candies backstage with all of the brown ones removed.

"Many years ago it was part of the Van Halen contract as we toured through the arenas in the 80s," explains frontman David Lee Roth, "that there would be no brown m&m's found in the backstage area or the promoter would forfeit the entire show at full pay. This was touted wildly and widely as simple rock star misdemeanor excess and being abusive of others simply because we could…and who am I to get in the way of a good rumor?"

"In fact, the reality is quite different…." Dave explains in a video here.

The Battle For Stratovarius
(Rock News Desk) Former Stratovarius leading light Timo Tolkki has slammed the current incarnation of the band as a "simple franchise" without soul, and says it will split within the next five years.

His outburst comes after the outfit responded to his request to use a variant of the band name with what he calls a "vicious" lawyer's letter.

The drama arose after the guitarist, songwriter and producer opened discussions with other former band members about working on a follow-up to 1994 album Dreamspace. Tolkki, who left the power metal band in 2008, tells Rock Overdose: "Me, Tuomo Lassila, the founding member of Stratovarius, and Antti Ikonen have talked about making an album called Return to Dreamspace. I wrote to Stratovarius and asked if we could use the name for this one album because there is the founding member of the band involved, who invented the name. We got a vicious letter from their lawyer, saying we'd be sued immediately if we used the name." And about that prediction for the band?

Bush Release Baby Come Home Video
(Banana 101.5) Bush have released the follow-up to their no. 1 single 'The Sound of Winter' and for the video, they've strung together a bunch of seemingly random ideas, the largest of which being the band performing 'Baby Come Home' in what appears to be a warehouse.

The new video for Baby Come Home features Gavin Rossdale driving Morpheus' car, ballet dancing, and star shaped balloons. It's pretty random but still makes for a fun music video.

The clip also had us asking these questions: What is up with the ballet sequence in the middle? Why does Gavin always wear his hair in a bun? Where did those balloons come from? What is that safety pin for on Gavin's shirt? Why does their guitarist put on a vest in the middle of the song? What kind of camera angle is that? Does Morpheus know the lead singer of Bush stole his car? Watch it here.

Bill Ward's Son Addresses Black Sabbath Reunion Controversy
(hennemusic) The Black Sabbath reunion recently hit a snag when drummer Bill Ward went public to advise fans that he had been presented with an agreement that he did not feel comfortable signing, while also disrespecting his role as one of the founders of the legendary metal pioneers.

Ozzy, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler responded with their own statement, saying "we have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open." Now, Ward's son, Aron, has posted a lengthy Facebook message responding to rumors and speculation that his father has done something wrong, or that he's simply "greedy" because he received a contract that, in good faith and conscience, he could neither sign or live with.

"My dad hasn't 'declined' playing with Black Sabbath or 'threatened' to pull out of this reunion. As he stated, his bags are packed and he's ready to go. He says it loud and clear, he definitely wants to play on the album and he definitely wants to tour.

"Up 'till about three weeks ago, he was working extremely hard and close with the other three on this album/reunion tour. He was in very good spirits and sounded excited to be writing with Tony, Geezer and Ozzy again.

"'Don't be so greedy': he is by no means greedy, man. If he was, he would have settled with whatever contract given him. It's kind of obvious someone else is greedy. Wake up." More from Aron here.

Grammy Nom Helped Sum 41's Ill Frontman Deryck Whibley
(Rock News Desk) A Grammy Award nomination for Sum 41's song Blood In My Eyes has lifted the spirits of frontman Deryck Whibley, whose health issues regarding his back forced the band to cancel a tour.

Bassist Jason 'Cone' McCaslin explains: "I could tell after talking to Deryck that it kind of rejuvenated him a little bit. I think we've just gotta give him enough time to get it sorted out completely.

"I give the Grammys some credit for discarding what we've done in the past and actually looking at the song." (Brandon Sun) more rock news

Battle of the Sexes for Noel Gallagher
(Gibson) Noel Gallagher has unveiled the video for his latest single, "Dream On." It is a something of a bizarre video concept, with Gallagher acting the role of referee in a male/female boxing match.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds has been a hit album, particularly in Europe where it has reached platinum status. "Dream On" will be released on March 12 and is the fourth single from the record, just four months after the album was released.

The b-side of the single will be "Shoot a Hole Into the Sun" – the first track to be released from the work Gallagher has recorded with the electronica outfit Amorphous Androgynous. That collaboration album is due later in 2012. more on this story



Monkees Peter Tork Turns 70
(Gibson) The bass-playing Monkee, Peter Tork, was born on this day in 1942. He was the folkie of the group, an east coast multi-instrumentalist who played with such Greenwich Village luminaries as John Phillips, Steven Stills and Dave Van Ronk.

In 1965, he landed in Hollywood, along with every other folkie musician looking to play a part in the Troubadour/Whiskey/Sunset Strip musical revolution that was happening in Los Angeles.

Bob "Five Easy Pieces" Rafelson was working on a cutting-edge new TV show loosely inspired by The Beatles' movies and music. Steven Stills chatted with Rafelson at a social function but was told he wasn't photogenic enough for TV. But he liked the concept and told old Greenwich Village buddy Tork about the gig. Tork went along, auditioned and came up with the "dummy" character. "That was my creation," he told Mojo magazine in 1998. "They liked it and that was the role I played on the series."

The Monkees of course became a pop phenomenon, outselling The Beatles in 1967 with an infectious brew of bubblegum and rock and roll. Shot on 35mm film with fast edits, and two free-form music video clips every week, their Emmy-winning show was innovative and different. more on this story



Keith Moody Singled Out Week: One Big Ending
Keith Moody releases his new album, "Dreaming Out Loud" , this week. To celebrate we asked him to tell us about some of the songs from the album. Today he tells us about, "One Big Ending". Here is the story:

The inspiration for this song is the idea that you have to fight for your soul. In a very apathetic world, you can easily just follow the "plan" and if you have a tangible view of what your dream is you can become an outcast, especially if the dream is simply to go for what you need to be happy. Those things are different for everyone, but I feel that most fear admitting to themselves what those things really are. The "heroine" of the story is told from the time she is small that "Look this is how life is…this is what you're supposed to do". She doesn't see it that way and refuses to succumb to the pressure of living the way everyone else seemingly expects and thinks she should. In my world you were expected to stay the course which was college, marriage and then kids. If you wanted something different, or even wanted these things in a different order, you are really somewhat tolerated by those around you and not truly accepted. I believe this is a microcosm of American society and one of its great flaws. I travel a lot and realize that the "plan" is different for the masses in different regions, but I feel the last barrier to personal freedom is just allowing everyone live their life their way, free of judgment and pressure. God only gives us one life and we aren't guaranteed how long we get, so it is very important to seek those things we need to be happy and let everyone else seek theirs. The song embodies in this woman's story a sort of victory anthem for doing your own thing, living your life your way and being victorious in finding those things that make you happy.

Van Halen Album Review-Melodicrock.com

Van Halen A Different Kind Of Truth Interscope

· Produced By: John Shanks/Ross Hogarth/Van Halen
· Running Time: 50
· Release Date: 2012
· Released: WORLD
· Musical Style: Hard Rock


The monkey is off their back. They did it. It only took three attempts and a decade or so, but something most thought would never happen – a new studio album with original vocalist David Lee Roth – has been completed, delivered and actually released.
And what's even better – it's damn good!
David Lee Roth returned to the Van Halen fold in 1996 long enough to record two acclaimed new studio tracks before things went pear-shaped. There were additional attempts to make new music in secret in 2000 and again 2006. In 2007 Dave officially rejoined and toured into 2008 with the band before retiring again to figure out what was next.
And 'next' was to be the only move the band could make. The only move fans would let them make. After 3 years of album making rumors, the news it was happening finally settled somewhere into 'fact' during 2010.
Without any real insight from the band thus far, how this album was actually and eventually made will, I think, remain an eternal mystery in the same realms as 'how did the pyramids of Giza get built' or 'what exactly makes those crop circles'?
The Van Halen trio (Ed, Al and Wolfgang) seemingly wrote and recorded during 2010 with Ross Hogarth, while 2011 sessions were helmed by John Shanks, then mixed and mixed again by Hogarth. Sadly the album's liner notes give no further insight into what, when and how.
David Lee Roth was long rumored to be recording his vocals elsewhere and no evidence has been submitted to suggest the guys made this record in an old-school, all-for-one in-the-studio team environment.
Whatever they had to do to get it done I guess is ok, as the result sounds like a team. It sounds like a Van Halen record and is something the band's original fans have been waiting since 1984 for.
Further conjecture over the making of the album is pointless without any further insight, so it is perhaps more constructive to just look at the result. And let's face it – that's all we really care about as fans.

A Different Kind Of Truth is heavy. It's energetic. It's bold. And it delivers. And none of those things were a given. How many of us doubted the guys could recapture the best of their past and infuse it with new energy? Me for one…I wanted this to be good….I wanted it to be great. But I just couldn't see how it could be given the dysfunctional nature of the band. But I need not have worried. And it seems the fanbase has also been really invigorated by how good this album is.
Every track has its place and there's not a dull moment to be had. No filler! Not one single track. Even with each of my favourite Van Hagar albums, there was normally one song I didn't buy into. But not here. An nor there should be after such a long wait!

The album is surprisingly heavy, very upbeat and has energy beyond description. This is not a 'chorus' album. And I guess that might be the one point that some fans or casual VH listeners might grasp on to and bitch about. But the old school VH fans know better. Van Halen never were a chorus band until they started evolving with 1984 and then into the Sammy Hagar era.
Hagar brought a different style of songwriting to the band – the anthemic choruses came, but at the same time, other Dave fuelled elements departed. Early Van Halen was about swagger. It was about attitude and it was about groove. It was about smart ass lyrics and free flying guitar parts and songs that chopped and changed without notice.
Fans of Van Hagar might feel a little alienated, but you know what….that would normally include me. I love Dave solo, but for me it was always the passion and direction of the Hagar era albums that appealed to me like few other bands did. But with that said, I'm so appreciating what has been delivered here and my admiration of David Lee Roth has never been higher.

This album is more a reflection of the classic vibe the band had in their early days. And why not – at least 7 of the album's tracks were molded at least in part from the band's first demos in the mid-late 70s. The band reached into the past to bridge the gap between Dave fronted records. It was a move that could have backfired, but it works.
Here today the songs sound as fresh as they possibly could be. David Lee Roth's vocals have been carefully molded into the groove of the album - it's the best I've heard him sing since Eat Em And Smile. And the Van Halen's are simply stunning. And to top it all off - ADKOT features a monster sound and a clear mix. The guitars have real and immediate impact and the music is a finely balanced mix of old classic familiar Van Halen along with and some fresh and recent Van Halen too.
It is everything Dave Halen fans have been waiting since 1984 for, but I think there's plenty there too for Van Hagar fans. For Van Halen fans, period.

A Different Kind Of Truth is the album Van Halen had to make. Not only did they have to put the failed Van Halen 3 album behind them, they had to deal with the ghost of Sammy Hagar and the incredibly unpopular decision to move on without founding member Michael Anthony. Given the choice, I don't think any fan would vote otherwise than for Mike's return, but it simply wasn't going to happen.
Yes, he is missed and his backing vocals are something that this album could have further benefitted from.
But one must accept this decision out of fairness for his replacement – Eddie's son Wolfgang. Wolf was placed in the unenviable position of replacing an iconic member of an iconic band and feigning off credibility issues due to how he got the 'job'. But looking at it without emotion, what father wouldn't love to play alongside his son?
If Wolfgang has struggled to pay his dues up until this point, I'd say that he's now ready to stand on his own merit. There are no album credits either way – all songs (presumably written and performed) by VanHalen/Roth.
So we must presume that's Wolf on bass and if so as I believe it is, he totally rips on this album. The bass presence is huge and album's almighty swagger is thanks in part to those bass parts and the rhythm section as a whole.

Alex Van Halen proves once again what an integral part of the Van Halen sound his drumming is. He is all over this album with more drum fills and slamming beats than I think I have ever heard from him, at least since the 5150 album anyway. Totally immense and the recording of his parts is also amongst the best I have heard. There's a raw/live energy to the whole record, but the drumming in particular just explodes with life here.
David Lee Roth's part in this album must also be spotlighted. He may not make much sense in real life, but on record, the clarity is all-so-clear. He was part of the classic Van Halen sound and to recreate that, the band was to have to walk a fine line between recapturing the old (some 30 years back now!) without sounding dated, out of place or irrelevant and also try and inject some freshness to his approach. And I think they have successfully done that.
The lyrics on this album are pure and classic Dave. There's no one like him on Earth and not for the first time I am really appreciating his take on life. Vocally I am also very impressed. However, I do believe that Dave's vocals may have held this album up as rumored. He has a mammoth job of keeping up with the band here and if it proved hard to achieve, I am not surprised.
But however his vocals were recorded and crafted into the mix, I applaud the result. Whether he's growing along in a more spoken word style or striving for some impossibly high style licks, his efforts are convincing and match the music – even when the band moves out of classic VH style and moves into a more contemporary sphere.

That brings us to Eddie Van Halen, the man himself. Well, whatever myth you believe or whatever state of mind you think he might be in; the man can rock. Eddie sounds more alive now than I have heard him in years. Well…it's been years since we last heard him on record. But he totally delivers on this album. Eddie is a man possessed on this album. It is his guitar work that makes this album what it is. Let's face it – if he wasn't on-song, it wouldn't matter what anyone else delivered.
But he is…on fire…and more. This is a smoking display of guitar riffs and tricks and importantly – just a beautiful tone throughout. Eddie moves between the old, the middle ground and the new with ease and merges it all together for a seamless, cohesive all-out assault on the senses. His soloing is beautiful, the riffs totally in your face and the structure of the songs maximizes the value of the guitar in each track. One of my favourite guitarists ever is back!

The production is typically low on top-end tones, preferring to stick to a rawer, live feel that at times reminds me of the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge sonic – an album that strangely enough was anything but raw or live-in the-studio.
The album mixes classic early Van Halen with parts of the Van Hagar catalogue and even a little Van Halen 3, which is probably down to the own natural evolution of the band's sound when not reverting to the old demos used in part on the album.
And even when these original 70s tracks have been reworked, they are reworked into a contemporary vibe and with energy to match the rest of the album.

Track by Track:

Tattoo – the song that told the world the band was back, but the world wasn't convinced! And neither was I. Fun yes, but standing on its own, somewhat unconvincing. Who knew that the most commercial and perhaps weakest track of the alum would be the ideal single and lead track? I still find it an odd kind of opening track, but placed up-front it does get it out of the way and it does have its place. I love the verse hook for example and the solo is still cool. Anywhere else on the album and the momentum of the pounding energy might have been ruptured. The song was reinvented from the original demo called Down In Flames, but to me doesn't sound like an old school number at all. It's also the only song with any hint of keyboards.

She's The Woman – a song that closely matches the original demo of the same name kicks the album into a higher gear and immediately signals the band are here with a message. It has a great presence and a dirty riff to kick it off. A simple chorus in typical Van Roth style. Heavy groove and a sweet instrumental bridge into the solo and a pounding rhythm section. EVH states unequivocally – I'm back!

You And Your Blues – The first of the 'new' compositions and one that for me merges the sound of Van Hagar and Van Roth. The chorus is classic era and the verse and that dark, dirty guitar riff could have come straight off Balance. I love the intro and the move into a big sonic blast. Dave sounds amazing. Classic VH meets darker dirty style like Humans Being or From Afar even. A monster song and fast solo there, some big harmonies and generally a cool anthemic blast. Alex's drum sound is killer and really drives the song.

China Town – What a classic! Shreds from the first note and then BAM BAM BAM, the drums bang in and hit overdrive in a triple-timed frenzied rush. Fast and furious folks. A short Dave style chorus (typical throughout the album) gives minimal respite from the onslaught. The guitar sound is more like Balance to these ears. Furious solo and drum flurry then back to a steady old school Dave, before the song finishes exactly as it started.

Blood And Fire – Another favourite of mine if I had to pick them. The style feels old school, but the sound is more contemporary. It's a cool blend. And the fast pace of the album continues. A simple, but instantly memorable chorus and some nice heavy riffing around the song. Has a 1984 feel to it, especially with the guitar picking. Surprise melodic bridge intro some tasty picking and a blazing heavy solo! Feels like the tempo picks up even more as it goes, yet it doesn't in reality. Apparently a left over demo from the 1984 album called Ripley – it makes perfect sense.

Bullethead - Fast and furious again and WTF was that guitar intro??!!! Another old 70s track reworked in relative comparison with the original. Absolutely furious tempo and riffing throughout and another stand out solo. Alex goes mad on drums and the bass sizzles along with intent and real groove. A simple fast one word chorus - classic Dave. But heavy and fast! Song includes the album's title in the lyrics. Fast, hard rocking fun.

As Is – I'm loving this tune too, despite that bizarre count-in! This is one brutally heavy riff. Perhaps the heaviest riff I have ever heard from Eddie. And once that extended intro disappears, it's more double-timed hard rock fury. This super-fast rocker has a Hot For Teacher vibe. How old are these guys again? Great little chorus and a big BIG sound. Strong harmony vox from DLR - who continues to sound incredible. What a solo! Fast furious shredding before diving back into a Metallica heavy riff and then a Hot For Teacher style spoken bridge. And the close out is amazing. Guitars everywhere and supremely dark and heavy.

Honeybabycutiedoll – This is one of those twisted musical interlude tracks that Van Halen just has to have. And normally drives me nuts…or to the skip button at least. But this is just so good. The first half of the song tries to be normal, with Dave talking over a hard riff and a short melodic chorus popping up a couple of times. But from then on it's all Eddie. This could be the most bizarre guitar sound I've ever heard from EVH. Another uptempo track, a real groover. And boy, those riffs are heavy.

The Trouble With Never – is yet another uptempo rocker featuring more classic DLR lyrics and a chorus that has those wonderful backing vocals back again. Dave is having a blast and the groove of this album is unreal. This is a big commercial rocker that follows the last track perfectly. I could see this as a single.

Outta Space – this is another reworked 70s track, originally titled Let's Get Rocking. The riff is so familiar when you play it, but the rest of the song has a new life. That guitar sound and drum pattern is so old school VH. Dave takes the vocal into a high range, nice to hear. Another slamming display of rhythm.

Dave fans are going to love this. Stay Frosty – is just brilliant and so Van Roth. An acoustic blues intro while Dave's quirky lyrics grab your attention. More spoken word stuff before...BAM!, the song turns ultra-heavy and launches into a monster groove. Mammoth close out with Alex going nuts on drums. Swagger and style you just can't manufacture.

The last two songs have a very familiar feel. Both are reworked 70s demos (Big Trouble and Put Out The Lights respectively) and both just have that simple classic early Van Halen feel.
Big River - More groove and lots of fantastic riffing. Dave goes for a big vocal again and the song is again pretty fast and in your face again. Simple chorus as is the norm. God the guitar sound is just HUGE!!!! Another great solo and a bit longer this time, mixing riffs and picking.
Beats Working – Great way to close the album. A hard edged riff and matching drum beat. Fun rocker with more reminders of 1984. The longest track on the album at 5 minutes and more or less defies explaining!

The Bottom Line
What can I say in closing that hasn't already been said? To those too lazy to read the whole thing – Van Halen are back, and bigger and heavier than could possibly have been imagined. The individual musical performances within this album are sublime and mesmerizing and despite the use of some older demos to create a foundation, the album sounds fresh and invigorating.
David Lee Roth is on record stating: "People want the reunion….No one will pay respect to what any of us do [musically] until we get the reunion out of the way."
That's precisely it. They have now done that and done themselves, their fans and the Van Halen name proud. It needed to be good, thank God it's even better than expected.
But where to from here? This might be the last Van Halen album….let's hope to hell it's not. It might be the last with Dave. Who knows. Whatever the future presents, at least they proved ALL critics wrong with this monster record.

In 1995 the band released a killer song called Humans Being. I loved it. I loved the album previous to it - Balance. I couldn't wait to hear what was next. Now I know...

"When you turn on your stereo, does it return the favor?" It does now Dave…it does now!

Today's Day In Rock!

Bayside Singer Hospitalized- More Pink Floyd Rarities Coming?- Mars Volta Preview- New Ratt This Summer- Dance Gavin Dance Guest Singers- Tommy Bolin and Friends

(The 1st Five) Bayside vocalist Anthony Raneri has had to drop off two of the final four dates of the ongoing Where's The Band tour. He does not know if he'll be able to play the final two dates yet. Here's his statement. "I've spent the last 24 hours in the hospital in Orange County. I had an infection in my finger that spread through my hand."more
(FMQB) EMI has been rolling out its massive Pink Floyd reissue campaign, under the banner Why Pink Floyd...?, since September. Now, February 28 marks the release of The Wall's expanded "Immersion" and "Experience" editions, which is the last scheduled title in the Why Pink Floyd? series. Hence, discussions are turning to what else can be culled from the band's archives. For instance, drummer Nick Mason says he'd like to see a package covering Pink Floyd's early years rather than expanding one particular album. And that's not all that is being discussed. More here

(Antiquiet) The Mars Volta are returning to our ears with Noctourniquet, their sixth album, on March 27. Listen to a preview of The Malkin Jewel, which will drop February 13th, here

(Bravewords) Dave Castagno from Radio Screamer spoke with RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer at the 2012 NAMM show which was held in Anaheim, California recently. About the band's upcoming studio album he said that "we started a few weeks ago. We're in pre-production and it will be out in August." more

(House of Rock) Classic Rock magazine is reporting that although the late guitar wizard Tommy Bolin passed away at the age of 25 in 1976, a new album is set for release out March 26. 'Great Gypsy Soul' features features outtakes and alternate versions of his solo material, with current musicians playing and singing along to Bolin's own guitar and vocal recordings. The high profile list includes contributions from Peter Frampton, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, Steve Lukather, Glenn Hughes, Brad Whitford, Derek Trucks and many others more

(The 1st Five) Dance Gavin Dance have released a statement regarding the ongoing and frankly depressing saga of vocalist Jonny Craig. " As some of you have heard today, Jonny Craig will not be doing the upcoming tour with Dance Gavin Dance. Jonny is very sick right now, and needs to do what he can to get better.... For this upcoming tour with A lot Like Birds, we will be joined by Kurt Travis and Matt Geise to fill in on vocals" They also have a special first time treat for fans on the tour. Details here.

(FMQB) Anthrax and In This Moment have been added to this year's Rock On The Range lineup more

(Lambgoat) Red Fang will headline a spring tour of Europe with support from Black Tusk. more

(SRX) Accept guitarist Herman Frank is almost finished his second solo album, the follow-up record to the debut from 2009, 'Loyal To None'. more

(Lambgoat) Ex Deo has dropped off the PaganFest: America Part III tour, which will kick off in late-March and is being headlined by Turisas. more


Lost Stone Temple Pilots Clip Now Online
(Banana 101.5) Stone Temple Pilots attempted to shoot two music videos for their 2010 single 'Cinnamon,' neither version was released but one of them recently surfaced online.

The third single from the album was the breezy summertime love song 'Cinnamon,' for which the band had planned to release a music video.

They were reportedly unhappy with the first attempt and went through with shooting a second video, which they also did not like. Both versions were shelved and the video was ultimately abandoned. Thanks to the wonderful interweb we can now see their second version of the video here.

Bret Michaels Solo CD Features Def Leppard, Loretta Lynn and Jimmy Buffet
Bret Michaels is filling his upcoming solo album 'Get Your Rock On' with special guests including Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Buffet, Def Leppard's Phil Collen and My Darkest Days' Sal Costa.

Bret turned heads when he did a duet of the Poison hit 'Every Rose Has It's Thorn,' with Miley Cyrus and he's going country with song again, this time teaming up with country legend Loretta Lynn.

Loudwire reports: 'Get Your Rock On' will feature several other guests appearances too including Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen lending his playing skills on the title track along with Sal Costa from My Darkest Days. The album also features a live version of 'Margaritaville,' performed with the margarita man himself, Jimmy Buffet. more on this story

E Street Band Recruit Clarence Clemons' Nephew
(Gibson) Jake Clemons, the nephew of late E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, will be touring with Bruce Springsteen this year.

Jake will be handling sax duties as part of a five-piece horn section that is joining Bruce and the E Streeters during their Wrecking Ball tour, according to Rolling Stone. It's not yet clear if Jake and the other players will perform with The Boss during his Grammy Awards appearance on Sunday.

The news resolves the speculation over how (or if) the band would attempt to fill the shoes of the "Big Man," who died last year. The horn section will include Jake, Clark Gayton (trombone), Curt Ramm (trumpet), Barry Danielian (trumpet) and Eddie Manion (saxophone). more on this story



Ozzy Osbourne May Receive Hometown Honor
(hennemusic) Birmingham city councilors have been reviewing a report called Destination Birmingham, part of an effort to recognize the contributions and success of local musicians while boosting tourism in the region.

During discussions this week, the Birmingham Mail reports councilors have also suggested that Ozzy Osbourne be given the city's highest honor: Freedom of the City of Birmingham.

Council head of children's social services Matt Bennett made his call for the honor, saying, "I studied in Liverpool and they do know how to make the most of their music. Yes they have The Beatles but they do like to go on and on about it. So I say give Ozzy Osbourne the Freedom of the City. He is the most famous Brummie on the planet. A few years ago he played for the Queen, and if he is good enough for the Queen he is good enough for Birmingham." more on this story

Six Feet Under Lose Member
Six Feet Under have had yet another lineup change. Instead of announcing that they have recruited someone else from Chimaira, they tell fans they are losing someone they recruited from Chimaira.

Matt DeVries (ex- Chimaira), who replaced Terry Butler last year, has decided to depart the band to pursue other musical endeavors, the band said in a statement.

Details on who will be stepping in as the permanent bassist will be announced in the coming months, according to the band.

Bravewords.com have a statement from frontman Chris Barnes that you can read here.

Career Spanning Grateful Dead DVD Box Set Coming
Shout! Factory have set an April 17th release date for a new 14-DVD Grateful Dead box set called All The Years Combine: The DVD Collection.

The label sent over these details: Conceived as the ultimate tribute to the band's legendary on-stage prowess, the set includes 12 concert films; a 40-page booklet containing rare photos and new liner notes by Blair Jackson; and all bonus features from previous releases of the DVDs in the set.

As a special treat for fans, it also includes an exclusive bonus disc containing five previously unreleased live performances from the Grateful Dead archive, Backstage Pass, the 1992 documentary directed by Justin Kreutzmann, and a brand-new interview with Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux. more on this story

Ringo Starr's 13th All Starr Band Tour Dates
Yesterday we told you the initial details about Ringo Starr's 13th All Starr Band tour and today we have more details and the dates.

The tour will launch June 14, 2012 from Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario and conclude July 21, 2012 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California. New to the All Starrs are Steve Lukather (Toto) and Gregg Rolie (Santana & Journey) who will join All Starr alumni Richard Page, Todd Rundgren, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette.

The tour is being produced by Dave Hart and as always fans can expect to hear a jukebox worth of hits. Ringo classic's such as "It Don't Come Easy", "Photograph", "Little Help >From My Friends", "Yellow Submarine" and "Wings," from Starr's just released 17th solo record, Ringo 2012 (Hip-O/Ume). All Starr's hits include "Rosanna," "Broken Wings," "Hello It's Me," "Black Magic Woman." more on this story

Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy To Tribute Hubert Sumlin
(Gibson) Keith Richards has never been shy about sharing his influences, and going back years, he's always tipped his hat to blues great Hubert Sumlin, the late guitarist who most famously played with Howlin' Wolf.

Now, Richards has joined the lineup at an all-star show to be held in Sumlin's honor, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.

In addition to the Rolling Stones legend, the concert will feature Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Dr. John and Susan Tedeschi. It's scheduled for February 24 at New York City's Apollo Theater. The show will benefit the Jazz Foundation of America. more on this story



Jack White and Tom Jones Tribute Howlin' Wolf
(hennemusic) Jack White has teamed up with Tom Jones for a cover of Howlin' Wolf's classic track, "Evil."

The song is part of White's Third Man Records label's 'Blue Series', and will be backed by a new version of Jones' 2002 Frankie Lane cover, "Jezebel."

100 limited edition Tri Color 7"s will be available at Spillers in Cardiff, Wales ("The Oldest Record Shop In The World") on the UK release date of Saturday, March 3rd. Listen to it here.

Black Sabbath Day Backed By Culture Chief
(hennemusic) A proposed Black Sabbath Day in the band's hometown of Birmingham is getting support from the city's Culture Chief.

The Birmingham Mail reports Council cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture Martin Mullaney has backed a series of recommendations in the Destination Birmingham report on the city's music industry and heritage published earlier this week.

The day would celebrate the rockers' reunion this summer, despite the withdrawal last week of original drummer Bill Ward. more on this story

Sammy Hagar To Rum America
(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar launched his Beach Bar Rum in Hawaii back in November, and now he says he'll be introducing it in the States this month.

"Redheads - I can't tell you how excited I am that my Beach Bar Rum is finally coming to the mainland starting in the middle of February!," writes Hagar on his blog.

"After that, it'll be picking up through March into other states and just keep your eye on sammysbeachbarrum.com for the latest news! And if you want to know when it'll be available where you are, just go to www.sammysbeachbarrum.com and fill out a postcard if you don't see your state yet." more on this story

Dave Grohl Sings Adele's Praises
(Gibson) Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl is crushing on Adele. At least, it seems that way. The grunge vocalist, songwriter and drummer recently said that he feels "honored" to be competing with the 21 singer at the Grammy Awards this weekend. Its' a sign, he says, that the Foos are doing something right. As if he needed a sign!

"I'm glad that we're with Adele in the same category," Grohl told the AP. "It means we've done something right. I think she gives us all hope. She's made an incredible record, and she's an incredibly talented artist, so maybe it is true that the cream actually rises to the top… It's good. It's inspiring when something legitimate gets recognized for what it is. It's such a cliché, but it's a huge achievement to be nominated."

When Grohl hits the Staples Center in Los Angeles this Sunday, February 12, for the show, don't expect him to feel self-conscious that he's one of the more mature guys in the room. "It feels great to be the guy with gray hair in his beard who is still invited to these things," Grohl said. "Twenty years ago, I never thought I'd even have a career in music this long." more on this story



Miracles, Crickets and Other Famed Backing Bands To Rock The Hall
(Gibson) Behind many great rock groups is a backing group of talented players, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is making up for past omissions by inducting the backing groups of six first-generation rock stars at this year's ceremony.

The to-be-inducted groups include The Miracles (Smokey Robinson), The Blue Caps (Gene Vincent), The Comets (Bill Haley), The Crickets (Buddy Holly), The Famous Flames (James Brown) and The Midnighters (Hank Ballard).

Why did the Hall pinpoint these specific groups? Well, for each of the chosen inductees, the backing group didn't get into the Hall of Fame when their frontman did, which often caused a good amount of controversy and eyebrow raising. The Hall simply wants to set the record straight and honor the groups that have backed some of music's biggest legends.

The six groups will finally get their due April 14 at Cleveland's Public Hall at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's annual awards ceremony. "These Inductees are pioneers in the development of the music we call rock and roll," Rock and Roll Hall of Fame president and CEO Joel Peresman said in a release. "As part of our mission to recognize the most impactful, innovative and influential artists in rock, the committee brought forth these six groups that belong in the Hall of Fame." more on this story



Prong New Album Details
(Freeman) Prong will release their new album, Carved Into Stone, on April 24th in North America on Long Branch Records.

The band has also unveiled the album artwork and tracklisting for the album. The artwork was created by Vance Kelly (Down, The Sword)

Prong will be touring throughout 2012 supporting their forthcoming release Carved Into Stone. The initial dates have been confirmed, including two shows supporting Bay Area Thrashers Testament in February, followed by a string of headlining gigs in March. More dates will be announced shortly. more on this story

Evile To Tribute David Gold This Weekend
Evile will play their song, "In Memoriam", live for the first time ever this weekend in memory of Woods Of Ypres frontman David Gold, who tragically passed away on 22nd December.

Evile will be performing at the HMV Ritz in Manchester, UK this Saturday, 11th February with Cerebral Bore and Savage Messiah as part of HMV's Next Big Thing, where Woods Of Ypres were also originally scheduled to perform. Evile have revealed that they will be performing "In Memoriam" - which is taken from the band's new album, Five Serpent's Teeth - as a tribute to their fallen labelmate.

Evile lead guitarist Ol Drake has issued the following statement: "We were all deeply saddened to hear the news of Woods of Ypres' mastermind David Gold passing away. Their obvious cancellation of the Manchester show left a big hole in the lineup I was so looking forward to seeing and being a part of. We've been thinking of airing 'In Memoriam' live for a while, so we'd like to not only play the song for our own reasons, but to also play it at the upcoming Manchester show in memory of David."

Van Halen Release TV Commercial
(hennemusic) Van Halen released their new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth," on Tuesday.

Van Halen have released their TV commercial for the album, which also plugs the band's 2012 tour – that kicks off February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The project has the weight and distinction of being the first new VH music in 8 years; the band's first new album in 14 years, the first new music with David Lee Roth in 16 years, first new album with Roth in 28 years, and the first recordings with bassist Wolfgang VH. Check out the ad here.

Clutch Releasing Double Vinyl Edition Of Blast Tyrant
Clutch have set a February 28th release date for the double vinyl edition of their Blast Tyrant album.

This 180+ gram expanded vinyl contains 16 songs and includes six mini-posters taken straight from Blast Tyrant's "Atlas of the Invisible World".

Each illustrated poster is sized (8.5" x 11") and depicts one of the various characters featured within the Blast Tyrant storyline. more on this story

Viral Hardcore Kids Video Battle
(hennemusic) Last month, an 8-year-old Australian girl named Juliet caused an online buzz when she posted "My First Hardcore Song."

The 1 minute clip was intense, with Juliet ranting and raving about her dog, Robert, and how her pet fish smell.

The clip has already racked up almost 2 million views in its first 24 hours online and is now close to 20 million views.

Now, a 6-year-old Florida kid named Jacob has issued a response video, also called "My First Hardcore Song." Watch both here.

Tombs Expand Tour Plans
Tombs will follow their current North American tour with a European headlining tour with Hierophant in support of their latest release Path of Totality, which was released in 2011 on Relapse Records.

Freeman Promotions sent over list of confirmed dates can be found below including recently announced North American shows, an appearance at the Relapse Records Scion Showcase and this year's Roadburn Festival in Tillburg, Holland.

Tombs frontman Mike Hill commented on the band's Roadburn Appearance and European tour: "We're honored to be part of Roadburn this year. Personally, I'm stoked to be going not only as a dude that plays in a band, but as a fan of extreme music. We're also looking forward to travelling with Hierophant, the shows are going to be a blast." more on this story

Dio Inspired American Idol's James Durbin
(hennemusic) James Durbin recently sat down with Revolver magazine to talk about his debut album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster," and his original heavy metal inspiration.

"The first time I heard metal was driving in my mom's car, and I heard 'Holy Diver' by DIO," Durbin said. "My jaw basically hit the floor of the car. Wow!"

"Ronnie [James Dio] was such a force in metal, and it just really made me wanna push my limits," continued James. "He had such a beautifully operatic voice, but was able to transcend genres and transcend barriers and transcend age. There were the old, haggard dudes who hang out at the Rainbow [Bar & Grill in Hollywood], he affected those people and he affected young kids like me." Check out the video here

Maps & Atlases Set New Album Release
(BH) Barsuk Records have set an April 17th release date for Maps & Atlases' sophomore album Beware and Be Grateful.

The album - which follows the Chicago-based band's acclaimed 2010 debut, Perch Patchwork - was recorded last year in a series of week-long sessions at Omaha's ARC Studios with producer Jason Cupp (Nurses, Good Old War) once again behind the board.

The band released a teaser trailer for the album, featuring the track "Remote And Dark Years," available at www.mapsandatlases.org. The band is also heading to South By Southwest in Austin, TX, and have just announced a string of Midwest dates before and after the festival as well as dates in Europe and the UK in April. A full headlining US tour starting in May will be announced shortly. more on this story

Iwrestledabearonce Get Warped
Iwrestledabearonce have announced they will be taking part in this summer's Warped Tour where they will be along for the full ride.

"After how much fun we had in 2010, we're beyond stoked to head out on Warped again!" says guitarist Steven Bradley.

"Warped crowds are amazing and doing signings every day and meeting everybody rules. Cannot wait!" more on this story

We Are Augustines To Rock Letterman
We Are Augustines will make their network television debut on The Late Show With David Letterman on Friday, February 24.

The band will be performing "Chapel Song," the opener to their debut album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships.

We Are Augustines are also confirmed as support for Band of Skulls' upcoming North American headline tour. more on this story

More on We Are Augustines - We Are Augustines Music - We Are Augustines Tour Dates/Tickets - We Are Augustines CDs, vinyl and rarities
The Temper Trap Coming To America
The Temper Trap are returning to North America this March to play a handful of intimate club dates in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

The trip will also include a stop in Austin at SXSW where the band will debut new music from their upcoming sophomore release due this spring on Glassnote/Columbia Records in the U.S.

The Temper Trap garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with their 2009 debut 'Conditions,' which spawned the hit singles 'Sweet Disposition,' 'Love Lost,' 'Science of Fear' and 'Fader.' more on this story

Merrell Fankhauser Releases Best Of The Tiki Lounge DVDs
(Glass Onyon) The godfather of surf music, Merrell Fankhauser, has released 'Best Of The Tiki Lounge' volumes 1&2 DVDs, featuring performances from his famed TV show 'Tiki Lounge', on UK's Gonzo MultiMedia.

Merrell Fankhauser is considered one of the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock, and is widely known as the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit "Wipeout". His travels from Hollywood to his 15 year jungle experience on the island of Maui have been documented in numerous music books and magazines in the US and Europe. Merrell has gained legendary international status throughout the field of rock music; his credits include over 250 songs published and released.

Merrell Fankhauser has presented a number of television programs over the years including 'California Music', 'Route 66 TV Live', and in 2001 he began hosting a music show called 'Tiki Lounge' that airs on the California Central Coast, Southern California, Hawaii and parts of the East Coast. 'The Best Of The Tiki Lounge' volumes 1&2 feature highlights from Merrell's cable TV show. Volume One features Merrell performing alongside other music artists, such as Willie Nelson, Randy California, Dick Dale and Nicky Hopkins. The DVD also includes clips from Merrell's Birthday Boogie with Mary Ramsey of 10.000 Maniacs, Fito De La Parra of Canned Heat, Ed Cassidy of Spirit and many others! Joined once again by former Spirit drummer Ed Cassidy, along with John Cipollina, Mark Tullin and others, the 'Best Of The Tiki Lounge' Volume Two features new original songs by Fankhauser, including "The Whole Day Ahead of Us". Also in this volume, Merrell takes an expedition into the Nevada desert to the edge of the secret airbase Area 51 in search of UFOs.


Remembering Sweet's Brian Connolly
(Gibson) On this day in 1997, Brian Connolly, singer with the 1970s glam rock group Sweet, died of kidney and liver failure at age 47. Connolly replaced Ian Gillan (later of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath) in Wainwright's Gentlemen, who became Sweetshop and then shortened their name to Sweet. Gibson takes a look back:

Perhaps no band embodied glam rock, at least visually, more than Sweet (or The Sweet, depending on which circa 1971 teenybopper you're talking to). With tight jumpsuits, bright and heavy guitars and uncomfortably high harmonies, Sweet were a staple of early '70s music programs. And at the front of the stage was an impossibly blonde singer named Brian Connolly.

Connolly was born on October 5, 1945 under the humblest of circumstances in the Govanhill district of Glasgow, Scotland. His mother was a teenage waitress who was abandoned by Connolly's father. By the age of two, he was living in foster care and was raised under their family name of McManus. His new family gave him love and stability in his growing years — and fostered his love of music, as he often sang around the house in lieu of a television.

At the age of twelve, Brian's family moved to Harefield, Middlesex, England. It was here that he got his start as a musician, a path he pursued in earnest when he finished school. Having learned the identity of his mother around the age of 18, he took her family name of Connolly just as he was gaining a reputation for himself around town as a high-powered singer. After bumping around the North London scene for a bit, he finally found a home in an R&B-flavored band called Wainwright's Gentlemen, who were seeking a replacement for their departed singer, the future Deep Purple legend Ian Gillan.

In early 1968, Connolly and drummer Mick Tucker left Wainwright's Gentlemen for brighter pastures. They formed their own band, called The Sweetshop, bringing in Steve Priest from The Army to play bass and a friend of Tucker's, Frank Torpey, to play guitar. The group caught fire on the London club scene and quickly got a record deal with Fontana. On the eve of their first recording, they learned of another band recording under the name The Sweetshop, so they shortened their own moniker to The Sweet (or just, Sweet). more on this story



Singled Out: Lillian Axe's Caged In
Today Steve Blaze from Lillian Axe tells us about the new singled "Caged In" from their forthcoming new album "XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" (which comes out on Feb 14th). Here is the story:

Caged In is the single at radio now which is a bit ironic. Everyone is telling me how modern and hip this song is , yet it was written about 14 years ago. I have really bad road rage, the kind that makes me want to become a traffic officer and chase bad drivers down like a highway superhero. I also have a bad temper, but it only surfaces at the end of a very long fuse. I have great patience until that occurs.

"Caged In" was written about trying to curb that temper and the difficulties of ignoring stupidity. It addresses those moments in life that cause us to feel as though we are about to explode from frustration. I wanted to create the feel of a locomotive running nonstop from start to finish. The vocal harmonies are not your standard style which adds to the mood of confusion and mental instability. During the bridge sections there is a line that says" I'm in your mind and I like it there." That was a strange effect put there by Richard and Sylvia to give it that uncanny sound like a tine weird voice in the back of one's head. I used the word Manimal in the choruses to represent the human/animal essence of anger and rage. We did our best to put the guitars right in your face to make the listener need a breathe of air at the end of the song. It's a great song to play live as well. But fear not, I am a peaceful man, as long as you don't blow by me on the highway doing 120.

VAN HALEN LIGHT UP LA ONCE AGAIN:

Van Halen took to the LA Forum tonight to play out a full dress rehearsal of their 2012 show, to a crowd of invited friends, fans and industry folk. And of course I had a contact planted in the crowd. Photos of the event are below. The set list for the night was: You Really Got Me, Running With The Devil, She's The Woman, Somebody Get Me A Doctor, Tattoo, Everybody Wants Some, Beautiful Girls, Ice Cream Man, China Town, Dance The Night Away, Hot For Teacher, Blood And Fire, Guitar Solo, Panama, Jump.

I'm told that isn't the full setlist, this show going just 69 minutes. Among the special guests in attendance were long time friend Steve Lukather, who tweeted: "Van Halen KILLED IT! I had some tears.. Those that know, know we have some history. It was SO good. Ed'd back !! The whole band was awesome"; and Slash, who added: "Van Halen was killer tonight at the Forum. Eddie was brilliant. So amazing to hear/watch."

Here's a few thoughts from my guy at the show: "Background vocals are pretty stellar! Vocal intro (for Tattoo) piped in from board...DLR with a headset mic from the start of Ice Cream Man, but headset mic blows. Acapella break in middle of Dance The Night Away. UNREAL vocals from Wolfie and Eddie. EVH was incredible; vocals + guitar. Wolfie was strong on bass; very impressed with his vocals. I kept looking to see if he was activating vocals with a pedal and I can say he was NOT. And what can one say about Alex? Still unreal behind the kit."



And the latest words of wisdom from David Lee Roth appeared in Australian press today:

www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/inteview-with-van-halens-david-lee-roth.

This legendary rocker is back with Van Halen and barking mad about dogs, writes Cameron Adams.
Since we last saw you you've become a dog trainer.
Well on the insurance form they're called "canine athletes". We train dogs for cattle and sheep herding. They're very different. Sheep are a lot like supermodels - they bunch together, they rattle very easily. You want to keep the dog 10-15m out or they act like girls at a nightclub: "OMG, he's looking!" Cattle are like drunks at a hockey game - two will want to fight: "Who are you and what's with your badge?"
Two of them will be like: "Leave them alone, let's go see the game." Another one is lost: "Where'd you guys go?" The dog has to deal with all of that. You work them off a whistle. It's the original video game.

Do you get recognised by people in the dog world?
If you work with livestock, if you wear jeans to work, don't tell me you don't know Van Halen. That's an in for me. I'm wildly enthusiastic about dog handling, it gives me an entree to travel the world. My dog Mike will enable me to travel to the UK and Ireland. I'll come in dead last, make no mistake, but it's life outside of the showbiz circle. It's international and noisy and a little dirt under the fingernail adds a little to the sandwich.

You're back fronting Van Halen and have made A Different Kind of Truth, your first album with them since 1984. Was it important not to just tour and play old songs?
Nostalgia is a form of denial. I love denial. I like selective amnesia, too. Mix the two and you've got a hell of a weekend. However, in terms of aiming the starship there, nah, retromania is not a great destination.

Recording the album took so long your Australian tour last year was cancelled. What was it like in the studio? There's a history of tension between you and Eddie Van Halen.
It was like a stand off in a Chuck Norris movie. We each had the laser dot on everybody's forehead waiting for the other guy to blink. Except for Wolfie, he had a Super Soaker ...

Yes, Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang is on bass now. What's it like being in a band with a 20-year-old?
I'm starting to be impressed by the kid. I didn't want to be. He can play the s--- out of that thing. He's bringing it. We never changed. We're a '70s hard rock band. We enjoyed our fame in the '80s but all our roots are pre-'80s. That's Van Halen. Old plus new. It's like watching Dragnet on your iPad.

How are you and Eddie getting on?
If Ed and I can get along then world peace can have a chance. There's sparks, there's energy, there's a team enthusiasm closer to pirates than little league. There's still some pillaging going on there. You can hear it in the music. There's routinely conflict but there's a lot of laughter. A lot of appreciation for the privilege of the job; compared to some of the other jobs we've all held, this is better. In one of the songs I say, 'I've been rich and I've been poor, rich is better'. It's totally better.

How do you describe the chemistry between you and Eddie? It's led to you leaving the band a few times.
Our form of sparks will be in the first sentence of our mutual obituaries. These are the songs and messages that have brought a smile to a thousand hips. Maybe that's our only responsibility as artists. You must delight. I don't care if you're running with a football in a screaming stadium or playing a solo violin in a concert hall, you must delight. We treasure that responsibility more than ever. You see it in the handshakes. The smiles are genuine. We individually idle somewhere between pissed off and not too pissed off in terms of anger. When you get too happy that's a different band. That's a vacation.

What was it like seeing Van Halen when Sammy Hagar or Gary Cherone was frontman?
When you change the engine, you have a whole different form of transportation. Any similarity between the reality of some of the other vocalists and mine is purely coincidental.

In your most recent stint away from Van Halen you worked as an emergency medical technician in New York. Tell us about that.
I pushed an ambulance for three summers. That right there provides a whole new view of the world around me. It was crystallising. Galvanising. I was in and out of the projects. When you hear Jay-Z rap about Marcy Projects ... been there. Life loves those who love life. That's what I ran into in the blue uniform. When I pursued it even further into aviation and dog handling, I recognise the similarities more than the differences. But hey man, no metaphysics until happy hour!

OK, it's Van Halen's 40th anniversary this year.
That's some distance in a business where three-and-a-half summers is the requisite career. We're 40 summers at this camp. They made me a counsellor this time.
There's not much here I don't know how to do. I know how to make the pancakes, get the kayaks ready. I do the camp fires arguably the best.

Can you see yourself in Van Halen long-term this time around?
It's a revised spirit, it's a real band. However temporary it may be there's a real core of strength, an integrity to the band. An obsessiveness to it that will ring true at least for the rest of this tour. To promise anything beyond that, I don't know. That kind of friction and back and forth solicits the best. In the battle of the bands, we actually are a battle of the bands in one band.

Today's Day In Rock!

Van Halen Vs Adele
Van Halen return this week with 'A Different Kind of Truth,' their first studio album with David Lee Roth since '1984' (the year and the album) and the band have a chance to score their sixth No 1 album, but Adele stands in the way.
During a normal week the pace of the sales of Van Halen's new album, projected to be in the 180,000 to 200,000 range, would secure them the top spot, but Adele may put up a big fight with some major exposure this week from the Grammy Awards according to Billboard.biz.

However, that exposure comes late in the week when Adele performs at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, her first performance since vocal surgery, and the chart dominating singer is also up for six Grammys. She'll also get a boost with an interview on a high profile news magazine program. So despite the Grammy bump, Van Halen have a good shot at the top spot this week but read the Billboard report for more details here.


Sharon Osbourne Addresses Black Sabbath Controversy
(Rock News Desk) Sharon Osbourne insists she has nothing to do with the contact scuffles threatening to disrupt Black Sabbath's reunion album.

Drummer Bill Ward this week announced he was ready to pull out of the project, because after a year of negotiation he still hadn't been offered a contract he regarded as "signable". As rumors flew he'd be replaced with Ozzy Osbourne's sticksman Tommy Clufetos, Ward criticised Sabbath's management for failing to respect his contribution to the metal giants' legacy.

That's led many to the conclusion that Sharon Osbourne, daughter of infamous rock impresario Don Arden, is behind the disagreements. But last night she stated via Facebook: "I am not in any position to hire or fire anyone in Black Sabbath. I don't manage the band, I manage my husband." more on this story


New Slipknot Album Not Coming Soon
(Banana 101.5) Slipknot fans have been clamoring for a new album for a couple of years now but recent comments from drummer Shawn 'Clown' Crahan indicate that recording is not likely to begin before 2013.

Slipknot have been grieving the loss of bassist Paul Gray since his tragic passing 2010 and have been very vocal about the fact that they are not ready to record yet. It took the band a good amount of time to return to the stage after Gray's death — they eventually reunited for a few shows overseas last summer. Despite their plans to tour North America this year, drummer Clown told Kerrang that they are still working through the grief:

"After [the tour], we'll probably take some time off. It could be a month, it could be a couple of months, maybe even a year. After that time, I'll be over the immediate grieving process for Paul. I'll never be alright with it, but that's going to be enough time to get focused." more on this story


Beach Boys Reunion Kick Off at The Grammys
(Gibson) The Beach Boys will officially begin their 50th anniversary reunion celebration with a performance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 12 in Los Angeles. The group has something special planned and will collaborate with younger rockers Maroon 5 and Foster the People, according to Rolling Stone.

Surviving Boys Mike Love, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks will play together on stage for the first time in more than two decades. No word yet on what songs the band are set to perform, much less if they'll be mashing up Beach Boys classics with Maroon 5 and Foster the People hits.

The show, taking place at the Staples Center, will be broadcast 8 p.m. (ET) Sunday on CBS. Later this year, The Beach Boys have plans for an anniversary tour and album release. more on this story




Aerosmith and Stephen King Collaboration Suggested
(Gibson) The worlds of rock and roll and literary horror may be colliding on the new Aerosmith album. Jack Douglas, who's helming the classic rockers' upcoming record, told Classic Rock magazine that he suggested an unlikely collaborator for frontman Steven Tyler. Douglas told the label that legendary author Stephen King could help Tyler get his creative juices flowing.

"They looked at me like I was crazy. I said, 'No, I'm serious. If there's anyone who's going to inspire him, it'd be Stephen King,'" Douglas reported. "Steven doesn't need melody – he needs someone who's going to inspire him as a wordsmith. I don't want a guy who's just writing hits right now."

There's no word if the two Steves are indeed working together, although their shared Boston connection might break the ice. King is a massive Red Sox fan and Aerosmith got their start in the city.

Elsewhere in the interview, Douglas (who also produced Aerosmith's '70s classics Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic and Rocks) said that Aerosmith have recorded 15 tracks for the new album, and have plans to lay down at least one more. more on this story




Killswitch Engage Made Jesse Leach Audition
Killswitch Engage didn't just ask their original frontman Jesse Leach to rejoin the band after the departure of Howard Jones, they made him audition.

The band posted a new group photo with Leach on their website earlier this week, alerting fans to the reunion and now they have sent out official word about Leach's return:

Leach sang on the band's first self-titled album, which came out in 2000, and on their landmark 2002 Roadrunner debut Alive or Just Breathing. Leach left the band in 2002 and was replaced by Howard Jones, but his work on Alive or Just Breathing has always been revered by diehard, longtime KsE fans. Things have come full circle a decade later, and Leach and the band couldn't be more pleased about this reunion.

The band revealed that Leach auditioned for the job he once held and pretty much blew everyone away and then some. The band stated, "After much deliberation and careful consideration, we are pleased to announce that Jesse Leach has rejoined Killswitch Engage. Our job was to find the best person to fill Howard's shoes: a decision based on talent and not familiarity." more on this story


Foo Fighters and Deadmau5 Team Up For Grammys
(Gibson) The Foo Fighters will be joined by dance titan Deadmau5 for a performance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 12. The ceremony, set to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, will pay tribute to electronic music.

The Foo Fighters and Deadmau5 will perform a remixed version of the Foos' single, "Rope," on an open-air stage outside the Staples Center facility. The Foo Fighters are nominated for Grammys in six categories this year, including Album of the Year for their acclaimed disc, Wasting Light. That number – six – equals the number of Grammy trophies the band have taken home thus far during their career.

"It feels great to be the guy with gray hair in his beard who is still invited to these things," Foos frontman Dave Grohl told the Associated Press, in a recent interview. "Twenty years ago, I never thought I'd even have a career in music this long." more on this story




Rundgren, Lukather, Rolie For Ringo's All Star Band
(Gibson) In support of his new album, Ringo 2012, Ringo Starr has put together a new incarnation of his All Starr Band for a summer tour. The former Beatle unveiled the group's lineup, along with June and July tour dates, according to Rolling Stone.

This version of the All Starr Band will include Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie (Santana), Steve Lukather (Toto), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), saxophonist Mark Rivera and drummer Gregg Bissonette, along with Ringo, of course. Can one band handle two guys who spell Gregg with two Gs? Only time will tell.

As with previous treks, the ensemble will play a number of Beatles and Ringo hits, along with a couple songs made famous by each All Starr member. So, Ringo fans, expect to hear "I Wanna Be Your Man" and "Photograph" alongside "Broken Wings," "Oye Como Va," "Bang on the Drum All Day" and "Rosanna." more on this story




Paul McCartney Streaming Live Tonight
Paul McCartney will celebrate the release of his new album, Kisses On The Bottom, with a free streaming performance taking place tonight.

The event will stream live at 7:00 p.m. PST Thursday, February 9, from the famed Capitol Studios where much of the new album was created. Fans can watch the intimate concert through iTunes on their Mac or PC.

Kisses On The Bottom is a collection of standards Paul grew up listening to, as well as two brand new McCartney compositions "My Valentine" and "Only Our Hearts" (which feature guest turns, respectively, from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder). Recorded with the aid of Grammy-winning producer Tommy LiPuma and Diana Krall and her band—who will back Paul for the Capitol live stream event—Kisses On The Bottom is a deeply personal journey through songs that, in some cases, a young Paul first heard his father perform on the family piano.

The February 9 Capitol Studios streaming event will be the first time ever that the performances of Kisses On The Bottom will be brought to life in a live setting. Check it out here.


Disturbed Member Joins Mike Portnoy's Adrenaline Mob
Disturbed's John Moyer have joined Adrenaline Mob, the supergroup featuring ex-Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Symphony X's Russell Allen and Mike Orlando.

Adrenaline Mob confirmed last month the departure of Paul DiLeo (Fozzy), and Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo/Fozzy) and this week announced Moyer has joined the lineup.

The sent out these details: They all got together and after one jam session, the band knew they had found the newest member of the family. John will be making his on-stage debut with Adrenaline Mob on March 12th when they play their record release event at Hiro Ballroom in New York City. more on this story


Red Hot Chili Peppers To Headline Hangout Music Fest
Red Hot Chili Peppers have been added as the third headliner for the Hangout Music Fest.

Hangout Music Fest will be held May 18, 19 and 20 on the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama

The event will also feature main stage headliners Dave Matthews Band and Jack White, along with dance tent headliner Skrillex. more on this story



Jon Anderson Responds To Yes Reunion Rumor
Original Yes frontman Jon Anderson has issued a response to the rumors that he has been asked to reunite with Yes.

We were sent the following: these rumors are unfounded and false. Jon Anderson is busy with his solo career; he is currently on tour performing solo (tour dates and venues listed below), as well as recording new music.

Jon also had this response to recent quotes in the news by Chris Squire that he is in regular communication with Jon: "I haven't spoken with Chris in four years, and the only e-mail I have received from him in the last 3 years was him asking for free tickets to my show in Mesa, AZ last week - very sad, but true." more on this story


Van Halen Tour Invite Surprised Kool and the Gang
(hennemusic) On February 18, Kool & The Gang hit the road opening for Van Halen. The unlikely pairing was not only a surprise for fans, but for the RnB band themselves.

"I was kind of surprised," co-founder Robert "Kool" Bell tells Billboard.com, "because Van Halen is more on the rock side and we do what we do. I said, 'That's an interesting combination...' It really caught us by surprise. But the more people I mention it to, the more interesting they're saying it is."

Bell says having Kool & the Gang open for Van Halen's North American tour was frontman David Lee Roth's idea. Roth saw Kool and company perform at the 2011 Glastonbury festival and enjoyed it so much that he lobbied the band onto the bill. more on this story


Luis Alberto Spinetta RIP
(Gibson) Clarin newspaper has confirmed today the death of Argentinean rock legend Luis Alberto Spinetta, due to pulmonary cancer complications. He was 62.

Spinetta was born in Buenos Aires on January 23, 1950 and would be remembered as one of the icons and more influential singer-songwriters in Latin American music.

As a solo artist he released more than 20 albums, the latest one a live record named Spinetta y las Bandas Eternas (2010). He was part of important bands that inspired the Rock En Español movement in the early '70s, among them: Almendra, Invisible, Spinetta Jade and Pescado Rabioso. more on this story




Karma To Burn Going on Tour in March
Napalm Records sent over updated dates for Karma To Burn's up coming North American tour.

The stoner rockers are hitting the road on March 1st and will play in 14 cities until St. Patrick's Day.

Joining Karma To Burn on the tour will be Truckfighters. Napalm provided the latest dates and venues with an indication that more may be forthcoming. more on this story


Cauldron React To Juno Nomination
(EAR) Cauldron have reacted to their 2012 Juno Awards nomination (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards.)

Cauldron have been nominated for their latest album, Burning Fortune, in the "Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year" category, alongside fellow Canadian musicians Anvil, Devin Townsend Project, F*** The Facts and Ken Mode.

Cauldron guitarist Ian Chains comments: "Nice to see heavy metal getting some acknowledgement in Canada. It doesn't matter if it's not mainstream and not everyone gets it. There's still a great level of artistic value within and a lot of hard work that goes into every aspect of what these bands do. We're proud to know that our achievements, however small when compared to mainstream acts, are still getting some recognition. Lay down your soul to the god's rock 'n' roll!" more on this story


Exhumed Hitting The Road With Cannibal Corpse
Exhumed will be hitting the road in April for a North American tour with Cannibal Corpse, Abysmal Dawn and Arkaik.

The tour will kick off on April 5 in Jacksonville, Florida and include an appearance at the The Cincinnati Metal Fest on April 14 as well as a special show on April 28 where the trek will merge with the Decibel Magazine tour featuring Behemoth, Watain, The Devil's Blood and In Solitude.

Comments vocalist/guitarist Matt Harvey: "We are totally stoked about this tour and look forward to seeing some smiling, blood-streaked faces in the front row every night. It's a great tour package to be a part of, and anyone within barfing distance should cruise out and grab a beer with us! It's truly a pleasure to support a band that has as much longevity and integrity as the gentlemen in Cannibal Corpse, so we'll try extra hard not to go out there and stink it up every night. Our livers, brain cells and dignity are about to be sacrificed on the altar of death metal once again -- see you all out there!" more on this story


Strangler's Hugh Cornwell and Sex Pistol's Glen Matlock Tour
The Strangler's Hugh Cornwell is teaming up with The Sex Pistol's original bass player Glen Matlock for a North American Co-headlining tour.

The tour will kick off on February 24th in Tucson, AZ and will conclude on March 17th in Los Angeles, CA.

Both acts will feature Clem Burke and Steve Fishman, as well as James Stevenson (Glen Matlock only) more on this story


The Safety Fire Album Release Pushed Back
Inside Out Music have delayed the release of The Safety Fire's debut full-length, Grind The Ocean, which is now due out on April 9th in the UK and April 10th in North America.

In regards to this release date change, the band comments: "Unfortunately we are sad to announce that the official release of our album 'Grind the Ocean' has been delayed until April 2012 in the UK and US.

"Our team and label have been doing some amazing work over the past few months, and feel that delaying the official release, will give us some great opportunities- There will be new content released over the coming months, so keep your eyes open...Please note the release in other (territories) are unaffected and will be available online and in shops." more on this story


Singled Out: Fleming's Slip
Today Guillem Lomas from Fleming tells us about "Slip" from their debut EP "Play for Manuel," which comes out on Monday (Feb 13th). Here is the story:

"Slip into something more comfortable" is one of those cliched phrases that sounds familiar even though it's completely dated. I had just moved back to New York from LA, and although I had lived in the city for 9 years prior to my southern California jaunt, I felt out of place. Things I hadn't noticed before - the human-height garbage piles, the maniacal cabbies, the minuscule threshold for having the bird flipped at you, or rather, for flipping it, the living in shadows, literally, like embodying some sort of sick platonic reference - all resolved into a painful and uncomfortable focus. I had come up with the chords for a new song and I wanted it to be somewhat suggestive.

I was literally mouthing nonsense syllables over the music to figure out the melody. And then suddenly, I just uttered that line, that old femme fatale hook. Except that it resonated with me more broadly, in the sense of the relationship one has with a city or a group. How those first awkward few months can turn into titillating excitement when you figure out your place there and gain comfort in your own skin.

So the song became more about that natural longing and struggle to fit in and be happy in a place, a group, a subculture. And how that transition can be exciting even if your ultimate goal, to fit in, is as mundane and time-tested as your old, faded, favorite pair of jeans.

Today's Day In Rock!

Metallica Launching Music Festival
Late last week Metallica advised fans to mark their calendars and now we know why. The metal titans have announced their very own summer music festival dubbed Orion Music + More.
As a further treat to fans Metallica will perform their self-titled ("Black") album in full during one night of the event and their acclaimed sophomore album "Ride The Lightning" in its entirety the other. This will be the only time the band will perform these albums in North America in 2012.

But fans shouldn't expect Ozzfest as the diverse lineup features a hand selected eclectic group of performers including Avenged Sevenfold, Arctic Monkeys, Modest Mouse, The Gaslight Anthem, Cage The Elephant, F**ked Up, Best Coast, Hot Snakes, Titus Andronicus, Gary Clark Jr., Lucero, The Black Angels ,The Sword, A Place to Bury Strangers, Liturgy, and Roky Erickson. more on this story

Black Sabbath Replace Bill Ward Rumor Leads To Online Backlash
(Nightwatcher's House Of Rock) Rumors were swirling around the Internet yesterday suggesting that Black Sabbath have replaced original drummer Bill Ward with Tommy Clufetos from the Ozzy Osbourne band.

These rumors have not been confirmed by the band or management. However fans are rallying around Ward and have launched a new Facebook page dubbed 1,000,000 Black Sabbath Fans Say Yes To Bill Ward.

Drummer Bill Ward is currently in a public battle with his old mates "unless a "signable contract is drawn up" he stated recently and has refused to join the rest of the band. more on this story

Aerosmith Plan US Tour
(hennemusic) Aerosmith will kick off their US tour in June. Guitarist Joe Perry confirmed the news via Twitter, adding that tickets will go on sale in March.

The tour will be in support of Aerosmith's new album, which they've been working on with producer Jack Douglas.

"It definitely has a feel like some of the early stuff," Joe said recently. "We've tried to bring that back. People are always asking for something that sounds like the old stuff, but you can't rewrite 'Mama Kin' or 'Same Old Song and Dance.' All you can do is go in and start from the same place you started when you made those records. So we just went in with Jack Douglas and we all worked on the record. There's a song or two that the band helped write, and Tom (Hamilton) wrote and Brad (Whitford) has a track on there. So from that point of view, it's a lot more like an early Aerosmith record." more on this story

Deftones' Chi Coming Out of Coma
(Rock News Desk) Deftones' Chi Cheng has shown the first signs that he could be coming out of his three-year coma. The bassist, 41, was severely injured in a car accident in November 2008, and he's been in a coma ever since.

Doctors had to remove parts of his brain to keep him alive. After seven months he was taken off life support. In 2011 he was moved to an experimental research facility in New Jersey, where he's been receiving specialist care and daily treatment which have cost over $500,000 so far – and isn't covered by health insurance.

But earlier this week Cheng's family released a video clip proving the attention was worthwhile. Previously he'd only been able to make sounds from his throat as if he was talking. Now he can raise his legs from his bed when asked – a sign he's able to process the request and respond. more on this story

Dir En Grey Pull Out of Still Reckless Tour For Medical Reasons
Dir En Grey have been forced to cancel their upcoming 2012 U.S. tour dates on The Still Reckless Tour due to frontman Kyo's throat condition.

MSO sent over these details: Unfortunately under recommendation of frontman KYO's physician after extensive examination of his vocal chords, Dir En Grey has regretfully cancelled their participation in "The Still Reckless Tour" and solo shows scheduled between March and April 2012.

The band has released the following statement to their fans and those involved in the tour: "To our fans as well as the other bands and staff involved in the tour we extend our sincere apologies. We ask for your understanding that this was an extremely difficult decision to make. Thank you all for your continued support, which is deeply appreciated." more on this story

Flyleaf Recording New Album
(Banana 101.5) Flyleaf vocalist Lacey Sturm recently unveiled that the band is currently at work on a new album that will be out later this year.

In a new interview with Noisecreep, Flyleaf singer Lacey Sturm revealed that she is ready to get back to work after giving birth to her first child in April 2011:

"The rest of Flyleaf have been in Los Angeles working with Howard Benson, and I'm going to meet up with them in February to start my vocals. I'm actually bringing my son with me, so I'm really excited. But I'm not sure what the deadline is like in terms of the album release date and all that. All I know is that it will come out this year [laughs]." more on this story

Taproot Set New Album Release
(Banana 101.5) Taproot are back with their sixth full-length record, 'The Episodes', which they have just announced will hit stores this spring.

Taproot will follow-up their 2010 album 'Plead the Fifth' with 'The Episodes' on April 10th. Tim Palatan produced the album — as he did the former — that the band has been developing for nearly six years. Bassist Phil Lipscomb explained:

"I think our fans have come to expect the unexpected from us. Having written the story for this album before the music, this record sounds more like a soundtrack than a typical album, with the songs flowing together and taking you on a journey." Check out video and get a taste here.

Genesis Star Posed As A Roadie at Led Zeppelin Reunion Gig
(Rock News Desk) Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett has revealed how he ligged his way into the 2007 Led Zeppelin reunion show – by pretending to be Yes bassist Chris Squire's roadie. And he admits he feels the need to rehearse more often as he gets older.

"I was at the Led Zep reunion gig at the O2 and it was incredibly loud. Chris Squire was doing a thing with Keith Emerson there that night and I only got in by being Chris's roadie. I just picked up his bass and walked in with him. But that gig was so loud. I dare say on stage they were all wearing in-ear monotirs, but the guy mixing out front gave us an idea of what that band were all about. Instant thunder - the volume added to the mythology of the band."

Hackett is preparing to start work on a second Genesis Revisited album and his collaboration record with Squire will be released in May. Check out a great interview with Steve for all the details here.

Paul McCartney and Elton John To Rock The Queen
(Gibson) A host of pop superstars, including Paul McCartney, Elton John and Tom Jones, will play at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert.

The Daily Express reports that Sir Paul will headline the concert – celebrating 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, on Monday, June 4 in London.

The Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales will be in attendance at the prestigious celebration event. more on this story



Soilwork and Arch Enemy Classic Rock Supergroup
Bjorn "Speed" Strid from Soilwork and Sharlee D'Angelo from Arch Enemy have formed a new classic rock group called The Night Flight Orchestra.

The band is currently recording the album which will be released in June 2012 by Coroner Records.

The label sent over this info: "The Night Flight Orchestra" started like so many others as an innocent yet serious drunken idea when Björn Strid (Soilwork) and David Andersson (Mean Streak, Soilwork session player) were on the road together somewhere in North America in 2007. more on this story

Johnny Cash Museum Planned
(Gibson) A museum dedicated to the life, legends and music of Johnny Cash is being planned in Nashville, Tennessee. The establishment is set to open later this year, according to the Associated Press.

The man behind the museum is Bill Miller, who collect's Cash memorabilia and operates a Cash website. The museum is planned to open in the Lower Broadway, tourist-friendly section of Nashville, "right in the middle of the hubbub," according to John Carter Cash, Johnny's son. The institution will feature a number of items from The House of Cash, a Johnny Cash museum that was located in nearby Henderson, Tennessee, until 1999.

"He's been an incredible supporter of my dad and one of the largest collectors of memorabilia," said Cash's daughter, Rosanne Cash, about Miller. "If anybody has the whole structure to put up a museum, he does. So I have a lot of trust in him and I think it's great at this point. I think he'll do something with dignity and class that's historically important, not some kitschy thing. I'm very interested in seeing what he does." more on this story



Gwar Plan More North American Destruction
Gwar have announced a second leg to their Spring "Return of the World Maggot Tour," which will also feature Kylesa, Ghoul and Legacy of Disorder.

This leg kicks off April 13th in San Antonio, Texas and wraps up April 28th in Allentown, PA.

"These press releases usually go something like this--", said bellicose front-thing Oderus Urungus. "There is a general statement about what Gwar is up to, then I say something stupid, then it goes to a list of the shows and a bunch of links. That's what's happening right now. We really have to work harder to make these things more interesting." more on this story

Demon Hunter Set True Defiance Release
Solid State Records have set an April 10th release date for Demon Hunter's sixth full-length album, True Defiance. We were sent these details:

True Defiance was produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, Emery) and mixed by Jason Suecoff (All That Remains, Trivium).

"This record is without a doubt our most aggressive," says vocalist and band co-founder Ryan Clark. "Every Demon Hunter record must be a step up from the last. I know that's a goal for every band, but it seldom works that way - especially today, especially in metal. It seems like most bands' prime years are long behind them. I refuse to let that be the case for us." more on this story

Allman Brothers InTheStudio for Eat a Peach 40th Anniversary
This week the North American syndicated rock radio show InTheStudio The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band Eat a Peach.

InTheStudio is syndicated on over 50 radio stations throughout North America. The Allman Brothers Eat a Peach./ InTheStudio program will air the week of February 6th.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The Allman Brothers Band were one, if not the most influential American band in rock in 1971 & 72. Their success ushered in a generation of great southern rock music, but not without suffering a massive personal and professional loss during the recording of Eat a Peach. Show producer and host Redbeard asks Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts what impact Duane's untimely death had to Eat a Peach. Dickey Betts explains, "You know the Eat a Peach record was pretty strange to us 'cause, that's when Duane was killed, right in the middle of that recording. We kinda went through a whole lotta stuff."

Gregg Allman continues, "That (Duane's death) changed the arrangement of the songs. It was like two different projects. We used some of it on each one. It was a strange time back then." Check it out here.

Escape the Fate and Attack Attack! Tour
(ESM) Escape the Fate and Attack Attack! are teaming up to co-headline the This World Is Ours Tour.

The trek, which features support from The Word Alive, Secrets and Mest, will kick off April 5th in Buffalo, NY and wind down on May 16th in Vancouver, BC.

Attack Attack!'s recently released third album, This Means War, landed at #11 on Billboard's Top 200 Chart in its debut week while Escape The Fate are currently in the midst of recording a new album, their second with producer John Feldmann (The Used, D.R.U.G.S.). more on this story

Explosions In The Sky Set For North American Tour
Explosions In The Sky have announced North American headline tour dates this April.

This follows news of the band's appearances at the Coachella and Sasquatch festivals this year.

The new shows expand on an itinerary that has included Explosions In The Sky's biggest ever headline dates–from New York's Radio City Music Hall to last month's performance at London's Brixton Academy–and a debut performance on The Late Show With David Letterman. more on this story

Two Door Cinema Club Spring Tour Coming
Two Door Cinema Club will follow up their headlining slot on the NME Tour in the UK with a North American tour this spring.

Two Door Cinema Club will make their return to the North American stage on May 31st at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas, wrapping up on June 12th in Baltimore, Maryland at Rams Head Live.

The Northern Ireland based trio have spent the past few weeks in Los Angeles, California writing and recording new songs for their sophomore album which is due for release later this year. more on this story

The Kills To Stream 10th Anniversary Show This Weekend
The Kills will celebrate their 10th anniversary as a band on Saturday, February 11th, with a very special performance at NYC's Terminal 5 which will be live streamed on MTV Hive, as part of its "Live in NYC" music series.

The Kills will also be performing "The Last Goodbye" off their most recent offering Blood Pressures (Domino) on Thursday, February 9th on Late Show with David Letterman.

The band recently released a video for "The Last Goodbye," directed by Oscar nominated actress Samantha Morton. Tune into the live stream here.

Otherwise Announce Pop Evil Tour Dates
Otherwise will be hitting the road with Pop Evil for a North American tour that kicks off next week in addition to various festival appearances.

The month-long run will kick off Feb 17th in Muncie, IN, taking the group throughout the Midwest and wrapping up in Hagerstown, MD, March 17th.

In addition to the Pop Evil dates, Otherwise has been added to the lineup at this year's Rock On The Range Festival.