Today's Day In Rock!

Axl Rose Explains Guns N' Roses Riot Sparking Cancelation
(hennemusic) During Monday night's Guns N' Roses show at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, Axl Rose took a few moments to explain why he failed to show up for a GNR gig in the city in December of 2002, resulting in a riot which sent five people to the hospital.
"I already got sued for about, everything I own by f**kin' corporate radio and s**t," began Axl. "Now we're back on tour…I have to shut up. I did cancel the first show, at about six in the morning. My manager told me he canceled it and then didn't. And then Clear Channel wanted us to f**k up, because they wanted to end the tour. 'Cause they had some s**t going on in Florida or something… I don't know… a whole bunch of bulls**t. But I got really sick; it had nothing to do with fur coats and basketball games, you know. I love Philly. I came to visit here a few times and I really liked it. So I said, 'OK we're gonna risk it, what if we can throw in a show in Philly?' So it's good to be here with you people. I want to apologize for my part of that. You know, so… I'm not saying I'm innocent."

According to Philadelphia news stations, the 2002 incident included an opening act at the First Union Center that performed for two hours before the show was called off, reportedly "due to health issues." more on this story


Mustaine Talks Metallica and Megadeth Supergroup Hopes
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine spoke with Minneapolis' 93X about his hoped for supergroup with Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Metallica's James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.

Dave explained that is was just wishful thinking, "Yeah, that was just me talking. I don't think [James and Lars are] interested in doing that. It would be cool, and I've mentioned it to them before. I just think that they're so busy that they don't have time to do something like that. My wife and James' wife are friends, and they talk a lot. From what I know, too, there's a lot of work that those guys do, and they're gone a lot, and they tour a lot, so for them to take on a project like that, I think it would have to really be a labor of love.

"Of course, David and I would do it, 'cause I think it would be great to play with them again. When I went up there and did the 30th anniversary thing, I thought it was really cool. Megadeth is doing really fine right now. I'm not in the place to be asking for favors from anybody. I like who I am right now, I'm satisfied with where my career's at. But don't kid yourself, if we got together and played, I imagine it would be really cool. It wouldn't be anything like Megadeth, of course, and it wouldn't be anything like Metallica. But we'll see what happens. Maybe with enough people asking them, they'll buckle." Check out the full interview


Van Halen's Roth Slams Today's Current Bands
(hennemusic) This week, Van Halen play two nights at Madison Square Garden, and the New York Post caught up with David Lee Roth for an update on the band's tour in support of "A Different Kind Of Truth."

"We're doing a lot of tunes that don't usually get out of the deck and Edward is more lucid now than any time in my memory," explains Roth. "I'm his biggest fan. I still remember the first time I saw him playing in a backyard party in Pasadena in high school. He was great then and he's great now. We've come full circle."

Roth was asked how the pop world changed since VH started in the 70s. "These days, I see too much cheerleading and not enough stagecraft, and what I'm seeing isn't worth cheering for," replies Roth. "The questions I want to ask most of my colleagues are: Can you even do the whole song from beginning to end? Can you do it onstage like you did it in the studio? Do you float like a butterfly or sting like a pre-recorded bee?" more on this story


Buffalo Springfield Reunion Tour in Doubt
(Gibson) Given their less than harmonious history, last year's Buffalo Springfield reunion was some feat. The shows went well, all members (Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay) had a good time and a full tour was scheduled for last fall. That was then delayed to 2012, and now the reunion dates look in doubt.

Furay told WBAI-FM in New York: "Your guess is as good as mine. I doubt in 2012 that there will be, but I'm never gonna say never. Listen, the reunion that we did last year came out of nowhere, it was nowhere on my radar. When I got the call from Neil I was really surprised. Then when we got together and we did the Bridge School Concert it was so much fun, that we decided, 'Let's go on, let's do a few more shows.'

"I think everybody had it planned in their mind, 'cause I was actually told. 'We're doing this 30 day tour,' and you know, Neil is just fickle, and even though it boils down to all three of us making a decision, without the three of us, really there can't be anything that would even resemble a Buffalo Springfield. I gotta say that we probably lost a little bit of our momentum; that isn't to say it couldn't be picked up again, but I certainly don't see anything happening this year." more on this story




Ace Frehley Plans New Album and Book
(hennemusic) Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is busy these days with a few projects including a new album and a new book.

"I've started working on a new album, I'm writing a new book… there are a lot of good things on the horizon," Frehley tells I Heart Guitar. "At this point I think it's just going to be an extension of [his 2011 book] 'No Regrets.' There's so much I left out because of the deadline, but after talking with so many different people I've got so many stories that have eluded me over the years. And there just wasn't enough room to put them into 'No Regrets,' and I was past the deadline as it was. But I think I'm going to come out with something in the effect of like a 'No Regrets II.'"

"But I also have the idea to put out a guitar book with all my guitar effects, tricks, recording techniques," adds Ace. "I've learned a lot of tricks from working with a lot of great producers over the years, and I think I should write a book about it!" more on this story


Slash Teams Up With Betty White For Zoo
(hennemusic) Slash has had a long association with the Los Angeles Zoo, and he's now filmed a new commercial for it with Betty White.

The new ad is to promote the March 8 launch of the zoo's new attraction, called The Lair, which will feature "60 species of weird, rare and endangered amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles."

Renowned animal lover White has long helped raise funds and awareness for the zoo, while also serving as a C-Chair on the board of trustees for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA). Check out the commercial here.


Motorhead's Lemmy Loses His Voice
One of the most recognizable voices in hard rock Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead has been silenced.

The band announced yesterday that LEmmy lost his voice, forcing the group to cancel their appearance at last night's Gigantour stop in Denver.

The band said of the cancelation, "Lemmy has lost his voice and has decided to give it the night off. Things should be OK for the last 3 shows of the tour. more on this story


Steven Tyler Back in the Saddle With Aerosmith
(hennemusic) Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel's show Monday night. Tyler was on hand to talk about his experience at Elton John's Oscar's viewing party, plug his American Idol gig, and the upcoming Aerosmith record.

"February, March, April, May is Idol," began Tyler, "June 15th to 18th we hit the road." As for keeping up his band duties in relation to Idol, Steven says it's a non-issue, "they [the band] were bummed that I didn't tell them [he was doing the show] first." As for getting past that, he says "I think so; it brought up Aerosmith's sales 270%. I mean, Idol's the biggest show on TV."

"Everyone's getting along," adds the singer about the band. "No secret: I had a lot of foot operations, I was back on drugs, again. We did a tour with ZZ Top – I fell off the stage because of that, and the guys were angry with me, and rightfully so. But I'm back and I'm on fire." Check out the interview here.


Daughtry Returning to American Idol and Add Tour Dates
Daughtry will play their new single "Outta My Head" during the March 15 episode of American Idol.

The song is the third single off of the band's third album, Break The Spell, and the follow-up to the album's singles "Crawling Back To You" and "Renegade."

Daughtry is also announcing a second round of dates for thier "Break The Spell 2012 Tour," which kicks off March 20 in Buffalo, NY and continues through May 1st in New York, NY. Shortly after, the band will begin the second leg of its intimate theater tour, starting on May 10 in Indianapolis, IN and wrapping on June 13 in Austin, TX. more on this story


Kenny Chesney Rocks Springsteen on Fallon
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen week on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon continued Tuesday with musical guest Kenny Chesney.

Fallon is dedicating a series of programs to The Boss to mark the March 6 release of his new album, "Wrecking Ball."

Night 2 of Springsteen week saw Chesney perform Springsteen's 1985 hit, "I'm On Fire," from Bruce's "Born In The USA" album. Check it out here.


Coheed And Cambria To Rock Small Theaters
Evil Ink Comics tells us that Coheed And Cambria will be heading South this spring, performing in small theaters, in cities where they have either never played, or not played in many years.

Cities such as Chattanooga, TN, Gainesville, FL and Lexington, KY will be anchored by Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, AL and The Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, TN.

The band plans to use the run to break in Josh Eppard, their original drummer (who played on their first three studio albums), who will be behind the kit for the first time since his departure in 2006. The band will test out new material from their forthcoming 6th studio album, due out this Summer. Support will be Moving Mountains and Pianos Become the Teeth. more on this story


Fastway Releasing First New Album In 20 Years
MVD have set an April 10th release date for the first new Fastway album in over 20 years, Eat Dog, Eat.

They sent over these details: After the shows of 2007, Fast Eddie Clarke (ex-Motorhead) and Toby Jepson (ex-Little Angels) began casually working on ideas and over time managed to gather enough for a full blown record. Toby took on the role of producer and also played bass and sang all the main vocals. Eddie and Toby were joined on the drums by Matt Eldridge whom has long been Toby's drummer of choice.

The record was created at Chapel Studios with Ewan Davies as the engineer and mixer. Toby says: "We have collaborated closely on all aspects of the recording, specifically wanting to create a performance based, un-apologetically raw album that was song driven and above all made with passion. This we did, eschewing multi layered, heavily edited recording in favour of the simple 'warts and all' dynamics. I think the results are real. We hope you do to." more on this story


Hank III Releasing Long Gone Daddy in April
Curb Records have set an April 17th release date for the new Hank III Project 'Long Gone Daddy.' Here is what they had to say about it:

"Tidy" is not a word often associated with the against-the-grain work of Hank III, but it's a fitting way to describe the way "Long Gone Daddy" packages up a full-bodied sampling of his career, style and influences.
Due April 17 on Curb Records, this 10-song collection could have been titled "Long Gone Granddaddy" for the shuffling country blues flavor of not just the Hank Williams covers but of much of the batch.

Grandpa's contributions, title track "I'm A Long Gone Daddy" and "Neath A Cold Gray Tomb of Stone," are complemented by fiddle and steel-drenched songs written by generations he influenced, including Merle Haggard ("The Bottle Let Me Down"), Johnny Cash ("Wreck of the Old 97") and Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson ("Good Hearted Woman"). more on this story


Jimi Hendrix's Death Ranked Most Untimely
(Gibson) A list on Ranker.com suggests that of all the rock stars who have passed away, Jimi Hendrix's death was the most untimely. The website, which showcases lists created and voted on by visitors, has published a list that ranks "Rock Stars Whose Deaths Were The Most Untimely."

The folks who created the list are careful to point out that this isn't a list of the greatest dead musicians, but stars who could have continued to create a wealth of great new music had they not died. Hence, Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin (who all died young, at 27) currently are in the Top 10, while Elvis Presley (who died at age 42) is placed closer to #30.

Artists on the list (which includes 46 people) include Buddy Holly, Keith Moon, Duane Allman, Otis Redding, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Randy Rhoads, Gram Parsons, Sam Cooke, Ian Curtis, Amy Winehouse and Bon Scott. more on this story




Noel Gallagher Names His Price To Judge X Factor
(Gibson) Talking about future plans to Britain's RadioTimes.com, Noel Gallagher again talked about his offer from Simon Cowell to be a judge on The X Factor.

He said, "I reckon it would have to be a million pounds after tax. If he puts a million pounds in my bank, I'm in."

But, in case Cowell should think of revisiting the deal, Gallagher admitted he wasn't entirely serious.

"I say that tongue-in-cheek," he said. "I hope he doesn't put a million pounds in my bank account because I don't really want to do it." more on this story




Children Collide Lose A Member
Crucial Music sent over word that Children Collide have parted ways with drummer Ryan Caesar after recently completed their third album 'Monument'.

Recorded at Melbourne's Red Door Sounds with Paul 'Woody' Annison, the album will be released on April 20.

Caesar has played with the band since early 2007, the fourth drummer since Children Collide's inception in 2004. more on this story


Johnny Rotten Wants Cake Fight With Queen for Sex Pistols Anniversary?
(Gibson) John Lydon, back in fine form with new Public Image Ltd music, has spoken out about his old band the Sex Pistols to Britain's NME.com.

It's been 35 years since the punk band stunned the nation with their single "God Save The Queen," that came out at the same time as the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

When NME asked if he'd like to talk to Her Majesty about the controversy, the irreverent Lydon replied: "Oh yes, but I well know what I'd do. I'd have a cake fight." more on this story




Rare KISS and Prong Auction To Help C.C. Banana
Rock & roll comic C.C. Banana has recently in the process of recording a solo album (in commemoration of his 10th anniversary) when his family was struck by severe financial hardship, brought on by the sudden decline of an ailing family member. As a result, he is now on the verge of losing the house he has lived in since birth.

In effort to save the family home, SplitScreen Entertainment is organizing a series of auctions on behalf of C.C. Banana, including autographed items from his rock & roll friends and heroes. This week's spotlight auctions include a Schecter guitar signed by the members of Prong and the exceedingly rare Kiss remote control van.

The guitar is a Schecter Diamond Series Omen-6 in Walnut Satin and is signed by Prong frontman Tommy Victor, as well as the entire "Power of the Damager" era lineup. It was won by C.C. Banana during the 2007 Eddie Trunk Halloween Bash at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, which featured a return to the stage by founding Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley after a 6-year absence. C.C. Banana won the guitar by entering the annual costume contest dressed as "Ace Peeley, the Psycho Citrus." A prized trophy of his collection, C.C. is now parting with the guitar in the face of his current emergency. more on this story


F*** The Facts Crossing The Pond
F*** The Facts are heading over to Europe for headlining tour in support of their latest album, Die Miserable.

Guitarist Topon Dos commented on the upcoming run: "It's been a couple of years since we've last been to Europe, so we're excited not only to finally get back over there, but to also have the opportunity to play some countries like Finland and Hungary for the first time. We've been ripping through a bunch of songs from our new album Die Miserable recently, so you can expect to hear a lot of newer tunes. See you soon!"

Additionally, the band was recently nominated for Canada's 2012 Juno Awards in the Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year category and Sirius XM's Indies Metal Artist/Group of the Year category. more on this story


Couple Name Baby After Guitar
(Gibson) A Gibson guitar enthusiast in Waukesha, Wisconsin (birthplace of Les Paul) loves the historic guitar brand so much that he's named his new baby Gibson.

Mike Weber told the Waukesha Freeman newspaper, "I was talking to some co-workers about baby names before we even started trying for a baby and someone suggested Gibson – I loved it."

In the evenings Weber would play his Gibson Les Paul in front of his wife Crystal's stomach during the pregnancy and on the anticipated day of delivery, February 7, Mike put on his Gibson Les Paul shirt, especially for the occasion. Little Gibson Weber, a boy, was born the next day. He said: "I wore the shirt for a full 30 hours. It was a little funky, but it was worth it."

Today's Day In Rock!

Foreigner Guitarist Undergoes Urgent Heart Surgery
(Gibson) Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones is recovering after urgent heart surgery last week, according to the New York Post.
Jones is reported to have checked into the Mount Sinai Heart Institute in Miami Beach, Florida, according to New York Post gossip column Page Six. Page Six says that after the surgery, Jones was treated in an intensive care ward but was moved out of the specialist unit on Thursday night. Page Six quotes a source as saying "The surgery was more urgent because Mick had needed it for some time."

Last year Jones missed several Foreigner shows, forcing the band to play with no original members. Jones sparked fears for his health in 2011, after he fell sick and missed several gigs, including a massive concert with Journey in Los Angeles in October. A representative for the star refused to confirm the nature of his illness at the time more on this story




King's X Star Suffers Heart Attack
King's X have been forced to put their tour plans on hold after drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered a heart attack on February 25th.

A message was posted on frontman Dug Pinnick's Facebook on Sunday that read "Jerry had a heart attack last night. He was operated on and is in stable condition at the hospital. Were all waiting for more info. I will keep you posted."

A few hours later Pinnick updated fans with this, "Julie said Jerry woke up pulling chords out, she says hes fiesty! That's a good sign! Thanks everyone for prayers and good vibes, it can only get better now." more on this story


Aerosmith Are Back According To Steven Tyler
(Gibson) Aerosmith frontman and American Idol judge Steven Tyler said that his band's new album is coming along. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer told Rolling Stone, "We've been in the studio for the last month."

Tyler spoke with enthusiasm of Aerosmith's reteaming with producer Jack Douglas, who was behind the boards for many of the band's '70s classics, including Toys in the Attic.

"We're gonna have a vintage sound, 'cause we're going to tape and a lot of good things like that," Tyler said. "We're keeping tracks lean, not a lot of overdubs, and like I said, we're using Jack to his fullest. So you're gonna hear some stuff where you might think Aerosmith's back."

The singer also said that fans should be preparing to catch Aerosmith out on the road: "June 18th it starts. So spread the word." more on this story




Slash Delivers New Song
(hennemusic) The new Slash single, "You're A Lie," debuted at radio on Monday. It's the first track from the guitar icon's sophomore solo effort, "Apocalyptic Love," due May 22.

"Totally positive buzz about the song, cheers for the support," posted Slash on Monday. "Looking forward to getting the whole record out & hitting the road!"

Slash is currently in Australia, where he joined singer Myles Kennedy and his band Alter Bridge on Sunday at the Soundwave Festival in Sydney. Listen to the new song here.


Kid Rock Orchestra
Kid Rock is not someone you would normally associated with a symphony orchestra but Rock is known to take the stage for a good cause that is exactly what he will be doing on May 12th. Atlantic sent over these details:

Kid Rock is teaming up with Leonard Slatkin - "America's Music Director" - and the men and women of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra who will take the stage of Detroit's Fox Theatre for a one-night only fundraising concert to raise critical funds for the orchestra.

The idea was originally conceived by Kid Rock and Rock Ventures Founder Dan Gilbert to help save the DSO. "As a musician, and of course a Detroiter, I am proud to be supporting this longstanding cultural institution," said Kid Rock. "And while I know these ticket prices are more than what my fans are used to paying, I am confident that whatever happens when we put the Twisted Brown Trucker Band, a 80 piece orchestra, and 'Bawitdaba' together will be well worth the price of admission." more on this story


Muse Going Big With New Album Sound
(Gibson) Muse are currently in the studio recording their sixth album, and like all Muse albums, this one appears to be even more bombastic and supercharged than its predecessors.

Over the weekend the band announced via Twitter that it was working with both a horn section and a string section on the new material. On Saturday they posted a photo from the studio with the message: "The amazing brass from last night. More horns today," following it up with, "Just done some more horns with some legendary players." The next day they added, "Now some strings. This album is coming along nicely. Bring on autumn."

Muse is collaborating with arranger, composer and conductor (and father of Beck) David Campbell, who was responsible for the orchestrations on "Unforgiven III" from Metallica's Death Magnetic album, as well as work on These Days by Bon Jovi, Fallen by Evanescence and Minutes to Midnight with Linkin Park. Campbell also conducted the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and wrote the arrangements for KISS Symphony: Alive IV. more on this story




A Night of Heavy Drinking Helped Cause Gary Moore's Death
(hennemusic) Test results have been released that confirm former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore died last February from a heart attack following a night of heavy drinking.

The Telegraph reports Moore drank enough alcohol to put himself nearly five times over the drink-drive limit. The musician suffered a heart attack brought on by the massive amount of booze he knocked back at the start of a sunshine holiday, the studies showed.

Moore had 380mg of alcohol per decilitre of blood in his system, more than 30mg the amount associated with fatalities, and just short of the 416mg Amy Winehouse had in her body when she died surrounded by three empty vodka bottles. more on this story


Guns N' Roses Expand Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses plan to following their current North American "Up Close And Personal" tour of intimate venues with a spring UK tour.

NME reports the band will play seven shows across the UK as part of a full European tour.

The dates begin at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena on May 19 and run until May 31 when the rockers will headline London's O2 Arena. more on this story


Bruce Springsteen Rocks Late Night TV
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band kicked off night 1 of Springsteen week on Jimmy Fallon Monday night.

Fallon is dedicating a week of programs to the New Jersey rocker to mark the March 6 release of his new album, "Wrecking Ball."

Bruce & the band rocked two tracks: the first single, "We Take Care Of Our Own," and the album's title song. Springsteen and company will perform again on Friday's show. Check out video of the appearance here.


Chicago and The Doobie Brothers Tour
Chicago and The Doobie Brothers are teaming up for a North American coheadlining tour this summer.

The 21 date tour will kick off on July 11th in Tuscon, AZ at the Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre with confirmed dates through August 24th at the Toyota Pavilion in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Each band will perform individual sets and then both Chicago and The Doobie Brothers will join together for a grand finale encore, playing each other's songs at the end of each of the shows, according to the announcement from Chicago. more on this story


Melvins and Mr. Bungle Stars Team Up for Melvins Lite
Melvins Lite, a new incarnation of The Melvins that finds founders Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover partnering with Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk) for a 10-song released titled Freak Puke that will be release on June 5th by Ipecac Recordings.

"The Melvins have a long history of mixing up our line-ups and I think that's what has kept us relevant for so long," explains Osborne. "Consider the Freak Puke record the fifth side of the four-sided Melvins' triangle."

Dunn is known as one of rock and jazz's top bass players, performing on both a traditional and upright bass in a wide range of bands and as a freelance musician. He is currently recording the new Tomahawk album, is a member of Fantômas and was the bassist for Mr. Bungle. more on this story


Joe Satriani Hitting The Big Screen This Week
Joe Satriani's new live-concert film, Satchurated: Live in Montreal is set to hit movie theatres for a one night event on March 1st.

Satriani will be talking more about the film when he makes an appearance this Wednesday February 29th on Rockline, the nationally syndicated radio broadcast, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday March 1st when Chickenfoot plays live on the show, according to Mad Ink.

Satchurated was filmed live during Satriani's "The Wormhole Tour", supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada. The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by Grammy and Emmy award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. more on this story


Change of Plans for Lamb Of God
Lamb Of God have canceled their upcoming appearance in Curitiba, Brazil with Hatebreed and Lacuna Coil on April 1st due to irreversible logistics problems.

Their camp sent this out about further changes: Lamb Of God's appearance in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which was originally going to happen on April 3rd, had to be moved to April 2nd, which ended up affecting the band's travel schedule in a very unfavorable manner and forced us to cancel their second show in Brazil.

We would like to offer our apologies to the fans in the Southern part of Brazil and look forward to seeing them at the Lamb Of God / Hatebreed / Lacuna Coil show in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 31st. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. more on this story


Lynyrd Skynyrd and Paul Rodgers For Motorcycle Festival
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Paul Rodgers are set to rock the final night of the Thrills in the Irish Hills Bike Festival.

The event is set to be held July 12-14, in Southern Michigan's Irish Hills and both bands will perform at Jackson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 14th.

This is the first year that the event is being held and organizers says it "pairs a motorcyclist's passion with our bold commitment to provide exceptional value on products, services, and entertainment." More info here.


Van Halen Frontman David Lee Roth Explains The Dog
(hennemusic) Some of the first Van Halen videos and images posted in advance of the release of "A Different Kind Of Truth" featured David Lee Roth and his sheepdog.

According to Roth, these have caught the interest of fans, so he's recorded a new clip to fill in the back story. "A lot of folks have emailed us and accosted me on the street about the dog world videos," explains Roth. "These are my sheepdogs - this is Mike. We're going to the Nationals – we got invited to the Nationals last time but we didn't quite make it; we were making the Van Halen record."

The video features all kinds of herding dog moves as Mike and another dog, Ben, follow Roth's instructions while herding sheep and cattle, respectively. Watch the clip here.


Puddle of Mudd Lead Rockapalooza Lineup
The full lineup for the 5th annual Rockapalooza festival has been announced, for the event that takes place in June 23rdat the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson, MI .

The main stage features headliners Puddle of Mudd, and opening acts Saliva, Rehab, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Emphatic.

The second stage includes Wayne Static, Woe Is Me, Riven (formerly Motograter), Rotation, Sore Eyes, and Ghosts of August. more on this story


The B-52's Anniversary Show Coming to DVD and Blu-Ray
(Kayos) The B-52's returned to celebrate in the town where it all began, Athens, Georgia, in February of last year.

Now this concert will be available as the band's first-ever live DVD and Blu-ray, when With The Wild Crowd - Live In Athens, GA is released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on March 20, 2012.

With The Wild Crowd! was recorded in the B-52s' hometown at a show that commemorated the band's 34th anniversary of their first-ever live show on Valentine's Day 1977. Wig-wearing, boa-draped, glitter-covered fans came from near and far to celebrate this historic event as the band delivered a sizzling set that turned Athens' Classic Center into a cosmic dance hall. more on this story


Blues Legend Louisiana Red Dead at 79
(MPM) Tom Ruf, president of Ruf Records, issued the following statement upon hearing of the death over the weekend of legendary bluesman Louisiana Red, who passed away February 25 at a hospital in Germany after a few days in a coma brought on by a thyroid imbalance. He was 79 years old.

"I am very sad about my friend Red leaving us. He was the very first blues artist I got to meet in person and the first blues concert I ever promoted when I was 19. Louisiana Red was one of the last giants in blues that constantly and spontaneously spoke his mind with a new line, a new melody every day. On stage, as well as off stage, he was a permanent spring of pure blues and a very generous man. My thoughts are with his lovely wife Dora, who kept him together the last 30 years, as well as his children and family. If you are a lucky person who owns a record of this blues giant, this is a good time to play it and appreciate the man we just lost."

Louisiana Red's last two CD releases on Ruf Records were Back to the Black Bayou, in 2009, and Memphis Mojo, released September, 2011. Both CDs showcased Louisiana Red in a classic blues atmosphere, backed by producer Little Victor's hand picked band, along with such special guests as Kim Wilson and Bob Corritore on harmonica and Dave Maxwell on piano. Memphis Mojo was recorded in Memphis right after Red was awarded for his achievements as "Acoustic Artist of the Year" at the Blues Music Awards in May, 2010. more on this story


La Dispute Spring Tour
(BH) La Dispute have announced 40+ tour dates for their upcoming Spring tour of North America.

The tour begins on March 24 in Minneapolis, MI, heading to the West Coast for shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland, before heading back east to the East Coast including shows in Philadelphia and Bowery Ballroom in New York.

The tour will feature support by Balance & Compusure, All Get Out, and Sainthood Reps. La Dispute is touring to support their sophomore album, Wildlife, released on No Sleep Records last October, which debuted at 135 on the Billboard Top 200. more on this story


The Day Led Zeppelin Became The Nobs
(Gibson) On this day in 1970, Led Zeppelin played a gig in Copenhagen as The Nobs after Eva Von Zeppelin, a relative of the airship designer, threatened to sue if the family name was used in Denmark. Gibson takes a look back: By February of 1970, Led Zeppelin had released their first two albums and had become one of the big names in rock and roll. But the legendary band didn't use their name when they played a show in Denmark on this day in 1970. For the first, and only time, Led Zeppelin were billed as The Nobs.

The name change stemmed from an incident from when the group played Copenhagen the year before. Eva von Zeppelin, a descendant of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (creator of the famous aircraft), was unhappy that a rock band was becoming famous off of her family's name. She even tried to prevent Led Zeppelin from recording a performance for Danish television, saying that the band sounded like a bunch of "shrieking monkeys." The attempt didn't work and the boys performed for the TV Byen cameras, as planned.

But Jimmy Page and company weren't upset with Frau von Zeppelin, and invited her to have tea with the band after the taping, just to prove to her that they were a bunch of decent guys. By all accounts, the meeting went very well and everyone got along very well. Unfortunately, things went south quickly as von Zeppelin was leaving.

"We invited her backstage to meet us, to see how we were nice young lads," Page told Melody Maker. "We calmed her down but on leaving the studio, she saw our LP cover of an airship in flames and she exploded! I had to run and hide. She just blew her top."

After seeing the cover of the band's debut album, with the famous image of the Hindenburg, von Zeppelin's hostility to the group instantly returned and even grew worse than before. When Led Zeppelin announced plans to perform in Copenhagen in 1970, she threatened to sue the band if they continued to use their name. Although manager Peter Grant was rarely one to back down, in the face of the lawsuit, he encouraged the band to play under a pseudonym for their Denmark appearance. more on this story




Holy Moses 30th Anniversary Release To Feature New Songs
(Freeman) Holy Moses' "30th Anniversary-- In The Power Of Now" will be released through SPV/Steamhammer in Germany on April 20th, in Europe on April 23rd and in the USA/Canada in early May as a digipak with an extensive booklet featuring liner notes, rare photos and much more.

In 2011 Sabina Classen and her Holy Moses men secretly locked themselves into the Absurd Studio in Hamburg, Germany to start the recordings for the "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" double album.

The new drummer Gerd Lücking (GiftDwarf / ex-Rebellion) took care of the drum tracks on the new record. The album will have new versions of 20 of the most important songs of the 30 years of Holy Moses history plus 2 brand new songs. more on this story


Singled Out: Venrez's Karma
Today Venrez tells us about the song "Karma" from the band's brand new album "Sell The Lie," which is hitting stories today. Here is the story:

Well there was some serious stimulation behind my writing the lyrics to "Karma". The song was originally titled "Stench", because of the powerful feelings I had when I wrote the song.

I had developed a new friendship over the past 3 years with someone whom I truly liked very much and trusted implicitly. He had some issues with his business partner and they severed their relationship. I had an extra business office in my and happily offered this till they could find a new location. This was a few months before the end of 2009.

This person was observing everything I and my staff did (I also work as a Hollywood movie producer, my latest film bringing Elmore Leonard's Freaky Deaky to the big screen) and came to the conclusion that he wanted in and in bad. They seduced most of my staff behind my back and ultimately I was really thrown for a loop. When I returned to my offices after the New Year holiday the first week of 2010, I came in and many of my staff had come in like thieves in the night and cleared out their desks as well as taking client files.

I was facing having to rebuild my business and fast. I remember sitting at my desk in my office with my head in my hands simply shocked and in pretty bad dismay. But I knew that he would fail. You can steal the goose that lays golden eggs from the owner, but that does not mean the goose will lay golden eggs for you.

I survived and rebuilt my film production company and this person failed and went under 9 months later. So, when I was writing lyrics for the album "Sell The Lie", getting words on paper about this experience was something I needed to do. It would be a combination of cathartic, self-purging of the negative feelings I had towards this person along with the lesson and/or message I wanted to send in the lyrics to the song.

So, even though "Karma" was written with the inspiration of a personal experience and aimed towards that one person who had harmed me, I believe the song sends a message that so many can relate to. What goes around truly does come around.

Today's Day In Rock!

Black Sabbath To Play North American Concert
(hennemusic) To say that the Black Sabbath reunion album and tour have hit more than a few snags since their announcement last November would be a serious understatement.
Guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer (lymphoma), drummer Bill Ward remains an unconfirmed participant after going public over a contract dispute, and then the tour was cancelled and replaced with an "Ozzy & Friends" series of shows due to Iommi's illness and treatment schedule. The lone confirmed Sabbath gig on the schedule remains a June 10 headlining slot at the UK's Download festival.

FOX23 reports Ozzy's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, has revealed the band is set to headline one show in America. She tells VH1 Radio Network, "They're gonna be doing one show in America this summer, but I can't say yet (where and when it is) because we can't announce it, the promoters have to. But they are doing one show in August." And what about Bill Ward?


Van Halen Rock Past Tour Difficulties
Van Halen ran into some technical difficulties during their tour stop at the United Center in Chicago on Friday night but didn't let the problems stop them from delivering.

antiMusic's Anthony Kuzminski was at the show and in his review of the concert, Tony includes details about the difficulties the band were forced to overcome. He writes:

The only snag to the concert was that portions were plagued with sound problems. I mention this only because several other reviews have pointed out David Lee Roth's antics as a result of the issues. Roth had performed the first three shows of the tour with a head-microphone which proved to be unusable after three songs in Chicago. He went to get a wireless microphone only to have it handed to him without any sound. He surged to the front of the stage, picked up a wired microphone at the tip of the stage and made sure the show proceeded without missing a beat. As someone who had a front row seat to the side of the stage, Roth was upset because there appeared to be virtually no urgency to fix the issue. As a result, Roth's performance was impaired by the old school wired microphone he had to carry with him for the remainder of the evening which often tripped up Eddie in the process. If I were in Roth's shoes, I would have had the same reaction, especially the incapability of the crew to fix the issue for nineteen songs. Roth soldiered on in typical "Diamond Dave" fashion proving to be the ultimate showman with a rock solid voice. Roth never receives the credit he deserves as many in the audience long to see the voracious comic book hero from their youth enshrined in YouTube videos, but he's a legendary front man for many reasons, but is rarely given the props for his commanding voice and how well it solidifies with Van Halen. In Chicago, despite the handicaps placed in front of him, he largely went above and beyond attempting to give the crowd everything he had.




Aerosmith's Joe Perry Writing Autobiography
(hennemusic) Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry is the latest rocker and member of the band to write an autobiography.

"Officially started writing my biography this week. More info. to come soon re: publisher, tentative release date, etc…" tweeted Aerosmith guitar hero Joe Perry.

Perry follows two other members of the Aerosmith family with his book: Steven Tyler published "Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?" last year, while drummer Joey Kramer put his book out in 2009, under the title of "Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top." What about Tom?


Cream, Living Colour, Santana Supergroup
(Gibson) Cream's Jack Bruce and Living Colour's Vernon Reid have formed a new band. Spectrum Road is something of a "supergroup," as it features members from Cream, Living Colour, Santana and Medeski, Martin and Wood.

In summer 2012, Spectrum Road will perform at the Bonnaroo festival on June 9. The band's self-titled debut album will be out on June 5 on Palmetto Records.

The group is: Jack Bruce on bass and vocals, Vernon Reid on guitar, John Medeski on keyboards and Cindy Blackman-Santana on drums. "To be able to play and record in this band alongside three of the most creative and stellar musicians in the world is a longtime dream come true," Vernon Reid said in a release. "The idea for Spectrum Road first came about in 2001, and it was the ongoing belief in the kind of record we knew we could make together that made it come to fruition."

The group has played live already as Tony Williams Lifetime Tribute. Bruce spent much of the '70s as a member of Lifetime, Williams's jazz-fusion ensemble, joining after Cream broke up. Williams died in 1997 and in the years following, Bruce discovered a fellow fan in guitarist Reid. Joined by pianist John Medeski and drummer Blackman-Santana, Carlos's wife, they have now recorded a debut album together. more on this story




Bruce Springsteen Week for Jimmy Fallon
(hennemusic) It's Bruceapalooza next week on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. To mark the March 6 release of Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball," Fallon is dedicating a week of programs to the New Jersey rocker.

Bruce & The E Street Band will perform on Monday and Friday, and the week will be filled out with music guests like Kenny Chesney (Tue) and Elvis Costello (Thu); the Wednesday night music artist has not been announced yet.

Bruce will be the lone guest on Friday's program, which also marks the show's 3rd anniversary. more on this story


Motley Crue Recording New Music
(hennemusic) Having completed their Las Vegas residency, Motley Crue are in the studio this weekend recording a new song.

"Writing lyrics right now for new Motley Crue," posted bassist Nikki Sixx on Wednesday. "We are cutting drums ,bass and guitars this weekend at Tommy's Studio. This one is a panty dropper for sure......I was just thinking, I've been writing music for most of my life and it still feels fresh every time I pick up the pen, guitar or bass....."

On Sunday, Sixx updated fans on the group's progress. "Been in the recording studio cutting new Motley Crue with the guys," writes Nikki. "We are recording at Tommy's studio ( which is insane ) and James Micheal is producing." More details from Nikki here.


Eric Clapton and Rolling Stones Keith Richards Jam For Hubert Sumlin
(hennemusic) Music fans were in for a rare treat Friday night at New York's Apollo Theater. Eric Clapton was joined by Keith Richards at Howlin For Hubert: A Concert to Benefit the Jazz Foundation of America.

Rolling Stone reports the event was a tribute to guitarist Hubert Sumlin, who played in Howlin' Wolf's band for decades and passed away on December 4th due to heart failure.

The entire show, which featured all-stars including Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Jimmie Vaughan, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II and Elvis Costello – plus overlooked legends like Wolf's former bandmates, harmonica player James Cotton, guitarist Jody Williams and saxophonist Eddie Shaw – was one for the history books. Check out video of the jam and read more here.


Unreleased Pantera Song Coming On Deluxe Vulgar Release
Rhino have set a May 15th release date for the 20th anniversary deluxe edition of Pantera's 'Vulgar Display of Power'.

The two-disc CD/DVD deluxe edition will featurethe previously lost studio recording "Piss" and unreleased live video from the 1992 Monsters Of Rock concert in Italy.

They sent out these details: The collection features the debut of "Piss," an incendiary blast of vintage Pantera from the original recording sessions. It remained lost until Vinnie Paul rediscovered the track while going through the band's vault. more on this story


Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks To Tour Together Again
Rod Stewart and Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks are teaming up once again for a North American tour.

The two joined forced last spring for the Heart & Soul Tour and they will reunite for another Heart & Soul Tour this summer.

Nicks announced the initial dates and at press time it looks like the trek will kick off on July 20th in Cleveland, OH. more on this story


See Behind Pink Floyd's The Wall
(hennemusic) Next week, Pink Floyd release the Immersion and Experience editions of their 1979 classic, "The Wall." The project marks the final installment of the recent Why Pink Floyd? reissues and extended releases and a three part Behind the Wall video has been posted online to give you a taste.

"The Wall" remains Pink Floyd's biggest-selling release after 1973's legendary "The Dark Side Of The Moon." "The Wall" Immersion 7-disc edition includes a DVD featuring a film clip from the 1980 tour and a Behind The Wall documentary, plus, for the first time, CDs of excerpts from Roger Waters' original demos and work-in-progress versions of songs on the final album. Among these previously unheard versions are David Gilmour's original demos of "Comfortably Numb" and "Run Like Hell." The Immersion set also includes The Wall Live, compiled from the 1980-1981 original tour.

Both "The Wall" Immersion box set and Experience edition include a rare recording of "Another Brick In The Wall Part 1." A highlight for fans, this demo showcases the evolution of the final track. Check out the behind the wall videos here.


Steven Tyler's Jimmy Kimmel Live Appearance Bumped Back
(hennemusic) There's been a date change for the upcoming Steven Tyler appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Originally set for this coming Monday, February 27, the Aerosmith frontman and American Idol judge will now appear on Tuesday night's/Wednesday morning's (February 28) program.

Idol have now whittled their contestants down to 24, and have manufactured a twist for next week's live shows – they'll be adding at least 1 more to the group of 12 men and 12 women. more on this story


Meat Loaf Dubs Slipknot The Metal Beethoven
(Gibson) Meat Loaf stopped by the offices of Metal Hammer magazine this week "and caused chaos upon his arrival." The magazine got the man himself to shoot a few videos, and one of those clips involves him talking about Slipknot.

Said Meat Loaf: "Slipknot has amazing arrangements, and musically, they're like a metal Beethoven." The 'Loaf has never shied away from the bombastic, of course, so that is praise indeed. But is he being serious?

Slipknot's Shawn Crahan seems to agree. "We give you everything," he told The Age this week. "We're the greatest band in the world as far as I'm concerned. I always laugh when bands say, 'You know, without the masks they'd be nothing.' OK, try playing one of our songs, try playing my drummer's parts, try playing my guitar player's parts. more on this story




Faces' Lane Stopped Ronnie Wood From Joining the Rolling Stones
(Gibson) Talking to the Independent newspaper, while puffing on an electronic cigarette, Ronnie Wood let slip that he could have been a Rolling Stone long before he joined the biggest band in the world.

Last year's Sony Radio Personality of the Year said: "They rang up once when I was rehearsing with the Faces in Bermondsey, and Ronnie Lane picked up the phone and said, 'No, Ronnie's quite happy where he is.'"

With hindsight, Wood thinks that Lane may have done him a favor. "Five years later I found out... I wasn't ready for it though, I'd have been a junkie or OD-ed or something." more on this story




Redlight King Deliver Bull In My Hand For Leno
(Banana 101.5) If you missed Redlight King's performance of 'Bullet in My Hand' on 'The Tonight Show' last week, don't worry. You can watch it online.

Redlight King are currently on the rise with their new single 'Bullet in My Hand,' which just cracked the top ten at active rock stations.

The band hit the set of 'The Tonight Show' last night (2/23) to perform their latest single, which fromtman Kaz described to Loudwire as "a song about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel." Check out the performance here.


What The Hell Is Goin' On For Paul Thorn
Paul Thorn takes a look at the music that inspired him on his forthcoming album, What The Hell Is Goin' On?, which will be released on May 8th. Here is the official word:

Paul Thorn took an unexpected detour on the road to recording a follow-up to his most successful release, 2010's Pimps and Preachers. After writing many discs of semi-autobiographical tunes that have drawn comparisons to John Hiatt and John Prine, the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter — hailed as the "Mark Twain of Americana" — decided to do an album of covers. "I wanted to take a break from myself," he reveals, "do something different, and just have fun."

The collection, entitled What The Hell Is Goin' On? (due May 8, on Perpetual Obscurity/Thirty Tigers), finds Thorn putting his own gritty rock stamp on some of his favorite songs. There are some names familiar to Americana fans (Buddy Miller, Ray Wylie Hubbard), some lesser-known (Foy Vance, Wild Bill Emerson) and some surprises. The Buckingham and Nicks tune "Don't Let Me Down Again" originated on that duo's debut, not during the Fleetwood Mac era, while the Paul Rogers/Free song that Thorn chose to cover is an obscure one, "Walk In My Shadow." more on this story


Today's Music Is Rubbish According to Britpop Mogul
(Gibson) The record company man who played a key role in the Britpop movement of the '90s has spoken out about the resurgence of '90s bands like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.

According to The Sun, Alan McGee, who signed Oasis to his hugely influential Creation Records contemporary music is "rubbish."

McGee said: "The only reason Britpop is back is because all modern music is rubbish. I've lost all interest in it. It is amazing that The Stone Roses are coming back. They are right up there – one of the greatest bands of all time." more on this story




Green Day Explain New Album Approach
(hennemusic) More video has surfaced from Green Day's current recording sessions for their new album.

The band hit the studio on Valentine's Day and are now into their second week on the project.

The latest video shows the band members discussing their approach to capturing the new music. "I'm just trying to think of how we can make people feel more attached/as attached to this record as we feel," begins bassist Mike Dirnt. Check out the video here.


The Day Janis Joplin's Swan Song Hit The Top
(Gibson) On this day in 1971, nearly five months after her death, Janis Joplin started a nine-week run at no. 1 on the U.S. album chart with Pearl. Gibson takes a look back:

On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's swan song, Pearl, hit the top of the charts — nearly five months to the day after she passed away in a lonely Los Angeles motel room. It would stay at #1 for nine weeks, but the record's success only served to underscore the cruel irony of her death. Had she lived, Joplin would have been free. Free from her label. Free from the nagging feeling that she shouldn't have abandoned Big Brother and the Holding Company. Free to tell all those doubters — all the way back to Port Arthur, Texas — where to go. Free to do whatever the hell she wanted. Instead, she found a different kind of freedom.

To trace the origins of Pearl, you have to go back to the other great album of Joplin's all-too-brief career, Cheap Thrills. This sophomore effort by Joplin and the group, Big Brother and the Holding Company, gave the band their breakthrough single, "Piece of My Heart." The heart-rending, soul-bearing Erma Franklin cover went to #12 on the U.S. charts and sent the album soaring to #1 for eight weeks. But somewhere inside the pressure-cooker of success, Joplin decided she had to drop Big Brother and form her own band, having been convinced by management that this was the right move for her career. Big Brother had existed before she ever arrived. They had a sound. They had a direction. Janis needed her own band.

Joplin's first crack at her own group was the Kozmic Blues Band. Modeled on the Stax-Volt R&B bands of the day, Kozmic had a horn section and was decidedly funkier than Big Brother. But things just didn't come together. To start with, the Kozmic Blues Band was hardly Janis' own band. They were a collection of session players put together by her record company, Columbia. And many of them were a little too straight-laced for Janis, whose own relapse into heroin addiction didn't help things. She fired and replaced half the band by the time an album, I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, was released in September 1969. The album itself found moderate success, but in no way matched the accolades of Cheap Thrills. By the end of the year, Joplin dropped the band completely.

Today's Day In Rock!

Slash's New Song Preview
(hennemusic) While the mixing stage of Slash's sophomore solo album, "Apocalyptic Love," continues, the guitar icon has unveiled a teaser clip to one of his new songs.
Slash has shared a preview of his first single, "You're A Lie," with Australia's Triple M radio; the station reports they will premiere the full song on Monday. "Mixing for the new record is going extraordinarily well, sounds really great. Will be posting a clip of 1 of the songs next week," posted Slash on Thursday.

"Apocalyptic Love" is due May 22; Slash begins a brief US tour on May 3 in Baltimore, with dates booked throughout the month. Have a listen here.


Big Four- Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax- A Failing Answer On Test
(Banana 101.5) It's not easy being a metal head - just ask whoever took this test that asked for the name of "Four Heavy Metals and Their Symbols."

The metal-loving student gave the most correct answers possible and all four answers were marked incorrect. Sorry teach, but that's gonna get you a 'Rock Fail.'

Everyone knows there are none more metal than The Big 4 — Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax — well, everyone but this teacher. Check out the test here.


Fallon Updates Pearl Jam's Jeremy for Jeremy Lin
(hennemusic) The latest overnight pop culture sensation is New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin.

Lin's last-minute, game-winning heroics have helped the injury-ridden Knicks turn their season around since he joined the lineup early this month.

Now, Jimmy Fallon has stepped up to deliver a tribute to the new basketball star: Fallon becomes Eddie Vedder as Pearl Jam sings "Jeremy (Lin)."

Here's a sample of the updated lyrics:

"The Knicks were 8 and 15
Oh and before that, no one really cared
Now Jeremy is winning
And the Knicks don't suck




Motorhead's Lemmy Taps Dave Grohl, Horton Heat, Damned for Solo Album
(Gibson) Sure, Motorhead leader Lemmy Kilmister has collaborated with a long list of rock stars, from Dave Grohl to Billy Gibbons. But, ask Mr. Kilmister, and he'll tell you there are still a slew of peeps with whom he's itching to lay down tracks.

"Janet Jackson," Kilmister told SF Weekly, laughing, when asked whom he'd like to work with down the road. "I don't know. There are a lot of people out there who are great players. It's just whether the spark arrives. Whether somebody wants to do it and I've got some free time…"

Kilmister then dropped a bombshell: He's working on a solo album! The set, thus far, totes tracks with Grohl, Reverend Horton Heat and others. "I'm three quarters of the way though a solo album right now," he said. "I've got two tracks with the Damned, two tracks with [German hard-rock band] Skew Siskin, one with Joan Jett, one with Grohl and two with the Reverend Horton Heat. So I've got quite a mixed bag on there. I'm trying to get one with Skin from Skunk Anansie." more on this story




Motley Crue Star Settles Dispute
(hennemusic) Motley Crue's Tommy Lee has settled a lawsuit brought by one of his former assistants.

13WHAM-TV reports Michael Sullivan launched legal action against the Lee in December, claiming he was regularly asked to be "on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week" during his six-year employment with the drummer, but did not receive full payment for the extra hours worked.

According to Sullivan, Lee was in the habit of making improper deductions from Sullivan's pay. When the rocker had Sullivan move into his home to better serve him and his family, the suit says, Lee began deducting $1,000 a month for rent - even during the last six months of his employment with Lee, when he was no longer living at the house. Find out how much he settled for.


Metallica's Lars Says Lou Reed Took Lulu Criticism Hard
(Gibson) Lars Ulrich is standing behind Metallica's recent collaboration with Lou Reed, Lulu. When asked for his thoughts on fan response – which wasn't exactly stellar – to Lulu, Lars told Washington, D.C. radio station DC101 that he takes it all with "just a little bit of distance."

"Obviously, it's fantastic in 2012 that the Internet gives everybody access to voicing their opinions, and I think it's an incredible medium to communicate and to bring the world closer," he said. "But, obviously, as an artist, or somebody who is creating something, you've gotta be careful how deep you dive into what everybody's talking about, because it could really screw with your mind. I've always been in a place where I'm pretty thick-skinned, so it doesn't bug me that much… "

Ulrich added that Reed didn't take the negative criticism so well. "It was difficult for Lou Reed because he takes everything very personally," Ulrich said. "And I think he was very surprised. We told him all along: 'Listen, there are some very, very, very hardcore metal fans out there that like everything pre-packaged in a particular little box that looks like this, and the minute that you slightly veer outside of that, then they have a hernia.' And that's fine – I'm fine with that…" more on this story




Ozzy Osbourne Loses Family Member
(Gibson) First, Kelly Osbourne tweeted a sad note about her family losing their beloved Chihuahua, Martin, on Christmas. Now, America's favorite metal clan are saying "goodbye" to their much-loved bulldog, Lola.

Jack Osbourne let out the news on his official Twitter page this week, announcing that the family's cherished pet passed away on Tuesday (February 21). "Lola, you were the best friend anyone could ever have. I will love you and miss you always. RIP," he tweeted. Jack went on to thank his Twitter followers for their support: "Thank you for all the kind words about [the dog, Lola]. It's nice to know she was loved by so many people."

Lola was more than a pet to Ozzy Osbourne and company. She was a full-fledged member of the Osbourne family. The doggie even had her own Twitter profile! "Lola" Tweeted a "thank you" to followers for their support over the years, too: "Thank you all for your kind words. I'm in a better place now. Heaven needs a new princess." more on this story




The All-American Rejects The Kids In The Street Tour
The All-American Rejects are hitting the road this spring for their six week North American The Kids In The Street Tour.

The tour, featuring support from A Rocket To The Moon, kicks off on March 31 in Flagstaff, AZ and will visit major cities in the U.S. and Canada before wrapping on May 13th in Cincinnati.

The All-American Rejects are also scheduled to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, March 27th. more on this story


Godsmack's Sully Erna Plans Box Set
(Banana 101.5) Details have been revealed for Godsmack frontman Sully Erna's upcoming live DVD, which features Erna performing songs from his debut solo effort 'Avalon' and will be part of a box set loaded with extras like a documentary, posters, incense and more.

A few months ago Sully Erna told That Metal Show that Godsmack has a "special kind of retail piece" planned for 2012. If the upcoming limited edition 'Avalon Live' box set doesn't also fit that description — we don't know what does.

Erna filmed last year's Dec. 16 concert in his native Boston, where he performed songs from his 2010 solo album 'Avalon,' with plans of releasing it as a DVD. Now the Godsmack frontman has revealed that 'Avalon Live' will be released as a box set and has a tentative late April release date. more on this story


Black Stone Cherry Honor Military Families Hardships in New Video
(Banana 101.5) Black Stone Cherry pay tribute to the hardships facing American military families in the music video for their soulful ballad 'In My Blood'.

Black Stone Cherry recently wrapped up a headlining tour with Cavo and are currently taking a week off after performing with Pop Evil in Tulsa, Oklahoma last night. After that the band heads overseas to play 21 shows in March before returning to the U.S. to begin a rigorous touring schedule that will carry them well into mid-June.

Just one look at their itinerary adds some weight to their latest single from 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,' which is a love ballad about the agony of long-distance relationships. If there's one thing the band knows, it's being apart from their loved ones. That is the central theme of the new music video for their current single 'In My Blood,' as seen through they eyes of 20-year old PFC Randy Hirneisen. Watch the video here.


Carlos Santana Plans Two Year Intimate Residency
Carlos Santana is going Vegas for a two-year run of "An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow" -- in the specially re-configured House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas beginning in May 2012.

"I am deeply honored that our new home in Las Vegas is The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay," Carlos Santana said. "I have long admired their love of "the Blues" and that it is a world-class entertainment venue. We hope to honor and celebrate the diversity and brotherhood of world culture that the House of Blues promotes."

The two-year residency kicks off on May 2 with a series of shows taking place throughout the months of May & June. The residency will then resume in September and play through 2013. more on this story


Fear Factory and Shadows Fall Tour
Fear Factory, Shadows Fall, The Browning, The Devastated, and Legacy Of Disorder are hitting the road together for a North American tour this spring.

Set to begin in San Antonio on May 1, the tour's initial dates include stops in Dallas, Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Denver among others.

The tour will precede the release of Fear Factory's new album titled The Industrialist and the band recently announced the addition of bass player Matt DeVries. The Ohio native previously noted, "I have been asked to join one of my favorite bands. I have been a fan of FEAR FACTORY since 1992 and I could not be more excited to be part of this incredible band." Guitarist Dino Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell noted, "we are very excited to have Matt playing bass for FEAR FACTORY. We feel he is a great addition to our touring line-up. He has been a friend for a very long time and he is a great musician who will be a perfect instrument in the FF machine." more on this story


Unreleased Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison For Chris Barber Anthology
Proper Records have set a May 8th North American release date for a new two-CD Anthology for British bandleader Chris Barber.

The Anthology features music from Barber's 60-year career including previously unreleased collaborations with Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Jools Holland, Dr. John and Rory Gallagher.

We were sent these details: To followers of 20th century British music, Chris Barber needs no introduction: The trombonist and bass player is the pre-eminent name in British trad jazz. A fixture on the British music scene since the early 1950s, he has led a number of excellent bands and can be heard alongside countless world-class players, a title he can surely also claim for himself. The octogenarian, who in 2012 approaches the 60-year mark as a pro bandleader, contributed greatly to the evolution of the British blues and rock scene as a founding director of the legendary Marquee club, linked to the rise of bands such as the Who, Rolling Stones and Sex Pistols. more on this story


Anthrax's Dan Lilker Releasing Autobiography This Summer
There is another heavy metal memoir set to hit stores this summer: Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years & Counting in the Life of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker, which follows Lilker's career from his pre-Anthrax band, White Heat in 1980, through Brutal Truth's latest 2011 release, End Time.

We were sent these details: Perpetual Conversion traces Lilker's time spent in seminal metal bands Nuclear Assault, Brutal Truth, Anthrax, Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.) and Hemlock, and also includes his lesser-known projects The Ravenous, Crab Society, Crab Society North, Exit-13, Extra Hot Sauce, Crucifist, Nokturnal Hellstorm, Nunf**kritual, Last Satanic Dance, Overlord Exterminator and more.

The life-spanning biography was written by Dave Hofer, a Chicago-based music fan, record store employee and sporadic freelance writer. Although not classically trained in long-form writing, Hofer spent years interviewing Lilker, his friends and his family to present what Hofer calls "the most comprehensive interview Lilker has ever done." more on this story


Joe Satriani's View of Van Halen
(hennemusic) While doing interviews to promote his upcoming concert film, "Satchurated," guitarist Joe Satriani was asked for his thoughts on the new Van Halen album, "A Different Kind Of Truth."

Classic Rock Revisited says they wanted to get Joe's opinion because of Chickenfoot's ties to the band, with singer Sammy Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony sharing a history between the two acts.

"I kind of like it," begins Satriani. "I was talking to Sammy about it the other day. I said, 'You know Sam, I have to congratulate you on the enduring success of Van Halen. It is something that Mike and you should be proud of.' Mike and Sam were at least as successful, if not more so, than when Dave was in the band. If you turn on any classic rock radio station then you hear just as much Sammy era Van Halen as you do David Lee Roth era Van Halen. As uncomfortable as it might be for those guys to try to sort out business between them, from my perspective, I'm just a guy and I like it all. If I hear Eddie and Alex playing together then I'm pretty much all the way there, immediately."



Coldplay To Play GMA and Jimmy Kimmel's Oscar Special
Coldplay have lined up two special television appearances next week including Good Morning America and Jimmy Kimmel's Oscar special. Here are the details:

Coldplay will perform on the seventh annual "Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards" special, televised live on ABC from Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre on Sunday, February 26, immediately following the Oscar telecast and late local news.

Other guests will include Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, Charlize Theron, Don Cheadle plus many more. Coldplay's block party performance on the JKL outdoor stage will wrap up the special and include a performance of the band's latest single, "Charlie Brown."

"Charlie Brown" will also be part of Coldplay's three-song set when the band makes its debut on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Friday, March 2, performing in the show's Times Square studio. Check out the video for the song here.


Rob Zombie's John 5 Sets Solo Release
Rob Zombie's guitarist John 5 has set a new release date for his upcoming full-length solo CD/DVD, God Told Me To. The CD/DVD will now be released on May 8th, 2012

God Told Me To was recorded and produced by John 5, Chris Baseford (Rob Zombie, Tommy Lee) and Bob Marlette (Sebastian Bach, Black Sabbath) in 2011. The cover art for the album is illustrated by none other than Rob Zombie, who is also tapping John 5 to score the entirety of his upcoming film, 'The Lords of Salem'.

"I'm so proud of this record, I've put more time into this release than any other! It's half acoustic and the other half electric with a tribute to Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen with 'Beat It'," states John 5. "The DVD shows me actually recording the songs as well as behind the scenes of a "day in the life" of JOHN 5! This album will take you on a musical journey designed to show more diversity in my playing than in the past. Enjoy!" more on this story


Cavo New Album and Tour Coming in April
Cavo have set an April 10th release date for their new album, Thick as Thieves, and will be hitting the road for a North American tour to support the effort.

Cavo will be headlining new dates with Janus as support. The tour, which starts on April 7th in Battlecreek, MI, will hit clubs in the country's heartland, and wraps up with a return performance at the famed Rocklahoma Festival on 5/25.

"We are extremely excited to be hitting the road in support of our new CD hitting stores April 10th as well as our new track 'Celebrity.' We will be touring with our good friends in Janus and The Veer Union so this will be an amazing tour that you won't want to miss! See you all soon!" - Brian "Pookie" Smith more on this story


Peter Frampton Reunites on Stage With His Comes Alive Les Paul
(hennemusic) Last Saturday night at New York's Beacon Theatre was a magical one for Peter Frampton.

The guitarist was reunited on stage - for the first time in more than three decades – with his prized Gibson Les Paul guitar, originally lost in a cargo plane crash in 1980.

It's a remarkable story to behold: Peter rode his favorite guitar to the heights of solo stardom in the mid-70s with "Frampton Comes Alive," the biggest selling album in music to that point. Some dicey career moves brought the guitarist back down to earth, and he was forced to rebuild his profile one step at a time.

Along the way, a 1980 cargo plane crash in Caracas, Venezuela took his beloved guitar away, and Frampton pressed on. Read more and watch video here.


Noel Gallagher Changes Gig So He Won't Miss Stone Roses Reunion
(Gibson) Discovering that he was booked to play a festival at the same time as the reformed Stone Roses are due to take the stage for their first reunion show, Noel Gallagher insisted on moving his time slot.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the former Oasis singer told promoters to change the running order. "I was billed at these festivals to headline another stage and I said, 'Well I'm not going on while the Roses are on,' do you know what I mean? They've not done a gig for 100 years, what am I going to do? Play to two [expletive] dogs and a cat and two stewards? ... So I said, 'It's either that or I won't do it.' 'Cos I want to see them, do you know what I mean? I don't want to be the only person in England who hasn't seen them."

Gallagher also explained why the so-called "Madchester" bands mean so much to him. "I think those bands, the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, are quite heroic bands and they have quite heroic figures in those bands: Shaun and Bez, Ian and Mani. They're heroes to people and they're working class heroes… People in bands seem middle class to me, which is not a bad thing, it's just an observation. But in the case of the Roses and the Mondays, their music is great; to my generation, they're why I started in music, and to 40-somethings they just want to relive it a little bit. But to people who are 16, 17, they are heroic figures and good luck to everybody that's at Heaton Park that night, I hope the weather stays fine." more on this story




Switchfoot, Disciple, Jason Crabb Among Dove Award Nominees
(Gibson) The nominees for the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards dropped Wednesday (February 22), and Southern gospel singer Jason Crabb leads the pack with eight nominations at the annual gospel and Christian music event.

Other big names nominated at this year's awards ceremony – which is scheduled to take place April 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta – include Casting Crowns, NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot, RED and Newsboys.

In the rock category, Christian heavy music-makers RED, Switchfoot, Blindeside, Ashes Remain and Abandon all scored nominations for Rock Album of the Year for their respective releases. Rock / Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year nominees include Switchfoot for "Dark Horses," RED's "Faceless," Disciple with "Invisible," Skillet's "One Day Too Late" and "Lucy," Hawk Nelson for "Your Love is a Mystery" and "Crazy Love," Newsboys with "Born Again," Plumb with Dan Haseltine for "Drifting" and NEEDTOBREATHE with "Slumber." more on this story




BangTower Previewing Forthcoming Tour With Videos
(Glass Onyon) Progressive rock/fusion ensemble BangTower are releasing several new music video's over the next four weeks to get fans ready for their 2012 BangTower tour.

In addition to celebrated bassist Percy Jones, who is also known for his work with Brand X a band he formed along with Genesis legend Phil Collins, BangTower also features Grammy Award winning guitarist, engineer and producer Neil Citron.

Completing this trio of master musicians is drum virtuoso Walter Garces, who also performs with '60s psychedelic marvels The Electric Prunes and is celebrating a partnership of 25 years with Premier Percussion, Paiste Cymbals and Gongs, and Calato/Regal-Tip sticks as an endorsing artist. more on this story


Singled Out: Imminent Sonic Destruction's Sick
Imminent Sonic Destruction are releasing their new album "Recurring Themes" today and are playing a special release show tonight at The Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI. To celebrate we asked Pete Hopersberger to tell us about the song "Sick". Here is the story:

There we were. Autumn in Detroit, in a recording studio located in a sparsely populated area of the city. Graffiti. Barbed wire. A lonely barbecue in the parking lot, waiting to be pressed into service. Roy Z had flown in from LA, and was staying with us. We had been recording, barbecuing, laughing, and playing beer pong for the better part of a week. Most importantly, we were basking in the glow of our first experience with a big name producer. Who happened to be the coolest guy any of us had ever met. Life was good. The end.

Just kidding. So. Recording "Sick." Roy had us record together, in the big room of the studio, catching the energy and dynamics of the songs. After a few run-throughs of "Sick," we had a good take going until someone made a mistake. So we stopped. Roy ran into the room saying "Why did you stop? That was great!" Apparently, he was feeling a magic vibe in that take. Thus started our epic journey...

We played that song for hours, back to back, looking for that spark that Roy had glimpsed and wanted to capture. Pat, our drummer, has the most physically demanding part in this song, and I kept waiting for his shins to break off and fly across the room. It only happened once, but we had a doctor on hand, so it was taken care of quickly and we got back to work. It was interesting, playing the song over and over, looking through the window to see if Roy was "feeling it." That sounds dirty, but you know what I mean. Shut up. We would finish a take, and think it was the one, only to hear Roy on the talkback: "That's cool, that's evil. Do it again."

Needless to say, eventually we hit a take where EVERYONE was feeling what Roy was looking for. It was a transcendent moment. At least, I think it was. I'm not sure what that word means, but it sounds awesome. And this was awesome. Roy and the engineers in the control room were rocking out, and we were just ENERGIZED while we played, after we thought we wouldn't be able to recapture that elusive vibe. Pat summoned some inner power that I've only read about, and at one point our guitarist/vocalist Tony let out a yell that was kept in the final mix. It serves as a reminder of the work we put in, and of the feeling that Roy heard, and we finally attained. It also serves as a warning. Something about the end of the world, and the soundtrack to it. Or something like that. Whatever.

Then we adjourned to the parking lot, barbecued some ribs, had a few drinks and enjoyed the rest of that beautiful, Detroit fall evening.

JACK BLADES' BRAND NEW VIDEO HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE ON HANNITY.COM: ACK BLADES' BRAND NEW VIDEO HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE ON HANNITY.COM:

(New York, NY) – Jack Blades fans worldwide can log on to www.hannity.com right now to witness the worldwide premiere of the video for Back In The Game. The song is the first single from Jack Blades' forthcoming album Rock N' Roll Ride. The video imparts a strong patriotic message of the debt of gratitude owed to the military of this nation. Blades, a longtime fan of talk show host Sean Hannity, recently appeared on the “Hannity” television show and an instant bond was established melding the political world with the rock music world. Jack Blades commented, “Sean's a great guy but he needs work on his onstage rock moves...I'm just the guy to teach him!”
Rock N' Roll Ride is due out on March 27 in North America via Frontiers Records and features contributions from Blades' Night Ranger bandmates Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy, Joel Hoekstra and Eric Levy, as well as a special guest appearance by Cheap Trick's Robin Zander. Click here to pre-order the physical album on Amazon and here to pre-order the digital album on iTunes.

Jack Blades is a frontman, lead singer, bassist, songwriter, and producer as well as a founding member of the highly-successful arena rock band, Night Ranger and supergroup Damn Yankees (along with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw from Styx) and the highly-regarded Shaw/Blades. Throughout his remarkable career Blades has sold over 25 million albums, performed in front of millions of fans worldwide and collaborated with some of rock's most legendary artists. With a career spanning three decades, Blades has recorded with, penned songs and produced albums for some of the music industry's biggest names including Aerosmith, Cher, Ringo Star, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Styx, Ted Nugent, Motley Crue and Vince Neil. His music has been featured in movies such as Armageddon, Boogie Nights, Tommy Boy, television shows such as “South Park” and “American Dad,” the hit Broadway musical (and soon-to-be released major motion picture) Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". With Blades' songwriting, driving guitars, stage antics and on the strength of Night Ranger's songs “Don't Tell Me You Love Me,” “Rock in America,” “Sister Christian,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “Sentimental Street”, along with the Damn Yankees hits "High Enough" and "Coming of Age", Blades' legacy continues to inspire generations while still being written.
For more information please visit: www.jackblades.net / www.frontiers.it.

Today's Day In Rock!

Journey Star Sentenced For Assault Charge
(hennemusic) Journey drummer Deen Castronovo has been sentenced in connection with an assault last month.
KPTV.com reports Castronovo was arrested in Salem, Oregon on January 20 and charged with several crimes, including fourth-degree assault, resisting arrest, interfering with a police report and coercion.

The drummer received a sentence of 80 hours of community service and he must attend anger-management classes. more on this story


Thrice Launching Farewell Tour
Thrice have decided to go on indefinite hiatus after thirteen years together but they plan to hit the road one last time and have announced the dates for their farewell tour.

The band will begin their final tour together on May 4 in San Diego, California. The tour spans major cities in North America and is set to wrap with a hometown two-night stand at House of Blues in Anaheim followed by the final show in Los Angeles at Club Nokia.

Supporting Thrice on all dates will be Animals As Leaders with more information including the announcement of additional support bands and details of commemorative merchandise available at the shows will be announced in the coming weeks. more on this story


Hagar Says Eddie Van Halen Didn't Get It?
(hennemusic) In a new interview with Goldmine, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony discuss the Chickenfoot's strategy to beef up its vocal sound even before they recorded "Chickenfoot III" and the conversation turned to their former band Van Halen.

"Singing with him, he's the only guy that I know that could just go above [me]," adds Hagar. "I don't care if I'm at the peak of my range; he can get up above me, just squeeze his nuts and get on up there – and right on key, he can mimic my phrasing. He's just … he's so fast. That's the thing that people don't understand about Mike. He learns faster than anyone I've ever met in my life. Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen … guys come up with riffs, and come on, I can't f**king play them. I'm sitting here with an acoustic guitar around the house still trying to learn these riffs on this record, and I ain't got 'em down yet … And he's playing his ass off in this band."

"He never played like this in Van Halen," Sammy continues. "Eddie [Van Halen] doesn't even realize what a great bass player he had. I think he never realized it, and that is his complete loss. I remember recording in Van Halen, Eddie was always saying, 'Just play eighth notes.' And he would play all this stuff, and Mike's just going, 'boom, boom, boom, boom.' Boy, Mike's really capable of playing more than that, and he never found out. So Mike and I, one time, we're in Cabo San Lucas when we were in Van Halen — say probably around '89, '88 or '89, when we were still loving each other, and having a good time — and Mike was in Cabo jamming and doing a live broadcast from the Cabo Wabo for some album network that I think used to be around that would do live broadcasts. And Ed is listening to it on the radio, and we get back and he asked me who was playing bass? He went, 'Yeah, yeah, you guys did 'Crossroads' by Cream,' and he goes, 'Who was playing f**king bass on that?' I'm saying, 'That's your brother right over here.' That was Michael Anthony on the bass. And Ed goes, 'Yeah? Yeah? Yeah? Yeah?' And then he'd smoke a cigarette, take a hit off a beer and go, 'Hmmm.' But, he didn't get it, you know? But Michael has been tearing it up on this record." more on this story


Kid Rock Artist Den Sneak Peak
(Banana 101.5) The episode of 'Live from the Artists Den' featuring Kid Rock is set to air this weekend but you can watch his performance of 'Rock and Roll Jesus' and a cover of Elvis Presley's 'Burning Love' from the show now.

Kid Rock has almost released an official live concert DVD several times but has yet to do so. Fans of Rock will get the next best thing when his appearance on the fourth season of 'Live from the Artists Den' premieres on public television and Hulu this Friday.

The episode was filmed at Elvis Presley's 'Automobile Museum' in Graceland and to pay tribute to "The King," Kid Rock breaks into a cover of 'Burning Love' while performing his own song 'Rock and Roll Jesus.' Check out the video here.


Rolling Stones On the Verge of Doing 50th Anniversary Tour
(Gibson) Ron Wood has become the latest member of the Rolling Stones to hint that a 50th anniversary tour will indeed take place this year. In an interview with Radio Times, the guitarist was asked if the legendary rockers would be hitting the road.

"[It would] be lovely, wouldn't it?" Wood responded. "That's what we're on the verge of. I don't know what the hell is going to happen yet, but we all feel we owe it to ourselves and to the people to do something." Wood later added, "Basically, [we need to] get the boys feeling comfortable with each other, because we're all ready to go individually. It's just a matter of tying up loose ends and coming together as a unit."

Last month, drummer Charlie Watts offered up a similarly hopeful view, regarding the possibility of a 50th anniversary tour. The Rolling Stones staged their debut performance on July 12, 1962, at the Marquee Club in London. more on this story




The Devil Wears Prada Lose A Member
The Devil Wears Prada have announced via Facebook that they have parted ways with keyboardist James Baney.

The band had this to say: With great deliberation and difficulty, we have decided to part ways with our keyboardist James Baney. James will always be family to TDWP, being one of the most well-intentioned people we know.

Our prayers to James in beginning a new chapter with his wife back home, and our endless gratitude to TDWP fans for understanding. We'll see you at a show soon. -The Devil Wears Prada

Facebook posting


REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent Tour Coming
REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent are teaming up for The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express" tour.

The 30-date North American tour will kick off on May 1st in Hidalgo, TX and will conclude on July 7th in Gilford, NY.

"Forget all those TV shows with glee clubs singing Rock songs," exclaims STYX guitarist/singer James "JY" Young. "It's time for mega-Platinum Illinois bands STYX and REO Speedwagon in a battle to the end of the Mayan Calendar with the Motor City Madman!" more on this story


Roger Daltrey and Paul Weller For Teenage Cancer Trust
(Gibson) Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller and Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones have been added to the lineup for this year's Concert for Teenage Cancer Trust shows, set to take place from March 28 through April 3 at London's Royal Albert Hall. The three singers will join other confirmed acts that include Paul McCartney, Pulp and Jessie J, among others.

Daltrey, Weller and Jones will kick off the charity event on March 28, with McCartney appearing the following night. Proceeds from the concerts, which are now in their 12th year, go toward improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer.

In a prepared statement, Royal Albert Hall Chief Executive Chris Cotton said: "We are honored to have supported Teenage Cancer Trust's concerts since they started here 12 years ago and the electric atmosphere they bring to the Hall. Teenage Cancer Trust consistently bring a world class line up of talent to help raise funds in support of young people who are affected by cancer and this year, to my mind, is their strongest yet. During the week, we run music education and art workshops in collaboration with the charity to offer teenagers, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to work with some of their favorite artists." more on this story




Van Halen Play Another Rarity On Tour
(hennemusic) Van Halen continues to mix things up on the road. Wednesday night, the rockers pulled out the "Fair Warning" classic, "Hear About It Later," at the Banker's Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The rarely played gem replaced another track from the 1981 album in the set: "Mean Street."

VH threw in "Girl Gone Bad" on Monday in Michigan, and kept that song in the Indianapolis show for the third date of the band's tour in support of "A Different Kind Of Truth." Check out video here.


Train Set for Intimate San Francisco 2012 Tour
Train are hitting the road for their San Francisco 2012 Tour, a special hometown series of club shows, in expectation of the upcoming album California 37, out April 17 on Columbia Records.

The band kicks off six intimate performances in San Francisco starting April 10 at Cafe Du Nord and finishing up April 15 at the Fillmore.

A portion of the ticket sales proceeds will go to the San Francisco charity Family House, which provides temporary housing to families of seriously ill children. more on this story


12 Stones Releasing New Album This Spring
12 Stones have set a May 22nd release date for their fourth album, Beneath The Scars, on the Executive Music Group label via Fontana/Universal.

The band joined forces, once again, with producer Skidd Mills (Saving Abel, Skillet, Saliva), who had previously worked with 12 Stones on 2007's Anthem For The Underdog.

The first single, "Infected," mixed by Johnny K (3 Doors Down, Disturbed, Staind), is currently being serviced to Rock radio and will be available for download on iTunes and Amazon on February 28. more on this story


Toadies Set For EP Release and Social Distortion Tour
Toadies fans have reason to rejoice as the band has announced release the first of two new EPs and a North American tour with Social Distortion starting in April.

The EP, entitled Play.Rock.Music. to be released May 8th was recorded at The Bubble in Austin and produced by Chris "Frenchie" Smith.

The writing of the EP was hot off the heels of last year's Dia De Los Toadies (The 4th annual!) The festival last year was the most successful yet - two days and the strongest Texas line up they've ever had including The Sword, Black Angels and Ume. The 5th Dia De Los Toadies is slated for Labor Day Weekend later this year. more on this story


Mike Inez Updates Alice in Chains Fan On New Album
(Banana 101.5) Alice in Chains follow-up to 2009′s 'Black Gives Way to Blue' is currently in the works and bassist Mike Inez recently gave and update on how the project is coming along thus far.

Reports of their upcoming album first surfaced last summer when Ann Wilson of Heart reported that their new material is "amazing." Jerry Cantrell's recent shoulder surgery may have impeded the new album plans for a bit but in a recent interview at NAMM, bassist Mike Inez revealed that things are "all good" in the world of Alice in Chains.

In the interview with Mz. Hollywood, Inez said "We're holed up, we're writing the new record. We're waiting to go in the studio pretty soon — so, looking forward to it." The in-depth interview then shifted to the question everyone has been dying to know the answer to — how does Mike keep his hair so perfect? Find the answer as you watch the interview here.


Brad Set New Album Release
Razor & Tie have set an April 24th 2012 release date for Brad's new studio album, United We Stand, in North America.

Brad features core members Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) on guitar, vocalist/pianist Shawn Smith (Pigeonhed and Satchel), drummer Regan Hagar (Satchel and Malfunkshun), and bass player Keith Lowe (Fiona Apple and David Sylvian).

Comprised of 10 tracks, longtime fans of the band will find much to love on United We Stand as BRAD's reflective, unique song writing approach is intact with Shawn Smith's soaring vocals cascading over songs like "A Reason To Be In My Skin," "Needle And Thread" and "Bound In Time." more on this story


Thousand Foot Krutch Go It Alone For New Album
(Banana 101.5) Thousand Foot Krutch will release their sixth studio album, 'The End is Where We Begin', without the help of a label on April 22nd.

The band's new found independence may have affected the tone of the new album, as frontman Travis McNevan explained the new songs are more aggressive in nature:

"Without trying, this record has a very militant theme to it, with songs like 'War Of Change' and 'Courtesy Call' painting more of a visual for that. There's an urgency to it and I think the timing feels right. This record's heart can be summed up by 'Be The Change,' the album's lyric and phrase seen throughout the album artwork." More info and a preview here.


Beatles No 1s Now Ringtones
Yesterday Apple Corps and EMI debuted very first Beatles ringtones for the band's 27 UK and US no. 1 hits, exclusively on iTunes.

The 27 chart-toppers include Love Me Do, Can't Buy Me Love, Ticket To Ride, Help!, Yesterday, Day Tripper, We Can Work It Out, Hey Jude, Penny Lane, Let It Be and More.

For fans who want to the full length songs, they can find them on The Beatles 1. The album made its digital debut in September 2011, exclusively on the iTunes Store, bowing at #1 on several iTunes top albums charts around the world, including the US, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, and Greece. more on this story


Sarah Darling Takes On Beatles Blackbird
Sarah Darling has released her rendition of the Paul McCartney Beatles White Album classic "Blackbird" on iTunes.

As heard in heavy rotation on SiriusXM's The Highway, Darling made the song her own with the help of legendary producer, and lead guitar player on the track, Dann Huff.

Proceeds from the charity-based compilation album, "Let Us In" Nashville - A Tribute To Linda McCartney, released in Nov. 2011 on Reviver Music, are benefiting The Women and Cancer Fund, a not-for-profit charity established in the memory of Linda McCartney. more on this story


Very Limited Edition Say Anything Reissue
Doghouse Records are reissuing Say Anything's sophomore album ...Is A Real Boy as a limited edition vinyl and a very limited edition version.

The genre-defining album will be getting a deluxe reissue treatment, will it being available for a limited time only.

There are two options for the ...Is A Real Boy reissue. The first includes a gatefold double LP on opaque white and olive green splattered vinyl. This edition is limited to 240 copies and costs $25.

The second option includes the 2 x LP with a test pressing. Only 10 copies will be available for this option and it costs $60. Grab em here.


Dark Tranquillity Premiere In My Absence Video
Dark Tranquillity have released a new music video for the song, "In My Absence," from their latest album, We Are The Void.

"In My Absence" is the band's fifth promo clip for the album, and it was filmed by the band themselves on the road, with guitarist Niklas Sundin taking care of the editing/post production duties.

Additional live footage was provided by Anders Björler (The Haunted, At The Gates) and Nikolas Pegler.

In regards to this video, Niklas Sundin comments: "I wanted to create a live video that would capture the energy of our show both from the audience's perspective as well as from the stage. To accomplish this, we headed out on our recent Europe/Russia tours equipped with a GoPro HD camera, which was mounted on various objects (guitar necks, vocal microphone, member's bodies etc.) on most of the shows. Despite probably looking pretty weird for those in the crowd that noticed the little device, we arrived home with a lot of interesting footage, and after a lot of editing we're happy to present the final result: A clip for 'In My Absence', filled with an energy and closeness out of the ordinary. Enjoy!" Watch the video here.


Coldplay Gave Song To Garden State
(Gibson) Coldplay didn't bother with the usual payment for the use of one of their songs in a movie when it came to helping out Chris Martin's pal Zach Braff.

According to Britain's Daily Express,Martin and Braff are old pals and Martin waived the usual fee for the comedian to use "Don't Panic" in the 2004 movie Garden State. Braff told Time Out magazine in London, "Chris Martin and the guys in Coldplay put their song on my soundtrack.

"Garden State was, you know, this little movie, and they just said yes because they liked the movie and not for, at the time, any dough, because we couldn't offer them any." more on this story




Gorefest Double Gold Disc Limited Edition Reissue Coming
Metal Mind Productions have set a spring release of exclusive double re-release of two Gorefest albums, "False" and "Erase".

The double digipak edition of "False" and "Erase" is limited to 2000 copies. Remastered using tube technology, digitally edited on golden discs.

The release date is scheduled for March, 27th in Europe and June, 6th in USA (via MVD)