Today's Day In Rock!

Dave Grohl Recording With Krist Novoselic and Butch Vig
(Banana 101.5) Dave Grohl is back at it! It's been revealed that the Foo Fighters frontman has re-teamed with Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and 'Nevermind' producer Butch Vig in the studio.
Dave Grohl might not ever sleep. Between his work with Them Crooked Vultures and Foo Fighters, it seems like Dave has been at it non-stop these past few years. His latest project is a documentary on the legendary — yet now closed — Sound City Studios, a quiet little place in Los Angeles where legendary records like Nirvana's 'Nevermind' were recorded. Now Butch Vig has revealed that he has once again entered the studio to record Grohl and Novoselic, as well as an unidentified mystery guest.

Vig wrote ""The last 24 hours have been surreal! Had a great gig at the El Rey last night, and spent today recording with Dave, Krist and special guest!" More


Rock Hall Ignore Axl Rose Request?
Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose made headline this week when he issued an open letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and stated that he would not attend the induction ceremony and asked that he personally not be inducted.

Axl wrote in part "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of 'Guns N' Roses'."

The Los Angeles Times reports a Rock Hall spokesman responded in a statement that said, "We are sorry Axl will not be able to accept his Induction in person." So it appears they plan to go ahead and induct him against his wishes. You can read Axl's full letter here.



Zakk Wylde Talks Ozzy and Friends and Dimebag Tribute
(Banana 101.5) Banama 101.5 have an extensive interview with Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde. Here are a couple excerpts:

You mentioned hitting the road for the Ozzy & friends tour, are you excited about jamming w/ the boss again?

Yeah, Without a doubt. I just saw [Ozzy] not too long ago [while] Jack [Obsourne's] wife was having a baby shower. I was there, Slash was there, Blasko and Ozzy. It was hysterical because none of us were [drinking]. The bar was right there and we're all ordering coffee, Arnold Palmer's and waters or whatever, and I go, "Wow, how things have changed." 'Cause back in the day all four of us would've been plowing booze like it was nobody's business — especially at a baby shower. Excitement is at an all time level at that thing [laughs].

There has been a lot of speculation about a Pantera tribute with the guys and you in place of Dimebag Darrell, what are your feelings about that whole conversation because it's a pretty polarizing issue among fans?

We all love our brother dime, I love [Vinnie Paul] and the guys so, if they were ever to actually do that and they asked me — of course I would do that in honor of Dimebag. Why wouldn't I? It would just be an amazingly beautiful thing to celebrate Dime's greatness and what the band achieved. And I'm friends with all the guys so if they ever did that, why would I say no? Read the full interview here.



Jack White's Helium Balloon Released Song Up For Bid
(Gibson) Earlier this month, the always-creative Jack White came up with yet another one of his kooky, unorthodox ideas to get out his music. White fastened "flexi disc" vinyl copies of his unreleased song, "Freedom at 21," to big, blue helium balloons and released them into the atmosphere. Now, those balloons are starting to surface.

Curious who scored the tune-packed balloons? Head to Third Man Records' official website, and you'll find photos of peeps who stumbled upon the deflated objects. A few examples include an older gentleman who scored White's "flexi disc" and a family that found a bunch of records in their backyard.

Of course, someone has decided to profit from the marketing trick, and eBay is currently hosting an auction for one of the discs. The seller asked for a starting price of $150, but that initial bid proved low, as in just a few days, the number has climbed to $1,853 (at press time). The bidding is set to go on for five more days, so chances are this is going to end up one very, very pricey disc. more on this story





Johnny Depp Jams With Marylyn Manson
(Gibson) Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at Revolver's Golden Gods 2012 Awards on Wednesday night. The actor and his Gibson Les Paul Special in TV Yellow appeared on stage with Marilyn Manson.

In case anyone in the audience didn't notice Depp on stage, Manson announced: "If you don't recognize my personal friend... my personal savior, my personal guitar hero, Johnny Depp!"

Depp played guitar on Manson's "Beautiful People" and a version of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)." Check out video here.





Zao Cancel Concerts For Health Reason
Zao canceled their appearance at the Stand Together Fest in Nashville, TN this weekend as well as Sunday's show in Morgantown, WV. The band explains in a Facebook posting:

"We don't play a lot. We have known about our show at Stand Together Fest in Nashville since last fall and have been arranging the logicists or getting us there and trying to do more shows around it. We wanted to do MORE shows around it. Unfortunately, after everything was set (Van booked. Transport for the out of state members arranged. Set list decided.) we hit a major snag.

"Without going into TOO many details, we have a personal health emergency in the band. That is all we are going to say on the matter. Nobody is dying, but it is serious enough that it became very clear, very quickly that the show could NOT happen. As much as we want to play, it was not worth putting that pressure on the induvidual or the band as a whole.

"We hoped it would get better and set a very concrete deadline to see if it could still happen, sadly, that deadline has passed and it will not be doable. more on this story



Vinnie Paul Remembers Dimebag
(Gibson) It's hard to believe, but more than seven years have passed since Pantera and Damageplan guitar icon "Dimebag" Darrell met his untimely death while performing a show in Columbus, Ohio. The loss rattled the metal community, and the shock still lingers today.

Dimebag's brother, Vinnie Paul Abbott, drums in rock supergroup Hellyeah. Abbott recently chatted with Noisecreep about his brother's legacy, and he says the bottom line is that Dimebag "got off on making people happy."

"It didn't matter if it was about playing his guitar, shaking their hand, giving them a guitar pick. It didn't matter… " he said. "He got off on making people happy... He would not let you down. He was everything you wanted him to be, and then some. And we all miss him."

Abbott went on to call Dimebag the "biggest inspiration in my life." "I know he inspires these guys [the rest of Hellyeah]; I guarantee he's proud of this band," he said. "He's a part of this band. He might not be standing next to us, but I guarantee he … inspires every one of us to kick ass every … day, and we won't let him down. And that's the bottom line." more on this story





Duff McKagan Presented Slash With Riff Lord Award
(hennemusic) A couple of former Guns N' Roses members hooked up in Los Angeles Wednesday night at the 4th annual Revolver Golden God Awards.

Duff McKagan was on hand to present the inaugural edition of the "Riff Lord" award.

Duff presented the honor to Slash, who beat out Anthrax's Scott Ian, Dave Grohl, Zakk Wylde, Munky and Eddie Van Halen to take home the award. Check out video



Johnny Marr Admits Breaking Up The Smiths
(Gibson) Johnny Marr has affirmed it was he who put an end to The Smiths' reign as one of England's most acclaimed bands in the '80s.

In a wide-ranging interview with RollingStone.com, the guitarist said, "I was the lookout saying, 'Rocks ahead! Rocks ahead!' I had the foresight to see disaster looming – both for the individuals, personally, and the band, professionally. I had a lot of insight and wisdom for a 23-year-old."

Marr, who's been busy overseeing the remastering of eight Smiths CDs just released by Rhino Records, also hinted he wouldn't be averse to a Smiths reunion. "I don't know about the possibility, but what I do know is that I understand how great it would be to make so many people happy," he said. "And the other thing I know is that Morrissey and I are so very different. Those are the only things I know." more on this story





Public Image Ltd To Release First New Album in 20 Years
Public Image Ltd have set a May 28th release date for their first new album in 20 years, This Is Pil.

The album is self-funded by PiL and will be released on PiL's own label 'PiL Official' via Cargo UK Distribution. All the new material was recorded in the UK last year at Steve Winwood's studio in the Cotswolds.

The album is preceded by the release of a 4-track EP entitled 'One Drop.' It will be issued for 'Record Store Day' on April 21. The EP is comprised of 4 songs—"One Drop," "I Must Be Dreaming," "The Room I Am In" and "Lollipop Opera"—that will also be available on THIS IS PiL. more on this story



Slash Honors Jim Marshall and Jams With Alice Cooper
(hennemusic) At Wednesday night's Revolver Golden God Awards, Slash was honored as the first recipient of the new "Riff Lord" award.

The guitarist was joined by his band, Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, for a short set of tunes, which included "You're A Lie," the lead single from Slash's sophomore solo effort, "Apocalyptic Love" due May 22.

After a moment to honor the late Jim Marshall – the creator of Marshall amps – with a wall of noise, Slash brought out pal Alice Cooper and the guys ripped into his classic, "School's Out." Check out video



James Durbin Returns To American Idol
(hennemusic) James Durbin returned to the American Idol stage Thursday night. Durbin brought the rock back to Idol with a performance of "Higher Than Heaven."

Just a year ago, Durbin was slaying the competition each week as a Season 10 contestant, electrifying the show with a healthy dose of rock and roll.

Fast forward twelve months, and James is out promoting his debut album, "Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster." Check out video here.



Great Lake Swimmers Release New Wild Everywhere Video
Great Lake Swimmers have released a brand new music video for the title track to their latest album, New Wild Everywhere.

The video, set on Toronto Island, is directed by Adam Makarenko, who hand crafted a miniature city of Toronto and used CGI technology to add visual effects that showed the city being brought to life and reclaimed by nature. Watch it here

Great Lake Swimmers kick off the European leg of their major tour in London tonight before heading back to North America on May 1 for their first U.S. date in Chicago (with Cold Specks). more on this story



Artillery Touring The US For The First Time in 30 Year Career
Artillery have announced details of their 30th Anniversary concert and their very first US tour. Metal Mind sent over these details:

Artillery will play gigs in May in New York City and at the Maryland Death Fest in Baltimore. Along with the band Exumer they will then move to South America to play in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. At the end of the year the band will return to USA to play on the "Barge to Hell" cruise ship from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas (December 2012).

Year 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of Artillery. A celebration party will be held on May, 4th at Kings and Lions in Copenhagen with some special guests and prizes. The gig at Lions and Barrels will also be the last Danish gig with the founder member Carsten Nielsen who has decided to leave the band for personal reasons. more on this story



The Agonist Cancel Kittie Dates
Kittie, The Agonist, Blackguard, and Bonded By Blood tour kicked off this week without The Agonist who will miss the first part of the trek. They tell fans:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control The Agonist have been forced to miss the first 9 dates of our tour with Kittie. We will be joining up with the tour April 19th in Winnipeg MB.

"We are deeply sorry to the 9 cities we cannot visit and will be working to come back in the future. We are so anxious to hit the stage ASAP See you in Winnipeg!" more on this story



Duff Attending Rock Hall Induction For Fans
(Gibson) Whether or not Guns N' Roses do strike a chord together at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction this coming weekend, GN'R bass player Duff McKagan has some definite thoughts on the honor and what the band has meant to himself and to the fans since the mid-'80s.

He wrote the following on for ESPN Music: "The one reason that I am going to Cleveland this weekend is not to savor in some polite accolade or because an award show is that important to me. I am going because I have realized how important this is all to those many, many fans that supported us and believed in us, and showed up for us in droves.

"Music is not like sports, and hence, a Hall of Fame in music is almost a false pedestal to sit upon. There are no statistics in music and art. No band or artist is 'better' than another. Music comes from a primal place. Thin air. Dreams. And a lot of really hard damn work.

"No one worked harder than us back then, and we were very fortunate to have met each other in those dirty back alleys of Hollywood sometime in 1984. We meshed and wrote, created thunder and beauty, and parlayed our real-life experience into an album that somehow related to a whole angsty world that felt just like us right then and there. It was a brilliant time. more on this story





Rob Zombie Guitarist John 5 Gushes About New Van Halen
(hennemusic) Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 is getting set to release his new album, "God Told Me To," in a few weeks, but he's taking time out from promoting his upcoming project to rave about the new Van Halen album, "A Different Kind Of Truth."

"It's amazing!" he tells MusicRadar. "I love the new Van Halen record. Let me rephrase that: I love, love, love the new Van Halen record. It's heavy. If you really sit down and listen to it, it's totally heavy. The band isn't playing it safe at all, and that's what's so great about it."

When the album's first song, "Tattoo," was released, many folks were less than impressed. John 5, however, quickly chalked it up as a winner. "It's a wonderful song," he says. "I remember everybody going, 'Ahhh, I don't know about this Tattoo.' But I'll tell you, by the second or third time I heard it, it was in my head. And that's the mark of any great song - it stays with you." more on this story



Rock Hall Induction Hasn't Sunk In Yet For Slash
(hennemusic) Slash was in Toronto recently to do press and to perform an intimate club show, all designed to promote the upcoming release of his sophomore solo album, "Apocalyptic Love," which is due May 22.

Slash appeared on the CBC's "George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight," and the host had a chance to ask him about his reaction to being confirmed as an inductee into this year's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

"It's a really great honor, but at the same time, it's ... it hasn't sunk in yet," said the guitarist. "I remember, I first heard about the whole Rock And Roll Hall thing, the fact that we were going to be eligible, in 2007 when Velvet Revolver played in place of Van Halen for their induction. And somebody had said, 'You know you're going to be eligible in 7, or 5 years,' and I was like, you know, sort of like, 'Wow, yeah,' right? And I put it out of my mind, so when the nomination came, it was pretty heavy. That was when it felt the most special." more on this story



Demon Hunter Singled Out Week: Dead Flowers
Demon Hunter released their new album, True Defiance, this week. To celebrate we asked frontman Ryan Clark to tells us about some of his favorite tracks from the album. Today he tells us about "Dead Flowers."

Mortality is a subject that really resonates with people. That's probably why I'm so drawn to it when writing lyrics. For those familiar with our previous work, you can see death playing a fairly large role in most of our slower songs.

For me, if I put a couple slow songs right in the midst of a heavy record (which is something DH has always done), they'll settle into the mix a little better if the vibe is more melancholy than happy. We explore a wider dynamic than most metal bands, in regard to song style, but it's still important that the album flows appropriately. Most of my favorite metal records move in the same way- they're heavy most of the way through, but there are moments where things slow into a mellower atmosphere. A record that remains brutal all the way through loses its effect about halfway through. You have to have peaks and valleys to make an album truly interesting and exciting.

"Dead Flowers" was the last song I wrote for this record. It's not uncommon for me to write the slower songs towards the end of the writing process. Usually I'll be knee-deep in "heavy mode" while I write all of the more aggressive songs, and I have to make a conscious switch into "ballad" territory.

This is another perfect example of a song that didn't seem to reach its full potential until it was completed. I liked the demo, and I thought it would make for a great song, but it really came to life with every piece we added in the studio. I think it's quickly becoming a personal favorite.

The chorus for this song probably falls into the "top five" category for me, of all Demon Hunter songs- both in melody and lyrical content. I'm extremely proud of it. There are quite a few double-meanings within the chorus, which I think packs the song full of life. Dead flowers both symbolize and commemorate a deceased loved one. The water that once kept them alive is now being begged for as a flood of cleansing- like tears from the Heavens. And the sun that nurtured the life of the flowers is also used in reference to the son of God, offering eternal life.

This is the only Demon Hunter song to date that features a key change in the chorus. I love key changes, and it's something I've often meant to do in the past, and before I know it, the song is done and I forgot to make it a priority. With this song, I was determined to incorporate a key change. The step up happens directly in the middle of the guitar solo, so the final chorus (through the end of the song) is one key higher than the rest. The 2nd half of the final chorus also features a 3-part harmony, something I believe we've only done once before.

The addition of the harpsichord to the intro and verses was another Aaron Sprinkle idea. I originally had that melody mapped out with guitar, and it's still in there, but lower in the mix to allow the harpsichord to shine. The outro was also Aaron's idea, and is not only one of my favorite parts in any song, but the perfect ending to the record.

Today's Day In Rock!

Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose Rejects Rock Hall Induction
Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has taken a stand against the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not only will Axl not be attending the induction ceremony, he has rejected his personal induction, preferring to look to the future not the past.
Rose issued an open letter on Wednesday, explaining his decision. Here is what he had to say: When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N' Roses were to be inducted it'd be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.

Since then we've listened to fans, talked with members of the board of the Hall Of Fame, communicated with and read various public comments and jabs from former members of Guns N' Roses, had discussions with the president of the Hall Of Fame, read various press (some legit, some contrived) and read other artists' comments weighing in publicly on Guns and the Hall with their thoughts.

Under the circumstances I feel we've been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out. Taking into consideration the history of Guns N' Roses, those who plan to attend along with those the Hall for reasons of their own, have chosen to include in "our" induction (that for the record are decisions I don't agree with, support or feel the Hall has any right to make), and how (albeit no easy task) those involved with the Hall have handled things... no offense meant to anyone but the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected. The rest of his statement



Green Releasing Album Trilogy
Green Day are working on what will be an album trilogy called ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!, with two months spanning each release

The first album will be released on September 25th 2012, the second will follow on November 13th 2012 and the third will hit stores on January 15th 2013.

The albums are being produced by the band's long-time producer Rob Cavallo. ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré! are being recorded in their hometown of Oakland, CA. more on this story



Rush Returning With Clockwork Angels
It's official. Rush will release their new studio album, Clockwork Angels, on June 12th. Their camp sent over these details:

Rush will herald the release of "Clockwork Angels" with a new single "Headlong Flight" landing at rock radio on April 19th. Details of a full-scale North American tour to support the new album will be announced shortly.

The recording of "Clockwork Angels" began in April 2010 with Grammy Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Deftones) – who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007's "SNAKES & ARROWS." Rush co-produced both records. more on this story



Dictators and Twisted Sister's Rich Teeter Dead and 61
Former Dictators and Twisted Sister drummer Rich Teeter died on Tuesday, April 10th at the age of 61, from esophageal cancer, according to The Music's Over.

They report: "Teeter joined the band following the release of their first album, Go Girl Crazy, and can be heard playing on 1977′s Manifest Destiny and 1978′s Bloodbrothers. Both are considered essential for any respectable early New York punk collection.
"Teeter went on to play in Twisted Sister in late 1980/early 1981, but never appeared on any of their albums. He did participate in later Dictator reunion shows, though not much is known about his more recent life." more on this story



Hurt Kicking Off Spring Tour This Weekend
Hurt will be hitting the road on Saturday to kick off their spring tour of North America.

The tour kicks off on April 14th in Orlando, FL at the 101One/WJRR Earth Day Festival and will wrap on May 31st in Washington, DC.

They will be touring in support of their forthcoming album, The Crux, which will be in stores on May 1st on Carved Records. more on this story



Nighthawks Frontman Mark Wenner Has Heart Bypass Surgery
(MPM) The Nighthawks frontman Mark Wenner, has undergone successful heart bypass surgery and is expected to make a complete recovery.

Because of the operation, Mark will stay off the road for approximately six weeks while he recovers, and the band has postponed the affected dates. The Nighthawks are expected to resume touring the end of May or early June.

Mark Wenner's condition was diagnosed on Monday, April 9 when he went in for an angiogram/angioplasty and doctors discovered he needed the bypass operation, which was done the following day. Because they caught it early, the doctors feel very confident that his prognosis for a full recovery is excellent. more on this story



Peter Frampton Plans Summer Tour
Peter Frampton will hit the road this summer for his 6 Days in August: Grin & Bear It Tour.

The trek follows his two year world tour which celebrated the 35th Anniversary of his landmark album Frampton Comes Alive!.

This short summer tour will kick off on August 3rd in Ostego, MN and will conclude on August 11th in Asheville, NC. more on this story



Foreigner's Alive & Rockin CD Coming Next Month
Eagle Rock have set a May 29th release date for Foreigner's Alive & Rockin', recorded at one of Europe's most popular Hard Rock fests, the 2006 Bang Your Head Festival in Balingen, Germany.

This 9-track concert, previously released on DVD only will be available for the first time on CD.

"My initial musical vision for Foreigner was to combine blues and R'n'B with British Rock and make it sound soulful and authentic," says guitarist Mick Jones. "I'd grown up in England and had the English influence but I was also inspired by many elements of American music from Mississippi blues to country. Foreigner was the vehicle to get that musical blend across." more on this story



Rolling Stones Watts To Rock With Les Paul Trio
(Gibson) Rolling Stones fans disappointed by the band's decision not to tour this year will get at least some "satisfaction" from one current and one former band member.

Stones drummer Charlie Watts has announced he will perform a series of dates at the Iridium in New York City beginning June 29. In addition, on July 2, Watts will sit in with the Les Paul Trio as part of the weekly tribute the trio performs to their late bandleader. In total, Watts will perform eight sets with his jazz band over the course of four nights.

As previously announced, former Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is set to appear at the esteemed jazz venue as well, staging a six-night run from May 9 through May 14. more on this story





God Forbid Star Launches Realjerseyguys Podcast
God Forbid drummer Corey Pierce has launched a new weekly podcast series called "Realjerseyguys" with fellow N.J. music scene troopers, Will Oblack and Sa Pace.

"Realjerseyguys" explores various manly subjects from a hilarious and unique Jersey perspective. New episodes will be posted each Wednesday.

"Our podcast is all about discussing a range of topics from a 'Realjerseyguys' point of view," said Pierce. "Our hope is to turn an eye to the everyday guy's view of life and enjoy a few laughs." Check it out



The Darkness Announce Lady Gaga Dates
The Darkness have announced dates for their trek on Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' Tour' for Summer 2012.

Invited by Gaga herself, The Darkness will provide main support for the dates across Europe. Before joining Lady Gaga, The Darkness return to Australia for the first time in six years (their Melbourne show sold out within an hour this past Friday). Next, they'll head to the U.S. in May for select dates as well as three festival appearances: Saturday, May 19 at InfieldFest (Baltimore, MD), Sunday, May 20 at Rock On The Range (Columbus, OH) and Saturday, May 26 at Rocklahoma. They'll perform festivals across the U.K. and Europe as well as a hometown outdoor headlining gig at Thetford Fest in Suffolk before teaming up with Lady Gaga.

"I've been living with my Lady Gaga secret for many moons and it's such a relief to be able to tell folk at last. I was beginning to go insane," says lead vocalist JUSTIN HAWKINS. "She is the best pop star of the 21st century bar none and we're honoured to have been selected. 2012 has been the most brilliant of years so far, and it's about to get even more magnificent!" more on this story



Timothy B. Schmit Spring Tour
Eagles and Poco legend Timothy B. Schmit is hitting the road this spring for a North American solo tour.

For the three-week trek, Timothy and his full band will perform songs from his fifth solo album Expando (2009, Lost Highway/Universal) as well as classics by The Eagles and Poco.

Timothy B. Schmit explains the impetus for the spring run of dates: "What I like best about doing solo shows is it gives me a chance to interact with the audience in a smaller, more intimate setting. But, don't get me wrong. I very much enjoy being a part of the Eagles and all it implies. For instance, as of this writing, I find myself in a hotel in the exotic city of Dubai where we (The Eagles) will end a short tour that started in South Africa. After a few more scattered shows in the U.S., I look forward to taking my own band out on the road and having a completely different experience. I'm a fortune man. I get the best of both worlds." more on this story



Baroness Releasing New Album This Summer
Relapse Records has set a July 17th release date for Baroness' new studio album, Yellow & Green.

Yellow & Green reunites Baroness with Blue Record producer John Congleton (Explosions in the Sky, St. Vincent, Xiu Xiu) following both the band's busiest period (multiple worldwide tours including stops at Coachella, Bonnaroo and Soundwave) and most luxurious year, having taken nearly all of 2011 off to freely write and demo for the 2CD/LP album.

"We had been on tour for eight years, and we decided to take a break from our adventure to dig our heels in at home and write a new record," explains John Baizley, front man for the band and the artist responsible for Baroness' now iconic album art (an article profiling Baizley as a graphic artist is in the April edition of Juxtapoz). more on this story



Walter Trout New Album and Tour Coming This Week
(SKH) Walter Trout returns to the road in the U.S. on April 25th in Solana Beach, CA, the day after Mascot Label Group release Trout's 21st album Blues For The Modern Daze.

The offering displays the contemporary guitar legend returning to his hard-core blues roots, with songwriting at a creative and personal zenith. Blues For The Modern Daze is Trout's sixth recording for Provogue Records, a division of the Mascot Label Group, and his first pure blues album in 23 years as a bandleader.

Trout's practical schooling in blues started when he arrived in Los Angeles in 1973 and got gigs behind Hooker, Big Mama Thornton, Finis Tasby, Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulsom, Percy Mayfield and Joe Tex. In 1981 he joined the remaining original members of Canned Heat. But the real turning point was his tenure with British blues giant John Mayall. Trout became part of the Bluesbreakers' lineage of great guitarists along with Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor. Beginning in 1984 he shared six-string duties with Coco Montoya in Mayall's band, creating a flexible guitar dynamic that helped provide the Bluesbreakers a renaissance that returned the group to the apex of the international blues touring circuit. Trout began leading his own group in 1989 and cut his debut album Life In the Jungle, rapidly becoming a star in Europe. His first Stateside release, 1998's critically heralded Walter Trout, made him start down the road towards becoming the fixture of the American blues-rock scene that he is today. more on this story



Preteen Zenith (Polyphonic Spree and Secret Machines) Set Special Release
(Paradigm) Preteen Zenith, the new band featuring Tim DeLaughter (The Polyphonic Spree) and Philip E Karnats (Secret Machines), will release an early, limited-edition vinyl version of its debut album, "Rubble Guts & BB Eye," for Record Store Day 2012 on April 21.

The run of 2,000 copies of the album will be pressed on 180-gram, hand-thrown, colored swirl vinyl, each copy unique in its coloring and design, with one of five different silk-screened cover art prints signed and numbered by artist Nevada Hill. Each vinyl LP will also include a CD-R of the full album.

A trailer video for the Record Store Day release here shows the making of the vinyl records, from cutting the master to coloring the vinyl to hand-stamping the tracklist on each sleeve. The trailer video also includes the full-length debut of a new track from the album, "Relief." more on this story



Sites & Sounds: Music Travel News April 2012
antiMusic travel editor Kevin Wierzbicki gives us the lowdown on rock'n travel events this month including the Wild Hog Music Fest, Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Barbados Reggae Festival and Bear on the Square.

12th Annual Wild Hog Musicfest and Motorcycle Rally
You don't have to be a motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy the Wild Hog Festival; the event taking place in Helena, Arkansas (about an hour south of Memphis, Tennessee) April 26-29 has fun in store for everyone. Bikers have their poker run on Saturday, April 28 but the festival will also feature a motorcycle parade through Helena, the Ms. Wild Hog contest, vendors selling food, drink and all kinds of souvenirs, a bike show and a "dyno shootout." Musical performers scheduled to appear include Edgar Winter, Down 2 Five, R.T. Scott, the Eskimo Brothers, PULSE: The Pink Floyd Experience and Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges. www.wildhogmusic.org

Seabreeze Jazz Festival
Panama City Beach, Florida is home to the ResortQuest Seabreeze Jazz Festival and the 14th annual edition of the event will be taking place April 19-22. The sound of smooth contemporary jazz will fill the air at the city's Aaron Bessant Park, right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico and PCB's famous sugar-white sand beaches. Among the scheduled performers are: Fourplay, Dave Koz, Trombone Shorty, Mindi Abair with Jeff Golub and David Pack, Alexander Zonjic and Jeff Lorber, Brian Culbertson and comedian Alonzo Bodden. Reggae J's Island Grill will host an after-party jam on Friday and Saturday nights. www.seabreezejazzfestival.com www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Barbados Reggae Festival
The 2012 Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival takes place at various locations around the island on April 22-29. Mr. Vegas and Baby Cham kick off the festivities at the Reggae Beach Party at Brandon's Beach on April 22 but the fun moves to the 3W's Theater for a two-night stand April 27-28 when performers will include Freddie McGregor, Glen Washington, Admiral Tibet, Buggy Nakhente, Kirk Browne, Crimeson, Fari, Lil Rick and many others. The festival wraps on April 29 with Reggae on the Hill at Farley Hill National Park featuring music from Third World, Jah Cure, Capleton, Konshens and others. American, US Airways and Jet Blue are among the carriers flying into Grantley Adams airport in Bridgetown, Barbados. www.thebarbadosreggaefestival.com www.visitbarbados.org

Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
Down home fun and good music is the order of the day at the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival taking place in Dahlonega, Georgia (about an hour north of Atlanta) April 20-22. Among the scheduled performers on April 21 are BlueBilly Grit, the Buzzard Mountain Boys, Barefoot Creek, John Lilly, Gold Rush with Neel Pender, John Grim and Beverly Smith, the Georgia Crackers and Whitepath. Georgia Pick and Bow Recital, the Rosin Sisters with Whit Connah and George Norman, Curtis Jones with Insonnia, Curley Maple and Packway Handle Band take to the stage on April 22. All main stage shows are free and there'll also be arts and crafts for sale, children's activities, open jam sessions, eclectic shopping and much more. www.bearonthesquare.org www.dahlonega.org



Hugh Cornwell To Play Classic Stranglers Album On Tour
(Noble) Hugh Cornwell plans to hit the road in October for a special a nationwide UK tour.

The concerts will be divided into two sets. The first will feature his new studio album 'Totem And Taboo'.

The second set will see Hugh playing The Stranglers' seminal 1977 second album 'No More Heroes' in its entirety with keyboards added to the lineup. more on this story



Before Their Eyes' New Album A Hit
(WMG) Before Their Eyes had an impressive debut week with Redemption, their first album since 2010's Untouchable (Rise Records).

The new LP which was released March 27, landed at #29 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart, as well as at #10 on the Alternative New Artists chart, #38 on Hard Rock and #82 on in the Independent Record Label Album chart.

The debut numbers are all the more impressive considering the act has not done a full US tour since 2009 and toured only a total of 7 weeks in 2010. more on this story



Untimely Demise Denied Entry Into The US
Earsplit sent over word that Canadian thrash trio Untimely Demise were denied access to the United States earlier this week, only several dates into their three-week tour of the western half of North America.

Having successfully blazed their way through the first five performances in Canada on their way south, Untimely Demise proceeded to the border checkpoint into Washington, and due to a logistical paperwork error involving one member, after multiple attempts, the band were not allowed entry into the country.

Frustrated, they turned around and headed home, posting a statement on their Facebook last night explaining the situation in detail and apologizing to their American fans and friends they'd planned on raging with over the next few weeks. more on this story



B Sides


Between The Buried And Me Webcast Tonight
Tonight The Rave Live will be rebroadcasting the Between The Buried And Me concert from April 25, 2011 to celebrate the one year anniversary of the band's CD "The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues."

The concert was recorded at The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The webcast is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, April 12th at 9pm ET / 8pm CT / 6pm PT and will be available for free to all fans at www.TheRaveLive.com.

On Tuesday, April 17th, The Rave Live will be broadcasting a live concert from Kittie with Blackguard, Bonded By Blood, and Candy Machine Guns. The webcast starts at 8pm ET / 8pm CT / 6pm PT and will be available for free here.



Slash Rocks New and Old Songs on Kimmel
(hennemusic) The promotion trail continues for Slash as he spreads the word about his forthcoming album, "Apocalyptic Love."

Slash and his band, now known as Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, dropped by Jimmy Kimmel's show Tuesday night to perform a couple of tunes.

The guys played the sophomore album's lead single, "You're A Lie," as well as "Back From Cali" off of Slash's 2010 self-titled effort. Check out videos of the performances



7 Horns 7 Eyes Preview New Album
(Century Media) 7 Horns 7 Eyes will be releasing their first full-length album, Throes Of Absolution, in North America on April 24th.

To give fans a preview of this upcoming release, the band has now posted an album teaser trailer that features clips of all the tracks on Throes Of Absolution. Listen here.

7 Horns 7 Eyes also recently released an instrumental version of the track "Divine Amnesty", which can be downloaded for free on SoundCloud.

More on 7 Horns 7 Eyes - 7 Horns 7 Eyes Music - 7 Horns 7 Eyes Tour Dates/Tickets - 7 Horns 7 Eyes CDs, vinyl and rarities
End Of September Premiere Isolate Video
End Of September have released their new music video for their new single "Isolated" online.

The song is the opening track from the self titled debut album from End of September. Check out the video here.

The album will be released on May 11th in Europe and on May 22nd in North America, through Ulterium Records. more on this story



AC/DC's Angus Young and the SG
(Gibson) There are few players – OK, maybe only Tony Iommi – who have done as much for the popularity of the Gibson SG as Angus Young. Sure, there have been other greats like Duane Allman, Gary Rossington and Robby Krieger who have taken the SG and made it their own, but if you show an SG to a non-guitarist, often their eyes will light up and they'll say, "Oh! The Angus guitar!" The sleek contours, devilish pointy horns and no-nonsense electronics make the SG the perfect guitar for Angus's blues-gilded rock and roll swagger.

Young adopted the SG early, preferring thin necks like on his original model (which was eventually retired from the road). "It had a really thin neck almost like a custom neck," Young told Guitar World in 1984. "I liked the SGs because they were light. I tried Fenders but they were too heavy and they just didn't have the balls. And I didn't want to put on them DiMarzios because then everyone sounds the same. It's like you're listening to the guy down the street. And I liked the hard sound of the Gibson."

Young replaced the pickups of this guitar with another set of Gibson humbuckers in 1971, and continued playing it until 1978, when it became too road-worn to go on. He replaced it with another SG, a Gibson second that had made its way to a pawnshop in New York, and with a similarly slim neck profile to his original axe.

The SG makes perfect sense, given Young's playing style. It's much lighter than a Les Paul, which suits his smaller frame; likewise the thinner neck enhances playability. The tone is more midrange-heavy than a maple-topped Les Paul, and the body bevelling makes it a particularly fun guitar to jump around with onstage. Also, the SG cooperates particularly well with overdriven tube amp power sections, whether cranking out chunky power chord riffs or kicking out screaming solos. more on this story





The Day Ringo and Keith Moon Helped Launch a Star
(Gibson) One of the most down-to-earth, accurate and realistic rock and roll movies of all time premiered on this day in 1973.

Britain's answer, in some ways, to American Graffiti, That'll Be the Day looked back fondly, but realistically at Britain's late '50s, early '60s pre-Beatle youth culture. Future pop star David Essex, in his breakthrough role (he'd been playing Jesus in Godspell on the stage), played Jim MacLaine, a frustrated teen determined to break out of the shackles of small-town life in dull, boring, bland, post-war Britain.

Essex's own life was probably a lot harsher than that of his essentially middle-class character who opts out of a cozy path to university for life on the edge instead. In fact, Essex grew up in a particularly impoverished and tough part of London, and was pals with soccer pro Frank Lampard Sr., father of current Chelsea and England soccer star Frank Lampard.

JOURNEY 2012 TOUR LAUNCHING JULY 21 IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA:

JOURNEY 2012 TOUR LAUNCHING JULY 21 IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA:
Journey is returning to the road on July 21 for their 2012 tour kick-off in San Bernardino, California at the San Manuel Amphitheatre with concert dates through December. Special guests Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo and Loverboy will appear on most tour dates. Scheduled 2012 tour information is listed below.
Tickets for some concerts are already on sale with additional onsales starting Friday, April 13, at all the usual online, phone and physical retail outlets, including select Walmart Ticketmaster locations across the country. Check www.journeymusic.com for complete ticket on-sale information.

Since its formation in 1973 in San Francisco, Journey has earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 gold and platinum albums. The band's Greatest Hits album is certified 15 times platinum, bringing Journey into the elite club of Diamond-certified album holders. Journey was awarded the prestigious “Legend Of Live Award” at the 2011 Billboard Touring Awards in honor of the band's significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business, and in acknowledgement of their commitment to the fans and the art of performing live. The 2011 Eclipse World Tour was of the band's most successful tours ever, drawing nearly a million fans and ranked in the Top 15 Tours of the year. 2011 also marked the 30th anniversary of the band's seminal anthem, Don't Stop Believin', which was honored as the top-selling digital classic rock song in history by Nielsen SoundScan. The group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. For more information, visit www.journeymusic.com.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo changed the face of music forever when their debut album, 'In the Heat of the Night,' exploded in 1979. Pat emerged fearless, fighting and forging a path for future female rock stars around the world. With Neil's innovative vision creating the signature “Benatar” sound, hits like Heartbreaker, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Love Is A Battlefield and We Belong led to platinum album after platinum album. Benatar won an unprecedented four consecutive GRAMMY® Awards, as well as three American Music Awards, establishing her as one of America's leading female rock vocalists. With over 30 million albums and 19 Top 40 singles to their name, Benatar/Giraldo remain a rock 'n roll powerhouse today, selling out concerts and wowing audiences, after more than three decades of making music together.

With trademark red leather pants and bandanas to match their huge rock sound and high-energy live shows, Loverboy has sold more than 10 million albums and earned multi-platinum plaques for albums such as their self-titled debut LP, Get Lucky, Keep It Up and Lovin' Every Minute of It. The string of hits include the band's smash anthem Working For The Weekend, as well as Hot Girls In Love, Turn Me Loose, and Lovin' Every Minute Of It. Loverboy's continued pop culture relevance is alive and well in 2012, with recent references to the band in episodes of NBC's hit show '30 Rock' and Comedy Network's popular 'Regular Show.'

Members of Journey will be attending the premiere of Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey, a new documentary that tells the real life rock-n-roll fairy tale story of Arnel Pineda, who was discovered on YouTube to become the band's new lead singer. Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey, a film by director and producer Ramona S. Diaz, is a rare behind-the-scenes look at Pineda's early life's struggles and the challenges involved in becoming front man for one of America's most beloved rock groups. The documentary premieres April 19 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and also will be shown at the San Francisco International Film Festival 2012 on May 3.

VIP Packages for the 2012 tour will be available through VIP Nation, including premium seats, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information please visit www.VIPNation.com.
Journey is also teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity.com® to offer fans some of the best seats in the house for this tour to benefit outstanding charities helping to make wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. These exclusive seats will be available only at www.ticketsforcharity.com.

Scheduled 2012 Tour Dates (more to be announced):
Sat 21-Jul San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheater
Sun 22-Jul Stateline, CA Harvey's Outdoor Arena
Tue 24-Jul Paso Robles, CA Main Grandstand, California Mid-State Fair
Thu 26-Jul Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne Frontier Nights
Sat 28-Jul George, WA Gorge Amphiteatre
Sun 29-Jul Spokane, WA Northern Quest Casino Amphitheater
Fri 3-Aug Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
Mon 6-Aug Sturgis, SD Buffalo Chip Campground Amphitheatre*
Wed 15-Aug Canandaigua, NY Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
Fri 17-Aug Louisville, KY Freedom Hall
Sat 18-Aug Des Moines, IA Grandstand, Iowa State Fair
Fri 24-Aug Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sat 25-Aug Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
Tue 18-Sep Youngstown, OH Covelli Centre
Fri 21-Sep Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Sat 22-Sep Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
*This concert features Journey & Loverboy.
**This concert features Journey.



LOVERBOY WILL BE "LOVIN' EVERY MINUTE" OF JOURNEY TOUR:
Veteran Multi-Platinum Canadian Rockers Embark on Arena Tour with Journey and Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo, Starting July 21 in San Bernardino's San Manuel Amphitheatre.

April 9, 2012—They'll not only be working for the weekend, but almost every night in between, as legendary Canadian rockers Loverboy return to the road and keep it up with Journey and Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo for an arena tour that gets underway July 21 at the San Manuel Amphitheatre in San Bernardino, CA, running all the way through December. Scheduled 2012 tour information is listed below.
Tickets for some concerts are already on sale with additional on-sales starting this Friday (4/13), at all the usual online, phone and physical retail outlets, including select WalMart Ticketmaster locations across the country.
Founding Loverboy member Paul Dean commented: "It's great coming full circle 30 years later. We first toured with Journey in 1982 on the success of our Get Lucky album. It was an amazing package then and it's an amazing package today."

The band recently reunited with Bob Rock, who engineered their very first album back in 1980 which was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, for a new song, “Heartbreaker.” In addition, lead singer Mike Reno penned “Flying High,” the anthem for the Vancouver Canucks' Stanley Cup playoff run last spring. Last June, Loverboy performed “Working for the Weekend” live on Fox News Channel's top-rated Fox and Friends. A performance of the new single, “Heartbreaker,” was made available as an exclusive on www.foxandfriends.com as part of the program's “All American Summer Concert Series.”
Loverboy still includes original members Mike Reno on vocals, Paul Dean on guitar, Doug Johnson on keyboards and Matt Frenette on drums, with Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve (a former member of Dean and Frenette's pre-Loverboy band Streetheart), who replaced the late Scott Smith on bass.
For more information, go to www.loverboyband.com.

Today's Day In Rock!

Black Sabbath Playing US Festival
If you know the history of why Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne began Ozzfest you will find this news ironic. Black Sabbath are set to headline the Lollapalooza festival this year.
The former touring festival is once again happening over one weekend at Chicago's Grant Park. This year it will take place on August 3, 4 and 5th. The Sabbath set is being billed as their only North American appearance this year.

This year's festival will also feature the reunion of At The Drive-In, Red Hot Chili Peppers, he Black Keys, Jack White and more making up the 130 act roster. You can check out the lineup here.



Ronnie Montrose Death Ruled Suicide
(Gibson) New information has surfaced on the passing of guitar great Ronnie Montrose, who died earlier this year. The coroners report states that the rock legend died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His family have posted the following message on his website.

"By now, the devastating truth of Ronnie's death is public knowledge. We hope you can understand why we wanted to keep this news a private family matter for as long as possible. We can only hope that you will choose to celebrate Ronnie's life, and what his music meant to you, rather than mourn his passing. Ronnie would have wanted it that way. He loved being a guitarist, a composer, a producer, and a creator of magic. He fully understood his gifts, and yet he constantly pushed himself to evolve, improve, and make better music. He did this for himself, and he did this for you, because he adored and appreciated his fans. Please keep his energy, his joy, and his love in your hearts.

"Please note that there will be no more statements from the Montrose family at this time. We ask that you respect the family's privacy." more on this story





Rolling Stones Entering Recording Studio Next Month
(Gibson) Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has told the Daily Mirror that the veteran British rock and roll band will be entering a recording studio next month to "throw some ideas around."

Wood explained that the band needs to get back into the groove. "It's like working out for the Olympics or something," Wood said. "You've got to go into training. So we're going to go into training."

This week Wood will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Faces. While he's in the U.S., he will play a solo gig in Atlantic City. He also told the Mirror he might record another solo album. "Lots of people don't know I've made seven, 'cause most of my albums escape; they're not released. Keith [Richards] says they all skyrocket to oblivion." more on this story





New White Stripes DVD Coming
(Gibson) Jack White is putting out a new White Stripes live DVD via Third Man Records' Vault series. Under New Zealand Lights will be the 12th release in the series, and include performances from 2000 and 2003, according to NME.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, White lamented the end of the White Stripes. "I'd make a White Stripes record right now," he said. "I'd be in the White Stripes for the rest of my life. That band is the most challenging, important, fulfilling thing ever to happen to me. I wish it was still here. It's something I really, really miss."

The singer-guitarist said that drummer Meg White was the one who didn't want to continue in the duo anymore. "Some people can live their whole lives in limbo, I'd rather cut the lifeline so we can move on with our lives," Jack said. "There came a point where I said, 'If we're not doing this, we need to put an end to it right now.' And that's what she wanted to do." more on this story





The Darkness for Lady Gaga
(hennemusic) UK rockers The Darkness have announced their addition to the bill as main support for Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' tour.

The band will appear on Gaga's European dates, starting August 14 in Bulgaria, with shows currently scheduled into October.

Gaga is a big fan of hard rock and heavy metal; she's already spoken publicly about her love of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, KISS, and others in the genre. It remains to be seen how the pop superstar's fans will react to a heavy rock act hitting the stage before their idol, but Gaga's support could sway her impressionable young followers in the right direction. more on this story



Clutch and Hellyeah Hit The Road
Clutch kicked off their co-headlining North American tour with Hellyeah last night in Norfolk, VA.

Clutch are on the road in support of their double vinyl edition of Blast Tyrant which is available via Weathermaker Music. This 180+ gram expanded vinyl contains 16 songs and includes six mini-posters taken straight from Blast Tyrant's "Atlas of the Invisible World". Each illustrated poster is sized (8.5" x 11") and depicts one of the various characters featured within the Blast Tyrant storyline.

Clutch will also be releasing a picture disc single of the new track "Pigtown Blues" on June 19th. This is the first new studio material from Clutch since 2009's Strange Cousins From the West. more on this story



Vampires Everywhere! Set New Album Release
Hollywood Waste Records have set a June 19th release date for Vampires Everywhere!'s sophomore album, Hellbound and Heartless.

Hellbound and Heartless was co-produced by the band and Mike Sarkisyan and Tommy Decker, both members of Spineshank.

In support of the release, Vampires Everywhere! will be on the full Warped Tour this summer. more on this story



Ryan Roxie Reunites With Alice Cooper
Ryan Roxie has reunited with Alice Cooper, joining his band line-up for the 2012 "No More Mr Nice Guy" tour.

The band lineup also feature bassist Chuck Garric, drummer Glen Sobel and guitarists Tommy Henriksen and Orianthi.

"It's great to bring Ryan back into the fold," says Alice, "This band just destroys on stage, and with Ryan back on board, he will only kick things into a higher gear. Ryan Roxie is a fan favorite. He plays like a tornado, and we can't wait to turn him loose and let him tear into this tour." more on this story



JuiceheaD and Osaka Popstar Take On Fugazi Classic
(GA) JuiceheaD and Osaka Popstar have teamed up to take on the challenge of covering the Fugazi classic, "Waiting Room."

A limited copy of the cover's 7" will be released on Record Store Day (April 21st) with exclusive artwork by world-renowned Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant Art/Studio Number One).

Long-time Misfits and Ramones collaborator, John Cafiero (Osaka Popstar), who just edited and contributed an afterword to the recently released Johnny Ramone autobiography ("Commando"), and Misfits Records artist JuiceheaD took the classic track and pumped up the volume with heavy guitar riffs and the call and response chants by the two vocalists trading off. more on this story


Moonsorrow Ink New Deal
Century Media Records have signed a world wide record deal with Moonsorrow and the label sent over these comments:

"Moonsorrow are thrilled to start working with Century Media, a label that is home to many fellow artists already! We never make our music half way or with compromises and we know our art is in good hands with people who have the same mentality in running a record label. Now, after a year since the release of our last album we are ready to begin creating something new. The new chapter in this epic journey of Moonsorrow!"

Jens Prueter, Head Of A&R at Century Media Europe: "I followed Moonsorrow since their early days and I'm very proud to welcome them now to Century Media Records. They'll be in good family along with their countrymen Finntroll, Turisas and Insomnium. Two of the band members already have some history with us: Henri Sorvali is also part of Finntroll (even if he rarely plays live with any band) and Marko Tarvonen once moved from drums to guitar in the overlooked Death Metal allstar band Chaosbreed, who released an album that is as 'brutal' as its title." more on this story



Hypocrisy Working On New Album
Hypocrisy are working on new material for their 13th studio album, which they plan to release next year but they wanted to update fans on the progress and posted the following update on their Facebook page:

"We're now focusing on writing new songs for the next album. We've already some new material and it sounds killer! The plan is to record the new album in the autumn this year and release it in the first half of 2013. So far everything is working out as planned and we're really excited to bring out the new release.

"Between the writing process we're also doing some festival shows and we hope to see you all there! We'll keep you updated what's going on with the band!"



Brian Jonestown Massacre Hitting The Road
Brian Jonestown Massacre will embark on a Midwest and East coast tour supporting their new album, Aufheben, which will be released on May 1, 2012.

Opening for Brian Jonestown Massacre on the east coast dates only is the Minneapolis band, Magic Castles who released their eponymous double album on March 20th, 2012 through Anton Newcombe's own 'a' Records.

Anton Newcombe remembers, "The song that introduced me to Magic Castles was 'Ballad of the Golden Bird.' I really think it is special, so much so, I decided to ask the group if I could release this record through my label, 'a' Records. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do..." more on this story



Pink Floyd TV Retrospective
Music Choice is presenting the US TV debut of a retrospective of the band entitled: A Pink Floyd Miscellany: 1967-2005.

The special program, featuring a selection of digitally remastered promotional videos and rare performance footage, will air nationally on MC On Demand April 2-29, 2012.

The show will appear in a special Pink Floyd category On Demand under Featured Artists. It will be housed in two (2) thirty minute segments along with additional features in the category, including a rare short film on the band and a special interview with drummer Nick Mason.



Red Jacket Mine Set New 7 Inch Release
Red Jacket Mine will release their second 7" of the year on May 29th when they deliver "Bellar & Bawl" b/w "Grow Your Own".

They'll celebrate with a hometown show in Seattle at Darrell's Tavern with the Tripwires on Friday, June 8th. Each record is collectible limited edition colored vinyl (the first "Listen Up" was chocolate; the new one will resemble a refreshing glass of pilsner).

These A-sides and another coming later this year will be included on an upcoming full length, due out in early 2013. more on this story



Demon Hunter Singled Out Week: My Destiny
Demon Hunter released their new album, True Defiance, this week. To celebrate we asked frontman Ryan Clark to tells us about some of his favorite tracks from the album. Today he tells us about "My Destiny."

This song went through a few titles before I settled on "My Destiny." Some working titles were "Stab," "Blinded," and "They Carried Us Away." In the end, "My Destiny" just made the most sense.

Sometimes I'll toil away, trying to find the perfect word for a particular line. This was very true in regard to the first line of this chorus. For some reason I was having the hardest time filling in "We were blinded by the ______ light." When I finally stumbled upon "sacred," it was perfect. It's essentially the word I was looking for the whole time and I feel like it really brings life to that section.

I'm especially proud of the guitar melodies in the chorus. I really like the way that part moves- the way the lead repeats while the rhythm changes. It's little details like this that I get really stoked on.

The raspier, higher-pitched screaming vocals that you hear in the verses are something that I started playing with on "This Is The Line" from The World Is A Thorn. There are certain parts (usually to do with time signature, tempo and guitar melody) that to me, just beg for a more villainous sounding vocal. You'll notice the second half of the verses on "This Is The Line" have a similar feel to these verses. I don't think this vocal style is necessarily pre-determined, but it just feels right for certain parts.

This song wasn't an immediate choice for the first single/video from this record... but the more we discussed it, the more we were all really drawn to it. I think it's a unanimous favorite among the guys in the band- or at least in everyone's top three.

This is one of the only Demon Hunter songs that is heavy and aggressive pretty much all the way through, but tells a really uplifting story. I call it a "heritage" piece, because it's about growing up in the suburbs, spending most of my time skateboarding with friends, getting into trouble, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life... and the moment that I found music, and everything changed. I remember going to my first live show and just being enthralled by it all. That's what the song refers to when it says "but the fear, the blood, the sweat and sound." It was the passion and the honesty of it that drew me in. Ever since I was 15, I knew that I'd be doing music for the rest of my life. This is kind of a common thread between the guys in the band, though it happened long before we knew each other. It's awesome to see it bonding us so many years later.

I wanted the music video to tell this story. The idea of kids in the 'burbs... just skating and hanging out... getting psyched on killer music. There are five kids- which is supposed to give the vague idea that it might be the teenage versions of us. For the performance footage I wanted us to be playing in a small, junky old rehearsal space, to really convey that old punk work ethic that guys our age grew up with. There are a few inspirational posters on the wall, dirty carpets, bad fluorescent lighting, and a lot of sweat. I think the video really speaks to the concept of the song.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!



B Sides


KISS Lick it Up on DWTS
(hennemusic) KISS rocked their second night on ABC's Dancing With the Stars Tuesday evening.

On Monday, the band opened the show's "Rock Week" theme with a bang, delivering their classic, "Rock And Roll All Nite".

Tuesday was the weekly results show, as contestants found out who viewers voted to keep in the competition. For their performance of "Lick It Up" – from the band's non-makeup era – the group (in full costume) was surrounded by dancers…and plenty of pyro. Watch it here.



Q&A With Meat Loaf
MSO have published a new Q&A with Meat Loaf on their raisethequestion.com website. They caught up with him to discuss his new album Hell In A Handbasket and his upcoming tour, which starts June 22 in Austin, TX.

Q: What separates the "Mad Mad World Tour" from other tours you've done? - Meat Loaf: We've got a new album, Hell In A Handbasket, and we're playing songs from that. We're doing a couple songs from other albums that we've never done live before. It's a Meat Loaf show. Meat Loaf shows are dramatic and funny. People who come to Meat Loaf shows know what to expect. They know they're going to get full-on energy with the best rock 'n' roll band in the world. That's not an opinion. That's the truth.

Q: How would you describe a Meat Loaf show to the uninitiated? Meat Loaf: It's high energy. We sing and play live. It's not on tape. I do my own choreography [laughs]. It's a rock 'n' roll show. If you've never been to a Meat Loaf concert, you should go because you've never seen anything like it.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a great show? Meat Loaf: Well, a great play can be done with a table, a light, and four chairs. Great shows are about people. You don't want to put up a wall with laser lights, production, and dancers. It's really about going out there and putting on the show of these people's lives without all of the bells and whistles. That's why I don't carry much production. I've never had more than five trucks. Some artists go out in 28 trucks. We don't camouflage anything. It's a show about the truth. The object of a show is not to high-five the guy in the front row, blow a kiss to the girl in side stand, or wave to the people in the back. The object is to give the crowd the true meaning and feeling of the songs you're singing or playing. It's about energy and tension. After my show, you're going to leave saying, "How the hell does he do that?" and "I'm tired." Anyone who attends will leave excited and worn out because of the amount of energy coming off that stage. It's not just from me either.

Q: Who else is on that stage? Meat Loaf: Oh, there's the best drummer in the world, John Miceli. On bass, I've got Danny Miranda who I stole from Queen. Brian May's pissed [laughs]. Dave Luther is on saxophone and keyboards, but he also plays guitar and sings. Then, I've got Justin Avery on piano. When we give him the chance to open up and do things, people's mouths hang open. I'm not kidding you. Flies would fly in their mouths. They sit there saying, "Oh my God, I've never heard anything like it." I've never heard a piano player like him either. As for guitarists, Paul Crook comes from the metal school, and Randy Flowers comes from the country school. Put them together, and you get amazing guitar. We've got [singer] Patti Russo who's like a whirling dervish. I'm up there, and I fight for every moment of passion and truth you can get out of those songs. I only know two speeds: "Don't go" or "Go." Either I rehearse at the same speed I play a show or I don't rehearse. Read the rest here.



Steel Panther Appear on Dancing With The Stars
(hennemusic) It was a double-shot of rock on Dancing With The Stars Monday night. The "Rock Week"-themed episode opened with a KISS performance, which rated 11's across the board by the judges in true Spinal Tap fashion.

Later in the show, Satchel and Michael Starr of Steel Panther offered to help teach Cuban-born actor William Levy some style essentials to get him in the spirit of the night.

The guys offered William and partner Cheryl Burke some advice on everything from fashion tips to rock moves. Check it out here.



Anniversary of Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child Video
(Gibson) On this day in 1988, Guns N' Roses shot the video for "Sweet Child o' Mine." Gibson takes a look back: Released in the U.S. on August 18, 1988, "Sweet Child o' Mine" was Guns N' Roses' third single from their blockbuster debut album, Appetite for Destruction. It would go on to become Guns' first and only #1 single in the U.S., as well as rack up countless high rankings on a plethora of "all-time best" lists, including #1 on Kerrang's list of "100 Greatest Riffs," #1 on Total Guitar's "Greatest Riffs of All Time," #37 on Guitar World's "100 Greatest Guitar Solos," and so on. The list is long.

By most accounts, "Sweet Child o' Mine" was little more than a song born out of chance, boredom and no small amount of sheer luck. Slash, the creator of the song's signature riff, has even been quoted as having a smidge of loving disdain for the song, relegating that classic riff into little more than a "string skipping" exercise. During a VH-1 special, the Chapeaued Shredder admitted that the riff was joke, a "circus" melody he came up with while warming up with former GN'R drummer, Steven Adler. Co-guitarist Izzy Stradlin soon joined the jam with bassist Duff McKagan, while upstairs Axl Rose heard the boys and started writing lyrics, which he based on his girlfriend at the time, former Whilhelmina model (and daughter of Don Everly of the Everly Brothers) Erin Everly. The song originally had three verses, but producer Mike Clink convinced the band to use only two, while also including Axl's "Where do we go? Where do we go now?" mid-song breakdown.

McKagan told Hit Parader, "It was written in five minutes. It was one of those songs, only three chords. You know that guitar lick Slash does at the beginning? It was kinda like a joke because we thought, 'What is this song? It's gonna be nothing. It'll be filler on the record.' Slash was just messing around when he first wrote that lick."

On this day in 1988, Guns N' Roses and their girlfriends at the time (and Izzy's dog) went into a Huntington Beach, CA ballroom and shot the video for "Sweet Child o' Mine." Axl later told radio show host Eddie Trunk that his original vision for the video was one revolving around drug trafficking, where, at some point, a dead baby is involved. Good times! Geffen Records nixed that idea in a hurry

Today's Day In Rock!

Queen To Play Four Concerts With Adam Lambert
(hennemusic) Queen have confirmed that they'll be playing four shows this summer with Adam Lambert fronting the legendary group.
Billboard reports that, despite the recent cancellation of the combo's appearance at Sonisphere UK, an event that was shut down, the Queen + Lambert lineup will play a June 30 show in Moscow, and also play on a bill with Elton John in Kiev as well as do two early July shows at the Hammersmith Apollo to provide "some alternative... for some of the people who had bought tickets" to Sonisphere.

Details for the other three dates will be announced soon. "We're really excited about it," Queen's Roger Taylor says. "Adam... of course he has this unbelievable range, like Freddie (Mercury) had range. Adam can really cover it. He's an extraordinary singer and a real talent. I feel he fits into our sort of theatricality." more on this story


Zakk Wylde, Corey Taylor, Yngwie, Satriani, Paul Gilbert For Marshall Concert
(Gibson) A star-studded show celebrating the 50th anniversary of the advent of the Marshall amplifier takes on greater resonance in the wake of Jim Marshall's passing on Thursday (April 5). Titled "50 Years of Loud … Live," the event is set to take place September 22 at London's Wembley Arena.

Appearing will be a who's who of guitar greats, including Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen and Corey Taylor, among others.

Paul Marshall, the firm's Head of Artist Liaison, spoke with Total Guitar about the event when it was announced in March. "Artists play a massive role in the company, and are very much part of the Marshall family," he said. "Over the five decades of Marshall's history, practically every guitar hero has used Marshall: Richie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Slash, the list goes on…. This event is a celebration of the Marshall family and we are honored so many artists want to get involved." more on this story




Chris Daughtry Vs Former Band
Chris Daughtry is being sued by his pre-American Idol bandmates that claim they are owed royalties for four hit Daughtry songs including the hit song "Home".

Prior to becoming a finalist on American Idol and launching his multi-platinum band Daughtry, Chris Daughtry was in a band called Absent Element with bass player Ryan Andrews, drummer Scott Crawford, and guitarist Mark Perry. The three have now filed suit in North Carolina seeking royalties for songs they say they had a hand in writing with Chris Daughtry.

Apart from "Home," Daughtry's formerband mates are seeking royalties for the songs "Breakdown," "Conviction," and "Sinking." The Charlotte Observer reports that the lawsuit states "All four members wrote music and lyrics for Absent Element's songs, collaborated on the arrangement and recording of those songs, regularly consulted with each other on matters relating to the business of the band, and made partnership decisions based on majority votes." more on this story


Mastodon Team Up With Feist For Special Release
(Gibson) In perhaps the most unlikely musical pairing since …well, ever, Mastodon and Canadian singer-songwriter Feist have partnered up to offer an exclusive split seven-inch single to celebrate Record Store Day on April 21.

This is no mere "slap a Feist song on one side and a Mastodon tune on the other" offering though: the disc features Feist covering Mastodon's "Black Tongue" while the Atlanta progressive-metallers perform Feist's "A Commotion."

The collaboration came about after the two acts performed on the same episode of the BBC television program Later… With Jools Holland. Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor recently told Sweden's Metalshrine,"It's fun for us. I mean, most times we end up doing covers of bands that are already sort of heavy or that is already in that vein, like the Melvins, Thin Lizzy, Metallica, you know what I mean? What are you gonna do to those songs to make them your own? …You don't really wanna mess with it. With Feist, it's something that we could really play with and do something different with." more on this story




Singled Out: Adler's The One That You Hate
Original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler is back with a new band called Adler and today they are releasing their first single, "The One That You Hated." To celebrate we asked frontman Jacob Bunton to tell us about it:

This was actually one of the first songs that Lonny and I co-wrote together. I had the music and verses laying around for a while, but couldn't quite nail the chorus. One day we were sitting in Lonny's office and I played him the song in it's original form. When I got to the chorus, Lonny started singing "I'm the one that you hated / the one you didn't want to believe. I thought it was great! We immediately finished the song, recorded a demo, and took it to Steven. Lonny and I have a great chemistry together, so it just flowed naturally.

The lyrics are about two people that are no good for each other, but for whatever reason won't break up. I've seen it a million times over the years. Maybe it's the sex, maybe it's the convenience, maybe they're just scared to move on and start over, but a lot of people seem to be attracted to the people that they hate. Love and hate are intimately linked within the human brain.

This was one of the last songs that we recorded for the album even though we wrote it early on. One night Slash was at the studio and we played him a couple of the songs. When this song started playing, he was grinning ear to ear, so we knew either it's a kick ass song or it's so bad we're making him laugh. A few days later John 5 from Rob Zombie's band came to the studio and listened to some songs. He had the same reaction and stopped us after the first chorus and said "That's It! That's your first single!"

The single hits iTunes today. You can grab it here. Revolver Mag has a stream here and you can learn more about the group right here!


Guns N' Roses and Marilyn Manson Headlining New Festival
Guns N' Roses and Marilyn Manson have been tapped to headline a new music festival in Spain which will feature 3 stages and 50 artists.

Costa de Fuego in Benicassim is set to take place on July 20 and 21st and will feature international as well as national acts.

Organizers have announced that the lineup will include: Nightwish, In Flames, Opeth, Paradise Lost, Warcry, Lacuna Coil, Katanoia, Amorphis, We Are The Ocean, Baron Rojo, Obus, Hamlet, Berri Txarrak, Cancer Bats, Steel Horse and Noctem. Learn more about the event here.


Queen Have The Top Selling Album of All Time In The UK
(hennemusic) Queen are the kings of the best-selling albums of all time in the UK. The BBC reports Queen's "Greatest Hits" tops a new list of the country's biggest-selling albums, with lifetime sales of 5.8 million copies.

Its nearest rival is The Beatles' "Sgt Pepper" album, with sales of 5 million, followed by Abba's "Gold" with 4.9 million.

The top 40 chart has been compiled for the BBC by the Official Charts Company, and will be revealed in full on BBC Radio 2 by DJ Tony Blackburn on Monday. more on this story


Train To Be Rachael Ray's House Band
Train are set to become the house band on daytime talk show "Rachael Ray," for next week (Monday, April 16, through Friday, April 20.)

The band is appearing to celebrate the release of their new album, California 37, which will be available in stores and online Tuesday, April 17.

The band's "Rachael Ray" performances will include "Hey Soul Sister"/"Bruises" (Monday), "Drive By"/"Feels Good At First" (Tuesday), "Marry Me"/"This'll Be My Year" (Wednesday), "50 Ways To Say Goodbye"/"Meet Virginia" (Thursday) and "Drops of Jupiter"/"Mermaid" (Friday).


Shai Hulud Working With Chad Gilbert On New Album
Shai Hulud are reteaming with Chad Gilbert on their forth album which they are getting ready to record. Their camp set out these details:

Matt Fox, Matt Fletcher and company have completed writing the new album, and have confirmed that they've enlisted the production talents of original Hulud vocalist and current New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, the vocalist on Shai Hulud's debut full length album "Hearts Once Nourished With Hope And Compassion"! Gilbert's production resume includes work with H20, A Day To Remember, Terror, Trapped Under Ice, Set Your Goals, and more.

Chad Gilbert elaborates: "Matt Fox from Shai Hulud hit me up while on tour about potentially producing their new album. I immediately thought it could be an interesting and fun team up but I really wanted to hear new demos before agreeing. He sent me a few new songs and I was pleasantly surprised! The songs were awesome and felt very classic; the melodic hardcore metal they are already admired for but taken to another level. I think with us teamed up we can make the best Shai Hulud record yet!" more on this story


Tom Waits To Rock Letterman and Fallon
(hennemusic) Tom Waits will be making not one, but two, rare tv appearances later this month.

Waits is set to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman on April 24, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on April 25.

Tom will sit down to chat with the hosts and, for the very first time, perform songs from his 2011 release, "Bad As Me." more on this story


Phil Collins Double DVD Coming Next Month
Eagle Rock Entertainment will follow up the recently released Blu-Ray of Phil Collins Live At Montreux 2004 with a 2-DVD set on May 1st.

Filmed in high definition, recorded in Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby 5.1 Surround and DTS, with a running time of approximately three and a half hours spread over the two discs, Live At Montreux 2004 includes all the greatest hits of his legendary career. The 25-song 2004 concert encapsulates the essence of this great artist, who has performed on the Montreux stage numerous times. One such time, in 1996, was with a Jazz Big-Band. Thirteen songs from that '96 performance—including one with Tony Bennett ("There'll Be Some Changes Made")—serve as a bonus feature (in standard definition).

The Main Program is a stunning reminder of a storied career: From "In The Air Tonight" "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Easy Lover" to "A Groovy Kind Of Love" "Another Day In Paradise" "One More Night" and "Against All Odds" the set-list accentuates the wildly fluctuating amount of genres and styles that Collins has smoothly assimilated within his own personal flair. more on this story


Loverboy Reunite With Bob Rock
Loverboy recently reunited with Bob Rock, who engineered their very first album back in 1980 which was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, for a new song, "Heartbreaker."

Loverboy will also hit the road with Journey and Pat Benatar featuring Neil Giraldo for an arena tour that gets underway July 21 at the San Manuel Amphitheatre in San Bernardino, CA, running all the way through December. Scheduled 2012 tour information is listed below.

Founding Loverboy member Paul Dean commented: "It's great coming full circle 30 years later. We first toured with Journey in 1982 on the success of our Get Lucky album. It was an amazing package then and it's an amazing package today." more on this story



Your Chance To Win A Vegas Trip To Play Blackjack with Nickelback
(SM) Nickelback fans are begin offered the chance to win a trip for six to board a private jet to Las Vegas where they will get VIP tickets to see Nickelback perform on tour June 16, 2012 at the MGM Garden Arena.

The lucky winner and guests will have after party access and accommodations - the winner will enjoy a suite and each of the five guests will receive a king room at the MGM Grand. Additionally, the winner will receive $5,000 cash to play "Blackjack With Nickelback."

"We can't wait to have one of our amazing fans plus five lucky friends win the opportunity to join us in one of the wildest cities in the world," said Nickelback front man Chad Kroeger. "Every show is a party with our fans but the Las Vegas shows are always some of the most memorable (at least for that night). So get your game face on 'cause we're going to play blackjack in Sin City." more on this story



This Providence Set New EP release
This Providence will release a brand new EP, called Brier, on May 1st following up this week's release of a new single entitled "Trouble".

The EP was produced by Matt Grabe (The Maine, A Rocket To The Moon, The Summer Set) and will be released via the band's new imprint Magic Mike Records.

With the self-release of the Brier EP next month, and while in the midst of a cross country tour with Go Radio, This Providence is looking ahead at a new chapter for the band, and they invite their fans to join them. As Young explained in a statement to www.Altpress.com last month, "I can not wait to release these gems. If you live in the States, chances are we'll be playing somewhere close to you. If not, change your definition of close. I'll be spending the next two months with four other overly sensitive musicians, in an unpretentious, American-made, 15-passenger van, driving thousands of miles all over this liberated piece of dirt! Why don't you come out and return the favor? Show us a little enthusiasm! We're looking to make our mark in music, things feel different. It's exciting. Don't wish us luck, be a part of this."



McCartney and Ringo Reunion At Change Begins Within To Be Televised
Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited on an American stage for the first time in 17 years during a historic April 2009 Radio City Music Hall benefit concert.

The concert is set to be broadcast on New York PBS station Thirteen on Sunday, April 29, at 10:30 pm (check local listings for broadcast dates and times in your area).

McCartney performs a set of Beatles, Wings and solo classics; Starr sings his own set of Beatle and solo hits. McCartney and Starr join together on stage for "With A Little Help from My Friends," Paul's rarely performed "Cosmically Conscious," and Beatle fan favorite "I Saw Her Standing There." more on this story


Jimmy Dillon and Lorin Rowan Launch San Francisco Music Club
Veteran rockers Jimmy Dillon and Lorin Rowan have rejoined forces to form San Francisco Music Club and will release their new album, "Love and Freedom", in May.

The group's official CD release party will be held at the legendary Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, California on May 5th, 2012, and will feature a myriad of guest performances by some very talented musicians.

"Love and Freedom" will be available physically on May 5th, 2012 in retail stores and online retailers everywhere. The digital version of the album will be available on iTunes and other digital retailers on May 22nd, 2012. more on this story

More on San Francisco Music Club - San Francisco Music Club Music - San Francisco Music Club Tour Dates/Tickets - San Francisco Music Club CDs, vinyl and rarities
Crossfade Summer Tour
Crossfade will be hitting the road this summer for a North American headlining tour.

The tour is set to kick off on June 1st in Knoxville, TN and run through July 1st in Charlotte, NC.

Crossfade will be joined on the trek by Weaving the Fate, as well as Candlelight Red. more on this story



Create Avoid Releasing New Music Next Month
(ESM) Pure Noise Records have set a May 22nd release date for Create Avoid's "Pastime" 7"/EP.

The record is made up of four new songs that were engineered and produced by Sam Pura at The Panda Studios.

The Riverside, CA hardcore/metal 5-piece will play a hometown record release show on May 25 at Riverside's The Vibe. more on this story


B Sides


Watch Foo Fighters Rock Lollapalooza Brazil
(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters rocked Lollapalooza Brazil on the weekend, and video of the band's full set has surfaced.

The event, at the Jockey Club is Sao Paulo, was headlined by the Foos on Saturday and Arctic Monkeys on Sunday; other acts on the weekend bill included Jane's Addiction, Staind, Band Of Horses and Cage The Elephant.

The Foos rocked a 2.5 hour, 26-song set full of material from the band's entire career. During the encores, Dave Grohl & Co. were joined by Joan Jett for two songs, "Bad Reputation" and "I Love Rock 'N' Roll." Watch it here.


KISS' Dancing With The Stars Performance Now Online
(hennemusic) KISS performed on ABC's Dancing With the Stars Monday night. If you missed it you can watch the performance online.

It was "rock week" on the show, and KISS were on hand to open the proceedings with their classic, "Rock And Roll All Nite."

Throughout the episode, the contestants danced to tracks by artists like The Rolling Stones, Twisted Sister, Queen and The White Stripes, among others.

KISS will do it all over again on Tuesday, when they'll be on the show to play "Lick It Up." Watch Monday's performance here.


Video of Jane's Addition Lollapalooza Brazil Set Online
(hennemusic) Jane's Addiction must have felt right at home in Sao Paulo on the weekend as the band performed at Lollapalooza Brazil. Now, video of the band's full set has surfaced.

In 1991, Jane's singer Perry Farrell conceived and created the Lollapalooza brand, with the intent of using the vehicle as a farewell tour for the band. The event has since expanded internationally in recent years, beyond its North American roots, to stages in South America.

Jane's played the early evening slot on Sunday, before headliners Arctic Monkeys closed out the festival. Watch it here.


The Death of the Fifth Beatle
(Gibson) On this day in 1962, The Beatles' original bass player Stuart Sutcliffe died of a brain hemorrhage in an ambulance on the way to hospital. Sutcliffe had left the group to stay in Hamburg, Germany with his girlfriend photographer Astrid Kirchherr and to pursue his art studies. Gibson takes a look back: Stuart Sutcliffe, the so-called "Fifth Beatle" – or perhaps the "First Beetle," since it was he who named them The Beetles – died at just 21 years of age, on this very day, in 1962.

The early Beatles' unofficial style guru, Sutcliffe was revered by John Lennon from the day they met in art school in 1958. Lennon wanted Sutcliffe in The Quarrymen and when Stu encouraged him to change the band's name, he did so without hesitation. Founding editor of the seminal Merseybeat paper Bill Harry remembers this momentous moment at beatlesagain.com

"I sat 'round with Stu and John while they were trying to come up with a name for John's group, which Stu had now joined," Harry said. "Stu suggested that they coin a name similar to that of Buddy Holly's backing group the Crickets. So, insects it was. They came up with Beetles, although it wasn't until August of that year that the name finally evolved as the Beatles.

"I must admit I was surprised when, decades later, people seemed to think that the name came from the film The Wild One, which was actually banned in Britain for 14 years and the group had never even seen the film!"

In Germany with the band, it was the artistic Sutcliffe who gravitated towards the Hamburg art scene and thanks to new love, former fashion student Astrid Kirchherr, was the first Beatle to wear a collarless jacket and to comb his hair forward in the style that would take hold all over the world, the mop-top.

In July 1961, Sutcliffe, the Beatles' original bass player left the band, choosing to devote his energy to his painting, and enrolled in the Hamburg College of Art. Still close with The Beatles, he went back to Liverpool for a visit but, according to Bill Harry, didn't look well.

"Stuart looked absolutely god-awful," Harry recalled in Merseybeat. "It was almost scary seeing what had become of him. He was pale and withered and complained about headaches, severe headaches that would almost cripple him."

Back again in Germany, Sutcliffe continued to suffer from blinding and debilitating headaches, which he described in several letters home to Lennon. But neither he nor Astrid took them seriously enough to think they could prove fatal.

Today's Day In Rock!

Axl's Take On Possibility of Guns N' Roses Reunion Tour
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses fans continue to wait on official word of the band's status at next week's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony.
By all appearances, the reunion of the original GNR lineup hinges on Axl Rose, as all other band members – except Izzy Stradlin – are expected on hand in Cleveland for the event.

While Axl continues to be a self-created mystery, he was caught on video Friday night leaving the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood with (Axl obsessed) singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey and asked by the paparazzi at TMZ if there is any chance of GNR doing a reunion tour with the original lineup.

He responded, "Not in this lifetime."


KISS To Play Dancing With The Stars This Week
(hennemusic) KISS continue work on promoting their upcoming summer tour with Motley Crue.

The band will perform on the April 9 and April 10 episodes of of ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars" - episodes air tonight (Monday) at 8 p.m. EST and Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.

Billed as "The Tour," the KISS/Motley shows mark the first time the two bands have shared a stage since 1982. more on this story


Sebastian Bach Pulls Skid Row Reunion Prank
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach had some fun recently when he posted an April Fools' gag suggesting that he was reuniting with his old band.

Here's the post: "Wow, i have been waiting a long time to make this announcement. It looks like the stars have finally aligned! It is amazing to me to say that ... Yes... Talks are underway for the reunion tour of all reunion tours!! I am happy to announce I am negotiating details with my old band & we are gonna get the band back together for an epic tour of sheds, arenas, casinos & marinas that will span the globe! We are going to start immediately on our new CD "Rock Sucker" that is guaranteed to be Eddie Trunks wet dream come true & we are all getting along famously! Or infamously, as the (hard) case may be! More details to come, watch this space!!"

Bach later confessed to the prank - which was picked up as a real item by FOX News – and added, "where there is smoke, there is fire. Kinda sorta." more on this story



Hear Steven Adler's New Song
(hennemusic) Original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler been working in the studio on his debut album with his current band, now known as "Adler." The group features frontman Jacob Bunton (Lynam, Mars Electric), and Lonny Paul (Adler's Appetite).

"I love the music that we're creating!" states Adler. "I haven't been this excited about my band since the GN'R days. Jacob is exactly the singer I have been searching for. He has an amazing range and is a great writer and frontman. Lonny is an amazing guitarist and songwriter and the vibe is amazing!"

Adler will issue their debut single, "The One That You Hated," on iTunes on April 10th. Have a listen here. Have a listen here.



Bob Dylan Classic To Be Made Into A Movie
(Gibson) A film treatment is planned for one of Bob Dylan's most acclaimed albums, Entertainment Weekly has reported. The movie rights for Blood on the Tracks, the 1975 album Dylan made as his marriage to Sara Lownds was crumbling, has been purchased by Brazil-based production company RT Features. Company executives Rodrigo Teixeira and Fernando Loureiro said they will produce an English-language feature film based on the emotionally charged album, which includes such classic Dylan songs as "Tangled Up in Blue" and "Simple Twist of Fate."

"As long time admirers of one of the greatest albums in the history of music, we feel privileged to be making this film," said Teixeira, in a prepared statement. "Our goal is to work with a filmmaker who can create a classic drama with characters and an environment that capture the feelings that the album inspires in all fans."

No timetable has been set for the film's production. Teixera and Loureiro added that they hope to find a director "with the unique vision to fulfill on screen what Dylan accomplished in the studio." more on this story





Demon Hunter Singled Out Week: Someone To Hate
Demon Hunter release their new album, True Defiance, this week. To celebrate we asked frontman Ryan Clark to tells us about some of his favorite tracks from the album. Today he tells us about "Someone To Hate."

Interestingly enough, "Someone To Hate" was actually the original title for "Collapsing," the lead single from our previous album, The World Is A Thorn. As a matter of fact, there is an original version of "Collapsing" with some of these lyrics on it, and at that time, the verses were all screaming vocals. We went back into the studio after we'd finished the whole record (which is the only time we've done that) to revise the song. I completely rewrote the verses and pre-chorus, and we decided to do melodic singing vocals throughout the entire song.

When writing songs for True Defiance, I came back to the lyrics and title for "Someone To Hate" because I still liked them and I didn't want them to go to waste. I did end up rewriting the bulk of them, but the general idea is still there.

The working title for the demo of this song was shamelessly titled "Slay" for fairly obvious reasons. I first wrote the opening guitar lead and it was just begging for a rhythmic gallop over the top. I think it sounds insanely hard. The picking for that lead was actually 1/4 the speed on the original demo and Patrick suggested we speed it up like a black metal lead, which was a great idea. The same is true for the bending note in the pre-chorus. It was originally one strum, bent in time. Aside from the amazing solos, this is where Patrick really shines- he takes my basic ideas and makes them much cooler. Every occurrence of a pinch harmonic (which you can hear in this song) is also his personal input. I leave most of these details to him as he's 10 times the guitar player I am. I love pinch harmonics, especially when used tastefully. They immediately remind me of the mighty Tommy Victor, which is a very good thing.

This song features one of my favorite guitar solos on the new record as well. When we were getting ready to record, I showed Patrick an At The Gates solo and said, "Hear that? That little stutter effect? I want that in a solo!" I assumed it was a pedal effect, and Patrick said, "No, that's him tapping the whammy bar really fast." I was like, "Seriously?" And he was right. You can hear what I'm referring to right in the middle of this solo. It's an awesome little detail.

The keyboards in the bridge section are all Aaron Sprinkle's handy work. This kind of thing is definitely one of Aaron's strong suits- the little details that add so much to the song. One of my favorite Sprinkle additions also appears in this song- at the beginning of the very last chorus. He created this really cool electronic part that adds a great dynamic to the section. It reminds me a little of Nine Inch Nails, a little of Soilwork. Either one being awesome.

One last minute addition was the line "Heart is cold" at the top of the chorus. I felt that the vocals came in too late in the chorus, so a short line tagged onto the beginning was the perfect remedy.

The lyrics to the song speak about the idea of being hated by those that oppose my world view, and how being someone to hate isn't something I'll necessarily shy away from, if it's for the things I believe in whole-heartedly. In this scene, if you aren't making someone upset, you're not saying much of anything.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!



As Bret Michaels Sees It
(hennemusic) Bret Michaels has announced the upcoming launch of a new column on his website.

Michaels is a rockstar, philanthropist, entrepreneur and TV star - for every one of those sides of Bret there is a story as to how he got there and where he is going: how the singer has pushed the boundaries, fought his diabetes and succeeded in so many different arenas of life.

Bret will now detail his thoughts on health, wealth, love and the pursuit of happiness (among other things), with the launch of his new column, "Music For Your Soul." more on this story


Slayer Now Reign in Wine
(Gibson) Thrash metal heroes Slayer have launched their own brand of wine. The red wine, Reign in Blood, is a Cabernet Sauvignon from California.

According to the wine's website, Reign in Blood is "as uncompromising and tough as the band. After a couple of Seasons in the Abyss, the wine has an undisputed attitude and a soft nose of dark berry fruits with oak and spicy nuances. Good mouth feel with hints of fresh fruit and juicy, smooth tannins. Well structured and rounded with subtle notes of oak, showing true Divine Intervention. Best company for the wine comes as no surprise, enjoy it while headbanging, riffing or with food, friends and great music. Reign in Wine!"

Right now the wine is only available in Sweden, but worldwide sales are in the pipeline. more on this story




Rolling Stones' 1975 LA Friday Gig Released
(Gibson) A 1975 Rolling Stones concert has been made available to the public. The Sunday, July 13 gig was wrongly labeled as "LA Friday."

It was the band's last show of a five-night run at the Los Angeles Forum.

According to the Rolling Stones Archive website, the concert "was part of the Rolling Stones Tour of the Americas, which started with a bang, the band playing on a flatbed truck driving down 5th Avenue in New York City, showcasing their new guitarist, Ronnie Wood." more on this story




Crazy Town Singer Going From Coma To Rehab?
(TMZ) Former Crazy Town singer and Celebrity Rehab star Shifty Shellshock is expected to be released from the hospital sometime this month and his family wants him to go straight from there to rehab, TMZ has learned.

As TMZ first reported, Shifty has been hospitalized since March 29 and was in a coma up until April 3.

According to our sources, doctors expect the Crazy Town singer to make a full recovery and be discharged from the hospital in the next few weeks. Our sources say there is no permanent damage and that physically he is fine ... but that Shifty is unable to still fully comprehend what is going on, have coherent conversations or really communicate.

We're told Shifty's family hopes to get him into rehab straight from the hospital. Shifty has an upcoming court hearing on his drug arrest for cocaine possession and the family hopes the judge will allow him to stay in rehab rather than throw him in jail. more on this story


Arsis Make Priest Official Member
(Fresno) Arsis have tapped Shawn Priest to replace their recently departed drummer, Mike Van Dyne.

Priest, who has toured with Arsis in the past, will be behind the kit for the band's upcoming fifth studio album.

Commented Priest: "After several major tours with Arsis since 2008, I am more than happy to take the position of full-time drummer. These guys have become some of my best friends and based on the new material we've been putting together, I think the new record will be one of the best and most extreme Arsis releases to date. Get stoked people." more on this story


Slash Tributes Jim Marshall
Last week we told you that the world lost the inventor of one of the keystones to rock and roll, Jim Marshall, the man behind Marshall amplifiers. Slash has released the following tribute to Marshall:

"I consider myself very fortunate to have known the late Jim Marshall. He was such a fantastic individual.

"Not only did he create the loudest, most effective, brilliant-sounding Rock & Roll amplifier ever designed, but he was a caring, hardworking family man who remained true to his integrity to the very end. His work ethic was unequaled and his passion unrivaled. more on this story


Gary Clark Jr. Teams With Nas for NFL Draft
(Gibson) Epiphone Casino-wielding guitar hero Gary Clark Jr. is collaborating with rapper Nas on music for ESPN's coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Rolling Stone reports that the two artists will be tweaking some of their existing material (including Clark's "Bright Lights") to suit the occasion.

The reworked versions will be used as the broadcast goes in and out of commercials and will find parallels between the music and the drafts – i.e. Clark's lyric "you gonna know my name by the end of the night." The draft coverage begins at 8 p.m. on April 26. more on this story




Sin City Sinners Recruit Hollywood Star To Their Lineup
Sin City Sinners sent over word that they have added actor/musician Zach Throne to their lineup: Zach joins original Sinners Todd Kerns (Slash) Brent Muscat (Faster Pussycat) & Rob Cournoyer (Raging Slab)

As a musician, Zach has recorded, performed and/or toured with Susanna Hoffs of "The Bangles", Jerry Cantrell of "Alice In Chains", Anthrax, Barenaked Ladies, Lemmy from Motorhead, Cheap Trick, Meatloaf and Jamie Walters.

As a session vocalist for television and film, Zach has performed on many commercial jingles as well as sung the Greg Brady vocals for the films The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel. He also sang the theme song for the ABC television series Grace Under Fire. more on this story


Belphegor Working On New Album
(NB) Belphegor plan to enter the Mana Recordings Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida on May 29th to begin recording their next album.

The band has tapped Erik Rutan to produce their new, as of yet untitled album, which will be released in the end of the year via Nuclear Blast Records.

Helmuth comments: "Around 2006 I have contact Erik the first time, I guess. We talked about the producing of the 'Bondage Goat Zombie' album, but he wasn't available. This time, we have to do it!! Our sound, attitude… or lets say trademark, is a symbiosis of all extremities that came out of this glorious genre,...Diabolical Blackl Death Metal. Since February 2012 we rehearse and write hard on nine shredding sound collages. To record chapter X with Erik is perfect, since he exactly know what we need and how we get this shit done. The thing is, the new compositions are full of intensity and pure aggression. The combination of European Metal coldness, atmosphere and sickest elements - crossed with an American brutal sound, is the master plan. This experiment is going to be ultra-sick! I dig to work with motivated, possessed and enthusiastic artists, to keep the fire burning, in all related things (producers, musicians, etc.) No rules, all is permitted. This is the main reason why Belphegor survived almost 20 years." more on this story





Job For A Cowboy Streaming New Album Online
Job For A Cowboy fans can hear the band's new album, Demonocracy, streaming online in its entirety.

Produced by Jason Suecof (Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, Trivium) at Audiohammer Studios, the album will see its North American release tomorrow, April 10, 2012. Listen to the stream here.

Job For A Cowboy are currently on the road in North America on the Metal Alliance Tour. Joined by The Faceless, Dying Fetus, 3 Inches Of Blood, Impending Doom, Wretched, and headliners, Devildriver. more on this story


Mars Attacks Rex Brown
The latest episode of the Mars Attacks podcast features interviews with Rex Brown of Kill Devil Hill (formerly of Pantera and Down) and Peter Ellis of Monument (formerly of White Wizzard and The More I See).

Rex Brown discusses the self-titled debut album by Kill Devil Hill, how he ended up joining the band, how this is the type of band he's wanted to be in for years, and what it's like to play with the legendary Vinny Appice.

Peter Ellis picks up where we left things off with our previous interview. At this point in time he fills us in on Monument's soon to be released EP, the members of the band, the artwork for their first single, and a slew of other things.

During the episode you'll hear snippets of songs by Kill Devil Hill, Monument, Pharaoh, Dark Day Sunday, The Cult and Overkill. Listen here.


Jeff Loomis Premieres New Song Online
(CM) Jeff Loomis has premiered a brand new track, "Chosen Time," via Guitar World's website.

This song can be found on the Loomis' new album, Plains of Oblivion, which will be out tomorrow, April 10. Fans can listen to the new song "Chosen Time" here.

In support of the release, Jeff Loomis is on the road with Protest The Hero, Periphery and The Safety Fire. more on this story



mewithoutYou Streaming New Song
mewithoutYou are streaming their new song "February, 1878" online at PasteMagazine.com.

The song is the first single from their 5th album, Ten Stories, which is set for release May 15th.

mewithoutYou kicks off their North American headlining tour on May 17th in Washington, DC, with Buried Beds and Imaginary Cities opening on all dates. Listen to the new song here



Charm City Devils Deliver Man Of Constant Sorrow Video
Charm City Devils have released a new music video for their new single, "Man Of Constant Sorrow."

"Man Of Constant Sorrow" is the first singled from their forthcoming album, Sins, which will be released on iTunes and CD Baby April 10 via Fat Lady Music.

The clip was shot in Baltimore and directed by Charm City Devils bassist Anthony Arambula. Check it out here.



Remembering Carl Perkins
(Gibson) Recognized universally as The King of Rockabilly, Carl Perkins was born on this day in 1932 in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Born to poor sharecroppers, Perkins didn't have much growing up and often turned to music as a source of joy and excitement.

Like many rock and roll pioneers, Carl was inspired by a variety of music at a young age. He heard gospel music in church on Sundays, and black spirituals while working in the cotton fields every other day (he picked cotton from the age of six, and worked 12-14 hours each day in the summer months). On Saturday nights, he and his dad would tune into the Grand Ole Opry to hear the best country tunes of the day. And soon, Perkins would learn about the blues.

But first, Carl needed a guitar. Because he couldn't afford to buy him one, Carl's father, Buck, made one out of a cigar box and a broomstick. When Carl's musical interests outgrew the ramshackle contraption, Buck paid a couple of dollars for a beat-up Gene Autry model. Soon, the enterprising guitarist was trying to learn to play Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe tunes.

But young Carl didn't just learn from the radio. He befriended a mentor in a fellow field worker named John Westbrook – an African-American man in his 60s. "Uncle John," as Carl began to call him, taught his student how to play blues and gospel music on the guitar. Perkins later recalled John's advice: "Get down close to it. You can feel it travel down the strangs, come through your head and down to your soul where you live. You can feel it. Let it vib-a-rate."

As a young player, Carl showed the beginnings of developing his own style. He took to bending the strings – for no reason other than to avoid injury. Because Carl didn't have money for new guitar strings, when they broke, he would simply re-tie them. The knots would rip up his fingers when he slid them up and down, so bending became a better option