Tom Cruise Takes On Def Leppard and Guns N' Roses For Rock of Ages
The Rock Of Ages: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is set to be released on June 5th by WaterTower Music.
The album features 80s hits by Def Leppard, Journey, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Poison, Twisted Sister, Scorpions and more performed by the film's cast including Tom Cruise, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman, Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta.

We were sent this background information: Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), New Line Cinema's Rock of Ages is the film adaptation of the smash hit, five-time Tony nominated Broadway musical which tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Executive Music Producer Adam Anders (Glee) helps tell the rock 'n' roll romance through cast versions of heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Poison, Journey, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Foreigner, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and more. more on this story



Watch Wolfgang Van Halen Take Over Vocals For David Lee Roth
(hennemusic) During the New York stop in late February/early March, Eddie Van Halen hooked up with Esquire magazine for a rare interview session. Now, some video of the band's MSG soundcheck has surfaced online, thanks to someone associated with Esquire, according to their YouTube posts.

As David Lee Roth skips the pre-show ritual in order to save his voice for the show, it's up to the Van Halen family to perform the daily soundcheck routine, with Wolfgang often filling in on vocals for the absent Roth.

In the first clip, as the band pounds through their classic "Unchained," viewers can hear Wolfgang handling the lead vocals in addition to his role as bassist. Check out video here.



Nickelback Answer Criticism With Humor
(Classic Rock) Nickelback have taken another crack at trying to escape the label of world's most hated band in a light-hearted YouTube clip where they comment on messages left on their music videos.

Responding to a fan who asks: "How the f**k can you be so epic?" frontman Kroeger responds: "We work on our epicness. We went to epic school. We graduated with honours. Ryan has his masters in epicness."

Then they encourage followers: "To comment on our comments on your comments, leave a comments. It's an upward spiral – that sounds painful." More including the video.



Black Sabbath Set For Intimate Hometown Show
(Gibson) Black Sabbath will play an intimate homecoming show at O2 Academy in Birmingham on Saturday, May 19 as a warm-up for their headlining set at this year's Download Festival. The band also plans to play at this year's Lollapalooza festival, which runs from August 3 to 5 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago.

Sabbath have not yet confirmed whether original drummer Bill Ward will be part of the reunion, but Ozzy, guitarist Tony Iommi and bass player Geezer Butler have been working on a new album in London. The album will be their first full-length recording together in 33 years.

The band's original touring plans were put on hold when Iommi was diagnosed with cancer. The original European dates have been replaced with "Ozzy & Friends" concerts, which will feature Ozzy's core band of guitarist Gus G, bass player Blasko and drummer Tommy Clufetos, as well as special guests Zakk Wylde, Slash and Geezer Butler. more on this story





Halestorm Summer Tour and Dates With Avenged Sevenfold
Halestorm have lineup a string of North American tour dates with Avenged Sevenfold next month and will follow it up with a summer headline tour.

The band is currently out on the road with Godsmack and Staind on the Mass Chaos 2012 tour which will conclude on May 16th.

The headline tour is set to kick off in late June and will feature support from New Medicine & Emphatic. more on this story



Deep Purple Tap Bob Ezrin For New Album
(hennemusic) Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse has confirmed some of the plans for a new album by the rock legends.

"In a couple of weeks," Morse tells Glide magazine, "Deep Purple has a writing session and we're producing an album with Bob Ezrin, who's done KISS, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper, and he also worked on the last Kansas album, when I was with Kansas. So he's one of my favorite producers and that's going to be our studio album. It's probably going to be more of an extravaganza."

Purple have been talking on and off for some time about their reluctance to do a new project while they continue their endless touring cycle, but Morse says the band is aware that time is moving forward without new music. more on this story



Ronnie Montrose's Final Message To Fans
(Classic Rock) Ronnie Montrose's widow has revealed a message he wrote to his fans soon before committing suicide in March.

A tribute concert was held at the weekend starring former Montrose bandmate Sammy Hagar alongside Joe Satriani, Neal Schon and Steve Smith of Journey fame, Ricky Phillips of Styx, Mr Big's Eric Martin, Kiss men Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, Jimmy DeGrasso of Y&T and many others.

During the show Montrose's widow Leighsa, who managed her husband, displayed his note, entitled Words Of Musical Expression From Ronnie. "Music is one of the most powerful and precious gifts we all share," he wrote. "The best that any of us can do is try to connect with the core of what it is that drives us to express ourselves through any creative medium we choose, and bring as much of ourselves as we can to that process." Read the rest here.



Jack Russell Rules Out Great White Reunion
(Classic Rock) Jack Russell is determined never to return to Great White – and he says the band bearing the name is fake anyway. He's incensed that none of his bandmates called while he was near death in hospital.

he tells 95.5 KLOS there's no chance they'll ever reunite: "I would never do that," he states. "Not after what they've done to me. They're not my friends. They haven't been for a long time apparently.

"There's my group, then there's the fake. Jack Russell is great white. Any band in the world, you change the singer, you change the sound of the band. You can't call what they're doing now Great White. It's not." more on this story



Jack White Tops Adele
(hennemusic) Jack White's debut solo album, "Blunderbuss," has debuted at #1 on the UK album charts.

The Official Charts Company reports White toppled the mighty Adele this week, outselling her massive "21" album by more than two copies to one, moving the UK singer to the #2 spot.

White debuted material from the album last Monday night (April 23) in London at his first ever solo show in the country. more on this story



Smashing Pumpkins Set New Album Release
(Gibson) The new Smashing Pumpkins album, Oceania, will be released on June 19 via EMI Label Services/Caroline Distribution.

The album will be the first full-length release to feature the current Smashing Pumpkins lineup of Billy Corgan, drummer Mike Byrne, bassist Nicole Fiorentino and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

The album is a part of the band's sprawling Teargarden By Kaleidyscope project, an ongoing 44-song concept album that is being released one song at a time for free, with batches of songs gathered as EPs. At the end of the project a box set is planned which will incorporate all of the tracks as well as an art film and making-of documentary of the process. more on this story





Beatles Yellow Submarine Hitting The Big Screen
The Beatles' classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine, will be hitting the big screen this month.

On May 5 at the famed Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, Yellow Submarine will start its theatrical campaign with an 8pm screening.

Currently out of print, the film has been restored in 4K digital resolution for the first time by Paul Rutan Jr. and his team of specialists at Triage Motion Picture Services and Eque Inc. Due to the delicate nature of the hand-drawn original artwork, no automated software was used in the digital clean-up of the film's restored photochemical elements. This was all done by hand, frame by frame. The restored film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 5 (June 4 internationally), and the film's songtrack album will be reissued on CD on the same date. more on this story



Dee Snider Not Motivated To Write For Twisted Sister
(Classic Rock) Dee Snider insists he's perfectly capable of writing new Twisted Sister material, but he simply doesn't want to. Instead the singer is happy to explore other creative outlets including recording his new Broadway-inspired album and writing his autobiography.

Confronted with the allegation that he and Twisted Sister aren't releasing new music because he's lost the ability to write it, and instead "hides behind" his other output, Snider is firm in his response.

"I do know I can write," He tells BraveWords. "The reason why I don't is simply because I don't think the market is there, and I don't feel motivated. I don't feel passionate about it." More from Dee here.



KISS' Peter Criss Releasing Autobiography
(hennemusic) This fall, original KISS drummer Peter Criss will release his autobiography, "Makeup To Breakup."

Due October 23, publisher Scribner says, "from sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to multiple brushes with death, 'Makeup to Breakup' will be Peter Criss' unvarnished and eye-opening life story."

"I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride," Criss said in the release. "The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life." Check out the cover here.



Richard Marx Collaborates With Chris Daughtry and Chad of Nickelback
(Gibson) Richard Marx will release Inside My Head, a 2-CD album of rare and new material alongside a disc of re-recorded greatest hits, on June 1 in Europe.

The album's first single, "Wouldn't Let Me Love You," will be released digitally on May 1 and can be exclusively streamed in full on Frontiers Records' webradio site.

The first CD of Inside My Head features two bonus tracks as well as collaborations with Chris Daughtry, Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon, Jason Wade of Lifehouse, Fee Waybill of The Tubes and guitarist/producer Dann Huff. more on this story





Slayer, War and Civil Defiance Supergroup Philm Webcast and Chat
The new supegroup Philm have lineup a webchat today (May 1st), a free webcast on May 16th and a record release show.

Philm will be releasing their debut album, Harmonic, on May 15th and will be playing a hometown record release show on May 15 at The Viper Room in Hollywood.

The band, featuring Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Pancho Tomaselli (WAR) and Gerry Nestler (Civil Defiance), will be taking fan questions today, May 1, at 1 pm pacific/4 pm eastern here.

The free webcast performance on May 16 at 7 pm pacific/10 pm eastern, recorded at Bob Weir's TRI Studios and streamed directly via TriStudios.com and Yahoo Music (music.yahoo.com).



Gotthard Painstaking Singer Audition
(Classic Rock) Gotthard's new singer Nic Maeder found himself travelling between Switzerland and Australia several times during his eight-month audition period.

That's how long it took them to decide he was the man to replace Steve Lee, after his death in a motorcycle crash in 2010. But basis Marc Lynn says they had to be certain about their decision, because they wouldn't get the chance to change it.

Maeder tells Crank It Up: "It took those guys a long time to make up their minds. It went on for probably eight months. I was living in Australia at the time, and I made the trip three times that year."

Lynn adds: "It was a long process, but the decision had to be the right one. We're not a band who works the easy way. more on this story



B Sides


Jack White's Full New York Concert Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Jack White was live in New York and around the world via a concert webcast Friday night.

In support of his newly-released solo debut, "Blunderbuss," White played a show at the iconic Webster Hall in New York City. The event, part of the "Unstaged" series, was directed by the legendary Gary Oldman.

White performed with both his female and male bands during the career-spanning 21-song set – check out a behind the scenes look at the event plus a full concert replay here.



Ghost Adventures Made Motley Crue Singer A Believer
(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil is now a believer in paranormal experiences after his appearance in the season finale of "Ghost Adventures."

"After what we experienced, I now really believe in this paranormal phenomena," Vince tells pal Robin Leach at the Las Vegas Sun.

"We experienced unexplained, first-hand encounters, including scratch marks on one woman's back, cold sensations, voices and knocking," continues Neil. "Zak, Nick and Aaron documented the multiple EVPs and unexplained events. But when we went into Room 908, we really had the shocking, overwhelming physical experience of our lives." more on this story




Carlos Santana's Celestial Ambitions
(Classic Rock) Carlos Santana may have spent nearly 50 years recognised as one of the world's leading guitarists but there's one more thing he'd like to achieve with his instrument.

The multi-award winning pioneer, named the fifteenth-best axeman of all time by Rolling Stone, would love to experiment with what he calls "celestial" soundscapes, and he believes only two other musicians have been there before him.

Santana tells Music Radar: "Like Jimi Hendrix before he went to the National Anthem, or before he played Wild Thing. There was a celestial texture he achieved and the only other person who got to that same place was Stevie Ray Vaughan. Here it comes: celestial supersonic textures." He expands on it here.




Jane's Addiction Give Fans Twisted Tales
(hennemusic) Jane's Addiction have released a lyric video for "Twisted Tales," a track from their latest album, "The Great Escape Artist."

In a couple of weeks, Jane's kick off the second leg of their "Theatre Of The Escapists" tour.

The tour begins on May 7th and bring the band to intimate venues - most of which are classic theatres. more on this story




Arch Enemy Debut New Guitarist In New Video
Arch Enemy have released their new music video for their song "Under Black Flags We March".

The track comes from the band's latest studio album, Khaos Legions, which was released in June of 2011.

This video marks the cinematic debut of Arch Enemy's newest guitarist Nick Cordle, who recently joined the band after Christopher Amott's departure last month. Watch it here.



John Mayer Gets The Lick Library Treatment
Lick Library sent over word that they have released a new Learn To Play John Mayer double DVD set of over three hours of guitar lessons. Here are the details:

John Mayer's playing has been likened to the legendary blues guitarist Eric Clapton for his laid back, harmonically astute smooth blues sound.

Learn to Play John Mayer provides note for note lessons to five songs; the uniquely tuned Neon from the platinum selling Room For Square Album and the contagious, mid tempo Bigger Than My Body from John's second album Heavier Things. Next come the bittersweet Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, the easy going bluesy Gravity and the melancholic Stop This Train from the Grammy award winning Continuum album.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Jack White Bloodies Gary Oldman's Nose
(Classic Rock) Jack White burst director Gary Oldman's nose in an impromptu scuffle at the start of the White Stripes mainman's recent full concert webcast.
The opening scene, which takes place ahead of the New York Unstaged show shot live last week, shows film star Oldman waiting alone in White's recording studio. He stands up as he sees the musician arrives – then is thrown onto a sofa as White runs at him and attacks him. They roll around on the floor, knocking over mic stands, as Oldman screams for help twice.

After cutting the light-hearted performance, the out-of-breath duo realize Oldman is bleeding. In the following scene, shot in White's car, the director says: "Got me good there, Jack." The guitarist replies: "If you even come at me like that again…" More including a full stream of the show!



Roger Waters Kicks Off The Wall Tour
Roger Waters has brought his critically acclaimed production of The Wall back to North America for a new tour that kicked off this weekend in Mexico with U.S. and Canadian dates starting tomorrow in Houston, TX.

The massive tour runs until July 14th and features 2 nights at New York's Yankee Stadium and a performance at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

The previous leg smashed attendance records in South America playing to over 750,000 fans across a record-breaking 15 open-air stadiums shows in Chile, Brazil and Argentina. This is the largest number of stadium shows ever played in South America by an international artist on one tour. more on this story



Aerosmith's Steven Tyler In Fast Food Commercial
(hennemusic) Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is featured in a new commercial for Burger King.

The ad pushes the fast food chain's Crispy Chicken Strips, complete with Tyler handling orders at the drive-thru.

Steven continues juggling his duties as an American Idol judge with the recording of the new Aerosmith album, which has reportedly been pushed back to a fall 2012 release. Watch it here.



Butch Vig Denies Existence of Kurt Cobain Solo Material
(Classic Rock) Nirvana producer Butch Vig says rumours that Kurt Cobain was working on a solo album before his suicide are not true, and no unheard recordings of the Nirvana mainman exist.

Speculation increased recently when former Hole guitarist Eric Erlandson stated he'd heard "raw, rough acoustic" tracks had been laid down and added: "There is stuff that has not been put out."

But Vig insists Cobain didn't make any such recordings and was far more interested in working with wife Courtney Love's outfit Hole in the months before he shot himself in 1994. more on this story



The Offspring Streaming New Song Online
The Offspring have released the title track from their forthcoming album, Days Go By, which is set to hit stores on June 26th.

The singled was premiered last Friday on Los Angeles' KROQ Kevin and Bean show and fans can listen to it here.

In advance of the new album, The Offspring will play the 20th Annual KROQ Weenie Roast on Saturday, May 5 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA. The band will perform alongside Coldplay, Incubus, Silversun Pickups, Pennywise and more. more on this story



Montrose Reunite at Tribute Gig
(hennemusic) Original Montrose and Gamma members played a tribute show on Friday night at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco to remember and celebrate the late Ronnie Montrose, who passed away March 3 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"A Concert For Ronnie Montrose – A Celebration of His Life In Music" saw Sammy Hagar reunite the original Montrose band, plus Joe Satriani, to perform the group's landmark 1973 debut album.

The event featured the original Montrose lineup (Sammy Hagar, vocals; Bill Church, bass; and Denny Carmassi, drums) joined by Satriani on guitar. The original Gamma lineup (Davey Pattison, vocals; Glenn Letsch, bass; Denny Carmassi, drums) also played, joined by special guest Marc Bonilla on lead guitar. Read more and watch video here.



Zakk Wylde, Glen Hughes, Yngwie, Satriani, Iron Maiden's McBrain For Jim Marshall Tribute
Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain will be the master of ceremonies for 'Turning It Up To 11: A Tribute To Jim Marshall,' which will take place at Wembley arena on Saturday 22nd September 2012.

The event which celebrates the late Jim Marshall and the 50th anniversary of Marshall amps will feature Tim 'Ripper' Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth), Glen Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath), Joe Satriani (Chickenfoot), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society), Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert (Mr Big), Whitesnake's Doug Aldrich and Brian Tichy, The Cult's Billy Duffy and Slipknot/ Stone Sour front man Corey Taylor. There are also further big names to be announced.

Talking about the event Nicko McBrain commented; "This is truly a celebration of a British Icon - Marshall. Beyond doubt, Jim Marshall shaped the sound of rock music for eternity! Words cannot describe how pioneering Jim Marshall was ! We're bringing together beyond-legendary artists for a true celebration of Jim's life. There is no better way to commemorate Jim's amazing life than putting on the loudest event ever! Expect pure rock n roll madness amplified to the max by Marshall! " more on this story



Marillion Go International With 2013 Convention
The Marillion camp sent over word that they plan to hold their 2013 convention dates with three different weekends on separate continents. They sent over these details:

The seventh biannual Marillion Weekend is the most unique music experience, wherein fans have an opportunity to not only see their favorite act perform different sets, three nights in a row, but also become immersed in the Marillion culture and history with various activities. Watch the official trailer here

Marillion Weekend activities include "Swap the Band" – fans submissions earn a spot to perform with the band; the "Marillion Museum" – boasting limited edition items, stage wear and various items from the band's history; "Signing Session" – it's a lottery system!; "Tea with The Band" – 5 winners get to host a member of the band in their Chalet for tea and biscuits! Events still in the planning stages include a fan Futbol match, Marillion Pub Quiz, charity 10K Run, and more. There is also an amazing Merchandise Shop stocked with signature items only available at the event. Additionally the nominated charity for 2013 is the Hoping Foundation. There will be various fundraisers over the course of the weekend including charity raffle of a special book for all attendees to sign, that will include handwritten lyrics by h and signatures and photos of the band. more on this story



Beach Boys Kick Off 50th Anniversary Tour With Epic 42 Song Set
(Gibson) They may be veterans of the rock and roll business (average age 68) but the reunited Beach Boys gave more than value for concertgoers' money.

The group delivered a two-set, 42-song setlist on the opening night of their 50th Anniversary Tour last Wednesday.

Reviews have generally been glowing. The Dallas Observer said: "This was the real deal Beach Boys, and this tour is certainly not something to be overlooked in the band's winding and tumultuous 50-year story." more on this story






David Bowie Book Fake Exposed
(Classic Rock) A blogger who posted a preview of what he thought was a David Bowie book project has held his hands up after realising it was fake.

Bowie fans and leading media outlets got excited when excerpts from the long-awaited work Object were posted online. It's believed to include 100 photographs of items related to the Thin White Duke, along with explanations from the star about what they mean to him. It's thought to have been completed in 2010 but has yet to be published.

On Wednesday a Blogger tagged Bowiemyths posted what seemed to be seven chapters, with photos of a Minimoog synth, a magazine cover, a pair of scissors, Ziggy Stardust boots, a hair dryer, an eye patch and garden gnomes. But while some readers congratulated him on the scoop, others became suspicious that the photos were easily available across the internet. more on this story




Beatles Musical Coming
(Gibson) With a new Beatles musical production in the works, producers are searching for a cast to portray the Liverpudlian fab four.

Hopefuls will get their chance to audition for the show in London's West End by heading to the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool on May 1 to audition. There will be another casting at London's Gielgud Theatre on May 8.

The show will be called Let It Be and is scheduled to open at the Prince of Wales Theatre in September. more on this story






Lenny Kravitz Releasing Mama Said Deluxe
(hennemusic) Lenny Kravitz is releasing a Deluxe Edition of his 1991 album, "Mama Said," on June 5.

Billboard reports Kravitz raided his vaults to create a two-disc package that features 21 bonus tracks, 15 of which have been previously unreleased.

Featured are home demos of "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," "The Difference Is Why" and "What the...Are We Saying?," remixes, instrumental takes of several tracks and eight songs recorded live in Japan and in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The set also includes two previously unreleased (and unfinished) songs, "Riding On The Wings Of My Lord" and the instrumental segue "Framed, Lying, Crying." more on this story




Heart Box Set Details
Legacy have set a June 5th release date for a new Heart box set entitled, Strange Euphoria, which was personally curated by Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson. Epic and Legacy sent out these details:

A carefully-considered anthology of biggest hits and best-loved songs set alongside deep catalog treasures, rarities, demos and live performances, Strange Euphoria, three compact discs and one DVD in a deluxe box, will be available everywhere Tuesday,.

"In all the years we have been making music we have seen trends come and go," said Ann Wilson. "We have always felt that to try and chase the latest 'it' sound is pointless, and we have tried to remain true to ourselves as songwriters and musicians. Sometimes we have had amazing success and heard ourselves on the radio... other times not so much, but the music is always playing in our house. In this box we have included many things that until now have never seen the light of day. Also here are our favorite deep tracks and live moments that really speak to who we are on the stage and the connection between us and the people who show up to rock. Enjoy this collection. It has many facets just like we do, but the spirit running through it is all Heart. " more on this story




Roadrunner Records Slash Staff and Shut Down Offices
(Classic Rock) Leading rock and metal label Roadrunner Records has slashed its staff around the world, closing its UK, Europe and Canada offices and making at least 36 staff redundant.

Founder Cees Wessels has also stepped down, 17 months after the label was sold to Warner Music Group.

It's thought to be a cost-cutting exercise on the imprint which is home to dozens of big-name acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rush, Slash, The Cult, Ratt, Dream Theater, Airbourne and Queensryche. more on this story




Ted Nugent Taps Young Aussie Rocker Laura Wilde For Tour
Ted Nugent has invited rising Australian rock star Laura Wilde to support him on his on tour.

The 22-year-old Wilde is hitting the North American road in support of her debut album, Sold My Soul.

"It's truly an honor to be invited to tour the USA and I feel so privileged to be selected by such an established rocker, exclaims Wilde. "I promise to crank it up to 11 and shake the foundations before Ted brings the house down." more on this story




Slash, Staind, Korn, Evanescence, Five Finger Death Punch For Carolina Rebellion
The lineup and set times for The Carolina Rebellion have been announced with Slash, Staind, Korn, Shinedown, Evanescence, Five Finger Death Punch, Chevelle leading the three day lineup.

The Carolina Rebellion Campgrounds will open on Friday, May 4 10:00 AM and close at noon on Sunday, May 6. On Saturday, May 5, the Carolina Rebellion box office and parking lot open at 7:00 AM, with the festival doors open at 9:00 AM.

The artist performance times have been revealed for the second annual Carolina Rebellion, Saturday, May 5 at the Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, NC. more on this story

More on Carolina Rebellion - Carolina Rebellion Music - Carolina Rebellion Tour Dates/Tickets - Carolina Rebellion CDs, vinyl and rarities



(hennemusic) The Rock 'N' Roll All Stars wrapped up their abbreviated South American tour on Friday with a show at the Jockey Club in Lima, Peru.

The All Stars are made up KISS' Gene Simmons, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Sebastian Bach, three former members of Guns N' Roses, and players from The Cult, Alice In Chains, Collective Soul and Black Country Communion.

Earlier this week, the band released a statement canceling their series of Central and South American concerts, with the exception of the Lima date. more on this story




B Sides


New Eddie Vedder Song Streaming Online
(hennemusic) A new Eddie Vedder song has surfaced. "Skipping" is featured on a new compilation called "Every Mother Counts," named for an advocacy and mobilization campaign to address maternal mortality during pregnancy.

The compilation album is available at Starbucks exclusively from May 1st to May 29th to celebrate Mother's Day.

The project features music from artists like David Bowie, U2, Sting, Coldplay, the Dave Matthews Band and others…with 13 of the 19 songs previously unreleased. Listen here




Watch Vince Neil's Ghost Adventure Online
(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil appeared in the season finale of "Ghost Adventures," the paranormal series airing on The Travel Channel.

For the episode, Vince joined the show's team of paranormal investigators — Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin – as they investigated The Riviera Hotel, which some say is haunted.

The team spent the night locked down on the 9th floor of one The Riviera's original towers, especially focusing on the suite famously used by Frank Sinatra. Watch clips here.




Joe Walsh Delivers Analog Man Video
Joe Walsh has released a music video for the title track for his forthcoming solo album, Analog Man. which will be released June 5th.

"It's been 20 years and I have a lot to say," said Walsh. "These songs come from the heart." Walsh, best known for his powerful guitar licks, joined the Eagles in 1976 and is credited for bringing a harder rock sound to the band with the acclaimed Hotel California, The Long Run and Eagles Live. A singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Walsh has entertained for more than four decades, not only as a solo artist, but as part of admired bands like The James Gang and Barnstorm.

As a self-proclaimed Analog Man, also the album name and title track, Walsh refers playfully to the new digital age; one in which he has adapted to, but notes in the song, "I am what I am – I'm an Analog Man." Walsh developed the album over the last 10 years, drawing on personal experiences to breathe life into each track. "I just really feel like it's all come together and finally I feel like a complete person and a complete musician," said Walsh. "I think there is some confidence in there that I never had. That's what I was hiding." Walsh credits his wife of four years, Marjorie, for encouraging him to be the man and artist he is today and fondly dedicates this album to her.

The 10-track album was produced by Jeff Lynne and Joe Walsh with Tommy Lee James co-writing some of the tracks. "Lucky That Way," one of Walsh's favorites off the album, speaks to the extraordinary life he's lived, even through the hurdles, and features Ringo Starr, his real life brother-in-law, on drums. The song ironically serves as a mature sequel to Walsh's famed "Life's Been Good" and for Walsh, life is just that. Watch the video here.




Klinghoffer Being Himself In Red Hot Chili Peppers
(Classic Rock) Josh Klinghoffer feels he's learned lessons from following in John Frusciante's footsteps in the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

"I'll never be him. I can never be another person. I can only be and hopefully people will like it," he tells Music Radar. "It's really been highlighted and accentuated: just be free and be yourself. That's the lesson I've learned. That's what I'm reminded of every time I play with them."

The guitarist knows he has more to learn – including the No.1 single Snow from 2006 album Stadium Arcadium. more on this story



SSS, The Bronx and More Go Off The Wall
Vans Offthewall.tv has launched and will feature SSS, Trash Talk, Cerebral Ballzy and The Bronx as they travel to North Wales, Nottingham, Moscow and Gothenburg to play music and soak up the local culture.

Each episode follows the bands on their peculiar adventures from getting tattoos and shooting clay pigeons to performing at hazardous punk rock shows. Get to know the trash-talking, guitar-banging, bizarro world of punk rock as we experience it behind the scenes with some of the toughest dudes in hardcore music today.

In the first episode, we meet thrash band Short Sharp Shock a.k.a SSS as they tour their Liverpool stomping grounds while visiting a local DIY skatepark, shoot clay pigeons, stop in at the bingo and eventually play a show at North Wales' premier metal festival, Hard Rock Hell. The band sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the eyeliner and spandex but rocking hard nonetheless. Check it out here.




Remembering Muddy Waters
(Gibson) On this day in 1983, American Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep. Gibson takes a look back: In the 1950s, Muddy Waters pretty much ruled the Chicago blues scene. His singles on the Chess Records label, such as "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Mannish Boy," became smash hits. His versions of blues songs became the standards. Even his bandmates became legitimate stars of their own.

It was a long way from Jug's Corner, Mississippi, where Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield in 1913. As a young man, Muddy (who earned his nickname from playing in the Mississippi mud) took inspiration from the playing styles of Robert Johnson and Son House, combining the former's slide technique with the latter's dark tones. "I stone got crazy when I saw somebody run down them strings with a bottleneck," Waters later said. "My eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and I said that I had to learn."

Pretty soon, the blues musician had developed a pretty unique sound of his own on the acoustic guitar.

When he was about 30 years old, he moved to Chicago (for the second time), with aspirations of finding work as a full-time musician. He soon took to playing electric guitars to be heard above the din of the rowdy Chicago crowds. His emphatic, electric performances began to win over fans, which led to recording opportunities, which spawned some hits on the R&B charts, which led to a recording contract with Aristocrat Records and then Chess (both owned by Leonard and Phil Chess), which led to Muddy's full-blown blues stardom in the early '50s.

It has been said that, during this time, Muddy Waters pretty much invented the rock and roll combo – by playing electrified blues with driving rhythms with guitar, drums, bass, piano and harmonica. Some younger, white musicians (especially in Britain) were taking notice. Muddy and his music inspired the guys that would form The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and many other '60s bands.

Of course, by the time those groups would come to prominence, Waters receded out of the spotlight a little bit. His last charting hit had come in 1958, although he and his band maintained a steady touring schedule in the '60s. As albums, and not singles, became a big deal in the music industry, Muddy took to recording theme LPs – such as 1964's Folk Singer and 1968's Electric Mud. more on this story






Singled Out: Sima's Breaking Down The Walls
Today Sima tells us about "Breaking Down The Walls" from her debut album "This Is My Truth," which is being released this week. Here is the story:

The Lyrics for "Breaking Down The Walls" was inspire by feeling of separation growing up in Israel to moving to NYC on my own not knowing anyone and trying to fit in . Also I wanted to inspire people see how negative believes and perceptions can create such barriers, walls between us. Those wall separate us in so many level if it's in relationship, our family, friends, politics in any expect of our life those walls we built for so many years to protect ourself from what we believe to be true and right and sometimes you lose ourself we forget who we really are, who we supposed to be our high propose in life. I felt the need of unity for my self feeling lost and for others.

Also personally leaving everything I knew to live my dreams come with high stakes, fears and sacrifice I had to make which wasn't easy I felt I believed in something that allot of people around me even my family couldn't understand and it wasn't easy to keep the trust when everything around says no you can't when I have many challenges to deal with on top of being in such a competitive and hard business.

The Video was inspired by me living home living Israel everything behind me. you can see me as a little girl dreaming about singing the joy I get from it and the tape was a symbol of my dreams being crashed and thrown away . The video is a realization of your past or things that hold you back or might will if you stay and sometime you get to make a choice by packing and leaving it all behind so you can be happy to live your life, be yourself and have sense of freedom. not living the life other people expect you to live. taking owner ship to the life you want to live

Today's Day In Rock News!

Eddie Van Halen Wanted To Join KISS
(Classic Rock) Gene Simmons is proud of what he told Eddie Van Halen when the guitarist begged to replace Ace Frehley in Kiss.
Simmons says events unfolded in 1982 when Kiss parted ways with guitarist Frehley. Van Halen appeared in the band's studio, where they were working on new material, and played the main theme from future hit single Jump on a synth.

Simmons spoke about it on Nikki Sixx's radio show, "So I take him to lunch across the street and he actually tells me: 'I want to join Kiss. I can't take Roth – he's driving me nuts. We're not getting along. I've got this sound in my head that I want Van Halen to do, and Roth doesn't want to do it, and we're just getting to a point where he's believing his own hype.'," Gene said. "I remember feeling proud of what I said. I said: 'Don't do it. Stay with the band you started. There's no role for you – you're too big. You cast too much of a shadow to be the guitar player in Kiss.' That's not all.



Coheed And Cambria Replace Michael Todd
(Classic Rock) Coheed And Cambria have named Zach Cooper as their new bassist after sacking Michael Todd following his arrest for armed robbery on tour last July.

Todd is awaiting trial after witnesses say he entered a drugstore and showed staff a message on his phone, saying he had a bomb which he'd detonate if they didn't give him the drugs he asked for.

He jumped in a taxi with six bottles of pills and returned to the Comcast Center, Mansfield, Massachusetts, where Coheed And Cambria were to support Soundgarden. He was arrested moments before he went on stage after the taxi driver identified him. The band dismissed him immediately.

Now they've unveiled Cooper, who's already working with them on their upcoming album. more on this story



Gregg Allman Delays Book Tour For Medical Reasons
(hennemusic) Gregg Allman has postponed the start of a book tour to promote his new memoir, "My Cross To Bear," which is due May 1.

Rolling Stone reports Gregg will undergo diagnostic cardiac testing Friday (today) at the Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida to determine whether he needs additional care stemming from his recent hernia operation. Allman received a liver transplant at the same facility back in 2010.

"I've been working on the book for years and am grateful for all the support I've received in putting it together," said Allman in a statement. "As soon as doctors give me the thumbs up to go back on the road, I will be heading out onto my book tour and I can't wait to meet all of my fans." more on this story



Motley Crue Releasing New DVD
(hennemusic) A new Motley Crue live DVD is on the way. "Motley Crue – Kickstart Live 2011" was recorded at various venues across North America last year.

The DVD will be released by Showlight/IDS/Fontana North on June 5; the same day, the Crue launch their 2012 series of dates with a show in Moscow.

After 6 weeks in Europe, the Crue team up with KISS for a North American summer tour that starts July 20 in Bristow, VA. more on this story



Jack White Already Ready For Next Album
(Gibson) Jack White's solo debut, Blunderbuss, just came out this week, but apparently the indie guitar star already has his eyes set on the follow-up. White spoke to BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe (via NME) about his stash of new tunes.

"We had enough for an album at one point, but I just kept going… I've got another 12 songs that I haven't finished yet," he said.

White is promoting Blunderbuss with a big tour, which he said is allowing him to perform all sorts of different material. "There's songs that White Stripes never really played live, or Raconteurs never really got that into, or songs that I brought to the table in a band – songs like 'Buffalo' – and now I can elaborate on them," he said, before clarifying that the tour has nothing to do with nostalgia. "It needs to be alive in the moment. It has to be something new to everybody on stage, it can't be some recreation of something from years ago. I don't wanna waste my time doing that." more on this story





Alice Cooper Voicemails Inspired Dee Snider Broadway Album
(Classic Rock) Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider was inspired to record his Broadway album after a series of missed phone calls with Alice Cooper.

They entertained each other so much with their answerphone messages it led to a demo – and it's now resulted in Dee Does Broadway, out next month.

Snider tells BackstageAxxess: "Me and Alice Cooper kept missing each other. I don't know who sang the first show tune – 'Hey Alice please call me!' – but I said, 'Dude, we should do a record.' more on this story



Life Celebrating Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary With New Book
LIFE Books is commemorating the Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary with the May 22 release of 'The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Rock 'n' Roll.'

Fifty years after they first got together, the immortal Rolling Stones are still on top, still selling out arenas around the world. It's a feat that is unparalleled in the history of rock and roll. The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Rock 'n' Roll chronicles the rise—and the occasional dramatic tumbles—of the group that's been called "the greatest rock and roll band in the world, music's original bad boys.

In this deluxe book, LIFE's editors tell the story of the Stones in more than 140 pages of remarkable photos and narrative. It begins with the band's founding—not, in fact, by Mick and Keith, who were recruited by the founders of the original "Rollin' Stones"—by the little-known figures who got the group off the ground and ultimately faded into obscurity. more on this story



Lemmy Says Motorhead Lyrics Underappreciated
(Classic Rock) Motorhead icon Lemmy Kilmister admits he'd love his lyrics to be appreciated as much as his music.

Lemmy says he's got used to people failing to appreciate the value of his words – but he still hankers after appreciation for the nuances of the verses he writes.

"Does anyone appreciate anything?" he asks. "It would be nice to be more appreciated. But it's nice to be known for anything really. Also, by now I'm used to it." more on this story



Unreleased Beatles Hard Day's Night Photos To Be Auctioned
(Gibson) Beatles fans will have a chance to get their eyes on some previously unreleased band photos that have been sitting in a family album for nearly a half-century, according to the BBC.

The photos – which include 20 black and white images – were shot in 1964 in London, while John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison filmed their movie A Hard Day's Night. Studio props manager Peter Allchorne shot the photos, ignoring the fact that photos were banned on the set. Now, Allchome, who is 87 years old, is offering up his collection for auction starting on May 19 via Omega Auctions in Cheshire, England.

Apparently, Allchome didn't even realize he was sitting on a goldmine. His daughter, Jacqueline Griffin, says her dad was never a big Beatles fan. "He doesn't have any sentimental attachment," she told BBC.com. "They're just dad's pictures. He didn't like the music, he was into jazz." more on this story





Twin Atlantic Added To Reading and Leeds Festivals
Twin Atlantic are set to perform at Reading and Leeds festivals this summer. They will be performing on the NME / BBC Radio 1 stage (Reading August 25th, Leeds August 26th).

Currently enjoying enormous support from BBC Radio 1 with their latest single - "Make A Beast Of Myself" (out now!) - Twin Atlantic recently completed a sold out UK tour and this week has seen the second biggest week of album sales since "Free" came out in the UK a year ago

UK fans will also be able to catch the group on tour with Blink-182 and All American Rejects in June. more on this story



Paul McCartney Is The Richest Music Maker in UK
Sunday Times sent us over this preview of their music millionaires list which will be published in a special edition of the paper this Sunday: Sir Paul McCartney, Britain's richest performer, moves up to third place in the latest Sunday Times Rich List Music Millionaires Top 50, thanks largely to his marriage in October to Nancy Shevell..

The chart of The Top 50 Music Millionaires in Britain and Ireland is included in The Sunday Times Rich List 2012, the definitive annual guide to wealth in Britain and Ireland to be published in an extra 104-page magazine free with The Sunday Times this weekend. The richest sportsmen will appear in The Sunday Times Sport Rich List 2012 published on May 6. Additional guides to wealth will appear at thesundaytimes.co.uk/richlist from April 29, with the Richest 2,000 people in Britain available from May 13.

The family fortune of Sir Paul McCartney has gone up by £170m in a year – from £475m to £665m – thanks largely to the personal wealth of his new wife Nancy Shevell, who has a £150m stake in New England Motor Freight, the haulage business led by her father. Nancy Shevell is vice-president of the New Jersey-based business. Performing and album sales account for the other £20m added to the McCartney fortune in the last year. more on this story



Demon Hunter Summer Tour Plans
Demon Hunter will be hitting the road this summer for two North American tours following their and European trek this spring.

The band will be on the road in support of their recently released new album, True Defiance.

Demon Hunter will headline select dates of the upcoming Scream The Prayer tour this June with support by Emery, Sleeping Giant, Mychildren Mybride, Close Your Eyes, Hundredth, The Great Commission, Gideon, A Bullet For A Pretty Boy and Your Memorial. more on this story



This Is Hell Summer Tour
This Is Hell have mapped out another round of North American headlining tour dates for this summer.

"Great American Thrash," beginning June 15th in Whitehall, Pa. and wrapping up in Ottawa, Ontario, Can. on July 22nd. The Greenery, Xerxes, Waster and Hollow Earth will support on select dates.

"North American touring in the summer is always difficult due to everyone and their mothers' band wanting to go out during summer break and hit the festivals," said guitarist, Rick Jimenez. "So we put together a super diverse package of bands we really like joining at different times throughout the tour to keep it fresh." more on this story



Lostprophets Invading North America With Album and Tour
North American Lostprophets Weapons fans be advised that the band will be releasing their new album and touring stateside this summer.

The band's new album, Weapons, will be released in North America on June 19th, 2012. The album was recorded in North Hollywood, CA at NRG Studios with producer Ken Andrews (A Perfect Circle, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club).

In support of the new album, the band is currently on a European headline tour, with support from Modstep and Young Guns, respectively, and will be touring North America throughout the summer on the Warped Tour 2012 from July 12 - Aug 5. more on this story



Van Halen Guitar Tab Book Released
(hennemusic) Van Halen fans who play guitar and want to learn their new album now can with help a guitar TAB songbook released by Alfred Music Publishing.

The book includes complete note-for-note guitar TAB transcriptions of every song on "A Different Kind Of Truth."

Released this past February, the album is the band's first with original lead singer David Lee Roth since 1984, and their first full project since 1998. more on this story



Cannibal Corpse To Torture Australia and America
Cannibal Corpse are heading Down Under this fall for a Australian tour in support of their latest album, Torture.

The trek kicks off on October 4 and will hit five cities: Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Cannibal Corpse are currently nearing the end of their U.S. Torture Tour with Exhumed, Abysmal Dawn, Arkaik but they will again tour North America when they headle the upcoming Summer Slaughter Festival 2012 which will also feature Between The Buried and Me, The Faceless, Periphery, Veil of Maya, Job For A Cowboy, Goatwhore, Exhumed, Cerebral Bore. more on this story



Gyroscope To Play Hometown Benefit Show
(CM) Gyroscope will perform live at The Benefit Show For Dana, which will take place at The Rosemount Hotel in Perth on Friday 1st of June.

The benefit show is in aid of 26 year old Dana Vulin, who two months ago fell victim to a horrendous crime in her hometown of Rivervale, Perth. An intruder broke into Dana's home confronting her and dousing her body in methylated spirits, then setting her alight. This premeditated attack has left Dana with burns to 60% of her body.

The Benefit Show For Dana will raise much needed funds to aid Dana and her family with the expenses of medical treatment, legal fees and further rehabilitation costs. Tickets for the show are $35 and go ON SALE on Monday May 30 at 9AM. All proceeds from the show to be donated to the Foundation For Dana Vulin. more on this story



Write This Down Set New Album Release
Tooth & Nail Records have set a June 5th release date for Write This Down's new album, Lost Weekend.

Hailing from Minneapolis, Johnny Collier (vocals), Chad Nichols (drums), Nate Rockwell (guitar) and Nick Lombardo (bass) released their debut self-titled album in 2010.

"There's a huge difference between our two albums, starting with the fact that the first disc was just all over the map and we were still trying to find our identity," recalls Collier. "With this one, we sat down and consciously decided to have me sing a bit grittier and not so clean, plus we've always loved having dual vocals. That turned into me doing a lot of the screaming and [guitarist] Nate [Rockwell] doing the choruses with me singing along. We found our formula on how to work and build our sound, which led to this album having a true identity." more on this story



B Sides


Adler Releases Debut Music Video
(hennemusic) Original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler, has launched the first video for his new project, Adler.

"The One That You Hated" hit iTunes on April 10, timed to sync up with the media attention Adler would receive from the Rock Hall induction with his former group.

Steven's new band features frontman Jacob Bunton (Lynam, Mars Electric), guitarist Lonny Paul (Adler's Appetite) and bassist Johnny Martin. Check out the video here.



Jack White The Featured Guest On The Colbert Report
(hennemusic) Jack White was the featured guest on Thursday's edition of The Colbert Report.

Jack joined the host to talk about his new album, "Blunderbuss," and to perform his latest single, "Freedom At 21."

White kicks off a series of US dates that begin Friday at New York's Webster Hall. Watch it here.



Queen Return To American Idol
(hennemusic) Queen were on hand Thursday for the second of back-to-back nights on American Idol.

The group's official tribute band, The Queen Extravaganza, opened the show with a performance of "Somebody To Love," and they were joined by guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor for the last half of the song.

Roger is the producer and musical director for the tour, while word is that Brian will be involved at some point. Check it out here.



Jack Makes Ozzy A Grandfather Once Again
(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne has become a grandfather for the fifth time. On Tuesday, Ozzy's son Jack and his fiancée, actress Lisa Stelly, welcomed a daughter named Pearl at a healthy 8 lbs., 6 oz. The couple were engaged last September.

Ozzy already has four grandchildren; two each from daughter Jessica and son Louis from his previous marriage to Thelma Riley.

Proud sister – and Aunt - Kelly Osbourne tweeted, "thank you so much for your congratulations but they realy should be gonig to @lisamarstelly & @mrjacko! I am one proud Auntie!" more on this story



Garbage Plan To Stick It Out
(Gibson) Garbage will break their seven-year hiatus next month with a fresh studio album, Not Your Kind of People. Speaking with Billboard.com, frontwoman Shirley Manson promised that Garbage are back in full force and have no plans to take another long break.

"I don't think it would be good for any of us," Manson said. "I think right now everyone feels in a very good place, creatively. How long everyone will have the stomach for the road I'm not sure, but I do know everybody is excited about making music, so we'll see."

Producer and drummer Butch Vig seconded her statement, insisting that Garbage "won't be going on hiatus, at least not any time in the near future. We were all pretty excited about this recording process, and I think there are a lot of ideas that are still percolating in our brain space as a band." more on this story





Singled Out: San Francisco Music Club's Te Quiero
Jimmy Dillon, who was Clarence Clemmons' guitarist and has played with Springsteen and Robert Cray, has teamed up with Lorin Rowan in San Francisco Music Club who have released their new album, 'Love and Freedom.' Today Jimmy tells us about the track "Te Quiero".

This song has a colorful history as I wrote it with my partner Lorin Rowan here in San Francisco and then had the idea of going to Havana,Cuba to record and capture the true flavor of this magical place.

Having visited the now infamous Egrem Studios on a previous trip, where Buena Vista Social Club recorded their Grammy award winning album produced by Ry Cooder, my dream was to record Te Quiero at Egrem.a

I made the journey to Cuba with my guitar and dreams of playing with some Cubanos to capture the vibe of Old Havana…as it turned out the experience was mind blowing and far exceeded my expectations!

I was introduced to drummer and band leader Geraldo Piloto by a mutual friend, Chuck Silverman who teaches at Blue Star Music Camps, a non profit kids program I run in summertime.
Geraldo is a monster drummer and director of Havana Jazz Festival.

So, I landed in Havana and felt myself transported back to the 1950's…the old vintage Chevy's, waves breaking on the Malecon and everywhere the sound of Musica de Cuba…the divine decadence of a long forgotten time when gangsters and Mambo Kings
mingled with the great jazz players from America.

I went to Geraldo's modest home in Marianao and we sat down to speak the universal language of music…. I played him "Te Quiero" and we wrote the arrangement together on the back of an old cardboard box…
Geraldo helped me with some of the lyrics and I learned a bit of "Ritmo de Cuba" from a true master.

We set the time for the following sunday 6pm at Egrem. My dream was coming true…

I arrived early and checked out this classic studio in the old, still elegant section of Miramar. One by one the musicians arrived and I realized how incredibly fortunate I was to be recording where not only the Buena Vista Social Club had made history, but was also told of many rum soaked sessions in the 40's and 50's that were also epic jazz collaborations. If the walls could talk!

The band is called "Klimax" one of the hottest in Cuba. We cut the basics in classic Cuban style with timbales, congas, upright "Baby Bass" and acoustic piano, and I played nylon string. Once we got a take that felt right we overdubbed the trumpet solo, Geraldo played some brilliant brushes on the trap set and we added a string flourish on the chorus.

I have some video footage of the session and a great reel of the whole band dancing to the track. Luckily we had it all on pro tools so I was able to "smuggle" the tracks back into the US and add vocals to the final mix.

I will never forget my experience in Cuba and playing with so many fantastic musicians and singers…I was truly humbled by the virtuosity of the players and their generous spirit to collaborate with a "gringo" from "Yuma" as they call America.

Thanks for listening to my story and I hope you enjoy "Te Quiero" and our new CD "Love and Freedom"

Abrazos,
Jimmy Dillon

NEW BOSTON ALBUM...IN 2013:

NEW BOSTON ALBUM...IN 2013:
Plenty of folks have been asking about any studio updates on the band Boston. Well, good news and bad. Good news is that yes, the band has recording plans for a new studio album, but won't look at completing the album until next year. All that is on the schedule for 2012 is the upcoming 40 date tour run. Stay tuned.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Jimi Hendrix, Elvis and Kurt Cobain For Hologram Resurrection?
(Classic Rock) One of the chiefs behind the controversial Tupac hologram says he'd love to bring back big rock icons in the digital interactive format in the future.
Crowds at the Coachella Festival were shocked earlier this month when a computer-generated version of the rapper, murdered in 1996, performed on stage with Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg.

But Sanj Surati of Musion Technology tells the NME: "Putting Elvis on stage with Justin Bieber would be a cool thing." Asked who else he'd like to bring back he says: "Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain – and Michael Jackson would be the ultimate one. This is obviously a historic and exciting initiative."

More rock news including Dream Theater and Def Leppard album news and more. more on this story



Slash Is Done With Guns N' Roses
(hennemusic) Less than two weeks after Guns N' Roses were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Slash has offered his thoughts on the event.

Speaking with Rolling Stone from Europe, where he continues his worldwide promotion of the May 22 release of his sophomore solo album, "Apocalyptic Love," the guitarist talked openly about his pre- and post-induction impressions and that the Rock Hall experience has brought some closure for Slash.

"Yeah, I think it did that for all of us. I didn't have any illusions or delusions of GNR getting back together for anything," he says. "I maybe tried to see it happen for this one particular event, I didn't have high hopes for that, I didn't feel confident it was going to happen, but having done this one gig, and for the event itself, when it was all said and done, it really felt like closing the book on the whole thing." A lot more from Slash here.



Beach Boys Preview New Song
(Gibson) The Beach Boys have unveiled a clip of the first single from their forthcoming reunion album. Titled "That's Why God Made the Radio," the retro-sounding song harks back to the harmony-laden pop formula the band forged in the mid-'60s.

"It's a sentimental thing for me," says Brian Wilson, speaking in the clip." We've been together 50 years – that's a long time." Mike Love adds: "Conceptually, the album is not going to be anything outlandish or silly, like Smiley Smile. It will be like the Beach Boys circa '65. I'm trying to write lyrics that fit the music without making it sound like you're writing from a hospice."

The Beach Boys split acrimoniously in the '90s, and went on to tour in separate configurations. Last year, they agreed to put aside their differences and stage a reunion tour. On Tuesday (April 24), the band's Brian Johnston announced the band will release a new studio album on June 5. To watch a clip featuring the new single, click here.





Deftones' Chino And Isis Members Form Palms
Deftones' vocalist Chino Moreno has teamed up with three former members of Isis (Aaron Harris, Clifford Meyer and Jeff Caxide) to form a new group called Palms who will be releasing their debut album this year.

"Clifford, Jeff and I started Palms a little over a year ago out of a desire to continue making music together after ISIS ended," explained Harris. "Chino joined shortly after and our sound took shape from there. We've worked really hard on this first release and are excited for people to hear it. It's nice to be back behind the drum kit, and with this line up."

"Being a huge ISIS fan I've always dug the moods these dudes convey with their sound," added Moreno. "I am excited to combine my sense of creativity with theirs, and to have fun doing so." more on this story



Great White Accuse Jack Russell of Lip-synching
(Classic Rock) Great White's Mark Kendall, Michael Lardie and Adie Desbrow have filed a counterclaim against frontman Jack Russell, alleging he forced them to mime shows on a European tour because he couldn't carry out singing duties well enough.

Russell last month served papers against his former colleagues for continuing to use the band name while he was working on a project called Jack Russell's Great White. Later he said: "That's not Great White – who are they kidding? I fired them all on December 10."

The three long-standing musicians hired XYZ singer Terry Illous to carry out a 30th anniversary tour and later decided to start creating new material, following a number of incidents which left Russell too ill to work.

Responding to their ex-singer's lawsuit, they've now filed their own 30-page document.... read their claims here.



Iron Maiden May Take Different Direction
(Classic Rock) Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith says the band might abandon their recent trend of writing long prog-rock style tracks, and return to creating material that could be released as singles.

Maiden's 15th studio release, 2010's The Final Frontier, featured 10 tracks of which The Alchemist was the shortest at 4.29 – but the average song lasted 7.40 with When The Wild Wind Blows clocking in at 10.59.

Smith says he's not sure how that happened, but it might be because he, Dickinson and bassist Steve Harris stopped composing separately. He tells VH1's That Metal Show: "On the last couple of albums Steve, Bruce and me have written together, which is a new thing. Steve used to bringing three, four, five completed songs. But now he's doing more arranging, production, overseeing. We sit down and write, and that's reflected in the slightly different stuff." More including his retelling of how the band's plane was diverted from the Japanese tsunami.



Jack Blades Wants To Record Album With Cheap Trick Frontman
(Classic Rock) Jack Blades had so much fun in a four-hour studio session with Robin Zander that he wants them to do a full album together.

The Night Ranger and Cheap Trick frontmen got together one afternoon to collaborate on a track for Blades' new solo record, Rock'n'Roll Ride.

But the afternoon went so well they came up with three songs – and now Blades, who also fronted 'supergroup' the Damn Yankees, wants to do more. more on this story



Dio Disciples Singer Apologizes To Fans After Festival Falls Apart
(Classic Rock) Dio Disciples singer Toby Jepson says he's sorry for fans after his band travelled 15,000 miles to play the Metal Open Air Festival in Brazil last weekend – only to discover 30 bands had pulled out and even the sound and light companies had gone home.

The three-day event was billed as South America's answer to the successful Wacken Open Air extravaganza in Germany.

But a stack of big names – including headliners the Rock-N-'Roll Allstars plus Saxon, Anthrax and Blind Guardian – subsequently refused to appear, reporting they hadn't been paid. Another headliner, Venom, said their South American work visas had been mistakenly sent to Africa! After a handful of acts including first-night headliners Megadeth had performed seven hours late, the plug was finally pulled. more on this story



Jack White To Score Disney's The Lone Ranger
(Gibson) Jack White has been hired to write, produce and perform the score for an upcoming film adaptation of The Lone Ranger, Variety.com has reported. The Walt Disney Pictures project is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who said, "Jack's an amazing songwriter with a unique style. We're thrilled to hear his fresh take on the 'William Tell Overture.'"

Bruckheimer said the idea to recruit White came from actor Johnny Depp and film director Gore Verbinski. "Gore hatched the idea and Johnny was thrilled with it," Bruckheimer said. "We're all very excited to have [White] on board."

White has never scored an entire film, but he did write a song for the 2008 James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, and performed a track for 2007's Cold Mountain. Starring Depp and Armie Hammer, The Lone Ranger is currently being filmed in New Mexico. The film is slated for release on May 31, 2013. more on this story





Singer Angry at Quiet Riot Over Firing While He Was In The Hospital
(Classic Rock) Former Quiet Riot singer Mark Huff insists he deserves more respect than the band showed by sacking him while he was fighting for his life.

He was diagnosed with a brain disorder after collapsing in January, four months after he'd signed up to front the band following the 2007 death of original singer Kevin DuBrow. By the time Huff left hospital two weeks later, he'd been dismissed – but he only found out through online news reports.

In a statement that caused controversy among fans, drummer Frankie Banali said: "Mr Huff's medical condition had nothing to do with the decision that was made, though it's unfortunate that it comes at such a time. A certified letter was sent informing Mark of the decision and why it was made. Unless he decides to make the reason public, which I believe would be counterproductive for him, I will not go tit-for-tat. If certain persons wish to villainies me that is their prerogative."

Now Huff tells Sleaze Roxx: "I had been signed on for the year. I had dates, I had flight itineraries and I was ready to go. This came out of nowhere. I understand people need to get back to work but I'm not happy at how they went about it." more on this story



Van Halen Release Limited Edition
(hennemusic) Van Halen have just released a limited edition 7-inch vinyl single of their new song, "She's The Woman."

The vinyl single will be available for free starting Friday May 4, with purchase of the band's new album "A Different Kind of Truth" at participating record stores around the U.S.

Van Halen continue their tour in support of the album; this week, the band plays Charlotte, NC (Wed), Nashville (Fri) and St. Louis (Sun). more on this story



Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam To Headline Music Midtown Festival
(Gibson) Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam are among the acts slated to headline this year's Music Midtown festival in Atlanta. The two-day event, which also features Ludacris and T.I. as headliners, will take place in downtown Atlanta's Piedmont Park.

Pearl Jam's appearance is expected to be the only U.S. concert the band will perform this year. Other acts on the bill include Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Florence and the Machine and The Avett Brothers. Tickets are priced at $55 for one day and $100 for both days, with VIP packages ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Live Nation Atlanta president Peter Conlon said, "The thing we didn't have time to do last year was [work on] diversification. This year we have a very diverse lineup. I also wanted an Atlanta feel because this is an Atlanta festival." more on this story





Phil Lesh & Friends, Gov't Mule Lead Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Phil Lesh & Friends, Gov't Mule, and the B-52s are set to headline the 19th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival.

The festival is set to take place September 14-16, 2012 and will also feature performances from Chris Robinson Brotherhood, MarchFourth Marching Band, Tab Benoit, Little Hurricane and The Lee Boys, with many more acts to be announced.

"We are extremely excited with the lineup this year in Telluride," said Steve Gumble, Festival Director. "The festival weekend boasts amazing and legendary musical talent with much more to come!" more on this story



The Acacia Strain Release New Song
The Acacia Strain self released their new song, "Servant In The Place of Truth," digitally on iTunes and Amazon.com this week.

With thier recent signing to Rise Records, the band wanted to put out something new in between labels for fans to enjoy. "As you can see, we aren't changing at all, only working harder to write the best tunes that we are proud of that the fans enjoy." states guitarist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz. "We are really stoked on this song and are glad people are liking it."

The band will continue to write and will be recording over the next few months with a release scheduled for October on Rise Records. More importantly, where will they be recording and with who? Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz will be producing, engineering and mixing the album in his studio in Western Mass. more on this story


Singled Out: Well Excuse Me, Princess's Bang Head Here
Today Well Excuse Me, Princess frontwoman Jess Goldey tells us about their debut single "Bang Head Here". WEMP is a new band featuring members of My Turn to Win, District 9/Fahrenheit 451, Dominican Day Parade, and Gorilla Biscuits. Here is the story:

Right from the start it's blatantly obvious that "Bang Head Here" is about a boy I've had interest in at some point in my life. I actually wrote it about my ex-boyfriend and shortly thereafter he broke up with me. He lived in Florida and I lived in Philly, and he gave me some cowardly reason for wanting to break up (don't they always?) instead of just shooting me straight by saying he didn't have an interest in being in a relationship with me. He blamed it on his mom and dad not wanting to help him pay for college if he moved out of state, and said he wanted to do an aid-relief program that pretty much required a college degree so he needed to finish school. At the time I understood and supported that, but I realize now that it was just an excuse to make breaking up with me "easier" for him.

So here I was playing the role of idiot that thought, "Gee golly this boy sure is special!", and wrote this song about him and how amazing he was. He was the ambitious but stubborn type, so I made some hogwash up in my head that he just didn't want the hassle of trying to make our long distance relationship work. I thought if I could show him it would be fun and easy then we could be together and it would be perfect. I borrowed the last line of the song from Jawbreaker's "Ache" not only because it's fitting, but because he put that song on a mix CD he made and told me it was his favorite. I'd like to think that the lyrics to this song are extremely straightforward. "Hidden meanings" are cool for philosophy class but when I write/hear music I like it to be fairly straight to the point. Life would just be so much easier if everything and everyone were straight forward--always.

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



B Sides


Queen Bring Some Rock To American Idol
(hennemusic) Queen were on hand to bring some rock to American Idol Wednesday night. The band's Brian May and Roger Taylor opened the show by performing a medley of Queen classics with the top 6 Idol contestants.

The group ripped through abbreviated versions of "Fat Bottomed Girls," "Another One Bites The Dust," "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions."

Each of the Idol hopefuls also sang a Queen track during the first hour of the show. Check out video here.



The Cult Release For The Animals Video
(hennemusic) The Cult have released the music video to "For The Animals," the new single from their forthcoming album, "Choice Of Weapon."

The album will be available May 22 in North America. Three days later, the band kicks off a North American tour, starting May 25 in San Diego.

The 20-date tour will include openers Against Me! and The Icarus Line. Until then, check out the new video here.



Mick Jagger Saved Joe Satriani's Career
(Classic Rock) Joe Satriani was ready to abandon the music industry when Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger hired him.

The guitar virtuoso was losing $8,000 a week on a failing tour in 1988 as he struggled to promote his album Surfing With The Alien – then Jagger added him to his touring band. The six-stringer has never looked back from there.

Satriani, now with supergroup Chickenfoot, tells Noisecreep: "They're some of the most fantastic memories I have in life – and it actually pretty much may have saved my career. Talk about a random event you'd never expect to happen. more on this story


Sebastian Bach Appears In Adults Only Season Finale
Sebastian Bach returns to Jason M. Burns's web TV comedy series "Adults Only" this week.

The season finale went online this week (on YouTube and funnyordie.com) and Sebastian Bach makes his second appearance in it.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Limp Bizkit's Borland Vs Dream Theater
(Classic Rock) Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland has wound up red-faced and awkward after he unleashed a barrage of tweets slamming Dream Theater – then former drummer Mike Portnoy replied.
Borland called the prog metal giants "Cheese Theater" and described them as mathematicians and not musicians. He insisted he was entitled to say what he wanted as a member of the world's most hated band… ie. Limp Bizkit.

The eccentrically-clad axeman – who wouldn't look out of place in some of the prog world's most outrageous stages – started his rant three days ago by tweeting: "Please explain to me what there is to like about Dream Theater. Please."

Then he continued: "I know I'm in Limp Bizkit, one of the most hated bands in the world. But these guys can NOT write songs. Not a band. Musicians are not mathematicians. Feeling and soul over technique and speed. Not buying it, and never will." But things take a strange twist once Portnoy gets involved!



Kiss, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses Rock 'N' Roll Allstars Cancel Concerts
(hennemusic) The Rock 'N' Roll All Stars have canceled their series of Central and South American concerts, with the exception of an April 27 show in Lima, Peru.

The All Stars are made up KISS' Gene Simmons, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Sebastian Bach, three former members of Guns N' Roses, and players from The Cult, Alice In Chains, Collective Soul and Black Country Communion.

The rock supergroup have released the following statement: "Rock 'N' Roll Allstars regret to inform our fans that the shows we had scheduled in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala and Venezuela have been cancelled. An incredible effort was made to work with local promoters to bring our show to the fans but they made it impossible for us to do so. We are saddened that we will not be coming to Central America and will do everything possible to ensure that our fans receive refunds for all tickets purchased. more on this story



Soundgarden Box Set Coming
(hennemusic) While the reunited Soundgarden continue to work on their first new album in more than 15 years, the band is offering up a new box set next month.

Due May 21, "The Classic Album Selection" will contain the original A&M recordings of Soundgarden's seminal albums, "Louder Than Love" (1989), "Badmotorfinger" (1991), "Superunknown" (1994) and "Down On The Upside" (1996) plus last year's live record of the band's 1996 West Coast tour, "Live On I-5" (2011).

The albums will be presented as a set of mini-LPs in gatefold wallets with booklets and exclusive new artwork designed by widely acclaimed designer and long-term Soundgarden collaborator Josh Graham. more on this story

More on Soundgarden - Soundgarden Music - Soundgarden Tour Dates/Tickets - Soundgarden CDs, vinyl and rarities
5FDP, Killswitch Engage, Trivium and More For Trespass America Festival
Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, Pop Evil, Emmure, God Forbid and Battlecross will be teaming up this summer for a North American tour dubbed the Trespass America Festival.

The tour is set to kick off on July 13 at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, and will cover 31 cities in two months between July and August.

The idea for Trespass America came about as a way to bring heavy music to big venues across the country. Five Finger Death Punch's Zoltan Bathory explained, "When you walk through the Trespass America gate, you will be in a different territory, a new environment. You're not just coming to see a band. It's going to be a traveling circus that has all the attraction and excitement that creates an experience. We wanted to build the biggest stage we could and make this festival as visually unforgettable as possible, really give fans their money's worth, give them an experience where they will want to say, 'I was there.' We also wanted to play as many indoor venues as possible so all bands on the bill, no matter how early they play, would have a full light show with full production. We want to make Trespass America a theme-park-thrill-ride for metalheads." more on this story



Aerosmith Star Questions 60 Minutes Editing
(Classic Rock) Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton has accused TV producers of carefully editing band interviews in order to trap frontman Steven Tyler.

He's branded the people behind CBS flagship news magazine 60 Minutes as "brutal" for their work – and says he and his colleagues were forced into a state of nerves because of presenter Lara Logan's low-cut top.

The feature saw Hamilton, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford listing the things they didn't like about Tyler, who was then shown edited footage, leading him to say: "I think my busting everyone's chops is what got this band to where it is. I get the hits. Yeah, I'm that good."

The bassist insists their quotes were taken out of context. read more here.



Flying Burrito Brothers' Chris Ethridge Dead at 65
(Gibson) Chris Ethridge, best known for his work with the Flying Burrito Brothers, has passed away. Billboard reported that Ethridge, the seminal country rock band's bass player, died after a spell in a hospital. He was 65.

Ethridge was an original member of the Flying Burrito Brothers alongside Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, and "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow. Hillman, who was in The Byrds before forming the Burrito Brothers said via e-mail:

"Chris was multi-talented; a great bass player, and a great songwriter. His collaborations as co-writer, with Gram Parsons, on 'Hot Burrito 1,' 'Hot Burrito 2' and 'She,' are classics. He was a joy to work with and a joy to know." more on this story





Motorhead and Anthrax Team Up For New Tour
Motorhead's The World Is Your 2012 Tour including a spot on this year's Mayhem Festival with Slipknot, Slayer and Anthrax and now the band has mapped out an additional trek with Anthrax.

Motorhead have announced plans to reunite with Mayhem tourmates Anthrax this fall for a European tour.

The trek kicks off on November 5th in Wolverhampton, England and will hit cities in the UK, France, Holland and Germany. more on this story



The Buzzcocks To Play With Howard Devoto For The First Time Since 1977
(Gibson) The Buzzcocks have revealed they will reunite on stage with founding member Howard Devoto. It will be the first time Devoto has played with the band since he quit in 1977 and formed Magazine.

Co-founder Pete Shelley told Mojo magazine: "We've been discussing it for two-and-a-half, three years. I remember talking to our promoter, and he said that if you have a story, it's possible to do bigger venues. And a good story was to get back with Howard. We thought, that's something for when hell freezes over!"

Devoto thinks it will be a "blast." He told Mojo: "Will it be a strict four songs and off? We'll see. I'm from the side of the fence that says you should never overlook an opportunity to be brief. It's going to be the best kind of blast – a brief one."

[Day in Rock extra} The band's website confirms where it will happen with this: Two very special shows featuring Howard Devoto, John Maher, Steve Garvey, and of course the current lineup of Pete Shelley & Steve Diggle, Danny Farrant & Chris Remington!

Manchester, May 25 | London, May 26, 2012 more on this story





The Beatles: The Lost Concert Coming To Theaters
The Beatles first concert in the United States, which hasn't been seen in over four decades, is the focus of "The Beatles: The Lost Concert" which will be hitting theaters on May 17 & 22. Screenvision sent out these details:

Limited Engagement Features Interviews with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Chuck Berry, Duffy, Mark Ronson, Promoter Sid Bernstein, Louise Harrison and Many More

The story of their historic arrival in America and the impact they had is revealed through new interviews with more than 20 Beatles' associates, journalists, disc jockeys, concert attendees, historians and music luminaries and archival footage of the Fab Four. The list includes Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, rock pioneer Chuck Berry, super producer Mark Ronson, journalists Maureen Cleave, Larry Kane and Ed Rudy, concert promoter Sid Bernstein, Beatle George's sister Louise Harrison, The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi, chart-topping U.K. songstress Duffy, renown Beatles historian Bruce Spizer, and Mike Mitchell, whose recently unearthed photos of the event are seen throughout the movie. more on this story



New Scott Weiland Song For Avengers Assemble
Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland has contributed a brand new song to the Avengers Assemble compilation inspired by the film "Marvel's The Avengers."

The track, "Breathe," was co-produced by Weiland's long-time collaborator Doug Grean, marks the release of Weiland's first solo material since last year's surprisingly light-hearted Christmas album, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Avengers Assemble is set for release on May 1st on Marvel Music/Hollywood Records and also features music from Soundgarden, Shinedown, Rise Against and Pusherjones, and more. "Marvel's The Avengers" opens in theaters nationwide on May 4th. more on this story



Heart Giving Fans Led Zeppelin Bonus
(Gibson) Fans who purchase Heart's new Strange Euphoria box set via Amazon will get a special bonus. The classic rockers have included five of their infamous Led Zeppelin covers on an extra disc – in addition to the set's three CDs and one DVD.

Ann and Nancy Wilson – who are famous Zep fans – cover "Going to California," "Battle of Evermore," "What is and What Should Never Be," "Immigrant Song" and "Misty Mountain Hop" on the "Heart Zeppish" CD, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.

The rest of the Strange Euphoria set (due June 5) contains demo and live versions of songs from Heart's four-decade history, including many of their biggest hits, from "Crazy on You" to "Barracuda" to "These Dreams." A DVD features the band's 1976 Dreamboat Annie TV performance. more on this story





The Cory Smoot Experiment Coming in June
Metal Blade Records have set a June 5th release date for late Gwar guitarist Cory Smoot's solo project, with all proceeds set to benefit the Smoot Family Fund. We were sent these details:

The Cory Smoot Experiment was recorded in 2010 at Cory's Karma Studios, where Gwar, Municipal Waste, and many others have laid down tracks. The songs were originally meant for a concept album called "Religion is Fiction". Cory was going to lay down all the tracks and then get some of his favorite singers from the internationally-acclaimed Richmond metal scene to do the vocals, including Gwar lead singer Dave Brockie and Lamb of God's Randy Blythe. Unfortunately this didn't happen due to scheduling problems but that didn't mean the end of the project. Cory went ahead and recorded the vocals himself and re-named the project The Cory Smoot Experiment, completing the entire package just before his final tour with GWAR in the fall of 2012.

After his passing, Gwar and Metal Blade set up the Smoot Family Fund to help provide for Cory's family. All proceeds from this album will be donated to this fund. more on this story



Afghan Whigs Announce US Show With Eagles Of Death Metal
The Afghan Whigs will be playing a special show at Terminal 5 in New York City on October 5th with special guests Eagles Of Death Metal. SKH provided these details:

The Afghan Whigs (who have reunited after a 13 year hiatus) have announced 23 worldwide shows to date for 2012 including performances at Lollapalooza, ATP's I'll Be Your Mirror (London & NJ), Primavera Sound (Barcelona & Portugal) among numerous others.

The New York City show is the first non-festival appearance going on sale in North America. more on this story



Ume and Life and Times Tour
Ume will be teaming up with Life and Times this June for a coheadlining tour of North American.

The tour is set to kick off in Ume's hometown of Austin, TX on June 8th and wind down in Denver, Colorado on June 19th.

Ume continue to tour in support of Phantoms, their full-length album which was released in August of 2011. more on this story



Nile Set New Album Release
(Fresno) Nile have set a July 3rd release date for its their new studio album, At The Gate Of Sethu.

Neil Kernon (Cannibal Corpse, Macabre) handled production duties for Nile's seventh full-length.

Nile recently wrapped up a U.S. tour in support of The Black Dahlia Murder, which concluded with a performance at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival on Friday night.



Clutch, Prong and Lionize Summer Tour
(Freeman) Clutch will be hitting the road this summer for a North American headlining tour with Prong and Lionize.

The tour is scheduled to kick off July 11th in Fayetteville, AR and currently scheduled to wrap up on July 22nd in Richmond, VA.

Clutch will also be returning to Europe this festival season. The band has been confirmed for the Sonisphere Festival in Madrid Spain on May 26th and the Peace and Love Festival in Borlänge, Sweden on June 29th. more on this story



Joe Satriani Delivers Satchurated: Live in Montreal
This week Joe Satriani delivered his Satchurated: Live in Montreal on 3D Blu-ray, DVD and Soundtrack CD. We were sent these details:

The live recordings for Satchurated were produced by Satriani and Mike Fraser while the concert was filmed by Pierre & François Lemoureaux.

Satchurated was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience during Satriani's "The Wormhole Tour", supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada. The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by Grammy and Emmy award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. Satchurated: Live in Montreal was recently released for a limited engagement on March 1, 2012 to select theatres throughout the country. The high-definition recording makes Satriani's performance as much a pleasure to see by DVD, as it is to hear by CD.



Singled Out: The ColourSound's Guilty For The First Time
Today Doug Batt, the frontman for indie band The ColourSound, tells us about the band's new single "Guilty For The First Time". Here is the story:

I wrote Guilty for the First Time in the first person (but it's not autobiographical) and it only refers to the stumbling drunk/drug abuser/liar as "you" to keep it universal. I really don't know if the drunk or speaker is male or female nor does it matter. It is a relationship in which two people love each other. I think the speaker is an adult because he/she is canvassing guys in the bar room for information. A child may not have that access, but envisioning the speaker as a fairly precocious child adds innocence and even more sadness. It is a dark tune after all. One reviewer described it using the word "prog" (I'm sure to mean progressive rock) but the verb really means to skulk around in search of something - which I thought was just the perfect imagery for the mood of this song. If the double meaning was intentional – cheers! For the sake of this piece, I'll refer to the speaker as male just because I am singing and the drunk as female just because I don't think I'd get that bent out of shape about a male friend coming home drunk all the time.

I was raised in a catholic household, so religious imagery often insinuates itself into my lyrics. I try to temper my treatment of it out of respect. The bible being fingered while the abandoned one waits is an allusion to the broken promise (probably more than once) both to the speaker and to God. The drunk does try to sneak in, so she is not overtly flaunting this destruction, and the speaker straightening his posture indicates readiness – prepared to express something long overdue.

The second verse backtracks into the speaker's head. It shows what led to this plan of attack. He has found out the necessary information and is willing to admit that he has been in denial but has had enough.

For me, the key to this song – what makes it a little different from the traditional "drunk destroys family" story - is not the fact that the drunk got called out for the first time, it's that she feels guilty for the first time – and the speaker recognizes that. For the first time this woman, for whom he has eagerly waited to come around, has seen the error of her way. So while the concept is still depressing, perhaps there is still hope in the fact that one of these times may be the last time . . . but probably not.





B Sides


Vocalists Alter Slash's Style
(hennemusic) Slash visited was CBC Radio's cultural affairs show, "Q." The guitarist sat down with host Jian Ghomeshi to discuss a variety of topics, including how Slash's style works with the variety of singers he's partnered with through the years.

"I would think that my style changes a little bit to fit with the accompanying vocal," Slash explains. "I have a certain whatever [sound] that's me, but I think my approach alters a little bit depending on who I'm working with."

"Guitar, for me, is actually its own version of singing," he adds, "And so it has to interact with the person who's doing the actual, verbal singing…so it really influences the notes you pick in certain places." Watch the interview here.



The Name Is Alice Cooper
(Classic Rock) Alice Cooper and Tommy Clufetos share their frustrations over what people call them in trailer for guitarist's upcoming TV show. Alice Cooper gets frustrated when people shout his real name… and Tommy Clufetos wishes his bandmates could just get his right.

Their admissions come in a trailer released by Alice guitarist Ryan Roxie, who's gearing up to launch his TV show, All Excess.

In the light-hearted clips the shock-rock pioneer, who's currently Roxie's boss, discusses the fact his real name is Vincent Furnier, saying: "Even my mum is wrong when she calls me Vince. When I'm walking through the mall and you go, 'Hey, Vince,' I stop and go, 'If Elton John was here would you go, Hey, Reggie?'" More including a video preview



Remembering Albert King
(Gibson) Albert King was born on this day in 1923. Gibson takes a look back: Known as one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with B.B. and Freddie), he was a hero to such titans of the instrument as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and he brought the Flying V to prominence with his beloved "Lucy." But the circumstances of his early years were hardly regal.

King was born under the name Albert Nelson on a cotton plantation in rural Indianola, Mississippi. Somehow he managed to feed himself well enough, at a table shared with 12 brothers and sisters, to grow to a robust size of 6'4" and 250 pounds. It was a frame built on hard work in the family fields, especially after the Nelsons moved to Forrest City, Arkansas in 1931. But amid the blisters and sweat of everyday life there was music—blues and gospel music. Young Albert learned to sing in the fields and at church, where he performed with a family gospel group. And then there was the music he loved, the guitar-based music of Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lonnie Johnson. Piercing slide, powerful bends, single notes that spoke volumes—these were the things that the young man they would later call "King" picked up in the fields and, later, in the juke joints of the South and Midwest.

Young Albert Nelson had taught himself to play on a homemade, cigar-box guitar, upgrading to the real thing around the time the Nelsons moved to Arkansas. Being left-handed, he found it a challenge learning on a right-handed guitar—strung for a right-handed player. But he stuck with it and eventually started sitting in with Yancey's Band in Forrest City.

As he grew older (and larger), Nelson began to get work on construction sites, where he acquired the nickname, "The Velvet Bulldozer." Moving around the Midwest in search of work, he played in clubs whenever he could, first in St. Louis and later in South Bend, Indiana, where he sang in a gospel group called The Harmony Boys.