Today's Day in Rock News !

Today's Day in Rock


Pre-Guns N' Roses Axl Rose Demo Posted Online
(hennemusic) An audio sample of Axl Rose's pre-Guns N' Roses band Rapidfire has surfaced online. Portions of the track "Ready To Rumble" are being shared by Rapidfire guitarist Kevin Lawrence, who along with Roses, bassist Mike Hammernick and drummer Chuck Gordon made up the group.
Axl joined Rapidfire shortly after his arrival in Los Angeles; the band recorded a 5-song demo on May 25, 1983, which included "Ready To Rumble."

When Rapidfire disbanded, Rose joined the first lineup of L.A. Guns before forming Hollywood Rose with Izzy Stradlin. Axl would later form Guns N' Roses with Tracii Guns and two other members of L.A. Guns. Check it out here.




Nine Inch Nails Secretly Worked On New Album That's Due This Year
(Radio.com) Nine Inch Nails has inked a new deal with Columbia Records, and are finishing up work on a new album that will be released before the end of this year.

"I've been less than honest about what I've really been up to lately," the band's frontman and mastermind Trent Reznor said on the official NIN Tumblr page. "For the last year I've been secretly working non-stop with Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder on a new, full-length Nine Inch Nails record, which I am happy to say is finished and frankly f****** great.

"This is the real impetus and motivation behind the decision to assemble a new band and tour again. My forays into film, HTDA (How to Destroy Angels) and other projects really stimulated me creatively and I decided to focus that energy on taking Nine Inch Nails to a new place. Here we go!"

The latest incarnation of Nine Inch Nails features musicians Adrian Belew, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Eustis and Robin Finck, who recently replaced a departed Eric Avery (formerly of Jane's Addiction), who left to work on other projects.

The new line-up is set to make an impression on this year's festival seasons, with appearances lined up at Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Made in America and more. more on this story





Van Halen Engineer Threatened To Burn 5150 Tapes
(Classic Rock) Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones has recalled his "crazy sh*t" experience of producing Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar. He had to contend with an engineer who didn't want him there – and even threatened to burn the master tapes at one point.

He was hired to work on 5150 after Van Halen split with David Lee Roth – but before they started in late 1985, old friend Hagar gave him a word of warning.

Jones tells Ultimate Classic Rock: "Sammy picked me up at the hotel. We were driving to Eddie's studio and we were talking about the old days. Finally he said, 'I've got to tell you, Mick, all of that was wild and crazy – but we're just about to walk into another dimension of that. I wasn't going to tell you, but you'd better get ready for some crazy sh*t now.'"

He ran into issues with engineer Donn Landee, who'd worked on all six of Van Halen's previous albums with producer Ted Templeman. "Here was I, walking in from a completely different place," Jones says. "I got a feeling at the beginning from Donn – he wasn't particularly thrilled to see me, I don't think.

"We went through some crazy times. The engineer locked himself in the studio for a day and threatened to burn the tapes. It was a real standoff, you know? It was touch and go whether the tapes were going to survive." more.




Alice in Chains Star Addresses Fan Criticism
(Banana 101.5) Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney sat down with Banana 101.5 for an exclusive interview at Rock on the Range and discussed at length his thoughts on the fans that want nothing to do with the current lineup of the band.

Our Rock on the Range 2013 interview with Sean Kinney of Alice in Chains got off to a rocky start, with the first few questions not really heading in the direction we expected. After that, we asked Sean how he would address the fans of Alice in Chains that bash them online for continuing after the tragic passing of Layne Staley. What followed was an emotional and thoughtful conversation about the band's past and present that Sean admitted he had never spoken about at such lengths.

"I always have the chance to address those people, I mean, it's personal choice. They don't have to like it. We're not designed for everybody. We never [begged] anybody to follow this or dig it. We do it because we like it. I get the passion that they have about our friends that are no longer here and that they've made a connection through music to that and I respect that, you know? I think it's great that they care so much. But it can be off putting, you know? We don't really look at that stuff. There's always this [white noise] about things for the most part it seems like a minority mind set.

"The fact is, like everybody here, they're going to run up to the fact that people you love and care about and yourself won't be here and what do you do then? This was never a solo project this is always a band. This is real to us. Those are really our friends, those are all my best friends. Nobody knows better of what do and how to handle this than us and were not doing it for the 'money' … [the music industry] is dead. There's not a lot of money, especially in rock and roll. So, I mean, we don't need the money. We do this for the same reason we always did and more than half the reason I ever did this at all was bringing that that we did together — that was so important to us and that had a life of its own — to be able to bring them with us and the music and that's important.

"If people wanna close their minds to those things, these things will happen to them. It's just not on a public forum where people have to deal with it. When your mom dies not everybody starts telling you, 'you gotta change your name' and 'how dare you go on living' and 'you can't be you and do things, you need to change your job and everything you spent your life doing… your career.' It's just not well thought out, but it's based behind passion and caring.

"I have those same hopes too, you know? Trust me, nobody wished… nobody wanted it to be like this. It truly only affects — every single day — our friends, families and us in a real way. So we live with that and try to move on and how do we honor the past and honor who we are now — and it's our past — and do that as men and that's what we do.

"I'm talking more than I know I have about this, I guess. When those guys were alive right? Mike [Starr] is on a TV show and everybody is talking sh*t about him for the most part, right? And when Layne was alive and we were doing this, we were very open about the lifestyles we lived and those lifestyles will end your life… and they have. Jerry [Cantrell] and I are just fortunate that it didn't end ours either. It's not like it was one guy doing things. We all lived a pretty toxic lives and that's not rare to music. We're not an exception to the rule, but the horrible facts are [that] these are the outcomes of those things.

"Some of these people, back then, spent all their time chastising these people and trying to vilify us for what we were doing then and then when they're no longer here, which I find is really nice, they come to accept that and hold them in a different regard. So I think that's great, but it can be a little misguided sometimes.

"In my fantasy, world maybe if those guys would've known that people cared like they apparently do now while they were alive would they have heard that. Would they have known. But these are the facts. This is reality. This is the reality we live with… it's real to me, you know? Every day… there's not a day we don't think about that stuff and it'll go on for the rest of our lives. This is why I do it. I'm not out here to play rock star and everything. We do this because were great friends and we spent our lives doing this and we still enjoy the music." Stream the full interview and read more here.





Queens of the Stone Age Streaming New Album Online
(Radio.com) While Queens of the Stone Age's new album, ...Like Clockwork, is set for release on June 4, the album is currently being streamed on iTunes for the next week leading up to the big day.

Boasting dark and wildly diverse tracks like "I Appear Missing" and "Kalopsia," the new album is shaping up to be one of the most essential rock releases of the year. Listen here and decide for yourself.

Queens of the Stone Age recently played most of the new album mixed in with a wide cross-section of older material during a special L.A. theater show, with such celebrities as Morrissey, Jack White and Kat Von D spotted among the crowd.

The album recently received a boost from celeb chef Anthony Bourdain, who penned the band's official bio that accompanies the release, stating in part:

"Whatever happened — out there, in whatever desert arroyo, former meth lab, decommissioned missile silo, nuclear test site, underground laboratory, convergence of brain waves and gamma rays, QOTSA emerges with not only their best work to date, but one of the most ambitious, fully realized rock albums in recent memory." more on this story




Don't Expect Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty Jam
(Radio.com) Thanks to the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty, fans are getting more bang for their buck this summer tour season. Or should we say, thanks to their agents.

Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac told Radio.com that the joint tour between the two bands was set up by the higher-ups. "I think the agents looked at it and said, 'Why haven't we done this yet? This makes sense, we should do this!'" he said with a laugh.

Even though both bands have been around since the '90s, Johnny Reznick said the two have rarely crossed paths, but he was more than happy to team up with Rob Thomas and the guys for a summer tour.

"By the end of the '90s was probably when the both of our bands were at their most popular," he explained. "You know, we're both putting albums out and we're still on the radio… It's so rare to see any band that's put out ten studio albums [and] has been blessed for 16 years to truly have a real career and make a living with this."

As for whether the Goo Goo Dolls, whose new album Magnetic comes out June 11, will be jamming with Matchbox Twenty, fans shouldn't hold their collective breath. Find out why.





Scott Weiland 'Surprised' And 'Hurt' By Stone Temple Pilots' Lawsuit
(Radio.com) On Saturday, May 18, Stone Temple Pilots Robert DeLeo, Dean DeLeo and Eric Kretz took surprised concertgoers at KROQ's Weenie Roast in Irvine, Calif. with an unannounced performance and a new lead singer. Linkin Park's Chester Bennington had been tapped to replace Scott Weiland, with the performance winning the new foursome favorable reviews.

In an interview with the group backstage, guitarist Dean DeLeo revealed that communication with their recently-fired frontman had become impossibly difficult. DeLeo explained Weiland had "changed his numbers years ago and didn't forward the new ones" to the band.

Less than a week later, the band stunned the rock community by suing Weiland. In a complaint filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, the band accused their ex-frontman of misappropriating the band's name and assets to further his solo career. A quick search of setlist.com shows Weiland had regularly played Stone Temple Pilots songs during his solo concerts.

In the court filing, the band also claimed Weiland caused STP to lose lucrative business opportunities for live performances and other appearances, which cost the band millions.

As STP's filing continues, upon learning of a radio promotion revolving around a new STP song with Bennington, Weiland is said to have attempted to interfere with airplay of "Out of Time" by calling Los Angeles radio station KROQ, claiming the band was infringing on Weiland's rights.

Scott Weiland posted an open letter to his fans on Friday (May 24) explaining that the band has no legal right to call themselves STP without him. Read it here.




Prince Surprises Home Town With Pearl Jam Encore
(Radio.com) "Am I from here?' Prince asked as the Minnesota crowd roared to life as the curtain opened on the second of two shows at the Myth in Minnesota on Saturday (May 25). The audience, lovingly referred to as "hometown" throughout the night, may have paid close to $300 for their tickets, but they experienced an unforgettable show by Prince in full-on rock and roll mode.

Starting the night off with a heavy blues-rock remake of "Let's Go Crazy," Prince flaunted his new backing band, the all-female 3rdEyeGirl. On drums, beautiful blonde Hannah Ford belted out lyrics as she laid down solid rock drums and thunderous tom fills.

On bass, Ida Nielson, with her pointed pigtails and heavily distorted blues basslines, brought the funk with bass pops and slaps that compelled the audience to dance. And on guitar, Donna Grantis, with her wild hair flowing over her half shaved head, ripped through fiery guitar solos and lead riffs that would bring a smile to any rock god's face. And smile Prince did.

For the first encore, Prince swooped into an emotional "Purple Rain" with Bobby Z from his former band The Revolution on drums. After playing another song Prince thanked the crowd and wished them goodnight. But everyone seemed to know better and was rewarded when Prince and 3rdEyeGirl walked out on stage in front of the curtain, spotlights illuminating them in the pitch black club.

Through a silly game of telephone, Prince whispered to the girl on his right, who whispered to the girl on her right, who said into the microphone that Prince no longer had a voice. A few boos went out and Prince whispered down the line again and the girl said with a big smile that he still had his fingers! And with a sarcastic look over his shoulder as the curtain opened and he strapped on his guitar, Prince and 3rdEyeGirl finished out the night with a funky all instrumental version of Pearl Jam's "Even Flow." Worlds collided, minds were blown, and with a raspy "Thank you," Prince ended the show. more on this story




Black Star Riders' Debut Show Sells Out
(hennemusic) Black Star Riders - the new band formed from the final Thin Lizzy lineup – have just released their debut album, "All Hell Breaks Loose," and have sold-out their debut live show.

This Thursday, the group will launch the new project with an exclusive concert at The Marshall Theatre at Milton Keynes, UK. The set is expected to be a mix of music from the new album along with some classic Thin Lizzy tracks.

The band posted a photo of the stage setup at The Marshall Theater, writing "Getting ready for Thursday in Milton Keynes!!" You can see the photo here.




Eddie Spaghetti Giving Away Single From New Album And Plans Tour
Supersuckers frontman Eddie Spaghetti is giving fans an advance taste of his new solo album with a free download of the album's first single and has released the initial tour dates for his upcoming tour.

Bloodshot Records will release Spaghetti's new solo album, "The Value of Nothing," on June 18th and have released the title track as first single. You can download the song here.

The album was recorded in Austin, TX with the aid of Jesse Dayton (collaborator to country legends Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings), and mixes the Eddie you know with other elements of rock and country.

Spaghetti has announced the initial dates for his upcoming summer tour. At this point the tour will kick off on July 13th in Seattle and will hit Portland, San Fransisco, San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson with more dates still to be announced. more on this story




Iron Maiden Kick Off Maiden England Tour Leg
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden kicked off their European leg of the "Maiden England" tour Monday night at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Barakaldo, Bilbao, Spain.

The stage show closely mirrors, in terms of production and content, the original 1988 concert video of the same name – reissued on DVD this year - shot on the "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour."

This new European tour leg is a continuation of the tour which played across North America last year. You can check out the setlist and see video from the tour kick off here.




Motorhead and Saxon Teaming Up For Tour
(Classic Rock) Motorhead and Saxon will tour the UK together in November, it's been confirmed. Lemmy's band have listed seven dates, with Biff Byford's outfit joining them on six, and Skew Siskin providing support.

US metal band Huntress recently revealed Lemmy had written lyrics for a track on their upcoming album. It's called I Want To Fuck You To Death, of which the iconic frontman says: "The first time I heard Jill Janus' voice it was phenomenal. I wrote the lyrics from her point of view – the huntress."

Saxon released 20th album Sacrifice earlier this year and completed a UK tour at the beginning of May. Motorhead play the Download festival at Donington on June 15. more on this story

More on Motorhead - Motorhead Music - Motorhead Tour Dates/Tickets - Motorhead CDs, vinyl and rarities
Motley Crue Retire Tommy Lee's Roller Coaster Drum Kit
(Gibson) Motley Crue played the last show of their current tour on May 25, at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. That was also the last show where the band would use Tommy Lee's roller coaster drum set.

The setup has been one of the most talked about parts of Motley's live show over the past few years. During Tommy's drum solo, the rig spins him around upside down while he's playing the drums. At times local radio stations would hold contests where fans were able to win a ride-along with Lee.

Tommy Tweeted after the show: "A bottle of Champagne smashed on the coaster last night as it sets sail for the scrap yard! Ha! Man we've given so many people the thrill of a lifetime together!"

But fans need not worry that the Crüe will simply go back to a regular drum set up, as Lee also Tweeted: "Dont you all worry! Just wait til ya see what crazy I got for ya next!" more on this story






Marshall Tucker Band Release Classic All-Star Performance
Veteran southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band have released a brand new live album from one of their biggest performances, which is entitled "Live! From Spartanburg, South Carolina."

The never before released live recording was captured during the band's 1995 performance for their South Carolina Music Hall of Fame induction.

The album features eleven tracks including their tops hits "Can't You See," "Heard It In A Love Song," "Fire On The Mountain" and "24 Hours At A Time," and was recorded at the Spartanburg, South Carolina's Memorial Auditorium.

The concert featured guest appearances from Charlie Daniels, Jamioe and Butch Trucks of The Allman Brothers Band, The Outlaws, Firefall and Wet Willie.

"The day this concert was recorded was a very big day for Marshall Tucker," says MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray. "Fans have waited a long time for this live recording with so many of our musical friends." more on this story




Avenged Sevenfold and Korn Lead Aftershock Festival Lineup
Avenged Sevenfold and Korn have been announced as the headliners of this year's Aftershock Festival and organizers will be revealing an additional headliner soon.

The festival is set to take place at Discovery Park near downtown Sacramento, CA on September 14th and 15th and most of the lineup has been announced.

The festival will feature performances from Shinedown, Megadeth, Volbeat, A Day To Remember, HIM, Skillet, Halestorm, Asking Alexandria, In This Moment, All That Remains, Falling In Reverse, Device, Steel Panther, P.O.D., Pop Evil, Otherwise, Airbourne, SOiL, Heaven's Basement, Nothing More, and more.





Weezer Cruise Lineup Revealed
Weezer have revealed the lineup of stars that will be hitting the high seas with them and their fans early next year for their second Weezer Cruise.

The cruise will be launching from Jacksonville, FL on February 13th and will visit Caribbean ports, including Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas, and will be returning to port on February 17th.

Weezer will be headlining the cruise and plan to perform three sets during the cruise, including a "Beach Concert with Weezer" on their own private island (off of Nassau's coast) where they will be joined by Cat Power.

The cruise will also feature Toro y Moi, comedian Adam Devine (from "Workaholics"), Ash, Bleached, Caveman, DIIV, Holy F*ck, Ozma, Palma Violets, The Cribs, The Orwells and The Relationship.

Weezer's Rivers Cuomo said, "Once we locked in all these great artists I started to feel Weezer is real lucky to be able to go on this cruise. Sharing the boat with them and all of our fans is going to be so much fun."

Weezer's Pat Wilson said, "Why not join us on a Weezer Cruise to the Carribean? Magic feelings will turn into magic memories, magically. I am a big fan of Ash and Cat Power and looking forward to seeing the other bands too." Get more details here.





Singled Out: Airbourne's Live It Up
Today Airbourne frontman Joel O'Keeffe tells us about the song "Live It Up" from their brand new album "Black Dog Barking," which was released last week. Here is the story:

"Live It Up" this song came out of nowhere one hot summer night in Melbourne. Just messing around on the guitar drinking some Jack Daniels Single Barrel... came up with the verse riff and chorus riff then went outside for a cigarette and looked up at the full moon and then "Im a Hellraiser..." came... which lead onto you gotta "Live It Up" and so fourth.

Went back inside and started forming the guts of it, then the next day we went into the jam room put it together and recorded a demo of it, then Ryan and I worked on lyrics some more, we showed Brian Howes (Producer) then we put it through pre production and recorded it for the album.

Then we worked on the intro with Brian and Jay adding in the Air raid sirens, Bombers, Spitfires and Dive bombers and the big Bomb. The inspiration came from a month long booze binge of wild crazy nights in Melbourne that month... good times!

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and check out the video and learn more about the album and grab their upcoming tour dates right here!




Megadeth Perform New Song Kingmaker Live
(hennemusic) Megadeth are slowly adding some new music from their forthcoming album, "Super Collider," into their live shows in advance of the record's release on June 4.

A week into their European tour and the band has already debuted the album's title track, and now fans are sharing footage of the project's second single, "Kingmaker," filmed May 27 at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium.

"Super Collider" will be available as a limited-edition CD with a 3-D cover and bonus tracks, regular CD, regular LP, limited LP plus seven-inch vinyl, and as a digital download. Check out the video here.




Vampire Weekend's Secret Lives As Preppy Social Outsiders
(Radio.com) Vampire Weekend might currently be riding high with the No. 1 album in America, thanks to their third full-length, Modern Vampires of the City, but there's more to the band's notoriously preppy image than meets the eye.

During an exclusive interview with CBS News, Vampire Weekend's primary songwriters, frontman Ezra Koenig and multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, discussed the irony and humor involved in their preppy persona, and how it was inspired by the pair's shared outsider status in their respective communities growing up.

"Ezra was one of the only Jews in his town, and I was one of the only Iranians in Georgetown, where I grew up," Batmanglij explained. "So we had like a little bit of a fire that you get, I think, from being an outsider. That does kind of inspire us. People would call us WASPs (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants), which is really interesting," he continued, laughing.

"There always seems to be something worth exploring about preppiness, and the fact that some people reacted so strongly to it, I think proves that there's something inherently interesting," added Koenig about the backlash that came with after the band's early success.

"It's a little bit unnerving to have somebody call you total trash or garbage," Koenig joked. "But truly, this happens to all bands." more on this story




Thirty Seconds To Mars' Music Video History Turned Inside Out
(Radio.com) With their combined years of experience in film, Thirty Seconds To Mars can personally craft and execute a video narrative like no other band. From the unexpected Shining tribute in "The Kill (Bury Me)" to the first-ever complete music video shot in China for "From Yesterday" to the Los Angeles love letter of "Kings And Queens" to the star-studded short film for "Up In The Air," the trio has continually matched its cinematic songs with highly conceptual clips.

They're a band that doesn't dumb down artistic endeavors for the fans, known as the Echelon. If anything, they plant cultural Easter Eggs in their epic videos to keep their throngs of highly engaged fans poking away and the mystery and myths they're constantly building.

In the episode of Radio.com Inside Out, they explored Thirty Seconds To Mars' music video history. The band themselves shed some light on their work, including the revelation that singer Jared Leto thought his original cut for "The Kill (Bury Me)" was "a piece of s***."

Also weighing in was panel of experts and Thirty Seconds To Mars collaborators including: Howard Petruziello, VP of Promotion at Capitol Music Group; Amani Duncan, former SVP of Marketing/Video at Virgin Records (2000-2008) and current VP of Brand Marketing for Martin Guitars; Gina Esposito, VP of Music & Talent at MTV; and, Steven J. Gottlieb, Founder of Video Static

Today's Day in Rock News !

Today's Day in Rock


Steve Lillywhite Slams Axl Rose's Voice
(Radio.com) Producer Steve Lillywhite has one of the best resumes in rock and roll: he has worked on records by Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, The Rolling Stones and, most famously, U2. One band that isn't on that list: Guns N' Roses. He came rather close, though, to getting the Axl Rose experience, but as he told Los Angeles alt-rock station KROQ's Kevin & Bean Show, he pulled the plug on that.
Apparently, Lillywhite was one of many producers considered for GNR's loooooong-delayed Chinese Democracy album (finally released in 2008), and he actually took a meeting with Axl Rose to discuss it.

"I was summoned to Los Angeles to meet with Axl Rose, we went for sushi, and then we went to the studio to listen to some tracks and he played me some instrumentals," Lillywhite said. "I thought, 'I can understand why he'd want me to work on this.' And then I said, 'Do you have anything with vocals on it?' He said, 'Yeah, I've got one song.'"

It was at that point that Lillywhite remembered why working with GNR would be unpleasant (besides Axl's famously volatile personality).

"I was listening to it and I thought 'Oh my God, I'd forgotten how much I hate his voice.' I'm sorry! To some people, Axl Rose is royalty. To me, it's like fingers on a chalkboard. Now, He was a very nice guy. We finished the evening – he paid – the next morning, the manager called and said, 'Steve, you're in. He thinks your fantastic. ' I said "I'm sorry, I don't think I'm the right man for this job." And that was it and I left it at that." Did Axl react?




Black Star Riders Streaming New Album In Full
(Classic Rock) Classic Rock have posted a full album stream of Black Star Riders' debut album "All Hell Breaks Loose". The Thin Lizzy offshoot record is released today in the EU, Monday (May 27) in the UK and Tuesday (May 28) in the US.

Black Star Riders were created by Lizzy men Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson and Marco Mendozam, plus former Megadeth, Ozzy Osbourne and White Lion drummer Jimmy DeGrasso.

Frontman Warwick recently explained: "I was watching a documentary about World War II bombers and saw 'All Hell Breaks Loose' painted on the side of one of the aircraft. It just resonated with me – it seem to encapsulate the turmoil that we, as a society, are currently experiencing.

"The past few years have been such a wild ride. It sounded like a bad-ass album title that summed up what Black Star Riders is all about." Check out the stream here!




Queens of the Stone Age Plan Letterman Webcast
(Radio.com) In celebration of the release of their sixth album, ...Like Cockwork, Queens of the Stone Age will take the stage for a Live on Letterman webcast at New York's Ed Sullivan Theater the day after the album's release.

… Like Clockwork will be released June 4 by Matador Records and the show will be streamed live on CBS's site, VEVO and on Radio.com, on June 5 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

In addition to fan favorites from their catalog, viewers can expect to see performances of new material like "I Appear Missing," "My God Is The Sun," "If I Had A Tail," "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" and "Kalopsia," all three of which were part of an eerie series of animated videos released in succession.

On Monday (May 20), the band released a 15-minute album trailer featuring animation from the aforementioned videos. more on this story




Marilyn Manson Helped Avril Lavigne Bring Out Her Naughty Side
(Radio.com) Everyone knows Avril Lavigne worked with Nickelback frontman (and now fiance) Chad Kroeger on her upcoming album. But she also received a little help from Marilyn Manson.

Lavigne told MTV that Manson helped bring her out her naughty side on the song "Bad Girl," which will be on her untitled album, due out this September.

At the last minute while recording the track Lavigne texted Manson, who she's known since she was 18 years old, and just asked if he'd be willing to come by.

"He's like, 'I'll come over and I'll hear it,'" she explained. "So he came at 4 o'clock in the morning… Yes, it was one of those nights."

But this isn't the first time Manson has helped Lavigne figure something out. Read about that here.





Placebo Announce New Album and Tour Plans
Placebo has announced a September 17th North American release date for their new studio album, Loud Like Love, and their plans for a world tour.

The new album was produced by Adam Noble and will be released in five different formats including a 3D Lenticular super deluxe box set, a limited edition deluxe digi-pack version, a double 12" colored vinyl gatefold edition, in a standard CD format as well as digitally.

The band has announced their plans to tour the world including North America, Latin America, Australia, Europe and Asia and have confirmed their first European leg.

The European trek will be taking place this fall, kicking off on November 12th in Warsaw, Poland and wrapping up on December 16th in London. more on this story




Alice Cooper Guitar Taken To Summit of Mt. Everest
(hennemusic) Firefighter Todd Pendleton has climbed Mt. Everest to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and he took an autographed Alice Cooper guitar with him to the summit.

Pendleton posted a photo of himself with the signed guitar at the highest point on earth, writing, "I unveil Alice. Somebody had to carry a stratacaster to the top of Everest."

"After a week long climb, 24 hours in a tent in 60 miles winds, and 16 grueling hours on summit day - We reached the summit of Mount Everest! On May 17th at 7:30n in the morning," he wrote. See the photo here.




Don Felder Joining Peter Frampton's Guitar Circus Tour
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder will be joining Peter Frampton's "Guitar Circus" tour for a handful of tour dates that will be taking place next month.

Felder announced that he will be kicking things off on the June 13th tour stop in Windsor, Ontario and has confirmed a total of six tour dates that will conclude on June 30th in Webster, MA.

The tour will also feature Robert Cray, Steve Cropper (Booker T. & the M.G.'s), Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Vince Gill, David Hidalgo (Los Lobos), Davy Knowles, Roger McGuinn (founder/lead guitarist of the Byrds), Richard Thompson, Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Vinnie Moore (UFO) and Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick). more on this story




Warren Haynes Plots Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration Tour
(Radio.com) Between playing Allman Brothers show and the Govt' Mule tour this summer, guitarist Warren Haynes will lead a series of symphony orchestras on a tour that pays tribute to the late Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia.

"The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration" kicks off June 18 in Pittsburgh, where Haynes will be joined by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The tour will continue with two bursts of dates throughout the summer, with Haynes being accompanied by local orchestras in each of the eight cities.

Haynes, of course, has a history with the Grateful Dead. He played in bassist Phil Lesh's band, Phil Lesh & Friends, for years, and produced Lesh's 2002 album There And Back Again. He also did some time in The Dead, which featured Grateful Dead members Lesh, guitarist/singer Bob Weir, and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann.

Haynes organizes some annual musical events — the Mountain Jam festival every summer and the Christmas jam in December — but he says this tour wasn't his idea.

"We got a call from the people representing the Garcia Estate, saying they wanted to do a series of symphony shows doing Jerry's music, and that they were going to have a few guest performers, and they wanted to know if I wanted to be the first guest artist," he told Radio.com. "I was very honored."

It turns out, Haynes had wanted to go the orchestral route for some time, but never had the right concept, until now. "I've always wanted to do something with a symphony, but I never have, so it's a really great challenge for me, and I was really psyched. I think it's gonna be really amazing." more on this story




Mad Season Bittersweet For Pearl Jam's Mike McCready
(Classic Rock) Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready admits he found it difficult listening to his work with Mad Season – because of the bad memories it brought back. But he's also proud of the work the supergroup did in a "quick flash" of time.

They released their only album Above in 1995, then had to abandon the follow-up after the death of bassist John Baker Saunders in 1999 and frontman Layne Staley in 2002.

McCready and drummer Barrett Martin regrouped with vocalist Mark Lanegan to complete three songs that had been started at the end of 1990s, and they were released as part of a Mad Season box set earlier this year. It also featured a remastered version of Above – which was a "bittersweet" experience for the guitarist.

"I'd listened to it all the way through probably two times since it came out," McCready tells MusicRadar. "It's very sad. Baker and Layne both died, so there's a sadness that hangs over the entire record. I wasn't willing to live that again. Those couple of times I did listen to it, it was tough.

"When I went back and heard it again it was freeing and said. I cried and laughed, and felt proud. I felt a real mixture of emotions that I'd never had with any other music I'd done, because two of the guys passed away, and I miss them." A lot more from Mike here.




Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrell Unusual Songwriting Experience For Stone
(Classic Rock) Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell started work on the new track "Stone" while he was unable to play guitar and composed it in an unusual way as a result.

Recording sessions for The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here was put on hold while he underwent shoulder surgery, and the idea for the song came to him while he was still recovering.

"I just started hearing something in my head," he says. "My arm's all f**ked up, so I grabbed the phone and started humming the riff into the phone, and that's where the song came from. I still have the voice recording – it's hilarious!" More rock news




Lord Of The Rings' Christopher Lee Goes Metal Again
(Classic Rock) 90-year-old Lord Of The Rings star Christopher Lee will be releasing his second heavy metal album Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death on May 27.

Lee, who's better known for his association with another Hammer, the cult horror movie firm, says the new record is more metal than the previous one.

He explains: "The first Charlemagne album is metal, of course, but what I sang was more symphonic. The Omens Of Death is one hundred percent heavy metal. I've done my bits and pieces, and they are heavy metal. I'm not screaming or anything like that, but it is definitely heavy metal."

The music was arranged by Richie Faulkner just before he replaced KK Downing in Judas Priest. "Most of the songs were already there," says the guitarist. "But they needed riffs, drum parts and musical parts that reflected what the guys wanted – which was a metal record with an aim to be played live by a band." More including a preview video.





Bruce Springsteen Documentary Trailer Released
(hennemusic) The trailer for the new Bruce Springsteen documentary, "Springsteen & I," has been released. The film will be released on July 22nd and was directed by music video director Baillie Walsh.

The synopsis states that the film was created for the fans, by the fans, and includes some of Bruce's most loved songs and previously unseen performances alongside the remarkable stories of those who lived by his music.

"This beautifully crafted film provides a unique insight into the powerful bond between a recording artist and those who connect so profoundly with his music," said executive producer Ridley Scott. more on this story




Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson To Bike To Download
(Classic Rock) Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has joined the line-up for the Heavy Metal Truants Download Festival Charity Bike Ride. He will ride alongside the likes of Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, Classic Rock Editor-In-Chief Scott Rowley, Metal Hammer Editor Alexander Milas and Prog Editor Jerry Ewing for an event that is set to help some excellent causes.

Dickinson will be flying in specially from Germany following two sold-out Maiden shows in Frankfurt so he can join the Heavy Metal Truants in cycling the final 25-mile leg of the bike ride into the Download Festival on Friday, June 14 – the day before Iron Maiden's headline appearance there in front of an expected 100,000 fans.

Dickinson commented: "Yes, maybe it's the first time the headliner has shown up on a bike, but I do use my bike to get around in London when l get the chance and have turned up at the BBC on a bike before, although the Commissioners were a bit surprised as they are too used to seeing limos!" more on this story





Foreigner To Rock Indy 500
(hennemusic) Veteran rock band Foreigner has announced that they will be on hand in Indianapolis this weekend to participate in the Indy 500 pre-race festivities.

The band will be a part of the IPL 500 Festival Parade in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday at noon, and then headline the 10th Annual Regions Festival Snakepit Ball later in the evening.

Taking place in the Indiana Roof Ballroom, the Snakepit Ball has become a race-eve tradition. The black-tie event includes red carpet arrivals by celebrities in town for race weekend and special VIP guests. more on this story





Rolling Stones' Ron Wood Opens Art Exhibit
(hennemusic) Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood's newest collection of fine art, "Ronnie Wood: Raw Instinct," has opened at London's Castle Fine Art Gallery.

The exhibition consists of 100 pieces of original art, including portraits of bandmates Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards, alongside a self-portrait.

"When I get inspired, I get almost possessed and I just have to paint," said Wood. "There is no kind of therapy like the one you have from starting and seeing a picture through to the end."

"In a secret sort of way," he adds, "I like the people that I draw to see the way I've depicted them. Unlike music, it's a solo effort. There's no one else to blame." more on this story




Supertramp's Roger Hodgson Kicks Off Tour Tonight
(Classic Rock) Former Supertramp frontman Roger Hodgson will be kicking off his six date UK tour tonight with the first date that will be taking place at the Stowe School in Buckingham.

He had the following to say about the trek, "You kept asking me to return and now it's official. I'm truly grateful to have the best fans in the world.

"I thank you for your support in spreading the word, and connecting my name with my voice and songs to those who only know my songs as Supertramp." Grab the dates here.




Bad Company To Release Live Recordings of Upcoming Tour
(hennemusic) Bad Company has teamed with the DiscLive Network to offer fans recordings of the band's upcoming 40th Anniversary tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd.

DiscLive records concerts and releases it to fans immediately after a show. The company will be releasing limited-edition triple CD sets in a digipaks.

The package will include two CDs containing the recording of the concert as well as a bonus CD that will feature a rockumentary that was produced by In The Studio host Redbeard. more on this story





Rush In No Rush Between Tour Dates
(Classic Rock) Alex Lifeson admits Rush need to take a day off after each three-hour show. He says: "we're much more conservative than we used to be – not that we were crazy party guys.

We don't work consecutive gigs any more. Those off-days are truly recovery days, especially for Geddy and Neil. Geddy tends to get up at 1pm and doesn't talk, so he can rest his voice.

"We'll go for dinner together – it's pretty subdued with a nice meal and a glass of wine. We're going to be 60 this year so we have to look after ourselves." More rock news.





Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme An Evil Dictator?
(Classic Rock) Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme explains why he believes that you can't cherry-pick when it comes to decision-making. He says:

"I think people believe I'm some kind of evil dictator, but I don't much care about that. I made a lot of hard decisions in my life. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made – and sometimes wonderful decisions have to be made.

"You've got to be willing to make them all. You can't just avoid stuff that's necessary." Read more of today's classic rock news stories here.




John Lennon Lyrics and Letters Donated for Tax Relief
(Gibson) A collection of John Lennon's letters and lyrics have been presented to the British Library's Treasures Gallery as part of a new British tax relief program, BBC News has reported.

Beatles biographer Hunter Davies donated the materials – which include Lennon's handwritten lyrics for "Strawberry Fields Forever" and an early draft of "In My Life" – through an initiative that encourages citizens to give gifts to the nation in exchange for a tax reduction.

Hunter, 77, wrote and published the only official biography of the Beatles, in 1968. It's estimated the donation will reduce his tax obligation by nearly a half-million dollars.

"I want my Beatles collection to be kept together, in one place, and on public display, and the British Library is the perfect home for it," he said. "I'm really pleased the cultural gifts scheme has helped me make this a reality." more on this story







Of Earth Release Heart Of The Hard Drive Video
(Classic Rock) Of Earth have released a video for their track "Heart Of The Hard Drive." The band, fronted by UFO bassist Rob De Luca, beat David Bowie to Classic Rock's Track Of The Week in March when they launched previous video, Prototype.

De Luca is joined by guitarist Paul Casanova, drummer Rik De Luca and keyboardist Matt Baram in Of Earth. He describes the band as "more art rock."

He says, "There's a fine line where despair and hope can meet and mix. It's a powerful and profound moment. I feel our music somewhat represents that place."

He's on tour with UFO in early June, culminating in their performance at this year's Download festival. Check out the new music video here.




John Fogerty Rocks Letterman
(hennemusic) John Fogerty rocked back-to-back nights of The Late Show With David Letterman this week as part of the promotion for his May 28th release, "Wrote A Song For Everyone."

On Tuesday, Fogerty played one of the album's new songs, "Mystic Highway," before returning on Wednesday with Dawes to perform the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, "Someday Never Comes."

"Wrote A Song For Everyone" is an all-star duets project that features Fogerty pairing with artists like Foo Fighters, Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, and others to perform tunes from his legendary songbook, including solo tracks and CCR cuts.

To launch his new album, Fogerty is hosting a special one-night-only show on May 28th at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles; the performance will be broadcast live on AXS TV.

Watch video of the Letterman appearances here.




Robert Plant Shares Another Live Video Ahead of Tour
(hennemusic) Robert Plant is sharing more live video in advance of his upcoming US tour with The Senational Space Shifters. It's the third clip Plant has shared recently.

The singer has released performance footage of "Tin Pan Valley," from his 2005 album, "The Mighty ReArranger." Plant and the band launch their US dates at the Palladium in Dallas, TX on June 20, with shows wrapping up July 27 in Brooklyn, NY's Prospect Park.

The Sensational Space Shifters include Justin Adams (guitar, bendir, vocals), John Baggott(keyboards), Juldeh Camara (ritti, kologo, talking drum, vocals), Billy Fuller (bass guitar, vocals), Dave Smith (drums and percussion) and Liam "Skin" Tyson (guitar, vocals). Check out the clip here.




Video of Aerosmith's Singapore Press Conference Goes Online
(hennemusic) Aerosmith were in Singapore to perform at the inaugural Social Star Awards yesterday, and video of the band's press conference has surfaced.

The May 23rd event at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel marks what organizers are billing as the world's first social media awards. 288 Social Stars will be handed out at the ceremony; winners are based on the data of 1.7 billion users.

One of the winning Social Stars will go on to be crowned The Social Star Almighty - the most popular social media star on the planet. Check out video of the press conference

Today's Day in Rock News !

Today's Day in Rock


Stone Temple Pilots Team Up With Linkin Park's Chester Bennington
(Radio.com) KROQ's Weenie Roast always brings a surprise guest, and Saturday's (May 18) show was no exception. The concert put together two huge names for an unexpected performance: Stone Temple Pilots with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington. The group premiered their new single, "Out of Time," on stage.
During the show, the group opened with "Vasoline" and went on to perform hits including "Big Bang Baby," "Wicked Garden," "Sex Type Thing," "Interstate Love Song" and "Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart," as well as the B-side "Dead and Bloated."

Bennington, the singer of Linkin Park, previously performed with the STP on the single "Wonderful," circa 2001. In an exclusive sit-down interview with Stone Temple Pilots and Bennington after their Weenie Roast performance, KROQ morning show favorites Kevin & Bean got a sneak peak at the band's backstage compound of sorts, hidden away from the other artist trailers. Secrecy was very important to Bennington and the members of Stone Temple Pilots, whose gear was purposely mislabeled backstage.

Bennington assured that the Weenie Roast performance would be "the first time but not the last" that he'd appear with STP. (Obviously not – he'll also join them Sunday (May 19) at Live 105′s BFD in San Francisco.)

"Every band has its own kinda vibe," Bennington explained. "Stone Temple Pilots has this sexier, more classic rock feel to it. Linkin Park is a very modern, very tech-heavy type of band. It was kind of nice. I got to use my voice tonight. I got to sing and show my range a little bit. I still got to through a little scream in here and there but it's really just so much different. I grew up listening to these guys. When this opportunity came up, it was just like a no-brainer."

So what's the next step for the foursome? "We're gonna go out to lunch together because we haven't been able because we haven't been able to be seen in public together. So, we're probably going to go hang out as friends," confessed Bennington. More of the interview plus the download link for the song!



Pogues' Phil Chevron Has Fatal Cancer
(Classic Rock) Pogues guitarist Phil Chevron has announced that he is battling cancer for the second time and he's admitted that the cancer will be "lethal" in this case.

He was sidelined from the Pogues and his pioneering punk band, The Radiators From Space, in 2007 after being diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck. In 2011 he was given the all-clear. But now doctors have confirmed it's returned after finding another tumour last year and surgery is impossible due to the associated risks.

A statement says: "In August 2012, Philip and his doctors noticed a new tumour in a position whereby treatment is seriously ill-advised, and would almost certainly cause a stroke or worse.

"The cancer is, in short, inoperable, and will prove fatal in time, though it is at present impossible to measure life expectancy." more on this story




Tim Lambesis' Attorney Blames Steroids For Murder Solicitation Plot
As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis was successful at having a judge lower his $3 million bail to $2 million at a bail hearing on Friday. He stands charged of allegedly soliciting the murder of his estranged wife.

The hearing also provided more details about the case including the revelation from a forensic psychiatrist who consulted with the defense that claimed Lambesis got "roid rage" after using steroids, according to NBC San Diego.

Lambesis attorney Anthony Salerno had previously made allegations of a setup by a police "snitch", but media reports citing another attorney for Lambesis from Friday's hearing, Thomas Warwick, who reportedly changed tactics and said that the singer had become engrossed with the gym culture and ultimately began taking steroids.

"His thought processes were devastatingly affected by his steroid use," Warwick said. And the lawyer said that as a result, that Lambesis "was not the same person. He was irritable and lost God."

The judge decided in the hearing to reduce Lambesis' bail amount to $2 million from $3 million. However, his attorney reportedly said that Lambesis' family still could not raise that amount, so the singer will remain in jail.

Read more details about the case and Friday's hearing here.




Paul Stanley Delivers Rock Hall KISS Off
KISS frontman Paul Stanley didn't hold back his feelings about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and took at jab at Rolling Stone Magazine and Rock Hall founder Jann Wenner in a new interview.

Stanley was asked if he thought that KISS would ever be inducted into the Rock Hall after years of being snubbed in favor of far less successful artists. "Well, it depends on who lives longer, us or Jann Wenner," Stanley replied to the Huffington Post who went on to place some of the snub blame on Dave Marsh, who reportedly plays a "key role" in selecting inductees and admitted that he has helped keep the band off the ballot.

March was reportedly once asked by MTV about KISS and replied, "Kiss is not a great band, Kiss was never a great band, Kiss never will be a great band, and I have done my share to keep them off the ballot."

Stanley went on to question the Rock Hall's legitimacy, "Look, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is marketing," he said. "You've got a bunch of faceless people in a back room who trademark a name that sounds very official. Well, if you had thought of it first, you would have been the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

He was even asked his opinion of non-rock artists getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and responded, "I am one of the biggest Laura Nyro fans. I still listen to that stuff incessantly. Laura Nyro does not belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Songwriter Hall of Fame? Absolutely," he said.

But if KISS were ever to get inducted, Stanley says he would accept the honor because of his fans. "I would certainly accept on their behalf because it seems to be a major sore spot for them," he said. "But I don't need the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." Read the rest of his thoughts on the rock hall here.




Dave Grohl Jams With The Rolling Stones
(hennemusic) Dave Grohl was the featured guest Saturday night in Anaheim as the Rolling Stones played the sixh stop on their "50 & Counting" arena tour.

The head Foo Fighter joined the Rolling Stones for a jam of the classic song "Bitch," which comes from the Stones' 1971 album, "Sticky Fingers."

The Stones continue to switch things up with their setlist: for the first time on this tour, the group played "Shattered" and "You Got The Silver." Check out video of the performance here.




Robin Finck Returns To Nine Inch Nails
(Classic Rock) Nine Inch Nails have recruited former member Robin Finck in place of bassist Eric Avery, who bowed out last week, saying he'd been "overwhelmed" by the amount of tour dates the band was amassing.

Multi-instrumentalist Finck previously played guitar with Trent Reznor's outfit, but fellow member Josh Eustis can also play a number of instruments.

Nine Inch Nails will be playing the Leeds and Reading festivals in August. Read more of today's top rock news stories including KISS, Beatles, Whitesnake and more here.




Black Keys and STP Surprise Lead Weenie Roast
(Radio.com) With tens of thousands of rabid fans packed into Los Angeles' Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, the spirit and undeniable power of radio was on full display at the annual KROQ Weenie Roast on Saturday (May 18).

From the clutch of emerging bands that performed early in the day on the side stages through the marquee headliners that graced the main stage, the songs of summer 2013 galvanized the diehard crowd of Southern Californians through the day-long extravaganza that was highlighted by the unexpected return of a '90s alt-rock favorite with a surprising new face fronting the band.

While the Black Keys and Thirty Second to Mars were the undeniable headliners, it was the Stone Temple Pilots, who delighted the sold-out show with a surprise set of their enduring radio hits like "Vaseline" and "Interstate Love Song."

But instead of the embattled Scott Weiland at center stage, Stone Temple Pilots emerged with Chester Bennington from Linkin Park on the mic, admirably leading STP with spot-on vocals and even imitating some of Weiland's signature serpentine stage moves.

With no announcement of Bennington's presence on vocals, some audience members seemed confused by the unexpected pairing, but soon word rippled through the crowd that it was indeed the Linkin Park singer performing with STP, eliciting a barrage of camera flashes as people tried to capture the inspired pairing. The band played a number of STP hits and debuted a brand new track titled "Out of Time" which is available now as a free download exclusively at Radio.com.

The Black Keys charged through a stomping set of their down and dirty blues-rock, storming through crowd favorites like "Lonely Boy" and "Gold on the Ceiling" with a vengeance, determined to leave an impression on the already bedazzled audience.

Thirty Seconds to Mars pulled out all the stops during their bombastic show, with frontman Jared Leto starting the proceedings from the middle of the crowd to sing "Birth" as he traversed through excited fans to the stage while a drum corps clad in Spring Breakers-style ski masks pounded away with the band. more.




Thirty Seconds To Mars Make Big Live Return
(Radio.com) For California natives like Thirty Seconds To Mars, KROQ's Weenie Roast — even more so than Memorial Day — marks the unofficial start of the summer season. So it's a real honor for the guys to return to Weenie Roast six years after they made their debut in 2007, this time as the night's headliners alongside the Black Keys and Vampire Weekend.

Jared Leto remembers going to the show when him and his brother (and bandmate) Shannon were just kids. "It's a real treat to be back," Leto told Radio.com in our new video interview.

Weenie Roast will also be the first big show the band has played in a year and a half. "It's going to be interesting," Jared said with a laugh. "It's going to be much different than the Church of Mars."

For the last month, the guys have been playing shows in churches across the United States, making stops in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and New York. Each show only fits about 200 to 800 people, but for the band it's been a way to say thank you to some of their biggest fans.

With the release of their fourth album, LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS (out May 21), the band looks forward to showing off their new music in a festival setting, especially the record's lead single, "Up In The Air," which has been a hit with the Church of Mars crowd.

"Everyone has a great time on this small scale so I can't imagine what it's going to be like on the big scale," Shannon said. More including a stream of the video interview.




Free Whitesnake Song Download
(hennemusic) In support of Whitesnake's show in Sheffield, England on Monday, May 20, the Sheffield Telegraph is offering a FREE download of a live track from the band's new "Made In Japan" release.

Fans can download "Love Will Set You Free" from the paper here. The Sheffield show is part of Whitesnake's current UK tour with Journey and openers Thunder.

"Made In Japan" captures the band in concert at the Loud Park festival on October 15th, 2011 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan during their Forevermore World Tour. Check out the song here.




How Thin Lizzy Became Black Star Riders
(hennemusic) Ricky Warwick of Black Star Riders, the new band formed from the final Thin Lizzy lineup, explains in a new video how the group chose their new band name.

After touring the past few years as Thin Lizzy, the lineup adopted the new band name last fall to start recording a new album with a clean slate, and out of respect to the legacy of the late Phil Lynott.

"It's a tough thing to name a band, certainly in the strange situation that we'd just come out of," explains singer Ricky Warwick. "We knew we needed something that was a little bit different, a very strong kind of anthemic name, something that summed up the gang mentality."

Based on the band's common interest in western films, Warwick turned to 1993's "Tombstone" (starring Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer and others) for inspiration…and he found it.

Check out the video for Ricky's story. more on this story




Megadeth Release Their New Song: Kingmaker
(hennemusic) Megadeth have released their new single, entitled "Kingmaker" the song comes from the band's forthcoming studio album, "Super Collider."

"Kingmaker" is the second track released from the new album, which is due June 4, and it follows last month's online debut of the album's title track.

"Super Collider" will be available as a limited-edition CD with a 3-D cover and bonus tracks, regular CD, regular LP, limited LP plus seven-inch vinyl, and as a digital download. Check out the new song here.




Deep Purple Guitarist Struggled With New Album
(Classic Rock) Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse says that he struggled during recording sessions for the veteran hard rock group's latest album Now What?!

"One of the challenges was trying to make Bob Ezrin happy," he says. "For me, it isn't easy. I think he's used to David Gilmour's style of ultra-melodic playing and I stick in more technical riffs between any melodic thing I do.

"He wanted me to sound more melodic and he really pushed it." But he adds: "It worked. That's why I was in favour of Bob being involved." More rock news




Jon Says Richie Sambora Welcome Back in Bon Jovi
(Classic Rock) Jon Bon Jovi says the door is open for Richie Sambora to rejoin the band any time he feels ready. He still won't discuss what led to the guitarist's non-appearance at the start of Bon Jovi's latest world tour leg – but he insists it's not about money, and the pair haven't fallen out.

"We were all in Calgary. Richie was going to turn up on show day, but we went the night before because it's a long flight," Bon Jovi tells the Mirror.

"At 3.30pm on show day the manager said: 'Guess what?' He didn't even have to finish the sentence. Because we had been through it before we performed that night. We couldn't let down the fans."

He admits he hasn't set eyes on his bandmate since that moment. "I talked to him once – once in six weeks and 18 shows. He's not fired, we didn't have a fight, it certainly isn't about money. He can return when he is ready to die every night, the way I walk on stage. No one's mad, no one's sad."

Bon Jovi is still reeling over his teenage daughter's overdose.




Bob Dylan Honored by Academy of Arts and Letters
(Gibson) Bob Dylan is now officially an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Henry Cobb, president of the Academy, praised the 71-year-old Dylan for his contributions to the creative arts.

The citation reads: "For more than 50 years, defying categorization in a culture beguiled by categories, Bob Dylan has probed and prodded our psyches, recording and then changing our world and our lives through poetry made manifest in song - creating relationships that we never imagined could exist between words, emotions and ideas."

Virginia Dejani, executive director of the Academy, said the legendary singer was designated an honorary member because the Academy couldn't decide which category – art, literature or music – he best fit into. Dylan was unable to attend the ceremony, which took place in Manhattan, but he did issue a statement.

"I feel extremely honored and very lucky to be included in this pantheon of great individual artists who comprise the Academy of Arts and Letters," he said. "I look forward to meeting all of you some time soon." more on this story






AC/DC Limited Edition Beer Released
(hennemusic) AC/DC and Karlsberg Brewery have released a limited Canadian edition of their AC/DC Beer. The product is an absolute rarity for collectors since this edition will only be sold in Canada.

The edition differs from the normal version by its smaller size (500ml) and the French/English imprint on the top of the can: Hardrock Australien / Australian Hardrock.

The standard edition of "AC/DC Premium Lager Beer" is 568mL of "true German Premium Lager." more on this story




Damage Inc TV For Metallica Fans Tonight
Metallica fans will have a very good reason to stay home tonight because they will be able to witness a heavy dose of Mandatory Metallica tonight on AXS TV.

The cable and satellite music network will be featuring a recent live performance from Metallica tonight when they air the Golden God Awards starting at 6:25 PM.

The Golden Gods Awards will be followed at 11:PM with the live telecast of latest episode of The World's Greatest Tribute Bands with will feature a performance from Metallica tribute band Damage Inc live from the Roxy Theater on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Check out the promo for the show here.

Earlier in the evening, the metal night will kick off with a look at the making of a legendary metal album, Judas Priest's British Steel. That will air at 5:55PM.

If you prefer the mellower side of rock, The World's Greatest Tribute Bands will be featuring tribute bands for U2 and Fleetwood Mac early next month.





Singled Out: Zed's Desperation Blues
Today Zed guitarist Greg Lopes tells us about the title track to their brand new album "Desperation Blues," which is set to be released tomorrow (May 21st). Here is the story:

Desperation Blues is the Title track to our new album and as I remember it, it was last spring at band rehearsal when Mark Aceves (bass player) came up with this killer riff, and as usual our drummer Rich Harris added his heavy groove to it. Being a fan of that heavy groove style of course I had to add a little wah, and as the rhythm progressively came together Pete Sattari our singer/guitarist started to ramble off lyrics looking for the melody. This seems to be the way we work, and probably why we work well together.

As the moment came where we knew we were going to change gears the lyrics "every time I try to hang myself, you are the one holding the rope" just flowed out and that was the beginning of the song "Desperation Blues". Originally the song was titled "Hang Myself' mainly because it was a great hook and catchy title, but when we decided on an album title, we thought the name fit well with the track.

Lyrically, Pete had come up with a concept that deals with how a person can be their own worst enemy. The metaphor for the phrase "hang myself" could be what many people do to sabotage themselves because they are either afraid or don't want to admit a truth. At the end the day we all need to hold ourselves accountable and understand our own truth. Like the lyrics say " don't lie to yourself " because life is too short to live a lie…..

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



Queens Of The Stone Age Reveal Three More New Videos
(Classic Rock) Queens Of The Stone Age mainman Josh Homme seems determined to slam home the message that his band are back. They'll release new album …Like Clockwork on June 3, but in the space of a week they've released five animated videos from the record.

The latest is My God Is The Sun, which followed If I Had A Tail – view them below. Also below is a clip of QOTSA's performance on Later With Jools Holland, which also took place last week.

Homme spent several months hinting that the follow-up to 2007′s Era Vulgaris was something especially dark and personal. He's hinted the record charts the difficulties behind its own making, and says the title is a sarcastic reference to how badly things went.

…Like Clockwork features guest appearances from Dave Grohl, Elton John, Trent Reznor and others. QOTSA appear at this year's Download festival. Check out the new video here.



Black Sabbath Release Behind The Scenes Video For 13 Cover
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath are sharing some behind-the-scenes video of the creation of the cover for their forthcoming reunion album, "13" which will be released on June 11th.

"13" is the group's first full studio project with frontman Ozzy Osbourne since 1978's "Never Say Die" was produced by Rick Rubin. Sabbath recently released the album's lead track, "God Is Dead?"

The band have completed the first series of shows of their 2013 world tour, playing dates in New Zealand and Australia. Check out the behind the scenes video here.




Primus Bridges Gap Between Rush and Public Enemy
(Radio.com) At the show-closing jam at last month's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, an unprecdented supergroup took the stage to perform Robert Johnson's "Crossroads." Among them Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart of Rush and Public Enemy leader Chuck D.

What do the prog-rock giants and the hip-hop legend have in common (other than membership in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame)? Well, probably not much. But, believe it or not, both bands have toured with San Francisco rockers Primus.

Primus was the opening act on the genre-crashing Anthrax/Public Enemy co-headlining tour of 1991. The following year, they played arenas opening for Rush. So Primus frontman Les Claypool is one of the only musicians to spend time on the road with both groups, and he says that both are fully deserving of the accolades that they received at the induction ceremony in Los Angeles last month.

The members of Primus have always worn their Rush influences on their sleeves; like the Canadian group, they are a power trio led by a bassist with an unusual singing voice who are influenced by hard rock and progressive music.

Claypool told Radio.com, "One of my first introductions to music as a teenager was Rush records."And it showed, particularly early on in their career. Primus' debut EP, 1989′s Suck On This, opens with 36 seconds of the band covering Rush's classic instrumental "YYZ" before launching into their own "John The Fisherman."

And while it is often said that you shouldn't meet your idols, he reports that bonding with Rush has been a great experience for him and his band. "When I was 16, if you told me I'd be friends with Geddy, Alex and Neil, I would have s*** myself right there, literally," he said. "To work with these guys and be friends with them, and to still be friends with them after all these years, it's a pretty spectacular thing." more on this story




What Does The Stooges and Fleetwood Mac Have To Do With Star Trek?
(Radio.com) The latest Star Trek flick, Star Trek: Into Darkness, is out now, giving us a perfect excuse to put together a Trek playlist. Since Trek doesn't feature rock music, we figured we'd go with rock stars who have actually appeared in Trek (what, you missed Mick Fleetwood's turn as a fish-like creature in Star Trek: The Next Generation?), as well as famous fans of the series.

The Stooges – "1969″: The Stooges debuted in '69 with their classic self-titled LP, which featured this skull-crusher. "Another year for me and you, another year with nothing to do!" Well, there was nothing to do after June 3 of that year, at least if you were a Trekkie (a term which hadn't yet been coined): That was the date that the show was cancelled. Years later, in 1997, Stooges frontman Iggy Pop appeared on the third Trek series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, as Yelgrun, an "overseer" for the Dominion (those were the bad guys, for non-DS9 fans).

The Mamas & The Papas – "Monday Monday": Though Star Trek aired on Thursday nights at that time that "Monday Monday" hit No. 1 in 1966, there's a line here that rings true: "Can't trust that day!" Or at least NBC couldn't, moving the show to the dead zone of Friday nights instead of just cancelling it. The cancellation moment came two season later, with the show returning nearly 20 years later in 1987 via Star Trek: The Next Generation. And you know who was there? Mamas & Papas singer Michelle Phillips, who played Jenice Manheim (Captain Picard's ex-girlfriend) in the first season of the show. Boom. Circle complete.

Fleetwood Mac – "The Chain": Like Star Trek, Fleetwood Mac has proved remarkably enduring. Although the lineup (like Trek's Enterprise) has gone through many staff changes, like the Federation, drummer Mick Fleetwood (along with bassist John McVie) has remained a constant. While you can't miss Fleetwood's commanding presence behind the drums at the Mac's concerts, you'd be forgiven for missing his appearance on the Next Generation season 2 episode "Manhunt" in 1989. First off, he shaved off his omnipresent beard for the role. Second, his prosthetics rendered him unrecognizable. In this scene, he plays an Antedean dignitary who looks like a fish. Is that politically incorrect? Well, we got the idea from Lwaxana Troi, who exclaimed, "Delegates! Last time I saw something like that, it was being served on a plate!"

Today's Day in Rock News !

Today's Day in Rock


Movie About Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan Coming
(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses member Duff McKagan's 2011 autobiography, "It's So Easy (And Other Lies)", is being made into a full-length documentary feature film.
The documentary will be written and directed by Christopher Duddy ("Cougar Club") and will include exclusive rare archive footage of McKagan's early days with the original Guns N' Roses lineup of Slash, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin and Axl Rose.

It will also feature footage with later Guns N' Roses members Gilby Clarke and Matt Sorum, as well as other rockers including Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Krist Novoselic (Nirvana), Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) and more.

The film will contain rare archive footage from Marc Canter, who filmed all the early footage of Guns N' Roses behind the scenes and performances, as well as an ultimate collector's soundtrack for the fans. more on this story




Five Finger Death Punch Team With Rob Halford For New Song
Five Finger Death Punch recruited Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford as a special guests on their brand new single "Lift Me Up," which was released digitally today.

The teamed up with Halford to premiere the track at the Golden Gods Awards Show earlier this month. The song comes from the band's forthcoming double album.

The first half of that double album, The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1, is set to be released on July 23rd with the second part to follow this fall.

Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody had this to say about the new song, "First and foremost, just to work alongside an icon like Rob Halford, THE Metal God, was absolutely surreal.

"The song itself was originally written about overcoming everyday obstacles and less than perfect situations. Most of us weren't born with a silver spoon in our mouth but if life dealt you all the wrong cards, you still have to play. The song's intent is to inspire; if you play that hand right you might just come out on top anyway."

As we previously reported, Five Finger Death Punch will be hitting the road this summer for this year's Mayhem Festival and they will be coheadlining the tour with Rob Zombie.

The lineup will also feature Mastodon, Amon Amarth, Machine Head, Children Of Bodom, Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, Emmure, Born Of Osiris, Motionless In White, Butcher Babies, Battlecross, Huntress, Thrown Into Exile and City In The Sea. more on this story




Sass Jordan and Brian Tichy To Join Queensryche Tour
Geoff Tate's Queensryche have recruited S.U.N. (Something Unto Nothing)'s Sass Jordan and Brian Tichy for their upcoming 25th Anniversary Operation: Mindcrime Tour.

The band has tapped Sass Jordan to perform the part of Sister Mary on the tour they announced yesterday on their Facebook page. Apart from S.U.N., she has worked with Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Van Halen, Carlos Santana and Joe Cocker.

Jordan's S.U.N. bandmate Brian Tichy will also be taking part in the tour. He has been recruited to fill in on drums for Simon Wright for the dates taking place in June.

The tour will be kicking off on May 16th in Milwaukee, WI at the Potawatomi Casino and will conclude on June 29th in Seattle, WA at The Moore Theater.

Tichy won't be the only fill-in musician on the trek. The band previously announced that Disturbed's John Moyer would be sitting in for Rudy Sarzo for five dates on the trek including all of the dates this month and the first two dates in June. more on this story




The Cult To Play Electric Album In Full On Upcoming Tour
(hennemusic) The Cult have announced dates for their Electric 13 tour, a trek which will see the band perform their 1987 album, "Electric," in its entirety for the first time.

The shows will include two sets: "Electric" in one, with a second featuring tracks from the band's catalog. "The Cult's life blood has always been playing live, we are between albums and decided to continue the momentum created by Choice Of Weapon, stay in people's hearts and minds," explains singer Ian Astbury.

"As Love Live was such an incredible experience we have decided that performing the Electric album, an event that has been demanded by our fans and followers as the perfect live set to play in 2013."

Dates begin July 25 in San Diego, with a US tour running into September; The Cult will then perform a series of dates in the UK. more on this story




Megadeth's Mustaine Says Fans Grow With A Band Or Stop Being A Fan
(Gibson) The new Megadeth album, Super Collider, is due next month, and frontman Dave Mustaine is pretty fond of it from the sound of this, but he understands if you're not into it, too. "I am very proud," he tells Ultimate Guitar's Steven Rosen.

"There are gonna be people who are gonna take exception with the record because they're people that wanna hear "Black Friday" the rest of their lives. And I feel for them, man. I know the first time I heard AC/DC versus what they put out now, it's a different time.

"I think that's the whole thing about if you're really a fan of the band, you grow with them or you stop being a fan. I always loved early AC/DC and I totally respect older AC/DC, but I was weaned on Bon Scott."

The first single from Super Collider — the title track, in fact — was released a few weeks ago, and the band has just finished shooting the video for the song.

The video features actress/model/singer/songwriter Hunter Elizabeth, who says the video is "about a high-school couple still loving each other after all the years after graduation, and at the 10-year reunion, both characters find themselves successful (a model and a mathematician) and still very in love." more on this story






Black Sabbath Expand Fall Tour
(hennemusic) Reunited metal legends Black Sabbath have announced the addition of three more shows to their fall tour of Latin and South America.

Joined by openers Megadeth, Sabbath will play Buenos Aires, Argentina on Sunday, October 6 (tickets on sale May 27); Bogota, Colombia on Saturday, October 19 (tickets on sale May 30); and Mexico City, Mexico on Saturday October 26 (tickets on sale May 22).

The 9-date tour kicks off in Santiago, Chile on Friday, October 4. The dates are in support of Sabbath's forthcoming new album, "13," due June 11; Megadeth issue their new record, "Super Collider," on June 4. more on this story



Baroness Announce Summer Tour Dates
Baroness have extended their Yellow & Green North American tour with a new summer leg that will cover cities across the Midwest and the West Coast.

The new tour is set to kick off on August 5th in Columbus, OH at the A&R Music Bar and will conclude on September 4th in Vancouver, BC.

The first leg of the tour will begin on May 24th in Philadelphia, PA at Union Transfer and will conclude on June 16th with an appearance at this year's Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, TN.

Guitarist had this to say about the trek, "It's hard to find the words to express how excited we are to announce this tour. Seven months ago, who knew when it would be or even if we could get back on the road. But here we are, picking right back up where we left off. A heartfelt thanks to everyone's unconditional love and support for us through, let's hope, the hardest time this band will ever see. We told you we'd be back so let's do this thing!"

The group also discuss their harrowing tour bus accident and share rehearsal footage with their new members, Nick Jost (bass) and Sebastian Thomson (drums), in a new online video more on this story




Judas Priest Delay Epitaph Screening
(hennemusic) Judas Priest have announced a delay and rescheduled date for the UK screening of their new live DVD, "Epitaph," originally scheduled for this Wednesday, May 15 at London's Forum in Kentish Town.

"Due to technical issues arising from putting on this special one-off screening of Judas Priest 'Epitaph' at The Forum," said the band, "the show has now been moved to Friday May 24. This will ensure that we are able to put on the biggest show possible! We are sorry for the inconvenience and all tickets for the original date will be honored or refunded."

"Epitaph" will receive its world premiere on Tuesday (May 14) at New York's Clearview Chelsea; the event will be hosted by That Metal Show's Eddie Trunk, who will be joined by Priest singer Rob Halford and guitarist Richie Faulkner. more on this story




Red Hot Chill Peppers' Chad Smith Launches Online Series
(Classic Rock) Red Hot Chill Peppers drummer Chad Smith has launched (and we quote) "the first in a series of intimate conversations with some of the most inspirational musicians of all time".

In Conversation, presented by MusicRadar.com, is a new podcast interview series in which Smith sits down for wide-ranging, one-on-one chats with some of the word's top players.

A few days before Rush were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Smith collared Lifeson for a laugh-filled, leisurely dinner at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood, California.

"The invisible interview – that's what I call it," Smith says. "Friends, thoughts, information – why do you do what you do? Admiration, respect, insight and maybe a surprise." more on this story




Killer Dwarfs Reuniting For Tour and Release of Their 'Lost' Album
The Killer Dwarfs will be launching a reunion tour that will hit North America and Europe in support of the release of their long lost album "Start @ One."

The album was recorded in 1993 at Powerlines Studios in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with producer/engineer Fred Duvall but the album was never released.

The band announced that the original master tapes for the album are currently being digitally remastered and they plan to release the album in early July to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The group will announce the album's release date as well as the dates to their reunion tour in the coming weeks and they also announced their intention to record a live CD and DVD during the trek. more on this story




Queen's News Of The World 35th Anniversary On In The Studio
In The Studio host Redbeard this week is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Queen's News Of The World album with a special edition of his show.

He had this to say, "With the release of News Of The World, Queen had succeeded as four real 'mates' on an international scale, which would continue only to increase for the next decade.

"With four writers, the band had a surplus of strong songs, while Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury possessed such an operatic voice that it's easy to forget that both Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor also sang lead on select songs.

"What really impressed me then and now is how appreciative Brian May is of the fans, the countless deejays, and journalists for supporting Queen's efforts over the years.

"Brian would later suffer a broken marriage, separation of his kids, and the passing of both parents, but nothing short of the untimely death of Freddie Mercury in 1991 could silence the original band. And even that wasn't permanent." Check out the special here.




William DuVall Still Settling In With Alice In Chains
(Classic Rock) Alice In Chains frontman William DuVall says he's "still settling in" with the band, even though he's been with them for seven years now.

He joined in 2006 following the death of Layne Staley four years previously, and made his first studio appearance with them on 2009′s Black Gives Way To Blue. His second album with the band, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, is due on May 27.

DuVall tells GuitarPlayer.com: "I would say we're still settling in – it's always work in progress. There are a lot of things that we have in common, then there are a lot of things that set us very much apart from one another."

He describes his role as "everything from writing riffs to providing counterpoint to what Jerry Cantrell is doing, to doubling what he's doing, to playing solos. It's really everything that you would expect from a two-guitar band." more on this story




The Quireboys Announce New Album and Lose A Member
(Classic Rock) The Quireboys have confirmed their seventh studio album, Beautiful Curse, will be released on June 24. At the same time, drummer Matt Goom has announced his decision to leave the band.

The follow-up to 2008′s Homewreckers & Heartbreakers will be preceded by a single Too Much Of A Good Thing, which can be heard below.

Guitarist Paul Guerin tells RushOnRock: "Twelve tracks in twelve days sounds like a walk in the park. But considering we only had four completely written tracks, we had our work cut out. Once the tracks were finalised and arranged the songs were pretty much recorded live, with the solos going down live rather than overdubbed later.

"We really took this album to the wire – the last note was recorded at 17.15 and at 17.20 we were on the tour bus. We hope you love it as much as we do." And now about Matt Goom




Ray Jackson Launches New Lindisfarne
(Classic Rock) Original Lindisfarne frontman Ray Jackson has launched a new version of the band and confirmed a series of shows in December, with plans to tour further afield in 2014.

The lineup features guitarists Dave Hull-Denholm, Charlie Harcourt and Steve Daggett alongside bassist Ian Thomson and Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson. Every member asides from Thompson has been in a previous version of Lindisfarne, although not all at the same time.

The move came after Jackson performed for the first time with Hull-Denholm in 2012, at the unveiling of a memorial plaque to co-founder Alan Hull, who died in 1995.

Earlier this year Jackson announced a one-off Christmas show in Newcastle City Hall, to help save the venue which was threatened with closure at the time. The speed of ticket sales encouraged him to take the idea further. more on this story




Flash Releasing First New Album in 40 Years
Veteran British prog group Flash, featuring founding members Ray Bennett & Colin Carter, have announced a May 21st release date for their new self-titled album.

The album will be the group's first new album release in 40 years. Ray Bennett had this to say, "First and foremost, I think the new album turned out really well. No, that's being somewhat modest... I think it's brilliant. I wouldn't be happy with anything less. The goal for me, and I think Colin would agree, is to put an album together that's always a turn on. Not just in the beginning when you are all excited about the newness of it, but always. I realized somewhere back in time that it is possible to have that. It's really just as the old saying goes... 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever'. I think this CD is always going to shine."

Colin Carter adds, "It's left brain / right brain rock. Enough skill, detail and finesse to tease the intellect, mixed with enough raw power to send you skidding out of control across the stage on your knees and crashing into amps. Watch out for the splinters!"

Glass Onyon sent over some background information: Founded by lead vocalist Colin Carter, original YES member, guitar legend Peter Banks, bassist Ray Bennett and drummer Mike Hough, Flash released three critically acclaimed albums in the 1970's and undertook several successful tours of the US and Europe. In the USA, the single "Small Beginnings" reached #29 in the Billboard charts, and the first album 'Flash' made the top 50, propelling the band into major venues on their first tour. In the US, Flash went from intimate venues like the Whisky A Go Go, to large concert halls like New York's Avery Fisher Hall, to the wild crowd of 300,000 music fans at the Soda Pop Festival in Indiana. Flash also made high profile performances on TV shows in Europe and the US, including 'The Midnight Special' and the Wolfman Jack hosted 'Superstars Of Rock'. more on this story




Joanne Shaw Taylor Plans Fall Tour and Live CD and DVD Release
Blues rocker Joanne Shaw Taylor will be launching a four-date headline tour of the UK this fall with support from British Blues Awards 2012 'Best Band' and 'Best Album' winner King King.

The tour dates include London at o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on November 28th, Birmingham at Town Hall on the 29th, Holmfirth at the Picturedrome on the 30th and Sage at Gateshead on December 1st.

Taylor's recent Borderline concert was filmed for a live DVD/CD that will be released to coincide with the tour. The live recording will be released as part of Ruf Records' ongoing Songs From The Road 2 disc DVD/CDs. Previous releases in the live series include Luther Allison, Jeff Healey, and Savoy Brown.





Singled Out: Heart In Hand
Today Ed Hartwell from Heart In Hand tells us about the title track to their brand new album "Almost There," which is being released today. Here is the story:

This is the title track of our second full length, and was actually the first song that was written for this album, we played an only slightly different version of it a few times on the last Europe tour we did in April 2011. Ollie (guitar), Charlie (Vocals) and I got the title tattooed by a friend we met on said tour in Belgium during that 2 week trip, before we even knew it would be the album title. We just thought it was a nice positive message, with enough ambiguity to be applied pretty much anywhere in anyone's life. I guess it's intended to be a reminder to give anyone that last push to complete something, where they might have given up without it. We later decided it'd be a fitting title for the album, hoping that maybe it'd be a reflection of our musical career and we could take it to the next step! (We'll see)

The songs middle section quietness down and kicks back in with Char saying "So don't forget, never give in, never give up" I guess that further contributes to the overall message, and as simple as that is lyrically, I think it actually works better by being so direct and to the point, rather than playing around with metaphors and stuff.

We had a bit of an issue with is musically in the early months of its existence; We were playing it live occasionally, seeing how it felt etc for a couple of months, when suddenly a band who were getting a lot of attention released this new video with pretty much the exact same lead part in the intro! They will remain nameless, and there was no way it was intentional, just an unfortunate coincidence for us. It was no biggy though, Ollie just wrote a better intro!

The breakdown in the middle has this harmonized lead part under it, and after listening to a pre-production demo we recorded at our drummer's house, we decided it actually sounds like the kind of harmony church bells would play. That makes me enjoy it more.

We just did a video for it in this lame dance hall in Bournemouth, but after playing around with the lighting, managed to make it look really cool. We suited up, cuz why not?

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




Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen Supergroup Release Video
(Classic Rock) The Winery Dogs, featuring Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen, have released a video for their track Desire, taken from their self-titled album.

The project was the result of a failed collaboration between ex-Dream Theater drummer Portnoy and former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes. The pair found their work ethics clashed and went their separate ways, leading Portnoy to continue work with new collaborators.

Last year he told Eddie Trunk: "It's a classic rock kind of power trio sound. If you picture Zeppelin, Cream, Grand Funk – if you take that sound of the early 70s then you sprinkle it with Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Black Crowes or Lenny Kravitz, it's in that vein.

"You've got the phenomenal playing that Richie and Billy do – and I could play a couple of things on the drums as well…. All three of us are singing; Richie is the lead vocalist, but I and Billy are also singing." Check out the video here.




Thirty Seconds To Mars' Radio Memories
(Radio.com) Welcome to Radio Feedback, Radio.com's weekly feature where we ask artists to wax nostalgic on the first time they heard themselves on the radio. This week they speak with Thirty Seconds To Mars.

Jared Leto has always thought the radio was the best way to discover new music. "Radio's pervasive," he told Radio.com. "You're not always in control. You can be in a friend's car. You can be in a taxi. You can be walking by a store or you can be in a lobby somewhere and you can hear something new."

Or you could be sitting in a parking lot at a Home Depot. That's where the guys of Thirty Seconds To Mars were when they heard themselves on the radio for the very first time. "I remember being in Florida," Leto said.

"Wasn't it Jacksonville?" drummer (and Jared's brother), Shannon Leto asked. more on this story




Van Halen's David Lee Roth Shares His Personal History With Wrestling
(hennemusic) Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth talks about his personal history with, and connection to, professional wrestling in the latest episode of The Roth Show.

It's the 15th edition in the online show's series, which provides the singer with a creative outlet while Van Halen are off the road. The group recently headlined The Stone Music Festival in Australia, and are scheduled to play four concerts in Japan in June.

Van Halen will perform at the RockUSA Festival in Oshkosh, WI on July 20, and have recently announced that they'll play the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, CA on July 24.