Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Black Sabbath Feature Film Coming
(Classic Rock) Black Sabbath are to be the subject of a documentary by top filmmakers Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. The duo behind Canadian company Banger Films have previously made rock documentaries about Rush, Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper.

McFadyen tells Times Columnist that they are to start work on a full-length Sabbath feature film, although it has not been confirmed whether it will document the band's entire history or pick up the story since Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Iommi and Geezer Butler's reunion for 2013 album 13. The record saw the trio record and perform together for the first time in 35 years.

Meanwhile, Banger Films will also film a documentary on Seattle grunge icons Soundgarden. Canadian director Reg Harkema tells Bad Feeling he is working with McFadyen and Dunn on the film, set to get underway in the summer when the band go out on tour with Nine Inch Nails. more on this story




The Misfits Vs Danzig
(Classic Rock) The Misfits have accused their former singer Glenn Danzig of "sour grapes" and trying to profit from merchandise sales to which, they say, he is not entitled.

The band, fronted by Jerry Only, released a statement just a day after news broke that Danzig had launched a lawsuit against his former bandmate. Danzig - who left the band in 1983 - claims bass player Only secretly registered trademarks relating to Misfits merchandise to himself in 2000, cutting the singer out of any profit. The items allegedly registered by Only - real name Gerrard Caiafa - include the band's 'Fiend Skull' logo.

Only's statement, released today, claims he secured exclusive legal rights to tour and record as The Misfits in 1995, at which time he also launched a licensing program through Cyclopian Music. It adds: "At the same time, Glenn Anzalone - professionally known as Glenn Danzig (former co-founder and Misfits vocalist circa 1977 to 1983) - made clear that he wanted no public association with the Misfits or Cyclopian Music's business endeavours."

The statement continues: "To be clear, Glenn Danzig has no legal right to, and no interest in, Cyclopian's Misfits licenses or business ventures period. Danzig's lawsuit is nothing more than a calculated attempt to unfairly and improperly enrich himself from revenue streams to which he is not entitled."

Read the rest of their statement here.




Trivium Lose A Member
Trivium's Paolo Gregoletto released a message to fans announcing that the band has parted ways with Nick Augusto, who became the band's drummer 3 and half years ago.

Gregoletto explains the decision, "I had asked everyone to make this statement regarding Nick, personally and on behalf of the band because of the history we both have had together as friends and bandmates. There is no easy way to go about parting ways with someone; whether it's in a band or not, but if it is coming directly from one of us, I hope that it will be perceived out of our respect for him.

"This past Sunday, Matt, Corey, and I decided that it was best to part ways with Nick and to move forward as soon as possible. This decision was not one that we took lightly, given the fact that we are in the midst of a tour, and more importantly, that Nick has been with us for almost 3 and half years.

"We spoke face to face for about an hour on the bus - first informing him of our decision to move forward, both discussing the situation and how to precede with announcing it, as well as personally thanking him for being there when we needed him as a tech, and then as drummer. I made both those calls to Nick - I asked him if he would be willing to drop everything and come out and be apart of Trivium at a moments notice and he did without hesitation. On stage we all fit well together - I believe we became a tighter and more unified band because of him. There was not a dramatic ending to this, honestly it was quite muted and I am happy to have been able to speak directly and calmly to one another.

"I believe we all agreed that what started out great "off stage" in the beginning, over time began to fray. It became obvious that things were not going to work out in the long run. We did not want to reach the point where the differences between us became apparent on stage. Being in a band is privilege afforded to us by all of you, and as much as we owe you guys the best show we can possibly give you, we also realize that being out here has to be enjoyable enough for us to continue to do so.

"We truly wish nothing but the best for Nick and whatever projects he becomes involved in. We will be rooting for him to succeed. I would like to add that as the one who championed Nick to become our drummer 3 and half years ago, I will be the first person to vouch for him as an incredible drummer and as an immense force and presence on stage. The last show together at Carolina Rebellion was a powerful one, and I am happy to say that we ended our time together on such a high and positive note.

"Lastly, I would like to thank our drum tech Mat Madiro for stepping up to the plate and learning our entire set in 24 hours, allowing us to continue this tour without a hitch. We have always tried to treat both band and crew as family, and the support for Mat from our other crew guys has been amazing, thank you all - Eric, Joey, Sam, Jeremy, and Mike! Another HUGE thank you to Volbeat and their crew for giving us their entire sound check at the Niagara Falls show to allow us to run through the set with Mat. They have been a great band to tour with and this act only further solidified to us what stand up guys they are on and off stage.

"Nick, thank you once again for the hard work with us, we will always be grateful for the time we spent together with you on the road and in the studio.

"Thank you all for your support and understanding.

"Sincerely,
Paolo Gregoletto"




Metal Stars React To Idea of AC/DC Without Malcolm
(Classic Rock) Icons of the rock world have given their opinion on whether AC/DC should continue without Malcolm Young - just as the band appear to have drafted in a replacement.

As Stevie Young, nephew of Angus and Malcolm, joined the band in Vancouver ahead of recording sessions for their next album, musicians and industry heads including Jason Hook from Five Finger Death Punch and Wendy Dio - Ronnie James' widow and manager - spoke out on the band's future.

Dio says they should continue. She says: "Absolutely. They are a legend." But Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and formerly of Down disagrees. He says: "No. Not this far in. I know he had a few problems with drinking years ago and his nephew or someone had to fill in for a few tours while he got sober. It's just my opinion but my God, it's AC/DC, what else do they have to prove?"

Testament's Chuck Billy says he hopes the band continue to write and record but he would understand if they chose not to. And former Pantera man Rex Brown says: "No, there's no AC/DC without Malcolm." Read more.





Scorpions' James Kottack Released From Dubai Jail
(hennemusic) The Scorpions have confirmed that drummer James Kottack has been released from a Dubai jail, following a recent conviction in the United Arab Emirates over alleged misconduct at the local airport in April.

"James Kottak boarded a plane out of Dubai and arrived in the US last night," posted the band on Wednesday. "He will have to find the time to sort out his problems."

The band also confirmed that they had yet to be in direct contact with their bandmate. "Dear fans, at this point we want to hear personally from James what happened in Dubai," they added in a second posted. "We [will] let you know…Hopefully there will be better days ." more on this story





Sebastian Bach Bewildered By Facebook Followers
(Classic Rock) Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach says he's bewildered by people who have liked his Facebook page but haven't bought his latest solo album 'Give 'Em Hell.'

Give 'Em Hell sold 5000 copies in its first week of release - but his official page has over 800,000 followers and his administration section tells him 70,000 are talking about him.

Bach tells The Shoe with Miles Schuman: "I would like to thank the 5000 out of the 800,000 that got my record, and I would like to ask the other 795,000 people, 'Why are you on my page?

"'Are you there to look at the pictures? If that's what you want I'll put some pictures up or whatever.' more on this story




Fish Reveals Rescheduled Tour Dates
(Classic Rock) Fish has confirmed all dates on his rescheduled Movable Feast UK tour. He was forced to postpone the first three shows, then another, then finally call off the entire trek as guitarist Robin Boult struggled with chicken pox and a blood infection.

The shows are in support of acclaimed album A Feast Of Consequences, which was released last year. Fish says: "I talked to Robin today and he asked me to say thanks for all your messages. He's been told he'll be contagious for another six days, with doctors' advice to do nothing and heal for the next two weeks.

"The blood infection has been caught in time and he is now on antibiotics. The worst thing is that he has a large pustule in his ear, which would have meant he could not have used his in-ear monitor system and would have had to resort to old fashioned wedges if there had been any possibility of gigs. He's in a lot of pain still, but this particular spot is the most aggravating and he just has to let it disappear in time."

Read more and check out the rescheduled dates here.





Photos Of Led Zeppelin's Sex Shop Visit Going Up For Auction
(Radio.com) The antics of Led Zeppelin in the '70s are the stuff of rock legend. And most of those legends are too NSFW to be printed by this outlet. However, photographic proof has surfaced that pushes one of the legends into the arena of truth.

Privately owned British auction house Bonhams have put up a lot of photos of the band from March of 1973 that document their reception in Stockholm at the Chat Noir club, the city's leading sex club.

On its website, Bonhams elaborate on the events of the evening, saying, "[d]uring the proceedings, which included a naked couple performing on a small stage, the band was presented with a number of gold album sales awards."

The event was suggested by the band's manager, Peter Grant, and hosted by Metronome Records, who represented their label Atlantic Records in Sweden. more on this story





Video of Scott Weiland Performing New Songs Goes Online
(hennemusic) Former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland performed three new songs during an April 30 show in Dallas, Texas and fan-filmed video has surfaced online.

The rocker introduced "The Way She Moves", "Beach Pop Rock" and "Circles" as part of his set at Trees in Dallas, one of a series of spring concerts by the singer.

Weiland was fired by Stone Temple Pilots in February of 2013, leading to a series of public statements and lawsuits by both parties. The singer's former group have teamed up with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, while Weiland is working on a new solo project with his band, The Wildabouts - it's tentatively expected to be released by the end of the year.

Watch the videos of Weiland performing the new songs here.





Trent Reznor Urges Today's Bands To Break The Rules
(Classic Rock) Trent Reznor has hit out at bands who stay "safe" in an effort to attract positive reviews. The Nine Inch Nails frontman has urged rock bands to express themselves and "break the rules", rather than take the "cowardly" route of keeping on the good side of reviewers.

Reznor tells the Daily Record: "A pretty conservative nature has crept into music and I don't mean sonically. I get the sense that a lot of bands today are designing themselves to get a good review in the hip blogs and that is probably the safest and most cowardly thing you can do as an artist.

"If you have something to say, then say it. Express yourself and break the rules. What I try to straddle is paying attention to what is happening in the outside world to some degree and at the same time becoming insular and really trusting my own voice and my own sense of what is right and appropriate." More





Jeff Beck Says Brian Wilson Tour Was 'A Bit Of A Nightmare'
(Classic Rock) Jeff Beck has described his 2013 US tour alongside Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson as "a bit of a nightmare." The guitar icon was persuaded to hit the road with Wilson to promote an album, even though it hadn't been finished.

That led to a situation where Beck was expected to undertake extensive promotional activities to assist with ticket sales - and on one occasion the schedule was so hectic he had to visit hospital for an endoscopy without taking any time off.

He tells Mojo: "They wanted me to spend the whole afternoon doing promo to prop up the ticket sales. So we did this meet-and-greet stuff, where audiences pay good money to watch rehearsals, which robbed me of the afternoon nap.

"I ended up in Chicago University Hospital having an endoscopy - and they still had me playing the next night. It was a bit blood and guts; but I'd fallen in love with the idea of playing with Brian Wilson." more on this story





Down By Law Plan First UK Tour In A Decade
(Classic Rock) Down By Law will play their first UK tour in a decade in August, they've confirmed. Dave Smalley's melodic punk outfit will also release a mini-album entitled Revolution Time, containing brand new tracks plus covers of Stiff Little Fingers, Thin Lizzy and Elvis Costello songs.

A statement says: "When punk rock broke and bands cashed in on fashion trends, Down By Law stayed true to their ideals. While everyone else wrote songs about farts, Smalley was penning songs about feeling lonely and out of place, afraid and uncertain.

"He wrote about finding strength in being apart from the larger culture, and turning the loneliness and alienation of individuals into unity and mutual respect.

"All politics are personal, and everything personal is political. This is why Down By Law is one of the few bands that matter - the personal and political are inseparable in their music. If you open your heart these songs will reveal truths that no one else has enough guts to say."

Hear their track New Autonomy and check out the tour dates here.





John Mayall Addresses Lack Of Industry Accolades
(The Blues John Mayall regrets the relative lack of industry success he's enjoyed through the release of over 50 albums in his career. And although he's not out looking for accolades, he'd be pleased to add them to his achievements.

The former Bluesbreakers leader, who shut the band down in 2008, is poised to launch new record A Special Life next week. He tells Grateful Web: "I wouldn't call it success, considering I've made over 50 original albums and I've never had a Grammy. I never had any chart success. My records haven't been recognised in the Hall Of Fame or anything like that - a lot of other people have."

But that's not to say he's on the hunt for awards. "It wouldn't complete it; it would add to it," says the 80-year-old. "We have a great fanbase. Everywhere we play we have a full house. You can't get much better than that." more on this story






Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion Nearing Crowdfunding Goal
(The Blues The Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion are hoping the next six days will see them reach the crowdfunding target to pay for production of their third album.

The band have already achieved 82% of the total, and they believe one last push will see them cross the line. Schwarz says on their PledgeMusic page: "As you know, we live in the age of the corporate machine, and most forms of creative, intelligent art have been sidelined to the category of 'specialist'. This erodes the quality of all our lives and tries to feed us a diet of musical 'junk food.'"

But she continues: "We have been on such a roll these last couple of years and new songs keep pouring out of us. The response to our first two albums has shown us that this band has so much potential." more on this story





Tesla Perform Two New Songs At Frontiers Rock Festival
(hennemusic) Tesla performed two new tracks from the forthcoming album, "Simplicity", during a May 1st appearance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy, and fan-filmed video from the event is available online.

The band played "Mp3" and "Ricochet" as part of their festival set; both will appear on the new album when its released in Europe on June 6 in Europe and in North America on June 10.

Tesla's seventh all-original studio album was produced by the band with some help from legendary producer Tom Zutaut. The project was recorded at bassist Brian Wheat's J Street Recorders. Watch the video of the band performing the new songs here.






The Caring Side Of Axl Rose
(Classic Rock) Axl Rose's former personal assistant during Guns N' Roses' heyday has painted a picture of the singer as a caring and compassionate friend. While Rose is often the subject of criticism for his difficult personality and backstage tantrums, his ex-PA Craig Duswalt tells a different story in his book Welcome To My Jungle. It covers the 1991-1993 Use Your Illusion period when the band were the biggest rock act on the planet.

Duswalt, who has stayed in touch with his former boss all through the band's line-up changes, tells MyGNRforum: "Axl was very good to me and my family. I last saw GNR at Universal Amphitheater in 2006, and the show was amazing. After the concert, my friends and I were invited backstage to Axl's dressing room.

"Usually my wife Natasha would have come, but she had been diagnosed with cancer and was going through chemo and didn't have the strength to go to the show. I go back to Axl's personal area and Axl gives me a hug, and the first thing out of his mouth was 'how's Natasha?' That is exactly who Axl Rose is."





Dee Snider Better Than David Lee Roth and Ozzy?
(Classic Rock) Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French believes bandmate Dee Snider is a better frontman than Van Halen's David Lee Roth and Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne.

But he's confirmed fans aren't likely to hear any new music from the band, who continue to play on occasion but have no plans to record again in the future.

"Dee is certainly one of the most underrated frontmen; I don't think he gets the respect he deserves," French tells Full Throttle Rock. "I think he's better than David Lee Roth - and no question better than Ozzy.

"In terms of an entertainer he's more responsible. He understands what he's supposed to do better than these other bands, and that's really an important factor. He really gets what you're supposed to do as a singer. He does his vocal exercises for, like, two hours before he goes on stage."




Singled Out: Baby Baby's Haters
Baby Baby recently sent us over a link to a video for their song "Haters" and it was so hilarious that we had to find out more about the song. Today Baby Baby's Fontez Brooks tells us all about it. Here is the story:

3 years ago I was sitting on my friends couch/my bed, when I realized I hate everyone. But I couldn't articulate it. Maybe this hate stemmed from me sleeping on my friend's couch or maybe it was literally because people suck.

Whatever the reason, I could only come up with this one guitar riff. So I took that riff to the band and we knew immediately what we had to do: go get a 30 pack of Natty Light (sign of the times). Midway threw the pack we actually started playing around with the riff and immediately I knew: this was our chance to call out anybody who's ever doubted us or anyone who doesn't understand how hard we work.

Haven't you ever been listening to someone talk and you wanted to get on top of a table and scream YOU LIL BOYS DON'T KNOW NOTHING 'BOUT NOTHING!!!!!! That is this song. Enjoy....or don't it'll actually be better if you don't...ya know to give the song more credibility.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Motley Crue Recording Their 'Final Song'
(hennemusic) Motley Crue are in the middle of recording the final song of their career, according to producer James Michael, who broke the news at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

"As we know, the Crue is getting ready to hang it up. And we discussed for a while doing a final song," Michael said. "And that's a tall order. There was a lot of pressure on us to make sure that we did it right and that we celebrated everything that they were known for.

"So I think we've done it. I'm actually tracking drums with Tommy [Lee] tomorrow. And it's an outstanding song. I think it's gonna be an absolutely amazing way to go out swinging."

Last month, guitarist Mick Mars confirmed the band will release a new single for the launch of their farewell tour. "I just wrote a new song with Nikki [Sixx], and we're gonna be finishing it up, like, within the next couple of months," Mars told Eddie Trunk during the March 3 edition of "Trunk Nation" on SiriusXM's Hair Nation. "There'll be a new single [released in time for the upcoming tour]." more on this story





Slipknot Wouldn't Help Paul Gray According To His Widow
(Classic Rock) The widow of late Slipknot bassist Paul Gray has claimed his bandmates refused her pleas to help him just days before he died. Gray's body was found in a hotel room in 2010 after he lost his battle against drug addiction.

The band have still not fully recovered from the derailment, and only recently started work on their first album since the co-founder's death. Brenna Gray, testifying at the trial of her late husband's doctor, recounted her memories of the days leading up to the tragedy.

Brenna said that she staged an intervention that involved her family but no members of Slipknot, although she'd advised the band's manager of Gray's situation. She later asked the musicians directly for help.

She said: "One was playing golf two minutes away from our house but couldn't come. Nobody else cared, nobody was involved. They told me it was my problem." more on this story




Slayer Giving Away New Song, Part Ways With Rick Rubin After 28 Years
Slayer are offering fans a free download of "Implode," their first new studio recording in five years as they also reveal that they have ended their relationship with Rick Rubin and his American Recordings after 28 years.

The band premiered the new song during a surprise performance at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles during the Golden Gods Awards on Wednesday.

Slayer recorded the new song earlier this month with producers Terry Date and Greg Fidelman at the Henson Studios in Los Angeles and on Thursday they posted a free download of the track at www.slayer.net. Kerry King had this to say about the free track "you have been waiting for us, now we are delivering for you."

The legendary thrash group also announced that they have signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records to launch their own imprint label. The move ends the band's 28 year relationship with Rick Rubin's American Recordings.

"Rick has played a huge role in our career, we've made some great albums with him," said Tom Araya. "But today is a new day, record companies don't play the kind of role they once did, and we really like the idea of going out on our own, connecting directly with our fans, and Nuclear Blast is fired up about taking on that challenge with us."

The band plans to begin recording their new album later this year and they are expecting that it will be released early in 2015 under their new worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast.

Nuclear Blast label manager Gerardo Martinez had this to say, "The prospect of helping Slayer take a leading role in the creative process surrounding their releases, projects and other cross-promotional opportunities is the ultimate honor for me, a metalhead who grew up in Los Angeles listening to Slayer. Nowhere in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that Nuclear Blast."




Stephen Pearcy Quits Ratt
(Classic Rock) Stephen Pearcy has quit Ratt, confirming he's walking away from three decades of legacy. And he's suggested part of the reason is that he'll never get over the loss of guitarist Robbin Crosby, who died of a heroin overdose in 2002.

His decision follows the sudden death of his sister last month, which led to the band cancelling an appearance on the Monsters Of Rock touring festival. Pearcy says in a statement: "After 30 years creating Ratt and losing a real brother, Robbin, it's time that I personally part ways with the band.

"I am officially done with having anything to do with them, due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks and threats in the public forum - and most of all, disrespect to the fans." more on this story





Metallica Making Progress On New Album
(hennemusic) Metallica have been talking about getting to work on a new album for the past few years, and now drummer Lars Ulrich is sharing an update on the band's plans for the project.

"We're going through the grind," Ulrich tells Rolling Stone. "We're in there doing riffs and putting them into songs. We don't really write one song and then show up the next day and do another one. We just work on riffs and sections, connecting riffs and tempos and moods."

There's no timeline for the release of the album, but Ulrich says they've made much progress. "We've been doing this, off and on, for the better part of a year," he says. "We're going to do these dates this summer and then really hone down. I'd say that right now, we're in the fourth inning." more on this story





Ozzy Osbourne The Most Misunderstood
(Classic Rock) Ozzy Osbourne has topped a list of the world's most misheard singers - ahead of pop star Lady Gaga. The Black Sabbath frontman's Birmingham accent might be responsible for some of the confusion. He famously had trouble with a car's voice recognition system on an episode of reality TV show the Osbournes in 2003.

A survey by UK video-on-demand service Blinkbox has revealed that Ozzy's lyric from the song Crazy Train - 'going off the rails on a crazy train' - was often misheard as 'going off the rails on a gravy train'.

Audiences struggled to understand the singer on MTV show The Osbournes, although he says he was heavily medicated during much of the filming. The survey also highlighted Queen's We Will Rock You as one of the most misheard, with 'kicking your can all over the place' often being mistaken for 'kicking your cat all over the place'. more on this story





Duran Duran Confirm Frusciante Collaboration
(Classic Rock) Former Red Hot Chilli Peppers guitarist John Frusciante is working with Duran Duran on their new album, the 80s pop icons confirmed. The well-travelled axeman - who has also been a member of The Mars Volta and this year formed supergroup Kimono Kult with Omar Rodriguez Lopez - is adding guitar to tracks on the upcoming Duran Duran record from his home in California.

Simon Le Bon and co released a statement confirming Frusciante's involvement after rumours began circulating that he was on board, although it seems he won't be a part of the touring line-up.

The statement, attributed to "Simon, John, Nick and Roger," reads: "We were holding this exciting news because we were hoping to give you full details when we announced, but as word has leaked out, catching us rather off guard, we wanted to confirm… yes it's true, the extraordinarily talented John Frusciante has indeed been doing some work from his home base in California on our new album."

They had more to say including how far his involvement with the group goes here.





Guns N' Roses Full Golden Gods Performance Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses headlined The Revolver Golden Gods Awards Show at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Wednesday, and video of the band's full set is available online.

GNR founding bassist Duff McKagan joined the band for the show, marking his first time sharing the stage with the group in the US after joining them for several South American dates earlier this month; those shows were Duff's first full concerts with the group in 17 years.

Axl Rose took home this year's Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. The 2014 Revolver Golden Gods Awards Show will air on VH1 Classic on Saturday, May 24th.

Watch GNR's performance here.




AC/DC's Brian Johnson Previews New TV Series
(hennemusic) AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson is previewing "Cars That Rock", a new television series he is hosting that is set to begin airing in the UK next month.

Available on Quest, Freeview Channel 38 starting May 8, "Cars That Rock" follows Johnson as he pursues his passion of cars, looking into the history, meeting the fanatics and of racing in general.

Over six 60-minute episodes, Johnson looks at six of his favorite makes of car - three from the U.K. and three from other parts of Europe. In 2009, Johnson released his autobiography, "Rockers And Rollers: A Full Throttle Memoir."

Watch the preview here.





Led Zeppelin Preview Unreleased Version of 'Whole Lotta Love'
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin are sharing a preview of an unreleased version of "Whole Lotta Love" from the forthcoming reissue of their 1969 sophomore album, "Led Zeppelin II."

The BBC reports there are significant differences between the unreleased version and the final one that appeared on the band's second album: the original is missing the first chorus and middle section, while new vocals appear on the finished version, as well as a slide guitar.

"You realize just how important all of those additional layers and the filigree work is," says Jimmy Page. "There's all manner of bells and whistles to make it the song Whole Lotta Love as we all know it." more on this story





Paul Weller Blasts Record Store Day
(Classic Rock) Bosses behind the annual Record Store Day event have accepted criticisms levelled at them by former Jam frontman Paul Weller. He reacted with fury after hearing how the limited-edition release of his vinyl single _Brand New Toy _had been snapped up by prospectors instead of real fans, and many of the 500 copies were being sold on eBay at inflated prices.

Weller said: "I agree with all of you who have sent messages expressing your anger and disappointment at the exploitation of these 'limited editions' by touts.

"Apart from making the record, the rest has very little to do with me - but I am disheartened by the whole thing and unfortunately I won't be taking part in Record Store Day again," he said. "It's such a shame. I am a big supporter of independent stores, but the greedy touts making a fast buck off genuine fans is disgusting."

He was furious to discover copies of his single on sale even before this year's Record Store Day, which took place on Saturday - and added that some fans had been told it was sold out as soon as stores opened. Weller said: "it only takes a few to spoil a wonderful concept for everyone else. Shame on those touts."

Now RSD bosses have replied, saying they take his points on board. Read what they had to say here.




Metallica's Hetfield Helped Keep Peace With Big 4
(Classic Rock) Former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano says Metallica frontman James Hetfield kept the lid on the potential for mass fallouts during the legendary Big 4 of Thrash tour.

Caggiano, who currently plays guitar with Volbeat, describes the Metallica frontman holding court during a dinner with members of his own band, Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer on the opening night of the Big 4 tour in Warsaw, Poland, in 2010.

Speaking to HardDrive, Caggiano says: "There was one really cool thing that happened at the start of the Big 4 tour and I've got to give it up to James Hetfield and those guys because I think it was a brilliant idea. The first show we did was in Poland and he had the idea of getting everyone together to have dinner.

"It was this really private, little Italian restaurant. I guess over the years there has been tension between the Big 4 bands, but that just cleared the air and really set the tone for the whole tour. I think it was absolutely brilliant. We all walked out of that restaurant just totally excited about everything."

Taking the world's four biggest metal bands on a joint tour proved a massive hit with fans, but Caggiano says he got as big a thrill out of it as anyone in the audience.

Read a lot more and stream the video here.





Jake E Lee Wrote Favorite Red Dragon Cartel Song When He Was 13
(Classic Rock) Jake E Lee has revealed his favourite song on the debut Red Dragon Cartel album was written when he was just 13 years old. He believed piano-led piece Exquisite Tenderness had no place in his previous projects - and he feared it would never see the light of day.

Lee said in the fan Q&A video below: "It's my favourite. I wrote it when I was, I think, 13 or 14 and never knew what to do with it. It wasn't an Ozzy song, wasn't a Badlands song. It's not a rock song. I always had and I never knew what to do with it, and I thought it would die with me.

"So being able to put it on this record, at the end of it, is a great closure and means a lot to me."

The former member of Ratt and Rough Cutt was asked whether those bands would have been more successful if he had stuck around. He was also asked if he would liked to have worked with his his eventual Ratt replacement Warren DeMartini. more on this story





Neil Young Releasing 'A Letter Home' Box Set
(hennemusic) Neil Young has expanded his just-released new album, "A Letter Home", into a full box set. "A Letter Home" features covers of songs by Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and more.

While the original vinyl release was made available as part of Record Store Day last weekend, Young has announced a May 27th release of a full limited-edition box set.

The package will include a standard 12" vinyl LP, an audiophile vinyl version, seven 6" clear vinyl discs, a standard CD, a standard DVD, a digital download and a 32-page, 12" x 12" book. more on this story






Football Team Denies Vince Neil Relocation and Ownership Report
(hennemusic) The Jacksonville Sharks of the American Football League have issued a statement denying claims made by Motley Crue singer Vince Neil that he is currently a part owner of the team and, that if he becomes one, he will move the franchise to Las Vegas.

Sharks Managing Partner Jeff Bouchy issued a statement Wednesday in response to comments made by Neil to gossip columnist and pal Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun, who reported Monday that Neil confirmed that he's become part owner of the team and that he will bring an AFL team to Sin City in the next two years.

Boxscorenews.com published a statement by Bouchy, as follows: "There have been several reports in different media outlets over the past several days regarding Vince Neil of Motley Crue becoming an owner of the Jacksonville Sharks and possibly relocating the team to the Las Vegas market.

"Simply stated, the Jacksonville Sharks are neither relocating to the Las Vegas market nor planning to ever leave our great city of Jacksonville. We are currently in talks with Vince Neil about becoming a minority owner of the Jacksonville team, but those discussions do not include moving the team to another market, and as of now, neither Vince Neil nor Rockstar Investment Group, Inc. own any part of the Jacksonville Sharks." more on this story





David Bowie Releasing Limited Edition Diamond Dogs Picture Disc
(Radio.com) Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of Diamond Dogs, the 1974 concept album from David Bowie. To commemorate the occasion, the singer has announced a limited edition of the album's eponymous single as a picture disc.

The 7-inch picture disc comes June 17 and features the six-minute "Diamond Dogs" on its A-side. On the flip side, it'll feature a 2005 mix of the tune, referred to as the David Live mix, originally recorded live at Philadelphia's Tower Theater in '74 by Tony Visconti. The latter is making its vinyl debut with the release.

The disc's side-A image is an outtake that has its origin in a session with Terry O'Neill for the album, while the second side is a previously unreleased photo from Bowie's 1974 U.S. tour.

The single of "Diamond Dogs," released to radio in June 1974, followed "Rebel Rebel" as a single from the album. It hit No. 21 on the U.K. Singles Chart but did not impact in the U.S. Its second side during its original release was "Holy Holy," which was originally released as its own single three years earlier.

See an image of the picture disc here.

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Peter Frampton Pushed The Envelope On New Album
(Classic Rock) Peter Frampton's upcoming album Hummingbirds In A Box contains material written for a ballet company, he's confirmed. The seven-track record, due for release on June 23, is based on live pieces he performed with the Cincinnati Ballet in April 2013.

Frampton says of the release: "Writing for dance was a wonderfully freeing experience. There were no boundaries - we were able to push the composing envelope."

The album launch is preceded with a live performance in New York, where the ballet company will dance to the new studio versions of the compositions.

It's his second collaboration with Gordon Kennedy, after the pair worked together on Frampton's Grammy-winning 2006 release Fingerprints. more on this story

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Deep Purple's Ian Paice Says Today's Generation Lacks Expertise
(Classic Rock) Deep Purple's Ian Paice says today's rock musicians would struggle to recreate the "edginess" of the band's celebrated 1972 live album, Made In Japan.

"I don't believe the expertise is there," the drummer claims. "When I look at the people I grew up playing alongside, the next generation of musicians just didn't have the same schooling or the broad picture of music that allowed them to let their ideas roam free.

"That's not a criticism, it's just the way music changed. When we recorded Made In Japan, everything was being formed. Nobody knew how to do it when we were starting out, nothing was actually written. Now it's all like a book." more on this story




Lillian Axe Releasing Unplugged Album and DVD
Lillian Axe have announced that they will be releasing a new live acoustic album and home video, One Night in the Temple, on May 27th in North America and on May 19th in other markets across the globe. Chipster sent over these details:

Performed acoustically in an intimate setting housed in a Masonic Temple in the Bayou, with their most die-hard fans, One Night in the Temple, features all their hits including, True Believer, Show A Little Love, Crucified, Misery Loves Company, Ghost of Winter, The Great Divide, Bow Your Head, Waters Rising and the crowd favorite Nobody Knows.

Lillian Axe founder Steve Blaze reflects; " when I first had the idea of putting this show together, it was originally going to be a private 20 person show with acoustic guitars, vocals and no production, however, it took on a life of its own."

One Night in the Temple; will be released as 3 disc set (2CDs/1DVD and 2CDs/1Blu-Ray), housed in an elaborate digipack. Filmed in high definition, the Blu-Ray will contain the acoustic performance, fan question and answer session, videos for the songs Caged In and Death Comes Tomorrow, featuring 3 songs live in concert from their July 4, 2013 performance at the Paragon Casino and behind the scenes footage while the DVD will contain 1 song from the Paragon Casino and the video for Death Comes Tomorrow. more on this story





Winger Singled Out Week: Storm In Me
Winger released their brand new album, Better Days Comin', this week and to celebrate we asked Kip to tell us about some of his favorite tracks on the album. Today he tells us about the song "Storm In Me". Here is the story:

This was a song the John Roth and I finished from a riff Reb wrote in the early sessions. John came up to help write on 3 songs. This song is on of my favorites on the record.

I didn't know what to expect with John because we haven't written much, but it turned out very easy and we wrote 3 great tunes. So Long China, Be Who You Are, Now. And Storm In Me.

The lyrics and somewhat auto- biographical but portrayed to the extreme. Many times we lash out at the very people we care about the most. This song depicts that person who can't help being the good and evil. I explained it musically by making opposing sections of the music very light and others very dark.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


AC/DC Address Break Up and Malcolm's Heath Rumors
AC/DC and their frontman Brian Johnson have both addressed the rumors that the band were planning to retire due to guitarist Malcolm Young suffering a major health problem (rumored to be a stroke).
The band addressed the rumors about Malcolm's health in a posting on their Facebook page on Wednesday. They wrote, "After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health.

"Malcolm would like to thank the group's diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support. In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family's privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."

Earlier in the day, Daily Telegraph published an article after they spoke to frontman Brian Johnson. "We are definitely getting together in May in Vancouver," he told the paper. "We're going to pick up some guitars, have a plonk, and see if anybody has got any tunes or ideas. If anything happens, we'll record it."

He was also asked about the rumors about Malcolm's health and the future of the group. He responded, "I wouldn't like to say anything either way about the future. I'm not ruling anything out.

"One of the boys has a debilitating illness, but I don't want to say too much about it. He is very proud and private, a wonderful chap. We've been pals for 35 years and I look up to him very much."

Johnson was also asked about the band's plan to launch a 40th anniversary tour where they would play 40 concerts at 40 different venues. "That would be a wonderful way to say bye bye," said Johnson. "We would love to do it. But it's all up in the air at the moment.

"AC/DC is such a tight family. We've stuck to our guns through the Eighties and Nineties when people were saying we should change our clothes and our style. But we didn't and people got it that we are the real deal."

Read the Telegraph report here.



Mass-Murder Suspect Quotes Megadeth
(hennemusic) The suspect in the worst mass-murder in Calgary's history posted two references to Megadeth hours before he allegedly went on a killing spree at a house party that claimed the lives of five university students in the Canadian city early Tuesday morning.

The National Post reports a Facebook page believed to belong to the suspect, 22 year-old Matthew de Grood, featured an ominous status update not long before the attack.

"Dread and the fugitive mind - the world needs a hero," was posted at Monday at 7:39 p.m. The first part of the quote is the name of a Megadeth song followed by the title of the 2001 album it came from.

It is unclear what the post was in reference to and whether it is, in any way, related to Tuesday's attack. Police say five people were killed in a stabbing rampage at a house party at about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, when de Grood arrived as an invited guest as University of Calgary students celebrated the end of the school season. more on this story




The Who Planning 50th Anniversary Tour
(Classic Rock) The Who will mark their 50th anniversary with a world tour starting in the UK around Christmas, Pete Townshend has revealed. And he's hopeful the landmark celebration will include the release of a new album - provided he can identify some strong ideas from his large archive of demos.

Townshend tells Billboard: "It will be a world tour. I'm not crazy about going on the road, but I'm in good shape. Once I start doing it, and I'm still very good at it, I'll take some pleasure from it."

The guitarist plans to work with Roger Daltrey on some of the material he's written for his Floss solo project. He says: "I'm trying to go through 20,000 hours of disorganized music. I'll be pulling songs out to give to Roger, to see if we've got enough to make an album." more on this story





Paul McCartney Adds More North American Summer Tour Dates
Beatles legend Paul McCartney continues to announce additional dates for the summer North American leg of his Out There World Tour. On Wednesday, he confirmed six additional U.S. shows for the tour, with more still be announced.

The newly announced U.S. dates include new stops in Lubbock, Tx (June 14th), Dallas (June 16th), Atlanta (June 21st), Jacksonville, FL (June 22nd), Nashville (June 25th) and Salt Lake City (August 7th).

These new U.S. shows join the previously announced sold shows in New Orleans (June 19th), Louisville, KY (June 26th), Albany (July 5th) and Pittsburgh (July 7th).

McCartney will be kicking off the 2014 legs of his Out There World Tour next week in Uruguay, with the Latin American leg scheduled to visit Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica. That leg will be followed by McCartney's return to Japan and his very first performance in Korea. more on this story





Mars Volta Flea Supergroup Antemasque Set Album Release
(Radio.com) Not long after announcing their existence to the world last week, rock supergroup Antemasque has revealed a release date for their debut album. According to NME, the four-piece, which consists of former Mars Volta members Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez with contributions from Dave Elitch plus Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, will release a self-titled LP this July.

The announcement comes after a flurry of song releases from the band, starting a week ago (April 9) with "4 AM." Three new songs have followed, culminating with the release of "Drown All Your Witches" today (April 16) to accompany the announcement of the new album.

"If the whole thing looked unplanned, that's because it was," the band collectively revealed in a statement about the record's rollout over the past week. "The anticipation of what the reaction from fans and critics would be was very real for us with every new song we put out."

The band is offering a bundle of their first three releases, including "4 AM," with "Drown All Your Witches" received as a free download for the first 10,000 orders. more on this story





B.B. King Apologizes For Bad Show
(The Blues B.B. King has issued an apology for the concert earlier this month which saw him being heckled by an unhappy crowd. Some attendees at the Peabody Opera House in St Louis began making catcalls and left early as the 88-year-old icon delivered a set described as "erratic" and "rambling."

Now he's explained that the poor performance was due to his enduring a 24-hour drive to the show, along with forgetting to take his diabetes medication. A spokesman says: "The combination of the rigours of the drive and high blood-sugar resulted in a performance that did not match Mr King's usual standard of excellence.

"Simply put, it was a bad night for one of America's living blues legends. Mr King apologises, and humbly asks for the understanding of his fans." View audience-shot video of the performance here.





The Who Releasing Quadrophenia Live Package
(hennemusic) On June 9 (June 10 in North America), The Who will release "Quadrophenia: Live In London", a new package that captures the band in concert at Wembley Arena performing their 1973 classic album in its entirety on the final night of their 40th anniversary tour that celebrated the record's original release.

Filmed on July 8, 2013, the Quadrophenia performance was followed a set of the band's greatest hits for the sold-out crowd. With HD screen backdrops, archival footage and today's advanced technology in sound, the live show reunited The Who with late bandmates John Entwistle (for "5:15") and Keith Moon for his signature song, "Bell Boy."

"Quadrophenia: Live In London" will be available in various configurations including an expanded Deluxe Metal Box which includes the High Definition Blu-Ray and standard DVD of the concert film, both in 5.1 Surround Sound audio; a two-CD soundtrack of the show; and for the first time, a 5.1 Surround Sound mix of the entire 1973
album release of "Quadrophenia" on a Blu-Ray Audio Disc. Extras include a 6-inch Mod Headlight sticker, a Mod Headlight button, and a booklet with liner notes and photos, all housed in a 10-inch metal container embossed with the movie-inspired, iconic, Mod bullseye logo painted on a Vespa SG scooter headlight. more on this story




Gary Numan Announces Intimate Club Tour
(Classic Rock) Gary Numan has confirmed an intimate club tour to take place between his upcoming festival appearances. He'll perform in smaller venues between June 21 and July 3.

These new initiate dates will be sandwiched by his music festival appearances at Body And Soul in Ireland on June 21 and Sonisphere at Knebworth on July 4.

He also plays the inaugural Alt Fest on August 16 and a standalone show at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo on November 28. Promoters say: "The tour will give fans the chance to see Gary play in intimate settings not seen in the UK for decades." more on this story





Rob Zombie Previews Zombie Horror Picture Show DVD
(hennemusic) Rob Zombie has released a video preview of his upcoming live DVD package, "The Zombie Horror Picture Show." The 16-song set features a mix of solo hits and White Zombie tracks, including "Super-Charger Heaven", "More Human Than Human" and "Thunder Kiss '65."

Due May 20, the live project captures Zombie in concert last summer in Houston (Aug 3) and Dallas (Aug 4) during the final two shows of the 2013 Mayhem Festival.

Zombie will launch a spring US tour in support of the new DVD and his latest album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", in Fort Myers, Florida on April 26. Watch the preview





Kix Releasing First New Album In Almost 2 Decades
Most of the original lineup of 80s rockers Kix have inked a record deal with Loud & Proud Records for the upcoming release of the band's first album in almost 19 years.

The original members of Kix, Steve Whiteman (lead vocals), Jimmy Chalfant (drums, vocals), Ronnie Younkins (guitars), Brian Forsythe (guitars), are joined by new bass player Mark Schenker for the new album.

The band has also reunited with producer Taylor Rhodes for the as-yet-untitled new studio album. Rhodes worked with the band on their 1991 album "Hot Wire." They anticipate a summer release.

Frontman Steve Whiteman had this to say about their new deal, "The boys and I are so happy that our old friend, Tom Lipsky, has invited us to join the Loud & Proud family.

"We worked with Tom and Madelyn Scarpulla on our last studio album, SHOW BUSINESS, and we're looking forward to working with them again with the release of the first new KIX album in almost 19 years! We'll still be coming to a dump near you very soon!"

The band have also lined up a number of live appearances this spring and summer including performances at the M3 Festival, Rocklahoma, Rock The Falls and Halfway Jam. more on this story





Peter Gabriel Making Slow Progress On Next Album
(Prog) Peter Gabriel is still working towards releasing his next album - but admits progress is slow because he wants to spend time with his family. That doesn't mean he's not keen to progress with the project, however.

He tells Rolling Stone: "I get distracted. But I have technology and a few projects at the moment that keep me going. I'm itching to get back to more writing.

"I do the school run in the morning and then try to get something done. On a good day I'll go to the gym and try to do some music, and quite often meetings. I try to have as much of a family life as I can." more on this story





Tom Petty In The Studio For Full Moon Fever Anniversary
Tom Petty is the featured guest in the latest episode of the syndicated radio show In The Studio which celebrated the 25th anniversary of Petty's hit 1989 album "Full Moon Fever." The show sent over these details:

Two things happened after Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 7th album Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) that would signal the next phase in Petty's illustrious music career. First, the band toured as Bob Dylan's live band. Second, while on tour, Petty would meet and become friends with ex-Beatle George Harrison and producer, former ELO founder Jeff Lynne, setting in motion the supergroup of Dylan, Harrison, Orbison, Lynne and Petty named The Traveling Wilburys.

In between the tours with Dylan and The Traveling Wilburys recording Tom Petty, with the help of producer/songwriter Jeff Lynne, would find magic recording his first solo album, his most successful album ever with hits, "Free Fallin'", "I Won't Back Down", "Love is a Long Road", "A Face in the Crowd", "Yer So Bad", "Runnin' Down a Dream" and the Byrd's tribute "Feel A Whole Lot Better" .

Petty recalls to InTheStudio host Redbeard the importance of his producer partnership with Jeff Lynne for Full Moon Fever. "Jeff Lynne is the consummate record producer. There aren't many anymore like that. He really knows what he's talking about and he understands every aspect of the recording and what's going to go on. He also understands the tune, the feel, the performer. All of those things you gotta have in your mind. He just somehow handles it so casually." Stream the episode here.





Saxon Announce 'Warriors of The Road' Tour
Saxon have revealed that they will be celebrating their 35th anniversary this fall by launching the 'Warriors of The Road' tour that will feature 38 stops across the continent.

The tour is scheduled to get underway on October 25th at Gagarin 205 in Athens, GR and will be concluding on December 13th at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London.

In addition to the UK and two Greece dates, the tour is set to visit Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France and Ireland. more on this story





Soundgarden Streaming Black Hole Sun Demo
(hennemusic) Soundgarden have released a streaming a demo version of "Black Hole Sun" from the forthcoming 20th anniversary reissue of their 1994 album, "Superunknown."

Due June 3, the project features Soundgarden's breakthrough release; propelled by the singles "Spoonman", "Black Hole Sun", "Fell On Black Days", "My Wave" and "The Day I Tried To Live", the album debuted at No. 1 in the US and went on to sell more than 9 million copies worldwide, including 5 million in the States alone.

The "Superunknown" reissue will be released in two versions: a 2-CD Deluxe Edition and a 5-CD Super Deluxe Edition. A 2-LP gatefold of the original 16 vinyl tracks remastered on 200-gram vinyl in a gatefold jacket will also be made available. Check out the demo here.




Metallica Classic Featured In NHL Playoffs Opening Broadcast
(hennemusic) Metallica's 1984 classic, "For Whom The Bell Tolls", was featured Wednesday as the opening theme to Hockey Night In Canada's broadcast coverage of the 2014 NHL Playoffs.

The video montage included the song - inspired by Ernest Hemingway's 1940 novel of the same name - paired with a quote from the book, alongside footage of current and classic NHL action.

"For Whom The Bell Tolls" was the second single released from Metallica's sophomore album, "Ride The Lightning." The track has the distinction of being 5th most-performed song by the band (as of October 2012), behind only "One", "Seek & Destroy", "Creeping Death" and "Master Of Puppets." Check out video here.





Kenny Wayne Shepherd Goes Behind The Scenes Of New Album
(The Blues Kenny Wayne Shepherd has released a new online video that is offering his fans a behind-the-scenes look at his forthcoming album Goin' Home, ahead of its May 5th release.

Shepherd will be supporting the album release with a 15-date European tour including a show at the O2 Academy Islington in London on April 30, and an appearance at the Cheltenham Blues Festival the following day.

Shepherd recently said of his 12-track tribute to his inspirations: "The end result is a great recording that I believe pays homage to the spirit of the original music. At the same time it shows our appreciation for the musicians and genre that have inspired us to make music for decades." Watch the video here.




Adrian Belew Teases Flux Project
(Prog) Former King Crimson member Adrian Belew has offered a first glimpse at the app which will deliver his Flux musical project. And he's explained why it hasn't been possible until recently to realize his ambition of presenting an experience that differs every time.

He's revealed a pair of iPhone screengrabs that demonstrate what users will see while they're listening. Belew says: "Flux requires an enormous amount of written information, such as my comments about the piece you're hearing, a story about its background, song lyrics and studio notes.

"At any time while you're listening, you can tap on the information button an a page like the screenshots will appear. Each time you access the information page it will never look the same." more on this story






The Graveltones Release Forget About The Trouble Video
(Classic Rock) After being nominated for Best New Band at last years Classic Rock Awards, we were expecting big things from The Graveltones, and the duo's new video delivers.

The footage accompanies the track Forget About The Trouble (taken from last year's Don't Wait Down album) and stars the cockiest, coolest heroine we've seen since the movie Kick-Ass.

Graveltones drummer Mikey Sorbello enjoyed the filming, saying "Every now and then everything comes together, we had the help of the most amazingly talented producer, director and crew and debuting young Georgia who is a natural! We popped this bad boy out in a day" Watch the video here.




Singled Out: Stand Up And Say No's Can You Feel
Today Stand Up And Say No mastermind Andre Nault tells us about the project's debut single "Can You Feel" which comes from their forthcoming EP Assuming Loyal (out May 6th). Here is the story:

"My wife and I were driving back from a well-deserved romantic weekend in Quebec city. We usually work on the back story for my songs together. It's probably because I get so involved in the music that I need her help to see what images the song brings to mind. It's also great fun when you have a 5 hour drive.

The images she had where of a plane or bird mostly because of the bridge section; it has a taking off feel to it. I on the other hand was thinking of the Flaming Lips "Race for the prize", that happy sad vibe… We debated and argued and finally we came up with this image of this man atop a skyscraper looking down at the streets below and noticing that people where living their lives unaffected by his own.

A few days later I sat down and wrote the lyrics keeping those images in mind. What surfaced was a lyric about a man who's tired of climbing the greasy pole and who's success came at great expense. He's basically having some sort of breakdown.

The chorus "Can you feel what I feel, can you tell what's real", for me, sums up the hole vibe of the back story. I've always strived not to become that man; to be creative and not competitive. Honestly, it doesn't always work out."

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


KISS Collaborator Karl Cochran Suffers Severe Stroke
(Classic Rock) KISS and Joe Lynn Turner collaborator Karl Cochran is recovering from a severe stroke, it's been confirmed. The songwriter and guitarist collapsed on Thursday and fell into a coma. And although he's now regained consciousness, it's not yet known how serious his condition remains.
Cochran co-wrote material for Kiss' 1998 album Psycho Circus and played in Ace Frehley and Eric Singer's solo bands. He's been working with former Rainbow singer Turner since the mid-90s and he's also known for his work with Rated X, Voodooland and Far Cry.

Paul Stanley last night thanked fans for their positive thoughts, reporting: "Your prayers worked! Karl woke from his coma and spoke and was moving and aware." more on this story



Bruce Springsteen Covers Van Halen Classic
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen kicked off his performance at the free NCAA March Madness Music Festival in Dallas, Texas on Sunday with a cover of the Van Halen classic, "Jump", and video from the show is available online.

The classic tune, from Van Halen's "1984" album, is the only number one US single in the band's career, spending 5 weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring of 1984.

The basketball-themed title was the opening song of Springsteen's set, which was streamed live online and closed out the three day event at Reunion Park in sync with the NCAA Men's Final Four weekend.

Check out the video of the Jump performance here.




Johnny Rotten and Incubus Singer Part of Jesus Christ Superstar Tour
(Radio.com) Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd will betray his band/the Son of God for 50 dates on tour this summer in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Weber's rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

The "arena rock show" will also feature Boyd as Judas, Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams as Mary, 'NSYNC emeritus JC Chasez as Pilate, and Public Image Ltd. and Sex Pistols punk legend John Lydon as King Herod.

Jesus Himself will be played by Ben Forster, who was the winner of UK's reality contest show "Superstar," similar to "Grease: You're The One That I Want." more on this story




Nirvana Members, KISS Set For Tonight Show's Rock Hall Week
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will be celebrating the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2014 with appearances from several inductees throughout this week.

Rock Hall inductee Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) will kick things off on Tuesday night. The episode will also feature Anne Hathaway and Marlon Wayans.

The surviving members of Nirvana, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, are set to appear on Wednesday night's episode which will also feature Jennifer Garner and Stevie Nicks.

KISS will be closing things out on Friday where they appear on the show that will also feature guest appearances from Nicolas Cage and Revenge star Emily Vancamp.

Cat Stevens, Nirvana and the original lineup of KISS will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during an event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Thursday night.




Courtney Love Jumped The Gun On Hole Reunion Talk
(Classic Rock) Courtney Love admits that she may have wrecked the chances of reuniting the classic 'Celebrity Skin' lineup of Hole by talking about the idea in the press.

Last week she revealed she'd been rehearsing with Melissa Auf Der Maur, Eric Erlandson and Patty Schemel, marking the first time they'd worked together since 2002.

"We may have made out, but there's no talk of marriage. It's very frail," she now tells the Telegraph. "Nothing might happen - and now the band are all flipping out with me."

Despite that, Love insists she's learned her lesson after a series of public outbursts landed her in trouble in recent months, saying: "After I get a spanking, or maybe three, I tend to be good." more on this story




Slash Finishes New Album
(Classic Rock) Slash has confirmed that work on his third solo album has been completed. And although he doesn't have a title, he does have a release date, which he'll confirm soon.

The former Guns n'Roses axeman laid down 17 tracks - 16 with vocals and one instrumental - with the assistance of singer Myles Kennedy and backing band the Conspirators, who appeared on 2012 release Apocalyptic Love.

Working titles include I Wanna Pull Your Hair, It Puts The Lotion On Its Skynyrd, Cheap Dick, Manual Automation, You're The Truth, Dirty Girl and Music To Murder Your Girlfriend By. more on this story




Walter Trout Benefit Concert Announced
(The Blues Walter Trout benefit concert planned at Shepherd's Bush Empire. An Evening For Walter Trout will take place at the iconic London venue on May 4.

Confirmed performers include Roger Chapman, Otis Grand, Bernie Marsden, Ian Parker, Kim Simmons, Danny Bryant, Stevie Smith, Marcus Malone, Mitch Laddie, Laurence Jones and The Flamingo Club All Stars House band featuring John O'Leary and Alan Glenn.

Proceeds will go to towards the ailing icon's emergency liver transplant fund and his subsequent recuperation. According to the organisers "the goal of the evening is to pull together some great blues-rock musicians to help raise money and awareness of Walter Trout's current predicament." more on this story





Toxic Holocaust and Skeletonwitch Tour Canceled
Toxic Holocaust have announced that they have been forced to cancel their upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand with Skeletonwitch due to an illness.

The band issued the following, "Unfortunately, due to a serious and prolonged ear infection suffered by Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust, the Toxic Holocaust/Skeletonwitch Australian and New Zealand tour will not be happening in April 2014.

"Joel is unwell and recommended by his doctor not to fly till his condition is taken care of. We are truly sorry, but this is something that's out of [our] hands.

"Toxic Holocaust will be rescheduling their tour for November with another US band, whilst Skeletonwitch will now be doing their own headline tour sometime later when time permits in their busy schedule.

"Details about ticket refunds and tour dates coming soon."




Creedence Clearwater Revival Not Likely To Be Revived
(Classic Rock) Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Cosmo Clifford admits a reunion with frontman John Fogerty would be a big moneyspinner - but he's not waiting for a call.

Clifford and bassist Stu Cook continue to work as Creedence Clearwater Revisited following the band's acrimonious collapse in 1972. And even though Fogerty last year suggested he might consider working with his surviving bandmates again, the drummer says the time has long passed.

"It would have been nice twenty years ago. But I like the guys I'm working with now," Clifford tells ABC. "I suppose if the original band got together again the money would be huge. But life is short, and the idea is to have as much fun as you can while you're on the planet.

"So I wish John well. He's got his band and we have ours, and we're happy where we are." more on this story





Marillion Singer Steve Hogarth Publishing Diaries
(Prog) Marillion singer Steve Hogarth has unveiled the first volume of his memoirs. The Invisible Man: Diaries 1991-1997 is available for pre-order. It's to be published on June 21, with the companion title due before Christmas.

Hogarth began keeping a note of his activities after a conversation with his father. He recalls: "Some years ago I went back up north to visit my parents in Doncaster. 'What have you been up to, son?' said my dad. 'I've been in Iceland on a glacier with a helicopter,' I began. 'Will you promise me you'll keep a diary? Stuff like that doesn't normally happen to people,' he said.

"And so I did. Not all the time, but a lot of the time - often when I've been out on the road being a 'rock star' and sometimes when I'm at home fixing the dish-washer and bathing the kids." more on this story




Police Star Andy Summers' New Group Circa Zero Release First Video
Police guitarist Andy Summers' new band Circa Zero have release their very first music video. The new video clip is for the band's first single "Levitation."

Apart from being the band's first single, "Levitation," is the lead song from the band's debut studio album, Circus Hero, which was released back on March 25.

The new video features Summers, along with singer and bassist Rob Giles and session drummer Greg Grunberg, performing the song in the recording studio.

"My goal is always to make something I'd like to drive around and listen to," Giles told USA Today. "He had the same attitude -- 'Let's just make a rock record that we love.'"

Check out the video here.




Robert Plant Leads Glastonbury Lineup
Robert Plant and his new band, The Sensational Space Shifters, lead the lineup for this summer's Glastonbury Festival which will be taking place in late June.

Apart from the former Led Zeppelin frontman, the festival will also feature performances from Jack White, Arcade Fire, Dolly Parton, Blondie and Bryan Ferry, The Wailers, Dr. Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson, The Pixies and The Black Keys.

Organizers are expected to announce additional artist for the festival which will be taking place at Worthy Farm in Pilton, England from June 25th to June 29th.




Glenn Hughes Sees Mel Galley In California Breed Guitarist
(Classic Rock) California Breed frontman Glenn Hughes says that his young bandmate, the 23-year-old Andrew Watt, is the nearest thing to his late colleague Mel Galley.

Hughes and Galley were bandmates in Trapeze before the guitarist moved on to work with Whitesnake, Phenomena and Cozy Powell. He died of cancer in 2008.

As California Breed prepare for the launch of their self-titled debut album, Hughes tells Tight But Loose: "Andrew was born in 1991, but he sounds like he's from the psychedelic era. He is not really a 70s or 80s guy - his main influence runs from 1968 and then leaps into 1994 with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.

"I haven't played with a guitar player in that vein since Mel Galley. He was a little nervous at first but he has that New York swagger and he's ambitious." more on this story




Metallica Release Live Vide of Rare Song Performance
(hennemusic) Metallica are sharing an online video package of their first performance of "Whiskey In The Jar" in five years during their March 22nd concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The band recorded the traditional Irish song for their 1998 compilation album, "Garage Inc." Also included in a video package from the show is the night's opening track, "Battery", from 1986's "Master Of Puppets."

Metallica wrapped up their 9-date "By Request" South American tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 30. The band will launch a European summer tour in Helsinki, Finland on May 28.

Watch the newly released footage here.





Foo Fighter Offshoot Birds Of Satan Streaming New Song
(hennemusic) The Birds Of Satan, a new band featuring Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, have released the track, "Pieces Of The Puzzle", from their forthcoming self-titled debut album due out April 15.

The tune follows last month's release of the group's debut
single, "Thanks For The Line." Joining Hawkins in The Birds Of Satan are guitarist Mick Murphy and bassist Wiley Hodgden, who have a history performing together as 70s cover band Chevy Metal.

Produced by John Lousteau, the project includes guest appearances by fellow Foos Dave Grohl and Pat Smear, as well as Drew Hester, Rami Jaffee, Butch Vig, and current Yes frontman Jon Davison.

Check out the song here.





Neal Schon Looks Back At Journey With Steve Perry
(hennemusic) In a new interview with Classic Rock magazine, Journey guitarist Neal Schon is sharing memories of working with Steve Perry during their time together in the San Francisco band.

Journey had their most successful commercial period with Perry, who joined the group in 1977, and the partnership led to a string of multi-platinum albums.

"Steve and I had some really amazing times together - when we first got together, and for years after that," explains Schon. "He was a very funny guy, and he liked to party with the best of us. In the beginning, when we wrote 'Lights' and 'Patiently', the first two songs we wrote together, we realised immediately that we had chemistry. And the guy was really funny to be around, so we hung out all the time. We were very tight and close for years and years."

Asked what went wrong between the two, Schon says, "Things happen along the way - women come and go, and things sometimes go sideways, which it did, and I was sorry to see that happen, but it did. It wasn't really a fault of anyone's. We all had a lot of different things to deal with: you're growing up, you're in a big band, and you're making lots of money. You're doing whatever you're doing and it's not helping the situation. It's hard to keep it all together. But things happen for a reason."

Find out what Neal had to say about Perry's controversial exit from Journey here.




KISS Unplugged Again
(hennemusic) KISS performed a rare acoustic show at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland, California last Thursday and video from the event is available.

The 21-song set featured tracks from throughout the band's 40-year career, as well as covers of Led Zeppelin and Mountain tunes. The show comes one week before the original KISS lineup's induction into the 2014 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, where they will be inducted by Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello.

Due to feuding amongst its members and a disagreement with the Rock Hall over their induction, KISS will not be performing at the ceremony. Watch video from the unplugged show more on this story





Police Release Kurt Cobain Death Scene Photos
(hennemusic) Seattle police released a series of images of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's death scene in advance of the this past weekend's 20th anniversary of his passing.

Among the photos are images of Cobain's body on the floor of the living quarters above his garage: one showing his left arm with a hospital ID bracelet around his wrist (Kurt had left an LA rehab center days before), and another displaying an open box of shotgun shells at his feet.

Other images include the rocker's wallet with ID, a cigar box with drug paraphernalia, and his suicide note, which was found on top of a planter with a pen stuck through it. See some of the photos here.




Deep Purple Frontman Ian Gillan Plans Unlikely Showcase
(Classic Rock) In the most un-rock'n'roll story of the year so far, Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan has agreed to open a showcase garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show in London.

What prompted Gillan to get involved? It's all down to a company called Sutton Seeds. The South West of England received an almighty battering during the bad weather of this past winter and Suttons Seeds - of Paignton, Devon - are keen to spread the word that the region has recovered from the storms.

"We will be celebrating 50 years of Britain In Bloom in the South West at Chelsea this year with a garden which has been inspired by the region," Suttons Seeds reveal. "With our garden we want to promote the fact that through all the crisis of flooding in the area recently, the South West is open for business and tourism." more on this story




Xandria Release Dreamkeeper Lyric Video
(TeamRock Radio) Xandria have released a new lyric video for their new track Dreamkeeper. It's taken from the German symphonic metal outfit's sixth album Sacrificium, due on May 5 via Napalm Records.

They say of the follow-up to 2012's Neverworld's End: "Sacrificium will continue the musical journey and direction of the last CD - but it will bring in even more of everything people liked about the last one."

Xandria kick off a European tour on May 1, which includes a show at London's Underworld on May 9, followed by a set at the Dames Of Darkness festival in Bilston on May 10. Check out the video here.





Amplifier Accept An Offer They Couldn't Refuse
(Prog) Amplifier have signed a record deal with Superball Music, and they'll release fifth album Mystoria later this year via the label. And frontman Sel Balamir says the band are delighted after being made "an offer they couldn't refuse."

He explains: "Music and art is about creative thought, and it's a kind of game to us, which the music industry often forgets. The guys at Superball share the vibe."

Label boss Thomas Waber adds: "We've been talking to Amplifier for a long time about working together. We were always of the opinion that, one day, the time would come. After listening to their new demos, I knew the time had definitely arrived." more on this story





Lee Fields & The Expressions Release 'Magnolia' Video
(The Blues Lee Fields & The Expressions preview their upcoming album Emma Jean with the release of the music video for new single from the album, a cover of JJ Cale classic "Magnolia."

Soul singer Lee Fields has teamed up with The Expressions for the third time for Emma Jean, the new album out 2nd June on Brooklyn's Truth & Soul Records.

According to the label the album arrives "at a time when many new artists are trying to emulate the genuine soulful swagger of the 1960s, Lee Fields is the real deal, his authenticity is in full force on the album's 11-tracks."

Watch the video here.




Blues Pills Taking Part in Desertfest
(The Blues Blues Pills to play two shows at Desertfest in Camden. Blues Pills are currently working on their debut album which is scheduled for a summer '14 release.

The multi-cultural band [as featured on the CD that came with issue 11 of The Blues magazine] will perform an exclusive acoustic show at the Vans Store in Camden [191-209 Camden High Street, opposite Camden Town tube station] in London on Saturday April 26 at 3.45pm.

You can only gain access to this acoustic set with a Desertfest wristband and due to a limited capacity, entry will be given on a first come, first served basis. Wristband holders will also receive 15% discount in the Vans Store Camden.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Queen Expand Summer Tour
Queen have revealed that they have expanded their upcoming North American tour plans with American Idol star Adam Lambert taking over lead vocal duties.
The legendary band have added five additional shows to the summer trek, according to ABC, which is scheduled to kick off at the United Center in Chicago on June 19th.

The dates include new stops in Boston, East Rutherford and Atlantic City, New Jersey and additional shows scheduled for Toronto and Uncasville, Connecticut.

With the newly added dates, the tour is now scheduled for 24 dates and is scheduled to conclude on July 28th at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. more on this story




Def Leppard Singer Slams Rock Hall's 'Faceless Tuxedo-Wearing Morons'
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott is among the rockers that think that the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame doesn't rock. In fact, he says he doesn't "give a flying rat's a** about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

In a new interview with HitFix, Elliott gives his take on the Rock Hall and how he imagines they pick who gets inducted, "I see…this board room of faceless tuxedo-wearing morons. Mr. Roboto times six or whatever, leafing through [a list of bands]," he said.

"'Def Leppard, nah. Tom Waits, absolutely. Bon Jovi, no. Nick Cave, absolutely. Leonard Cohen, yes. KISS, no. Sabbath, no. Springsteen, yes. Mellencamp, yes. Tom Petty, yes.' That's the way I look at it… I don't care about people like that."

He also doesn't appear to care about the "honor" of being inducted into the Rock Hall. "Is it going to pay my mortgage off? Is it going to put my kid through schools? Am I going to sleep better at night?" he said. "What am I going to do? Wear a sheriff's badge with 'I'm a member' on it?...I don't give a flying rat's a** about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

Elliott does admit that his bandmates may have a different take on the Rock Hall if Def Leppard ever get inducted (they are long past their eligibility date). "The other four guys would say, 'We've gotta do it,'" he said. "And I go, 'Why? The Sex Pistols told them to shove it.' They say, 'We should, it's going to be good for our…' I couldn't care less."

But would he attend if the band were inducted? Find out here.





Allman Brothers Band Postpone Final Residency Shows Due To Illness
After Gregg Allman was forced to miss two of the band's Beacon Theatre residency shows this weekend due to bronchitis, the Allman Brothers Band announced on Monday that they are postponing the remaining dates.

The original shows were scheduled to take place on March 25th, March 26th, March 28th and March 29th and were to be the band's swansong performances for their annual residency.

The band said in a statement that they postponed the shows "as a result of Mr. Allman's illness, the Allman Brothers Band is unable to perform at the level to which they aspire."

The new dates are still to be announced and the band advises fans with tickets to the original dates that their tickets will be honored on the new dates. Ticketholders that want refunds can obtain them from their original point of purchase.





Metallica's Dio Tribute 'Ronnie Rising Medley' Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Metallica recorded "Ronnie Rising Medley", a 4-song, 9-minute track for the forthcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album, "This Is Your Life", and the song is now available for streaming online.

"Ronnie's music, and what he was, was part of my life," drummer Lars Ulrich tells Rolling Stone. "[Dio's] music is so much a part of what's in Metallica's DNA, the harder, edgier, blues-based hard rock from the Seventies. It was fairly effortless to put this together, because it's something that we were all reared on. I don't recall sitting there in a band meeting or anything deciding what to play. Somebody starts playing 'Stargazer' - which is sort of just like something that's in our arsenal to jam - and then that whole period there, 'Tarot Woman,' 'Kill the King,' 'A Light in the Black ' - that's just really effortless to jump into."

In addiiton to Metallica, "This Is Your Life" features newly-recorded covers of the singer's work with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio by Motorhead, the Scorpions, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Tenacious D, Anthrax, Halestorm, Corey Taylor and others.

Dio himself is featured on the album's final song, "This Is Your Life." Originally released on 1986's "Angry Machines", the singer is accompanied only by his longtime keyboardist Scott Warren on piano.

Check out the song here.





Wolfmother Surprise Fans With New Album Release and Stream
(Classic Rock) Wolfmother have exploded back into action with the surprise release of third album New Crown. It comes after frontman Andrew Stockdale said he'd no longer use the band name following the collapse of two full lineups.

Original men Chris Ross and Myles Haslett walked out in 2008 citing "irreconcilable differences" with the frontman. Their replacements, Aidan Nemeth and Will Scott, followed suit four years later, making similar statements.

The ten-track album features bassist/keyboardist Ian Peres and drummer Vin Steele but doesn't include recent members Elliott Hammond and Hamish Rosser.

In 2012 Stockdale told Classic Rock: "Being in a band offers so many different challenges. I have a good relationship with most people that have been in this band - but there are things you just can't change.

"In any profession people come and go. Some will stay for three months and others will be around for three years. Being in a band in just the same."

Stream the album here.





Pixies Releasing First Full Length Album In Over 20 Years
The Pixies announced on Monday that they will be releasing their first full length album in over 20 years in April via their own independent music label Pixiesmusic.

The album will be titled "Indie Cindy" and will be released on April 29th in North America, April 23rd in Japan and April 28th in the UK, Europe and other international territories.

"Indie Cindy" will feature 12 songs including the eight tracks from the band's EP-1 and EP-2, three songs from EP-3 and "Bagboy," the band's first new song in more than a decade.

"We started seriously talking about recording new music about four years ago," said Pixies drummer David Lovering in the announcement. "New music seemed like something we just had to do, we just couldn't continue to go out and tour without anything new. So the talk evolved into writing and recording, and we're all very happy with the way everything worked out."

The album finds the band reuniting with producer Gil Norton who worked with the band on the Doolittle, Bossanova, and Trompe le Monde albums and was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, UK in October of 2012.

The album will be released in various formats including a standard 12-track single-CD digipak with booklet, a two-disc, deluxe gatefold album, pressed on 180-gram vinyl, a standard 12-track digital download via iTunes, Amazon, and other online retail sellers, plus an expanded digital download exclusively through iTunes that includes a bonus live-in-concert 13-track set recorded during the band's recently-completed North American tour.

The band will also be selling a special deluxe, limited edition two-disc set version (available as a CD and as a deluxe gatefold album pressed on 180-gram vinyl) that includes the 13-track live disc and a 40-page, hard-back book that features the new artwork produced exclusively for Indie Cindy. The CD limited edition is packaged in a special gold-foil hard slipcase and will be limited to 5000 copies and sold directly from the band's website.

The Pixies will also be celebrating this year's Record Store Day on April 19th with a special version of the album. The special RSD limited edition will be a two-disc, deluxe gatefold, 180-gram vinyl set that will be available only from independent record stores participating in Record Store Day around the world.





Joe Elliott's Down N Outz Return With New Album
(hennemusic) Down N Outz, the Mott The Hoople-inspired side project of Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott, will release a new album, "The Further Adventures Of…", on April 21 (April 22 in North America).

The group features Elliott, The Quireboys' Paul Guerin (guitar), Guy Griffin (guitar) and Keith Weir (keyboards), plus Phil Martin (drums). "The Further Adventures Of…" is the band's third project, following 2010's debut album, "My Re-Generation", and the "Live At Hammersmith Apollo" DVD recorded during the 2009 shows.

"These songs make up a huge portion of who I am," says Elliott, "and I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to record them and hopefully give them a new lease of life, which, quite frankly, is long overdue."

"I'm blown away by these recordings," adds Ian Hunter. "The solo by Paul Guerin on 'The Journey' is one of the best I've heard. These songs really suit Joe's voice also. It's a whole different side to him and the project gets my approval!" more on this story






Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde Reveals Album Release Plans
Pretenders frontman Chrissie Hynde have announced that she will be releasing her debut album under her own name, "Stockholm" on June 10th in the U.S. via Caroline Records.

"It's the first album with my name on it," Hynde said in the announcement. "But it's not a solo album. In fact, making this album was more of a collaboration than any Pretenders album ever was."

The album takes its name from the city of Stockholm where Hynde recording the album at Ingrid Studios with co-writer/guitarist Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John at the helm.

"Stockholm" will feature guest appearances from Neil Young, John McEnroe and Joakim Ahlund of the Caesars. Hynde says of the album "I wanted to make a power pop album you could dance to - Abba meets John Lennon." more on this story




Gwar Confirm Death of Frontman Dave Brockie
For those that missed the update on Monday morning. Gwar's manager Jack Flanagan of Issachar Entertainment/ Slave Pit Inc. confirmed that Gwar frontman Dave Brockie died on Sunday (March 26th).

We published part of Flanagan's statement yesterday in an update to our original report. Here is the full statement that he issued early Monday morning, "It is with a saddened heart, that I confirm my dear friend Dave Brockie, artist, musician, and lead singer of GWAR passed away at approximately 6:50 PM EST Sunday March 23,2014.

"His body was found Sunday by his band mate at his home in Richmond, VA. Richmond authorities have confirmed his death and next of kin has been notified. A full autopsy will be performed. He was 50 years old, born August 30, 1963.

"My main focus right now is to look after my band mates and his family. More information regarding his death shall be released as the details are confirmed."




Gene Simmons of KISS Calls Out Rock Hall For Not Rocking
With the long delayed induction of KISS into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame there has been a stream of controversy surrounding their upcoming induction and the band refusing to perform with original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have both been long critics of the Rock Hall and Rolling Stone Magazine and that hasn't changed with the band finally being inducted after fans gave them a victory in the fan ballot this year.

Simmons recently spoke with Radio.com about the induction and he called out the Rock Hall for their inclusion of non-rock artists including disco, pop and rap stars. Here is an excerpt:

Radio.com: At last year's ceremony, Neil Peart of Rush said, "We've been saying for years that this isn't a big deal. Turns out: it kind of is!" Do you feel any sense that this is a big deal, after being overlooked for so long?

Gene: Yes and no: it's not a big deal, except that it's a big deal to the fans, especially to the older fans. I have no beef with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You go on with your bad self and get more disco artists. Get the Boston Pops Orchestra to be inducted! A long time ago it was diluted. It's really back room politics, like Boss Tweed. A few people decide what's in and what's not. And the masses just scratch their heads. You've got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Run-D.M.C. in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? You're killing me! That doesn't mean those aren't good artists. But they don't play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing!

Radio.com: Last year, Donna Summer was inducted, were you happy to see that finally happen?

Gene: What do you mean 'finally?' Donna was my next door neighbor for many years, I knew and liked her, she was on my [1978] solo record. But if you asked Donna, 'What kind of artist are you?' do you think she would say 'rock?' If you asked Madonna, 'What kind of artist are you?' do you think she would say, 'Oh, rock!' So what they hell are they doing in the Hall of Fame? They can run their organization any way they'd like, but it ain't rock! It just isn't! If you don't play guitar and you don't write your own songs, you don't belong there.

Gene talks about a lot of other topics including the possibility of a new KISS album, his recent appearance on CSI and more. Read the full interview here.




Five Finger Death Punch Release House Of The Rising Sun Video
(TeamRock Radio) Five Finger Death Punch have released the music video for their cover of classic track The House Of The Rising Sun, which was directed by guitarist Zoltan Bathory.

Bathory had this to say, "It's an experiment, the initial step toward something we always wanted to do - make a full-length Death Punch movie somewhere down the line.

"We jumped into this knowing that we'd shoot more footage than we could possibly fit in one video. We went out there with two helicopters, two gyrocopters, 20-something crazy cars, a big cast and an arsenal of cameras.

"We ended up with so much amazing material, the hardest task was to compress it down into a three-minutes video, so we made an extended version with a long intro. We're making an even longer director's cut as we speak." Watch the video here.




Yes Reveal New Album Release Details and Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Yes have announced a new album and a summer US tour. Due July 8, "Heaven And Earth" is the band's first project with singer Jon Davison, who joined the lineup in 2012. A track list and more details will be revealed soon.

The same day the album hits stores, Yes will launch a 35-date US summer tour that will see the band performing two albums in their entirety - 1971's "Fragile" (for the first-time ever) and a repeat performance from last year's tour of 1972's "Close To The Edge" - followed by an encore of their greatest hits.

The trek will wrap up August 24 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Yes are currently in the middle of a 10-date Canadian tour that runs to April 2 in Hamilton, Ontario. more on this story




Rolling Stones To Headline Roskilde Festival
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones will headline the Roskilde Festival in Denmark on July 3. Among the largest music festivals in Europe, the 2014 event will see close more than 160 acts perform, including Arctic Monkeys, Rob Zombie, Kasabian and others.

The stop is one of several European shows planned as part of the band's 14 On Fire tour, including previously announced dates in Holland, Germany, Italy and Belgium.

The Stones recently postponed seven shows in Australia and New Zealand following the sudden death of Mick Jagger's longtime girlfriend, L'Wren Scott; the dates are expected to be rebooked for this fall. more on this story




Zakk Wylde Discusses New Black Label Society Album
(Gibson) Zakk Wylde's band, Black Label Society, will release their new album on April 8, Catacombs of the Black Vatican. The album marks the group's first all-new LP since 2009's The Order of the Black.

Gibson caught up with the frontman and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist to discuss the guitar philosophy behind the new album ("Lots of guitar riffs!"), advice for aspiring players and more.

How does this new album differ from your last one, The Order of the Black? It's pretty much the same as the last ones, with different song titles! (Laughs) Everyone wants to know what it sounds like, and it sounds like the last pervious nine records but with different songs. It's just how we do a Black Label Society album!

What was the writing process like for this album? If we're on the road, I'm usually the first one down and first one up, because I don't drink. So, I'll get up in the morning, and I'll start running scales. Then, I'll start playing mellow tunes, like Creedence Clearwater or Bob Seger-acoustic stuff. So, I'll get song ideas on the road. Then, when I get home, every day I'll go into the studio and get inspired to write riffs.

What was your guitar philosophy on this release? Lots of guitar riffs! My philosophy is writing riffs on the E string and the A string. When I used to listen to "Smoke on the Water" or "Iron Man," those riffs can be played on basically one string. Being a kid, those were the first songs I learned. They're just riffs. They're on two strings, the actual riff. That's just riff writing.

So, I sit down and keep digging and digging and writing and then record whenever I have something good. I'll stockpile it. I might write the whole song right there, too. Then, the guys get here, and we do it. I'll play it for Chat (Szeliga), and he'll play air drums on his legs, and then he'll get on the drums and play it one time through, record it and do this thing, as opposed to sitting in a rehearsal room and blasting away. It's so much easier now that we have the studio. You can shape it and mold it instantly when you're in the studio.

Read the rest of the interview here.







Nazareth Releasing Final Album With Dan McCafferty
(Classic Rock) Nazareth have confirmed what could be their last album with Dan McCafferty will be released on June 9. Rock'n'Roll Telephone, launched via Union Square Music, will contain 11 tracks and come in CD, deluxe 2CD and double vinyl formats.

The veteran outfit last month revealed Scottish singer Linton Osborne as their new frontman, after McCafferty was forced to retire as a result of health issues that left him incapable of delivering a live show.

Union Square describe Rock'n'Roll Telephone as a "welcome return to form" and add: "This may be the last album to feature Dan. If it does prove to be his last stand, he retires on a high note with his legacy as one of rock's greatest vocalists assured." more on this story





BadChristian Music Offer Free Kings Kaleidoscope EP Download
(Fresno) BadChristian Music, the new record label formed by the band Emery, released its inaugural release on Monday, 'Live in Color,' a live EP from the Seattle, Wash. 10-musician collective, Kings Kaleidoscope.

The label is celebrating the release by offering a free download of the EP from the Mars Hill Church alumni. BadChristian will be giving away the download for one week via their website here.

"This EP is the best thing I've heard from Kings Kaleidoscope," said Matt Carter, Emery guitarist and BadChristian co-founder. "They are a band you have to experience live, and this EP and video are the next best thing.

"In Emery, we have always fought in the battle between Christian and secular audiences, trying to authentically be who we are and challenge people's cultural norms. Kings Kaleidoscope is going to do the same thing. That is why they belong on BadChristian, and we are stoked about it."

Added Toby Morrell, Emery guitarist/vocalist and BadChristian co-founder, "Kings Kaleidoscope is going to usher in a new era for worship music that goes beyond the congregational Sunday morning setting, yet evokes even more participation and engagement."

"We love Mars Hill and we're thankful for the time we got to be a part of the church," said Kings Kaleidoscope frontman and bandleader, Chad Gardner. "We now have the opportunity to do something different - something that extends beyond the boundaries of Sunday mornings - and create music for a larger audience. We want to create the best gospel-centered, Jesus-focused music on the planet. We are not a genre, we are Kings Kaleidoscope." more on this story




John Lennon's Drawings, Doodles and Short Stories Being Auctioned
(Radio.com) This summer, the largest collection of John Lennon's writing, drawings and doodles is going up for auction at Sotheby's in New York. The items included in the auction, taking place June 4, come from the private collection of publisher, Tom Maschler, who worked closely with Lennon on the production of his two books 1964′s In His Own Write and the following year's A Spaniard in the Works.

According to Rolling Stone, the collection, named "You Might Well Arsk," will include "satirical drawings, doodles and gibberish poems" with the highlight being the handwritten manuscript for "The Singularge Experience of Miss Anne Duffield," a Sherlock Holmes parody Lennon wrote in 1965. That item is expected to go for anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000.

The collection also features a series of typed pages, which includes a page believed to be from Sept. 1962 that refers to the Beatles' first single "Love Me Do." That item is expected to sell for $15,000 to $20,000. more on this story





Black Stone Cherry, Airbourne and Theory Of A Deadman Tour
(Classic Rock) Black Stone Cherry have confirmed a UK tour that will be taking place October and November - and they'll be joined by label mates Airbourne and Theory Of A Deadman.

It follows the southern rockers' recent run of intimate shows, which saw them performing selected tracks while telling the audience about the inspiration behind them and holding question-answer sessions.

They're poised to release fourth album Magic Mountain, which will hit shelves on May 5th in Europe via Roadrunner Records. Check out the tour dates here.





The Wildhearts, Monster Magnet Lead Latest Download Additions
(Classic Rock) The Wildhearts, Monster Magnet and Orange Goblin lead the latest batch of bands added to the bill for this year's Download festival. They'll join headliners Aerosmith, Linkin Park and Avenged Sevenfold at Donington Park on the weekend of June 13-15.

Also added are Against Me!, Chevelle, Arthemis, Lawnmower Deth, Page 44, Royal Blood, The Dirty Youth, Marmozets, VAMPS (JPN), Kid Karate, The Magnus Puto, No Hot Ashes, Colt 45, Drones and Tax the Heat.

Wildhearts guitarist CJ says: "Well, they just can't get rid of us. It's only 20 years since we first played Donington - and in 2008 they turned the power off on us. Who knows what will happen this year? Bring it on!" more on this story



Tim Bowness Releasing Second Solo Album In June
(Prog) No-Man, Henry Fool and Memories Of Machines member Tim Bowness has confirmed his second solo album will be called Abandoned Dancehall Dreams.

The record was produced by Bowness and his No-Man collaborator Steven Wilson, and features guest appearances by Pat Mastelotto, Colin Edwin, Anna Phoebe, along with the No-Man live band.

He says: "Abandoned Dancehall Dreams is a departure from my previous solo work and is perhaps more in line with the widescreen, cinematic nature of No-Man's music. It's like an exciting new beginning on all fronts." more on this story





Order Of Voices Release Hand In Hand Video
(Prog) Order Of Voices have released a video for their single Hand In Hand. The unsigned prog outfit gained attention last year when they won an award for previous video Don't Falter at the House Of Commons' Rock The House ceremony.

Now they've launched a follow-up, which the Sheffield five-piece hope will generate even more interest. Vocalist Leigh Oates last year told Prog he believed the genre was experiencing a renaissance

Oates said, "I see lots of bands experimenting and pushing themselves technically. I think like with any revival it takes some trailblazers, then the movement grows. I think we're at that point now. I'm always on the lookout for any band that has prog elements to them, but has a good sense of song structure and vocal hooks too. That, to me is, how the scene can continue to grow and become more accessible." Watch the video here.





Singled Out: Foghat's Boogie Train
Today Foghat's Roger Earl tells us about their new single 'Boogie Train', how his relationship with winning 'Boogie Train' lyricist Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tom Mix lead to donating their proceeds to 'Fishing for Freedom'. Here is the story:

"I COUNTED TO 4 AND OFF WE WENT! Actually it was my brother Colin (Earl) on piano who came up with the basic idea for it('495 Boogie'). He is a boogie king! It was done in one take, and I believe the only overdub was by our friend Lefty Lefkowitz on Harmonica. Lefty was an electrician in Local 3 in NYC and was working at the time of the original recording.

We released it on our recent Blues record "Last Train Home" in 2010. It ironically enough turned out to be the most downloaded track on the album.

Then Classic Rock DJ, Charlie Ocean from Mobile, Alabama, added lyrics to "495 Boogie" renaming it "Big American Blonde," and sent it to us as a joke! (It was a bit risqué even for adult ears). It was his idea that we run a contest and invite fans to add lyrics of their own.

Sadly, Charlie Ocean passed away on July 6, 2011 so we put the idea on hold for a bit, until October 2012. At that point we figured the contest would be a great way to honor our fallen friend, so we went for it.

The contest entries were fantastic! Then we narrowed it down to the final three along with judges Ken Dashow of WAXQ FM Classic Rock Radio in NYC, and Jeb Wright of ClassicRockRevisited.com and put them up for voting by the fans.

The first place winner, Phil Dessinger, wrote a song called "The Word Of Rock N' Roll". Great lyrics, something that any traveling rock and roll band could relate too. The contest was so close we decided to release the 2nd place winner as well. These terrific lyrics just happened to be written by a man named Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tom Mix.

Tom wrote the lyrics while he was deployed in Afghanistan as a MARSS B300 pilot in B Co Task Force ODIN. (ODIN stands for Observe, Detect, Identify, and Neutralize). He had previously been deployed to Iraq twice before (MEDEVAC pilot in 06-07 and Brigade Safety in 10-11). Tom is currently in a 'Warrior Transition Unit' in Fort Polk, Louisiana. These units are designed to help wounded or injured soldiers recuperate and return to duty or to be able to transition to civilian life.

When I first met Tom we discussed two things: Fishing and Arkansas. This lead to our chat about 'Fishing For Freedom'. Fishing For Freedom is an organization that brings together warriors with volunteer boaters for a day of tournament bass fishing. I think any day spent fishing is a good day. If we can help some of our wounded warriors in any way, even just having some time on the water, dangling a line and relaxing, I think it's time well spent.
We decided to donate the proceeds of 'Boogie Train' to Fishing For Freedom as a thank you to the great men and women who have sacrificed so much. It's all about the music….and giving back."