Monday, December 22, 2014

Today's Day in Rock News!








Phil Rudd Says He's Returning To AC/DC Despite Legal Problems
(Classic Rock) Phil Rudd has vowed he'll be behind the drumkit when AC/DC tour the world next year. He's on bail after being charged with threatening to kill and possession of drugs in November - and faces a jail term of up to seven years if he's found guilty.

But the 60-year-old tells One News that the charges are "ludicrous" and adds: "Everyone listens to the wrong people. They should listen to me. I'm a good guy - and a pretty good drummer, by the way. Ask Angus; he'll tell you."

He says of his current predicament: "This has just been a big ball of cheese, and all the rats are gathering and having a piece. That's just life. But that's not who I am."

He adds: "I'm going back to work with AC/DC - and I don't care who likes it and who doesn't." Read more here.




Rolling Stones Hint At 2015 Tour Plans
(TeamRock Radio) Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has hinted the band are planning to follow up this year's touring with more shows in 2015. Their 29-date 14 On Fire trek launched in the United Arab Emirates in February before playing Japan, China and Singapore. A spring tour of Australia and New Zealand was moved to autumn following the sudden death of Jagger's girlfriend L'Wren Scott, who committed suicide on March 17.

There followed a summer run through Europe then the veteran outfit wrapped up in New Zealand last month - where they raised nearly US$20,000 for east London charity Community Links by auctioning a meet-and-greet at the final show.

Now Jagger says in a video message to fans: "We've had a fabulous time on the 14 On Fire tour this year. We played in 19 countries to well over one million people. Thanks for coming out to see us - and maybe we'll see you in 2015." Watch the video here.




Lynyrd Skynyrd Recording Album Concerts For DVD and TV
Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd have announced that they will be recording two special hometown shows, where they will be performing their first two albums, for a new DVD and television special.

The band will be performing the special shows at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, FL on February 12th and 13th. On the first night they will perform their 1973 debut album "Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd" which features the classic songs "Free Bird", "Tuesday's Gone," and "Simple Man".

The second night they will perform their 1974 album "Second Helping" which includes the anthem "Sweet Home Alabama". They also will be performing other classic songs during both shows, according to the Florida Times-Union.

There is no word yet when the band plan to release the live DVD or any additional details about the television special. Johnny Van Zant told the paper, "We've been wanting to go back and recreate these live records for a long time,

"We decided to come back to our hometown, Jacksonville, and play at the legendary Florida Theatre. Can't wait to rock it." Read their report here.





New Megadeth Supergroup Recruit Scar the Martyr Singer?
(Classic Rock) A new report suggests that former Megadeth members Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover have recruited ex-Scar the Martyr singer Henry Derek Bonner for their new band, but a member of the group says that the news didn't come from them.

The duo announced their departure from Megadeth last month within hours of each other and, this past week revealed they were working with an "awesome" new singer for the as-yet-unnamed project.

Blabbermouth broke the news of Bonner's addition to the lineup while fans await a formal announcement from the band. Drover has since responded to the story, telling Brave Words: "No idea where that came from. It didn't come from anybody in my camp. When we are ready, we will be making a full press release on everything."

Read more here.



Anthrax's Scott Ian Enters 'Rock Is Dead' Debate
(Classic Rock) Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian agrees with Gene Simmons that illegal downloading is responsible for the music industry's inability to support the development of new artists.

Simmons stated that rock is "dead" in a September interview with Esquire magazine, and the headlines generated by that statement overshadowed the specifics of his argument that the industry no longer has the ability to support new artists who need time and space to develop.

The Kiss bassist faced an immediate backlash from several artists, including Rob Halford, Slash, and Ian himself. The Anthrax guitarist now tells Ultimate Classic Rock: "There's a lot right in what Gene's saying. I disagree in the fact that I don't believe rock is actually dead. What he's saying about the industry will not allow for the next Led Zeppelin and things like that, I do agree with that, to an extent, because the industry is not what it was."

"There is no industry anymore that signs bands to develop them over a course of five records, like it was in the sixties, seventies and eighties, and then that all went away in the nineties. So for a band these days to get to make five albums until they… Bands don't sell records anymore, so the whole idea of that even is out the window; just the whole model has changed and it has to change, because people steal music now."

He continues: "If people still bought records, then maybe there would be labels that would be willing to spend the money to develop a band and allow a band or an artist to make five albums until they were selling gold, but it just doesn't exist anymore. And until people stop stealing music, it will never exist." Read more here.





The Scorpions Reveal New Album Details
(Classic Rock) The Scorpions will kick off their 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015 with the release of Return To Forever on February 23. The follow-up to 2011's covers album, Comeblack, marks the German outfit's first studio project in three years, during which time the group performed a farewell tour and made a decision to continue recording and performing because they simply had "too much fun" to call it quits.

The set comes on the heels of 2014's MTV Unplugged - Scorpions Live In Athens, a package compiled from three concerts in Athens, Greece at the city's Lycabettus Theatre last year.

Return To Forever features a variety of vintage Scorpions songs that were never completed back in the day. Guitarist Matthias Jabs explains: "We found tracks mainly from the Blackout and Love At First Sting days - which people consider our most creative and best time. They sound good but were never finished. They don't have lyrics or vocals, so we have to do everything new." Read more here.




In Flames Announce Tour With All That Remains and Wovenwar
In Flames have announced that they will be following up their tour with Opeth by launching a new North American headline tour leg next year with support from Wovenwar and All That Remains.

The band continues to support their latest album, "Siren Charms". The new trek is schedule to kick off on February 20th in Agoura Hills, Ca at the Canyon Club and will conclude on March 18th in Milwaukee.

In Flames' Anders Friden had this to say, "We are having such an amazing time being on tour in the U.S. and sharing our stage with our friends in Opeth that it's hard to believe how time flies and that there are only a few shows left this year.

"Therefore, its' even better to be able to announce that we'll be back at the beginning of 2015 to see all of you beautiful people again. Thanks to all of you for your support. You make us feel at home!"

Guitarist Bjorn Gelotte adds, "It's great to be back with Wovenwar. They did a great job supporting us in Europe. Therefore, we are looking forward to take them out again in their home territory.

"Having All That Remains joining us as the main support means we'll have a high energy package that we can't wait to come back to the U.S. with." Check out the tour dates here.




Flotsam and Jetsam Recruit Shadow's Fall Member
Flotsam and Jetsam have revealed that they have recruited Shadow's Fall drummer Jason Bitter to replace Kelly Smith, who is leaving the group to focus on his family.

Smith had this to say about his replacement, "In my opinion, Jason in one of only a couple of men on my short list for the job. Jason's an amazing all around drummer, a true professional, good friend, and solid stand up guy. I was humbled to hear that after first meeting Jason in 1988 in Boston that I had inspired him as a drummer."

New recruit Jason Bitter adds, "I have been a F&J fan for decades, following the band around the East Coast in the '80s and '90s. I've been lucky enough to be in the background of the F&J camp as a fan, supporter, and gear leader to my dear friend, Kelly David Smith.

"I am hard at work relearning all the classic Flotz material and can't wait to record and tour with the band in 2015. This will become my focus after the completion of the 2015 US Shadows Fall hiatus tour, which will happen Spring/Summer 2015. As they say… 'Flotz 'til death!' See you in Europe, in April".

The new lineup is preparing to begin recording their new album which they expect to release in April. Bass player Michael Spencer offered these details about the new effort, "The band already has over 20 songs in the works, so there's certainly no shortage of material to pick from.

"Conley, along with guitarist Michael Gilbert, have been engineering pre-production tracks for the album at their respective studios that include a few songs written during the No Place For Disgrace era of the band. There's a great, old school thrash vibe going on with the direction of the songs and what originally influenced the band, mixed with a little of what we like about today's sound, in metal.

"We've also just begun to look outside of the band for a producer to take this album to where we hear it sonically, so we'll see where that side of things goes."




Blink-182 Want To Try Something Different With New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Blink-182's Tom DeLonge says he wants to record the band's next album somewhere other than a studio. The band began rehearsals for the follow-up to 2011's Neighbourhoods in July. And the guitarist says they'll start recording as soon as they locate a suitable location and reveals they're looking to their untitled 2003 record for inspiration.

He tells Gigwise: "I'm not totally sure how it's going to work. The goal is to find an area or an environment that's different and not just a normal studio to be together as we architect the songs and inspire each other in ways that we did back in 2003.

"I think if we can pull off those few things we'll be in really really good shape. We've always done what we liked, and on the untitled record there was a lot of debate where we thought our fans wouldn't even like it. But I think we succeeded by sticking to what we wanted to do, and it turned out to be the one that the fans like the most." here.




Crippled Black Phoenix Future In Doubt After Public Feud
(Classic Rock) The future of Crippled Black Phoenix is in doubt after a public spat between band members. Founding member Justin Greaves says via Facebook that he is "retiring" the CBP name and brands guitarist Karl Demata a "thief" for, Greaves says, stealing the group's name from him.

The official CBP Twitter account posted a series of tweets attacking Demata, who replied to the accusations in a lengthy post on Facebook. It's not clear who runs the CBP account, which tweeted: "Karl Demata. Coward scumbag thief." Subsequent posts include: "Sad to say, CBP is done for now. The name was stolen from me and it'll take a while to prosecute. CBP will return hopefully soon."

The CBP Facebook page and website are both currently down. The band have just wrapped up a European tour in support of their recent album White Light Generator. Read more here.




Anathema's Daniel Cavanagh Launches Solo Pledge Drive
(Classic Rock) Founding Anathema man Daniel Cavanagh has launched a PledgeMusic campaign for his upcoming solo covers album Memory And Meaning. The 10-track record will pay tribute to artists who have influenced him over the years and includes his take on Pink Floyd's High Hopes, Fleetwood Mac's Big Love, Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill and U2's With Or Without You.

Those who pre-order via his PledgeMusic page will gain access to a range of incentives including album updates, signed CDs, merchandise and personalised re-recordings of classic Anathema songs.

Cavanagh says: "Like all musicians, I am part of a long chain of discovery, as influences are infused into our work and that in turn is passed on to the listener. Finally the time has come to pay tribute to a few of my key influences growing up." Read more here.




NOFX Announce UK Tour With Alkaline Trio
(TeamRock Radio) NOFX have confirmed a four-date UK tour for June and July next year, with support from Alkaline Trio. Fat Mike and co will play Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds and London, with special guests to be announced.

Fat Mike recently announced plans for a punk musical called Home Street Home, accompanied by a 18-track soundtrack album to be launched in February.

He said: "Ever since I saw Rocky Horror when I was eight I've been intrigued by musicals. Well, not all musicals - just ones that break the mould. This is f***ing fun!" Check out the dates and ticket info here.




Joe Satriani Reveals 2015 G4 Experience Details
(Classic Rock) Joe Satriani heads up the 2015 edition of the G4 Experience, a five day guitar retreat in Southern California next summer. Satriani wrapped up his Unstoppable Momentum tour in Australia last month as he promoted his 2013 album. The spring saw the release of his autobiography, Strange Beautiful Music: A Musical Memoir, as well a retrospective 15-disc box set Joe Satriani: The Complete Studio Recordings.

Beyond his solo work, the guitarist has revealed demos have been completed for a third album by supergroup Chickenfoot - featuring Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith - and that he's optimistic more music will be made despite the challenges presented by the band members' individual schedules to move forward on the project.

On the heels of a summer 2014 edition of the G4 Experience, Satriani will be joined next summer by fellow instructors Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders, Guthrie Govan of The Aristocrats and Mike Keneally, alongside guests Andy Aledort, bassist Stu Hamm, Doug Doppler and Bruce Bouillet.

Satriani explains the concept of the retreat: "G4 brings together four guitar heroes from different sides of the musical spectrum and places them in a unique totally-immersive-music-camp environment with aspiring guitarists/musicians who are interested in learning from the best. Through live performances, jam sessions and clinics catering to all levels, the campers get to learn in an up-close and personal way with the focus on interaction between students and teachers." Read more here.




Aura Reveal New Album Details
(Prog) Italian prog outfit Aura have announced details of their first album in three years. Noise will launch on February 6 via Spider Rock Promotion and will be the follow-up to second studio outing Deliverance which was released in 2011.

The band say in a statement: "Noise represents a substantial turning of sound from Deliverance while retaining many of the elements that have always distinguished the band's sound.

"The turning points were determined primarily by the artistic maturity of the band members - you'll hear different influences with each listen: 70's rock to post rock, united in an amalgam of incredible arrangements moving Aura to pomp prog and art rock."

Check out the cover art and the track details here.




Leprous Working On New Album
(Prog) Leprous are back in the studio working on their fourth album and hope to release it in May, they've announced. Last month they wrapped up their Prog-sponsored UK and Ireland tour and are now working on the follow-up to 2013's Coal. And the band reveal they're doing things differently this time around.

They say in a statement: "We're super-stoked about the new material we have composed. It's not really Coal material, following our mantra about not making the same album twice.

"The writing process has been very different this time. Most of the music has been made by vocalist Einar Solberg on a computer, including almost all the guitar riffs - and Einar has no idea about how to play guitar - so the guitar players were up for a challenge." Read more here.




Immortal Get Sock Puppet Parody For Black Metal Christmas Song
(TeamRock Radio) Previously YouTuber SockPuppetParody has taken aim at Slayer and Rage Against The Machine, now they've created a special anti-festive video of Immortal.

Singing their very own black metal Christmas song (because why not?), Immortal are err immortalised as the most metal looking sock puppets on the planet.

Immortal have recently been in the headlines following legal disputes over the band's name. Check out the Sock Puppet Parody video of Immortal Christmas here.




Twin Atlantic Announce UK Arena Tour
(TeamRock Radio) Scots rockers Twin Atlantic have announced a short UK arena tour for next year. The band will play the biggest shows of their career in the four-date run across the country.

They say in a statement: "We are very excited to announce our biggest UK headline tour to date, taking place in May 2015. This year has been a milestone for our band - we've achieved things we never thought possible, and we've seen our band grow in places so far from home it's hard to comprehend.

"The release of our new album Great Divide opened up what we can do with our live show, and getting to play the album to everyone over the last few months has been so fulfilling. We've always been a band to constantly push ourselves in everything we do, so it feels right to end 2014 by pushing ourselves even further going into the New Year." Read more and see the dates here.




Nuno Bettencourt Says Playing With Rihanna Is Challenging
(Classic Rock) Nuno Bettencourt says playing guitar for pop superstar Rihanna is much more challenging than most people assume. The Extreme axeman has been part of Rihanna's touring band since 2009 and he says anyone who thinks it's an easy gig simply isn't listening closely enough.

Bettencourt tells Guitar Interactive: "Whatever people's perceptions are of whatever Rihanna is, it's definitely a different animal live - completely different. At first, even when I went to work with her, I was, like, 'Can she really sing?' A lot of times with the singers you hear now, there's a lot of that auto-tune element and you don't know who can really sing. But when I went to rehearsal, I could not believe how well she sang, and I could not believe how well she sings live.

"People ask me, 'Why would you do something that you can do with your eyes closed?' And it's a difficult gig. The hats that you have to wear, feel-wise - you go from a basic pop song like Umbrella to a reggae song to a club track to even, like, a punk song and R&B stuff.

"So the amount of different textures and feels, and to have to play along with these incredible musicians who hear everything, it's definitely not a punch-in-the-clock-type situation for me." Read more here.






Ozzy Osbourne Does Surprise Jam In Hollywood Club
(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne teamed up with cover band Royal Machines at The Roxy in Hollywood on Friday to perform a pair of his classic tracks and video from the performance has been posted online.

Ozzy delivered Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" and his signature 1980 solo smash, "Crazy Train", during the first of back-to-back nights for the group at the legendary venue.

Former known as Camp Freddy, Royal Machines features Billy Morrison (Billy Idol, The Cult), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction), Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction), actor/musician Donovan Leitch, Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) and Adrian Young (No Doubt).

The group's Christmas shows at The Roxy have become annual holiday season events, complete with a variety of guests. Check out the videos here.




Anthrax, Megadeth, Testament Stars Talk Black Sabbath's Heaven And Hell
The Mars Attacks Podcast have rebooted their Classic Albums Series with an all-star guest list (written and audio contributions) that look back at Black Sabbath's landmark 1980 release Heaven And Hell. The show sent over these details:

The episode features current and former members of Black Sabbath, Anthrax, Megadeth, Testament, Arch Enemy, Queensryche, Body Count, Guns 'N Roses discussing the album.

Artists such as Vinny Appice, Charlie Benante, David Ellefson, Glen Drover, Gene Hoglan, Steve Smyth, Sharlee D'Angelo, Michael Wilton, Ernie C and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, among others offer their views of the classic album.

Check out the comments and listen to the podcast here.




'Old, Creepy' Paul Stanley's Unaired Coffee Commercial Posted Online
(hennemusic) An unaired Folgers coffee commercial starring Paul Stanley of KISS filmed in 2000 has surfaced online. Stanley can be seen wandering around a circus tent while a trapeze artist flies high above and the KISS frontman sings the product's jingle.

"Life is strange," said Stanley in a 2000 interview. "I got a call asking if I was interested in singing a Folgers commercial. And, like many other things, I thought, 'Why not?' I wasn't at all concerned with who thinks it is okay or not okay, cool, not cool, rock 'n' roll or not. I had a blast doing it, and, like I said, isn't that what this is all about?"

Apparently the commercial was scrapped before it was broadcast. The uploader writes: "This commercial never aired because focus groups asked 'who is the old, creepy guy?' and the agency pulled it. Watch the ad here.




Marilyn Manson Releases Surreal Deep Six Video
Marilyn Manson has released a new music video for the song "Deep Six" which was directed by Bart Hess and comes from Manson's forthcoming album "The Pale Emperor".

The new album is scheduled to be released in North America on January 20th and it will be released in the UK on January 19th via Cooking Vinyl. Watch the video here.

As previously reported, Manson will be launching a North American tour in support of the effort the day after the album release. The "Hell Not Hallelujah Tour" will be kicking off on January 21st in Washington D.C. Check out the dates here.




Scorpions Streaming New Song 'We Built This House'
(hennemusic) The Scorpions are premiering "We Built This House", the lead single from their forthcoming album, "Return To Forever." The song is available now to fans who pre-order the album via iTunes or the band's webstore.

Due February 23 (Feb 24 in North America), "Return To Forever" features completed versions of leftover material from the early 1980s. "It will be material that was never finished," singer Klaus Meine revealed in 2013. "Songs with pure Scorpions DNA from a very exciting time."

The album's release will mark the start of the German rocker's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015. The group recently unveiled the first series of dates for a 2015 tour, with shows starting May 8 in the Czech Republic. Stream the song and check out the tour dates here.




Foo Fighters Rock The Tonight Show
(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters performed their song "I Am A River" on NBC-TV's The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday. Recorded in New York, the song is the closing track on "Sonic Highways", which recently debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 after opening week sales of 190,000 copies.

Produced by Butch Vig, the project was recorded in 8 American cities - Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

The Foo Fighters kick off a 2015 world tour next month with a series of shows in South America before playing dates in New Zealand and Australia in February.

A summer North American run starts July 4 at Washington's RFK Stadium before hitting 27 other cities across the continent. Watch the Tonight Show performance here.




Moetar Release Entropy Of The Century Video
(Prog) Moetar have issued a studio performance video of the title track to their second album, Entropy Of The Century. The follow-up to 2012's debut From These Small Seeds was launched in late summer, headed with a video for lead track, Regression To The Mean.

Bassist Tarik Ragab recently said: "When I began writing these songs I wanted them to form a narrative about the tumultuous political, economic, social and environmental landscape we are in - countered by the exciting advances in science and technology expanding our ideas about the nature of existence.

"I became interested in entropy, defined as a lack of order or predictability, where a system gradually declines into disorder. However, another way of seeing entropy is as a system transforming into a richer, more complex form, progressing beyond our understanding."

He adds: "The laws of thermodynamics also became a fascination for me, the idea that energy can't be created or destroyed. These two concepts and how they relate to our existence became a central theme for most of the songs that I wrote on this album."

Watch the video here.




Singled Out: Martin Callingham's Portland Square
Today Joyce The Librarian frontman Martin Callingham tells us about his single "Portland Square," which come from his forthcoming solo album "Tonight, We All Swim Free". Here is the story:

I've worked just around the corner from Portland Square for a few years now. And the studio where I recorded this track and the album it comes from is on the Square itself. I walk through it pretty much every day.

When I first moved to Bristol, maybe fifteen years ago, Portland Square was home to the homeless, to dealers and sex workers and to their customers. The Square and the streets surrounding it were a little edgy to say the least. But it was also a place where young, artistically minded folk could live cheaply. Today it is both the beneficiary and the victim of the gentrification of inner city Bristol. Where years ago squatters turned their noses up at derelict spaces on and around Portland Square, as I write this, there is a basement apartment for sale at an asking price of £665,000.

Another area rich in creativity, populated by musicians, artists, writers, DIY promoters of events is being slowly but surely eroded by market forces. The people that make an area desirable so often end up unable to continue living in it.

I wrote the song a couple of years ago and is loosely about how easy it can be to sleepwalk into prisons of our own design.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!: Today's Day in Rock Linkin Park Giving Away Their New Album The Hunting Party Christmas has come a little early for Linkin P...

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


Linkin Park Giving Away Their New Album The Hunting Party
Christmas has come a little early for Linkin Park fans as the band has announced that they are offering a free download of their latest album, "The Hunting Party," for the next week.

The album is being offered as a free download to fans in the U.S. via Google Play until December 23rd. The online service is also selling other Linkin Park albums for just $1.99 each during the promotion. You can take advantage of both special deals here.

Many fans outside the U.S. shouldn't feel left out as Google Play are also offering deep discount prices on the band's entire catalog to fans in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, U.K., Germany, Italy, Australia, and France here.

Linkin Park will also be launching their North American The Hunting Party Tour early next year which will feature support from Rise Against and Of Mice & Men.

The arena tour is scheduled to kick off on January 15th in Orlando, FL at the Amway Center and will conclude on February 14th in Edmonton, AB at Rexall Place. Check out the tour dates here.



The Who Postpone Shows Due To Roger Daltrey Illness
The Who have been forced to postpone two of their concert this week that are part of their The Who Hits 50 tour after frontman Roger Daltrey came down with a throat infection.

The concerts were scheduled to take place tonight (December 17th) and tomorrow night at the O2 Arena but have been rescheduled to March 22nd and 23rd after Daltry was ordered to rest his voice by doctors.

The Who's camp issued this statement, "On medical advice singer Roger Daltrey has been ordered to rest his voice due to a throat infection. The band and their management wish to sincerely apologize to all ticket holders for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused."

The O2 Arena dates are part of the band's current 50th anniversary tour. They are scheduled to launch the North American leg of The Who Hits 50 tour in mid-April.




Stevie Ray Vaughan Leads Next Batch Of Rock Hall Inductees
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble lead the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame class of 2015. After winning the public vote, the late blues legend and his group will be inducted next year.

Another late rock icon, Lou Reed, who had previously been inducted as a member of the Velvet Underground, will be inducted as solo artist. Other inductees for 2015 include the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bill Withers, who had a string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s including the No. 1 "Lean On Me" and the No. 2 hit "Just The Two Of Us".

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr will also receive an honor for Award For Musical Excellence and R&B pioneers the 5 Royales will be present with the Early Influence Award.

Nine Inch Nails, who came in second in the public poll with 22.2% of the vote, won't be inducted next year, but Green Day who captured only 2.6% of the vote will. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts came in third in the vote and will also be inducted next year.




Misfits Reunion Possible If Danzig Has The Right Attitude
(TeamRock Radio) Misfits mainman Jerry Only says he would consider a reunion with Glenn Danzig if the singer promised to leave "his sh*t at home." Only's brother and former Misfits bandmate Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein said this month that he would welcome a reunion of the classic Misfits line-up and added that he was surprised it hadn't happened yet.

Any reconciliation between Danzig and Only looked dead in the water earlier this year when Danzig launched a legal action claiming Only cut him out of profits from the band's merchandise.

But Only now says all hope is not lost, as long as Danzig vows not to bring "the dark stuff to the table." Only tells Loudwire: "The thing is, I have an obligation to our fans. A lot of our fans are young and the thing is, we're a very positive organisation.

"If we bring Glenn back in and he's going to bring that dark, that real black stuff to the table, I don't want that. All the money in the world ain't gonna make me sell out my fans." Read more here.




Ace Frehley Thinks KISS Will Regret Not Playing Rock Hall Induction
(hennemusic) Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley says former bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will regret their decision not to perform with him and original drummer Peter Criss at the band's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame earlier this year.

"The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was a great experience for me," Frehley tells VH1. "We could have been inducted fifteen years earlier, but we finally got inducted this year, in April. I know there was a little controversy going on preceding the event. Originally we were asked to perform, and at the last minute Paul and Gene decided that they didn't wanna perform with me and Peter."

"Me and Peter were up for it," he continued. "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was insisting that only the four original members perform. Paul and Gene opted not to do it. After forty years, they couldn't give the fans fifteen minutes. Go figure. I think they're gonna regret that decision."

Stanley and Simmons have long maintained a fractured relationship with the music industry insiders who run both Rolling Stone and the Rock Hall, and have always questioned the validity of both brands. Read more and stream video here.




The Yardbirds' Current Lineup Breaking Up
(The Blues The current lineup of the Yardbirds is to split at the end of the year, drummer Jim McCarty has confirmed. He's the only member who remains from the iconic British outfit that's featured Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page among many others over the years.

Guitarist Ben King is to bow out after nine years, while frontman Andy Mitchell and bassist David Smale each end five-year stints. Second guitarist Anthony 'Top' Topham, who originally played with the band in 1963, returned last year.

McCarty says: "The Yardbirds, as a band, has continued to evolve through the years with great musicians playing all around the world. The current lineup will be parting ways at the end of the year. I would like to thank Ben, Andy, Dave and Top for all their support through the years." Read more here.




Rival Sons Forced To Stop Show After Two Songs
(TeamRock Radio) Rival Sons were last night forced to stop the final show of their UK tour after two songs. Frontman Jay Buchanan, who'd been feeling ill all day, told his bandmates he was unable to continue the concert at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

The Californian outfit are now heading home - but they've apologized to fans and asked them to keep hold of their ticket stubs, which will be valid for a rescheduled show to be announced soon.

Guitarist Scott Holiday says: "We couldn't be more disappointed - it's the first time we've ever had to do this. We offer our extreme apologies. Jay was at an extreme deficit; just not well. He was completely unable to continue, or we would have." Read more here.




Sebastian Bach Claims He Beat Ozzy Osbourne On The Charts
(Classic Rock) Sebastian Bach says his latest solo album charting higher in its first week than Ozzy Osbourne's recent 'best of' is a major milestone in his career. The former Skid Row frontman released Give 'Em Hell in April and it reached number 72 on the Billboard chart, while Ozzy's Memoirs Of A Madman landed at number 90 in its first week after being released in October.

Bach says his album "sold more" than Ozzy's effort in week one, however according to Blabbermouth, Give 'Em Hell sold 4000 copies while Memoirs Of A Madman sold 4200.

Bach tells the Illinois Entertainer: "My ultimate dream in rock 'n' roll when I was fired from Skid Row in 1996 was to possibly some day be like Ozzy Osbourne, in that he came up with Sabbath and then had a successful solo career.

"Give 'Em Hell sold more copies the first week out than the new Ozzy Osbourne record." Read more here.




Of Mice & Men Set Release For Restoring Force: Full Circle
Of Mice & Men have announced that they will be releasing a double-disc deluxe reissue of their "Restoring Force" album that will feature new tracks, on February 24th.

Dubbed "Restoring Force: Full Circle" the foil-stamped digipack will include the original studio album as well as three new tracks and an acoustic version of the hit single "Feels Like Forever."

The band called on David Bendeth (Paramore, Bring Me The Horizon) to produce the new tracks, "Broken Generation," "Something To Hide," "Never Giving Up" and the unplugged version of "Feels Like Forever."

Fans will also be able to catch the band live early next year when they hit the road with Linkin Park for their North American arena tour on January 15th in Orlando, FL.

Of Mice & Men will also be taking part in next year's Soundwave Festival in Australia and in early March they will head to Europe to kick off their headlining tour in Paris. Check out the tour dates here.





Def Leppard Taking Advantage Of Technology To Make New Album
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen believes there's no need for the band to spend big money on recording their upcoming album together every step of the way.

He argues that his two visits to singer Joe Elliott's studio in Ireland, combined with additional work in his home in the US, provide everything that's needed to complete the project to their satisfaction.

The band's 1987 masterwork Hysteria is thought to have been one of the most expensive recording projects in history on its release. But there's not much chance of the band repeating the feat.

Allen tells The Pulse Of Radio: "I've been to Joe's place on two occasions for extended periods. We've got a good 16 to 17 songs that, when I left, were 80, 85% done. I think I'm pretty much done with my parts."

Asked whether all five members of the band will get together over the final stages, he replies: "I don't think we need to go into that kind of expense. With technology these days, it's fantastic." Read more here.



Jimmy Page Ready To Surprise People With New Material
(Classic Rock) Jimmy Page has talked to Classic Rock in a new interview video about revisiting Led Zeppelin's studio works, the great analogue vs digital war, and new beginnings.

"I'm playing guitar at the moment", says Page. "Because I'm getting ready. Whatever I do, I don't want people to have made up their minds before I've done it.

"On the internet, people are telling me, 'you're doing this, and you're doing that', and I'm 'Am I?' Just wait and see what I do. I've got new material, and it will be surprising."

In May, Page admitted that it was time to play live again, and in October hinted that the show night be a career-spanning retrospective. Watch the interview clip here.




L.A. Guns, Poison, Cinderella Supergroup Launch PledgeMusic Drive
(Classic Rock) Supergroup Devil City Angels have made their upcoming debut album available to pre-order. The group featuring former L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns, Poison sticksman Rikki Rockett, Cinderella bassist Eric Brittingham and Cheap Thrill vocalist Brandon Gibbs, have launched a PledgeMusic page offering a range of incentives to those who purchase the album now ahead of its planned 2015 release.

They say: "After years of hits with our other bands, we've joined forces to create exciting new rock music for you. We are recording our debut album with the band this winter and we're set up in a big old house in LA."

Exclusives available include a signed copy of the album, T-shirt and poster bundles, an autographed drum head and sticks, a personal video message from the band and a private martial arts lesson from Rockett, who is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Read more here.




Pink Floyd Classic Named The Leading Song For Surgery
(Classic Rock) Pink Floyd classic Comfortably Numb is one of a handful of songs recommended for surgeons as they lead medical operations. But a study by Cardiff University Hospital says Queen's Another One Bites The Dust, Bob Dylan's Knockin' On Heaven's Door and REM's Everybody Hurts should be avoided.

While the suggestions are light-hearted, they're backed up by a serious study that's found four out of five operations are carried out while staff listen to music.

The report in the British Medical Journal says it "improves communication between staff, reduces anxiety and improves efficiency." And surgeons who listen regularly say it helps them increase performance and helps them focus.

Check out the recommended and the not recommended lists here.





Dying Fetus Planning Their Next Album
(TeamRock Radio) Dying Fetus will begin recording a new album next spring, drummer Trey Williams says. Williams says fans can expect the usual blend of "brutal, slam and death metal" and "social commentary" on the follow-up to 2012's Reign Supreme.

He tells My Global Mind: "Hopefully in the early spring we can get into the studio and start recording. Nobody has any concepts or anything. Just evolving the Dying Fetus sound a little bit. Not too drastically, but you know - add a couple of new slams into our repertoire and a couple of new technical parts.

"I think our fans know what they're going to get out of us when they buy a Dying Fetus album. You're going to get technical, brutal, slam and death metal with a double vocal attack, and we're going to bring that again." Read more here.




The Movielife Reuniting
(TeamRock Radio) The Movielife frontman Vinnie Caruana and guitarist Brandon Reilly have confirmed a reunion - and they plan to appear in the UK next year. The pop punk outfit originally split in 2003 then returned briefly in 2011. They've only announced one show so far, at New York's Irving Plaza on February 7, but more are to come.

Caruana has created a mission statement which reads: "We, as friends and lovers of music, have found that we would all like to play shows together again as The Movielife. We bear no news of a new record nor are we planning a six-month world tour. The Movielife is alive."

Caruana tells Noisey: "When me and Brandon spend time together, sometimes The Movielife comes up and sometimes it doesn't - but this time it did.

"We'd reached this point in our lives where we can be at peace and be happy, and we feel right about it for the first time in a very long time." Read more and see who else is involved in the reunion here.





The Who's 50th Birthday Bash Items Up For Auction
(TeamRock Radio) Teenager Cancer Trust are auctioning a number of items of memorabilia collected at The Who's 50th birthday tribute show at Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Items include a Gibson guitar signed by Eddie Vedder and Roger Daltrey and a signed tambourine, both of which come from Eddie's collection and were used on the night.

Other items include a guitar signed by Wilko Johnson and Daltrey, signed programmes, and a Vespa helmet signed by every artist including Liam Gallagher, Def Leppard's Joe Elliott, Tom Odell, Ricky Wilson and Rizzle Kicks. Read more here.




Anneke van Giersbergen Exited About Reuniting With The Gathering
(TeamRock Radio) Anneke van Giersbergen says her recent stage reunion with The Gathering couldn't have gone any better. The singer left the group in 2007 and embarked on a successful solo career. But for their 25th anniversary in November, The Gathering asked all of their previous members to take part in a one-off reunion show in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

She tells Carl Begai: "The first time we saw each other again we went out for sushi and the second time we were already talking about doing the anniversary show. It happened all at once.

"And the rehearsals were super weird. I did one rehearsal with them and we did songs like Saturnine and Strange Machines, which I've been doing in my solo shows for the past eight years, but when we did the songs together the guys were playing them and moving the way they did 10 years ago." here.

More on The Gathering - The Gathering Music, DVDs, Books and more - The Gathering T-shirts and Posters - The Gathering Tour Dates/Tickets
Galahad Celebrating 30th Anniversary With Remixed, Remastered Reissue
(Prog) Galahad will release a remixed, remastered version of 2007 album Empires Never Last as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations next year. The new version, completed by Karl Groom, launches on January 5 and comes with additional alternative versions of the tracks Termination and This Life Could Be My Last.

Empires Never Last: The Deluxe Edition is accompanied by a seven-song disc called Empires: A Curious Companion, featuring demos, unused ideas and pieces issued as downloads from the Galahad website.

Further releases are planned for 2015. The band report: "We're making good progress re-arranging a section of older tracks to be included on When Worlds Collide - a name we thought very apt as it'll be partly a collision of new recordings of old songs. Recording will commence shortly." here.





Eric Singer Can't See KISS Continuing Without Paul and Gene
(TeamRock Radio) KISS drummer Eric Singer has no interest in being part of the band without Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. The mainman have frequently discussed the possibility of passing their onstage characters to younger replacements - and frontman Stanley said in October that the outfit would live on long after him.

But Singer tells The Cassius Morris Show: "If Gene and Paul aren't in Kiss, I don't think I have much interest in being in Kiss. I'm not saying it's not possible - but I doubt it will be with me. I don't think I would want to do that.

"To me, Gene and Paul have always been the main cogs in the machinery. I've been around this band for 25 years, I've seen fans of all eras and all incarnations of the band. But for me, the one constant has always been Gene and Paul." Read more here.



Michael Stipe Plans to Sing Again But Not With R.E.M.
(TeamRock Radio) Former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe says he'll sing again but it won't be with his old bandmates. The band split in 2011 and the singer has been quiet since. But he reveals seeing other artists live makes him want to perform again on stage.

He tells CBS: "When I go to see bands perform live, that's when it's hard for me. I look up on the stage and think, 'I wish I was there.' But I did that for 31 years. I gave everything I had to it - I gave myself completely and I just needed to step away for a while. I think I'll sing again."

He gives no indication when that's likely to happen but ruled out a reunion with Peter Buck, Bill Berry and Mike Mills. Stipe adds: "No, it will never happen. There's no point. I love those guys very much and I respect them hugely as musicians and as songwriters. But I just don't want to do that thing that people do. I despise nostalgia."

Read more and stream the video interview here.





Marilyn Manson Loved And Hated 'Sons of Anarchy' Gig
(Radio.com) Marilyn Manson both loved and loathed his time on Sons of Anarchy. The rocker, who appeared on the show for multiple episodes during its final season, told KROQ (a CBS Radio station) that while he enjoyed portraying Ron Tully, a white supremacist, on the series, one thing really bummed him out.

"Spoiler alerts," he said. "I knew what was going to happen. So I would only try to read my part." As he's previously noted, when taking the role, he did so knowing it'd make his father happy, since he was a fan of the show.

"I thought the show is so much about that father-son relationship and I just wanted to do something to make my dad happy, and I just thought I was gonna get a song on the show," Manson said, noting that his mom had died shortly after the news. But Katey Segal, wife of showrunner Kurt Sutter, had other plans.

"She said, 'Do you want to act?' and I said, 'yeah, that would be amazing,'" Manson recalled. "That was earlier in the meeting, when I was sort of worried about my father because he was also ill and I was trying to cheer up my dad. This is before my mother had died. So I went to Ohio because my mother had died and I got the phone call that I was going to be on the show. I said, 'Dad, guess what, I'm going to be on the show. Guess what, I'm going to play the head of the Aryan Brotherhood. Guess what, I get paid for it. Guess what, I'm in every scene, every episode that I know of.'"






AC/DC's Brian Johnson and Angus Young Discuss Upcoming Tour
(hennemusic) AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young say they're looking forward to hitting the road next year for a world tour in support of their new album, "Rock Or Bust."

"I think more than ever, this tour I'm looking forward to it a bit more than, I think, any other," Johnson tells BBC Radio 2's The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.

"I don't know if it's 'cause of my age and just enjoying things that I maybe took for granted once, that you just know it's a special time. It's been 40 years, and just to get out there again, and see if you can do it. You've gotta prove it to yourself that you can do it."

Angus Young had this to say, "Yeah, I do. I enjoy it. Probably, for myself, 'cause I was very young when I started. I'm just used to it. It's the life I know."

The band recently revealed the first series of dates for the trek, with a European run set to launch May 5 in Arnhem, Netherlands; a mix of arena and stadium shows are scheduled into late July with more dates expected to be announced soon. Stream the full interview here.




Lynyrd Skynyrd Rock Sweet Home Alabama On The Voice Finale
(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd performed their classic, "Sweet Home Alabama", with country rocker Craig Wayne Boyd on the Season 7 finale of NBC's The Voice on Tuesday.

Boyd went on to claim the title as fans voted him the winner of the show's latest season, finishing ahead of finalists Matt McAndrew, Chris Jamison and Damien.

The finale featured guest performances by Fall Out Boy, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars, Hozier, Ed Sheeran and Meghan Trainor.

Boyd's win delivers coach Blake Shelton his fourth title in seven seasons. Check out video of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Boyd's performance here.




Bob Seger Makes Rare Appearance On Late Night TV
(hennemusic) Rock legend Bob Seger was a featured guest and performer on The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday and video from the appearance had been posted online.

Seger joined the host for a chat before playing "All Of The Roads" from his latest album, "Ride Out." Seger's first studio album in 8 years is the follow-up to 2006's "Face The Promise."

The Detroit rocker will wrap up the first leg of his North American tour in support of the project on Friday with a show at New York's Madison Square Garden; the second leg launches January 20 in Toledo, Ohio.

Check out video of the interview and the performance here.




Wednesday 13 Releases Keep Watching The Skies Lyric Video
(TeamRock Radio) Wednesday 13 has just unveiled a new lyric video for Keep Watching The Skies - taken from his upcoming full-length Monsters Of The Universe; Come Out & Plague.

Set for release on 12th January 2015, _Monsters Of The Universe; Come Out & Plague _will be available via Cargo Records on both CD and double vinyl. As well as a new album, Wednesday 13 and his cohorts are touring the UK in March next year.

Speaking about the forthcoming tour, Wednesday 13 says: "We have re-vamped and re-charged everything that had become Wednesday 13 over the years, especially for this new tour. The look, the stage and the sound will be on a new level this time around.

"Along with all of this, we have added an additional member to our live show too, keyboardist/percussionist, Kyle Castronovo. I really can't wait to get out and play this new album live! We are so proud of it, so get ready earthlings... the Monsters are coming!"







Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer Gets Prog Makeover
(TeamRock Radio) Hungarian prog metal band Ad Astra have released a video to accompany their cover of Peter Gabriel classic Sledgehammer. It's their second take on the former Genesis frontman's 1986 hit single after it first appeared as a bonus track on their 2012 album Open Wide.

Ad Astra explain: "Although we're still having a relaxed songwriting and gig free period, we've finished the video. The audio track receive a facelift in terms of vocal, sound and mastering to make it heavier than ever before."

Sledgehammer, from Gabriel's So album, reached number one in the US and Canada, and number four in the UK. Its memorable animated video won a string of awards, including nine gongs at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.






Periphery Streaming New Song '22 Faces' Online
(TeamRock Radio) Periphery have streamed their track 22 Faces from Juggernaut: Alpha, one record in a twin release due next month. The complex concept album appears alongside Juggernaut: Omega on January 26 via Century Media.

The band have designed the pairing so that their music and plot aren't over-simplified by trying to compress too much into one record. They recently explained: "Although the albums are split in two physically, the story is only complete when the albums are digested consecutively. This allows the listener to recognise and hear the lyrical and musical overlapping themes."

Periphery return to the UK for three shows with Devin Townsend in March, followed by their own headline show in London. Check out the tour dates and stream the new song here.




Toundra Release Animated Video For Oro Rojo
(TeamRock Radio) Toundra have launched an animated video for their track Oro Rojo, from upcoming album IV, which will be released on January 26 via Superball. Toundra will also tour the UK in February.

The Spanish instrumental outfit's eight-track record tells the story of two foxes escaping from a forest fire, as a metaphor for humanity's effect on the environment. Oro Rojo ("Red Gold") is the final piece.

They say of Jorge Garcia Escalona's video: "We always thought the track would be a good for a video, and we're huge fans of Jorge's work. We knew he was the perfect person to envision what we had in mind - and it's obvious we were right."






Unreal City Release Lo Schermo Di Pietra ('The Screen Of Stone') Video
(Prog) Italian outfit Unreal City have launched a video for their track Lo Schermo Di Pietra ("The Screen Of Stone") taken from their second album, out next month.

Titled Il Paese Del Tramonto ("The Country Sunset"), it's to be launched on January 15 via AMS Records. The follow-up to 2013 debut La Crudelta Di Aprile ("The Cruelty Of April") is their first with new drummer Andrea Gardani, who replaced Federico Bedostri in September.

Earlier this year the band launched a crowdfunding appeal to help support a European tour - and although it fell short of its target they've lined up five dates across mainland Europe starting in February. More shows will be announced in due course.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


Scott Stapp Denies Plotting To Assassinate The President
(Radio.com) The drama continues for Creed frontman Scott Stapp, whose public image took an unexpected turn when a phone call between his wife and the police leaked to TMZ, where she was heard saying that the singer has been plotting the assassination of Barack Obama.

The secret service is now reportedly aware of the incident and will "take appropriate action." This weekend Stapp defended his behavior and spoke out against the reports on Creed's Facebook page, rather than his own as he has more often been doing.

In the post, Stapp continued to maintain that he's sober and stable, railing against media reports and calling it a "smear campaign." He had this to say about the assassination plot:

"The recent report claiming I am delusional, and claiming I'm a CIA agent with evil intent towards our beloved President is a joke. I'm shocked the press even covered such a ridicules story. My history supporting our troops and this great country of ours should speak for itself."

His post that has since been deleted but you can read it in full, as captured by Consequence of Sound, here.




Duff McKagan and Chris Cornell Part Of Mad Season Reunion
(Radio.com) Though Seattle acts like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden are still thriving, grunge history is marked by a number of bands that have seen death strike and alter their future, including Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Mother Love Bone.

Less storied on this list is Mad Season, originally a side project of Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains, who broke up in 1999 following the death of bassist John Baker Saunders , and later saw singer Layne Staley (of AiC) pass away.

The two surviving members of the group, Pearl Jam's Mike McCready and Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin, will reunite January 30 in Seattle with fill-in members Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses. Read more here.




System of a Down Announce First U.S. Tour Date of 2015
(Radio.com) Fear not, because System of a Down's weekend set at KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas won't be their only U.S. show in the near future. The band confirmed Saturday with KROQ that they will make a stop in Los Angeles once again on April 6 at the Forum for the kickoff of their Wake Up the Souls tour.

System of a Down had previously announced the tour last month, noting that it was designed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide in Turkey.

"We said we should celebrate the fact that we're here on stage, on the radio telling you about [the genocide]," bassist Shavo Odadjian explained to KROQ. "We got to that level. Let's not mourn 100 years what has already happened. By educating, you raise awareness. By raising awareness, you grow peoples' minds."

"The way we do it, we have our show, and the people that want to take information away from that, and the people who want to just come and enjoy the show also have that freedom," drummer John Dolmayan added.

Read more here.




Evanescence and Tremoni Supergroup Premiere New Song
(TeamRock Radio) A supergroup featuring members of Tremonti and Evanescence have released their debut album and lyric video for their first single. God To Gravity's self-titled debut is out now, and a lyric video for the single Dying Light has been made available.

The group features Tremonti drummer Garrett Whitlock, Evanescence guitarist Troy McLawhorn and Ether Seeds singer Dustin Lowery. Dustin's brother Corey is on bass while guitarist Pat Deeb completes the lineup.

Corey Lowery says: "This is the first time I've been able to do a CD with my youngest brother. Pat Deeb and I started writing this music and we needed a voice that would match it.

"I sent it to Dustin and I think he took it to a new level. Troy McLawhorn and Garrett Whitlock came in and took it to a newer level. There are special guests on it, such as our brother Clint Lowery, Morgan Rose and Matt O'Rourke."

Check out the new song here.




Melechesh Recruit Cavalera, Caggiano and Tolis For New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Max Cavalera, Rob Caggiano and Sakis Tolis all say they're honoured to have recorded guest tracks for Melechesh's sixth album Enki. The follow-up to 2010's The Epigenesis will be launched on March 2 via Nuclear Blast - it's their first since drummer Xul was replaced with former member Lord Curse.

Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy and Killer Be Killed frontman Cavalera reports: "I'm a big fan and I think The Epigenesis is one of the greatest extreme metal records ever done. Our worlds finally collide; long live Melechesh!"

Caggiano, who joined Volbeat last year after leaving Anthrax, adds: "I've been a fan for a while now and it was an honour play a solo. These guys sound like nothing else out there." Read more here.




Napalm Death Mixing Styles On New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Napalm Death frontman Barney Greenway says upcoming album, Apex Predator - Easy Meat, embraces a mix of styles. Earlier this year he revealed the follow-up to 2012's Utilitatrian would be a "sonic assault." And he says the band's sound continues to evolve as they've drawn on two distinctive influences.

He tells Metal Wani: "It's not reinventing the wheel but it's a couple of steps forward. There's two quite distinctive styles. You've got the traditional, fast, chaotic and almost off-the-rails Napalm approach.

"And then you've got a queasy, ambient and quite depressive edge. We've been doing the two in tandem for many albums but as time goes on we're tending to mix the styles in more inventive ways." Read more here.



The Clash's Joe Strummer Has Species Named After Him
(Radio.com) No one could have guessed when they started naming living things in Latin that they would run out words and start choosing cute names based on pop stars. But, we have been going down that road for a while now, with Beyonce, Frank Zappa, and Bob Marley all having creatures adorning their names. Now, a punk legend joins the ranks.

Now the late, great Joe Strummer of The Clash has been selected to have a snail named after him. And this isn't just some random bit of fandom. The snail actually looks the part, with a spikey shape that resembles the look of many classic punks.

"Because they look like punk rockers in the '70s and '80s and they have purple blood and live in such an extreme environment, we decided to name one new species after a punk rock icon," said Shannon Johnson of the Monterey Bay Research Aquarium.

The resulting name: A. strummeri. Read more here.



Lynyrd Skynyrd and Fall Out Boy Set For The Voice Finale
(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd and Fall Out Boy are among the special music guests that are set to perform Tuesday night (December 16th) on the Season 7 finale of NBC's The Voice.

Skynyrd will team up with finalist Craig Wayne Boyd for a song; Fall Out Boy will join finalist Matt McAndrew; Jennifer Hudson will sing with finalist Damien; and, Jessie J will join finalist Chris Jamison for a performance.

Other guests for the season-ending broadcast include Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Hozier and Ed Sheeran. Fans will vote to select The Voice Season 7 winner. Read more here.




NHL's San Jose Sharks Plan Metallica Night
(hennemusic) NHL's San Jose Sharks will host Metallica Night on January 21. The NHL event is the second Bay-area sports event to feature a Metallica Night: Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants will host the 3rd annual Metallica Night at AT&T Park on Saturday, May 2.

"As some of you may know," says the band, "we have been long supporters of the Sharks going back to the mid-90's when the team moved permanently to San Jose... over the years we've made many treks down to the Shark Tank.

"So it's actually pretty fitting that we finally connect with the team for a night of metal and hockey and we want you to come along and partake of the festivities with us."

"We'll be on hand for the first strains of 'Seek & Destroy'," added Metallica, "kick off the game with the puck drop, and partake in some of the intermission fun and games that Sharks fans know and love." Read more here.



Brutality Plan Their First New Album In 18 Years
(TeamRock Radio) Florida death metal outfit Brutality have inked a new record deal and will begin work on their first studio album in 18 years, they've announced. They've signed with Danish label Mighty Music to launch the follow-up to 1997's In Mourning - and they say they're back for the "long haul."

Guitarist Don Gates tells Maximum Metal: "We are starting off slowly to get a good feel of how things will work. In the past we took a beating from our old label so we were a bit gun shy going into this. Once we had a face-to-face meeting with the US rep for Mighty Music Rich Lee, we knew that this was the right place to be.

"Our first release will be a re-release of the Ruins of Humans EP on 7-vinyl. We told Rich that if we were to ever sign another record deal then it was surely to be our last. That being said I guess we are all in this for the long haul." Read more here.




Frank Black And The Catholics Releasing Boxset
(TeamRock Radio) Frank Black And The Catholics have confirmed the upcoming release of a comprehensive boxset. Pixies frontman Black (aka Black Francis) recorded six albums with The Catholics between 1998 and 2003, and the boxset will include all of them, remastered from the original recordings.

The tracks will be presented in alphabetical order on 7CD set The Complete Recordings, which is out on March 23 via Cooking Vinyl. Black says: "It feels like an approximation of randomness and its a way to randomise something, especially if its titles. We get away from the preciousness of LPs we put out and its more about the body of work, the good times that we had.

"This is a boxset including all of the Frank Black And The Catholics material that was recorded, there's bonus material and technical demos and it's all recorded live to 2-track, as was our rule in the band."

More including a promo video for the boxset here.



Opeth's Martin Axenrot Named Best Prog Drummer Of 2014
(Prog) Opeth's Martin Axenrot has been named the best prog drummer of the year. Readers of Rhythm magazine voted the Swedish sticksman tops in 2014, ahead of multi-act player Mike Portnoy, Devin Townsend Project's Ryan Van Poederooyen and Neil Peart of Rush.

Axenrot has been acclaimed for his work on Opeth's eleventh album Pale Communion, launched this year. The band followed the released with an appearance at Download and a UK tour.

Rhythm say: "Swedish powerhouse Martin put in another outstanding performance on Pale Communion. His jazz touch within such heavy music help make him a master at his art." Read more here.



Immortal Frontman Says Other Members Walked Away From Band
(TeamRock Radio) Immortal frontman Olve 'Abbath' Eikemo says the other parties involved in a legal row over the band's name walked away from the group this year. Last week it was revealed Abbath was trying to legally secure exclusive rights to the Norwegian black metal band's name, but that his move had been blocked by guitarist Harald 'Demonaz' Navdal and drummer Reidar 'Horgh' Horghagen, who say the name should be shared between all three.

In his latest correspondence with the Norwegian Industrial Property Office, Abbath claims Horgh and Demonaz left him to pay the bills on a rehearsal space and that he has recorded a new album with other musicians.

Dagbladet reports Abbath's letter as saying: "This summer Olve received a message from Harald and Reidar indicating that they wanted to take a longer break after a conflict occurred between Olve and the other two band members.

"The band rents a rehearsal space where costs were being shared between the three band members. Harald and Reidar did not want to pay their share of the rent since the band, in their opinion, was not active. Olve, as songwriter, was dependent on the rehearsal space and was willing to cover the rental costs himself." Read more here.




HIM Plan New Music Next Year
(TeamRock Radio) HIM singer Ville Valo says the band plan to work on new music in 2015. Currently playing dates on a US tour, the veteran Finnish outfit will wrap up their 2014 schedule with a hometown show on New Year's Eve and enjoy some downtime before beginning work on the follow-up to their eighth album, 2013's Tears On Tape.

Valo tells KWSS-FM Scottsdale, Arizona: "We're playing one show on New Year's Eve in Helsinki and then that's gonna be it for touring for a while, because then we'll have been on the road more or less, on and off, for about a year and a half. So that's a long time for us."

"So it'd be nice to sit down for a wee bit and start working on some new stuff. So this is gonna be our not a 'farewell,' per se, but sort of like a 'bye bye for now' tour, so it'll be a fun one." Read more here.




The Almighty Reissuing Early Albums
(TeamRock Radio) The Almighty's first two albums are to be reissued early next year. Spinefarm Records will release 1989's Blood, Fire & Love and 1991's Soul Destruction on February 9 under the RE-F**KIN'-ISSUES banner. The label own the rights to the band's Polydor output and will also issue further releases from the group later in 2015.
The band's debut Blood, Fire & Love will be packaged as a three-disc set, including the Blood, Fire & Live album along with a disc of demos and rarities. Soul Destruction will be a two-disc release featuring B-sides, live material and acoustic tracks.

They've been inactive since 2008 but vocalist Ricky Warwick, who fronts Black Star Riders, says he and original drummer Stump Monroe were involved on the production of the reissues.

He tells MyGlobalMind: "We were approached by the record company that they were going to do it. They own everything so it was a case of, 'If you're involved then great. If not we will do it anyway.' Obviously we wanted to be involved so that it would be done as well as we could possibly do it." Read more including the track details here.




The Exploited Plan Strong Return On Album Following Heart Attack
(Classic Rock) The Exploited have vowed their upcoming album will prove they're better than ever now that frontman Wattie Buchan has recovered from his heart attack.

He fell ill on stage in February, soon after the veteran punks had confirmed signing to Nuclear Blast for what will be their first record in 12 years. It's set for release in the summer, following a run of European shows that includes appearances in Glasgow and Manchester.

They say: "It was very important for us that Wattie was cured completely. Now he's recovered we can go on working with new power. We're totally hooked to record new songs, and of course we're thrilled to play the upcoming live shows. Watch out; get ready - The Exploited are back, better than ever!"

Read more here.



Decapitated and The Contortionist Lead Tech-Fest Lineup
(TeamRock Radio) Tech-Fest will return for its fourth edition next year, organizer Simon Garrod has confirmed - featuring UK exclusive appearances from Decapitated and The Contortionist, plus Haken.

An additional 14 acts have been named for the Metal Hammer sponsored festival, which takes place at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, on July 9-12.

Garrod says: "Tech-Fest 2015 is looking to be our biggest event yet - we're excited to be working with all the great sponsors from last year and going back to the Newark Showground for our fourth edition. Many more bands, workshops and after-parties will be announced in due course."

Read more including the full lineup and ticket information here.




Palm Reader Announce Headlining Tour
(TeamRock Radio) Palm Reader have announced a UK headlining tour for February. The British hardcore outfit start the seven-date tour in Worthing on February 23. It comes ahead of the release of their second album Beside The Ones We Love in the spring.

Frontman Josh McKeown says: "We're pumped to have finished our tour with Protest The Hero and now go full throttle into 2015, with more dates to announce soon. We can't wait to hit up some smaller towns again like on this tour as these are some of places and venues that Palm Reader first began to makes our name."

Palm Reader last month released the first single from the upcoming album. A video for the track, I Watch The Fire Chase My Tongue, was also made available. Watch the video and check out the tour dates here.




Download Festival Announce More Bands
(TeamRock Radio) 19 names have been added to the bill for the 2015 Download festival, which takes place at Donington on June 12-15. Clutch, Lamb Of God, Black Veil Brides, Billy Idol and Rise Against are amongst the acts who'll join headliners Slipknot, Muse and Kiss.

Also newly listed are Eagles Of Death Metal, Dragonforce, Hollywood Undead, Body Count, Every Time I Die, Parkway Drive, Backyard Babies, H.E.A.T., Motionless In White, Crown The Empire, Northlane, Madball and Mallory Knox.

Idol says: "It was a fantastic experience playing at Download 2010 in the teeming rain, with the audience completely unfazed. If that was fun, this year should be dynamite." Read more here.


5 Seconds Of Summer Aim To Bridge Rock and Pop Worlds
(TeamRock Radio) 5 Seconds Of Summer say they're benefitting the world of rock music by bringing pop fans into the fold. They tell Rocksound: "We love rock music and playing rock shows. It's cool when people recognise that we are hopefully benefitting the world of rock by being in the pop world as a rock band. If we're leading a new audience to rock bands, that's awesome."

Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin released their self-titled debut earlier this year - and it's an achievement they're proud of as they wanted people to hear material they had been working on for years.

They add: "Releasing the album was a massive milestone. We were all so excited for people to hear what it sounded like so they might understand us a little better. Some of those songs had been in our heads for years." Read more here.






Fall Out Boy Release Creepy American Beauty/American Psycho Video
(Radio.com) Hot on the heels of playing KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas, Fall Out Boy are back with a music video for the title track of their upcoming album, American Beauty/American Psycho (out January 20).

The clip, directed by Syndrome, seems to take the title pretty literally, juxtaposing a ballerina and a face-painted child stuck in a room. The look of the video has the damaged film quality, giving a sort of grittiness to images that wouldn't be troubling when presented in a different format, with different lighting.

As a group of men surround the dancer, no lighting or look is needed for things to get worrisome for the young girl. Then things take a turn for the Shyamalan as the young boy coughs up black liquid and the girl faces her aggressors.

Watch the clip to see what happens to the ballerina here.




Marilyn Manson Premieres New Song Deep Six
Marilyn Manson is giving fans a new taste of his forthcoming album, "The Pale Emperor" with the online streaming premiere of the new track "Deep Six".

Manson's new album is scheduled to be released on January 20th in North America and on January 19th in the UK. It will be available is a standard ten track version and a deluxe version with three bonus tracks. Listen to the new track here.

The shock rocker has previously announced that he will be launching The Hell Not Hallelujah Tour in support of the new album. The North American trek is set to kick off on January 21st in Washington, DC. Check out the tour dates here.




Judas Priest Rock Classic Song With Steel Panther
(hennemusic) Judas Priest were joined by openers Steel Panther for their 1980 classic, "Living After Midnight", in Tacoma, Washington during the encore of the final show of the group's fall North American tour.

The November 22 date at the Tacoma Dome wrapped up a 6-week run in support of the band's latest album, "Redeemer Of Souls", as part of the group's 40th anniversary tour.

"A big screaming thank you to our metal maniacs for a killer first leg of the Redeemer of Souls world tour 2014/15 - You all kept the Faith!," says the band. "We are looking forward to seeing the rest of our #priestfamily in 2015."

The project delivered the UK metal legends the first US Top 10 of their career. Check out video of the Steel Panther jam here.




Anthrax Release New Video From The Recording Studio
(Classic Rock) Anthrax have offered a brief hint of a track from their 11th album in a video clip from their studio. The thrash icons last week confirmed they'd started recording the follow-up to 2011's Worship Music. Now they've revealed they're working with producer Jay Ruston on the unnamed project, set for launch via Megaforce Records next year.

Drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, singer Joey Belladonna guitarist Scott Ian and latest recruit, guitarist Jon Donais, have been writing material over the past few months. They plan to complete work by the end of January.

In the clip, Ian says: "We're going to start recording the new Anthrax record for you motherf***ers - right now!" before Benante counts in a song that fades out straight away.




Black Star Riders Streaming The Killer Instinct Title Song
(hennemusic) Thin Lizzy-offshoot Black Star Riders have released the online premiere of the lead single and title track to their forthcoming sophomore album, "The Killer Instinct."

Due February 23, the follow-up to the group's 2013 debut, "All Hell Breaks Loose" was recorded in Nashville with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, The Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Mastodon).

"The Killer Instinct" will be available in multiple formats: CD, Limited 2 CDs Digibook with a bonus disc that features 2 extra songs and acoustic versions of 4 tracks from the album, Limited Gatefold Black Vinyl and Limited Gatefold Clear Vinyl (available for mail orders only).

Black Star Riders will launch the album with a co-headline UK and Eire tour with Europe throughout March. Check out the new song here.



Foreigner Premiere New Live Version Of 'I Want To Know What Love Is'
(hennemusic) Foreigner are premiering a new live version of their 1984 classic, "I Want To Know What Love Is", which comes from their forthcoming release "The Best Of Foreigner 4 & More."

Due for release in North America on December 16, the collection features most of "Foreigner 4" as well as some of the band's best-known hits recorded live the Borgata Hotel's Music Box theatre in Atlantic City in October.

"Foreigner 4" spent more weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts than any artist in the history of Atlantic Records, including AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, and went on to sell more than 9 million albums worldwide.

The lead single from "Agent Provocateur", "I Want To Know What Love Is" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in at least 6 other countries. Check out the new track here.




Rotting Christ Frontman On Headbanger's Kitchen
(TeamRock Radio) Demonstealer is back with another episode of the excellent Headbanger's Kitchen - with Sakis from Rotting Christ! As any well-nourished metalhead will tell you - cooking is awesome.

Sure, noshing into some greasy kebab on the Friday night bus home is worth its wait in gold at the time, but as Headbanger's Kitchen shows you - decent food is f***ing metal.

Cooking up the ever-so evil Grandis Pilaf Diavolos (aka Chorizo Pulao) this week is the Rotting Christ frontman Sakis Tolis who sits down for an interview in which we learn the meaning behind their deliciously brutal name and the evolution of their sound away from black metal.

Watch the episode here.



Dark Angel's Gene Hoglan Offers Advise To Young Players
(TeamRock Radio) Dark Angel drummer Gene Hoglan has offered some advice for sticksmen looking to make it to the big time. The veteran, who began his career as a roadie for Slayer, has played with Testament, Viking, Devin Townsend, Dethklok and Strapping Young Lad during his career to date.

He reunited with Dark Angel in 2013 and the group are writing music for their first studio release since 1991's Time Does Not Heal. He recorded for Pitch Black Forest's, As the World Burns, and found time to help out his former colleagues in Death by filling in for Sean Reinert on the road.

Hoglan tells BeatIt: "I've been preaching this for years: the most important thing for a young player to do is find guys that you like to hang out with - more so than the best musicians in town. You're going to grow and evolve as a musician and also as a friend."

"Bands do become families. They become teams, and if you've got some really good teammates, really cool family members, everybody's always going to improve as a musician, especially if you're a young dude. Everybody gets better."

He adds: "Say, your guitarist is not the best or your bassist isn't the best in town. But if he's a really cool guy and he's dedicated, that's another thing." Read more here.



Essence Release The Climb Video
(TeamRock Radio) Belgian noiseniks Essence are premiering their new video for The Climb exclusively with Metal Hammer. The song is taken from the metalcore mob's upcoming EP Smoke And Mirrors.

The Climb according to guitarist Maarten Houben is about "about getting over hard times, picking yourself back up again and making 'the climb' towards better things."

"The narrative of the video reflects this, showing the central character of the girl ascending to the top of a hill," he continues. "The song really embodies what Smoke And Mirrors is all about for us. It has a positive message and encourages people to be positive and strong, so we thought it's the perfect song to introduce people to the EP and to Essence."

Friday, December 12, 2014

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


AC/DC Announce Initial 2015 Tour Dates
(Classic Rock) AC/DC have confirmed three UK and Ireland stadium shows for June and July next year. They'll play Glasgow's Hampden Park on June 28, Dublin's Aviva Stadium on July 1 and London's Wembley Stadium on July 4.

The band launched 17th album Rock Or Bust this month - their first without mainman Malcolm Young, who's been forced to retire as a result of dementia.

AC/DC have been heavily rumored to be headlining the Glastonbury festival next year - and guitarist Angus Young recently light-heartedly said they'd accept an invitation if it was extended. Read more here.



Ozzy Osbourne Accused By Former Guitarist
(Classic Rock) Jake E. Lee says Ozzy Osbourne took all the songwriting credit for the Bark At The Moon album despite the fact he wrote parts of the 1983 record. And he claims manager Sharon Osbourne told him he would have to accept the decision or his guitar sections would be scrapped and re-recorded by another musician, despite the fact he'd previously been told his name would appear on the disc.

He tells Eddie Trunk via Blabbermouth: "Here's the truth. This is really gonna get me in more hot water, but whatever. I'm in hot water and I don't see a way out.

"I was told from the get-go, 'If you write part of the songs you'll get writing credit, you'll get publishing - that's part of your deal.' We recorded the album at Ridge Farm Studios and I kept asking because I'm getting really close to finishing all my stuff on the record. Once I laid down the final track they said, 'We have the contract for you.'

"In it, it said, 'Ozzy Osbourne wrote all the songs. You had nothing to do with any of the writing, you have no claim to publishing, and you cannot say so publicly.'

"I said to Sharon Osbourne, 'This isn't what you told me before. Why do you think I'm going to sign it?' She said, 'Because if you don't, we'll give you a plane ticket, you go back home and you stand in line and you sue us. In the meantime, we have all your tracks, we'll get another guitar player, he'll redo your tracks, and you'll have nothing.'"

And Lee says he didn't challenge the decision as it would have been a legal nightmare. He continues here.




Creedence Clearwater Revival Stars Explain Lawsuit
Creedence Clearwater Revival members Stu Cook and Doug Clifford have released a statement explaining their reasons for filing a lawsuit against their former bandmate John Fogerty.

Cook and Clifford say in the statement, "Because of recent inaccurate statements in the media regarding pending litigation, we want to set the record straight. We have never objected to John Fogerty performing any song he ever wrote, or performing any song recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival. That idea is ridiculous.

"Even when he refused to play those songs, and publicly called for a boycott of CCR music, we encouraged him to perform them whenever and wherever he wanted.

"The facts are that Mr. Fogerty, while proclaiming joyful rebirth in the press, repeatedly has his lawyers threaten us with lawsuits and demand unreasonable concessions of our rights.

"Last week, the threats and demands left us with little doubt that a lawsuit would be filed by him against us for the second time. This unfortunate situation required us to take unpleasant preemptive legal action. This action is about the need to defend ourselves and rights, Mr. Fogerty's failure to perform contractual promises and unlicensed uses of the trademark 'Creedence Clearwater Revival.'

"The trademark is not owned by him, but by the Creedence Clearwater Revival Partnership. We have a business relationship with him and, under prevailing circumstances, chose not to be bullied."




Saxon Drummer Has Brain Surgery
(Classic Rock) Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler underwent a second operation Thursday to repair a brain aneurysm. He was rushed to hospital in Newcastle on Monday, with the band having to postpone the remaining four dates on their UK tour.

It was discovered he was suffering from bleeding on the brain. His wife Gina gave an update on his condition via the band's official Facebook page Wednesday, saying the first operation was unsuccessful.

She says: "Nigel had surgery today for the brain aneurysm, but unfortunately it was not successful with the first option, so he will be undergoing another operation tomorrow." Read more here.




Rush Launching Hi-Def Audio Reissue Series
(hennemusic) Rush will reissue 14 albums with upgraded high-definition audio in 2015. The band are re-releasing material from their years with Mercury Records in chronological order each month throughout 2015, starting in January with 1975's "Fly By Night" and wrapping up in December with 1989's "A Show Of Hands."

All albums will be reissued on high-quality vinyl with a download card for a Digital Audio version and high resolution Digital Audio releases, while three titles will also be released on Blu-ray Pure Audio.

The 2015 series launches January 27 with "Fly By Night", which will be available in high-quality vinyl with a download code for a 320kbps MP4 vinyl ripped Digital Audio album download; high resolution Digital Audio editions in DSD (2.8mHz), 192khz / 24-bit, 96kHz / 24-bit; and an additional Blu-Ray Pure Audio version with 96kHz / 24-bit 5.1 surround sound and stereo. Read more here.



The Eagles Beat Bon Jovi In Top Rock Earning Chart
(Classic Rock) The Eagles have been named the top-earning rock band of the year, grossing around $100m between June 2013 and June 2014. Income totals were calculated using figures from touring, record sales, publishing, merchandise, endorsements and other ventures. Management, agent and legal fees were not deducted.

Income from their History Of The Eagles tour put them ahead of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones - although rapper Dr Dre topped the list of all musicians with $620m and pop singer Beyonce came second with $115m.

But the Eagles were the only rock outfit to reach the $100m barrier in a year which industry analysts Forbes say has seen the continuing rise of dance and pop music."

Forbes report: "The History Of The Eagles tour helped the ageless rockers earn more than Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Miley Cyrus combined." Read more and see the top rock earners list here.




Sex Pistols Frontman Says Simon Cowell Is 'Our Worst Enemy'
(Classic Rock) John Lydon has branded the X Factor a "cruel" show that churns out "cruise ship" acts. The Sex Pistols frontman was promoting his new autobiography Anger Is An Energy at an event at Oxford University when he took aim the reality TV show and its creator Simon Cowell.

According to the NME, Lydon said: "Simon Cowell, that's our worst enemy. I don't think people on the show are that awful, it becomes awful when they become trained into that cruise ship show band mentality, and that's the poison of it.

"He has got us all on his big cruise ship lollipop, and I ain't licking his lollipop.," Lydon said. "It's really bad, all of those shows." Read the rest of his comments here.




Stevie Ray Vaughan Tops Rock Hall Fan Vote
(Classic Rock) Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble have convincingly topped the public poll for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for the class of 2015.

The late blues icon drew over 18 million votes, nearly a third of the total, and put him ahead of Nine Inch Nails, Joan Jett, Bill Withers, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Lou Reed and others.

The result means Vaughan will have an additional "fans' ballot" vote in his favour as the Rock Hall's panel of industry experts choose between 15 nominees.

While it's not a guaranteed result, previous fan vote winners Kiss and Rush were both given the honor. Read more and see the vote results here.




Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime Doesn't Include Sarzo
(Classic Rock) Robert Sarzo says he is not a part of Geoff Tate's post-Queensryche band - but insists there has been no falling out. The guitarist was part of Tate's version of Queensryche while there were two bands of that name in operation due to a complicated legal wrangle.

Tate was ordered to stop using the name earlier this year and he recently announced his band would be called Operation: Mindcrime - after the Queensryche albums of the same name to which he was granted sole rights in the legal settlement.

But Sarzo will not take part in the new project, saying his contract with Tate came to an end and that he is working on other endeavours.

Sarzo tells LA Rocks: "The reason that I was brought into Queensryche with Geoff Tate was to do the 25th anniversary of Operation: Mindcrime and also to do the greatest hits and we did the farewell tour. And I did it - every show; I never missed one.

"Nobody quit, nobody got fired. I was a member of that version of Queensryche and it ended. It was fun hanging out with Geoff, Kelly, Randy and my brother Rudy on tour." Read more here.




Morbid Angel Working On New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Morbid Angel will begin writing their ninth album next year, according to frontman David Vincent. It will be the follow-up to 2011's Illud Divinum Insanus - and Vincent says he has no set direction for their new material and is happy to see where the writing process takes them.

He tells Planet Mosh TV: "It's time to write. Whatever it ends up being is whatever it ends up being. I don't think about anything when I'm creating. It comes and that's what happens."

Their last album was Vincent's first with the band since 2005's Domination and wasn't well received by some fans when it launched three years ago. But the singer says he was happy with the finished product and credits guitarist Trey Azagthoth for the record's sound." Read more here.





Korn Frontman Reflects On Painful Beginning
(TeamRock Radio) Korn frontman Jonathan Davis has recalled the trials he endured while working on the band's debut album with producer Ross Robinson. And while he agrees that the deskman brought out the best in his performance, he still can't forget the turmoil that surrounded the sessions.

The 1994 title was recorded with a budget of just $14,000 - but it propelled the band to the big-time and remains an influential work 20 years later. Davis tells Rolling Stone: "I never felt like I was a metal dude to begin with. My favourite band was Duran Duran - I was a child of the 80s and I loved more of the gothic and romantic sh*t.

"I had to quit my job where I was making real money as a mortician, and had my own house, to having nothing - working at a pizza place and living under some stairs."

He remembers spending much of the time drunk and on meth, adding: "I was 23, I think. That's when you're Superman, when that sh*t doesn't affect you. I got sober when I was 28, around when I started getting the bad hangovers and could do that sh*t any more or I was going to die." Read more here.




Steve Hackett Reveals More New Album Details
(Classic Rock) Steve Hackett has revealed more details on his next solo album, Wolflight. The 10-track record launches in Europe on March 30 and is his first solo studio outing since 2011's Beyond The Shrouded Horizon. To mark the announcement, he's issued a short video message. View it below.

Hackett says about the album: "My new rock album Wolflight is at the ready and lying in wait. It reflects everybody's struggle for freedom on a journey travelling through both inner and outer space.

"It explores sounds from as far afield as Greece, Azerbaijan, the deep American South, Sahara desert and beyond - from all our yesterdays, evoking the ancient past."

Guest musicians on the album include Roger King, Gary O'Toole, Nick Beggs, Rob Townsend, Amanda Lehmann, Malik Mansurov and Sara Kovaks. Yes bassist Chris Squire appears on the track Love Song To A Vampire, while Hugo Dagenhardt is behind the kit for Dust And Dreams.

More details here.




Mother Of Murdered Goth Accepts Royal Honor
(Classic Rock) The mother of murdered goth Sophie Lancaster has been presented with an Order Of The British Empire honour by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Sylvia Lancaster set up a charitable foundation in her daughter's memory after Sophie was beaten to death in 2007. The 20-year-old sustained fatal injuries while trying to protect boyfriend Robert Maltby, who survived the assault. The pair had been attacked because they were wearing goth-style clothing.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation aims to tackle hate crimes by educating people about subcultures and spreading a message of tolerance. Sylvia, who was told she'd receive the honour earlier this year, tells ITV: "Prince Charles talked about Sophie and about gang culture. I'm sure she would be proud. It's not just about the work that we do - it's a validation of alternative subcultures as well." Read more here.



The Neal Morse Band Reveal New Album Details
(TeamRock Radio) The Neal Morse Band have released more details about their upcoming album The Grand Experiment. It launches on February 16 via InsideOut and along with a standard CD release it will also be issued as a 2CD and DVD special edition Digipak.

The second disc features previously unreleased live and studio tracks while the DVD contains a 'Making Of' documentary. The recording will also be released on 180g vinyl which comes with the double CD and DVD.

Earlier this month, mainman Morse said he, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette and Bikll Hubauer, began studio sessions without any material written in advance.

He said: "I wanted to see what it would be like to create freely in the room with no preconceived notions. It was quite a risk." Read more here.




George Lynch Frustrated By Singers
(Classic Rock) Lynch Mob mainman George Lynch says he has given up trying to understand the needs of singers. The band recently reunited with off-again, on-again frontman Oni Logan after a bout of what Lynch describes as lead singer's disease (LSD).

And after years of frustrations in regards to vocalists, Lynch says he's happy to work with whoever is interested, without trying to analyse them. Lynch tells The Classic Metal Show: "Lead singers - go figure. I don't know. I'm kind of done trying to figure it out, psychoanalyse the LSD syndrome.

"I've loved Oni's voice and I've loved his lyrics and I love things about him, things that he does, but again, I've been frustrated my whole life with singers in general. And I just got to the point now where I just kind of let it go.

"I'm not trying to control the universe. I just do what I do. If people wanna work with me, they work with me. If not, I try to do the right thing. I treat everybody fairly." Read more here.




Black Tusk Announce Tour With Black Label Society
(TeamRock Radio) Black Tusk have announced they will join Black Label Society on their 2015 European tour. The US rockers were dealt a painful blow last month when bassist Jonathan Athon died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash.

But they say they intend to carry on and will hit Europe next year, with eight UK dates included. Niche's Corey Barhorst will be on bass duties for the tour.

In a statement, Black Tusk say: "It's been an incredibly trying time for us over the past month and we want to thank everyone for their support. We had confirmed the tour with Black Label Society and finished the new album before Athon's accident and Athon, specifically, had been very excited about the opportunity to tour with BLS and we feel there's no way he'd want things to end on this note." Read more here.






New Star Wars Characters Revealed In Collectable Way
(Radio.com) Time to dust off that giant binder with those baseball cards because you're going to need those open slots for characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

In a totally old-school move, director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy have unveiled the names of the new batch of characters by printing them on limited-edition Tops collectible cards, the same way Lucas did it in 1977.

Nearly forty years ago, Tops-style released five rounds of cards around the first trilogy, with each complete set a different color, red and blue being the first to roll out. According to Entertainment Weekly, Abrams and Kennedy have created two new sets of cards, red and blue, thereby revealing the names of the new characters featured in The Force Awakens teaser trailer.

Now we no longer have to refer to the little robot as "the little marble guy" or hooded scavenger as "the dude with the light saber cross thingy." See the cards that will hit the market first here.




Aerosmith's Joe Perry Releases 'Run Run Rudolph' Video
(Radio.com) Joe Perry's video for "Run Run Rudolph" comes right in the sweet spot of Christmas song season. Covering Chuck Berry's classic, the Aerosmith guitarist takes lead on this one, along with the rest of a festive EP, Joe Perry's Merry Christmas, which is available now. The track also boasts actor Johnny Depp on rhythm guitar.

Other holiday favorites found on the release, which was recorded in a span of three weeks when Perry found himself "living down the street from a studio" (via Billboard), are "Santa Claus is Back in Town" and instrumental renditions of traditional numbers "Silent Night" and "White Christmas."

The video captures the magic of children on Christmas morning, getting presents and checking their lists and the like. Watch the clip above, directed by The Enclave Hollywood.





Slipknot's Clown Explains The Devil In I Video Concept
(TeamRock Radio) Directed by Clown, Slipknot's video for "The Devil In I", first official promo clip from new album .5: The Gray Chapter, got a lot of fans talking due to its violent nature and depiction of death. Here we find out why.

Talking exclusively on Slipknot's YouTube channel, Shawn Crahan reveals the idea behind The Devil In I is to become one with your past devils then to do away with them.

As such the various members of Slipknot are killed in different but significant ways - Sid Wilson eats his own hands and fingers so he can no longer DJ, Chris Fehn (who has a genuine fear of birds) chose to be eaten alive by crows and Corey Taylor chose to have his head explode.

Find out why these decisions were made and more in the video here.




AC/DC Release Rock Or Bust Video Shoot Footage
(hennemusic) AC/DC are sharing behind the scenes footage from the video shoot for the title track to their new album, "Rock Or Bust." Filming took place at Black Island Studios in Middlesex in early October, with fans arriving from all over the world to be a part of the video.

"Seeing all the fans again," says singer Brian Johnson, "all the superfans, who have been so faithful over the last 40 years… it was a touching moment because Malcolm [Young] not being there….and they set off a roar for Malcolm that touched us, y'know."

Malcolm Young retired from AC/DC earlier this year following health issues related to a diagnosis of dementia. The group brought in Malcolm and Angus Young's nephew, Stevie, for their first album in six years.

Drummer Phil Rudd was not on site for the filming; headlines would later see Rudd arrested by New Zealand police on multiple charges stemming from an alleged incident the week before the London shoot.

AC/DC brought in Bob Richards (Shogun, Adrian Smith Band) to handle drum duties in Rudd's place. Check out the footage here.



Foreigner Premiere New Version of 'Urgent'
(hennemusic) Foreigner are premiering a new live version of their 1981 classic, "Urgent", from "The Best Of Foreigner 4 & More." Due for release in North America on December 16, the collection features most of "Foreigner 4" as well as some of the band's best-known hits recorded live the Borgata Hotel's Music Box theatre in Atlantic City in October.

"4" spent more weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts than any artist in the history of Atlantic Records, including AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, and went on to sell more than 9 million albums worldwide.

The lead single from "4", "Urgent", reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart. Check out the tracklisting and the new version of the song here.




Steven Tyler Performs Aerosmith's Dream On At Rehab
(hennemusic) Steven Tyler performed the Aerosmith classic, "Dream On", during a recent visit to the Recovery Unplugged Drug Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and video of the performance had been posted online.

Tyler teamed up with Recovery Unplugged Creative Director - and original Aerosmith rhythm guitarist - Richie Supa to perform songs for clients at the facility.

Tyler reportedly took photos with staff and clients following a presentation that saw the singer and Supa tell stories from their 40-plus years of shared history and friendship.

"Today was one of the best days of my life because at Recovery, I saw God here," explains Tyler. "I saw a bunch of kids that are going to take this program seriously because of Richie Supa."

"This was very, very special for me," he added, "because in recovery, the only way to keep it is to give it away and today was just as beautiful as beautiful gets."

The pair of rockers also performed Aerosmith's 1993 smash, "Amazing", which the two co-wrote. Check out video here.




KISS Star Paul Stanley Appears On The Queen Latifah Show
(hennemusic) KISS frontman Paul Stanley was a featured guest on The Queen Latifah Show on Thursday. On hand to promote his memoir, "Face The Music: A Life Exposed", Stanley and the host discussed a variety of topics, including parenting, lifestyle choices and a turning point in the singer's career path.

Published in April 8, the 432-page memoir chronicles Stanley's life and rise to global success with KISS, which he co-founded in January of 1973 with bassist Gene Simmons from the ashes of the pair's previous band, Wicked Lester.

The book debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list upon its release. Two days after the book was published, Stanley and the original lineup of KISS were inducted into the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame at a ceremony in New York, alongside Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens, Linda Ronstadt, and The E Street Band.




Christopher Lee Releases New Metal Christmas Song
(Radio.com) The 92-year-old wonder Christopher Lee just keeps going when it comes to his heavy metal hobby, particularly around the holidays. After a slew of previous holiday-themed singles set in the heavy metal vein, the actor and occasional singer's offering for 2014 is now here.

In a video that also calls back to his earlier Christmas tracks, Lee debuts "Darkest Carols, Faithful Sing," a redoing of the classic holiday/religious track "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Over a pummeling guitar riff, Lee alters the lyrics of the original, replacing them with metal-worthy wording.

"Christ, I like those heavy chords/ Christ, I want to hear some more," he sings in his Dracula-like delivery, preaching "glory to the metal kings."

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