Monday, January 12, 2015

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


Slash, Paul Stanley, David Lee Roth Lead Dave Grohl Birthday Bash
The Foo Fighters surprised fans last week with the announcement of a last minute show at the Forum in Los Angeles, but that was only the beginning of the surprises as the band brought out a who's who of rock stars to join them at the concert including Slash, Paul Stanley of KISS, Alice Cooper, Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth, Zakk Wylde and more.

The show, this past Saturday night, January 10th, served as Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl's birthday bash which included Jack Black leading the audience in a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Grohl, according to Loudwire.

The Foo Fighters kicked off the show by bringing out KISS frontman Paul Stanley for renditions of the "Destroyer" classics 'Detroit Rock City' and 'Do You Love Me'. They were next joined on stage by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and Tenacious D's Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Black led the audience in "Happy Birthday" for Grohl before they broke into Queen's 'Tie Your Mother Down' and then Black took over lead vocals for Led Zeppelin's 'Immigrant Song'.

The Foo Fighters then rocked "Congregation" and "Walk" before being joined by Alice Cooper to perform two of his biggest hits, "School's Out" and "I'm Eighteen".

The next special guest to join the Foo Fighters was Nick Oliveri for a cover of Roky Erickson's "Two Headed Dog". A few songs later the band brought out Zakk Wylde for covers of the Black Sabbath classic's "N.I.B." and 'Fairies Wear Boots'.

They were later joined by Perry Farrell for a jam of Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song" followed by the Rolling Stones hit "Miss You". The Foos then performed "Something From Nothing," 'This Is a Call', which featured a Trombone Shorty jam session, and "Best of You."

Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth then took the stage to perform the Van Halen classics "Panama" and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" with Grohl and the band.

The Foo Fighters closed the show with a jam of the Chuck Berry classic 'Let It Rock' that also featured Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, Slash and Zakk Wylde.




Van Halen Settle Legal Battle Over Use Of Their Name
(Classic Rock) Van Halen have settled a three-year legal battle with Kelly Van Halen, the ex-wife of drummer Alex Van Halen, over use of the family name in her business dealings.

Following the former couple's divorce almost 20 years, Kelly began using the famous last name for her construction and interior design company, but it was when she attempted to register a trademark for a variety of products that the band's holding company, ELVH Inc, challenged the matter in court with claims that it was diluting the band's brand and would be confusing to consumers.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, attorneys for both Van Halen parties informed a California judge this past week that an October 2013 lawsuit should be dismissed, bringing an end to the legal dispute. ELVH attorney Jeffrey Cohen_ _says the case has been "amicably resolved."

Kelly's attorney, Daniel DeCarlos, reveals his client can continue to use her full name for her businesses, but has agreed to stay away from any music-related services that might tread upon the band's ground. Read more here.



New Marilyn Manson Album Streaming In Full Online
Marilyn Manson's new album, The Pale Emperor, isn't set to be released until January 20th in North America (a day earlier in the UK), but the shock rocker has released a full online stream of the effort for fans in the U.S. and U.K.

Manson revealed in a Facebook post that a full online stream for the U.S. has been released on SoundCloud, presented by Genius. U.S. fans can stream the full album here.

For fans across the pond in the UK, our news partners TeamRock have a full album stream for fans in that territory, courtesy of the label Cooking Vinyl. UK fans stream the album here.



Unreleased Kurt Cobain Songs To Be Included In Documentary
(Classic Rock) The first fully-authorized Kurt Cobain documentary will feature unreleased songs by the Nirvana leader. US cable network HBO will premiere Kurt Cobain: Montage Of Heck on May 4 and it will be given a UK cinema release in the spring.

Directed by Brett Morgan, the project is being steered by the late singer's daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, who serves as executive producer. Billed as "a raw and visceral journey through his life," the film provides no-holds-barred access to Cobain's archives - home to his never-before-seen home movies, recordings, artwork, photography, journals, demos, personal archives and songbooks.

Morgan explains Kurt Cobain: Montage Of Heck has taken years to research. He says: "I started work on this project eight years ago. Like most people, when I started, I figured there would be limited amounts of fresh material to unearth." Read more here.




letlive The Latest Band Banned By Disney
letlive are the latest band to be banned by a Disney associated House of Blues venues. The band has been pulled from the April 3rd date at the House of Blues in Lake Buena Vista, FL with Taking Back Sunday and The Menzingers.

The specific reason why the band has been banned has not been disclosed but the group did issue the following statement on Facebook on Saturday, "Ladies and Gentlemen that were planning on attending the Lake Buena Vista, Florida date at the House Of Blues on the upcoming tour with Taking Back Sunday and The Menzingers and expecting to see ll.- due to reasons we cannot control, we will not be permitted to play said date.

"We have just been notified by the people at Disney Orlando/HOB that we have been pulled from the event. We cannot offer any details as to why since we were given none ourselves.

"Rumor has it that Goofy, Pluto, and most of Toontown were in protest against the decision, but Chairman Mouse exercised veto powers and struck down the proposition in the end.

"In the meantime, we will be trying to set up a one off at another venue in place of... this. Thank you so much for the unwavering support. It's moments like these we deeply appreciate it/you."




Metallica's Kirk Hammett Announces Next Fear FestEvil
(Classic Rock) Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has unveiled details for the second installment of his annual horror convention Fear FestEvil. Last year's inaugural event featured vending, private tours of Kirk's Crypt, panels, signings, special guest appearances and musical performances by Carcass and Orchid, with Hammett joining Exodus and Death Angel on stage.

The 2015 edition will include a Murder Mystery event, horror memorabilia from Hammett's extensive personal collection, and live music. Hammett says: "It has always been my intention that Fear FestEvil events carry both the weird and the loud, and what better way to achieve another extension of what we want to do than eat dinner in a haunted house while solving criminal acts before a weekend of super kick-­ass music."

The April 10-12 weekend will open with a Murder Mystery Dinner/VIP Party at the legendary Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California on Friday, April 10. Read more here.




Lamb Of God 'Putting Things Together' For New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler says that he is impressed with the quality of material as the group continue songwriting sessions for their 8th studio album.

Frontman Randy Blythe previously confirmed the follow-up to 2012's Resolution would be issued in 2015, around the same time he publishes Dark Days: My Tribulation And Trials - due July 10 via Da Capo Press - a book about his Czech manslaughter ordeal.

The documentary As The Palaces Burn was released on DVD last autumn. It reveals Blythe's process through the Czech legal system and the way in which the death of fan Daniel Nosek affected the band, colleagues and friends.

Regarding work on Lamb Of God's 8th album, Adler tells SiriusXM's Liquid Metal: "It's great. I guess the thing that I was overwhelmed with was the idea of us taking the year off of 2014 and then have us come together basically around now and start putting things together.

"But, as usual, everybody is a little antsy and wanting to jam, and it wasn't, like, 'Oh, hey, Willie has an idea and Mark has this kinda cool solo thing he wants to add on top of it.' Both of these guys came in with about 50 different song ideas.

"So what's been great is just going through all these ideas, which are all really good, and being able to say, 'Okay, we have this much material. Let's pick the top 10 or top 15 or 20, and just keep working on that. Then they get upset, because number 42 had their favorite part. So, okay, grab that favorite part from 42 and let's make song six way better. So it's been that kind of a process as we go along." Read more here.




Megadeth Offshoot Band Coming Together
(Classic Rock) Former Megadeth drummer Shawn Drover confirms the debut album with Chris Broderick and Scar The Martyr's Henry Derek Bonner is moving forward as planned.

Following Drover and Broderick's departure from Megadeth in November, the pair recruited Bonner - who left his group in April - and completed writing material for their debut.

Drover checks in with an update on the project, saying "Good progress this week for myself, Chris Broderick and Henry Bonner's new band. We finally picked the name of the band, close to choosing our bass player, selected the artist for the record and are very close to choosing the producer as well. Much more info real soon. Stay tuned." Read more here.




Dream Theater Planning New Album
(Prog) Dream Theater will enter the studio to start work on their 13th album next month, according to a media report. The band also posted a link on their Facebook page confirming the news.

The band recently wrapped up a world tour and according to Simcoe.com, the group will now begin work on the follow-up to their 2013 self-titled release in February, with frontman James LaBrie indicating it will launch this coming autumn.

Last year, Dream Theater released DVD Breaking The Fourth Wall which was recorded at the Boston Opera House in March 2014. Guitarist John Petrucci, who also produced the film, called the show "a major highlight in our career." Read more here.




Napalm Death Streaming New Song How The Years Condemn
(TeamRock Radio) Napalm Death are previewing the upcoming release of their 16th album, Apex Predator - Easy Meat, with a stream of the project's lead track, How The Years Condemn.

Due January 26 via Century Media Records, the album's title is inspired by recent slave labour atrocities in India - according to frontman Barney Greenway - while seeing the veteran band embrace a mix of styles as they evolve their sound.

Bassist Shane Embury, who previously revealed the album takes aim at modern materialism, explains the background behind How The Years Condemn. He says: "Musically I wanted this track to encompass lots of different rhythms and nuances in the short space of time which the song occupies, which I hope we achieve, and that it bursts with an intensity and emotion to match the theme of the lyrics.

"Lyrically, it's a departure from the rest of the new album as it's self-reflective. A couple of years ago I was hospitalised prior to a very important tour and was forced to miss out on going and had to stay at home."




Soto Says New Band Follows In Tradition Of Van Halen, Dio
(Classic Rock) Members of Jeff Scott Soto's group reckon he's created a real band atmosphere in the camp. The former Journey frontman releases his album Inside The Vertigo on January 29 via earMusic, and while the group carries his name, it doesn't feel like a solo record to the musicians who helped him record it.

Drummer Edu Cominato says: "To me it was a natural transition because we never felt like hired musicians. We've been touring with Jeff since 2009 and we always had this connection between us, we always had this unity. We are just confirming this with Soto."

Soto adds: "Inside The Vertigo was supposed to be my next solo album and I decided it sounded too much like a band, more so than a solo effort. So we simplified it by taking my last name as has been done through history with Van Halen, with Daughtry, with Dio, Dokken, Winger - so many other bands that used one person's name." Read more here.




Dave Lombardo Unveils New Art Project
(Classic Rock) Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo has unveiled a new art project. The Philm mainman teamed up with LA company SceneFour to produce a range of abstract images which were created by arming him with light-emitting drumsticks.

Lombardo was then photographed drumming in the dark using the sticks and the images have resulted in a 12-piece collection titled Rhythm Mysterium. He says:

"This medium of art is a different way to view drummers and what they do. Brushes were the way art was created in the past - this is a whole new way to be creative, for a drummer to be captured in a way where he's using his drumsticks to create these different brushstrokes." Read more and check out the video here.




Rise To Remain Offshoot As Lions Giving Away Debut Song
(TeamRock Radio) As Lions are giving away their debut single as a free download. The band - formed from the ashes of recently split Rise To Remain - made The Fall available to stream earlier this week, and it's now available to download for no fee.

Singer Austin Dickinson - son of Iron Maiden frontman Bruce - says: "The Fall is a song seething with an energy and determination that I have never felt before. Coming off the back of our former projects, it would be far too easy to release something that 'treads the water'.

"We wanted this one out there first because it has that crucial diversity that sets us apart, but at its heart has the anthemic core and the fleshed out heaviness that made me want to make music in the first place.

"It's a direct, impassioned and honest statement of intent for our future. 2015 is the year that UK rock breaks down even more walls, and we are here to help light that fuse."

As Lions have an EP due out in the spring, with their debut album to follow later in the year. Stream and/or download the new song here.




Prong Reveal New Album Details
(Classic Rock) US metal veterans Prong have released the artwork for their upcoming covers album. Titled Songs From The Black Hole, it will be issued in the UK on March 30 via SPV/Steamhammer.

The full tracklist has still to be confirmed but the band previously said the disc would include The Bars by Black Flag, Banned In DC by Bad Brains, Kids Of The Black Hole by Adolescents, Vision Thing by The Sisters Of Mercy, Seeing Red by Killing Joke, Everything Falls Apart by Husker Du and Cortez The Killer by Neil Young.

Mainman Tommy Victor says: "Prong is very excited about the upcoming release of our new record Songs From The Black Hole, and equally excited about the artwork and packaging.

"Since the record explores Prong's roots musically and geographically, this needed to be expressed visually and this was attained. With the help of our art director Mike Lopez, the theme of urban decay, desolation, insecurity and ultimate change that prevails in the music has been brought to the surface in images."





Kansas Announce Documentary Premiere
(Classic Rock) Kansas have announced that they will premiere their documentary, Miracles Out Of Nowhere, at the 30th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) on Monday, February 2.

The film - which tells the story of the band through original members Phil Ehart, Dave Hope, Kerry Livgren, Robby Steinhardt, Steve Walsh and Richard Williams - will see its worldwide debut next month ahead of its release in March.

Project producer and former manager, Budd Carr, says: "It is an honour to have our Kansas band documentary Miracles Out of Nowhere selected to premiere at the 2015 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

"As a long time Santa Barbara resident, it will be especially exciting for me to celebrate the band's 40th Anniversary as part of the SBIFF's 30th Anniversary year." Read more here.




Protest The Hero Featured In New Documentary Ghosts Of The Road
(Prog) Protest The Hero are the first band to be featured in a new series documenting life on the road. The Canadian band are the subject of the first episode of Ghosts Of The Road, created by FreqsTV.

FreqsTV say of the series: "Ghosts Of The Road is an intimate day-in-the-life-of portrait series, featuring some of today's top rock and metal acts as they navigate a rigorous life on the road.

"This landmark series offers more to fans than the mic-in-the-face interview and will go backstage to take a more personal look at what it takes to bring the rock to the masses."

In the first episode, Protest The Hero are seen arriving at a show in Munich and guitarist Tim Millar talks about the chemistry the band have found with new drummer Mike Ieradi and stand-in bassist Cam McLellan. Watch the episode here.



Robert Plant Inspired and Saved By The Blues
(Classic Rock) Robert Plant says American blues music both saved and inspired him to become a singer. Plant performed an extensive UK tour in November and he currently has a few dates confirmed in March - including three Lollapalooza appearances in South America. He is also preparing to reveal more shows for 2015.

As Plant continues to promote the critically-acclaimed Lullaby and ... the Ceaseless Roar, he reveals the origins of his music career were not necessarily homegrown.

He tells USA Today: "My preoccupation as a very young early teenager was a music form that I might have missed. If I had missed it, I would never have sung. If I hadn't heard the Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson, Little Richard music, I wouldn't have been drawn to music.

"Most of the music we were surrounded by in England was slush, without any commitment. I was born again and saved and reincarnated by American music." Read more here.




Dark Tranquillity Writing Material For Next Album
(TeamRock Radio) Dark Tranquillity will focus their attention on the follow-up to 2013's Construct after their current tour, they've confirmed in a new video interview with Horns Up Rocks.

The band are on the road across North and South America and have already begun writing new material. But frontman Mikael Stanne says they need time away from their touring commitments to fully develop their ideas.

He tells Horns Up Rocks: "Once we're done and we head back, we'll start working on a new album. We have a few festivals but mainly it's about writing. So I really look forward to that.

"You need to clear your mind and get away from the whole madness of being on tour to focus on writing. But we started - and we've a lot of ideas and a lot of things working, so I think we're going to hit the ground running when we get home." Stream the interview here.




Biffy Clyro Have 20 New 'Aggressive' Songs
(TeamRock Radio) Biffy Clyro are currently working on 20 tracks which mainman Simon Neil describes as "aggressive." The band are busy writing material for their as-yet-untitled seventh album - but Neil reveals not all will make the final cut as they don't want to release another double record following 2013's Opposites.

He tells Q Magazine: "We've probably got 20 songs that are about 80% finished. It's sounding really rocking at the moment. I think it's important to put some more rules and limitations on what we do because on the last few records we ran with whatever ideas we had.

"So on this one, when I say stripped back, it's not going to sound skeletal or anything but perhaps a bit more aggressive. Coming off the back of a double album, it's important to be really concise so we might only have 10 songs." Read more here.




Marilyn Manson Claims to Have Invented the Term 'Grunge'
(Radio.com) Interview Marilyn Manson and you're guaranteed to get at least one off-the-cuff headline-making morsel. The latest? The goth rock overlord claims to have invented the term "grunge."

While speaking with Noisey UK, Manson reflected on his early rock 'n' roll days when he was a music journalist. "I hated rock'n'roll when I started," he said. "It was on the cusp of grunge and a lot of bands that I used to call 'commonist rock' because everyone wanted to be like the common man with the flannel shirts and Pearl Jam and their fight against Ticketmaster and all this horse sh*t."

At one point in his music journalism career, Manson reviewed Nirvana's 1989 debut studio album Bleach and while writing the term "grunge" came to him. "Nirvana was different," he continued. "That was one of the bands I covered first as a journalist and I'm just going to go ahead and say I coined the term 'grunge' in a review of 'Bleach'. You're welcome."

However, a quick search on the Internet reveals that writer Paul Ramball used the term a full 11 years earlier in 1978 in an NME article. Read more here.



Exodus Frontman Discusses Changes In The Band
(TeamRock Radio) Steve 'Zetro' Souza says life backstage with Exodus is vastly different to his earlier stints with the band. The frontman rejoined the thrash veterans last year for a third spell after almost 10 years away and he features on latest album Blood In Blood Out.

And Souza says things are much cleaner behind the scenes. He tells Thrash Eaters (via Blabbermouth): "Everything backstage is all healthy. Nobody does drugs anymore, that's over and gone.

"There's a little bit of alcohol, but not like, 'Let's pound 12 cases of beer. What do you mean we drank that already?' That's nonexistent. I figure I'm 50 now. I was 22 when I joined Exodus in the beginning. I've got to keep this going and the way to do that is to keep in shape."

The singer adds that he is determined to enjoy every minute of his career with the group. He says: "I came back to the family. I got to spend the holidays with them, and it's f***ing fun as sh*t. I'm not gonna do anything to f*** this thing up. No way." Stream the full interview here.




Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock Reveal New Album Details
(TeamRock Radio) Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock have announced details of their new album. Spirit On A Mission will be released in March 23, preceded by the single Vigilante Man.

Schenker's Temple of Rock band features former Scorpions Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), plus ex-Rainbow singer Doogie White and Wayne Findlay on guitar and keyboards.

"All songs were co-written by Doogie and myself, " says Schenker. "Wayne co-wrote five songs. I originally wanted to write the album as a group effort, but I had this concept that needed to be focused on differently. However, Herman and Francis did very well by adding there amazing Rock You Like A Hurricane rhythm section parts that gave it all it needed.

"Tour-wise, including Festivals, we will play wherever we can to promote Spirit On A Mission," he continues. Read more here.




Nightwish Finish Mixing New Album
(Prog) Nightwish have completed mixing their upcoming 8th album Endless Forms Most Beautiful. Due on March 30 via Nuclear Blast, the follow-up to 2011's Imaginaerum is the Finnish band's first record to feature new singer Floor Jansen and now full-time member Troy Donockley and will include a guest appearance by leading atheist Professor Richard Dawkins.

Working alongside producer Tero Kinnunen, the group have been issuing video updates documenting their progress in the studio. Fans will get their first listen to new music with the release of the lead track, Elan, on February 13.

Mainman Tumoas Holopainen reveals he, Kinnen and longtime collaborator Mikko Karmila have completed mixing the album and will now join mastering engineer Mika Jussila for the next step in the production process. Read more here.




Judas Priest Frontman Rob Halford's Solo Career Covered In New Book
Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford's solo career is the focus of a new book by music biographer Neil Daniels. Entitled, "A Casual Guide To The Solo Music Of Judas Priest's Rob Halford", the author sent over this synopsis:

Rob Halford is a heavy metal icon and his influence on the genre is immeasurable. Bands such as Anthrax, Pantera, Slayer and Metallica have cited Rob Halford and Judas Priest as a major inspiration on their own music. This book isn't about Judas Priest as such, though it inevitably touches on the subject, but rather Halford's varied solo music.

Made Of Metal explores the solo music of one of the greatest singers of all time. From Halford's first post-Judas Priest project Fight through to his controversial collaboration with Trent Reznor with the album Voyeurs right up to his metal rebirth with his self-titled band, Halford, this handy guide celebrates Halford's creativity and love of all things heavy metal.

From the author of the acclaimed The Story Of Judas Priest - Defenders Of The Faith, Rock Landmarks - Judas Priest's British Steel and Dawn Of The Metal Gods - My Life In Judas Priest And Heavy Metal (with Al Atkins), Made Of Metal is the first book to exclusively explore the solo music of the Metal God himself, Mr. Rob Halford. Made Of Metal celebrates Halford's musical legacy and offers titbits of information and trivia about his career as well as a biography, discographies, a timeline, reviews and tributes from leading musicians and music writers. There are also many previously unpublished live photographs of the heavy metal icon.




In Flames Inspired By Van Halen On Latest Album
(TeamRock Radio) Anders Friden says In Flames guitarist Bjorn Gelotte brought a Van Halen vibe to their latest album. Siren Charms, their 11th studio outing, launched last year via Sony, and Friden says Gelotte brought a classic rock feel to the record thanks to the guitarist's love of Eddie Van Halen's style of playing.

He tells Yell Magazine: "His main influences are Dio, Rainbow, Deep Purple and stuff. He listens to some new stuff but he's very old school. He has a very loose playing style sort of like Eddie Van Halen and those guitar players like Ritchie Blackmore - not super technical as I sometimes think super technical players are amazing but there's no soul in it.

"Niclas Engelin and Bjorn compliment each other very well because Niclas has more of a riffy, picky, attack type of playing, where Bjorn is way more loose." Stream the full interview here.




Singled Out: The Penny Serfs' lonely
Today indie rockers The Penny Serfs lead vocalist and guitar player Michael Loy tells us about the song "lonely" from their brand new album "Like Eating Glass", which will be released on January 20th. Here is the story:

I wrote "lonely" the day after I returned from a six week tour. Most people don't know there is a massive adjustment period after a tour ends. It feels like the world is moving so slow and trying to reconnect with love ones becomes a very hard task. So after a few drinks, in my post tour depression madness, just kept singing the hook about being lonely.

The lyrics ended up being an ode to a lonely housewife and how hard it must be to have a husband travel like a musician or military personnel. After about an hour of circling my living room in my underwear strumming the guitar I finished the song.

It's a special song to me because I never want any mother, wife, sister or friend to ever feel that loneliness I feel coming home from work.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


AC/DC's Malcolm Young Had Cancer
(Classic Rock) AC/DC founder Malcolm Young was successfully treated for lung cancer in the run-up to his diagnosis with dementia. The guitarist retired before AC/DC recorded new album Rock Or Bust last year and is being cared for in a 24-hour nursing home in Australia.

Singer Brian Johnson previously revealed that Malcolm Young had undergone surgery on his heart and lungs. It has now been revealed in an interview in Q magazine that the lung surgery was to treat cancer and that he was fitted with a pacemaker for his heart problems.

According to the frontman, Young took it all in his stride and even joked about his pacemaker when he broke the news to the band. Johnson tells Q: "This is typical Malcolm. He got a hold of my hand and went, 'Pacemaker. F***ing good, mate.'" Read more here.



Knife Attack At Metal Concert
(TeamRock Radio) A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after a fan was slashed at a Cattle Decapitation gig on Thursday. The incident occurred at the 13th Frame Lounge in La Habra, California during the band's set. According to police, the attacker took exception to a woman being pushed and shoved in the crowd and intervened, cutting the right side of a 26-year-old man's neck with a 3½-inch pocket knife.

Police say that two men then dragged the man outside of the venue and wrestled him to the ground, disarming him in the process. One of the men is said to have hit the suspect so hard he was knocked unconscious.

It was reported that the 26-year-old victim was taken to the UCI Medical Center in Orange County. His injuries are not considered life threatening. The 30-year-old suspect also received medical attention and was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Read more here.




Motley Crue Would Reject Rock Hall Induction Says Sixx
(hennemusic) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx says he would likely turn down an induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame if the band was successfully nominated and selected for entry into the Cleveland-based institution.

Sixx tells fans in a new Facebook posting, "The only award I look forward to getting is the one I will probably decline and that's The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

"It's a fixed old boy network that has lost touch with art, songwriting craft, lyrics and influential music and usually has other agendas at hand. Young bands tell me it's a joke and these bands are the future."

Motley Crue have been eligible for the Rock Hall since 2006 - 25 years after the release of their 1981 debut, "Too Fast For Love" - but the band have yet to appear among the final list of nominees in any of the years since. Read more here.




Autographed Led Zeppelin Albums Stolen
(Radio.com) If you are in the Los Angeles area and you see someone with a treasure trove of classic and rare rock albums, you may be in line for a reward. Dr. Jeffrey Katz is offering $5,000 for the return of his vinyl collection that was stolen from his Corona, California podiatry practice.

The vintage albums were on display after previously being locked in a vault, and were stolen over Thanksgiving weekend when the perpetrator broke in through the roof.

Among those in his collection were albums from The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Eric Clapton, as well as autographed LPs from Led Zeppelin. The collection was uninsured and valued at between $200,000 to $400,000.




Marilyn Manson Premieres Cupid Carries A Gun
(TeamRock Radio) Marilyn Manson has made another track from his upcoming new album available to stream. Cupid Carries A Gun is taken from the forthcoming album The Pale Emperor.

Meanwhile, the shock rocker has revealed in a new interview some of his stranger bedroom habits, including that he prefers to keep his underwear on during sex.

He tells Rolling Stone: "I'm just really shy, despite what you'd imagine. I have a phobia that the house is going to catch fire, and I don't want to be naked."





Anthrax, The Cult, Armored Saint Supergroup Releasing New Album
(Classic Rock) A supergroup featuring Anthrax mainman Scott Ian and his wife Pearl Aday are to release their debut album in March. Motor Sister also features The Cult drummer John Tempesta and Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera and they'll issue debut Ride via Metal Blade Records on March 10.

The project came about after a jam session at Ian's house which saw him and some friends perform covers of Mother Superior songs in celebration of his 50th birthday in December 2013.

Mother Superior were Henry Rollins' backing band until 2003 and Ian and Aday are big fans of their work. Ride features covers of some of Ian's favorite Mother Superior tracks.

Ian tells Radio.com: "There's a band called Mother Superior that you've probably heard of. It was Jim Wilson's band, he's been Daniel Lanois's bass player for years. Jim and Pearl are writing partners, they've written all of Pearl's solo material together." Read more here.




Iron Maiden Launching Maiden Audio
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden have teamed with Onkyo for a new venture called Maiden Audio. CNET reports the brand is being introduced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.

A Maiden Audio booth is featured at the annual event, complete with a giant-sized version of the group's mascot, Eddie, who can be seen wearing the new line of Iron Maiden headphones.

The band are said to be closely involved with Onkyo in the creation of Maiden Audio products, with more details expected to be revealed in the next two months. Read more here.



Cheap Trick Set To Headline NASCAR Weekend
(hennemusic) Cheap Trick will headline NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas this spring. The band will perform a free show at the 12th Annual RaceJam concert at the Fremont Street Experience on Saturday, March 7 at 9 PM on the 3rd Street Stage.

The concert is part of the 12th Annual RaceJam 2015, a four-day event running March 5-8 celebrating NASCAR Weekend with free nightly entertainment.

NASCAR Weekend features the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on March 7 and the Kobalt 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on March 8 - both events will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Read more here.



Supergroup Killer Be Killed Recruit Converge Star
(TeamRock Radio) Killer Be Killed have recruited Converge drummer Ben Koller to fill in for Dave Elitch at an upcoming festival in Australia. Elitch revealed this week that he won't be able to play with the band at the Soundwave XV dates Down Under in February and March due to a scheduling conflict which means he is only able to be on hand for his other band Antemasque's slots at the event.

But the supergroup led by Max Cavalera have moved fast to make sure they'll play the festival, snapping up Koller. Killer Be Killed frontman Greg Puciato tells The Metal Review: "Antemasque confirmed at the same time we did. We didn't know what day we we're going to be on, and then it just became an issue whether we wanted to still do it or not, which we obviously did.

"Then it was, if Antemasque have a good slot, if we have a good slot, I didn't want to shuffle the band around to a sh*ttier time slot just to accommodate Dave playing in both bands." Read more here.




Unheard David Lee Roth Songs May Be Released By Jason Becker
(Classic Rock) Jason Becker says he could finally reveal previously unreleased songs he recorded with David Lee Roth. The guitar icon - who suffers from the debilitating disease ALS - replaced Steve Vai in David Lee Roth's solo band and recorded guitars for the 1991 album A Little Ain't Enough.

Becker, now 45, was diagnosed with ALS just days after joining the band and he was never able to tour with former Van Halen man Roth. But he says there are a handful of tracks that the two recorded which didn't make it onto the album.

He tells Talking Metal: "There were a couple that didn't make it. I think I might put them on my next album, but they won't have Dave's singing." Read more here.




Toto Returning With New Studio Album 'Toto XIV'
(Radio.com) Toto, the California band best known for rock epic "Africa" and the preceding "Hold the Line," is making their return this March with a new studio album, self-referentially titled Toto XIV.

It will be somewhat of a reunited affair. Since their last album, 2006's Falling In Between, the band has reunited with vocalist Joseph Williams and founding member Steve Pocaro, and they'll be joined by original bassist David Hungate--who hasn't been with them for 30 years--when they tour behind their new album this year.

'This is opposite of going through the motions," Porcaro said in a video announcement of the album. 'We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to Toto IV. We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can. Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for."

While their last album was released to mixed reviews, the band is promising that they're giving it their all this time around. 'I think this is gonna surprise people, because it's not a bunch of old guys phoning it in," guitarist Steve Lukather said in an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock last year. 'We're actually really digging deep, and it's a complete huge, massive production. If you like what we do, you're gonna love this record. I mean, we're not going EDM or having rappers come in or doing duets of our old songs. It's just fresh new music doing what we do. We're not trying to be anything that we're not, we're just trying to be the best version of it and it's powerful, it's big. Huge vocals, massive harmonies, s-- you just don't hear anymore. Nobody does five-part harmonies anymore--not in rock 'n' roll."




Mike + The Mechanics Launching North American Tour
Mike + The Mechanics have announced that they will be launching a 30th anniversary tour of North America in support of the deluxe reissue of their hit album " The Living Years".

The two-disc set of "The Living Years Deluxe Edition" will include the studio album one the first disc and bonus disc that will include the new version of the title track that features South African Isango Choir and the band's current vocalist Andrew Roachford. The bonus disc will also include live tracks from the band's UK tour in support of the original album.

The North American tour is scheduled to kick off with a two night stand in Alexandria, Va at The Birchmere on February 26th and 27th and will conclude with two Chicago shows on March 20th and 21st at Park West.

The touring group will feature Mike Rutherford along with Roachford, guitarist/bassist Anthony Drennan, keyboardist Luke Juby and drummer Gary Wallis. Check out the tour dates and the album track info here.



System Of A Down May Record New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Serj Tankian says System Of A Down have discussed recording a new album. The band are currently preparing for their Wake Up The Souls world tour which aims to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide of April 1915, in which 1.5million Armenians were murdered by the Ottoman Empire.

SOAD will play at London's SSE Arena on April 10 as part of the tour. While they have kept busy with live shows, it's been 10 years since they released last albums Mezmerize and Hypnotize.

But Tankian says a long-awaited return to the studio could be on the cards once the Wake Up The Souls tour comes to an end in April, if he and guitarist Daron Malakian can write enough good material.

He tells Rolling Stone: "There has been talk, and we are going to play this tour, come back and we're going to see where we are. If we have songs that work for System, if I have them and Daron has them." Read more here.



Rob Caggiano Once Faced The Wrath Of Lemmy
(Classic Rock) Volbeat's Rob Caggiano recalls an amusing tour bus incident which saw a half-naked Lemmy screaming at him for supposedly stealing his last beer. The former Anthrax guitarist says the showdown happened on a European tour with Motorhead and that he'll never forget being told off by Lemmy, who was wearing nothing but his underpants.

Caggiano tells Revolver (via Blabbermouth): "Phil Campbell invited me on their tour bus to hang out. I was with Phil and Mikkey Dee in the upstairs lounge, while Lemmy commandeered the downstairs with his old war movies.

"We were really having a killer time up there drinking booze, listening to music loud as f*** and trading stories. This went on until about 5am. The three of us were absolutely sh*tfaced drunk and it was time to get some sleep.

"The next thing I remember is somebody poking my leg violently over and over again. I finally managed to pry one eye open and what do I see in front of me? Lemmy, wearing nothing but his white stretched-out underwear. He's standing there screaming at me in that unmistakable gravelly voice, 'Did you f***ing drink my last beer?!' Read more here.



Uli Jon Roth To Revisit Scorpions Classics
(Classic Rock) Uli Jon Roth is to release an album featuring reworked versions of 19 Scorpions tracks. The German guitarist issues Scorpions Revisited on March 10 via UDR and he describes the project as "an intense journey into the past" which "really managed to bring the songs back to life with a vengeance."

It features tracks originally recorded during Roth's spell with the band in the 1970s. Roth says: "The material for this double CD was recorded last year in the same hall in Hanover that we used for the Scorpions rehearsals between 1973 and 1978.

"Together with an amazing bunch of very talented young musicians, I revisited my personal favourites from the early Scorpions period. It was an emotional few days and I am very pleased with the results in more ways than one.

"The idea was to stay truthful to the original spirit of the music, while also putting a new slant on it whenever it felt like the right thing to do. I feel we really succeeded in this and I'm very excited about this project." Read more here.



Snot May Record New Music
(TeamRock Radio) Snot guitarist Mikey Doling says the band are toying with the idea of recording new music. The band have been on the road playing their debut album Get Some in its entirety, with a string of UK shows coming up in February.

They lost original singer Lynn Strait when he died in a car crash in 1998 and various singers have filled in over the years. Most recently, Carl Bensley has had the role.

But Doling says that while playing live with a different singer is one thing, recording new music without Strait will be difficult. He tells Groovey: "We know we can write songs together, because even when we just goof off at soundcheck or whatever, we come up with stuff - instantly, just goofing off.

"And we have the same taste in music. We put on Porcupine Tree and Faith No More, we put on Black Flag, Black Sabbath, Pantera. We love the same stuff at the same time. So we know we could do a record." Read more here.



Sunn O))) Reveal Album and Tour Plans
(Prog) Sunn O))) are working on a new album and are lining up tours of the US and Europe. The band last year released their collaboration with Scott Walker, Soused.

Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson reveal in a newsletter that the follow-up to 2009's Monoliths & Dimensions is taking shape and that work will continue on the material throughout the year.

They say: "O))) are working on three new tours in both US and EU and also will be continuing work on a brand new Sunn O))) album across the span of 2015. We are looking forward to unleash it to the masses." Read more here.



Barren Earth Promise Their Best Work Yet With New Album
(Prog) Finnish prog metal outfit Barren Earth have signed a deal with Century Media Records, they've announced. The band have recorded their as-yet-untitled third studio album which will be released in the coming months.

The band say in a statement: "It's the middle of a long, dark and cold winter here in Finland, however there's no limit to our excitement as the future looks really bright. We have a new set of music about to be released, having worked our asses off to create not just another album but a piece of real substance and weight in a world of cheap thrills and quickly forgotten gimmicks.

"We really poured our hearts and souls on this one and it's by far our best work yet." They add: "For this most important release in our career, it was obvious we should only be partnering with the best possible label - nothing less than the mighty Century Media." Read more here.



Periphery Streaming New Song Alpha
(Prog) Periphery have released a stream of Alpha from their upcoming dual album release. Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega launch on January 26 - a release Metal Hammer called an "era-defining milestone" in the latest issue of the magazine.

Guitarist Jake Bowen says of the track: "I'm particularly proud of how this one turned out. I really enjoy songs that have an unconventional arrangement but still flow nicely, and I think that's exactly why I like Alpha.

"It starts out more upbeat, then evolves into a darker mood towards the end, illustrating the Juggernaut story both musically and lyrically. Additionally, a few different themes and motifs appear in this song, acting as a nexus between the Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega albums."

Read more and stream the new song here.




Arch Enemy, Soilwork Offshoot The Night Flight Orchestra Finish Album
(Classic Rock) The Night Flight Orchestra have finished recording their second album, they've announced. The band featuring Arch Enemy bassist Sharlee D'Angelo and Soilwork frontman Bjorn Strid confirmed the news on Facebook.

They're joined on the project by Soilwork and Mean Streak guitarist David Andersson, Von Benzo keyboardist Richard Larsson, Mean Streak and Orchid drummer Jonas Kallsback and Kadawatha guitarist and percussionist Sebastian Forslund. They expect the new material to launch this spring.

Forslund will now begin mixing the as-yet-untitled record, while Thomas 'Plec' Johansson will master the follow-up to 2012 debut Internal Affairs. Read more here.



Furyon Reveal New Album Details
(Classic Rock) Rockers Furyon have revealed the tracklist and artwork for their upcoming second album. Titled Lost Salvation, it will launch on January 26 via Dream Records in the UK and Cargo Records for the rest of Europe. An international release date will be issued in due course.

They previously issued a promo for These Four Walls which is featured on the cover CD with the latest edition of Classic Rock magazine. Subscribers to the magazine will also receive an exclusive four-track EP by the band. Get it here.

The band: vocalist Matt Mitchell, bassist Alex 'Nickel' Bowen, drummer Lee Farmery and guitarists Luca Faraone and Tiago Rosado previously said of the track: "These Four Walls was the first song to be written for the new album. It represents repression and is an insight into one's imprisoned-like state."





The Afghan Whigs Tap Unusual Star For The Lottery Video
(TeamRock Radio) The Afghan Whigs have made their monitor engineer the star of their new video for 'The Lottery'. The GoPro-filmed clip features road crew member Ryan O'Hara putting a unique spin on the often solitary job of manning the sound levels.

Frontman Greg Dulli explains: "He wakes up everyday with a smile on his face and something positive to share with you. Every night during the gig he performs a parallel show behind the board and it's phenomenal to watch.

"Occasionally, I'll forget to sing because I'm watching him turn into Bez from Happy Mondays. But that's rock and roll for you. It keeps you young." Check out Ryan's moves in the clip here.




Former L.A. Guns Guitarist Forms New Band
(TeamRock Radio) Former L.A. Guns guitarist Stacey Blades has formed a live cover band called Atomic Radio. He quit his former group in 2012 following the release of Hollywood Forever and went on to create Let It Rawk - a Las Vegas-based multi-media show which features an all-star lineup of musicians.

Now he's teamed up with Pyromania and Talon frontman Michael O'Mara and Candlebox bassist Adam Kury for the new group who will predominately play live covers of classic rock tracks. They're joined by drummer Johnny Rude and guitarist/keyboardist Jeff C. Outlaw.

A statement on their website reads: "The band plays a raucous set of classic rock spanning from the mid-70s to early 80s performing hits and guilty pleasures from such artists as Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, The Cars, Def Leppard and more." Read more here.




Sworn To Oath Premiere Forever Hurting Video
(TeamRock Radio) Sworn To Oath have premiered their new video with Metal Hammer. The new video is for Forever Hurting and taken from their debut full-length Pillars, out now via Transcend Music.

Speaking to Metal Hammer about the video, frontman Thom Shaw says: "Forever Hurting is a track we love to play live. It's always in the set and people seem to just love that opening riff.

"When we were thinking about releasing another video Forever Hurting was the obvious choice. It also touches on the special times we've all had with people that are sadly no longer with us, which everyone can relate to."

Thursday, January 8, 2015

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 Foo Fighters Announce Surprise Show (Radio.com) For the Foo Fighters' first show of the year, they&#...

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


Foo Fighters Announce Surprise Show
(Radio.com) For the Foo Fighters' first show of the year, they're taking it back to Los Angeles, just before they kick off their worldwide Sonic Highways tour. The band announced Wednesday (Jan. 7) that they'll play a special set at the Forum in L.A. this weekend, Jan. 10.

The show will benefit multiple charities, including MusiCares, Rock School Scholarship Fund and Sweet Relief. Tickets are going for $50, with $10 going to the charities.

Following the show, the band will take to South America for the first dates of the tour behind Sonic Highways, kicking off Jan. 15 in Chile. However, the Foos will be back in the U.S. for the North American leg starting July 4. Read more here.




Tony Iommi's Cancer Likely To Comeback
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi is sharing an update on his ongoing cancer battle. The guitarist recorded Black Sabbath's 2013 album, "13", and completed a world tour with the band while undergoing medical treatment since being diagnosed with blood cancer lymphoma in January of 2012.

"When the doctors told me I had cancer I thought, 'That's it then'," Iommi tells The Mirror. "Cancer was death as far as I was concerned. I found a painful lump in my groin while I was in New York promoting my book. I thought it was my prostate acting up again, but Ozzy told me I should get it checked out. I came back to England and had an operation to reduce my prostate. It was painless but afterwards I needed a catheter."

"When that came out I went to see the surgeon. He said: 'Good news on the prostate. It's been cut down to a sensible size and everything is good there. But on the lump we took out, we found follicular lymphoma.' It's a type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma."

Iommi was given an update from doctors, saying "The surgeon told me he doesn't expect the cancer to go away. There's a 30 per cent chance that it could, but more than likely it will come back and it could be any time."

"I look at life differently now. I could be here another ten years or just one year - I don't know." Read more here.




Led Zeppelin Expand Physical Graffiti For Deluxe Reissue
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin will release an expanded reissue of their 1975 double-album, "Physical Graffiti", on February 24 in North America (Feb. 23rd in other territories). Led Zeppelin launched their reissue series last year with the group's first five albums re-released as expanded editions with bonus material.

The new "Physical Graffiti" 3-CD set will include a disc of material featuring alternate mixes of songs on the group's sixth studio album. "Physical Graffiti" features Led Zeppelin standards "Kashmir", "Trampled Under Foot", "The Rover" and "Houses Of The Holy."

The project hit No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 on its way to selling more than 8 million copies in the States alone, while topping their native UK album charts and achieving double platinum for sales of 600,00. Check out the track details here.




Megadeth Reunion Predicted By Former Member
(Classic Rock) Former Megadeth guitarist Glen Drover says he would bet money on Nick Menza rejoining the band. Drover - who played with Dave Mustaine's group from 2004 to 2007 - reckons Menza will return for a third spell to replace drummer Shawn Drover, who quit last year along with guitarist Chris Broderick.

Mustaine and bassist Dave Ellefson are the only two remaining members of Megadeth as it stands and they're in the process of recruiting new members. They released a video of them rehearsing with an unidentified drummer in December. Glen Drover tells Metal Wani: "I would bet money I don't have it's Nick Menza on drums. And whoever the guitar player is, we'll find out."

Drover ruled himself out of a return to the band in the wake of his brother Shawn and Broderick's departures, but he says he did enjoy his time with Megadeth for the most part. Read more here.



Rise To Remain Have Broken Up
(TeamRock Radio) London metal outfit Rise To Remain have announced they've split. Frontman Austin Dickinson says they made the decision following the departures of drummer Adam Lewin and guitarist Ben Tovey. But he, guitarist Will Homer and bassist Conor O'Keefe will continue under the name As Lions.

He says on Facebook: "It's with a mixture of sadness and excitement that we reveal to everybody that Rise To Remain is no more. We travelled the world with this band, and, because of the people who supported us, managed to achieve so many things we never thought possible.

"Living the dream, in many cases, is not enough to hold it all together when the band is not stable, and after putting together the second record, Adam told us he was in a place where he felt the pressure of the album and the upcoming cycle and couldn't continue, leading Ben to quit music altogether.

"To continue the band at this point, with as many lineup changes as it's had, with the two original members being Will and myself, seems pointless." Read more of his comments here.





Killer Be Killed Super Group Star To Miss Festival
(TeamRock Radio) Killer Be Killed drummer Dave Elitch won't play with the band at next month's Soundwave festival due to a scheduling conflict. The supergroup featuring former Sepultura man Max Cavalera, Mastodon's Troy Sanders, The Dillinger Escape Plan's Greg Puciato and Elitch, announced they'd make their live debut at the Australian event in February.

But with Elitch's band Antemasque also playing the festival, he says it's impossible for him to play with both bands. He said on Twitter: "I've been getting a tonne of questions regarding Soundwave, so lemme set the record straight:

"I will be playing with Antemasque but I unfortunately will not be able to play with Killer Be Killed as it's logistically impossible as they're on different days."





Rolling Stones Announce Very Limited Release
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones will issue their classic 1971 track, "Dead Flowers", as a single for the first time as part of 2015 edition of the Secret 7" program. The annual UK charity event sees 100 copies of 7 songs from 7 high-profile artists pressed onto 7" vinyl, each with unique cover art provided by fans.

Joining the Stones in this year's Secret 7" program are Peter Gabriel, St. Vincent, The Chemical Brothers, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Maccabees and Underworld.

The artwork for the singles will be exhibited at London's Somerset House between April 10 and May 4, before going on sale on May 4 at a price of £50 each.

The cover art hides the music within, so the "secret" is discovering which song you've purchased when you open the package. Read more here.





Adrenaline Mob Reveal New Album Details
(Classic Rock) Adrenaline Mob will release their third full-length release next month, they've announced. Titled Dearly Departed, the album will launch on February 9 via Century Media.

It will feature a previously unreleased track recorded during their Men Of Honor sessions last year, along with three acoustic versions of material from their 2012 debut Omerta. The disc will also include an edited take of the title track which originally appeared on their second record.

The band released eight-track covers EP Coverta in 2013 and the new disc also features more songs which influenced them in the past, including Queen's Tie Your Mother Down. Read more here.




Slipknot Won't Leave Fans Hanging
(TeamRock Radio) Slipknot guitarist Mick Thomson says fans won't have to wait as long for their next album as they did for .5: The Gray Chapter. The group's latest album - released last October - came six years after 2008's All Hope Is Gone and followed the death of bassist Paul Gray and the sacking of drummer Joey Jordison.

But Thomson says Slipknot have taken to writing and recording snippets of new ideas on laptops while touring. That, he says, should prevent the kid of wait fans endured for .5: The Gray Chapter. And the could even start recording the follow-up this year, once their touring commitments come to an end.

Thomson tells MusicRadar: "It enables us to have songs in the can already before we go in a studio to work on a new album. We hope to do our next record sooner after touring.

"We don't want to spend the same amount of time between albums as we've done with the last two." Read more here.




Butch Walker Pays Tribute With New Song Father's Day
Butch Walker has released the track "Father's Day" which comes from his forthcoming album "Afraid of Ghosts" and also features a guest appearance from Bob Mould.

As the name implies, "Father's Day" and most of Walker's seventh full-length album was written in tribute to his father, who passed away in 2013. The album, produced by Ryan Adams, is set for release on February 3rd.

Walker explained how Bob Mould came to work on the new song, "He walked in the studio when we were tracking it and heard the lyrics and immediately wanted to sing and play on it.

"Turns out his dad had died two years to the week we recorded it. I guess it struck him the same way it would me. He was very close with his old man. We had a moment after recording it."

Walker goes on to explain how the song was developed, "I played it for Ryan in my hotel room when we were talking about doing my record. Immediately he started picking it apart and writing alternate verse lyrics here and there. I ended up combining our words to make the final verses and it just felt right. It's one of my proudest moments and I know my Pop would've loved it."

Listen to the track here.



Korn Star Explains How Fans Can Really Show Their Support
(TeamRock Radio) Korn's Ray Luzier says something has to be done to prevent illegal downloading of music. He says the technology must exist to prevent CDs from being ripped to computers in the first place.

Luzier tells Q103: "Someone's gotta do something - put a chip in there where you can't duplicate it. The thing is, with the newer generation, the kids don't really understand that it's taking or stealing.

"They're, like, 'What? I'm at your freakin' show.' And I'm, like, 'Yeah. But our record's 10 bucks.' I'm one of those old dudes that still does that. I go out and come home from Best Buy with, like, four CDs. It's all about supporting the artist."

He adds, "We're not gonna stop it. It's technology. I get it. I'm just saying, to the fans out there, if you really love your art and people you support, go buy the freaking record. How hard is it?" Read more here.




Book About Walter Trout Benefit Show Released
(Classic Rock) A book which gives a pictorial and written account of last year's star-studded Walter Trout benefit gig has been released. An Evening For Walter Trout features more than 40 exclusive photographs as well as interviews and a review of the event of the same name, which was held at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on May 4, 2014.

Stars including Otis Grand, Bernie Marsden, Ian Parker, Mitch Laddie and others appeared at the show, which was set up to raise funds for Trout's liver transplant. All profits from the book will be donated to the Walter Trout Fund as he continues his recovery from the surgery, which he underwent just weeks after the gig.

He was back in hospital last October, but spent the holiday season with friends and family and even managed to play a small show for his neighbors at New Year. Read more here.




Anthrax Reveal Album Progress In New Video
(Classic Rock) Recording of the upcoming new Anthrax album is gathering pace, with the band releasing a video of drummer Charlie Benante in the studio. The clip shows Benante recording one of the tracks on what will be the band's 11th album and follow-up to 2011's Worship Music.

The thrash icons are working with producer Jay Ruston on the unnamed project, set for launch via Megaforce Records this year. Benante, bassist Frank Bello, singer Joey Belladonna guitarist Scott Ian and latest recruit, guitarist Jon Donais plan to complete work by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, Scott Ian says in a light-hearted rapid fire interview that he would abolish all politics if he were king for a day. He tells Loveline High Five: "What would be my first decree? I would abolish all political parties. Because I'd be king and I'd be able to do that."




The Neal Morse Band Release The Grand Experiment Video
(Classic Rock) The Neal Morse Band have released a music video for The Grand Experiment - the title track from their upcoming album. The five-track record launches on February 16 via InsideOut and Morse reveals the lead song came to life thanks to the creative input of drummer Mike Portnoy.

He says: "I am thrilled with how this song came out. During the recording sessions for the album, I remember waking up one morning wondering what was going to happen that day and not having a clue what direction the album would take.

"I was thinking, 'Man, this is a grand experiment!' And as I was lying there I thought of the chorus, but my original version was slower and more of a keyboard thing. Then the band got to it and Mike had the rockin' verse idea and it developed from there. The video was shot and edited by my son Chad. Hope you all like it."




Ian Siegal Announce Full Band Live Album Release
(The Blues Ian Siegal is to release a new live album in the same month that he launches a UK tour. One Night In Amsterdam is Siegal's first full band live record and will be issued on CD and limited edition vinyl on March 9 via Nugene Records.

The album was recorded at the North Sea Jazz Club in Amsterdam in April 2014. His UK tour starts in Chester on March 17. A press release announcing the album reads:

"While Siegal's 2014 album Man & Guitar showcased the award-winning British songwriter as a solo acoustic troubadour, One Night In Amsterdam flicks the power switch, marking Siegal's first live album with a full-throttle electric band."

His UK tour starts in Chester on March 17.



66 Year-Old Woman Takes Over Vocals For Grindcore Band
(TeamRock Radio) Corrupt Leaders frontman Rayny Forster has enlisted his 66 year-old mother to provide vocals for their next record and the band has released a video of her singing.

The guest vocal appearance took place on New Year's Eve, while the Canadian grindcore quintet were in an Ontario studio recording new material.

It's not known at this stage whether Forster's mother will join the band on a permanent basis. In the meantime, fans can check out her brutal vocals in the clip here.



Heathen Recruit Forbidden Member For Upcoming Appearance
(TeamRock Radio) US thrash veterans Heathen have recruited Forbidden drummer Sasha Horn to perform with them for their upcoming 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise appearance.

The cruise will travel between Florida and Jamaica between January 22-26 and features other artists including Arch Enemy, Canibal Corpse, Amorphis, Venom, Napalm Death and Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock.

Sasha Horn will be taking over duties behind the drum kit from Jon Dette who had previously played with the band on their 2013 European tour. Read more here.




Trinity II Charity Event Postponed
(Prog) The Trinity II charity event which was due to take place at the Leamington Assembly in May has been postponed. Organisers say they've been forced to the plug due to a scheduling issue but insist the gig will take place at a later date.

They say in a statement: "There is no easy way to say this but due to an unforeseen scheduling issue, Trinity II will longer be happening on May 9. We have done everything within our powers to try and make sure it didn't come to this but sometimes whatever path one takes, the resulting journey leads to only one conclusion.

"We had an incredible lineup, amazing sponsors and some fantastic surprises waiting for you but worry not, we are only postponing. We have no definite date for the rescheduled show but as soon as we do, you will be the first to know."





Ethereal Announce New Album and Release First Video
(TeamRock Radio) Clearly not a band to rush into releasing half-baked albums, Liverpool's Ethereal have finally deemed the hour is upon them to release their debut album, Opus Aethererum, nigh on 13 years since the band first formed.

Due to storm across the extreme metal landscape on January 26 when it's released via Candlelight Records, Opus Aethereum is - as you might expect from a band who've been biding their time by honing their craft on the extreme metal gig circuit - a carefully wrought and fully-fledged sonic beast. Featuring eight blasts of vaulting, supremely confident and symphonically astute black metal, its furious, soul-ruffling currents have picked up a few traces of death metal in its slipstream, assuring that Ethereal's capacity for pomp never loses its visceral edge.

TeamRock have premiered the first video from the album, in the sepia-saturated form of Unholy Ungodly. A performance-based video, it shows off the Liverpudlians' archaic yet immediate aesthetic to superlative effect. Prepare to raise your upturned claws and tune into Unholy Ungodly here.




17-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy Aaron Keylock Announces Headline Show
(Classic Rock) Following support slots with Blackberry Smoke, Cadillac 3 and The Graveltones, Aaron Keylock has announced his first headline London show. The 17-year-old guitar prodigy will play the Black Heart in Camden on February 10 - and it comes ahead of his appearance at this year's TeamRock-sponsored Ramblin' Man Fair. He'll take to the Blues Stage at the two-day event in Kent on the weekend of July 25 & 26.

Keylock released the track Medicine Man in November and hopes to launch his debut album later this year - although in an interview in this month's Blues Magazine, he says he won't be rushed into releasing fresh material.

He says: "I want to keep the sound as close as possible to how we sound live, so we need the same players. We've been doing some demos and we're still writing. I have an album's worth of material, we've got a long live set, but it's about picking songs that fit. Read more here.



Obsessive Bob Dylan Fan The Subject Of New Documentary
(Radio.com) There are few sources as rich as obsessive fandom, whether it is in the form of Star Trek "Trekkies" or the book/movie Misery, and a documentary recently made available for online viewing finds another well to draw upon: Bob Dylan fans.

Tangled Up in Dylan focuses on AJ Weberman (which is emphasized with the subtitle, The Ballad of AJ Weberman), and finds directors James Bluemel and Oliver Ralfe focusing on a man that "is infamous, if he is known at all, among Dylan aficionados for being the obsessed stalker who Bob Dylan physically assaulted in 1971 because he had been harassing his family.

"Weberman picked through their trash (he calls his stinky style of sleuthing the science of 'Garbology") and staged demonstrations (with the 'Dylan Liberation Front," the students of his 'Dylanology" classes) outside of Dylan's MacDougal Street brownstone in New York, apparently with the aim of convincing Dylan to, uh, join the revolution, man' but having the result of really pissing him off," according to Dangerous Minds.





Blueneck Approached Latest Album As If It Was Their Last
(TeamRock Radio) Blueneck have revealed they recorded latest album King Nine thinking it could be their last. It launched in November via Denovali Records and singer Duncan Attwood says as they feared it might flop, they decided to go into the recording process thinking it would be their final release.

He tells this month's Prog magazine: "I did go in with the attitude that this could be our last album. It's taken nearly four years to get this one down. I wanted to make sure the end product was something I was completely pleased with.

"I'm very aware that because it's quite different from the post-rock sound we've done before, it could completely flop. But it's important that if it does, I'd still be happy with it."

The band say due to the complex nature of King Nine, taking the album on the road is not something they're currently considering. Attwood continues: "We've agreed we'll only take this live if we can do it justice."

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

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 Scott Weiland Returning With New Album and Tour Former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman ...

Today's Day in Rock News!





Today's Day in Rock


Scott Weiland Returning With New Album and Tour
Former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland has returned with his solo band that will be releasing their debut album and launching a supporting tour this spring.

The band, dubbed Scott Weiland And The Wildabouts, will be releasing their Rick Parker (The Dandy Worhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Jewel) produced album, "Blaster," on March 31st.

Apart from Weiland, the group features guitar player Jeremy Brown, bassist Tommy Black, and drummer Danny Thompson. Weiland had this to say about the album, "The album has its own distinctive sound, but it also can entice those Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver fans who have stuck by me.

"Over the years, I've gone back and forth between art records and being in a band. This is a hybrid. What we've come up with is really heavy, slinky, and sexy. There's a lot of fuzz. The best way to describe it is 'furry.'"

Prior to the album release, the band will be launching a North American tour on February 22 at Pub Rock in Scottsdale, AZ and have announced dates through March 14th in Boston at Brighton Music Hall.

They have also announced festival appearances this spring including the Welcome to Rockville Festival in Jacksonville, FL on April 25th, the Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus OH on May 16th and the BottleRock Music Festival in Napa Valley, CA on May 30th. Check out the tour dates here.




AC/DC and Jack White Lead Coachella Lineup
The first North American 2015 live date for AC/DC has been revealed with the announcement that the legendary hard rockers will be headlining this year's Coachella Festival.

AC/DC have yet to reveal their full North American tour plans in support of their new studio album, "Rock or Bust," which is the veteran band's first album without band cofounder Malcolm Young who retired from the group last year due to his battle with dementia.

The annual music festival is spread over two weekends, April 10-12 and April 17-19, with AC/DC headlining the Friday night slots, Jack White headlining on Saturday and rapper Drake leading the Sunday roster.

As always, the festival will feature an eclectic lineup of artists. This year's lineup will include Steely Dan, Interpol, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Reverend Horton Heat, Alt-J, Belle and Sebastian, Bad Religion, Florence + the Machine, Ryan Adams, Fitz and the Tantrums, Brand New, Tyler the Creator and a lot more. Check out the full lineup here.





Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham Band To Play Festival
Sammy Hagar and The Circle, the band featuring the former Van Halen frontman along with his former VH/Chickenfoot bandmate Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Black Country Communion) and the Waboritas guitarist Vic Johnson, are one of the groups that will be performing at this year's Carolina Rebellion.

The fifth installment of the annual music festival is set to take place on May 2nd and 3rd at the Rock City Campgrounds at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Charlotte, NC area.

Hagar had this to say in the announcement, "Playing with a band like The Circle, we've got a set list made in rock 'n' roll heaven and a band from rock 'n' roll hell. The only missing link is tens of thousands of rocking fans…HELLO CAROLINA!"

Apart from the Circle, the festival will also feature performances from Slipknot, Slayer, Korn, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Godsmack, Marilyn Manson, Halestorm, Breaking Benjamin, and more.

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor had this to say of their headlining slot, "We are very excited to be headlining Rebellion this year! We're honored to be playing in the company of Cheap Trick, one of my all-time favorites, as well as playing with such good friends like Korn, Halestorm and Slayer!"

Korn frontman Jonathan Davis adds, "Three years ago, we reunited with our brother Head on stage at Carolina Rebellion. Since then, we made a new album and toured the world together. And now we're back to perform our first album in its entirety. Rebellion is going to be a really special show for us."





Journey Announce Las Vegas Residency
(hennemusic) Journey has become the latest classic rock act to announce a Las Vegas residency. "Journey Las Vegas" will see the band will perform 9 shows at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino between April 29 and May 16.

"We are looking forward to bringing it to you in Las Vegas during our residency at The Joint," said Journey guitarist Neal Schon of the residency. "See you soon!"

Journey are following in the footsteps of several other rockers who paved the way with successful extended Vegas runs, including Carlos Santana, Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Rod Stewart and Meat Loaf, among others. Read more here.



The White Stripes Announce New Live Album and DVD
(Radio.com) Hot on the heels of being named as one of the headliners for Coachella, Jack White had another announcement for today: a new White Stripes live album. Sure, his breakthrough band has been broken up for nearly four years, but the Third Man Records' Vault subscription series has been slowly trickling out previously unreleased tunes from the duo.

The newest one holds a special significance, though, as the recording of Under Amazonian Lights took place in Manaus, Brazil on June 1st, 2005. That just happens to be the day White married his now ex-wife, model/musician Karen Elson.

Words do not ably describe the beauty of the Teatro Amazonas nor the furor riled up by the White Stripes appearance. Not only was there fear that the amplification of the band would cause the plaster in the building to crack and possible fall and injure attendees, but out of custom/fear/lord-knows-what the crowd remained seated until being explicitly asked to stand from the stage by Jack White himself. If that wasn't enough, during the show Jack and Meg ventured outside the venue to play an entirely unamplified version of 'We Are Going to Be Friends" for the assembled multitude of fans unable to purchase tickets and watching the performance via closed-circuit feed. The resultant melee was arguably a riot and was lovingly captured by the film crew documenting that evening's importance. All together what it makes is one of the best true rock and roll moments of the past decade. Heck, Jack White even got married that day.

The packaging for this CD/DVD release includes a 7-inch with two previously unreleased White Stripes demos: 'Let You Down" and 'Ain't No Sweeter Than Rita Blues". Check out a full track list here.




Kid Rock Releases First Kiss Video
(hennemusic) Kid Rock has released a music video for the lead single and title track to his forthcoming album, "First Kiss." Directed by Eric Welch, the clip features Rock cruising in his truck while singing about lost youth and hearing Tom Petty on the radio.

Due February 24, the follow-up to 2012's "Rebel Soul" was produced by Kid Rock - with the exception of two songs which were co-produced by Dann Huff - and was recorded at his studio in Michigan.

Rock will tour this summer with his backing group, the Twisted Brown Trucker Band. Dates are expected to be announced soon. Watch the "First Kiss" video here.




Rush's Neil Peart Conflicted Over Touring Again
(Classic Rock) Rush drummer Neil Peart says he's in two minds about touring again as he doesn't want to leave his family for an extended period of time. He, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are still to decide whether they'll hit the road this year, although two leaked tour dates briefly appeared online last month before being pulled. And while Peart's reluctant to leave his loved ones behind, he says if they do play live, he'll put everything into the sets as it's part of his job.

He tells this month's Prog magazine: "It's a true dilemma - there's no right answer. People say to me, 'Are you still excited when you go on tour?' Should I be excited about leaving my family? No, and no one should. It's as simple as that: if you put aside the fantasy of it, it is what it is and has to be done. And that's fine and I pour my entire energy and enthusiasm into it, but of course, I'm of two minds about the whole idea."

And he says the thought of leaving his five-year-old daughter Olivia leaves him with feelings of guilt. He continues: "I've been doing this for 40 years - I know how to compartmentalise, and I can stand missing her, but I can't stand her missing me and it's painful and impossible to understand for her. How can a small child process that? And there's the guilt that comes with that - you fell guilty about it, of course. I'm causing pain." Read more here.




Slipknot's New Album Featured Bass Parts From Root and Taylor
(TeamRock Radio) Jim Root has revealed that he and Corey Taylor played bass on Slipknot's latest album. The band began work on .5: The Gray Chapter around four years after the death of bassist Paul Gray after losing his battle with addiction.

Before they had appointed a full-time replacement, Root and Taylor recorded bass on demo tracks, with some of their work surviving in the album's final mix.

Root tells MusicRadar: "I played bass on six, maybe seven tracks. I can't even remember which. I'd have to sit down with the guy who played bass on the other tracks to find out.

"Some of the lines were taken from the demo versions that I recorded in my garage, because they were moody, and had a unique vibe that was too hard to recreate. Goodbye uses the full bass line that Corey recorded for his demo.

"I was prepared to do it if it had to be done, but I didn't want to do it. Both the band members and, according to management, our fans, wanted to see somebody in there.

"No one will ever replace Paul, and Paul will always be a part of what we're doing. There was a speck of me that out of respect for Paul didn't want somebody new to play everything." Read more here.



Bruce Springsteen Added To Bob Dylan MusiCares Concert
(Radio.com) Part of Grammy weekend is the annual MusiCares Person of the Year concert, particularly notable this year because it will be honoring Bob Dylan. As you can imagine, a concert honoring Bob Dylan can produce quite the lineup.

Previously announced for the event were Beck, The Black Keys, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Doe, Norah Jones, Tom Jones, Los Lobos, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, and Neil Young.

Now, even more artists have been added to the bill, including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Taj Mahal, Alanis Morissette, and Aaron Neville have been added to the event. Read more here.




Don Dokken Vs George Lynch Over Breaking The Chains
(Classic Rock) Don Dokken has hit out at former bandmate George Lynch over claims that the singer "destroyed" Dokken's debut album. On separate episodes of The Classic Metal Show, Lynch and Dokken trade barbs over Dokken's 1981 debut Breaking The Chains. Lynch says he and the rest of the band were "sent home" after recording their parts, only for the frontman to remix the entire thing.

But in response, Dokken insists Breaking The Chains was a solo project and that he was the only official member of the group at the time. Lynch says: "I did like it when we originally recorded it, but then Don got ahold of it and destroyed it. He basically sent us home from Europe and said, 'OK guys, we're done. I'm just going to stay back and hang out with my girlfriend.'

"What he did was he stayed in the studio when we were gone and had his way with the record, which was pump up all the vocals, take all my guitars out, destroy the mix. It just sounded weak and wimpy. It just killed it.

"It was actually pretty muscular and pretty tough when we were in the studio. It sounded so good. It was the first record I'd ever done, so we were committed to making a statement. Quite honestly, the sound was just unbelievable.

"Then when it was all done, he did what he did to it and he killed it. It's very hard for me to listen to because of that, because I knew what it was and nobody will ever hear that unfortunately."

On a later episode of The Classic Metal Show, Dokken slammed his former guitarist, insisting he must be "high." Dokken adds: "I guess George forgot that when we did Breaking The Chains, he wasn't in the band. He must be smoking something. When I did Breaking The Chains, it was a solo record deal. George was not in the band. Mick was not in the band." Read more here.




Devildriver Recruit Former Chimaira Member
(TeamRock Radio) Devildriver have snapped up Austin D'Amond as their new drummer to replace John Boecklin. The band - fronted by Coal Chamber mainman Dez Fafara - split with Boecklin and guitarist Jeff Kendrick last year.

Former Chimaira sticksman D'Amond says on Facebook that he has now joined Devildriver. He says: "Ladies and gents, introducing the new drummer for Devildriver.

"Thanks everyone for all the support throughout my career. Without you all I would've never made it this far. I promise to give you all one hell of a performance. Keep shredding peeps. Dreams do come true." Read more here.




Robert Plant, No Doubt, Imagine Dragons Lead Bottlerock Lineup
(Radio.com) Music festival season is upon us. Bottlerock is building on Coachella's momentum and sharing their lineup on Tuesday, Jan. 6, as well, Radioalice (a CBS Radio station) reports.

This year, the Napa Valley festival will be bringing No Doubt, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Imagine Dragons all on one bill as headliners. They'll be supported by the Avett Brothers, Foster the People, Passion Pit, Snoop Dogg, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Gipsy Kings, Capital Cities, Public Enemy, Portugal the Man and more.

The festival will take place at the Napa Valley Expo May 29-31, with tickets starting at $235 for a general admission three-day pass, and going up to $2500 for a three-day platinum pass.

Check out the full 2015 Bottlerock Festival lineup here.




Metallica's Robert Trujillo Had To Be Careful With Zakk Wylde
(Classic Rock) Robert Trujillo says he learned early in his career how to maintain inter-band harmony - mainly by not pissing off Zakk Wylde. The bassist has worked with a lot of big personalities in his musical career- none more so than in his current post with Metallica. He has also worked with Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves and Ozzy Osbourne, where he met Wylde.

Trujillo says he was careful as a child not to cross his father, and he took those lessons into his musical career. He tells IndiePower: "In my band situations, I was always very careful how not to cross certain members. Because band members can fly off the handle, especially in the situation that some of them were in, whether it was drug issues, drinking, whatever it was.

"There was a lot of stuff going down, and you had to be cool. Because, I mean, someone like Zakk, he would snap. He would kind of switch right in front of your eyes. So you always had to be careful with these people.

"And that's part of the journey, and I think with that, I adopted patience and respect. I learned how to deal with people and their personalities the best way that I could in these different situations." Read more here.




Enter Shikari Release Anaesthetist Video
(TeamRock Radio) Enter Shikari have released a video for their new single Anaesthetist. The track, taken from their forthcoming album The Mindsweep, was premiered by Zane Lowe on his BBC Radio 1 show on Monday and, according to the band, is an attack on those who seek to "dismantle our NHS in the name of corporate greed."

Frontman Rou Reynolds adds: "We seem to have reached a stage of such capitalistic fervour, that we believe it acceptable to punish people for ill health. By charging for healthcare we act as if illness is nothing but one's own problem, but what is the purpose and advantage of 'civilisation' if it is not helping the most vulnerable within society?

"The lottery of birth can offer us a wealth of bad luck when it comes to our health and the safety nets are being pulled in as the desire to boost profit overtakes the desire to help people."







Venom Release Long Haired Punks Video
(TeamRock Radio) Venom are releasing their fourteenth studio album From The Very Depths later this month on Spinefarm Records, and they've just release the video for Long Haired Punks.

From The Very Depths is the follow-up to 2011's Fallen Angels album and features founding member Cronos as well as Rage and Dante. Speaking about the record, Cronos said:

"This album is perfect; all three members are totally over-the-top confident with the new songs and the production. We had a great atmosphere in the studio while we were recording; Dante created pure thunder from his drums, while Rage tears the flesh off your face with his riffs, making everything fall into place so well… it shows the band maturing into an unstoppable force of pure black metal.

"We can't wait to play the new songs live for the legions. Hell yeah!" Watch the new video here.




Robert Lamm Celebrates Chicago II Anniversary In The Studio
The latest episode of the syndicated radio show In The Studio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands features an interview with Chicago founding member Robert Lamm on the anniversary of the double album musical colossus Chicago II. The show sent over these details:

February of 1970, not even a year after their debut album Chicago Transit Authority, the band had shortened their name but not their fourteen-legged lineup. As former Bob Dylan sideman and Blood, Sweat and Tears founder Al Kooper told Lamm, Chicago's sound was "…the perfect marriage of brass and rock".

Chicago, born out of their city namesake also known as the "Second City", made the bold Chicago II, a two disc set that would go on to sell a record two million albums and spawn their first Top 5 hit "25 or 6 to 4" and two Top 10 singles "Colour My World" and "Make Me Smile".

Speaking with InTheStudio host Redbeard, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Robert Lamm sheds light on how three lead singers managed to front just one band.

"For most of the time that we were writing songs, we never thought about what key (it's in), is it going to be right for whoever's going to sing it. We would basically write the song and see how far each one of us could go. So part of the idea about sharing lead vocals was necessity." (laughs). - Robert Lamm

Footnote: after over 120,000,000 albums sold, the second biggest selling artist in America (behind only the Beach Boys) is still not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Stream the episode here.




Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Alice Cooper Jam Goes Online
(hennemusic) Steven Tyler joined Alice Cooper at his annual New Year's Benefit show supporting the Maui Food Bank on December 31st and video of the jam has surfaced online.

The Aerosmith frontman was on hand at the Wailea Mariott to perform a mix of Aerosmith tracks and cover tunes, including songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and, a rare version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" with Hawaiian blues guitarist Willie K.

Hosted by actor Tom Arnold, the event featured Cooper, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Dexter Holland and Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman of The Offspring, Michael McDonald and Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers, producer Bob Rock and Weird Al Yankovic. Watch video here.





Robert Plant Sings Phil Collins' Praises
(TeamRock Radio) Robert Plant has praised Genesis mainman Phil Collins for encouraging his solo career. And Plant reveals the vocalist and drummer's positivity had a lasting impact and gave him the drive he needed to move on after Led Zeppelin split in 1980 following the death of sticksman John Bonham.

Plant tells The Pulse Of Radio: "I made my business to go out and start again at the age of 32. It's hysterical, really, when you think about it now. But I worked with Robbie Blunt, who was a particularly fine guitarist. And I was graced by my first two solo records Pictures at Eleven and The Principle of Moments.

"A drummer contacted me and said, 'I love Bonham so much I want to sit behind you when you sing.' It was Phil Collins. His career was just kicking in and he was the most spirited and positive and really encouraging force, because you can't imagine what it was like - me trying to carve my own way after all that." Read more here.




Panic Room Reveal New Lineup
(Prog) Panic Room have confirmed Steve Rothery Band guitarist Dave Foster will join them for their upcoming touring and recording commitments. The Welsh prog rockers parted ways with original lead guitarist Paul Davies in 2013 and brought in Adam O' Sullivan on a temporary basis.

Now Foster - who also works with Mr So & So - is onboard for 2015 and will play live with the band in April and May and also record their upcoming fifth album.

In a statement, the band say: "Panic Room are preparing to unveil a powerful live show which will celebrate the finest and most-loved music from across all four of the band's award-winning albums.

"Each event will feature a full electric set plus an exclusive acoustic set, and we are very excited to welcome Dave aboard for these shows." Read more here.




Tyrannosaurus Rex Albums Remastered and Expanded For Reissues
(Classic Rock) Universal Music are to release the first three Tyrannosaurus Rex albums later this month. They'll launch on January 26 on deluxe CD and 180g double vinyl along with three limited 7-inch edition singles: Strange Orchestras, Consuela and Nijinsky Hind.

Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took's My People Were Fair And Had Sky In Their Hair…, Prophets, Seers & Sages: Angels Of The Ages and Unicorn have been fully remastered for the reissues.

They will feature previously unreleased songs, including home demos, alternate versions and tracks which originally appeared on DJ John Peel's Top Gear show in the late 60s. Read more here.




Sean Timms Denies United Progressive Fraternity Claims
(Prog) Former Unitopia founder and keyboard player Sean Timms has issued an angry response to claims made in the offshoot band United Progressive Fraternity's interview in the current issue of Prog Magazine.

Timms contacted Prog having read the United Progressive Fraternity feature, and gave us the following response to various comments in relation to him or Unitpoia that vocalist Mark Trueack and drummer Dave Hopgood made. This is his full response...

I hope you don't mind me contacting you, but I saw the article yesterday on UPF (I'm a digital subscriber) and there were quite a few half truths and out and out lies in it. I'd like a chance to respond if I may? I don't want what's happened and what I'm doing (or going to do) to be misrepresented. I apologise upfront if this is a tad long... I'll go through them one by one.

1) 'There were a few communication problems' - Mark. There were NO communication problems. I made it quite clear to Mark on a number of occasions that he needed to apologise to Patsy Delledonne (our manager) for his behaviour towards her (long story) and his passive/aggressive attitude towards us both. He refused, so I let him know quite clearly that I didn't want to work with him anymore. He changed his attitude, but too late... the damage was done.

2) 'Musical Differences' - There were no musical differences. I was thrilled with the music we were creating for the new album, but after his thoughtlessness and stubborn behaviour, I was no longer interested in continuing working with him.




Bombus Hitting The Road With Monster Magnet
(Classic Rock) Bombus have been announced as the support for Monster Magnet's upcoming European tour and the band have premiered a brand new music video.

The Swedish band will open for American heavyweights Monster Magnet on the trip, which includes three UK dates in February. The tour gets underway on February 2 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Bombus released their second album The Poet And The Parrot in 2013. A video for the single Let Her Die has been made available. It was directed by the band's former bassist Ulf Linden. Watch the video and grab the tour dates here.




Malaya Blue Reveals Her Live Band Lineup
(The Blues Malaya Blue has announced details of her live band's new lineup. The singer will be joined on stage by bassist Trev Turley, drummer Simon Dring, keyboard player Andy Cooper and guitarist Andy Walker.

And for her performance at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival in Skegness on January 23, Malaya will also have the help of special guest guitarist Will Johns of Fresh Cream fame.

Johns will also guests during Malaya's appearance at Blakeney Harbour Rooms on February 6. Her new band boasts an impressive blues background, with Turley having previously worked with the Bare Bones Boogie Band and Dring a former member of the Billy Walton Band. Cooper has worked with Pete Brutnell and Todd Sharpeville while Walker has a history with Mojo Preachers. Read more here.




Schnauser Release Grey Or Blue Video
(Prog) Schnauser have released a new video for their track Grey Or Blue. The Bristol prog outfit took to the beach - and a caravan park - for the shoot, which features a new edit of the track, which is taken from 2014 album Protein For Everyone.

The band say: "It's January, the grey wet mist is clinging to your bones, you forgot to set the VHS to record Tomorrow's World and you've run out of teabags yet again - cheer yourself up with this glass half full ditty.

"It was filmed back in November by brilliant Bristol director Matty Groves on Super 8 film. Thanks to Emma for being our enthusiastic swimmer, it was freezing."






Vanguards Of Extreme Metal Plan Exhibition
(TeamRock Radio) Lovers of the dark arts, mark January 17 and 18 down on your calendars as two visual vanguards of the extreme metal world, artist Zbigniew Bielak and photographer Ester Segarra are joining forces with the band Shards for an exhibition and a unique multi-media and multi-sensory experience at the Crypt Gallery, beneath St Pancras Parish Church in London.

Polish artist Zbiegniew Bielak's architectural background is more than apparent in the mindboggling detailed, historically sourced and instantly recognisable artwork that's graced albums by the likes of Watain, Ghost BC, Absu and Vader. Anyone who's seen Watain live recently, will know the power of his work from the band's vast, Necropolis backdrop, and his stunning new Art Calendar is a trove of macabre and arcane wonders.

Barcelona-born photographer Ester Segarra has worked for Metal Hammer for over eight years, and has also redefined the aesthetic of the extreme metal world, producing many of its most iconic, intimate and memorable images, not least for bands such as Watain, Electric Wizard, Triptykon, Ghost BC, Mayhem, Burzum and Purson, amongst many others. The joint exhibition with Zbiginew will feature some of her most renowned portrait work as well as other personal projects. Read more here.



David Bowie's Crooked Oral History Preserved
(Radio.com) Oh, the '80s, what a carefree time--hair was big, shoulder pads were bigger and teeth had a mind of their own. David Bowie was well known during the early stages of his career for some of the music world's most unusually angled teeth this side of, say, Pogues singer Shane McGowan.

Of course, Bowie's crooked teeth are a relic of the past, replaced by the time the '90s rolled around with a mouthful of gleaming, snow-white incisors. Some people aren't willing to let Bowie's oral history go gently into that good night, though. Paint and sculptor Jessie Hein has fashioned Bowie's old dentures into a mold, made of acrylics, plaster and paint.

And why not? They were as much a part of the Bowie legend as his zany outfits, an indispensable part of his Ziggy Stardust and Thin White Duke personas.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

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 Kid Rock Says Rap-Rock 'Turned Out to Be Pretty Gay' As Kid Rock promotes his upcoming album &qu...

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