Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Dead Kennedys Fans Perform Sex Act Onstage
(TeamRock Radio) A pair of Dead Kennedys fans could face criminal charges after being photographed performing a sex act onstage. Pictures circulated of a man performing the act on a woman on the stage of the Belly Up Tavern in San Diego as the punk icons were in the middle of their set on January 15.

According to KGTV, a spokesperson for the local sheriff's department said the couple could be charged with a misdemeanor for publicly exposing themselves if others are "offended or annoyed." However, no official complaints have yet been made in connection with the incident.

In a statement, the Belly Up Tavern says: "Of course, we don't condone this activity in our establishment and security stopped it right away. This is certainly a first for us." Read more here.




Wayne Static Memorial Concert To Stream Online
The memorial concert for late Static-X frontman Wayne Static, that will be taking place tonight (January 20, 2015) at the Whisky-a-Go-Go in West Hollywood, will also be streaming online.

The show is set to include performances from Static-X, Snot, 9 Electric and The Dark, according to the venue's website. Loadwire reports that the show will also feature the members of Static's solo band performing the classic Static-X album "Wisconsin Death Trip" in its entirely and members of Coal Chamber, System of a Down and Dope are expected to be at the event.

Fans that can't make it to the venue can still help celebrate Static's life online via BigTimeBroadcasting.com who will offering a free stream of the event live and will also have a live web chat. The webcast is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM PST here.




Lost Dimebag Darrell Video Surfaces Online
(Classic Rock) Previously unseen footage of Dimebag Darrell performing with Gasoline has been released. The video shows the band - which also features Pantera bassist Rex Brown and drummer Vinnie Paul - playing a New Year's Eve show in Dallas, Texas in 2001.

Uploaded to YouTube by fan Chris Stiles, the 47-minute set includes cover versions of Led Zeppelin and Metallica songs, as well as six original tracks. The Gasoline lineup on the night was completed by vocalist Thurber T Mingus and bassist Sean Time.

Stiles says: "Dimebag was very cool to hang with and loved having fun with his friends and fans. I was a young 18-year-old that was just happy to be accepted around him.

"I messaged the family many times about having this included in anything they officially released and never got any emails back so I'll go ahead and post it here for everyone to see.

"I don't think it's right to just hold on to it without letting others see what it's like to be around him." Watch the video here.




CSNY's Dallas Taylor Dead at 66
(Classic Rock) Former Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young drummer Dallas Taylor has died at the age of 66. Taylor drummed on Crosby Stills And Nash's debut album after becoming friends with Stephen Stills and stayed with the band when they added Neil Young and became CSNY.

He went on to play on Still's 1970 solo album and joined him in the group Manassas. He also played with Van Morrison during the course of an impressive career behind the kit.

His wife Patti Mcgovern-Taylor broke the news via Facebook. She wrote: "This morning at 2:30 am I lost the love of my life Dallas W Taylor. He came into my life almost 18 years ago and saved me as much as I may have saved him.

"To me he was just a good man, a good friend, a good father, a good grandfather or Pop Pop, a great drummer and much beloved by many. I cannot even find the words to put down to say how grateful I am for the many friends and family who have been there for both of us these many days he has spent in the hospital, especially last night." Read more here.




Motley Crue To Rock Jimmy Fallon
(hennemusic) Motley Crue will perform on NBC-TV's The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, January 22. The group are set to resume their farewell trek next month with a 5-date Japanese tour.

Motley Crue recently revealed the date and location of their final show, starting with a Facebook post on December 31. "Happy New Years Eve from me and the guys.

"It's been one great 2014 for us and we're really grateful to all the CrueHeads who came out and saw us live. It's crazy to think that exactly 1 year from tonight we are gonna perform our final show together." Read more here.




Glenn Hughes Confirms California Breed Is No More
(hennemusic) Glenn Hughes has issued his first public comments on the breakup of California Breed. The former Deep Purple bassist formed the group in 2013 with Jason Bonham - from the ashes of supergroup Black Country Communion - and guitarist Andrew Watt, who revealed last week that the band had called it quits.

The group released their self-titled debut last May, but Bonham soon bailed due to scheduling commitments and was replaced by Queens Of The Stone Age/Eagles Of Death Metal drummer Joey Castillo.

"Good morning," began Hughes in a Facebook post. "On June 2 Jason left California Breed. We had just gone on sale with tickets for the USA and Europe tours. I felt it necessary to commit to these shows, as we had recorded an album and we needed to play and promote our work. Joey C came in and played drums, and helped us out on tour , and I am supremely grateful for this."

"What I couldn't commit to was a second album," he continued. "Cali Breed was Jason, Andrew and myself , and there was no way moving forward without all 3 original members."

"Over the past 4 decades I have built a very loving and loyal fan base, where I know most of you, through touring, signing autographs for all, or on social networks, where I see your photographs or avatar, and answer you, in whatever you wish to ask or share with me. Those of you who have met me, or know me, know that I deeply care about LIFE..."




Rob Zombie Reveals Release Date For Spookshow International Live
(hennemusic) Rob Zombie will release "Spookshow International Live" on February 24. The 19-song set includes material from Zombie's latest album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", and a mix of solo and White Zombie tracks.

"It's been 8 years since our last live album so we figured it was time for another," said Zombie. "Actually we weren't planning on it, but we recorded a few shows and they sounded really great so we thought 'f*** it' let's get it out there."

"For the record," he added, "no overdubs, no fixes, no fake crowd, no nothing. 100% absolutely live. No joke." Check out the "Spookshow International Live" tracklist here.




Snot Recruit Former Limp Bizkit Member For Tour
(TeamRock Radio) Snot have called up Mike Smith to fill in for guitarist Sonny Mayo on their upcoming European tour. Smith, formerly of Limp Bizkit, previously played in place of Mayo in 1998 and has stepped up once again after Mayo pulled out of the tour due to business commitments.

Snot's Mikey Doling says: "Mike Smith is an awesome guitarist and even greater person. He saved the day for us replacing Sonny for most of our touring in 1998, including on Ozzfest. It makes perfect sense to have him aboard again and we are grateful for his return

"Sonny will always be in Snot. He has a rad company that he is just getting off the ground and he has to hang back on this tour. We totally understand he has a lot on his plate. We will miss him, but completely support him all the way." Read more here.




Slipknot Were Sparked By Anger
(TeamRock Radio) Slipknot's Corey Taylor recalls the "guttural anger" that fuelled the band in their early days. And the singer insists their outrageous personas and often shocking stage shows were the result of genuine rage, rather than a desire to be deliberately provocative.

The furor that surrounded the band in the early part of their career saw them banned from American TV and radio for a spell. Taylor tells Chronicle Live: "We weren't just singing about Satan or trying to be shocking for the sake of it.

"We really were that angry, we were shocking because we were coming out of the gate so steeped in guttural anger. And we found all the kids who felt the same and they related to us.

"If we were just a band with an image, we'd not be as hot today. We hit on so many different cylinders. It's the real thing. We have the look, we have the artwork, we have the songs, and the songs are what keep you there. We've been able to continue to write really, really well." Read more here.




Chicago Releasing Classic Concert In New Live Package
(Classic Rock) A live package featuring a Chicago gig recorded 40 years ago will be released next month. It follows the group's latest album Now: XXXVI as well as 1972 live package Live In Japan.

Chicago Live In '75 will be issued by Rhino Records on February 23 and features two hours of live music recorded in June 1975 at the Capital Centre in Largo, Maryland. Housed in a cardboard gatefold package, the set includes a 16-page booklet.

Live In '75 includes selections from all of the group's albums through up to Chicago VIII as well as a number of cover versions including The Beatles' Got To Get You Into My Life. Read more here.




'Fifth Beatle' Brian Epstein Fundraising Concert Announced
(TeamRock Radio) A concert will take place in Liverpool next month to help raise funds for a statue to 'fifth Beatle' Brian Epstein. The Statue 4 Eppy campaign is looking for £70,000 to build a lasting memorial to the Fab Four manager who died in 1967 - and they've lined up a gig at the city's Epstein Theatre on February 28 to aid them in their efforts.

Artists confirmed so far for the event include Ian Prowse, Ian McNabb, Billy Kinsley and Tony Crane, with further names to be announced in the coming weeks.

The track Our Friend will be launched on the night which was written by Bob Pitt and features contributions from Prowse, McNabb, Andy McClusky, Owen Paul, Billy J Kramer and Beryl Marsden. Read more here.




Music Venues Ban Selfie Sticks
(Classic Rock) Some of Britain's biggest music venues have banned the 'selfie stick' on the grounds that it ruins the gig-going experience for other patrons. The gadgets - which allow users to take 'selfie' shots on their camera phones from a distance - were popular gifts at Christmas and have turned up at gigs and events since.

But London's O2 Arena, O2 Academy Brixton and the SSE Wembley Arena have now banned the sticks, Billboard reports. A spokesman for the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena says: "The O2 do not allow selfie sticks into the arena due to safety considerations and so as not to impact the view of other fans. We welcome selfies, but leave the stick at home please."

Bosses at The Academy Music Group - which runs 16 venue including the O2 ABC in Glasgow and Leeds' Underground - have also said the sticks won't be allowed at their venues. Read more here.




Dream Theater Announce Summer Festival Appearances
(Prog) Dream Theater have announced they will appear at four European festivals this year. Frontman James LaBrie also says he expects the album to be out in the autumn.

The band will play three events in Germany and one in Spain in the month of July, after they return to the studio next month to begin work on the follow-up to their 2013 self-titled album.

Last year, Dream Theater released DVD Breaking The Fourth Wall which was recorded at the Boston Opera House in March 2014. Check out the festival dates here.





Galahad Announce 30th Anniversary Concert
(Prog) Galahad will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a one-off show in Dorset. The band will appear at Mr Kyps in Poole, on July 4 where they will perform tracks from throughout their career.

They promise a number of songs they haven't played in years will get an airing at what will be one of only a handful of shows this year. Tickets are available via the venue's official website.

Galahad launched a remixed, remastered version of 2007 album Empires Never Last this month. A companion set called Empires: A Curious Companion is available as a download only. Read more here.



Marilyn Manson Ponders Becoming A Parent
(TeamRock Radio) Marilyn Manson says he's ready to become a father - but he'd hate it to be a girl. The singer is godfather to his best friend Johnny Depp's daughter and says he has been thinking about having children of his own. But he admits he's terrified about the prospect of looking after a little girl.

Manson tells the Guardian: "I'm the last man in the family, because I don't have any siblings. So yeah, that is something that I actually have been thinking about.

"I'm the godfather to Johnny Depp's daughter. He's my best friend and I gave her her first set of high heels. Unfortunately she was in diapers when I gave them to her. It was awkward when I saw her 14 years later and Johnny's like, 'Hey this is Uncle Manson. He gave you your first pair of high heels and changed your diaper.' That sounds really bad. But it was amazing.

"When your best friend is such a good father and has a similar lifestyle, it makes me think it would be nice to create life. I'd hate it to be a girl, though - because if it's a girl then you have all the dicks in the world to worry about. If it's a guy, it's just one dick to worry about." Read more here.




Viking Skull Crowdfunding Coming Album
(TeamRock Radio) Viking Skull have written a new album and launched a Kickstarter campaign to help with its release. The UK-based metal outfit went on hiatus in 2012 but are keen on a comeback, if fans can help raise the £10,000 needed to issue what will be the follow-up to 2012's Cursed By The Sword.

On their Kickstarter page, the band say: "So if you want to hear a new Viking Skull album, here is your chance to prove it. The band is currently on hiatus, but they would rather not be. The only reason we agreed to do this Kickstarter project is because for the first time ever, the money will go directly to the band and not to some music industry suit behind a desk.

"Your donations and pre-orders will help pay for rehearsal space during the writing and pre-production process, studio time, engineer and record producer wages, and printing up the CDs and coloured vinyl." Read more here.




The Amorphous Androgynous Look Down Under For New Compilation
(Prog) The Amorphous Androgynous have announced a compilation featuring artists from Australia and New Zealand. Brian Dougans and Garry Cobain, who make up electronic outfit The Future Sound Of London, will launch A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble (Exploding In Your Mind) - The Wizards Of Oz on March 16. It's the fourth album in their psychedelic series.

The double disc features 34 tracks from bands including Tame Impala, Air, Russell Morris, Cybotron, Tyrnaround, Sunset Strip, Pip Proud, Pond and Krozier & The Generator.

A statement about the album read: "The Wizards Of Oz is devoted exclusively to the rich heritage of cosmic space music of our Antipodean brothers and sisters and in common with previous volumes, traces the lineage from the 60s to the present day with sonic delights from every decade in between." Read more and check out a preview here.




Bloodstock Add Delain and Fleshgod Apocalypse As Headliners
(TeamRock Radio) Bloodstock has announced the two of the Sophie stage headliners as well as a bunch of other names. Headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage on Friday night are the Dutch symphonic metallers Delain.

Delain's track We Are The Others is actually about Sophie, and the band have said "it will be an extra important and special occasion for us to headline the Sophie Lancaster stage and meet up with our friends at the Sophie Lancaster Foundation again. We look forward to rocking out at Bloodstock and hope to see many of you there!"

And topping the Sophie stage on are the techy death metallers Fleshgod Apocalypse, who are making their debut at Catton Park this summer. Speaking about Bloodstock, the band said "It's a great honour for us and we can't wait to crush one of the most important stages in the UK and Europe!" See more band additions here.




Pink Floyd and Foo Fighters Albums Among The Most Streamed
(Classic Rock) Pink Floyd's The Endless River is the most played album on streaming service Tidal, it's been announced. It's listened to more than other artist across the world in a list including Ed Sheeran, Bill Frisell, TV On The Radio and Royksopp. Foo Fighters, who released Sonic Highways last year, is the eighth most popular stream on the pay service.

Floyd also feature heavily in the top played tracks on Tidal, which offers high fidelity streaming along with high definition music videos for £19.99 a month.

Things Left Unsaid, It's What We Do, Ebb And Flow and Sum are in the top 20 most played songs, while Dave Grohl and co's Something From Nothing and Congregation from their 8th studio outing also feature in the top 20.





Alice In Chains Rock NFC Championship Game
(hennemusic) Alice In Chains performed the halftime show during the NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday.

The band played "Man In The Box", from their 1990 debut "Facelift", and "Would?" from 1992's sophomore album, "Dirt." "It's an honor to be asked to take part in anything to do with the Seahawks," said guitarist and longtime fan Jerry Cantrell before the event. "I'm always happy to show up and lend a helping hand, absolutely."

The Seahawks won the game 28-22 in overtime after a miracle comeback saw the team rebound from 19-7 deficit with just four minutes left in regulation time.

The team will defend their Super Bowl title against the New England Patriots at Super Bowl 49 in Glendale, Arizona on February 1. Watch Alice in Chains full performance here.



KISS Release Video For Momoiro Clover Z Collaboration
(hennemusic) KISS have released the video for their new single with Japanese Idol pop band Momoiro Clover Z. The pair have teamed up for "Yumeno Ukiyoni Saitemina", which will be released on January 28.

Each group will issue their own versions of the tune. The KISS edition will present three newly recorded tracks including a lead track and each off vocal version in a package totaling six tunes.

The Momoiro Clover Z edition will feature two newly recorded tracks including a lead track and each off vocal version, plus a music video of the lead track.

The Japanese pop band will open for KISS on March 3 at the Tokyo Dome, the final show of the band's 5-date Japanese tour. Check out the video here.




Emmure Release 'A Gift A Curse' Video
As Emmure prepare to hit the road next month with Suicide Silence, the band has released a new music video for the song "A Gift A Curse", which comes from their latest album Eternal Enemies.

The video's director Ievgenii Nozhechkin had this to say about the new clip, "I wanted to show the music of Emmure as something that does not have an end, that it goes deep inside every single person, and something that will be alive after us.

"Art touches the hearts and souls of so many people so it cannot be stopped or destroyed. Additional details of the video are destroying the pieces of art as a strong symbol of destruction of the past inside of you. Destroying the old, we enable a new birth." Watch the video here

Emmure are launching their tour with Suicide Silence on February 17th in Santa Cruz, CA. You can grab the dates for the North American trek here.




Soto Preview Forthcoming Album
(Classic Rock) Soto have released an audio teaser for their upcoming album. The group, led by former Journey frontman Jeff Scott Soto, release Inside The Vertigo on January 29 via earMusic and they've issued a seven-minute clip showcasing all 12 tracks ahead of its launch. Hear it below.

The vocalist previously said that he was originally planning to release the new material as a solo album but had a change of heart when recording started.

He said: "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." Check out the preview here.




Extreme Kick Off Pornograffitti Anniversary Tour
(hennemusic) Extreme kicked off their Pornograffitti Live 25th Anniversary US tour at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT this past Friday and video from the concert has surfaced online.

The 10-date run will see Extreme performing the album in its entirety alongside with a greatest hits set. The band's second album, "Extreme II: Pornograffitti (A Funked Up Fairy Tale)", put Extreme on the map; it featured two hit singles, "More Than Words" and "Hole Hearted" - both acoustic-based numbers - while most of the album was a mix of hard rock and funk.

The Boston rockers are syncing up the tour with this week's release of an expanded, deluxe reissue of their 1990 album. The 2CD set includes a bonus disc of B-sides, edits, remixes and acapellas, including four versions of their US No. 1 hit, "More Than Words."

Check out video from the tour kick off here.



Rolling Stones Release Post Tour Video
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones have issued a video message thanking fans in Australia and New Zealand for their support of the 14 On Fire tour shows last last year.

"What a way to end the tour in Australia and New Zealand," says Mick Jagger. Keith Richards adds, "It's a great place to play and the other great thing about Australia and New Zealand is that it's summer…but it's winter at home."

The Australian tour opened in Adelaide on October 25 and saw a show at Hanging Rock cancelled when Jagger took ill; the trek wrapped up in Auckland on November 22.

The fall shows down under were rescheduled from spring following the sudden passing of Jagger's longtime girlfriend, L'Wren Scott, on March 17. Check out the video here.



Reef Reinvigorated By Addition Of Jesse Wood
(Classic Rock) Reef frontman Gary Stringer says the addition of guitarist Jesse Wood feels like a new beginning for the band. Wood - son of Rolling Stone Ronnie - joined the group last year after the departure of Kenwyne House, who left to focus on his new band Goldray.

And the new blood has given Reef a renewed focus, according to the singer. He tells BandApp: "In April we auditioned for a new guitarist and have found a beaut in Jesse Wood. He learnt a stack of songs, we played a few festivals through the summer and by the autumn we were writing new songs.

"It couldn't have gone any better really. He gets a great sound and is a top man. Having a different guitar player with his own style adds a new dynamic to the band and it feels fresh."



Sco-Mule (Gov't Mule and John Scofield) Stream New Song
(The Blues Sco-Mule, the collaboration between Gov't Mule and John Scofield, have released a stream of the track Tom Thumb. They teamed up in 1999 for two live shows in Georgia and a double album recorded at the gigs will launch on January 26 via Mascot Label Group.

The recordings, which have been newly remixed and remastered, were originally due to be released after Gov't Mule's Life Before Insanity in 2000 but plans were shelved following the death of bassist Allen Woody the same year.

Now the album will launch later this month on 2CD, double 180g vinyl and on digital formats and features original tracks, James Brown covers and songs by John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter.

It's currently available to pre-order with those purchasing early receiving three bonus tracks. Sco-Mule have lined up a 12-date US tour which starts in Seattle on February 18. Check out song here.



Destrage Unplug For Where The Things Have No Colour
(TeamRock Radio) TeamRock are streaming an exclusive video from Destrage. Filmed live at RecLab Studio late last year, this special acoustic performance of the track Where The Things Have No Colour - taken from their album Are You Kidding Me? No..

Speaking about the video, the band say: "Where The Things Have No Colour has a very personal meaning to us. This song talks about certain moments, it's hard to explain them but if you felt like this once in your life you will find the lyrics extremely familiar. We talked a lot about the possibility of making an acoustic version of one of our songs, and this felt like being the perfect occasion.

"Our biggest thanks goes to Larsen Premoli who arranged the strings trio and made this version possible. This video is dedicated to all the people and friends involved in our project, who always support us during tours, recording sessions, video making, bullsh*t and everything that concerns the band's universe. You know who you are. We hope you're going to enjoy this version, even if it sounds a bit different from our standards. We wish you all an amazing 2015!"




Singled Out: The Aristocrats' Living The Dream
Today supergroup The Aristocrats are releasing their brand new CD/DVD "Culture Clash Live" and to celebrate we asked Bryan Beller to tell us about the song "Living The Dream". The group also features Guthrie Govan and Marco Minnemann. Here is the story:

This song came to me when I was just unbelievably exhausted from a series of back to back to back tours - it started in Europe with The Aristocrats, then I flew from Athens, Greece to Fargo, ND (I may be the only person who's ever done that routing) for a U.S. tour with Dethklok, and then flew straight to Vladivostok, Russia for a few more Aristocrats dates. I got home from all of that jetagged to hell and sick on top of it, and I only had a few days to write one last song for The Aristocrats' upcoming recording session for our last album Culture Clash…and after a few hours of frustration, this super-aggressive metal-flavored song is what came out.

I'm always a bit leery of songs complaining about the lifestyle of rock stardom - after all, it was done about as well as it could be done on Pink Floyd's The Wall, right? - so while I sarcastically called it "Living The Dream", ultimately I wanted it to encompass everything about the crazy lifestyle of touring: The lows, the highs, and the just plain indescribable. It ended up being our set closer on the last tour, and it's the final track on both the CD and DVD of our new live album Culture Clash Live.

Truth be told, a bit of the music itself was inspired by the Strapping Young Lad song "Skeksis" from what I think is SYL's best album, Alien. If you ever want to be truly scared by music, that album stands alone to me as one of the most terrifying things I've ever heard. Terrifying, and also genius. I thought to myself, what if we could somehow combine that scary metal vibe with the Aristocrats trio vibe? And that's how the song was born.

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 Fleetwood Mac Forced To Cut Show Short Due To Illness (hennemusic) Fleetwood Mac were forced to end their...

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Fleetwood Mac Forced To Cut Show Short Due To Illness
(hennemusic) Fleetwood Mac were forced to end their concert in Lincoln, Nebraska early on Saturday night after drummer Mick Fleetwood fell ill during the show, according to The Lincoln Journal Star.

The show came to a halt when Stevie Nicks told the crowd at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, "Mick is really sick," adding the drummer was backstage throwing up. "We feel terrible, but we can't really make him play. Give us a minute, and we'll figure out what to do."

The band regrouped and played two more songs, "Go Your Own Way" with a drum tech behind the kit and then, after a short break, Christine McVie returned to the stage at a grand piano for "Songbird" accompanied by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

"Poor old Mick is really sick," said McVie. "I sing this for him and for all of you." Read more here.



Metallica Confirm Return To The Studio To Work On New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Metallica have posted a teaser picture that finally proves they're working on the follow-up to 2008's Death Magnetic. They've posted an Instagram photo, taken by drummer Lars Ulrich, that shows Robert Trujillo recording bass parts for a song. The caption reads: "Rockin' along…"

Ulrich recently revealed the writing process for the long-awaited project began in 2013. Last month, Trujillo said he was excited by the songwriting they had completed to date, adding:

"We're just blueprinting everything right now. There are a lot of ideas, a lot of song bodies. You've got to go through the process. I'm really happy with what's happening instrumentally. So let's see how that journey continues."




Mastodon Working On New Album
(Prog) Vocalist and guitarist Brent Hinds tells fans in a new online posting he is working on a "cool new Mastodon song" in the studio as the band prepares its 7th album.

The band's next project follows 2014's Once More 'Round The Sun, which earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Metal Performance category for the track High Road and will compete alongside tunes by Anthrax, Motorhead, Slipknot and Tenacious D at the February 8 event.

Hinds posted an Instagram photo from the studio, saying: "Got to work on a really cool new Mastodon song today! First time playing my new 13 string pedal steel I got from @robertrandolf." Read more here.




Slayer Guitarist Says New Album Is What Fans Hope It Should Be
(Classic Rock) Gary Holt says Slayer's upcoming record is "everything you hope a Slayer album should be." The band's first title without late guitarist Jeff Hanneman comes on the heels of the free 2014 single, Implode, which met mixed reviews from fans.

Holt tells SiriusXM: "Implode is a great song. I really love it. It's a lot a fun to play. But compared to the other stuff Kerry King has written, it's nothing - doesn't even touch it."

The Exodus leader, who began covering for Hanneman two years before his death in 2013, says the follow-up to 2009's World Painted Blood is "a little bit of everything, but everything I'd reference to is 100 percent Slayer. It's crushingly heavy and it's dark and sinister, and it's everything you hope a Slayer album should be. There's no ballads!" Read more here.




Aerosmith Concert Film To Hit Movie Theaters
(Classic Rock) Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014, recorded during the band's headline festival set last year, will be screened in cinemas worldwide on March 3 ahead of a DVD release.

Steven Tyler and co closed Download 2014 on June 15 with a 19-song performance. It followed headline sets from Avenged Sevenfold and Linkin Park.

Tyler broke the news about the DVD project with a tweet from the studio three weeks after the event, saying on July 5: "Dun & dunner. Almost done mixing doningtonfestival. Record breaking 4 days w/ john shipp"

The film will debut in the US on February 26 before screenings in the UK and elsewhere the following month. Read more here.




Nazareth's New Singer Leaves The Group
(Classic Rock) Nazareth singer Linton Osborne has left the band, saying "it didn't work out." He was confirmed as replacement for original frontman Dan McCafferty last year, after health issues forced the veteran to retire.

Osborne had performed a number of live shows with Naz during 2014, but some concerts were cancelled at the end of the year after he contracted a throat infection. Last week they announced their winter UK tour had also been postponed, with bandleader Pete Agnew reporting: "Although Linton is showing a slight improvement, his voice is in no condition to perform satisfactorily at this time."

Now Osborne says via Facebook: "I am no longer a member of Nazareth. It didn't work out, for me, or for the band. I'd like to thank Pete, Jimmy Murrison and Lee Agnew for the opportunity. I'd also like to thank Dan for his support and encouragement. Most of all, I'd like to thank the fans - you guys are something else, and because of you it has all been worthwhile."

He adds: "I hope to see you all again in the future at one of my own gigs. I'd also like to wish my successor all the best and Nazareth a fantastic 2015 and beyond." Read more here.




Sonisphere Organizers Cancel Festival
(Classic Rock) The Sonisphere festival will not go ahead this year, organizers have announced. The event - due to take place at Knebworth in the summer - has been cancelled for 2015 after bosses admitted they'd been unable to sign a bill they believed was "good enough."

The shock announcement came at 6pm on Friday via the festival's official website, Facebook and Twitter accounts. It reads: "Team Sonisphere reluctantly confirm that Sonisphere will not take place in the UK in 2015.

"We've been working hard to get a lineup that we felt was good enough, but also on a weekend which would avoid other events that we know rock fans would want to support.

"Unfortunately our last irons in the fire have just been extinguished and it's clear that we won't be in a position to run the event this year." Read more here.



Queensryche To Begin Recording New Album Next Month
(Classic Rock) Queensryche's Todd La Torre says the band plan to begin recording their new album next month. The frontman reveals they have 15 songs written and ready to record and adds that he has been heavily influenced by Alice in Chains when it comes to writing vocal melodies.

The album will be the singer's second with the band, after 2013's self-titled effort. La Torre tells Metal Nation (via Blabbermouth): "We're still in the demo thing. We've got 15-plus songs that, most of them, are all there. We're doing pre-production right now.

"I'm hopeful that we can start tracking next month. I was hoping we would be tracking by right now, but we're just not gonna rush. Our label, Century Media, they're awesome. Nobody's up our ass.

"It takes time. And this is the sophomore record with me in the band. That's a scary thing, because you can like the songs, but you don't know how it's gonna be perceived." Read more here.



Soilwork Releasing Their First Live DVD
(TeamRock Radio) Soilwork will release their first concert DVD Live In The Heart Of Helsinki in March. The set was recorded at Circus Club in the Finnish capital on March 21, 2014 and features guest appearances by Nightwish frontwoman Floor Jansen and Sonic Syndicate vocalist Nathan J Biggs.

Soilwork's Bjorn 'Speed' Strid says: "There could not have been a better time than now, with 10 albums out and a very varied back catalogue to choose from. Our lineup now is 50% original members and 50% fresh blood, which makes it all more interesting."

"The new members have brought so much to our sound. They've continued to inspire us to write exciting music and they've also brought a new energy on stage. Now is definitely the time to see us - trust me."

The package was produced by Jouni Markkanen and directed by Ville Lipiainien, who worked on the most recent Nightwish live DVD Showtime, Storytime. Bonus features include two documentaries on the band and drum cam videos for four tracks. More including the tracklisting here.




Black Sabbath Legend Bill Ward Praises Anthrax Drummer
(TeamRock Radio) Bill Ward has hailed Anthrax's Charlie Benante as one of the most important drummers in the history of metal. The estranged Black Sabbath sticksman turned the spotlight on Benante on his Rock 50 radio show, praising him for his bass pedal technique and how he paces himself on stage.

"Those of you who have watched Charlie play, his bass drum work is phenomenal. He hits hard. He gets in the ring, he fights," Ward says. "I can appreciate when he talks about, 'Don't use up all your gas in the first song.' You've gotta take your time, you've gotta breath. He likes to pace himself.

"Anthrax - a great metal band with a great metal drummer. Versatile, original, passionate. Very important to metal. You can hear the passion, you can hear the strength. It's a quality, an attribute of a human being." Read more here.



The Skull Lose A Member
(TeamRock Radio) Drummer, Jeff "Oly" Olson has left The Skull for a second time. Olson formed the band in 2012 with fellow doom metal pioneers and Trouble mates vocalist Eric Wagner and bassist Ron Holzner; six months after their formation, Olson checked out while hoping for a Trouble reunion, only to return the lineup in summer 2013, which also featured Sacred Dawn's Lothar Keller on guitar.

More musical chairs followed, with one-time Pentagram guitarist Matt Goldsborough added last year as the group recorded and released their debut, For Those Which Are Asleep, in November.

Olson tweeted to fans: "I loved jamming with @TroubleTheSkull, but it's time to depart and wish the band all the best! Looking forward to my next chapter."

The split is an amicable one, according to The Skull. Read their comments here.




New Genesis Book To Feature Forewords By Phil Collins and Steve Hackett
(Classic Rock) Genesis biographer Alan Hewitt will publish the new book, "A Selection of Shows - Genesis (&Solo) Live Guide 1976-2014" on March 2nd via Wymer Publishing.

Hewitt oversees the Genesis fanzine, The Waiting Room, and has written several books on the group, including Opening The Musical Box - A Genesis Chronicle, Genesis Revisited and Sketches Of Hackett.

With forewords by Phil Collins and Steve Hackett, A Selection of Shows details decades of rare recordings that document Genesis in concert following Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975 - from the 1976 Trick Of The Tail Tour through to the 2007 reunion.

The guide also tracks the solo careers of Gabriel, Hackett, Collins, Mike Rutherford (& The Mechanics) and Ray Wilson. A Selection of Shows includes previously unpublished photos and rare memorabilia, including posters, advertisements, handbills and tickets. Read more here.



Saxon Taking On The Devil And Taxation On New Album
(Classic Rock) Saxon frontman Biff Byford says the band's upcoming 21st album will feature themes as diverse as the devil and taxation. The singer reveals the names of two tracks from the record, which they are recording with producer Andy Sneap.

One song, called The Devil's Footprint, recounts a tale form the 1600s while another track, Tax Till You Drop, looks at evil of another kind. Byford tells the Metal Hammer Magazine Show on TeamRock Radio: "We have lots of ideas and I've been in the studio with Andy Sneap a couple of times going through the song ideas and melodies and putting titles to the songs. So we have started the next album. We'll be doing that at Andy's place this time and letting him have more control over the album.

"I'm looking at stories. One of the songs is called The Devil's Footprint which is about the time they woke up - I don't know what year it was, probably 1600s - and there was hoof prints over all the houses. They followed it for miles in the snow. I've written a song about that.

"Another one is Tax Till You Drop. We can do that, Saxon, we can drop in between classic rock and heavy metal." Read more here.




King's X Ask Fans For Help With Reissues
(Classic Rock) King's X are calling on fans to help gather material for a series of upcoming reissues. The veteran rockers plan CD and vinyl reissues of their classic early albums Faith Hope Love, Gretchen Goes To Nebraska, Out Of The Silent Planet, King's X, Ear Candy and Dogman.

And to help with the packaging and layout of the new versions, the band are asking fans to get in touch if they have any photos, flyers, gig tickets or other merchandise from the 1988 to 1996 era of the group.

The band say: "King's X will be releasing a series of reissues in 2015 on CD and on vinyl. The band and Metal Blade Records are putting together packaging and track listings at this very moment, and the band would like to ask fans for a favour.

"King's X are looking for photos, show flyers, ticket stubs, etc. from the 1988-1996 era of the band." Read more here.





Riverside Reveal New Album Details
(Prog) Riverside have revealed the name of their sixth album - it's to be called Love, Fear And The Time Machine. The follow-up to 2013's Shrine Of New Generation Slaves is expected in August or September via InsideOut.

The Polish outfit have completed composing the material and they'll begin recording work in March. Frontman Mariusz Duda says: "Our sixth album, six words in the title, sixty minutes of music - and we won't be playing hard rock any more.

"There will be many more melodies dressed in completely different shades. We're evolving as a band; we want to keep recording different albums that are simply great to listen to. The new one will be like a deep breath of fresh air."

He says of the album concept: "Love, fear and the times that have shaped us have the biggest influence on our life choices. The lyrics will be about everything that pushes us to make the most important decisions." Read more here.




Lightning Bolt Announce New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Lightning Bolt have signed a deal with Thrill Jockey Records and announced a new album due out in March. The influential twosome - drummer Brian Chippendale and bassist Brian Gibson - will issue their sixth record Fantasy Empire on March 23. The follow-up to 2009's Earthly Delights is the band's first record in five years.

Lightning Bolt inspired a generation of bands with their improvisational style and their live shows, which see them play on the venue floor surrounded by the audience.

Fantasy Empire is the band's first release using hi-fi studio equipment and it will be available in 2LP, CD and in digital formats. On the new songs, Thrill Jockey Records say: "Fantasy Empire is ferocious, consuming, and is a more accurate translation of their live experience. It also shows Lightning Bolt embracing new ways to make their music even stranger.

"More than any previous album, this one sounds like Chippendale and Gibson are playing just a few feet away, using the clarity afforded by the studio to amplify the intensity they project." Read more here.





Enabler Begin Recording New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Ohio hardcore outfit Enabler have entered the studio to begin work on their third full-length release. Fail To Feel Safe will be the follow-up to last year's La Fin Absolue Du Monde and will launch in the summer via Century Media Records. It'll be produced by Greg Thomas who was behind the desk on their 2012 release All Hail The Void.

Guitarist Jeffrey Lohrber says: "The collection of songs on this record is the most dense and diverse that I've written for Enabler. At times it is the band at it's heaviest and most destructive moments and at times is the most melodic and heartfelt it's ever been.

"There is also a general love for punk and traditional rock and roll that comes out on this record that the band hasn't quite done before, with a lot of black metal style undertones hidden beneath it." Read more here.





The Movielife Announce First UK Tour In 17 Years
(TeamRock Radio) Influential US post-hardcore outfit The Movielife are on their way back to the UK for the first time in 17 years, they've announced. Frontman Vinnie Caruana and guitarist Brandon Reilly split in 2003 and returned in 2011 with bassist Phil Navetta, drummer Evan Baken and guitarist Daniel Navetta. Now they'll return to the the country for two dates this summer.

They'll play London's Electric Ballroom on June 18 and the Manchester Academy 2 on June 20. Caruana tells Rock Sound: "For the people who care in the UK this is a long time coming and we're taking it very seriously.

"We're going out there with a lot of songs and we made a very conscious decision to not do festivals right away and to make sure we rewarded people for their patience and make sure we play a long set in a club away from the light of day.

He continues: "I know there's going to be people in the north or in Scotland or Ireland that aren't going to be happy with that, but when we made the announcement we made it very clear that we're going to do what we can do when we can do it." Read more here.





Metal Festival Plans Disrupted by Protest
(TeamRock Radio) A South African metal festival featuring Cannibal Corpse and Hatebreed has had to switch venues - supposedly after complaints from a local Christian group.

Witchfest was due to take place on farmland in the North West Province town of Hartbeespoort from April 2-6. But it's been moved to Lanseria, midway between Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Organisers blame the Hartbeespoort "Christian community" for the late switch, but vow the event will go ahead and have promised to help fans who have already booked travel and accommodation for the original venue.

In a statement, organisers say: "You need to be ready to roll with the punches. Witchfest festival was dealt another blow (non lethal) this past week." Read more here.




Mark Knopfler Streaming New Song
(Classic Rock) Mark Knopfler will release his eighth solo album, Tracker, on March 16 via Universal Music - and he's streamed lead track Beryl as a preview. The former Dire Straits frontman also launches in May that includes 6 UK shows.

The guitar icon is joined on the 11-song work by keyboardist Guy Fletcher, fiddle player John McCusker, whistler and flautist Mike McGoldrick, bassist Glenn Worf and drummer Ian Thomas. Guests include Wailin' Jennys vocalist Ruth Moody, saxophonist Nigel Hitchcock and accordionist Phil Cunningham.

Knopfler says: "The album title arrived out of me trying to find my way over the decades. Out of me tracking time - looking at people, places and things from my past, and out of the process of tracking, as in recording tracks in the studio."

Co-produced by Knopfler and Fletcher, the follow-up to 2012's Privateering was recorded at British Grove Studios in London. It will be available on CD, double vinyl and deluxe CD with four bonus tracks. The four-disc box set version includes the album on CD and vinyl, bonus CD, short film directed by Henrik Hansen, interview, art print and six photographs.




Jettblack Preview Upcoming Album With New Video Release
(Classic Rock) Jettblack have published the first video from their new album. Explode comes from the forthcoming Disguises, the follow-up to 2013's Black Gold mini-album.

"Jettblack have always done things their own way," says singer/guitarist Will Stapleton. "There has never been a conscious effort to write in a certain style or pander to a certain trend or fashion. We've always had this attitude as we feel it is the only way to write something that will stand the test of time.

"This new album Disguises is a full on reflection of that. It's about never hiding behind something you aren't. It may feel a little more serious and mature, but I think sometimes people forget we've been on a musical journey for 17 years as musicians, so we're always evolving.




Tom Petty Tried To Help Stevie Nicks With Her Addiction
(Classic Rock) Stevie Nicks says while she and the rest of Fleetwood Mac took drugs in the 70s, her addiction was worse than any of her bandmates'. And her friend Tom Petty reveals her coke habit was so bad, he wouldn't have been surprised if he got a call telling him she had died.

Nicks tells Rolling Stone: "All of us were drug addicts. But there was a point where I was the worst drug addict. I was a girl, I was fragile and I was doing a lot of coke. I had that hole in my nose - so it was dangerous."

And Petty reveals he desperately tried to get her to stop as he was so worried about her health. He adds: "I did all I could to talk her into getting some help and getting right. I was very worried about her to the point that if the phone did ring and they said, 'Stevie died,' I wouldn't have been surprised."

Nicks also reveals she could have been tempted to leave Fleetwood Mac to join Petty as a member of the Heartbreakers if the frontman had asked. Read more here.




JJ Grey & Mofro Streaming New Song 'Every Minute'
(Classic Rock) Southern blues rock outfit JJ Grey & Mofro have premiered their track "Every Minute" with TeamRock. It's taken from Ol' Glory, their ninth album, set for release on February 23 via Provogue Records.

The 12-track follow-up to 2013's This River is based on the theme of "finding happiness where you are in your life." It's described as a continuation of "the deep, soulful blend of blues, rock, folk, funk, gospel, gritty R&B and personal, Southern-inspired narratives that have become synonymous with JJ Grey & Mofro."

The band play London's Islington Academy on March 18 as part of a European tour. Ol' Glory is available for pre-order now via Amazon and iTunes. Check out the new song here.




John Mitchell Releases Video For Lonely Robot Project
(Prog) John Mitchell has launched a teaser video for his solo project Lonely Robot, featuring a clip from opening track Airlock. It's taken from the album Please Come Home, released on February 23 via InsideOut, featuring bassist Nick Beggs and drummer Craig Blundell. Guest artists include Steve Hogarth, Jem Godfrey, Nik Kershaw, Heather Findlay, Kim Seviour and Peter Cox. The story is narrated by actor Lee Ingleby, of Master And Commander and Harry Potter fame.

It Bites, Arena and Frost* man Mitchell recently said: "I'd long thought about doing an album where I could have total control from start to finish with the music, lyrics, production, and choosing who I wanted to contribute - expanding from the idea of just a solo album.

"Please Come Home is very proggy, but it's more about atmosphere than technical expertise, inspired by my love of science fiction and interest in the evolution of the human race." Read more and check out the video here.




Cinderella Now A Nostalgia Act Says Guitarist
(Classic Rock) Cinderella guitarist Jeff LaBar says the band are essentially a nostalgia act because they tour without new music. Their last studio release was 1994's Still Climbing. Since then their output has consisted of live and compilation products.

They've performed only a handful of shows in the past few years as members work on outside projects, including LaBar's 2014 solo debut One For The Road and frontman Tom Kiefer's 2013 first title The Way Life Goes the previous year.

LaBar tells BigMusicGeek.com: "The last time we had a label behind us was back in 2000 - and those are the demos that turned into Tom's solo record. I don't think anybody is signing.

"We could make a record ourselves and present it to a label, but it's probably not going to happen. We could do all kinds of records on our own."

He continues: "I would love to record as Cinderella again. I imagine some labels would dig it and try to sign us, but I just don't know. That's a very tough question. I don't know how that would work."

He accepts the lack of new material relegates the band to the oldies circuit: "When we tour we are essentially a nostalgia act. In reality, it's older people that love the old records that come out. I've seen REO Speedwagon, Journey and all of them in concert and it's always older people that come out and want to hear the old hits. Unfortunately we're kind of in the same boat." He continues here.



Desert Storm Release 'Queen Reefer' Video
(TeamRock Radio) Ahead of Desert Storm's new album Omniscient (released 26th January), the Oxford psych-metallers have unveiled the new music video for the song "Queen Reefer."

Full of riffs, growls and a massive dollop of stoner rock - Queen Reefer is taken from the upcoming full-length Omniscient via Blindsight Records. Omniscient is out 26th January on Blindsight Records with a vinyl release to follow on Secret Law records.

Desert Storm are also lined up to play Desertfest this April with Red Fang, Sleep, Eyehategod and more.

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 Slash, Paul Stanley, David Lee Roth Lead Dave Grohl Birthday Bash The Foo Fighters surprised fans last w...

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.

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."

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&#...