New Photo of Eddie Van Halen

Monday, 15 August 2011

Valerie Bertinelli tweeted today, “You can still be friends after 30 years even if you’re divorced. Thank you Ed!”

SUPAGROUP BIOGRAPHY 1

Supagroup singer Chris Lee has just pissed himself from laughing too hard. His brother, lead guitarist and producer of their latest album, Hail! Hail!, is doubled over in laughter at his brother’s misfortune. They are editing their new video, Back In The Game, one of four, in a basement of a friend, who is not an editor. Nor has he ever made a video before. “We just finished shooting a TV pilot and three videos, with all the trimmings, HD cameras, lights, soundmen, all that. And this video we shot in one hour, with an old VHS camera, on a green screen and it’s by far my favorite.” The hard edged song’s video features Chris, Benji, and new members, Leon (drums) and Brian (bass) in obscure costumes, doing things such as juicing fruit, and playing a Theremin over stock footage of seagulls, babes at the beach and a moose. That DIY attitude and disregard for the status quo sums up the band, in particular the brothers, in a nutshell. Says Benji, “Fuck ‘em if they don’t get it. I don’t give a shit what people think about it. We’re doing it for us.”
As Supagroup prepares to release their newest record, Hail! Hail!, the band finds themselves focused on what’s important. “So many things in music these days are either out of your hands or a major bummer. Radio sucks, I guess that’s nothing new. Labels are going under. Hooray. Bands can’t afford to tour because people are staying home. Why leave your house when you can wank it at home on your computer? All these things can bring you down and make it easy to forget the reasons why you became a musician in the first place. We realized that we shouldn’t worry about all that stuff because there’s only one thing we need to worry about: us. Fuck everyone else. Our goal is very simple. Write great songs, record them well, and kick ass with them live” says singer Chris Lee. Adds his brother and lead guitarist Benji Lee, “We set out to make an album that will stand the test of time, in particular, my test of time. Will I like this record in a year? Three years?”
As for the album, Benji opines that “Hail! Hail! is our fourth ‘official’ release; we had a few independent albums before. So going into the writing phase we were thinking that this album should stack up with all of our favorites. They all have one thing in common: we still listen to them.” “And I think we pulled it off,” adds Chris, “We’re in our creative prime, still young enough to not be jaded (well, not too jaded), yet experienced enough to know what we’re doing, and really go for it, to try and do something special. Hail! Hail! reflects that. It rocks from beginning to end.”
After making their last two albums Fire For Hire (2007) and Rules (2005) with über-producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden), the Lee brothers wanted to go back to producing themselves. “Kevin’s the best, but with his reputation and schedule, we were always under the gun, both time and money-wise. We built our own studio (The now infamous House of Lee) so we could take our time” says Benji. “With me producing and time not being a factor, it let us try out things we never had before, acoustic songs, lots of backing vocals, mushrooms, even some strings.” Adds Chris, “It also let us record dozens of songs, some with multiple versions to choose from. And Kevin Shirley mixed it, so we had the best of both worlds.”
Album? In the age of iTunes, isn’t that an anachronism? “This is a complete record. Not a single. You’re not gonna get jiggy with it. We’re not trying to make you repeat things over and over in your head like a robot. You might do that, but it’s not our intention. We’ve lived quite a bit of life, and because of that, I think we have a lot more to say”, says Chris. That journey proved to be too much for the long time rhythm section of drummer Michael Brueggen and bass player Leif Swift, who graciously recorded the album after tendering their resignations. “That was lame, of course, but we understood their decision. After ten years on the road together, they wanted to do grown up stuff, like start a business, a family and we really do wish them the best” says Benji. “They’ll always be our brothers, and we’re really grateful they recorded Hail! Hail! That being said, the additions of Leon (Touzet, of Dash Rip Rock, Buckshot) on drums, and Brian (“Bruiser” Broussard also of Dash Rip Rock) on bass really gave the band a boost of energy. Their excitement is infectious and has made us really appreciate playing live again” adds Chris. “Plus, those boys can drink!”
As for the pants covered in piss? “Did you really piss yourself” asks Benji. “A little” replies Chris. “You see? That’s a testament to what a good idea and follow through can achieve.” Says Benji, “Don’t wash those pants man. Those pants mean everything.”
Supagroup – Hail! Hail!
1. Hail! Hail! (4:06)
2. Sexy Summertime (3:24)
3. Back In The Game (3:30)
4. That’s Enough Boys (3:00)
5. Where’d You Put The Whisky? (3:32)
6. Down He Goes (4:29)
7. Along The Yangtze (3:33)
8. Dear Hong Kong (4:10)
9. The Bold (4:57)
10. Lion In The Age Of The Cage (3:27)
11. Crazy Too (4:12)
12. Never Bring A Knife To A Gunfight (6:14)
13. The Sun Will Still Shine (2:40)
Produced by Benji Lee
Mixed by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley
Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound
All songs written by Lee/Lee for Brothers Lee #1 Publishing Co., Inc. (BMI), 2010.
Featuring Danko Jones on “That’s Enough Boys”, and Marcy Von Hesseling on “The Bold”.
Art by Blake Boyd, Design by Sean Yseult.
VIDEO RELEASE DATES – To see the bands new videos and their new TV show, Amped, please email your press contact.
DATES::::
SUPAGROUP DISCOGRAPHY
Hail! Hail! (2011), Producer: Benji Lee, Foodchain/Brothers Lee #1 Publishing.
Fire For Hire (2007), Producer: Kevin Shirley, Foodchain Records.
Rules (2005), Producer: Kevin Shirley, Foodchain Records.
Supagroup (2003), Producer: Trina Shoemaker/Benji Lee, Foodchain Records.
Rock and Roll Tried To Ruin My Life, (2001), Producer: Jack Endino, PPR.
We Came To Rock You (1998), Producer: Benji Lee, PPR.
Planet Rock (1996), Producer: Benji Lee, Prison Planet Records (PPR).

SUPAGROUP BIOGRAPHY 2
Hail! Hail! by Supagroup – Biography 2011
The perfect rock record. It rocks you. Rolls you. Takes you on a journey. Makes you think. Makes you feel. Makes you want to hear it again and again. It understands you, tells you things you didn’t know about yourself – it gets you. Kurt Cobain famously said that the perfect rock record had only been achieved three times in history: Jimmy Hendrix’s Are You Experienced?, AC/DC’s Back In Black, and Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite For Destruction.
Add Supagroup’s Hail! Hail! to this list.
Supagroup has been a flag bearer for real rock and roll for over a decade. And with this latest effort, they’ve staked their claim on bold new territory. Hail! Hail! is Supagroup’s bid to be considered amongst their heroes as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Hail! Hail! is a dense collection of thirteen humongous hits. Every song is bursting at the seams with deep hook after huge vocal after blazing guitar after gigantic chorus after insightful lyric. There’s so much going on, it takes multiple listens just to figure out why you’re smiling and rocking out so hard. Then you start to notice how one song leads to the next to the next to the next until the albums done and you just want it to start all over.
The hottest band from the South – New Orleans, to come from the North – Anchorage, Alaska, features the brother tandem of Chris and Benji Lee, lead singer and guitar slinger, respectively, for Supagroup. Rounding out the fearsome foursome are Leon Touzet on drums and Brian Broussard on bass. Hail! Hail! marks the band’s sixth studio record. It opens with the title track, a straight up rocker in the vein of Bon Scott-era AC/DC, followed by their first single, the southern fried good time party song “Sexy Summertime”. “Back In The Game” stomps out an anthem built for exhorting the Roman gladiators of old and “That’s Enough Boys” (featuring guest vocalist Danko Jones) follows with the fury of a Terminator leading a prison break. “Where’d You Put The Whiskey?” tells the tale of the perils of excess with a groove that would make Billy Gibbons shed a tear while “Down He Goes” finishes the side with a bittersweet, hard rocking tale about never giving up. The acoustic instrumental “Along The Yangtze” evokes Led Zeppelin III, and serves as the mid meal palate cleanser to flip the record.
Whew! Seven out of seven huge hit songs in a row. And that’s just the first half!
The second half opens with “Dear Hong Kong”, which would fit nicely with Cheap Trick’s first four records, while it’s follow up “The Bold” sounds like all of Physical Grafitti’s side three crammed into one song. “Lion In The Age Of The Cage” tells a tale of the little guy going crazy fighting the Man to no avail, while “Crazy Too” is a perfect summary of that one crazy, doomed, messed up relationship we’ve all had once, if we’re lucky. “Never Bring A Knife To A Gunfight” perfectly evokes the scariness of the dark alley in the middle of the night that was New Orleans post Katrina, while album closer “And The Sun Will Still Shine” stokes the fire of hope you need to fight off those nighttime demons.
Supagroup has been there. They’ve rocked asses all over the world with their blistering live show, had multiple hit singles, they’re press darlings, critically acclaimed and hailed as songwriting geniuses, they’re also Hollywood’s secret weapon when a track is needed to put a scene over the top.
They’ve also done that. On top of being the most exciting live act in any festival they’ve played, they’re the funniest interview, and the most down to earth guys. They’re New Orleanians who you want to have a beer or seven with, because you know they know how to have the best possible time wherever they are. A real band, where you know every one of the member’s names, and not just the singer. This is top down, wind blowing through your hair, driving through the canyons of Mars music. In a world that seems to have forgotten, or wants to forget, the millions of fans who just want to pump their fists, bang their heads, and have a good time, Supagroup has come to their rescue. It’s time to Hail! Hail!, to the new kings, for Supagroup is Rock and Roll.
Supagroup – Hail! Hail!
1. Hail! Hail! (4:06)
2. Sexy Summertime (3:24)
3. Back In The Game (3:30)
4. That’s Enough Boys (3:00)
5. Where’d You Put The Whisky? (3:32)
6. Down He Goes (4:29)
7. Along The Yangtze (3:33)
8. Dear Hong Kong (4:10)
9. The Bold (4:57)
10. Lion In The Age Of The Cage (3:27)
11. Crazy Too (4:12)
12. Never Bring A Knife To A Gunfight (6:14)
13. The Sun Will Still Shine (2:40)
Produced by Benji Lee
Mixed by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley
Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound
All songs written by Lee/Lee for Brothers Lee #1 Publishing Co., Inc. (BMI), 2010.
Featuring Danko Jones on “That’s Enough Boys”, and Marcy Von Hesseling on “The Bold”.
Art by Blake Boyd, Design by Sean Yseult.
SUPAGROUP DISCOGRAPHY
Hail! Hail! (2011), Producer: Benji Lee, Foodchain/Brothers Lee #1 Publishing.
Fire For Hire (2007), Producer: Kevin Shirley, Foodchain Records.
Rules (2005), Producer: Kevin Shirley, Foodchain Records.
Supagroup (2003), Producer: Trina Shoemaker/Benji Lee, Foodchain Records.
Rock and Roll Tried To Ruin My Life, (2001), Producer: Jack Endino, PPR.
We Came To Rock You (1998), Producer: Benji Lee, PPR.
Planet Rock (1996), Producer: Benji Lee, Prison Planet Records (PPR).

'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes,' 'The Help' Put Up Big Weekends

8/15/2011 11:15 AM ET

(RTTNews) - For the second straight weekend, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" was the number one movie at the box office, posting a very strong $27.5 million and pushing its 10-day total past $100 million domestically. Despite a fairly limited release, historical drama "The Help" hit with its target demographic, helping it haul in a solid $25.5 million and propelling it to a nice four-day total of $35 million. "Final Destination 5" also got off to a decent start, while both "30 Minutes or Less" and "Glee: The 3D Concert Movie" struggled to reach mainstream audiences this weekend.

Backed by substantial critical support and good audience marks, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" continues to be a nice success for Fox as it hits with audiences across the globe. With one of the cheapest production budgets for a franchise action movie this summer ($93 million), "Apes" is already up to $104 million domestically and has racked up $179 million worldwide. Though it will likely fall from the top spot next weekend, it should be able to continue to post decent numbers well into the fall in foreign markets, which should be enough to send director Rupert Wyatt into pre-production for a sequel in the near future.
Aimed at a completely different audience was drama "The Help," which stars Emma Stone and Viola Davis. An inspirational story about the racial divide in the deep south during the early 1960s, "The Help" opened last Wednesday and immediately started posting strong numbers, enough to propel it to a surprising $25 million opening weekend. "The Help" even had a limited release of just 2,534, less than both "Final Destination 5" and "30 Minutes or Less."
Boasting high scores on Metacritic and IMDB.com, "The Help" seems to have a nice combination of critical and audience support, which should lead to a very solid overall box office run. Though its production budget isn't yet available, "The Help" is clearly one of the least expensive movies of the year to earn at least $20 million in its opening weekend. Without any adult-geared dramas hitting theaters until "The Debt" opens in a few weekends, look for "The Help" to stick around the box office for a while.
Meanwhile, "Final Destination 5" put up a steady but ho-hum $18.40 million this weekend for distributor Warner Brothers/New Line. As expected, audience support is starting to wane, as "Final Destination 5" dropped substantially from the $27 million opening of 2009's "The Final Destination." But even though "Final Destination 5" dipped from the last installment, an $18 million opening for an inexpensive production with no big names in its cast is still fairly strong, leaving the door open for yet another "Final Destination" in the future.
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Heart to Release New Album, Memoirs in 2012

Michael Wright

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08.15.2011

35 years ago, Heart kicked in the gates of the predominantly male playground of rock with their debut album, Dreamboat Annie. The album introduced a winning formula of Zeppelinesque guitars with Ann Wilson’s banshee vocals. Wilson and her sister Nancy recorded some of the biggest hits of the rock era with “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man” and “Barracuda,” among many others. Not content to rest on their laurels, the Wilson sisters have multiple projects in the works for the coming year.
First up, the group is prepping a new album with producer Ben Mink, who co-produced the band’s 2010 album, Red Velvet Car. Nancy Wilson told Billboard fans can expect some heavy guitars this time around.
“We've got most of it written already," Wilson disclosed. "We're writing again and working on songs with producer Ben Mink. This time we're gonna go a little more heavy rock, a little more electric guitar. And so far so good; I think there's some really amazing songs already… We're still kind of polishing and buffing the rough demos so far, but we're getting excited."
The Wilsons are also working with rock journalist Charles Cross (Heavier Than Heaven, Led Zeppelin: Shadows Taller Than Our Souls) on a memoir.
"We're telling the whole story," the guitarist said. "I think it's important to be kind of brutally honest without making anyone else feel bad in any way, if possible. There's a lot of stuff you remember that's like, 'Wow, why did I do this with that person?' or 'What was I thinking?!' or 'How controlling was so and so?' It's definitely not a sensational, telltale book, because that's never who we are. There's going to be some wild parties and some failed relationships, but not too much more dark stuff really."

Heart are currently on tour with Def Leppard.

Go-Go’s got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

the Go-Go’s got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Written by Alyson Camus
Monday, 15 August 2011 00:10
No Comments

At last, the Go-Go’s got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Thursday, and I wonder what took so long! Weren’t they famous in the 80s?
Their debut and now classic album, ‘Beauty and the Beat’, is from 1981, and it is crazy to think they had to wait 3 decades to see this consecration, but I tend to believe that a star on the Hollywood boulevard goes hand to hand with your wax statue in the museum next door, it’s tacky and a little kitschy, but it’s part of Hollywood. However, their star was placed in front of the former site of legendary punk club, The Masque, where they played their first show, so that makes things a little bit better.
Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Gina Schock, now in their 50s, celebrated the day, posing for the photographers in front of a large crowd,… they made history these girls!

Priest deny management row

Halford’s admin accuses other businessmen of being “leaches” then withdraws claims – but band say there’s never been an issue

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No control: Rob Halford

Judas Priest have distanced themselves from public comments made by frontman Rob Halford’s manager in which he called other businessmen associated with the band “leaches”.
The disagreement fuelled speculation that the gods of metal were suffering from internal business disagreements which contributed to the surprise departure of guitarist KK Downing, who mentioned “management elements” in his resignation statement.
But the band say even Halford doesn’t agree with what was said, and they’ll deal with the situation behind closed doors.
John Baxter, who’s worked with the singer’s Metal God Entertainment firm for years, recently posted a message on RobHalford.com saying: “We will begin removing Judas Priest related topics from its websites in protest at Glenn Tipton (decision maker), Jayne Andrews (amateur thug for Glenn, can’t trust, leach), Bill Curbishley (apathetic leach) and John McBrice (unlicensed, unregistered accountant, leach) for lack of professional and ethical conduct as it relates to Rob’s business matters for much of the last six years.
“Rob will publicly deny the above, so we will take a seat next to KK Downing and watch how the Glenn and Jayne show plays out.”
Later he deleted the message and said: “I withdrew my comments for I chose not to sit on the sideline. I have resolved all matters and I will share general details once the lawyers clean up.”
He added: “Rob Halford’s participation in Judas Priest’s farewell tour was never an issue.”
Now the band have added their own statement, denying shy such problems existed.
They say: “There has recently been some nonsense and propaganda on Rob’s site regarding the band and management. Rob currently is not controlling his site and absolutely does not agree with the comments.
“We refuse to get drawn into any public arguments. It is below us, and will be dealt with legally.
“The band have always jointly made any major decisions and have been with the same management team for over 25 years. Everyone knows and respects them in the music business and we have ultimate faith and trust in the way they have guided us.”
Priest are continuing their Epitaph world tour, which they’ve said will be their last, then they’ll continue work on an album with Downing’s replacement Richie Faulkner.

Radiohead to Play SNL Season Premiere

Bryan Wawzenek

|

08.15.2011

Alt-rock titans Radiohead will be the musical guests on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live this fall. The late night institution will begin its 37^th season with frequent host Alec Baldwin on September 24, according to USA Today.
It will be the second time Thom Yorke and pals will perform on SNL; the first was in 2000 when the band was promoting Kid A. This time, it’s assumed that Radiohead will play songs from The King of Limbs, released earlier this year.
The second SNL episode this season will feature country stars Lady Antebellum, with host Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly).

Boston: We’re not splitting

Band clarifies position after Stryper’s Sweet returns to his own outfit – Tom Scholz reveals new album is 85% complete

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Focus: Michael Sweet

Boston have moved to quell rumours they’ve split up after Michael Sweet announced he was leaving the band to focus on Stryper.
And Tom Scholz has revealed he’s nearly finished work on the long-awaited follow-up album to 2002′s Corporate America.
Sweet had played guitar and shared lead vocals since Boston gathered for a tour in 2008, with chief writer, guitarist and producer Scholz the only remaining member of the original lineup.
Last week he announced he was returned full-time to Stryper, saying: “My loyalty lies with the band I’ve committed almost thirty years of my life to. The music of Boston helped shape who I am as an artist, and the opportunity to be part of their legacy is overwhelming.”
But that led to rumours the band had split, leading Boston to announce: “We truly involved having Michael sing and play on stage. We have always understood his commitment to Stryper and with them the best of luck.
“However, Michael has not been involved in the recording of our next studio album, which is now 85% complete. Lead vocals include Brad Delp singing on many songs along with several excellent performances from our other three lead vocalists.
“The album reflects an intentional effort by Tom to capture the recognisable sound and energy of his original releases, combined with the musical sophistication expected within the framework of the well-known Boston sound.”
Sweet adds: “I feel the need to clarify that my statement did not imply that Boston is no more. They will continue on.
“Fans should be encouraged and excited about their future. As a fan myself, I’ll be the first in line when they tour and the first to purchase the next Boston record.”
Former frontman Delp committed suicide in 2007. In 2009 Scholz admitted studio work was “painfully slow” but vowed to complete the project to his usual standards.

UNAUTHORZIED '80S WITH DAVID S. GRANT PRESENTS: DAVID LEE ROTH

Six chart topping albums as one of the biggest bands in the world (Van Halen), a messy break-up, and a rumored reunion? This is a different story. Today, a look at the paramedic, talk-radio host, and one of the biggest personalities from eighties rock and roll. This is the story of David Lee Roth, the solo artist years.

The founder of the 'It's not whether you win or lose, it's how good you look' club, solo Diamond Dave begins before his years with Van Halen officially ended, when he released 'Crazy From The Heat'. Most notably the EP contained two covers, "California Girls" and "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody", and both would generate moderate success due to Roth's humorous videos that included Dave in a fat suit, extremely beautiful women, and either monkeys or little people -- or in some cases both.

After the famous split with Van Halen Dave teamed up with guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, keyboardist Jesse Harms, and drummer Gregg Bissonette for what would be his first initial solo record, 'Eat'em And Smile'. No one needed a hit more than Diamond Dave, and he didn't disappoint. The lead single "Yankee Rose" was a rocker accompanied by a video with the famous line: "I'll take a glazed doughnut and a bottle of anything -- to go." The videos for "Yankee Rose" and "Goin' Crazy" may be the definitive height of the spandex era thanks to Roth's numerous costume changes, most incorporating spandex with thongs worn on the outside. 'Eat'em And Smile' was a well balanced album with rockers like "Shy Boy" as well as the 'slow it down and show Dave's seductive side' with "Ladies Nite in Buffalo?". There's even a cover of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life", displaying Roth's show biz nature, a side only he has been able to portray without coming off too corny, or cheesy, or both. To top it all off Roth appeared on the very first episode of The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers in October of 1986.

It was 1988 when David Lee Roth would release his second full length album titled 'Skyscraper'. Apparently between albums Dave had done a lot of rock climbing and this became either the inspiration for the album, or just an outlet for Roth to showcase his feat. The album (Brett Tuggle joined on keyboards) was more 'pop' than his first, including the hit "Just Like Paradise", a drive-with-the-top-down radio-friendly ditty with a video showing Dave inside a boxing ring as well as flying through the crowd on top of a surfboard. It was already somewhat clear, but for me, this is the album that solidified the circus act Roth's performances had become. For many, the act characterized as a circus would symbolize a downfall, but for David Lee Roth this was a positive. However Billy Sheehan split and was replaced by Matt Bissonette on bass during the 'Skyscraper' tour while Steve Vai left for Whitesnake shortly after.

It was 1991, the height of glam/hard rock, when David Lee Roth released his third full album 'A Little Ain't Enough'. This album featured Todd Jenson on bass with Peter Lewis, Steve Hunter, Joe Holmes, and Jason Becker all contributing guitar on the album and/or supporting tour. This album was far heavier than the previous effort and may be, from the first to last track, Roth's most magnificent. Starting off with the rocking title track through a made-for-David Lee Roth closer titled "Showtime", the album delivers heavy guitars with great sounding vocals accompanied by gritty lyrics of sex, power, and more sex.

'A Little Ain't Enough' didn't generate the sales of his first two albums due to the lack of major ballad ("Sensible Shoes" just didn't get the ladies wet) and it's straight-up rock sound, but it did put Roth in that rare group of bands able to put out three consecutive great albums in the glam/hard rock genre. Looking back, 'Eat'em And Smile', 'Skyscraper', and 'A Little Ain't Enough' hold their own against any three consecutive albums put out by Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue and Ratt, and separates from some of the others who were not as consistent with their releases during the late eighties/early nineties.

In 1994, with Ron Wikso on drums, James Hunting on bass, and Terry Kilgore and Rocket Ritchotte on guitar, Roth released 'Your Filthy Little Mouth', an album that failed to garner critical and commercial success because in 1994 flannel didn't match with spandex and thongs -- a duet with country star Travis Tritt likely didn't help either. An album titled 'DLR Band' was released in 1998, and featured Mike Hartman, John Lowery, and Steve Hunter playing guitar at various times, B'urbon Bob (aka Bob Marlette) on bass, Ray Luzier on drums, and Patrick Howard on keyboards. This is one of those albums that on paper works with song titles like "Slam Dunk", "Lose The Dress (Keep The Shoes)", "King Of The Hill", "Right Tool For the Job", and "Weekend With The Babysitter", but apparently Roth wasn't that confident as he refused to tour to support the album. In 2003 Roth released 'Diamond Dave', a collection of covers that is best not to discuss.

Between albums David Lee Roth took time out for medical training in order to become a paramedic, was a Vegas lounge singer, wrote an autobiography titled 'Crazy From The Heat', was elected (as part of Van Halen) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (he did not show), played with the Boston Pops, hosted a radio show, released some of his paintings and other artwork, and appeared in an episode of The Sopranos where he played in a card game with Tony.

Since the 2007 Van Halen reunion tour there have been rumors of new music coming from the band, the latest gossip has late 2011 as a potential release date. Other projects include Roth's on-going paintings he has released to the public, a rumored follow-up book titled something along the lines of 'The Tao Of David Lee Roth', and we can only hope more random appearances by one of the greatest rock stars of all time.

David Lee Roth is undeniably an original. They broke the mold, and the others that have tried to copy him have been unsuccessful. A true inspiration to many of the eighties top rock stars -- there would be no Vince Neil, no Bret Michaels without David Lee Roth -- he is the definition of an artist and an entertainer. Sometimes it is unclear which comes first for Diamond Dave, the artist or entertainer -- and that's what makes him fun.

About the Author:
David S. Grant is the author of several books including Rock Stars (Oak Tree Press), Corporate Porn (Silverthought Press), The Last Breakfast (Brown Paper Publishing), and Happy Hour (SynergEbooks). David lives and works in New York City. For more information go to www.rockstarbooks.net follow David on Twitter: @david_s_grant.

Def Leppard's Phil Collen Approves Of Tom Cruise In Rock Of Ages

8/13/2011 5:49 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Phil Collen has voiced his resounding approval of Tom Cruise's performance in Rock of Ages.

The Def Leppard guitarist opened up about his opinion of Cruise's performance in the 1980s rock film—which features the music of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Styx, Scorpions and Pat Benatar—and told VH1 Classic Rock Nights:
"I was so impressed because he hadn't sung before and he had vocal lessons. He was literally doing five hours a day, five days a week, like truly real, getting in there and doing it."
He added: "And we saw him and he was amazing; it was like Iggy Pop meets someone else and he's in great shape and it was like, 'What!?' It was surreal, but he really pulls it off and it was like he's a total rock star."
Cruise stars alongside Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Russell Brand in the adaptation of the Broadway hit show, which is slated for theatrical release in June 2012.

Ozzy Osbourne Documentary To Be Released Late This Summer

 

 

8/14/2011 4:39 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Ozzy Osbourne will star in a documentary with himself as the subject when God Bless Ozzy Osbourne hits theatres on August 24.

The doc, directed by Ozzy's son, Jack Osbourne, will chart his life story seen through the eyes of his son. The doc will also explore his music, addictions, first marriage, marriage to Sharon and rehab.
Music footage will include live performances, rare behind the scenes footage and other various candid moments.
In a statement, Jack said that the goal of the doc is to give viewers a frank portrait of his famous father's life and times:
"This is the most honest portrait of my father. I set out to tell the truth - regardless of how raw it might be - and I think we accomplished just that."

Lane ‘killed by only friend’

August 14, 2011

Sebastian Bach believes alcohol cause ex-Warrant singer Jani’s death as police reveal vodka and pills were found with his body

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No drugs: Lane only had drink problem, says sister

Ex-Warrant singer Jani Lane’s body was found beside a bottle of vodka and prescription medication, California police have said – leading Sebastian Bach to reflect: “His only real friend killed him in the end.”
An autopsy on the 47-year-old was inconclusive following his death on Thursday in a Comfort Inn motel. Former bandmates and other musicians have paid tribute to Lane while his manager, Obi Steinman, says: “I lost a very dear friend. His family, including his young children, asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Bach, ex of Skid Row, says Lane’s tragic end is “all too typical of what a rock musician’s life actually is.”
He comments: “It’s a life marked by extremes. Extreme attention from people you don’t know while the work and travel take you away from those you do know.
“Playing to thousands of people then going back to your hotel room and shutting the door. When the door shuts the quiet is the exact opposite of the volume of the concert. The solitude of the room becomes the parallel of the adulation of strangers.
“For some, the bottle of vodka or whatever becomes a friend that’s always there for you while others come and go. I’ve felt those emotions myself.”
Bach says it’s another reminder to share fond words with people you care about – while you still can. “I guarantee Jani would not have anticipated everyone coming out of the woodwork extolling his life and times,” the singer continues. “Which is why he probably died alone in a hotel room with his only real friend.”
His cause of death cannot be confirmed until toxicology reports are completed, which may take up to eight weeks. In the meantime investigators suspect accidental overdose or possibly natural causes.
The family of Lane, real name John Kennedy Oswald, have gathered today for a private memorial service. His sister Vicky Oswald-Ley says: “Alcoholism is something he fought every day – and it just won.
“There were no drugs; that was one thing he could not tolerate. But he’d get clean and sober then fall off the wagon.
“He was talented and witty and bright – but he shut his siblings out, and I know that’s because he was ashamed of his drinking. There wasn’t a day when one of us didn’t try to contact him.”
But she hasn’t yet heard from Lane’s wife. “We have so many questions and don’t know where to turn for answers,” she says. “Why was he in a hotel? Why was he away from his wife? Why was there isolation?”

Def Leppard's Phil Collen Approves Of Tom Cruise In Rock Of Ages

8/13/2011 5:49 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Phil Collen has voiced his resounding approval of Tom Cruise's performance in Rock of Ages.

The Def Leppard guitarist opened up about his opinion of Cruise's performance in the 1980s rock film—which features the music of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Styx, Scorpions and Pat Benatar—and told VH1 Classic Rock Nights:
"I was so impressed because he hadn't sung before and he had vocal lessons. He was literally doing five hours a day, five days a week, like truly real, getting in there and doing it."
He added: "And we saw him and he was amazing; it was like Iggy Pop meets someone else and he's in great shape and it was like, 'What!?' It was surreal, but he really pulls it off and it was like he's a total rock star."
Cruise stars alongside Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Russell Brand in the adaptation of the Broadway hit show, which is slated for theatrical release in June 2012.

3 Doors Down Top Billboard's Rock And Alternative Charts

(RTTNews) - 3 Doors Down have topped the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart this week with their latest LP, Time of My Life.

The album held down the top spot for the third consecutive week, beating out stiff competition from Theory of a Deadman, whose album The Truth Is . . . came in second. Incubus and Foo Fighters filled out the top four with If Not Now When and Wasting Light, respectively.
3 Doors Down's fifth studio album also made the Billboard 200 at number 27, the Rock albums chart at number 5 and the Alternative albums chart at number 3.
The record hit stores on July 18 after several delays, which the band's guitarist Chris Henderson chalked up to the competition of fellow rockers, Foo Fighters.

Four Dead in Stage Collapse at Sugarland State Fair Concert

Sugarland

Four people were killed and at least 40 were injured as an outdoor stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair minutes before Sugarland was to perform, Reuters reports.
A YouTube video of the incident showed that the stage rigging was blown down by a heavy gust of wind Saturday. Witnesses said the weather was windy and that it had started to rain, according to the news agency.
Catch up on today's latest news
Spectators tried to hold up parts of the collapsed stage to help anyone who might be trapped, according to eyewitnesses.
"We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis," Sugarland tweeted late Saturday night. "We hope you'll join us. They need your strength."
Underneath the main stage were dressing rooms and other facilities. The venue seats more than 15,000 people.

Jani Lane Banned from L.A. Hotel Weeks Before Death

Jani Lane had been frequenting L.A. area hotels in the weeks before he died -- and trashed one of his rooms so badly, that he was BANNED from the hotel ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us Lane had been kicked out of the Hilton Woodland Hills sometime in the last month -- after hotel employees noticed that he had torn his room apart.

We're told Jani was "not rude" about the situation -- and understood why he had to leave.

Lane, we're told, had recently earned a reputation in the area for trashing his hotel rooms -- one source tells us he had been kicked out of multiple places within the last few weeks of his life.

As TMZ first reported, Lane died at a Comfort Inn hotel in L.A. on Thursday evening. Investigators have not released an official cause of death ... but report that a half-bottle of vodka and prescription drugs were found in the room.

Jani Lane Vodka, Pills at Death Scene

Investigators found a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription medication in the hotel room where Jani Lane died yesterday ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us paramedics were called to the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, CA yesterday around 5:15 PM. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled for later today.

We're told Lane's death is being treated as an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes.

Style Icon: David Lee Roth

Friday, 12 August 2011

Here’s something different–a Van Halen article written by a female. Liz Barker says, “‘Van Halen with David’ is the most magical and powerful and soul-changing sour-heart antidote I’ve ever known in all my awesome life.”
From NoGoodForMe.com:

(L: David Lee Roth, the year I was born. R: The David Lee Roth photo I identify with most.)
Do you want to know why I’m writing this? Why I started posting photos of David Lee Roth every Wednesday on nogoodforme.com, why I bought five Van Halen albums in one Saturday sometime last month, why I’m wearing a Van Halen shirt right now and why I was wearing another Van Halen shirt yesterday? Why I own two Van Halen shirts and listen to Van Halen, like, all the goddamn time nowadays? Do you wanna know?
It’s because of a dude, this dude I dated. He loved Van Halen. “Van Halen with David,” he qualified, on our second date. Who the hell calls David Lee Roth “David”? You call him “Dave,” or “Diamond Dave,” or you call him by his full name. But not this dude, apparently. I thought he was a good dude but turns out he’s kind of a sleazebag, with a real sour heart. I felt so duped! So I moped for five days, or maybe just five hours. “Motherfucker, you will not take ‘Jump’ away from me” is something I wrote in my notebook, cuz I’m so stupid-dramatical sometimes. And also because I mean it: I’ve loved “Jump” since I was six-years-old, and I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if I’m gonna let some sourhearted sleazebag ruin it for me.
So with no real recourse for revenge, I decided all there was to do was steal the dude’s favorite band, love them harder and hotter than he ever could. Evil, right? Almost as rotten as blowing up his hot car, but without the mess and the threat of jail time. I bought all the records, excepting the one I already owned, told myself I’d listen till I loved them all to death.
And then I loved them right away. Which not only cured me of sourhearted-sleazebag disease but also made me better at life than ever before – God, I’m so good at therapy! I should totally think about a career in positive psychology. Or maybe game-show hosting?

LIZ’S ALL-TIME TOP 10 VAN HALEN SONGS (AS PER REQUEST OF OUR FRIEND ROB)
10. “And The Cradle Will Rock…”
9. “Secrets”
8. “Hot For Teacher”
7. “Everybody Wants Some!!”
6. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”
5. “Little Guitars”
4. “Unchained”
3. “I’m the One”
2. “Panama”
1. “Jump”
And the kiss noise at the end of “Beautiful Girls.” I’m into hits.
Sometimes in bars I like to ask boys, “Hey, do you like Van Halen? Do you love Van Halen? What’s your favorite Van Halen song?” Last month I asked my friend Ian that, and he told me: “I always loved ‘Jump,’ mostly because of the jumping in the video.”
I like the jumping in the video too. But what I love most about “Jump” is when Dave sings “Can’t you see me standing here, I got my back against the record machine…” That’s the most I ever relate to David Lee Roth, apart from that photo of him up there, the one where he’s hiding behind his big ol’ mess of fake-blonde hair.
CHEESEBURGERS AND TEA
I wanted to write this entry while eating a cheeseburger. There’s this story in Crazy from the Heat about how when Dave was recording the vocals for “Jamie’s Cryin’” he made sure not to smoke any cigarettes and to eat a good breakfast the morning before. But when he sang it sounded all wrong, so the producer told Dave to go smoke a joint and eat a cheeseburger – which he did! And then he “knocked out ‘Jamie’s Cryin” in forty minutes.” And now “Jamie’s Cryin’” is my 14th or 15th favorite Van Halen song.
But: I’m not eating a cheeseburger. I’m drinking tea, Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Gypsy Rose, with soymilk and raw honey. I’m drinking rose petal tea and listening to “I’m the One” by Van Halen, and maybe that’s all you ever need to know about me.
My rose petal tea smells so good; it smells like rose petals and tea. Van Halen doesn’t smell anything like that; they smell like cheap cologne and spilled gasoline and skunked beer and cheeseburger grease. But they’re a prettier color than my tea; they’re hot-pink fireworks or the color my bathroom sink’s stained right now cuz I’m using Lush’s It’s a Date bubble bar for hand soap.
VAN HALEN IS GIRL-COLORED AND DON’T YOU EVER FORGET.
I WISH THEY ALL COULD BE CALIFORNIA BOYS

I wish I had David Lee Roth’s metabolism. I’d be so be eating that cheeseburger right now, if I had David Lee Roth’s metabolism.
Other Diamond Dave properties I deeply covet:
He’s got joie de vivre. “Razzle dazzle.” He loves hot babes, hot cars, hot guitars; he’s hot hot hot! Dave loves ice cream, and ice cream cones. Dave drinks Jack right from the bottle, then goes rollerskating down the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Dave tested all Van Halen’s songs for danceability, by dancing to them. He’s wild, man, but he’s not outta control; he’s a got a real good brain – you know the truth about the brown M&Ms, right? It’s not because Dave’s crazy!
(Actually, we’ve got a lot in common, Dave and I, now that I’ve reviewed that paragraph. I also suspect we have a very similar hair texture.)
Nowadays I get my kicks seeking out boys with a little Diamond Dave in them, like this weirdo mohawked man I met at the milk-and-sugar embankment of the laundromat Starbucks a few weeks back. “What is it about humans that we just love being AWAKE?????!!!!!!!” he asked, wide-eyed, totally serious, craziest smile. “I don’t know, man!!!!!!!!!!” I said, trying to match his exuberance. He was wearing sweatpants and a sleeveless vest. Maybe it was this vest. There was a little boy with him; he must have been about five. “Do you eat FIVE CUPS OF COFFEE A DAY??????!!!!!!!!” the little boy asked my Dave Surrogate. The boy was a big weirdo too. The two of them, bonkers! I loved them so much.
In general I’m really into people who make me want to match their exuberance. The thing about me is I’m so exuberant in my own mind, but I dampen it down for most of the planet, with the exception of:
-all my buddies under the age of eight
-dudes I’m in love with and that’s just ’cause I can’t help myself
-some of my friends, some of the time
-Dave Surrogates!
I wish that last category were a more populous group. I wish Los Angeles/the Earth were just crawling with dudes who make me want to speak every sentence with ten thousand exclamation points, dance all the damn time, see everything like there’s pink fireworks going off in my eyes.
I mean, it would probably ruin the world if every dude were just like David Lee Roth. But in the funnest way possible.
CONTINUE READING at NoGoodForMe.com.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Proud Of Upcoming Album TH1RT3EN

8/11/2011 3:19 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Dave Mustaine has revealed that he is more proud of Megadeth's upcoming album, TH1RT3EN, than of any other Megadeth release.

The Megadeth frontman said of the album, which is the band's thirteenth studio release: "This record is the culmination of my work over the 13 records I recorded. There are moments on TH1RT3EN that capture my every emotion, and other moments where I am releasing feelings I never knew existed! My proudest moments of my musical career are captured on TH1RT3EN."
He added that the title had personal significance for him, explaining: "I was born on September 13th; this is my 13th record. It just seemed like it was the right thing to do to call it TH1RT3EN."
The album—which will be released on November 1-features the return of bassist and founding band member Dave Ellefson and was produced at Mustaine's Vic's Garage studio in San Marcos, California with producer Johnny K.

Ex-Foreigner Frontman Says Band's Shows Are 'Misleading'

8/11/2011 12:39 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Former Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm has taken aim at his ex-band mates. Gramm split off from Foreigner nearly a decade ago but says that the band is misleading fans by carrying on without him under the original band name.

"What's stranger to me is that, as I've learned talking to people who see those shows, is that in many cases the audience, especially if they're younger, don't even know it's not the original lead singer," Gramm told spinner.com. "In Foreigner's case, as I understand it, the singer was actually trained to deliver pretty much exactly everything as I did it, note for note."
"If I were in the audience and learned that while I was there, I'd get up and leave," he said. "I think when the band name remains the exact same, but something as important as the lead vocal is different, it's misleading. It's like false advertising."
Gramm provided the original vocals in hits including "Cold As Ice" and "Hot Blooded."