One-liners: ‘Ozzy said, I want to be Number 10′

Osbourne’s bid to join Slipknot, more Loutallica details, Sebastian Bach on marriage and Axl Rose, Kinks for kids and more
Lulu cover

Revelations: Loutallica's Lulu cover

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has told of Ozzy Osbourne’s bid to join his band when they were introduced to each other.

Taylor was backstage at a show with Ozzy’s wife Sharon and son Jack when the Prince of Darkness entered the catering area and joined them.

“This was insane and it came out of nowhere,” Taylor reports. “I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ and he goes, ‘Slipknot! I want to be Number 10!’

“And I went, ‘Any time you want!’”

* * * * *

Metallica and Lou Reed have revealed more details of their collaboration album, Lulu, due out on October 31.

They’ve named four tracks in addition to the four they’d previously listed. The currently known titles are Brandenburg Gate, Frustration, The View, Cheat On Me, Junior Dad, Little Dog, Mistress Dread and Pumping Blood.

* * * * *

Sebastian Bach says his comments about the Internet being involved in the break-up of his marriage were made in jest – although he admits they weren’t funny.

The former Skid Row singer explains: “Nobody was responsible for the demise of my marriage except me. Sometimes I say things in interviews because I’m trying to make you laugh, or trying to be funny. But some things aren’t funny.”

He’s apologised to his ex-wife and current girlfriend for saying: “It takes a strong girl to be with a rock’n'roller, or a girl who can’t work a computer.” He adds: “I shouldn’t have said that and I should own up to being a jerk. That’s reality. I shouldn’t blame others for the things I do – I should take responsibility for the things I do.”

He also regrets not being able to get Guns n’Roses mainman Axl Rose to make a guest appearance on his new solo album.

“He was going to sing on Kicking and Screaming,” Bach says. “He goes, ‘Hey, Baz, what’s the last day I can sing on your record?’ And I gave him a date, and that day came and went. So maybe we’ll get him on the next one. Who knows?”

* * * * *

Kinks frontman Ray Davies has written a musical to be performed by school pupils, based on his band’s songs.

Children from the John Ruskin School in Cumbria, England, performed Child’s Play for the first time yesterday in London. The story follows three couples from different social classes living through recent events including the death of Princess Diana and the world financial meltdown.

The producers say Davies’ musical “provides a commentary on the aspirations and disappointments through the decades of modern Britain.”

* * * * *

Rolling Stone Keith Richards has helped an ailing radio station get back on air by donating £3000 to their emergency fund.

Angel Radio, based on the Isle of Wight, called for aid after their transmitter was damaged in a storm in July.

Richards has a home in the station’s broadcast area but it’s not known if he heard their plea for help himself. A cheque was sent from his accountant.

Station director Bev Webster says: “I opened the envelope and nearly had a heart attack. It said it was a donation from Keith Richards. We looked at one another and said, ‘Could it be the Keith Richards? Is there any other Keith Richards?”

Angel Radio, which is not allowed to sell advertising and so relies on listener donations to survive, sent a letter of thanks to the musician after confirming the cash had come from him.

* * * * *

The estate of Elvis Presley is suing the star’s German record label for $9m in unpaid royalties dating back to 2002.

Arista Music is accused of withholding money generated from ringtones, download and app sales based on the King’s back-catalogue.

It’s also been accused of exploiting Elvis when, in 1973, it cut a deal which meant he was only paid $10 a year for resales of 1000 recordings.

In German copyright law contracts can be rewritten if the terms are held to have been unreasonably disproportionate. Over 10% of Elvis’ worldwide sales come out of Germany.

Label owners Sony have not commented.

Last Runaways Bassist Dies

Laurie McAllister, the last bassist in The Runaways, has died at the age of 53, due to complications brought on from asthma.McAllister joined the band in November 1978, appearing on what turned out to be the band’s final tour. Their last show was on New Year’s Eve that year, and they split up a few months later.

After The Runaways, McAllister briefly joined The Orchids, before retiring from the music industry.

Van Halen: New album update

It’s not from an official source (although a reliable one), so it could just be speculation and rumors, but that’s all fans usually get from the Van Halen organization.

The Van Halen News Desk, who often seem to take on the role as unofficial spokespeople for the band, report that VH completed mixing their new album a little over three weeks ago.

The fan website says the mixing process began in July and wrapped up last month.

The VHND rumor indicates the album will be mastered in mid-September with the intention of having that stage completed by the end of the month.

Still no official word on when the new VH album will be released, or even when the first single is likely to drop.

The recording will be VH’s first with David Lee Roth since 1984 (recorded in ’83), their first new music with Roth since ’96, the first effort with new bassist Wolfgang VH, and their first studio album since 1998’s “Van Halen III.”

The official Van Halen website remains locked down with simply a logo on the front page; no other information is accessible. The most recent post on the VH Facebook page and Twitter site is dated June of 2010, while their Myspace page was last updated in December, 2009.

Van Van Halen

Billy Sheehan’s Bass-Eye View of Edward Van Halen

By 1985, Eddie Van Halen had become a regular staple on the covers of Guitar World. In this, his fourth appearance, Van Halen remarked on his marriage to Valerie Bertinelli, and how he would feel if he had a son or daughter who would one day want to follow in his footsteps. From GuitarWorld.com:

Bassist Billy Sheehan Breaks Down Eddie Van Halen’s Technique in 1985 Guitar World Interview

Here’s our interview with bassist Billy Sheehan from the July 1985 issue of Guitar World. The issue was a special edition, a tribute to Eddie Van Halen, and Sheehan discussed the secrets of Van Halen’s playing style. The original story ran with the headline “Billy Sheehan’s Bass-Eye View of Edward Van Halen: From One Hammer-on To Another,” and the story started on page 78.

Billy Sheehan has probably received more worldwide press than any contemporary rock artist not on a major label.

In much of this coverage, Sheehan is referred to as “the Eddie Van Halen of bass,” a title based on Sheehan’s virtuosic command of the instrument, together with his ability to play fiery two-handed fretting moves — a technique Van Halen brought to national attention with his band’s debut album in 1978.

Since then, many guitarists have copied the double-fretting technique, but no bassist has been able to incorporate it into a personal repertoire with as much impact as Sheehan. And though Billy admits to being influenced by Eddie — ever since Sheehan’s band Talas toured the States with Van Halen in 1980, the two have remained in close contact — Sheehan has been experimenting with two-handed fretting since 1974.

GUITAR WORLD: There’s a controversy brewing as to whether you or Eddie began playing hammer-ons first.

As far as I know, we actually began playing them around the same time. But we both came up with it on our own. And it’s by no means a new thing. I mean, in the 1700s, Paganini was playing hammer-ons on the violin. So to say who was first and who’s best doesn’t really matter. I recently saw an issue of Down Beat from the fifties that showed a photo of a guitarist playing hammer-ons. And right now a jazz guitarist named Stanley Jordan does two-hand over-the-neck tapping. But there’s no “patents” and Ed Van Halen will admit that he doesn’t own any technique. However, he did popularize hammering, and for that he deserves credit for shining a whole new light on electric guitar.

What makes him so great?

He eliminated a lot of the stuff between the guitar and the amp. He does have a lot of effects in his rig, but he doesn’t rely on them. Ed uses his hands on the strings to get the sounds, and now a lot of the more advanced players have realized that they needn’t worry so much about pedals and effects. They’re concentrating more on just playing the guitar.

And there’s other ways that Ed has had influence — just the way he painted his guitar, for example — a lot of little things like that. The total scope of his influence may be greater than any guitarist ever.

Even Hendrix?

In certain ways, yes! Not to take anything away from Jimi — he’s influenced me more than any other musician, not to mention the thousands of guitarists he’s also influenced — but Ed has literally gotten a whole generation of kids to go out and buy guitars. Not necessarily to play like him, but he’s inspired them just to play. Ed reaches such a broad group of people. He’s had a huge, huge effect on the guitar.

Eddie’s playing has even stirred the emotions of fellow musicians.

Well, I think a lot of the “name” guitarists — the same ones Ed has looked up to for years, since he was just starting out — have developed a snotty attitude toward him. Because here’s this new kid on the block coming and blowing all their doors off. Ed can bring out a lot of jealousy in people; it burns me up READ THE REST at GuitarWorld.com

Montrose talks Hagar reunion

Axeman Ronnie believes he and Chickenfoot singer Sammy could perform together in the future – if they can find time
Ronnie Montrose

We'll ride again: Montrose

Guitarist Ronnie Montrose hopes he and former Montrose singer Sammy Hagar can find the time to perform together again.

Hagar fronted the band for hit tracks Bad Motor Scooter and Rock Candy, and sang on the band’s first two albums, Montrose and Paper Money. He left in 1974 to pursue a solo career and later joined Van Halen before winding up in supergroup Chickenfoot.

But Montrose is hoping the pair can get together once more – although he doesn’t believe they’ll record any new material.

He tells Bakersfield.com: “There will never be any recording or touring in that sense, but Sammy and I still talk.

“He’s busy doing his thing and I’m doing mine. We may do a reunion show for fun, and literally at this point in our lives it would be just for fun.

“I’m sure there will come a day when Sammy and I will share a stage together and play some of the old songs.”

The guitarist continues to insist that, despite the reputation of his band’s self-titled 1973 album, he was never a heavy metal musician.

“I considered Montrose heavy rock,” he says. “Heavy metal to me is bands like Metallica and Megadeth in the 80s. My heroes were Zeppelin, Free and Deep Pruple. In my mind, because of my own sensibilities, and my – for lack of better terms – nomenclature and semantics, all of us, including Aerosmith, were not metal. It was all heavy rock.”

Lewis gone, but telethon brings in more than '10

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Even without Jerry Lewis, the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon posted its best gain since the recession started, though the program's longtime host was on the minds of many during the 46th annual fundraiser.

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said after co-hosting Sunday's program that he's sorry the famed comedian didn't participate, but the organization needs to move on to ensure the fundraiser continues.

The telethon raised nearly $61.5 million Sunday, an increase of about $2.6 million over last year, MDA officials said.

Lythgoe told The Associated Press minutes after the six-hour live broadcast ended on the east coast that he thought the 85-year-old actor would show up either during the telecast or earlier to film a taped segment of his signature song "You'll Never Walk Alone."

"I was fully expecting him to turn up at any point and join that six hours — and I'm sorry he didn't," Lythgoe told the AP. "And hopefully another year he might. I mean, he knows that he is always welcome on the telethon. It's his baby."

An orchestra was ready to film Lewis, but he didn't come to the Las Vegas casino where the telethon was filmed, Lythgoe said.

Lewis publicist Candi Cazau declined comment when reached by the AP. Earlier, she said Lewis never agreed to any appearance — recorded or live — after the MDA announced in August he wouldn't take part in the show or be its chairman.

Lythgoe and co-host Jann Carl said during the show that Lewis "retired."

Lewis has not publicly said why he is no longer chairman of the MDA, or why he didn't personally appear in this year's telethon. The co-hosts' remarks during the show were the first time the MDA has addressed Lewis' departure since it was announced, and telethon spokesman Jim Brown declined further comment about the split.

Lewis' absence ended a 45-year run in which he raised $1.66 billion.

The fundraiser raised $58.9 million last year, but was shortened this year from 21½ hours.

Brown said early Monday that this year's donations increased to nearly $61.5 million, the MDA's best showing since 2008 when the recession started.

"The tremendous success of the telethon, even in a tough economy where some communities are also being challenged by natural disasters, shows that America understands and appreciates the truly rapid progress being made by MDA-funded researchers worldwide," R. Rodney Howell, M.D., chairman of the MDA Board of Directors, said in a statement.

Lythgoe said he and other telethon hosts knew Lewis — a man inextricably bonded to the telethon — would be a presence even in a show that never included his voice.

"There appeared to be an elephant in the room, and it's one that you go talk about," Lythgoe said. "This guy is someone who's put this whole thing together."

Buy Lythgoe said the telethon and cause can't center around one man — even Lewis.

"It has to continue without him and we are going to need a lot of help from everybody to ensure that it does continue," Lythgoe said. "Because Jerry, bless him, is 85 and isn't going to be around forever anyway. And the MDA and this telethon has to continue."

The Lewis-less telethon began airing live on the east coast Sunday night with an opening number featuring young dancers performing to David Guetta's "Titanium," with an introduction from Abbey Umali, the organization's tween goodwill ambassador.

Lythgoe, Carl and co-hosts Nancy O'Dell and Alison Sweeney then spent five minutes after being introduced talking about Lewis and his lifelong legacy felt by the telethon, the MDA and everyone who participates in the charity's pushes for neuromuscular research, clinics and summer camps for youngsters known as "Jerry's Kids."

Lythgoe said during his opening comments that Lewis, 85, seemed to be passing the torch last year when the comedian offered Lythgoe his seat as Lewis took a break and Lythgoe was coming on the air

"And Jerry, and I know you're watching, when you gave me that chair I know it's possible to sit on it, but it's isn't possible, Jerry, to replace you, sir," he said.

Later in the show's first hour, superstar singer Celine Dion mentioned Lewis again during a taped segment, referring to him as a friend as she introduced a cover performance of Journey's "Open Arms."

Other celebrities briefly mentioned Lewis throughout the show during cameos sprinkled between a variety of performances, interviews with people touched by muscular diseases and suit-clad corporate representatives touting company philanthropy and partnerships with the MDA.

Just before the show's closing, a two-minute montage over piano music showed Lewis dancing, singing, mingling with famous faces and interviewing children — though he was never heard.

It was a stark contrast from previous years, when the show was as much about Lewis at center stage as the donations themselves.

As the program aired, many viewers openly wondered on Twitter and other social networks about how the show would be affected by the split.

Randy Duncan, a 45-year-old pastor from Westland, Mich., said he tuned in for about two minutes, but stopped watching and instead switched between Detroit Tigers baseball and an airing of "Star Wars." He said the show had lost the nostalgic touches that reminded him of raising money for the MDA with neighbors through backyard carnivals when he was a kid.

"The way they handled it just gave me no interest," Duncan said. "At least give him one more shot, let him go out with style."

Instead, the telethon was an unceremonious end to a six-decade association that forged one of the world's most famous annual TV moments.

Lewis, who's appeared in scores of films and TV shows as well as produced, directed and taught film, had been chairman of the MDA since the early 1950s, before the famed telethon began. In 1977, Lewis was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the telethon and the MDA.

In May, when the MDA first announced Lewis was retiring as host, the organization said he would stay on as chairman and still appear on the show. It released a statement from Lewis in which the comedian said he would sing the song that has become an annual tradition.

But the statement said Lewis wouldn't step down as chairman.

"I'll never desert MDA and my kids," he said.

The finale was a medley of patriotic songs featuring Jordin Sparks, Jon Secada and Maureen McGovern, among others, singing along with 70 children from a Las Vegas choir.

In the show's final moments, Lythgoe said; "We missed you, Jerry."

Lythgoe said he didn't know the details of Lewis' split with the MDA. But he said he knew Lewis was watching.

"As far as I'm aware, this was all with Jerry's blessing," he said.

Ex-Denver Broncos Coach The MASSIVE Real Estate Loss

Former Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels -- the guy who drafted Tim Tebow last year and later got fired -- has taken ANOTHER major hit in Colorado ... losing $500k on a bad real estate deal.

McDaniels just sold his 5,685 sqft Greenwood Village mansion for $1.95 mil ... HORRIBLE for Josh considering he bought the place for $2.5 mil back in 2009 just after he reportedly signed a 4-year, $8 mil contract with the Broncos.

Don't feel too bad for McDaniels -- he got a new gig as an offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams ... and according to TMZ's resident football expert, they'll probably be better than the Broncos this year.

Remake Of 'Footloose' Provides New Spin On Familiar Themes

9/2/2011 1:17 PM ET
Footloose-090211.jpg


(RTTNews) - "Footloose," October 14th (Paramount):

If the second trailer for "Footloose" looks like a hybrid between "Grease" and "Rebel Without a Cause," it's mainly because Paramount would love for you to think about those two movies while watching it.

A remake of a very popular mid-1980s movie, "Footloose" tells the story of a good-looking stranger in a strange land who ends up turning a small southern town on its head with new ideas. The trailer is filled with slick dance moves and beautiful women too old to actually be high school students, which fits perfectly with how movies were made in the 80s.

Relative unknown Kenny Wormald takes over from Kevin Bacon as main character Ren McCormack, a pompous teen who has the arduous task of proving that dancing is cool. Instead of John Lithgow as the stringent Reverend Shaw Moore, this time we get Dennis Quaid in his stead, which isn't exactly ideal, but not having Sarah Jessica Parker (as the original did) will hopefully be a step in the right direction.

"Footloose" is also from director Craig Brewer, who seems to be a good fit after making the surprisingly good "Hustle and Flow" back in 2005.

The trailer for "Footloose" can be viewed at the movie's official site.

George Clooney To Receive Telluride Festival Silver Medallion

(RTTNews) - George Clooney is slated to be honored with a Silver Medallion award this week at the 38th Annual Telluride Film Festival.

The actor/director will be honored for his history of performances, most recently his role in the Alexander Payne film "The Descendants," in which Clooney stars as Matt King, a father who must take on more responsibilities with his family when his wife is injured in an accident. Said Telluride co-director Gary Meyer of Clooney's role in the film: "It's not what people would expect we would do, because they see him as a superstar. And yet, when we looked at his body of work as a serious actor, a romantic lead, a comedian."

Meyer added: "And then [there is] his career as a director, where he chooses really carefully. There are multiple reasons why he's deserving of the kind of tribute we take very seriously here."

Other recipients of the Silver Medallion award this year include Tilda Swinton (for her role in Lynne Ramsey's "We Need To Talk About Kevin") and French filmmaker Pierre Etaix.

FRONTIERS CELEBRATING NOMINATIONS IN 'BEST ALBUM 2011' CATEGORY OF CLASSIC ROCK AWARDS:

Europe's leading melodic rock & AOR label, Frontiers Records is celebrating TWO nominations in the 'Best Album of the Year 2011' category of this year's prestigious Classic Rock Magazine Roll of Honor Awards.

Journey are one of the post popular American Rock bands of all time, and this year released their album, 'Eclipse' on Frontiers Records to critical acclaim. With 12 brand new studio tracks, produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden), co-produced by Neal Schon & Jonathan Cain and mixed by David Kalmusky, founding member & lead guitarist Neal Schon says, "I'm in love with this record, which I haven't said about one of our albums for a long time, it's a rock record & it sounds amazing". Journey are: Neal Schon (lead guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) & Arnel Pineda (lead singer). Since their formation in 1973, Journey has earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 gold and platinum albums. The band's Greatest Hits album is certified 15 times platinum, bringing Journey into the elite club of Diamond-certified album holders. The group also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – but will they be adding a Classic Rock award to their arsenal of accolades?

Whitesnake, the legendary rock'n'roll legacy founded by renowned singer/songwriter David Coverdale this year released their 11th studio album, 'Forevermore' – via Frontiers Records. David Coverdale describes the new album as "a perfect blend of all the good elements we enjoy in Whitesnake; hard rock, rhythm & blues, soul and strong melodies. I feel it embraces a consolidated musical history of the band that we have rarely achieved before, but without borrowing from the past. It's a goon 'un, one of our best. We are honoured, once again, to be nominated for this prestigious award" Formed in 1977 Whitesnake carry a rightful reputation as one of the world's leading rock'n'roll bands. Coverdale's blues roots, combined with a passion for rock' n' roll, have shaped a sound that spawned a multi-platinum album in 1987, two top 10 hits & two number one singles. With over 100 Million records sold worldwide the bands ever-loyal legion of fans will be no doubt be voting for these perennial rock favorites!

Serafino Perugino, President and A&R Director of Frontiers Records is delighted by news of the nominations, "Whitesnake and Journey showed they can still come up with outstanding music that sounds fresh & exciting in this day & age. We are honoured & enthused that these two bands have been put forward for the Best Album of 2011 Award by Classic Rock magazine and we hope their fans will vote and support these nominations" To check out the nominations for all categories and to cast your votes visit: awards2011.classicrockmagazine.com/

RUSH SIGN TO ROADRUNNER RECORDS:
Rush is on the move. The prog rock legends behind "Tom Sawyer," "Fly By Night" and "The Spirit of Radio" have partnered up with Roadrunner Records after being doggedly pursued by the rock-heavy imprint.
"After years of Roadrunner pursuing the band, Tom Lipsky [President, Lipsky Music LLC] presented a deal that worked and the timing was right," Rush manager Ray Danniels said in an announcement. "We wanted to be at a label focused on the rock genre -- and that's Roadrunner."
Since 1989, the Canadian trio -- Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee and Neil Peart -- has released six studio albums through Atlantic, beginning with "Presto" and most recently, 2007's "Snakes & Arrows," which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Before that, the band was at Mercury. The group's next full-length studio album, a long-gestating work titled "Clockwork Angels," will be released in 2012 on Roadrunner. The delay -- a lead single, "Caravan," was released in June 2010 -- was due to the success of their Time Machine Tour, which just wrapped.
A first Roadrunner release will actually be a live album culled from the blockbuster tour. According to the label, details will be revealed in the coming weeks. Anthem/Universal Music will continue to release their music in Canada only.
Roadrunner is understandably excited to bag a band that has sold more than 40 million records and -- thanks to their doc "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" and the Rush-heavy comedy film "I Love You, Man" -- is enjoying heightened attention and accolades across generations.
"In another life I worked with Rush and their great management team more than 30 years ago and to have Rush finally on the Roadrunner label is a dream come true," said Cees Wessels, Roadrunner Records Chairman. Lipsky, who brokered the deal, remarked that Rush has a "tradition of excellence and independence, both in the studio and on the live stage, and they remain as prolific today as at any point in their career. We are excited to be their label partners."
Rush's new labelmates include fellow prog rockers Dream Theater, metal heavies Megadeth and the indie rock band of the moment, Young the Giant, among others.
ArticleLink: www.billboard.com/#/news/rush-signs-with-roadrunner-preps-new-album-1005333222.story.

Kid Rock To Help Kick Off 2011 NFL Season

Kid Rock


Are you ready for some football? Kid Rock will make sure you are on Sept. 8 at 7:30 PM ET when the American Badass himself helps kick off the 2011 NFL season with a performance at Lambeau Field, home to the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Country act Lady Antebellum and pop-rockers Maroon 5 also are scheduled to perform during the NFL Kickoff 2011 presented by EA Sports, which will be simulcast on NBC and the NFL Network. Fans in the area who want free tickets to be part of the “casted audience” that will get to watch the performances adjacent to the stage should click here.

The 60-minute concert precedes the NFL 2011 season-opening showdown between the Packers and Super Bowl XLIV champions the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.

Kid Rock and the NFL haven’t always been on the best of terms. Rock was part of the controversial Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, which saw Janet Jackson expose a nipple due to a “wardrobe malfunction” while dancing with Justin Timberlake. Rock was criticized by veterans groups for appearing onstage in a poncho made by cutting a slit in an American flag.

Quick Hits!!

August 31, 2011

In the most surprising collaboration news in a while, Jack White has produced a new single from the Insane Clown Posse, and it is an interpolation of a Mozart song. The single, "Leck Mich Im Arsch," will be released on White's own Third Man Records label on September 13 and features rockers Jeff The Brotherhood backing up the controversial Detroit rappers. The song uses a melody from a Mozart composition from 1782. You can see a video from Third Man announcing the unusual news below:

Justin Bieber was involved in a minor auto accident on Tuesday in the San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles Times. A Honda Civic collided with the singer’s black Ferrari, and no damage was done to either vehicle, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. A mass of photographers were first to hit the scene snapping photos of Bieber and an unidentified passenger believed to be his assistant.

Rapper T.I. was released from prison early Wednesday morning and will enter a halfway house to serve the remainder of his 11-month sentence for probation violation. The name of the facility will not be released until after his arrival. T.I. quickly announced his return: “Feels great to be back where I belong...Back in the arms of those who need me the most," he tweeted. "The storm is over & da sun back out. IT'S OUR TIME TO SHINE SHAWTY!!!!! Welcome to the beginning of our Happy Ending!!!!"

The-Dream has released a new album, while fans await the release of The Love, IV (Diary of a Mad Man). Released under his birth name Terius Nash, the 10-track 1977 is now available for free download on his website. The-Dream tweeted, "chances 'DefJam' puts a Cease and Desist on 1977 unfortunately Very High. but i think yall will have it before lawyers make me take it down."

Sting plans to release a special box set entitled Sting: 25 Years on September 27. The four disc set will be released via Cherrytree/A&M Records/Universal Music Group. Produced by Rob Mathes and manager Kathryn Schenker, Sting: 25 Years contains 3 CDs featuring 45 remastered tracks that were "personally curated by Sting" in addition to the previously unreleased live concert DVD Rough, Raw & Unreleased. Additional remixing was done by Robert Orton and Steve Fitzmaurice. A hardcover book of intimate and rare photos from world renowned photographers, lyrics, commentary and an introduction by Sting is also included.

The Beach Boys are also looking towards the past as they plan to release the lost 1966-67 SMiLE sessions. Dropping October 31 internationally and November 1 in the U.S., the SMiLE sessions will be released in multiple formats (2xCD and 2xLP, digital album, iTunes LP, and box set) through Capitol/EMI. Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and Mike Love all participated to put forth "an approximation of what was intended to be the complete SMiLE album, compiled from the Beach Boys’ original session masters," according to a press release, in addition to bonus tracks, demos, and stereo mixes. The box set contains five CDs, two LPs, two 7”s, a 60-page book, and a "three-dimensional shadowbox lid."

After releasing his new single, "Good Feeling," Flo Rida will appear on America’s Got Talent tonight. The rapper will hit the stage live with both David Guetta and Nicki Minaj to perform Guetta's new hit, "Where Them Girls At."


Scott Weiland
Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland has released a digital album of covers, aptly titled A Compilation of Scott Weiland’s Cover Songs. Artists covered include Radiohead, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Stone Roses, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, and The Flaming Lips. The compilation is now available to download on his personal website for $15.

Jack’s Mannequin’s Andrew McMahon is now satisfied with the complete work of the group’s third album People and Things. Originally due out October 4, 2009, the album was written, alongside producer John Fields, in a style similar to that of the previous two records. "I'd go in with a song, sit down at the piano, record piano and vocal and then build a track around that," McMahon told Billboard.com. "I thought that's what I was looking for. I thought I wanted to be in a studio space without a lot of people around me so I could really flesh out what I was hearing." After playing a date in June of 2010, McMahon had a realization that the current album was not the one he wanted to put out at the time. The project was revised, keeping some material, and composing a substantial amount of new material with different producers - Jim Scott, Rob Cavallo and longtime cohort Jim Wirt. Additional musicians include ex-Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg, Jane's Addiction bassist Chris Chaney, guitarist Tim Pierce and arranger Patrick Warren. "Everything developed over time," McMahon says. "Rob kind of came in and saved the day in a lot of ways, at a moment when we ran out of a little steam in January (of 2011). When all was said and done, we had so many hands, so many talented and selfless people who helped us get from point A to completion."

Soulja Boy, Matt & Kim and Andrew W.K. have released a video for their song "I'm A Goner," which was recorded as part of Converse's Three Artists, One Song project. Converse released the zombie film-inspired music video, which features all of the artists, their fans and close friends as zombie versions of themselves partying along to the anthem of the summer in an abandoned hospital in New Jersey. Fans can check out the single and the video at www.converse.com/music.

Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham will release his new self produced and recorded album Seeds We Sow on his own label September 6. The album was recorded in Buckingham’s home studio. "Most days I'd wake up, have my coffee, do my crossword puzzle and get there by 10:30 a.m.," he tells Rolling Stone. "And work through dinnertime. I didn't come up for air unless I had to." The release will be followed by a 50-day theater tour this fall. Buckingham also shed light on a Fleetwood Mac return: "We're doing something for sure," Buckingham says. "I wouldn't be shocked if it was a tour and possibly an album. We'll have to wait and see. Nothing is on the books right now. With Fleetwood Mac, there's a lot of landmines out there politically and it's hard to get everybody on the same page at the same time – but I think this might be one of those years where everyone will want to do the same thing. Whatever that is."

Aerosmith plans to release their 14th studio album sometime around May 2012, according to a recent web post by longtime producer Jack Douglas. Sessions began in July, but were interrupted by South American and Japanese tours this fall and early winter. The album will be the first release of original material since 2001’s Just Push Play. Despite drama surrounding Steven Tyler’s decision to serve as a judge on American Idol, bassist Tom Hamilton says he’s excited about the new project. "For those of you who don’t know who Jack is, he’s the guy who we worked with, producing our best albums of the ‘70s – Get Your Wings, Toys In The Attic and Rocks," Hamilton said on the Aerosmith website. "And it’s really gonna be cool, because there’s no one that knows more about the soul of this band and the creative part of this band [than] Jack."

http://join.speedboink.com/track/MTkxLjIuNi4xMi4wLjAuMC4wLjA Kid Rock To Help Kick Off 2011 NFL Season by: Joe Robinson Yesterday Kid Rock Leon Halip, Getty Images Are you ready for some football? Kid Rock will make sure you are on Sept. 8 at 7:30 PM ET when the American Badass himself helps kick off the 2011 NFL season with a performance at Lambeau Field, home to the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Country act Lady Antebellum and pop-rockers Maroon 5 also are scheduled to perform during the NFL Kickoff 2011 presented by EA Sports, which will be simulcast on NBC and the NFL Network. Fans in the area who want free tickets to be part of the “casted audience” that will get to watch the performances adjacent to the stage should click here. The 60-minute concert precedes the NFL 2011 season-opening showdown between the Packers and Super Bowl XLIV champions the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Kid Rock and the NFL haven’t always been on the best of terms. Rock was part of the controversial Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, which saw Janet Jackson expose a nipple due to a “wardrobe malfunction” while dancing with Justin Timberlake. Rock was criticized by veterans groups for appearing onstage in a poncho made by cutting a slit in an American flag.

Angus Young on Eddie Van Halen

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

AC/DC’s Angus Young contributed to  the upcoming hardcover photo book, Eddie Van Halen, by Neil Zlozower.

The Van Halen News Desk has the exclusive on Angus Young’s quote in the book, below.
AC/DC played on a bill with Van Halen back in 1978 or 1979 for a Bill Graham Day on the Green show. I didn’t know much about Van Halen then except that I remember seeing film clips of them, especially the one of Eddie playing the solo piece, “Eruption,” and I was very impressed. I didn’t meet Eddie until years later when there was a Monsters of Rock open-air festival in England. I was shocked to hear he liked my playing, because I’ve never rated myself as a guitarist.
Eddie is an innovator. When I grew up we had a lot of guys from England who were great players, like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck. And then, of course, when Jimi Hendrix came along, he changed the game. I’d put Eddie in that category of being an innovator like Hendrix. He changed the game for his style of playing. When Eddie came along he spawned so many imitators. Like Hendrix, suddenly you started to see people wanting to buy the same guitars he played and also play his licks. He turned the rule book upside down in terms of his approach. There was a lot of experimentation to his playing. Eddie also crosses into that avant-garde thing, which puts him in the same category as Hendrix.
“Eruption” is a favorite track. He’s got everything characteristic of his playing in that song–there’s a bit of everything.
When Jimi Hendrix came along it was like, “Where did this guy come from?” and I think that was the same feeling with Eddie. When Eddie appeared on the scene, every guitarist I ran into said, “You’ve gotta hear this guy!”
—Angus Young
From the upcoming hardcover photo book, Eddie Van Halen, by Neil Zlozower. For more info or to pre-order your Autographed copy, visit Van Halen Store.

 

DEF LEPPARD UK TOUR WITH MOTLEY CRUE - DECEMBER 2011 GUESTS STEEL PANTHER:

British Rock legends Def Leppard are set to embark on a UK tour with Motley Crue this December. The tour will see them play 6 UK dates with Steel Panther as special guest support. Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott says, “I can't tell you enough how thrilled I am to announce this tour! ... we always strive to make our shows an event & to have Motley Crue & Steel Panther along for the ride makes this an event that just can't be missed for rock fans across the UK !! ... come join us on what will be the event of the year!"
2011 has also seen the release of the band first ever live album, Mirrorball featuring classic tracks, three band new recordings and a bonus DVD and Leppard's first coffee table book, titled "Def Leppard – The Definitive Visual History”. The album was also released on 3Lp gatefold sleeve.
Def Leppard remain one of the world's biggest and most successful live acts. Before this year, the band last played the UK and Eire in 2009 – headlining Download festival that year after a hugely successful sold out UK Arena tour in 2008. June 2011 saw Def Leppard headline Download Festival for the second time in three years. The full UK December 2011 dates are as follows:
Tues 6th December 2011 Birmingham LG Arena
Thu 8th December 2011 Nottingham Arena
Fri 9th December 2011 Glasgow SECC
Sun 11th December 2011 Manchester MEN
Tue 13th December 2011 Sheffield Arena
Wed 14th December 2011 Wembley Arena
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 2nd September priced at £47.50 London / £45.00 regionally (subject to booking fee) and will be available from www.livenation.co.uk.

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards (Def Leppard are one of only five rock bands to have two consecutive 10 million plus selling albums in the U.S. The others are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Van Halen) to their credit, Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick "Sav" Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums)— continue to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic ground breaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide. Their epic live show and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry. “Mirror Ball” is out now on Frontiers Records.
WebLinks: www.defleppard.com / www.myspace.com/defleppard.

Jane's Addiction Pulls Out Of Leeds And Reading Festivals

8/30/2011 7:17 PM ET

(RTTNews) - Jane's Addiction was forced to pull out of scheduled performances at last weekend's Leeds and Reading Festivals due to frontman Perry Farrell's loss of voice.

"We got on site, and we were in there, all set to play," guitarist Dave Navarro told NME. "Perry was dressed and had his inner ear monitors in and we go to start and literally nothing came out of his voice. So we called a festival doctor, who came straight away and diagnosed Perry with an upper respiratory infection and told him that speaking, let alone singing, was out of the question."
Navarro apologized to fans and said that everything is "touch and go" when it comes to their upcoming gig at Koko in London.
"We're more than sincerely apologetic to all our fans who came to see us," he said. "We were all gutted, so gutted. We love playing here. But we've got to take care of him. If he'd pushed it and played then he could have really injured himself. Perry saw another doctor today and everything is touch and go at the moment, he's in bed, but we're taking everything day by day. He's being a real champ about trying to recover as quickly as possible."

Quick Hits!!

August 30, 2011 Coldplay will perform as part of CBS' Live On Letterman series on Tuesday, September 20. The band will perform on the Late Show with David Letterman that night, with the Live On Letterman webcast airing at 8:00 p.m. ET. The webcast will stream via CBS' website, as well as various CBS properties, VEVO, selected CBS Radio stations, Radio.com and on the JumboTron in Times Square. Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards drew the largest audience in the network's history, with 12.4 million viewers. The previous VMA record was 11.95 million for the 2002 broadcast. According to a release from MTV, the 2011 VMAs brought in a 10.8 rating and 8.5 million among viewers aged 12-34, making it MTV’s most-watched telecast of all time in the demo. Compared to the 2010 VMAS, the award show was up eight percent with 12-34 year-olds and nine percent with total viewers. The VMAs were also the #1 cable telecast of 2011 with viewers aged 12-34 and the #1 non-sports cable telecast of 2011 with total viewers. Rock supergroup Chickenfoot have released the video for their new single, "Big Foot," which can be seen below. Chickenfoot III, the band's second album, will be in stores on September 27 in the U.S. Chickenfoot III will initially be released in the U.K. that week as a Limited Ediiton Fan Pack only, with its regular CD release set for October 24. Rick Ross faces another trademark infringement lawsuit with the release of his most recent album, Teflon Don. Rapper Teflon Don has filed a lawsuit against Ross, DJ Khaled, Def Jam Recordings, Universal Music Group, Slip-N-Slide Records and Maybach Music Group for "trademark infringement, common-law trademark rights, trademark delusion, unfair competition, tortious interference and fraud and identity theft," according to MemphisRap.com. Don claims that Ross' album is hindering his success. He states, "I'm building a name, I'm building a brand and for someone to come with an album and an alias the name 'Teflon Don' and they have big budgets to put behind it, it blocks me from progressing. I was climbing the ladder and it feels like I went straight downhill and I don't feel like that's fair." He continues, "It is almost belittling to me because the music he [Rick Ross] puts out is almost demeaning and the music that I put out is more positive. We have two different crowds and it is making me lose clientele based on the fact that they think that I am a negative rapper. So when they hear that Teflon Don wants to perform at a certain place sometimes they think negative and that was not the brand that I was building all these years." Rapper T.I. will be released from Forrest City Correctional Facility in Georgia after serving an 11-month sentence for a parole violation after an L.A. drug arrest. T.I. will enter a halfway house tomorrow (Aug 31) a month early from his original release date. The King has been updating fans through his TrapMuzik.com website, stating in his final message that he expected to be released in September and that he plans to have his new music draw influence from the material of his earlier days. "Next time you hear from me, I'll be back out there with you," he wrote. "Doing for those who can't do for themselves and speaking for those whose voices are never heard. When I touch down, I'm going all the way back to square one, like I'm fresh in the game and never sold a record. Back on some I'M SERIOUS, TRAP MUZIK sh--. ... But until then RESPECT to all who deserve it." The drama continues around the Michael Jackson tribute concert slated for Wales on October 8. Janet Jackson announced in a statement that she will not be attending the event, which is backed by Jackson matriarch Katherine and LaToya Jackson. "Because of the trial [of MJ's doctor], the timing of this tribute to our brother would be too difficult for me," Janet said in a statement, according to Reuters. Chris Cornell has released a new solo song "The Keeper," as the lead track on the original motion picture soundtrack to the forthcoming movie Machine Gun Preacher. The film is directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Monster’s Ball) and stars Gerard Butler (300, The Phantom of the Opera). The song was released Monday on ChrisCornell.com, as a pay-what-you-want download, with all proceeds from the donations going directly to Sam Childer’s Angels of East Africa charity. The track is now available on iTunes, with the soundtrack to be released September 20. Machine Gun Preacher hits select U.S. theatres on September 23. Rapper Game has authored his first book, The Making Of Game's The R.E.D. Album, which chronicles the making of his fourth major label CD. The book takes readers inside Game's songwriting and provides revelations about working with Dr. Dre, Rick Ross and Pharrell. "With my book The Making Of Game's The R.E.D. Album, I wanted to give my fans a behind-the-scenes look of how my new album came to be," Game says. "These are my stories in my own words. This book is the only place where you'll learn all the stories behind the music -- how I got the beats, what inspired my lyrics and how the album was put together." The book is available digitally on Amazon.com and Lulu.com, and it will be available soon on iTunes and in paperback through Amazon.com. Ex-Oasis co-founder Noel Gallagher has set a North American tour in support of his new solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Gallagher will play Toronto on November 7 and 8, then Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The self-titled High Flying Birds album will be out November 8, with a performance on the Late Show with David Letterman on November 10. As Puddle Of Mudd’s new album, re:(disc)overed, lands in stores today, the band has announced that they will perform the first single, "Gimme Shelter," on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on October 7. Puddle of Mudd is currently taking part in the Rock Allegiance Tour with Buckcherry, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Red, Crossfade and Drive A. Poison frontman Bret Michaels is currently working on an all-star roster to accompany him on his newest solo album Get Your Rock On. Potential guests include Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, Stevie Nicks, possibly members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and younger groups such as Pop Evil and My Darkest Days. "I'm in the process of doing it as we speak," Michaels tells Billboard.com. "When you're having other artists perform with you, it's about working with their time schedule and a lot of taking care of some of the business before you can enjoy the pleasure of just jamming together. I try to keep it pretty organic. We have to make sure everyone's good with the timing and can get into the studio to sing. But I think we're going to have a blast making this record." The record may also include a live version of "Margaritaville" with Jimmy Buffet, recorded in 2010 in suburban Detroit. Still, Michaels plans on collaborating with other artist to produce original content. The first single, likely the title track, is set to release before the end of the year. Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach was struck with tragedy this weekend as his New Jersey home was destroyed by Hurricane Irene. "I am numb, in shock, & devastated to report that my home of 21 years … has been destroyed, condemned, & deemed uninhabitable," the rocker posted on Facebook Sunday along with a picture of the damage. "What makes me happy is that my children & ex wife are safe…No one got hurt," he added. Lost in the flooded basement were irreplaceable items such as Skid Row master tapes, a KISS pinball machine and other band memorabilia. Possessions from the higher floors of the house are salvageable. L.A. trio Eastern Conference Champions have released a new video for their song "Bull In The Wild," which can be seen here, from their album Speak-Ahh. The band will play three shows in California in mid-September, before heading overseas for a European tour with ECC primarily opening for The Get Up Kids. Blues musician David “Honeyboy” Edwards passed away in his Chicago home at the age of 96 early Monday morning. He was believed to be the oldest surviving Delta bluesman whose roots stretched back to Robert Johnson. His manager, Michael Frank of Earwig Music Company, stated that Edwards had a weak heart and that he was forced to cancel dates in November due to his declining health, which started back in May. Edwards played his last shows in April at the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Miss. Edwards won a 2008 Grammy for traditional blues album and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2010. His death represents the loss of the last direct link to the first generation of Mississippi blues musicians, Frank said.

Puddle Of Mudd News!

As Puddle Of Mudd’s new album, re:(disc)overed, lands in stores today, the band has announced that they will perform the first single, "Gimme Shelter," on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on October 7. Puddle of Mudd is currently taking part in the Rock Allegiance Tour with Buckcherry, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Red, Crossfade and Drive A.

Lindsay Buckingham: Fleetwood Mac to Reunite?

08.30.2011

Guitarist Lindsay Buckingham is optimistic when it comes to a Fleetwood Mac reunion. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Buckingham said the legendary band could be back on the road in 2012 – and might even work on a new album.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if it was a tour and possibly an album. We’ll have to wait and see. Nothing is on the books right now,” he said. “With Fleetwood Mac, there’s a lot of landmines out there politically and it’s hard to get everybody on the same page at the same time – but I think this might be one of those years where everyone will want to do the same thing. Whatever that is.”
It’s assumed that the reunited lineup would consist of John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and himself – Christine McVie left the group and retired from touring more than a decade ago.
In the meantime, Buckingham is releasing a solo album, Seeds We Sow (out Septmber 6) and playing a 50-date tour this fall.

Jerry Cantrell Appears On New Richie Kotzen Album

08/31/2011
. Richie Kotzen has set a November 11th release date for his new album 24 Hours which features a guest appearance from Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell. Here is the background info his camp sent over: 24 Hours reflects the guitar style's that has defined his career as a virtuoso, while taking it to another level of playing. "I feel like I have reached a new level of soloing on the opening track 24 Hours," explains Kotzen. "I stopped using a guitar pick on electric a few years ago and my playing has evolved in a different way. Some of the solo lines I play on the song 24 Hours, and others as well, are lines I would have never been able to play with a guitar pick. So I would say the solo's on this CD are at a different level than previous recordings."

24 Hours is an absorbing collective blend of Kotzen's musical influences and diversity. 24 hours takes you on an inspired, musical journey as the opening track sets the tone that falls stylistically somewhere between early Van Halen and Sly and the Family Stone. Kotzen also brought in his talented daughter, August Kotzen and friend Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, to complete the album. "My daughter, August is singing with me on a few songs and is playing electric piano on the song Stop Me," states Kotzen. "My friend Jerry Cantrell is singing backgrounds on Love Is Blind and does a very cool lead vocal ad-lib in the final chorus of the tune."24 Hours is an album that has been in the works since Kotzen started playing guitar. The guitar virtuoso burst onto the heavy metal scene as a teenager with a lightning-fast guitar techniques. With his talents Kotzen has played with some of the best musicians; securing such major collaboration with the band Mr. Big and renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke as well as his own solo projects. "I have been lucky in the sense that I have been able to play with guys who I could learn from," explains Kotzen. "The biggest musical lesson for me was playing in a band with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Obviously these guys are jazz musicians and I am not, but I learned so much from the time we recorded and toured together. My favorite rock bassist is Billy Sheehan and we were in Mr. Big together for 3 years which was awesome."