Today's Day In Rock

KISS and Motley Crue Tour?
BraveWords.com reports that their sources tell them that KISS and Motley Crue plan to team up for a tour next fall.
According to the report, the 2012 tour is expected to be headlined by KISS with Motley Crue playing the support role.

The trek, if it happens, will follow Motley's Las Vegas residency and possibly the release of KISS' new album "Monster." BW&BK report


Van Halen New Song Preview Online
Fans can now get a little taste of the forthcoming Van Halen album as a preview clip of the first single "Tattoo" has gone online.

The single is set to be released tomorrow, January 10th, but Amazon UK let the cat out of the bag a little early and posted a 30 second clip of the track online.

The single comes from "A Different Kind Of Truth," the band's first album with David Lee Roth since 1984, which is set for release on February 7th. Check out the preview clip here.

Metallica Working on 3D Movie
Metallica have put to rest speculation that they are working on a 3D film by confirming the rumors that they are indeed working on the project.

The band had the following to say on their official website: As you know, we generally make it a policy not to comment on gossip or rumors, but we also pride ourselves on being first with 'Tallica news. So, with that said, the more astute of you may have noticed a couple of mentions in trade publications, and most recently in the new issue of Rolling Stone, that a Metallica 3D movie is in the works.

We're here to tell you that, yes, there is indeed a 3D project in the very early stages of production! We wish we could tell you more right now, but we don't have all the finer points nailed down just yet. more on this story

The Reason Velvet Revolver Are Reuniting
(Gibson) Velvet Revolver guitarist Dave Kushner has revealed that the idea for the band's one-off reunion show, set for Thursday (January 12) at L.A.'s House of Blues, was triggered by the death of his best friend, musician John O'Brien. In a just-published interview with Rolling Stone, Kushner said all the members of Velvet Revolver readily agreed to do the show – a testament to the great affection his bandmates had for O'Brien.

"We did a benefit show for this thing called 'Road Recovery' – me, Duff [McKagan], Slash and Matt [Sorum] – in New York, and that's when I asked those guys individually if they would agree to do it," Kushner said. "Once they said [yes], I got in touch with Scott [Weiland], and he agreed."

In addition to Velvet Revolver, the concert will feature Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello and other guests. All proceeds will go to O'Brien's widow and children. Each performer, including Velvet Revolver, will perform a three-song set. Kushner said he realizes that all eyes will be on Velvet Revolver, who will be performing with Weiland for the first time in four years. "I knew from the beginning it would be newsworthy, and that was kind of the plan," Kushner said. "If you're gonna do this, and you want to raise some serious money, then you [have to] put all caution aside." more on this story



Keith Richards Recovering From Eye Surgery
(Gibson) Keith Richards is said to be doing well after undergoing laser eye surgery to correct his deteriorating vision, a spokeswoman for the Rolling Stones guitarist has revealed. According to London's Daily Mirror, the veteran rocker underwent the procedure prior to Christmas, in London.

A source close to Richards said, "He's music's ultimate survivor but not even the seemingly immortal Keith Richards can stop the march of time. It was a harmless, quick procedure and he's very happy with the results."

It's speculated that Richards may have had the surgery in preparation for a Rolling Stones 50th anniversary tour, a possibility that's been heavily rumored but not confirmed. Richards and Mick Jagger have reportedly put aside recent differences and are in talks with promoters about the viability of such a project. The very first Rolling Stones show took place at London's Marquee Club on July 12, 1962. more on this story



Former Fleetwood Mac Guitarist Bob Weston Dies
(Gibson) Bob Weston, a British guitarist best-known for his brief tenure with Fleetwood Mac in the early '70s, has died at age 64. Weston passed away at his London home on Tuesday (January 3) from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage brought on by cirrhosis of the liver.

Weston joined Fleetwood Mac in late 1972 as a replacement for troubled guitarist Danny Kirwan. His contributions to the band's 1973 albums, Penguin and Mystery to Me, were formidable, featuring outstanding slide guitar as well as accomplished harmonic playing and banjo work. Weston also sang with Christine McVie on the track "Did You Ever Love Me," and wrote the instrumental, "Caught in the Rain," which closed out the Penguin album.

In late 1973, Fleetwood Mac discovered that Weston had been having an affair with Mick Fleetwood's wife, Jenny Boyd, and he was subsequently fired. During his post-Fleetwood Mac years, Weston recorded with the likes of Steve Marriott, Murray Head and Long John Baldry. He also released several solo albums, most of which are now out of print. more on this story



Howard Jones Explains Killswitch Engage Exit
Howard Jones has addressed fans about recently announced departure from Killswitch Engage. He tells fans via the band's official site:

Well, I guess I will shed a little light without going too deep. As some of you may know, I've had a pretty interesting couple of years to say the least battling with some personal issues. One of the low points being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that went unchecked for years. The rest of the band stuck with me through it, and to be honest they are the ones that kept me going. The whole experience definitely put a scare in me.

Recently we've all been in writing mode but somehow I couldn't get excited about the new album and all the touring that would go with it. The guys saw it before I did. In hindsight I now realize that my heart wasn't in it. I have had an amazing decade with KSE. I love Justin, MikeD, Joel and Adam for hanging in there and standing by me no matter how bad it was. I have so many good memories, and those are the ones that I will keep. Will I be involved in music again? Sure, I have been in bands for a little over half my life, can't stop now. Until then, get the new KsE album, it's going to be good. Thanks everyone for letting me try to entertain you, and I wish myself well in my future endeavors. Gone fishin' Howard Read more from the band about the news here.

The Mars Volta Plan New Album Release
(Banana 101.5) The Mars Volta have discreetly announced new album details through their involvement with an upcoming video game — it's not as complicated as it sounds.

According to Antiquiet, it has been rumored that The Mars Volta have been gearing up to release a new album called 'In Absentia' on March 27th.

Though this has not been confirmed by the band, the singer Cendric Bixler-Zavala previously stated via his YouTube account: "New volta almost done. vocals done. just trying rebutcher it and add bass and finish guitar. in studio until this week then on to mexico to add more quantum entanglement to it. the sonogram of the little beast is looking very good." more on this story

30 Seconds to Mars Address Break Up Speculation
(Banana 101.5) For the past several months, there have been rumors swirling regarding the split of 30 Seconds to Mars. After several ominous statements about their future, the band members are finally setting the record straight…sort of.

After playing a Guiness World Record setting 300+ show tour in support of their 2009 album 'This Is War,' it's understandable that the members of 30 Seconds to Mars would be feeling a bit burned-out. Last we heard, Jared Leto "didn't know" if he had what it would take to get the ball rolling again w/ 30STM. Recently the band's drummer Shannon Leto (better known as "Jared Leto's brother") told Kerrang, "We've never said this is 'the end,'" to which Jared added:

"But I think there has been a question mark there for all of us. In part because people started to ask us so much about the future and our reaction is, 'Well, let's talk about the here and now.' Which is important to us. We don't know what the future has to hold, but we know we're excited about it and this tour has been the gift of a lifetime." more on this story

KISS Finish Recording New Album
(hennemusic) KISS has finished recording their new studio album, "Monster." "Friday [January 6] we officially completed work on the new album," posted Paul Stanley.

"Listening to the tracks back to back is like sensory overload. Everyone who has heard any of it is completely blown away. Powerful, heavy, melodic and epic."

"It makes us very proud. You all will be, too," adds the guitarist, who also handled co-production duties on the album. "Mixing starts next week." more on this story

Alice Cooper Live Album Coming?
(hennemusic) There's a new live package from Alice Cooper reportedly on the way in February. Cooper fan site SickthingsUK reports Concert Live has set a February 13 release date for "No More Mr. Nice Guy Live", a two-CD remixed version of Cooper's October 29, 2011 show at London's Alexandra Place.

Concert Live is a music service which enables fans all over the world to relive the experience with instant recordings of live gigs available within minutes of the last note being played.

The company has already released this concert as one of its "instant live shows" back in October following the event, and the show has been aired on TV in both the U.K. and U.S., but this will apparently be a properly remixed version of this performance. Tracklisting

Alter Bridge Preview Live DVD
(hennemusic) Alter Bridge have released the trailer for their forthcoming new DVD, "Alter Bridge: Live At Wembley."

The package features one of the biggest headline shows of the band's career, captured live in concert at the famed London venue in late 2011. The Wembley gig was part of the band's tour in support of "ABIII."

The set will be released in a 2D version, complete with a live CD, in late March; fans will get a preview of it when it airs on TV, all over the world, in February. A 3D version will come out in the summer of 2012. Check out the preview

Tom Jones Collaborates With Jack White
(Gibson) Tom Jones has become the latest artist with whom Jack White has worked in his recent string of unusual collaborations. The veteran Welsh crooner, whose hits include "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah," worked with White on a new version of Jones's 2002 track, "Jezebel," and on a cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Evil."

The special one-off 7-inch single will be released as part of White's Third Man label's "Blue Series," which has pressed similar one-off discs for such unlikely artists as Insane Clown Posse and Stephen Colbert. A release date for the Tom Jones disc has not been announced, but White told Mojo the sessions went extremely well.

"[Jones] impressed the [expletive] out of everybody," White said. Meanwhile, White has also revealed that Third Man has reached an agreement with the blues label, Document Records, to reissue a number of that label's albums on high-quality vinyl. The first release will be a compilation album featuring early 20th century blues artists such as Charlie Patton and Blind Willie McTell. more on this story



Rise to Remain Pull Out of Machine Head Tour After Losing Members
Century Media sent over word that Rise to Remain have been forced to pull out their first American tour, where they were set to support Machine Head.

The label says the reason for the cancelation is that the band has parted company with their bass player Joe Copcutt and drummer Pat Lundy. Vocalist Austin Dickinson (son of Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson), guitarists Ben Tovey and Will Horner plan to announce new members and still hit the road in the UK and Europe this March for their previously announced headlining tour (with Heaven Shall Burn supporting them).

The U.S. release of the band's debut album City Of Vultures has now been moved to June 5th (from January 24th), when they plan to part in an extensive soon-to-be-announced North American tour. more on this story

Adrenaline Mob Loses Two Members
Adrenaline Mob, the supergroup featuring ex-Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Symphony X's Russell Allen and Mike Orlando have confirmed the departure of Paul DiLeo (Fozzy), and Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo/Fozzy).

The band told fans the news via their Facebook: Hey Guys, by now we're sure you're hearing the news that Rich and Paul are no longer part of Adrenaline Mob. The core of this band has always been the three of us. The album was written and recorded that way.

We later added Rich and Paul as part of the original touring lineup and we had a blast touring with them. However, they both had other projects and priorities and could not give a full-time commitment to Adrenaline Mob. more on this story

The Ataris Winter Tour
The Ataris are hitting the road this month for their first full band tour since October of 2010.

The trek kicks off on January 25th in El Paso and will include a run of dates with The Queers and Far From Finished next month. The band will wrap things up on March 16th in their adopted hometown of Phoenix, Az.

Kristopher tells us that after the trek they will finish up vocals for their new album "The Graveyard of the Atlantic" which will be out on the Gainesville, FL label Paper + Plastick later in 2012. more on this story

Dark New Day Return With New Album
Dark New Day have set a February 28th release date for their sophomore album, New Tradition.

Dark New Day features Clint Lowery (guitarist from Sevendust), Will Hunt (drummer from Evanescence), Troy McLawhorn (guitarist from Evanescence), Brett Hestla (lead singer/guitarist from Virgos Merlot) and Corey Lowery (bassist from Stereomud and Eye Empire).

The album's first single and title track is currently at radio. New Tradition is the follow-up to 2005's debut album, Twelve Year Silence, which was released on Warner Bros. Records. more on this story

Wormrot Arrested in Malaysia
(EAR) Wormrot have detailed their arrest in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on New Year's Eve, following a performance at the Rumah Api venue with Asilent.

The bands had returned to their hotel after the show to get some rest, when their room was raided by the local state's religious department, and the group was arrested and taken to the local police station.

Wormrot have released the following statement: "New Year's Eve show in Kuala Lumpur was AWESOME!!! Thought we could rest after the show before heading back to Singapore the next day... SO WRONG. We were detained in two police stations for two hours since 3am by the JAIS - Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (Selangor Islamic Religious Department) after they raided the hotel we were staying at, because of the Islamic law stating that unmarried Muslim men and women are not allowed to be in one room. There were seven of us (four boys and three girls) in that room getting ready to chill downstairs at the lobby... They tried to fine us 3000RM ($950 USD) each as well if our organizer didn't call his lawyer, bail us out and the fact that we are foreigners. All I can say is, Awesome show, great food, and being detained in the police station... Damn! What a way to start 2012!" more on this story

Chickenfoot Cross The Pond
(Gibson) Hot on the heels of the release of their III album, Chickenfoot will play two concerts in the U.K. this week.

The English shows are part of a short five-date European tour. Chickenfoot play Manchester Academy on Thursday, January 12and London's O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday, January 14.

Chickenfoot will perform songs from III for the first time outside of America. Chickenfoot's Joe Satriani and ex-Van Halen boys, Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar, will be joined by Kenny Aronoff on drums, temporarily replacing Chickenfoot's original drummer Chad Smith, who will join the band for the other European dates. more on this story



Abbey Road Opening Their Doors for 80th Anniversary
(Gibson) Abbey Road Studios, recording home of The Beatles, will celebrate its 80th Anniversary by opening its doors to the public.

According to U.K. music trade magazineMusic Week, the famed studio has sold tickets for presentations by Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan, authors of the book Recording the Beatles, in Abbey Road's Studio Two on March 10.

Because the special event sold out fast, two more sessions have been announced for March 11. more on this story



Exhumed, Rotten Sound and Magrudergrind Tour
Exhumed will follow up their tour of Brazil with Aborted by heading across the pond for the Grind Over Europe Tour 2012.

The tour will also feature Rotten Sound and Magrudergrind and is set to kick off on February 24 in Barcelona, Spain, Exhumed will be touring in support of All Guts, No Glory.

Exhumed Matt Harvey's had this to say "We're fully chuffed to have an opportunity to Grind Over Europe with a couple of our favorite bands: Rotten Sound and Magrudergrind! If you don't like blastbeats, manic energy, beer, stage-diving, rhino charges, swinging thumbjumps or Scott Carlson bass grinds, do yourself a favor and stay the f**k home! This tour, in addition to being a screaming whirlwind holocaust, will single handedly bring the phrase 'play fast or die!' back en vogue. We're psyched to get to hit a few countries for the first time on this tour, as well as dust off some old and particularly short, fast, and loud numbers for the set. Our very first tour in '97 was the Grind Over Europe II tour with Hemdale and Nyctophobic, so whoever said 'you can't go home again' is obviously full of sh*t! Bring your studded vests, dreadlocks, Agathocles split EPs, and worn out old Napalm Death shirts on down to the show and let's tear some sh*t apart! Cheers!" more on this story

Steven Tyler Addresses Wedding Plans
(hennemusic) Steven Tyler spent his Christmas holidays relaxing in Hawaii, popping out to jam with Alice Cooper on New Year's Eve.

The Aerosmith singer also got engaged to longtime girlfriend Erin Brady, who was sporting a new diamond ring in photos taken in Maui on Christmas Day.

The American Idol judge and his fiancée returned to L.A. on Friday, where TMZ caught up with the pair as they were leaving the airport. Tyler was asked when the big day was – check out the video for his answer... here.

Sebastian Bach Teaming Up With Steve Stevens
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach will team up with Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens for a series of three shows in New York.

The January 27, 28 and 29 gigs at The Iridium and will see Bach and Stevens "doing two sets a night," including "some special unexpected songs," according to Sebastian, adding, "I have always wanted to play with Steve, so I am really looking forward to it."

Bach also has some fun with Fuse TV, taking fans to "Scream School" to demonstrate the variety of screams in his arsenal. Check that out here.

Cerebral Bore, Goatwhore, Hate Eternal Tour
(Ear) Cerebral Bore will head out on the road next month for a North American tour with Goatwhore, Hate Eternal, and Fallujah.

The tour will be kicking off on February 19th in Houston, Texas. The tour will also include the Cerebral Bore's first ever performances in Canada.

Cerebral Bore guitarist Paul McGuire comments: "I'm chuffed to be going back to the states so soon! Last summer was great, but to go back on tour with the likes of Hate Eternal is a big milestone for us as a band. I booked our previous US tours on my own, and they were a success, but to go on a US tour that I had no part in booking is a new experience for me. more on this story

Woods of Ypres Comment on David Gold's Death
Earache sent over this sad news: Woods of Ypres frontman David Gold was tragically killed in a road traffic accident on 21st December, outside Barrie, in his home country of Canada.

In accordance with the wishes of David's family and band mates, the recently completed album "Woods V: Grey Skies & Electric Light" will be released, as planned in February.

The Gold family issued a statement for David's friends and fans as follows: "The Gold family is incredibly saddened in the wake of David's sudden passing. We want to thank everyone for the ongoing outpour of support, as it is greatly appreciated. Although he was only 31 years old, David lived more than most would be able to in an entire lifetime. He was well educated, well travelled, incredibly talented, passionate, compassionate, and loved dearly by thousands of friends, family, and fans all over the world. David's legacy will not only live on, but continue to grow. We ask you to keep David's spirit alive by continuing to listen to his music, and let him inspire your life." more on this story

Truth Corroded To Tour With Krisiun, Malevolent Creation and Vital Remains
(Sub) Truth Corroded will hit the road later this month for their first ever tour of Europe. The band will be main support on 'The Sounds Of Extreme Tour 2012' featuring Krisiun (Brazil) Malevolent Creation (U.S) and Vital Remains (U.S).

The Sounds Of Extreme Tour will be traveling across Europe and the U.K from January 27 to February 18.

Truth Corroded will be promoting their latest album 'Worship The Bled' which features Kevin Talley (Daath, Six Feet Under, Misery Index, Chimaira) on drums and was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry)

Track Listing for Van Halen’s New Album! (13 Songs!)

From Melodicrock.com:
Great news! The new Van Halen Album has a whopping 13 tracks! That’s more than any other Van Halen album! The title is “A Different Kind Of Truth” and it’s coming out Feb. 7th. The album cover has yet to be revealed, but it’s based on the graphic above.
Track listing:
1. Tattoo
2. She’s The Woman
3. You and Your Blues
4. China Town
5. Blood and Fire
6. Bullethead
7. As Is
8. Honeybabysweetiedoll
9. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin’

VAN HALEN - THE PRESS RELEASE, THE DATES AND THE LATEST:

VAN HALEN ANNOUNCE 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR AND THE FEBRUARY 7, 2012 RELEASE OF THEIR NEW ALBUM, A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRUTH

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 6, 2011) Van Halen, Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductees and one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time, announced their return to the live stage with an extraordinary 2012 North American tour. The announcement was made late last night, during a once-in-a-lifetime performance, at the intimate Café Wha? in New York City. Known around the world for some of the most iconic live performances in music history, the legendary rock band will begin their tour on February 18. Kool & The Gang will join Van Halen for select tour dates.

Tickets for the Live Nation-promoted tour go on sale beginning January 14 at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.

In addition, Van Halen confirmed their new album, A Different Kind Of Truth, will be released in the U.S. by Interscope Records on February 7. The first single from the album, "Tattoo", and its accompanying video will be debut simultaneously on Tuesday, January 10th, with album pre-orders starting that day. A Different Kind Of Truth is Van Halen's first original studio album with singer David Lee Roth since the band’s classic multi-platinum album 1984.

Fans can expect Van Halen to perform selections from A Different Kind Of Truth alongside songs from their arsenal of epic hits that include: "Eruption," "Running with the Devil," "Jamie's Cryin'," "You Really Got Me," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love,” "Everybody Wants Some," "Unchained," "And The Cradle Will Rock,” "Beautiful Girls,” "Mean Street," "Somebody Get Me A Doctor,” "Jump," “Panama," "Hot For Teacher," "I'll Wait," and more from their classic albums Van Halen, Van Halen II, Women and Children First, Fair Warning, Diver Down and 1984.

Van Halen – who the Los Angeles Times recently called “a force of nature” and “one of the flat-out greatest rock bands on the planet” – was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2007.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1974, Van Halen changed the rock and roll landscape forever with the release of their self-titled, 1978 debut album displaying unparalleled stage presence, revolutionary musicianship, and extraordinary songwriting abilities. With more than 75 million albums sold worldwide, the band's record of achievement is hard to top. Among a long list of awards, recognition and accolades, Van Halen joins an elite short list of two time Diamond Award honorees in the history of the music industry. Presented with two Diamond Award RIAA Certified Status' for their albums Van Halen and 1984, the band has produced a repertoire of hits that remain some of the strongest and most influential rock songs ever written that fans will admire for decades to come.

Kool & The Gang found a special sound at the unique intersection of jazz, R&B, funk and pop. Their music has been created by the same core of players for over thirty years: Robert "Kool" Bell, his brother Khalis Bayyan, their longtime friends Dennis "DT" Thomas and George "Funky" Brown.
VIP Packages will also be available through VIP Nation, including premium seats, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information please visit:www.VIPNation.com

VAN HALEN 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
Date City Venue On Sale Date
2/18/12 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center January 16
2/20/12 Detroit, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills January 14
2/22/12 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse January 14
2/24/12 Chicago, IL United Center January 14
2/28/12 New York, NY Madison Square Garden January 14
3/1/12 New York, NY Madison Square Garden January 14
3/3/12 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena January 14
3/5/12 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center January 14
3/9/12 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center January 14
3/11/12 Boston, MA TD Garden January 14
3/15/12 Montreal, QC Bell Centre January 14
3/17/12 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre January 14
3/21/12 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place January 14
3/24/12 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall TBA
3/28/12 Washington, DC Verizon Center January 14
3/30/12 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center January 14
4/1/12 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena January 14

4/10/12 Fort Lauderdale, FL BankAtlantic Center TBA
4/12/12 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum TBA
4/14/12 Orlando, FL Amway Arena TBA
4/16/12 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Arena TBA
4/19/12 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena TBA
4/21/12 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum TBA
4/25/12 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena TBA
4/27/12 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena TBA
5/1/12 Tulsa, OK BOK Center TBA
5/5/12 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome TBA
5/7/12 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena TBA
5/9/12 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome TBA
5/11/12 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place TBA
5/17/12 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre TBA
5/19/12 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center TBA
5/22/12 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center TBA
5/24/12 Denver, CO Pepsi Center TBA
5/27/12 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena TBA
6/1/12 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center TBA
6/3/12 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena TBA
6/5/12 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion TBA
6/12/12 Anaheim, CA Honda Center TBA
6/14/12 San Diego, CA Viejas Arena TBA
6/16/12 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center TBA
6/20/12 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center TBA
6/22/12 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center TBA
6/24/12 Houston, TX Toyota Center TBA
6/26/12 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena TBA

INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M:
Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999. Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M Records is part of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company.

ABOUT LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment and eCommerce company, comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Front Line Management Group and Live Nation Network. Ticketmaster.com is the global event ticketing leader and one of the world’s top five eCommerce sites, with over 26 million monthly unique visitors. Live Nation Concerts produces over 20,000 shows annually for more than 2,000 artists globally. Front Line is the world’s top artist management company, representing over 250 artists. These businesses power Live Nation Network, the leading provider of entertainment marketing solutions, enabling over 800 advertisers to tap into the 200 million consumers Live Nation delivers annually through its live event and digital platforms. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors.


Also in the news is the band's appearance at Cafe Wha? Thursday evening. The set list was: 1. You Really Got Me 2. Runnin’ With The Devil 3. Somebody Get Me A Doctor 4. Everybody Wants Some 5. She’s The Woman 6. Dance The Night Away 7. Panama 8. Hot For Teacher 9. Ice Cream Man 10. Ain’t Talkin Bout Love 11. Jump.

Live footage of She's The Woman (originally a 1977 demo for the band), can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdP8gHa2ijc.

You can pre-order a digital download of the first single Tattoo from Amazon now. The song runs 4:43 and is licensed to Interscope from The Three Twins, LLC and Diamond Dave Enterprises, Inc.

As added yesterday, the new album features 13 tracks - available in 2 configurations: regular and deluxe. Deluxe Edition to feature bonus 4 track live DVD (Recorded presumably at The Roxy).

Last Night's Van Halen Set List at Cafe' Wha? Rehearsal

Friday, January 6, 2012
VIDEO: Van Halen debut new song at New York club show



Van Halen returned to live action Thursday night with a rare, media-only club show at New York’s Café Wha?

The event was to help promote their forthcoming new album, “A Different Kind Of Truth,” due February 7; the project’s first single, “Tattoo,” is set for release next Tuesday.

Thursday’s 250-seat club show was the band’s first live set since their July 3, 2008 gig at the Plains Of Abraham in Quebec City, the final show of the group’s 2007/08 reunion tour with David Lee Roth.

The setlist featured mostly hits, with a few classics, and one new track, “She’s The Woman.”

The new song has a real history with the band: it was one of the tunes recorded for the Gene Simmons-produced demos in 1976, and it was re-recorded a year later as part of the 1977 Warner Brothers demos. The original version of the song includes riffs that were later found in “Mean Street,” from 1981’s “Fair Warning” album.


Van Halen
Café Wha? – New York City – January 5, 2012

You Really Got Me
Runnin’ With The Devil
Somebody Get Me A Doctor
She’s The Woman
Everybody Wants Some
Dance The Night Away
Panama
Hot For Teacher
Ice Cream Man
Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
Jump

Today's Day In Rock

Van Halen Album Details and Tour Dates
Van Halen returns with David Lee Roth at the helm for a brand new studio album and tour dates and we now know the details of both.
The band announced that their first new album with Roth since 1984 will be called 'A Different Kind Of Truth and will be released in the U.S. by Interscope Records on February 7.'

The first single and music video from the album, "Tattoo," is set for release next Tuesday, January 10th. more on this story



Dave Grohl Teams With Ratt Members
(Banana 101.5) Dave Grohl has been known to show up and beat the skins for different bands from time to time. His latest guest spot has him working with members of Ratt on a project that is currently being kept under wraps, kind of.

Dave Grohl was in one of the biggest rock bands (if not THE biggest) of the 90′s with Nirvana, in the mid 2000′s his other band Foo Fighters became one of the biggest rock bands of that decade — a trend which has carried over into this one as well. Now Dave is attempting historical dominance by working with members of one of the biggest rock groups of the 80′s. Ratt vocalist Stephen Pearcy dished on the project via Twitter:

"Warren and I are recording an original song (Grohl song idea open to Ratt madness). Not for a Ratt record. We'll let [Dave] tell you about it when he's ready." more on this story


Saliva Replace Josey Scott
(Banana 101.5) Josey Scott's has left Saliva to pursue a career in Christian music, but the band has decided to continue on without him and have found their new frontman.

Saliva have announced the addition of Burn Season drummer Bobby Amaru — who is also a singer/songwriter and producer. The band already has three demos with Amaru and plan to shop them around to labels soon.

Guitarist Swinny says the new lineup hits the road in February to let fans hear their new singer who "has a great voice and will not only bring some fresh blood into the band but; will also put a new spin on the Saliva sound." more on this story

Zakk Wylde In Guns N' Roses?
(Gibson) It could have been one of the most interesting heavy music collaborations in rock history: Zakk Wylde as a member of Guns N' Roses. And beyond that, it would have been a Les Paul-toting guitar dream team. And it very nearly happened in the mid-1990s. The rhythm guitar slot in Guns N' Roses was in a state of flux after the departure of Izzy Stradlin, the tenure of Gilby Clark and the is-he-or-isn't-he-a-band-member status of Axl Rose's friend and former Hollywood Rose bandmate Paul Huge. Meanwhile, Zakk Wylde's role as Ozzy Osbourne's right hand man had officially come to an end when Ozzy's No More Tours tour wrapped up in 1992 and the Ozzman entered a short-lived retirement.

Zakk released one album with his Southern rock-influenced band Pride & Glory before returning to Osbourne's employ for the recording of the album Ozzmosis. But by the time Ozzy's Retirement Sucks tour for Ozzmosis rolled around, Joe Holmes was in the lead guitar chair and Zakk was on the path that would eventually lead to the formation of Black Label Society.

So what would a Zakk/Slash guitar duo sound like in the context of Guns N' Roses? "It sounded like the riffs I write and the way I write, mixed in with the way the guys write, you know what I mean," Wylde says. "It would have been like, when I was jamming with Slash and all the guys, even if I'm in the band there's only one guy that's playing the solos to 'November Rain,' 'Sweet Child o' Mine' and all those classic songs. I'm not going to do anything there. But the future stuff that we would have been writing, it would have been cool! Because I love Slash's playing and I'm buddies with him. It would have been cool, but with those guys there was nothing happening, so we were jamming but it wasn't going anywhere." But the story doesn't end there.



Pink Floyd The Wall Reissues Filled With Rarities
Earlier this week Pink Floyd fans received bad news when rumors of the band reuniting for the 2012 Olympics were shot down but today we have big news for fans:

EMI have set a February 28th release date for 'Immersion' and 'Experience' editions of Pink Floyd 'The Wall,' as the final installment of the recent 'Why Pink Floyd?' reissues and extended releases. 'The Wall' remains Pink Floyd's biggest-selling release after 1973's legendary 'The Dark Side Of The Moon.'

Released in November 1979, 'The Wall' topped the album charts in the US, France, Germany, Sweden and Australia. "Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2" – Pink Floyd's first UK single since 1968 – became a Number 1 hit, selling more than one million copies within weeks of its release. more on this story


The Doors To Premiere Previously Unreleased Song On Monday
(MSO) The Doors will premiere their first new, completely unreleased song in 40 years, "She Smells So Nice" on Monday January 9th via their official Facebook page.

The bluesy track captures the band barreling through the full-throttle original. Bruce Botnick, the album's co-producer with the band, recently made the discovery while reviewing the L.A. WOMAN session tapes. The song will premiere on the band's Facebook
page (here) on Monday and will then be serviced to radio the following day.

Next up in news from The Doors: On Friday, January 20 at 7:30 PM there will be a one-time special screening of "Mr. Mojo Risin': The Story of L.A. Woman" (Eagle Rock Entertainment DVD/Blu-ray) at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA with special surprise guests. Jac Holzman--who signed the group to Elektra Records--and Los Angeles rock radio veteran Jim Ladd will present the film and take questions about the group's final album and legacy afterwards at a public Q&A session. more on this story

Black Country Communion Plan Third Album
(Gibson) Black Country Communion will enter the studio in June to record the band's third album for release in late 2012. The hard blues-rock group comprises Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian, Joe Bonamassa and Jason Bonham.

Since the band's formation in 2010, they have released the acclaimed Black Country (2010) and 2 (2011) albums.

In a new interview with Artisan News, singer-bassist Hughes stated that he expects the musical direction of the band to continue in the same vein as the band's second release. "We just did two albums back to back, both successful records. And our live DVD is out now. We're really, really happy with the progress of where we're going musically. So we're sort of on course now." more on this story



Van Halen Debut New Old Song at Club Show
(hennemusic) Van Halen returned to live action Thursday night with a rare, media-only club show at New York's Café Wha?

The event was to help promote their forthcoming new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth," due February 7; the project's first single, "Tattoo," is set for release next Tuesday.

The setlist featured mostly hits, with a few classics, and one new track, "She's The Woman." The new song has a real history with the band: it was one of the tunes recorded for the Gene Simmons-produced demos in 1976, and it was re-recorded a year later as part of the 1977 Warner Brothers demos. The original version of the song includes riffs that were later found in "Mean Street," from 1981's "Fair Warning" album. Check out both versions here.


Killers Releasing New Album This Year
(Gibson) The Killers' singer Brandon Flowers has confirmed the band will "definitely" release a new album in 2012.

Interviewed by the U.K.'s BBC Radio 1, Flowers revealed the band had already recorded some songs. "It's just whether it's [released in] the summertime or the wintertime," he said.

One song looking certain to appear on the album is called "Battle Born," with Flowers describing it as a "killer." The Las Vegas band's last release was their 2008 album Day & Age and they've been on hiatus since early 2010. Flowers released a low-key solo album called Flamingo in 2010, but said he's enjoying being back with the four-piece. more on this story



Chevelle Announce North American Tour
Chevelle have mapped out plans for a North American headlining tour that will feature support from Middle Class Rut and Janus.

The trek kicks off on Friday, February 24 in Grand Rapids, MI, and heads east, making a stop at Irving Plaza in New York City on Wednesday, February 29 and crossing the U.S. before wrapping in Oklahoma City, OK on Friday, March 16.

Chevelle are hitting the road in support of their recently released album, Hats Off To The Bull which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at no. 19. more on this story

Shinedown Find Their Vision With New Album
(Banana 101.5) Shinedown vocalist Brent Smith says that their new record 'Amaryllis' is the embodiment of what the band is all about.

Earlier this week, Shinedown dropped the first single from one of the most anticipated albums of 2012. While 'Bully' may not sound like the music you've come to expect from the band, vocalist Brent Smith told FMQB that 'Amaryllis' epitomizes the band:

"I've always seen Shinedown as its own entity – this living thing that's been growing and developing and evolving over the past 10 years. During the recording, the vision of what Shinedown is and where it's going became completely clear. 'Amaryllis' is the manifestation of that vision, the centerpiece of what Shinedown is." more on this story

Soundgarden Comeback Album Coming
(Banana 101.5) After taking a 16-year breather, Soundgarden is set to make one of the biggest comebacks of all-time in 2012

The band missed the initial goal of a fall 2011 release, but — as Cornell has stressed in several interviews — they know that it's important not to force the album and would release it when they felt it was done.

In November, Cornell told Billboard that they had just a couple of songs to finish and then would move on to mixing the album — both of which would happen over the holidays.

As far as the sound of their sixth album — expect it to sound different, which is technically the same with Soundgarden. more on this story

Michael Schenker Recruits Former Scorpions Members for Tour
Michael Schenker has recruited two former Scorpions members for his UK "Temple of Rock" tour which takes place in May.

This marks the first time Schenker's touring band will feature two ex-Scorpions members – Herman Rarebill (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass).

Vocalist Doogie White (ex-Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen) and MSG keyboardist, Wayne Findlay complete the line-up. more on this story

King's X To Launch First Church of Rock and Roll Tour
King's X will return to the North American road for the "First Church of Rock and Roll" tour this Spring.

King's X will launch the 4-week trek on March 28 in Austin, TX and extending through April 21 in Denver, CO.

It will be the first time the band - bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick, guitarist/vocalist Ty Tabor and drummer/vocalist Jerry Gaskill - have played most of these cities since 2009, and will mark their first West Coast dates in support of Live Love In London , the live CD/DVD follow-up to latest studio release XV. more on this story

Ryan Adams Rocks Ratt Classic
(hennemusic) Singer/songwriter Ryan Adams continues to tour in support of his latest release, "Ashes & Fire."

Adams begins his next round of US dates on January 24 in Bethesda, MD, with shows booked into mid-February before he heads down under for gigs in Australia and New Zealand.

Ryan was a guest on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday recently, where he stopped by the chat about the album; he also performed three tunes live on the show – two from "Ashes & Fire" and a stripped-down acoustic cover of Ratt's 1984 smash, "Round And Round." Check it out here.

U2's Spider-Man Musical Makes Broadway History
(Gibson) Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark – the drama-packed musical toting a score from U2's Bono and The Edge – has broken Broadway records to score the title of the highest single-week grossing show of all time.

The Daily Telegraph reports the production took in roughly $3 million over a nine-show period, which breaks the previous single-week grossing record held by the Wizard of Oz-inspired musical Wicked, which grossed $2.2 million over eight shows in 2011.

First impressions are often deceiving, and that's the case with Spider-Man. The production, which is reportedly the priciest show in history with a projected cost of $70 million, was faced with a number of early hindrances, including serious injuries to cast members, economic problems and poor reviews. more on this story



Previously Unreleased Janis Joplin Live Album Coming
Columbia/Legacy Recordings have set a March 13, 2012 release date for Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968, a previously unavailable live concert recording of Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin.

The show was recorded June 23, 1968 by legendary soundman Owsley Stanley, a/k/a "Bear," who supervised the mastering of this release before his fatal car accident on March 12, 2011, in his adopted homeland of Australia.

The release of the album marks the one-year anniversary of his passing and is dedicated to Bear. "Care was taken to preserve and ensure the integrity of the music as well as to present an accurate snapshot of the masterful talent of one of the greatest singers of her generation and one of the hottest live bands in the San Francisco scene," wrote Bear's widow, Sheilah Stanley, in her dedication to Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968. "This is Bear's vision -- how he heard the band live, and how he wanted to transmit that to you... this truly is Bear's presentation of this phenomenal band and inspirational music." more on this story

Queen Documentary Release Date Moved
Eagle Rock has moved the release date for the DVD and Blu-Ray release of the Queen: Days of Our Lives documentary from January 10th to January 31st.

Here are the details along with a link to the trailer: Days Of Our Lives began as a two-part documentary produced by long-term Queen collaborators and life long fans Rhys Thomas (the comedian who famously broke the Mastermind all-time record points score with a specialist subject of Queen) and Simon Lupton, and directed by the renowned director Matt Casey. After 10 years of making Queen DVDs, Lupton and Thomas were asked by the band to produce the definitive 40th Anniversary documentary and after almost a year of painstaking research and editing, this was the result. Check out the trailer here.

Split over two episodes, Part One covering 1970-80, Part Two 1980 – present day, the documentary is a genuine rollercoaster of rock and roll history. more on this story

U2 Achtung Baby Documentary Coming This Month
A new documentary film about the making of U2's Achtung Baby, entitled From The Sky Down will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in North America on January 24th, 2012.

Here is the background and a link to the trailer: Early in 2010, U2 returned to Hansa Studios in Berlin to discuss the making of Achtung Baby. From The Sky Down, is a documentary film directed by Academy Award winning director Davis Guggenheim (It Might Get Loud, Waiting for Superman, An Inconvenient Truth).

Screened in the UK as part of the BBC's Imagine Series, From The Sky Down was the first ever documentary film to open the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Now set for release on Blu-ray and DVD, From The Sky Down includes bonus footage of So Cruel, Love Is Blindness, and The Fly shot last May during the band's visit to Hansa Studios to mark the 20th anniversary of Achtung Baby; as well as a Q&A with Bono, The Edge and Davis Guggenheim filmed at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2011. more on this story

13-Year-Old Wins Robert Johnson New Generation Award
(Gibson) Matthew Davidson, a 13-year-old blues and rock guitarist, has won the 2011 Robert Johnson New Generation Award. The Shreveport Times reported that Davidson, who is from Shreveport, Louisiana, was chosen from among 25 artists by the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation.

As the winner, the guitarist and singer was given a Gibson Robert Johnson L-1 guitar, along with the opportunity to perform at a future foundation event.

"His style was kind of advanced for his age," said Steven Johnson, Robert's grandson and vice president of the foundation. "It was crisp; it was professional. His style with that electric guitar was amazing." more on this story



Man Overboard Announce Tour Plans Including Warped
(ESM) Man Overboard will be headlining the Pop Punk The Vote Tour with Handguns and Seahaven.

Daytrader and Candy Hearts will be splitting the opening slot on the tour. The tour will hit a city near you from February 15th through March 11th.

Additionally, the band will be on the Vans Warped Tour this summer. The band will be on the entire run of the tour this summer, joining bands like A Loss For Words, Polar Bear Club, Bayside, Every Time I Die and many more. more on this story

Corey Taylor Shares His Love For Stephen King
(Gibson) Stone Sour and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor knows a thing or two about writing. After all, he recently penned an autobiography, Seven Deadly Sins: Settling the Argument Between Born Bad and Damaged Good, that landed on the New York Times bestseller list.

Taylor recently chatted with Artist Direct about his favorite reads, and he said Stephen King's The Stand is at the top of the list. C'mon, are you surprised?

"I'd have to say the unabridged version of The Stand with the extra 150,000 words," he said when asked to rattle off his No. 1 pick. "I pretty much read that once a year, and I have since I was … 20-years-old. It's one of my all-time favorite books, and it's such an adventure that it's almost like reading the script to a fantastic movie that you know will never get made. The Stand is definitely a favorite. How stoked do you think I was when Slipknot got mentioned in Stephen King's Cell?" What else is on his reading list?



The Day Carly Simon's Vain Song Hit The Top
(Gibson) On this day in 1973, Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" began a three-week run at #1 on the Billboard singles chart. Nearly four decades after Simon's blockbuster hit ruled the airwaves, people still don't fully know exactly whom she was singing about.

Could it be Mick Jagger? He sang (uncredited) backing vocals on the single. Could it be James Taylor? He and Simon were married not long before the song hit the charts. Could it be Warren Beatty? He and Simon had been in a relationship prior to the writing of the tune. Or could it be Cat Stevens? Nick Nolte? Kris Kristofferson? David Bowie? David Geffen? David Cassidy?

Although Simon has never revealed the subject of the tune to the public, she has been giving away clues "in drips and drabs" for more than 30 years. Plus, she's ruled out a few of the usual suspects.

For instance, she dispelled the rumor that "You're So Vain" has anything to do with Jagger, save for his work as a vocalist. In 2001, she said "The apricot scarf was worn by Nick [Nolte]. Nothing in the words referred to Mick." The scarf in question is referenced early in the song's lyrics – "Your scarf it was apricot…" Simon also ruled out Taylor back in 1973 – and even told Rolling Stone that James had asked his then-wife if the song was about him. more on this story



Singled Out: Case In Theory's The Day
Today Jonathan Posadas from Case In Theory tells us about "The Day" from their album "Cinematic". Here is the story:

The Day is your classic case of a love gone awry. It's crazy how some things that start off amazing could easily turn upside down in a blink of an eye because of things beyond your control. I touch base on how music and hearing certain songs can make things that much harder, which is ironic because on the opposite end, the right music makes everything that much better to any situation.

It's definitely one of our music unique songs musically starting with a smooth spacey first section that transitions into a faster dancey breakdown and ends with a very powerful chorus section that ends with the words, "It's to be continued." This song wasn't written about anyone specific, instead it's song written for everyone that could relate to it.

VAN HALEN SET UP AND READY FOR NYC:

Van Halen will hit the stage Thursday night (USA time) at NYC's Cafe Wha? (or Cafe What) for their first show since 2008 - a 45 minute set to launch their new hugely anticipated studio album - the title of which I am told will be A Different Kind Of Truth.
The February 7 CD release prefaces a full US tour, kicking of February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky. There are also Madison Square Gardens and Montreal dates amongst the first leg, which is set to be announced tomorrow in a press release to accompany the NYC showcase.
The first single from A Different Kind Of Truth will be Tattoo - and that's out this coming Tuesday (video and digital single).

The band were in NYC today rehearsing at the venue, with a source confirming a new track was soundchecked, as well as Running With The Devil, Dance The Night Away and You Really Got Me.
Stay tuned for a lot more news to flow over the next several days.

Tonight Van Halen Live!

Tonight: Van Halen Live!


Tonight’s the night! Van Halen will play an intimate club gig at the Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village, which was originally owned by Roth’s uncle Manny Roth. We’ve been told that this event is not a press conference, and that there won’t be a Q&A. Rumor is the band are going to perform a 45-minute set. Fans are dying to find out if the play a new song or two!
Van Halen News Desk staff will be in attendance and we’ll be tweeting updates on VHND before and after the concert, so stay tuned! (You’ll be able to read the tweets right on VHND, or you can follow VHND on Twitter).

Today's Day In Rock

Killswitch Engage Part Ways With Howard Jones
(Banana 101.5) Killswitch Engage issued a statement via their official website announcing their plans to move forward without singer Howard Jones.
"To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we've had him in the band.

"Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well. He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward." more on this story

Nearly 700 Unreleased Thin Lizzy Tracks To Be Released
(Gibson) Spinner reports that before his death in 1986, Thin Lizzy bassist/frontman and main writer Phil Lynott gave an unidentified caretaker 150 tapes of unreleased music. In 2012, some of the nearly 700 tracks included in the archive will see the light of day – Universal Music has acquired the tapes and the company is prepping a new Thin Lizzy box set which is due out later in 2012.

"This is an absolutely stunning find," project manager Steve Hammonds told the Irish Independent. The collection will feature outtakes and alternate versions of Lizzy hits, as well as "material which was recorded but never released at the time," Hammonds added. The recordings span from 1971 to 1981 and total approximately 150 hours.

The group's surviving members – Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, Brian Downey, Eric Bell and others – are reportedly helping with the mammoth project. 2012 marks the 26th anniversary of Lynott's passing, but Hammonds insists this box set is no vulgar cash-in. more on this story



David Gilmour Shoots Down Pink Floyd Reunion Rumor
The UK press has been having a field day sparking rumors of rock legends reuniting to play the 2012 Olympics in London.

All of these rumors have quickly been shot down and the latest legendary group to dismiss such reports is Pink Floyd.

A representative for David Gilmour had this to say to NME, "There is no truth in recent media speculation about Pink Floyd reuniting to perform for the 2012 London Olympics." Read the NME report

No Revival Of Creedence Clearwater Revival
(Gibson) Two former members of Creedence Clearwater Revival say fans shouldn't get too excited about John Fogerty's recent claim that he would consider an offer to get back with the band if one was put to him.

In July 2011 Fogerty told the Calgary Herald, "Realizing that it doesn't really kick up a big firestorm of emotion, it kind of suggests that at least if someone started talking I'd sit still long enough to listen." But bass player Stu Cook tells Uncut Magazine in the February issue that there will be no such reunion. "Leopards don't change their spots," Cook said. "This is just an image-polishing exercise by John. My phone certainly hasn't rung." Drummer Doug Clifford added, "It might have been a nice idea 20 years ago, but it's too late."

In the '90s Fogerty sued Cook and Clifford to stop them touring under the name Creedence Clearwater Revisited (the courts ruled in Cook and Clifford's favor), and he refused to appear with them at their induction at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. more on this story



Zakk Wylde To Release The Bible of Stupidity
(Banana 101.5) Zakk Wylde is known for many things, most of them relating to music or being an all-around badass.

His latest endeavor has the Black Label Society frontman storming the literary world with what he calls the 'Bible of Stupidity.'

"A new literary masterpiece up there with Gone with the Wind. It's basically a literary bible of stupidity. (laughs) Me and (co-author) Eric (Hendrikx) were writing the thing, we were just laughing our balls off when we were writing some of this stuff. A lot of the situations are really real. It's me talking about a lot of real situations that have actually happened and talking about how ridiculous the music business is. The whole thing is, you've got your posters of Jimmy Page up on the wall and Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix, Frank Marino, Robin Trower—all my favorite guys—and you practice your balls off 'til your fingers and your hands are bleeding to hone your craft, and anything after that just basically goes down the s—ter. It's one rude wakeup call after another." more on this story

Metallica Set New Release
(Gibson) Metallica will release their four-track Beyond Magnetic EP as a physical edition at the end of January, after the album was made available via digital retailers last month.

The four songs are rough mixes of leftover songs from the Death Magnetic recording sessions of 2007 and 2008. Each of the songs was performed live during Metallica's four-night 30th anniversary stint in San Francisco in December, then released to the band's fan club members that evening.

The four songs are "Hate Train," "Just a Bullet Away," "Hell and Back" and "Rebel of Babylon." They were the only four leftover songs from the sessions. "We kept them in the vault and decided to pull them just for this special celebration, so here are the four leftover tracks from the Death Magnetic sessions," the band said. "They are ROUGH mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March '08."

The digital release of Beyond Magnetic sold around 36,000 copies in its first week, reaching #32 on the Billboard charts. Beyond Magnetic will be released on CD on January 31 in North America and January 30 in the rest of the world. more on this story



Steve Perry Plotting His Return
(hennemusic) Former Journey singer Steve Perry is planning to get to work recording in a studio that's nearing completion in his southern California home.

"I'm finishing that room up and I've written a whole bunch of ideas and directions, all over the map, in the last two, three years," Perry tellsBillboard. "So I plan on getting in the studio at some point and start trying to track these things and see where they go."

There's no formal timetable, however. "I don't want it to have pressure," explains Steve, "because I'll worry about it sucking, and then what am I gonna do? I've got all this pressure... that I just don't want on me, so I've allowed myself the ability to sketch and write as I go, and I'll do it at my own pace." more on this story

Stone Sour's Next Album Pink Floyd Meets Alice in Chains?
(Banana 101.5) Stone Sour have been at work on what frontman Corey Taylor has said may become a double-disc concept album. Taylor recently gave a progress report on the project describing it as "Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' meets Alice in Chains' 'Dirt' on steroids."

Taylor recently sat down with Artisan News to speak about Stone Sour's upcoming third (and technically fourth) album:

"We're still writing and recording stuff. Right now alone, we have 13 completed songs, with six more that I can demo, probably two or three that Josh [Rand, guitar] still has that we're tweaking, and then a bunch that Jim's [Root, guitar] gonna bring in. Our ultimate goal is a double concept album, which the only way I can describe it is [Pink Floyd's] 'The Wall' meets [Alice in Chains'] 'Dirt' on steroids. And I think it's gonna be fantastic. And if I can pull it off, it's gonna be the biggest thing we've ever done in our career." more on this story

Creed Expand North American Tour Plans
Creed have added additional dates for their upcoming intimate North American Spring tour.

The group announced that they have added added more dates in Connecticut, D.C., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Kansas City to the tour.

The band will be performing their blockbuster albums My Own Prison and Human Clay in their entirety along with hits from their albums Weathered and Full Circle. more on this story


Red Hot Chili Blur Supergroup Gearing Up For Shows and Album Release
(Gibson) It may be an unlikely liaison, but Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and Blur frontman Damon Albarn have recorded an album and are rehearsing for live shows. The third key member of Rocketjuice and the Moon is Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen. There are also guest appearances from Erykah Badu, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and many others.

"We met on a plane in 2008," bassist/trumpeter Flea told Mojo magazine. "The three of us were going to Lagos as part of Damon's Africa Express Collective. I'm a huge Fela Kuti fan and Tony [Allen] is one of my favourite drummers, so to get to talk and play with him was phenomenal. The way I approach rhythm and groove is very similar to the way he does, and I feel with him a special something that is hard to put into words… but it's a beautiful thing."

"We were going to meet someday," added Allen. "It feels like I've been playing with Flea for many years."

Albarn agreed that, "Everything just fell into place. It felt special being in a room together."

Rocketjuice and the Moon's self-titled debut album is due for release in March and has been recorded in London with overdubs in Paris, Berlin and Chicago. What on earth will it sound like? "It is all funk," Allen told Mojo. more on this story



KISS Finishing New Album This Week
KISS are almost done with their "Monster" new studio album, Monster is the planned title for the effort.

Ultimate Classic Rock reports that frontman Paul Stanley said yesterday that KISS are "two days from finished with this album."

So what does the Starchild himself have to say about the band's 20th platter? "It's awesome… by far the best thing we've done in I don't know how long. Have I said that before? Yeah. Was I right? Yeah! I'm right this time again!" more on this story


Anthrax and Testament Tour
Anthrax will return to the road on January 22 with a second leg of their North American co-headline tour with Testament.

The trek will feature support from Death Angel and kicks off in Las Vegas and will wrap up in NYC on February 8th.

Anthrax have also released "I'm Alive," the second single from their latest album Worship Music, to radio. more on this story

Jack White To Appear In American Pickers
(Banana 101.5) Jack White's musical interests aren't his only eclectic tastes, as we will learn from his appearance in Monday's new episode of The History Channel's 'American Pickers.'

The former White Stripes frontman may have shifted his focus from performing with a band to running his label (Third Man Records), producing, and collaborating with artists, but that doesn't mean that he's gotten any less interesting.

Fans will be treated to a look inside the world of Jack White and his collection of "crazy stuff" — as it's described in the preview — on next week's episode of 'American Pickers.' For those who are unfamiliar with the show it features two collectors/sellers of rare antiques who drive across America looking for people who will let them search through their old barns and cellars for treasure — think 'Antiques Roadshow' meets 'Hoarders' and you're pretty close. Read more and check out a preview here.



New All-American Rejects Song Coming This Month
DGC/Interscope have set a January 24th release date for The All-American Rejects new digital single "Beekeeper's Daughter".

The track was written by Rejects' lead singer, lyricist, and bassist Tyson Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler and reportedly captures a tumultuous time while Ritter was living in Los Angeles after wrapping two years of touring behind the band's 2008 album When The World Comes Down.

"'Beekeeper's Daughter' is a story about a guy who thinks he can get away with anything and always have a girl there waiting for him," Ritter says. "He never backs down from that opinion. At the end of it, he's even stronger and more snide and thinks he's invincible no matter what. He's an asshole, but at that point in my life, I was kind of an asshole. As we were making Kids In The Street, I went from that to being a completely humbled guy who's looking at his reflection saying, 'Wow, what have I done?' It may make me not seem very likeable, but it was important that I be truthful and really open up on this album about what I've been through."

"Beekeeper's Daughter," along with the rest of the tracks on Kids In The Street, was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Greg Wells, who is known for his work with Adele, Katy Perry, and OneRepublic, among many others. "Greg was the first producer we've worked with who really spoke my language, which translated into the sound of the album," Ritter says. "If you really want to know what Kids In The Street sounds like, it sounds like The All-American Rejects finally got their shit together and wrote a record that was going to keep them around." more on this story


Iron Butterfly Guitarist Larry 'Rhino' Reinhardt Dead at 63
Ultimate Classic Rock had this sad news: Larry 'Rhino' Reinhardt died on Monday. He was 63-years-old.

The one-time Iron Butterfly guitarist and co-founder of '70s rock group Captain Beyond died of sclerosis of the liver, his longtime significant other Tracey Hooper told the Bradenton Herald.

The guitarist had been battling health problems in recent years. In January 2010 he wrote on his Facebook page that his time could be short. more on this story


Transfer Announce Tour Dates With Kaiser Chiefs
Skh sent over word that Transfer will return to North America in March for a national tour as support to Kaiser Chiefs.

The short trek will kick off on March 6th in Boston, MA at the House Of Blues and will wrap up on March 24th in Vancouver, BC.

Transfer will also be quite visible at this year's SXSW conference with several performances in the works. more on this story



Ginger Wildheart Almost Gave Up Music
(Rock News Desk) Ginger Wildheart admits he started looking for a "proper job" after deciding his music career had failed in July last year.

The move came after he left Michael Monroe's band in the aftermath of a fallout with manager Virpi Immonen, also manager of the Wildhearts, who were forced onto hiatus in 2010 with the departure of bassist Scott Sorry.

And when he faced a "budgetary disaster" in attempts to record a new album, he planned to walk away from music. Ginger says: "I hit a wall sometime in July when I seriously considered giving up the idea of making a living from music. It appeared time in my life to get a proper job. more on this story



Black Pyramid Releasing New Album This Month
MeteorCity Records have set a January 31, 2012 release date for Black Pyramid's aptly titled sophomore album Black Pyramid II.

Recorded "in the foothills of the Berkshires" at Black Coffee Sound (Elks, Elder) and mixed by Justin Pizzoferrato (Sonic Youth / Witch / Dinosaur Jr.), the record features nine tracks of the band's self-titled "galloping war metal". Black Pyramid II was mastered by Matt Washburn (Mastodon) and is "at times a bit more death metal and black metal influenced" than the band's previous material.

"We're incredibly proud of the sonic landscapes we were able to achieve with the new album," said Black Pyramid drummer Clay Neely. "It's a clear successor to the debut album and we allowed ourselves to further expand into some uncharted territories. The recording of the record was an incredibly rewarding experience and we can't wait to bring the show back on the road." more on this story


Bad Seeds' Barry Adamson Solo Album and Intimate Show Announced
The Bad Seeds and Magazine's Barry Adamson has set a release date for his 10th solo studio album.

The new album, I Will Set You Free, is set to arrive in stores on February 14th.

But ahead of the release Adamson is will perform a intimate solo show at Hotel Café in Los Angeles on January 18th. Details and tix are here.



Big Shoes: Walking and Talking the Blues Album and Film Coming
(MPM) Big Shoes: Walking and Talking the Blues, the new 90-minute documentary by famed music filmmaker Robert Mugge, and an accompanying live CD produced by slide guitar master Ted Drozdowski, will be released as a special 2-disc CD/DVD set March 20 on VizzTone Records.

The film and the CD both spotlight Drozdowski's Nashville-based band Scissormen, and as a prelude to this joint release, the band will perform a special showcase on February 2 at B.B. King's in Memphis during the International Blues Challenge competition.

Big Shoes was produced during Scissormen's tour of the Midwest in February 2010 and is part road movie, part concert film, part history lesson, and part state-of-the-genre report. The film's central performance was shot and recorded at the Key Palace Theater in Redkey, Indiana. Additional live music and interviews were captured at the Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis, Indiana; the Starr-Gennett Foundation in Richmond, Indiana; Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana (where filmmaker Mugge serves as an Endowed Chair Professor); and the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland Ohio. Still more interviews were shot at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland. For an 18 1/2-minute preview of the movie and a look at the CD/DVD liner notes

MOTLEY CRUE STEALS THE SHOW IN BIRMINGHAM

MOTLEY CRUE STEALS THE SHOW IN BIRMINGHAM

Show Date: December 6, 2011
Location: Birmingham, England
Venue: LG Arena
Reviewer: Gemma-Louise Johnson
Band Website: www.defleppard.com - motley.com - www.steelpantherrocks.com

10am on a cold December morning and fans for the triple headline show at Birmingham's LG Arena began to descend on what staff call, 'The Hardcore Queue' -- but they had a long wait, because the door that allows them in didn't open for another 7 hours, and some fans had flown all the way from Barcelona just to attend the show!

Steel Panther kicked off the exquisite proceedings with a 45 minute set that went by so quick, if you blinked, you'd have missed it. A large chunk of the band's set list consisted of material from their latest album 'Ball Out', and that was something fans were only too happy with. Having had a few weeks to get to know the new stuff, the crowd belt back every word, much to frontman Michael Starr's delight.

Flamboyant as ever, charging straight into opener "Super Sonic Sex Machine", Starr appeared red-robe attired, and bassist Lexxi Foxx showcased his famous pouting with mirror checks throughout. Just before banging into "Gold Diggin' Whore" the band treated us to a sleazy rendition of "Just Like Tiger Woods" and "Tomorrow Night". The new stuff may have been going down a treat, but it was the band's classics "Asian Hooker" and "Community Property" that sparked the biggest reaction this night. Just before crashing into "Death To All But Metal", the David Lee Roth-a-like Starr asked, "How many people love heavy metal so much that they'd kill a baby seal?", and it was met with roars of agreement. Reaching the same climatic high they achieved last month, during their one night stand show in London, Steel Panther proved they could easily be an arena band -- although playing down the smut-led periphery just slightly, this evening's efforts were electrifying. Make no mistake, fans were sure 'feelin' the steel' once again.




Achieving an apocalyptic impact on the night's hardcore fan base, Motley Crue well and truly stole the show with their impressive and wacky stage effects. Not only did they warm up the crowd -- they pummelled them into submission with a 90 minute set full of extravaganza lights, sound, pyrotechnics and video effects. And Tommy Lee showcased his famous show-stopping revolving wheel, where one 'lucky' fan from the audience went upside down experiencing rock 'n' roll's ultimate thrill ride. The 'lucky fan' however turned out to be a reporter from the Sun newspaper, rigged, but alas he was pumped with excitement.




Kicking off with "Wild Side", proving they're still the same 'Live Wire' Crue we all love and know, the '80s hair legends played all their classics -- "Girls, Girls, Girls", "Dr. Feelgood" and the Brownsville Station cover "Smokin' In The Boys Room". But it wasn't just Tommy Lee's drum rollercoaster of sin that substantiated a key highlight -- it was also the mosaic-mirrored piano that was lifted onto the stage where the magic really kicked in. Fans screamed out for Tommy as all four members crowded round at the very front for a melodic rendition of "Home Sweet Home". The onstage chemistry between these boys was on absolute fire, the bromantic bond between them during gang vocals oozed out of each and every note and the body language towards one another said it all.

Living up to its meaning, "Kickstart My Heart" saw bassist Nikki Sixx as the only member of the band to spit fake blood over the audience (much to their delight). And in true Ozzy Osbourne fashion, picking up a bucket of the stuff each, they tipped the entire contents over the front row. Like true 'Saints of Los Angeles' there was no doubt about it, Motley Crue well and truly owned Birmingham and took the place by storm.




Def Leppard really had their work cut out for them after the exhilarating performance lead by Motley Crue -- the storm they left behind gets choppy. Kicking off with the likes of "Rocket", "When Love And Hate Collide" and "Two Steps Behind", and receiving a lethargic response, it was clear as to which bands the crowd mainly came for this evening.

But nevertheless, taking the night's school of rock back to the class of '86, Def Leppard scored high with top notch notes in "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Animal" and "Hysteria". It wasn't until encores "Let's Get Rocked" and "Wasted" though, that the audience really made their presence known. Running from side to side of the stage and up the stairs like the old days, frontman Joe Elliot and bassist Rick Savage enjoyed every minute -- it was sheer '80s entertainment before youngster eyes, able to relive the blistering decade of rock n' roll.

Def Leppard may have struggled early on in their set, but one thing's for sure... each and every fan went away from this show having had an absolute 'mirror ball' of a time -- see you in Sin City!

Today's Day In Rock

Van Halen Single and Tour Launch Details
(hennemusic) Van Halen returns next Tuesday with "Tattoo," the first single from their forthcoming album.
The VHND reports that one week from today, Van Halen will release "Tattoo" as the project's lead track.

The site also says the 2012 Van Halen tour starts in February, with opening night happening in Louisville, Kentucky. more on this story


Pink Floyd To Reunite?
(Gibson) More than a few legendary bands have been rumored to reunite for the opening and/or closing ceremonies at this summer's Olympic Games in London. Recent speculation has included the reformations of Queen, Led Zeppelin and some new version of The Beatles.

Now, the London Evening Standard is positing that the surviving members of Pink Floyd will team up for the big event. Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason last got together at one of the London stops on Waters' The Wall tour. Of course, those three musicians and the late Rick Wright also reunited at 2005's Live 8 concert.

"Its long been made clear it would take something very special to get Pink Floyd back together again and it doesn't get any bigger than the Olympics," an insider said. "Like Sir Paul [McCartney, rumored to play at the opening ceremonies] they have been a major part of the nation's culture over the past 40 years and it will be very fitting that they're involved when London is on show to the world. It's hoped everything can be confirmed in the coming weeks." more on this story



Guns N' Roses Members Reaction To Rock Hall Reunion Speculation
(Banana 101.5) There are a lot of former and current members of Guns N' Roses and almost all of them are talking about the potential of a reunion at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in April. Here is the breakdown of what the involved parties have said in regards to the possible reformation of old school GN'R.

Dizzy Reed Keyboardist 1995-Present: "I haven't received any sort of schedule or itinerary yet, and I really don't know much about the whole process, but I'll do whatever, man. I always say that I'm always the last to know. I could be in Tahiti or something and get a phone call, who knows?" – Las Vegas Review-Journal

D.J. Ashba Guitarist 2009-Present: "I don't ever foresee that happening, to be honest just from what I know. But I would be the first person in line to buy a ticket, that's for sure. So I have no problem with it whatsoever." – Banana 101.5

Axl Rose Lead Singer 1985-Present: "Because, really, you can get guys from the ['Use Your Illusion'] thing, but the only thing that would make it would be Duff [McKagan] and Slash, really. It's nothing against Izzy [Stradlin] and it's nothing against Steven [Adler], or anything like that. Steven may want it, but these guys I'm working with right now, they work really hard and it's hard work…There is no plan yet. There really is no plan. We're still busy with this lineup." – Los Angeles Times

What about Duff, Matt, Steven and Slash?



Van Halen Vs Al Roker
(hennemusic) NBC's Al Roker wouldn't budge for Van Halen on a flight to New York this week. The New York Post reports Roker nearly "pulled an Alec Baldwin" on an American Airlines flight when he refused to give up his aisle seat for Alex Van Halen and his wife, Stine Schyberg, and remained glued to his phone after the gate closed to tune out the couple's protests.

On AA flight No. 4 to New York, the Van Halen co-founder and his wife complained to the gate agent that Roker was sitting between them as the plane sat on the ground.

Witnesses said Alex was seated by the right-side window, his wife in the center of the cabin, with Roker in the aisle seat between them. Alex's brother and Van Halen co-founder Eddie and his wife, Janie Liszewski, were seated in the row behind them. Find out why he wouldn't move

Shinedown Deliver New Song
(Banana 101.5) Shinedown spent the better part of 2011 recording the follow-up to their massively successful 2008 album 'The Sound of Madness' with producer Rob Cavallo.

The new album, 'Amaryllis,' won't be released until March 27th, but that didn't stop the band from unleashing their uncharacteristically to the point single 'Bully.'

For a band that usually speaks in metaphor, 'Bully' seems to deliver a fairly straight-forward message. Check it out here.



Joe Strummer Music Festival Planned
(Gibson) Joe Strummer, the founding member of U.K. punk icons The Clash who passed away in 2002, will be honored with a festival this summer.

The festival will be organized by the Strummerville charity and will take place around August 12, the day Strummer would have turned 60. The organization is calling the festival the Strummer of Love and the lineup will feature artists and bands influenced by The Clash.

A Strummerville spokesman told Mojo magazine, "None of the bands have been booked yet and the search is still continuing for a suitable site. But when we were discussing how to celebrate Joe's life, a music festival seems to be the most appropriate way." more on this story



Beatles and Eurythmics Stars Team Up For Musical
(Gibson) Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr is preparing to work with Eurythmics man and top producer Dave Stewart on a musical.

According to the U.K.'s Daily Express, Ringo collaborated with Stewart on material for his new album, Ringo 2012, and the writing sessions resulted in extra material, enough for stage show.

Starr told Mojo magazine, "Me and Dave wrote a musical, a complete thing – characters, story, a lot of songs. We wrote it for Broadway, but it will more likely end up [as] a movie... and I'm not telling you anything else. It's about other people." more on this story



Metallica Release Final 30th Anniversary Show Recap
(hennemusic) Metallica have released a video summary of the final night of their recent 30th Anniversary shows.

For the December 10 show, the band were joined by former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, producer Bob Rock, Lloyd Grant, Ron McGovney, Hugh Tanner and Black Sabbath legends Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler.

Metallica rocked a 20-song set that included material from various points in their career, including a heavy dose of tracks from their 1983 debut, "Kill "Em All," and the band offered up the fourth previously-unreleased "Death Magnetic" track, "Rebel Of Babylon." Check it out here.

Bonnie Raitt To Release Comeback Album
(Gibson) Bonnie Raitt will release her first album in seven years and it's called Slipstream. The 12-track album features blues, rock and soul including a cover version.

USA Today is reporting that the renowned blues singer and guitarist has been taking a break for the past few years after losing her parents, brother and best friend.

"I took a hiatus from touring and recording to get back in touch with the other part of my life," Raitt, 62, said in a statement. more on this story



Dream Theater's James LaBrie Plans New Solo Album
Loudwire reports that Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie has told followers on his official Facebook page that he is beginning to write for his next solo album.

LaBrie's longtime writing partner Matt Guillory will once again lend his talents for the Dream Theater vocalist's third solo album.

Keyboardist Matt Guillory began working with LaBrie more than a decade ago in the progressive metal project MullMuzzler Read what he had to say here.

Historic Reunion For Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton has been reunited with his beloved and historic Gibson Les Paul after three decades. We were sent these details:

Peter Frampton's long-lost guitar was recently discovered after its disappearance in a plane crash 32 years ago. In 1980, a cargo plane carrying Frampton's equipment for an upcoming show in Panama crashed, supposedly destroying all of the instruments on board including Frampton's cherished 1954 Gibson Les Paul. Thanks to the unyielding work of two dedicated fans, one in Holland and one on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, as well as the CEO of the Curaçao Tourist Board, Frampton was reunited with the guitar in an emotional meeting last month in Nashville, TN.

The Curaçao Tourist Board helped acquire the guitar from an individual after hearing news that they may indeed have a lead on the long lost and beloved guitar. Together in Nashville, TN at the Gibson Custom Shop, with experts from Gibson Guitar and Peter Frampton, the team confirmed it was the original guitar long missing from Frampton's collection. more on this story

Onslaught To Launch Their First North American Tour This Spring
(ESM) North American Onslaught fans have waited three decades and it will finally happen this year as Onslaught will cross the Atlantic for their first ever tour of the continent in March and April.

The 20-date trek gets underway in Seattle on March 19th and tramples its way across the continent ending in Brooklyn on April 7th.

The band's exclusive set for the tour spans their full back catalog, including Power from Hell, The Force, In Search of Sanity, Killing Peace and their lauded 2011 release Sounds of Violence. more on this story

Corrosion Of Conformity Album and Tour Coming
Corrosion Of Conformity will be hitting the road for a North American headlining tour this March in support of their new self-titled album which will hit stores on February 28, 2012.

The tour kicks off March 1 at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City, the trek will hit 15 cities including two performances at this year's SXSW Music Conference in Austin. The band will be joined by Torche, Valient Thorr and A Storm Of Light.

Commented vocalist/bassist Mike Dean of the upcoming shows: "We think the lineup of music on this tour is really compatible without every band doing the same thing. We're really proud to be on this bill and touring on a new album." more on this story

Cursive Giving Away New Song
Saddle Creek are offering Cursive fans a download of "The Sun and Moon", the first track off the groups upcoming seventh album I Am Gemini.

I Am Gemini will be released February 21st, 2012 via Saddle Creek, but you don't have to wait until then to grab the download of the new song here.

Cursive has announced an additional four weeks of shows this spring, from March 22nd to April 21st. This new run of dates includes two shows in New York City on April 3rd and 4th at the Bowery Ballroom. more on this story

Cage The Elephant Release New DVD/CD
Cage The Elephant have released their first-ever live DVD: Live From The Vic In Chicago, which was released this week on DVD/CD, and as an iTunes DVD download and digital audio download.

In addition, Best Buy will release an exclusive Blu-Ray disc available in stores January 3rd, and it will be available at other retailers January 17th.

Directed by the famed lensman Wayne Isham, Live From The Vic In Chicago, was filmed amidst their spring tour during which Cage The Elephant had a two-night sold out run at The Vic Theatre in Chicago. more on this story

Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon, Jane's Addiction Supergroup Tap Mars Volta Drummer
One Day As A Lion, ex-The Mars Volt drummer Jon Theodore has been tapped for the new Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon, Jane's Addiction supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra.

This official announcement refutes previous reports that Thomas Pridgen (ex- The Mars Volta) was the new drummer for Giraffe Tongue Orchestra which features guitarist Ben Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan), guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds (Mastodon, West End Motel, Fiend
Without A Face) and bassist Eric Avery (ex- Jane's Addiction).

Along with his repertoire of Jazz, Fusion and Rock styles, Theodore brings a heightened sense of enthusiasm to the project saying, "When I first heard some of the ideas these guys were working on I immediately knew this project was right up my alley. Both beautiful and technical but not spastic, thematic but not cheesy, hard but delicate." more on this story

Steven Tyler Walks This Way With Alice Cooper
(hennemusic) Steven Tyler made a surprise appearance on at Alice Cooper's New Year's Eve show in Maui, Hawaii.

Also on the bill were "Weird Al" Yankovic, Pat Simmons and Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, and Bob Rock; the event was emceed by comedian Tom Arnold.

Tyler turned up for a few songs, including "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion," as well as joining Alice and Weird Al for a cover of The Beatles' classic, "Come Together". Check out video here.

Jay Frank To Tell You How To Hack Your Hit
Jay Frank has set a February 1, 2012 release date for "Hack Your Hit," which is billed as the definitive, do-it-yourself marketing guide for artists seeking success in the digital age. We were sent these details:

Hack Your Hit will hit the shelves the same week that Frank's new model record label, DigSin, releases its first round of single songs for free to subscribers.

"With over 3,000 albums released weekly, marketing new music properly becomes increasingly crucial," said author Jay Frank. "Hack Your Hit shows that there are easily implemented strategies to work through the noise and allow new music to be found and heard."

Van Halen to Perform at New York’s Cafe Wha? This Thursday

Van Halen to Perform at New York’s Cafe Wha? This Thursday
JANUARY 2, 2012

This story sounds too good to be true, but we confirmed it with the band – it’s true!

From RollingStone:
By Andy Greene
January 2, 2012 7:55 PM ET
Journalists across New York have been invited to a Van Halen concert at the Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village this Thursday. Though nothing is official, word is the band are going to perform a 45-minute set. The group hasn’t played in public since the end of their 2007/’08 reunion tour with original frontman David Lee Roth, though they have been rehearsing for their upcoming world tour at the Roxy in Los Angeles for the past few months. A new album is in the works, and a new image released by the band has the date 2.7.12 on it. A new video and single is expected to hit sometime this month. The tour goes on sale January 10th.
The 250-seat Cafe Wha? may seem like an unlikely place for Van Halen to launch their new tour, but the club has an important family connection to David Lee Roth. His uncle Manny Roth owned and operated the venue, providing a stage to then-up-and-coming acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Bill Cosby, Bob Dylan, Richard Pryor and many others.
While the Van Halen camp has been extremely quiet about the band’s plans for 2012, they recently put up a giant billboard in Times Square and teaser footage showing the band rehearsing at the Roxy. They have also given the fansite VHLINKS two exclusive videos of the band reminiscing about Eddie Van Halen’s old Volvo and judging wet T-shirt contests back in the Seventies. The site also says that a “trusted source” tells them the band has been “busy booking rehearsal space and hotel rooms for the band and their crew for [this] week in NYC.”

Today's Day in Rock

Velvet Revolver To Reunite With Scott Weiland Next Week
(Banana 101.5) Scott Weiland has apparently buried the hatchet with his former bandmates in Velvet Revolver and they have agreed to perform together for a one-off show honoring late composer John O' Brien.
While it may not be the reunion news involving Slash and Duff McKagan you were hoping for, the one night only reformation of VR is surprising considering how things ended for the supergroup that formed in 2003.

Blabbermouth reports that Weiland will return to front Velvet Revolver for a brief performance on January 12th at the House of Blues in West Hollywood. The event titled 'Love You Madly: A Concert For John O' Brien' will honor the recently deceased film/TV composer. more on this story


Van Halen Playing Club Show This Week
(hennemusic) Journalists across New York have been invited to a Van Halen concert at the Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village this Thursday.

Rolling Stone reports that, although nothing is official, word is the band are going to perform a 45-minute set.

The group hasn't played in public since the end of their 2007/'08 reunion tour with original frontman David Lee Roth, though they have been rehearsing for their upcoming world tour at the Roxy in Los Angeles for the past few months. more on this story



Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler and Weird Al New Year's Jam
(hennemusic) Alice Cooper rocked his way into 2012 with a New Year's Eve show in Maui, Hawaii where Aerosmith's Steven Tyler turned up for a few songs.

Cooper played at the Mala Wailea, the famous oceanfront restaurant that is lobby level at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Also on the bill were "Weird Al" Yankovic, Pat Simmons and Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, and Bob Rock; the event was emceed by comedian Tom Arnold.

Tyler joined Alice for a few songs, including "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" and they were also joined by Weird Al for a cover of The Beatles' classic, "Come Together," which Aerosmith recorded, themselves, many years ago. Check out video here.



Slash Says New Album is Raw
(Gibson) Slash has been talking about his new in-progress album. It will feature singer Myles Kennedy for all tracks. After the festive break, Slash and Co. return to the studio to continue recording and mixing the as-yet-unnamed album, and the Les Paul-toting star predicts an April release.

Slash tells Total Guitar magazine, "We're just going for the one take that sounds good, so my solos are more raw, probably sloppier in a way, because they're very spontaneous to the point where it's in the heat of the moment."

Of the completed individual songs, Slash says, "There's one song at this point called 'Bad Rain' which is a mid-tempo, very heavy and dark song. It's in a drop-D tuning – and we're already playing a half-step down – and the solo has a kinda chromatic feel.

"There's one very uptempo song with a cool riff called 'Halo.' The third song is called 'Standing in the Sun' and it's very melodic, mid-to-uptempo… just a rock 'n' roll song! All three of these songs are relatively short, they're all in a rock mold, and I guess I always come from that pentatonic point of view. For me, any time you go too far out of that, it ceases to be rock. It has to have a basis around that, otherwise it no longer has any essence of that Chuck Berry kinda deal." more on this story



Deep Purple Legend Jon Lord Updates Fans on Cancer Fight
(hennemusic) This past summer, former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord announced that he is fighting cancer and would be taking a break from performing while getting treatment.

This week, Lord offered his best wishes to fans and says he is "doing well." Here's Jon's post: Happy New Year to all of you and thank you so much for your wonderful, kind and inspirational messages over these last few difficult months.

I have been mightily sustained by reading them and will continue to be so. You are a very special lot indeed. I am doing well and I will be back with more news and updates in the next week or so. more on this story


Metal Star Restrains Aspiring Model That Trashed His Apartment
(TMZ) Meeting a chick on Facebook sounds good in theory ... but former Danzig bassist Jerry Montano says his experience left him with a series of harassing calls and messages ... and a trashed apartment.

According to papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Montano says he was introduced to Priscilla Caputo through friends and they spoke on Facebook. He claims he met Caputo on December 5 when "she came to my place around 4 AM and stayed the night."

Montano says Caputo spent another night at his house on December 11. Two days later, Montano claims he turned down Caputo's offer to hang out again ... which he says caused her to "freak out."

Montano claims she sent him harassing texts all night and eventually showed up at his place -- when he wasn't there -- and after one of his roommates let her in, Montano claims she kicked in his bedroom door and "trashed the place."

Montano says he filed a police report and when he told Caputo about it, he claims she replied by saying if he filed charges against her, she would tell the cops he raped her.

A few days later, after he claims he received even more harassing messages, Montano requested and received a restraining order against Caputo ... ordering her to stay 100 yards away from him and his roommates.

There is a hearing scheduled on January 6 where a judge will decide whether or not to make the restraining order permanent. more on this story



Guns N' Roses Wrap Up Chinese Democracy Tour
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses wrapped up their "Chinese Democracy" tour with two shows in Las Vegas during the holiday weekend at The Joint, at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Friday's concert was available as an online pay-per-view event via iClips; they also delivered GNR's December 21 Los Angeles show the week before.

GNR posted notes to fans before their Saturday show, writing, "Happy New Year To The Mountainous Time Zone...we are about to get things Rocking here in Fabulous Las Vegas! TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US Happy New Year and may 2012 bring you everything you want that you haven't had yet and then some!" Check out video footage from the gig here!



Allman Brothers Band's 2012 Plans Includes Grammy and Live Shows
The Allman Brothers Band have announced a busy kick off to 2012 including their annual Beacon Theatre dates, a Grammy honor, this year's installment of the Wanee Festival and The Year of the Peach, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of their 1972 live album Eat A Peach. MSO sent over these details:

The band will start the year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which "honors performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording." That event will take place Saturday, February 11 during Grammy Week in Los Angeles and the group will be mentioned on the Sunday, February 12 national TV broadcast.

"It's shaping up to be a great year," says Butch Trucks, who co-founded the band in 1969 with Gregg Allman, drummer Jaimoe, guitarist Duane Allman, bassist Berry Oakley and guitarist Dickey Betts. "We just wanted to make music that was honest and play it for friends, which is pretty much what we've done. It's an honor to be able to be recognized like this." more on this story



Claypool Discusses Primus Break Up
(Gibson) Primus sure did take their sweet time between recording their latest album (2011's Green Naugahyde) and its predecessor (1999's Antipop). Now, frontman Les Claypool has revealed that the band actually broke up for a while during that interlude, although they didn't tell anyone.

Claypool told Spinner that Primus broke up "for about three years. Then we came back and did the nostalgia thing, in '03, with a pretty big tour. And then in 2006 we did another round. But those tours, they were just – they were what they were.

"We're kind of under-the-radar guys. We've got to go out and work. So for us to stop like we did – we weren't even talking. We definitely broke up. We broke up but we didn't want to tell everybody, so we said 'Well, we're on hiatus.'" more on this story



Queensryche's Geoff Tate Was James Durbin's Wedding Singer
(hennemusic) Rocker James Durbin married longtime girlfriend Heidi Lowe on New Year's Eve.

Queensryche singer Geoff Tate surprised the couple with a performance of his band's 1984 classic "Take Hold of the Flame" – one of Durbin and Lowe's favorite tunes.

"We are so in love and happy that we got to share our special day with our closest family and friends," the couple tells People. "This wedding was the perfect way to kick off the New Year. We are looking forward to living happily ever after." more on this story



Van Halen Billboard at Times Square for New Year's Eve
(hennemusic) Anyone who was in New York's Times Square for New Year's Eve – and those watching one of the TV broadcasts – would have seen a large Van Halen billboard promoting the band's new album.

The train image, with the VHII-era logo, was displayed prominently near one of the live music stages in the square.

The VH graphic was be televised on the ABC electronic billboard between 9 and 10pm (eastern) and the Clear Channel electronic billboard between 10 and 11 pm. Check out a photo of the billboard here.



A Lot Like Birds Announce North American Tour Plans
A Lot Like Birds have mapped out a series of North American tour dates in support of their 2011 release 'Conversation Piece'.

The band will be co-headlining shows over the next few months with Just Like Vinyl and Decoder.

I The Mighty will be playing on select dates as well. The band will then go out on tour with Dance Gavin Dance. more on this story


Members of Guns N' Roses, Down and Shadows Fall Tribute Judas Priest Classic
The latest edition of Mars Attacks Classic Albums Column focuses on Judas Priest's Painkiller Album.

The special features written commentary from special guests including former Judas Priest lead singer Tim "Ripper" Owens, the producer of Painkiller, Chris Tsangarides, Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and Down, Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, and a slew of others.

The podcast portion of the column contains comments from Doro Pesch, Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer, legendary drummer Gene Hoglan, Hade's lead singer Alan Tecchio, Glen Drover, Dave Reffett, author Martin Popoff and members of Talking Metal, Metal Assault, and Iron City Rocks. Check it out


Bob Wayne Releases 2012 Video and Plans Next Album
Bob Wayne will enter the studio this month to begin working on his fifth studio album, but he has marked the New Year with the release of a new video for the song 2012.

Bob says of the album plans, "Well folks, here we go! It's been a long haul the last year! Been on the road since October 2010 and it's now December 2011... and I'm still out here on the road!! But no rest for the wicked!!! As soon as this tour with Scott Kelly (Neurosis) and Jay Munly (Slim Cessnas Auto Club) ends I'll be going immediately to Nashville to begin recording the next album!! It's gonna be rippin!! See you all next year with a new record in my hand and a big shout out to all that came out and supported!!"

Bob Wayne will once again be teaming up with Andy Gibson of Hank III to produce the record. Gibson also produced Bob Wayne's previous album, Outlaw Carnies that was released earlier this year. The new album will be out in 2012 via Century Media Records / People Like You Records. While we wait check out the video for 2012.



The Man Who Inspired Bob Dylan's Mr Tambourine Man Release Debut
(Gibson) Bruce Langhorne, the man who inspired Dylan's classic song "Mr. Tambourine Man," has finally released a solo album.

According toMusic-News.com, the album is appropriately titled Mr.Tambourine Man.

Langhorne, a top '60s session player who played guitar on Dylan's original brought a tambourine (actually a Turkish frame drum with bells attached that made it jingle like a tambourine) to the session and Dylan has credited Langhorne as an inspiration for the track. more on this story




New Smashing Pumpkins Compares To Mellon Collie?
(Banana 101.5) The Smashing Pumpkins are taking a detour from their massive 44-song project 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' to bring you a full album called 'Oceania.' Frontman Billy Corgan says it's their best since 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' — hopefully we'll be able to confirm that this Spring.

Speaking to Sterogum recently, Corgan went as far as comparing the new record to one of their most beloved previous releases:

"I mean it's been a long time since I made a record where you play it for fifty people and fifty people say 'this is a great record.' I haven't had that since Mellon Collie where fifty people go 'OK, that's a great record.' That's a long time. That's fifteen, sixteen years between that feeling of 'OK, now you've got one here.'" more on this story


Klogr Debut Coming This Month
(Glass Onyon) Italian Alternative-Metal rockers Klogr will be releasing their debut album, 'Till You Decay' this month on Valery Records.

Described as "an alternative rock/metal album in which both the instrumental and the vocal lines are delivered very heavily at times and more melodic at other times creating the sound of Klogr", fans of the band and music press worldwide have been anticipating the CD release.

The album is based on the concept that the society around us controls us, judges us, conditions us and ultimately suffocates us. A psychological game of massacre, control and power over the masses, in which they use fear and anxieties to destabilize a person into something more fragile, more controllable and more subservient... till you decay. more on this story


I See Stars Tour Kicks Off This Week
I See Stars will hit the road for North American headlining "The Leave It 2 The Suits Tour" on January 6th.

The trek will also feature Stick To Your Guns, Memphis May Fire, Our Last Night and Make Me Famous (from the Ukrainian who will make their North American touring debut on this trek).

I See Stars will be on the road ahead of the March 13th release of their new full-length album.

Van Halen Rehearsals!

THURSDAY, 29 DECEMBER 2011

From TheROXYonSunset.com:

For the past 2 months VAN HALEN has been rehearsing here 2-3 times a week!!!!!!
Do you have any idea how hard that was to not tell you?? When you come in at 10:00AM and David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Wolfgang Van Halen are on stage with 3 other people in the room playing “Running With The Devil” and you can’t say anything?! It’s tough, to put it simply.

It all began with a 3 day video shoot for their newest single that you don’t know about yet (shhh) and we were all geeking out like never before. Little did we know, the guys had fallen in love with the room and decided to rehearse for their upcoming unannounced tour for the next 2 months!

We couldn’t film it for obvious reasons, so we’ve decided to share some of our favorite VH moments that happened for the next 2 months.
“My favorite Van Halen moment was when I came out of the kitchen and they were doing Panama. I was one of the only people standing in the room by the stage. David Lee Roth looked at me, smiled, and waved. I thought to myself “that is the only time in life I will know David Lee Roth was actually singing to me.” – @LizzyDStadler

“It was so nice being at my desk listening to “Jump” & “Panama”, the songs I grew up with by the actual Van Halen. I mean, really – it’s the actually f**king Van Halen!” – Tina

“Watching David Lee Roth film the opening part of this video was one of the most awesome things. He was standing there smiling with a gigantic grin on his face for at least 5 minutes and HeKo & I were standing off to the side trying not to laugh (or get in the shot), but it was incredible. The week they finally brought in the synthesizers and played the opening to “Jump” over & over made it really difficult to not jump out of my seat accordingly with the song. JUMP!” – @toneyeah

“What was my favorite part about it? Everything. I know it sounds stupid, but I can’t put it any other way. To walk through the club and have Eddie Van Halen smile at me or pat me on the back, the guys were so nice, it was unbelievable. In my 9 years at the club, this is by far one of the best things that’s happened.” – Scotty

“The positive energy VH brought to the daytime was fantastic. During the day, it’s always so quiet and work, work, work and even when a band does rehearse, it’s always so serious. Van Halen was having fun the entire time and we could feel it throughout the building.” @Heko310

“I just loved the first time they played “Running With The Devil” it sounded exactly like it did when I was working box office at The Whisky.” – Kathy
Party on, dudes.