Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Walter Trout Receives Liver Transplant
(Classic Rock) Walter Trout has undergone a liver transplant at last - and wife Marie reports he's doing well after the life-saving surgery. He's been on the waiting list since it was reported in March that he had 90 days to live unless the operation took place.

Marie reports: "Walter made it through the surgery with an A+. They are now just watching and cleaning up. Heart and lungs held up great. New liver was a 'great fit' and is doing well. Dr Mercer confirmed that they rocked out to Walter's music throughout the surgery!

"In an hour I can visit with him in the ICU, then I will turn my entire attention to Walter. Thank you for walking this road with me. I have felt your love, energy and support throughout. Now let the healing begin." more on this story




Led Zeppelin Release 'Whole Lotta Love' Rough Mix Video
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin have issued an official video for an unreleased version of "Whole Lotta Love" that will appear on the forthcoming expanded reissue of their 1969 sophomore album, "Led Zeppelin II."

The "Rough Mix with Vocal" version of the iconic song - featured on the companion disc of bonus material from the sessions for the album - is different than the one fans have known for decades.

"You realize just how important all of those additional layers and the filigree work is," guitarist Jimmy Page told the BBC recently. "There's all manner of bells and whistles to make it the song Whole Lotta Love as we all know it."

Due June 2 (June 3 in North America), the band are also releasing reissues of "Led Zeppelin I" and "Led Zeppelin III" the same day. Watch the video here.





Angus and Malcolm Pre-AC/DC Song Streaming Online
(hennemusic) A preview of one of the first recordings made by AC/DC's Angus & Malcolm Young, set to be reissued on June 2nd, is now streaming online. The song "Natural Man" appeared on Marcus Hook Roll Band's 1973 release, "Tales Of Old Grand Daddy."

The group was put together by Harry Vanda and George Young of The Easybeats (and, later, Flash And The Pan). The main sessions for "Tales Of Old Grand Daddy" took place during July/August 1973 in Sydney, Australia.

The members of AC/DC are currently in a Vancouver recording studio working on a new album. Guitarist Malcolm Young is sitting out the sessions due to health issues, and there's speculation that his nephew, Stevie, is helping out during his absence.

Check out the song here.




Rolling Stones Made Over 1.5 Billion From Touring
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones lead a new list of the top 25-selling live acts of the past 25 years, according to music industry magazine Billboard. The UK rockers top the list after grossing more than $1.5 billion on the road since 1990, playing more than 500 shows to almost 20 million fans.

"Mick Jagger is always going to be the role model," Jon Bon Jovi told Billboard in a recent interview. "Until [Jagger] hangs up the retirement number, I don't know where the end zone is. I just keep running the ball until Jagger says, 'Here's the goal line.'"

U2 lands in second place, with roughly the same numbers as The Stones; Bruce Springsteen is in third with a $1.2 billion gross over 700-plus shows to 15 million fans; rounding out the top ten are Madonna, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Celine Dion, Kenny Chesney and The Eagles. more on this story






Slash's New Album Coming A Month Early Via Classic Rock
(TeamRock Radio) Classic Rock magazine will release World On Fire, the new album from Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, as a special Fanpack edition on September 15, a full four weeks ahead of the album's regular release date.

The album, the follow-up to 2010's Slash and 2012's Apocalyptic Love (Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators) - both of which were released with Classic Rock in Fan Pack form - features 17 new songs and has been described by Slash's bassist Todd Kerns as "sleazier, tougher and more dangerous" than its predecessors.

Classic Rock's Slash Fan Pack includes the World On Fire album, a metal pin badge plus an in-depth, 116 page full-colour magazine dedicated to every aspect of how the album was written and recorded. The magazine will feature exclusive new interviews with Slash, Myles Kennedy, the band members, the album's producer Michael Baskette and Slash and Myles' full track by-track breakdown of the new release. More details.




Dimebag Darrell Tribute Song On Hellyeah's New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Chad Gray says a song on Hellyeah's upcoming fourth album is a tribute to late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Black December is the last track on Blood For Blood, released on Monday, June 9. Hellyeah singer Gray says it is a tribute to Dimebag, whose brother Vinnie Paul is Hellyeah's drummer.

Gray tells Metal Sickness: "I didn't really know Dime, but he inspired me and his band inspired me. A lot of people I have a brotherhood with were really close to him.

"I've heard just about every story you can hear about him. He lived in the moment and that how I strive to be. He very much lived for right now and it was awesome, he loved to put smiles on people's faces."

Dimebag was shot and killed while onstage with his band Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio, in December 2004. Gray adds that Blood For Blood "feels right", giving a lot of the credit to producer Kevin Churko.

More including a stream of the video interview here.





Paul McCartney Leaves Japan After Hospitalization
Paul McCartney has left Japan after he was discharged from a hospital for treatment of a virus that caused the former Beatle to cancel his tour of the country and a show in South Korea.

The promoters in Japan issued a statement on Tuesday that said McCartney left Japan on a charter flight on Monday and they added, "Paul McCartney himself hopes to return to Japan for more concerts as soon as possible," according to Reuters.

As previously reported, a statement was issued on McCartney's website last Thursday (May 22) that said, "Since contracting a virus last week that led to the postponement of tour dates, Paul received successful medical treatment at a hospital in Tokyo.

"He will make a complete recovery and has been ordered to take a few days rest. Paul has been extremely moved by all the messages and well wishes he has received from fans all over the world."

McCartney's website lists his next scheduled concert to take place on June 14th in Lubbock, TX at the United Spirit Arena, which will the kick off of his North American summer tour.





Motley Crue's Vince Neil Now Part-Owner Of Pro Football Team
(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil has signed on as part-owner of the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League. Neil's ownership venture into the AFL follows the recent purchase and launch of the LA KISS by KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

"As an owner, I'm just here to cheer on the team, you know," says Neil about his new role in an interview with First Coast News. "…and get some new fans in the seats - people who are maybe thinking about going to the game but really haven't committed to it - get off the couch and come down to the game. It's something really, really exciting and I think once you go, you'll be hooked."

Vince and Motley Crue will launch their farewell trek - billed as "The Final Tour" - on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan with guest Alice Cooper. The band will release a new song, "All Bad Things Must Come To An End", as part of a new greatest hits package that will surface in sync with the tour.

Check out the video interview here.





GWAR-Themed Restaurant Opening This Summer
(Radio.com) One of the dreams of fallen GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus), according to his bandmates, involved opening a GWAR-themed restaurant. Now, months after his death, Brockie posthumously realizes that dream.

According to a release, the band will open their own restaurant and bar that features menu items designed by band member BalSac himself. GWARbar, based in Richmond, Va., will open this summer.

BalSac, the band's guitarist and creator of the group's GWAR-B-Q Sauce, invented the menu. "My mother taught me the endless secrets of intergalactic cooking," he said in a statement. "And then I ate her."

GWARbar will move into a location previously operated by another entrepreneur. The band is raising funds via Indiegogo to help renovate the space. The $50,000 goal includes various tiers of prizes for donations, including $1,000 that gets one a barstool at the restaurant with one's name engraved on it. more on this story






The Offspring's Dexter Holland Sued For Unpaid Plane Payment
(Radio.com) Come out and pay, Dexter Holland - that's what bringers of a new lawsuit against the Offspring frontman, who allegedly owes nearly $800,000, are saying.

In court documents filed last week, Cessna, an aviation company based in Wichita, Kan., sued Holland for not fully paying for one of the planes he purchased through the company when he bought it years ago.

Holland's company, Jet Racers, Inc., currently owes the amount due under the Promissory Note, which, as of April 21, 2014, totals $782,422.43 and includes principal in the amount of $734,794.43, interest in the amount of $31,887.04, late fees in the amount of $15,740.69 with daily interest accruing at a rate of $80.32.

Unable to make the payments on his third and newest plane, a Cessna, Holland received authorization from the manufacturer to put the aircraft up for sale and offered up his two others, a Czech made Aero Vodochody and a Texas built Mooney M20R, as collateral. Selling the Cessna for less than he owed, Holland signed a new loan for the two remaining planes and the unpaid balance of the Cessna. The singer was to pay 71 monthly payments of $8,726.00 with one final balloon payment of $395,244.26.

But according to court documents secured by Radio.com, Holland ceased making payments in April of 2013. More.





Mark Tremonti Almost Snubbed Eddie Van Halen
(Classic Rock) Mark Tremonti almost missed out on meeting his guitar hero Eddie Van Halen - because he was too caught up in a band meeting. The Creed and Alter Bridge guitarist recalls the night in May, 1997, when Creed were supporting Van Halen at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Creed members were holed up in their dressing room and ignored repeated knocks on the door as they were deep in discussion.

It turns out they were snubbing Eddie Van Halen himself, who was only trying to hand over a guitar to the young Tremonti. Tremonti tells Fanpass: "The biggest memory I have of that day is getting the guitar from Eddie. He came in the room and was knocking on the door, but we were having a private band discussion and didn't answer it.

"He knocks again and we don't answer it, then finally he comes in and he's like 'here's your guitar.'" The pair have remained friends ever since, and Eddie's son Wolfgang now plays bass in Tremonti's solo project.

In the rest of the video interview, Tremonti and Creed/Alter Bridge drummer Scott Phillips discuss their festival highs and lows and their careers with the two bands. Check it out here.




Slash Reveals European Headline Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Slash has followed up news regarding the release of his new album, "World On Fire", with the release of dates for a headlining tour of Europe that will be taking place this fall.

Slash will hit the road for dates across Europe starting November 10 in Dublin, Ireland. The guitarist will wrap up the trip with a 3-show series in the UK, finishing up in Birmingham on December 1.

Due September 15 (September 16 in North America), "World On Fire" sees Slash working with his touring band, Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, and producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette. more on this story





Metallica Release MusiCares Event Behind The Scenes Video
(hennemusic) Metallica have released some behind the scenes video of the band's May 12th appearance at the MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit honoring Ozzy Osbourne.

Footage includes the band rehearsing on stage and in the dressing room, plus clips of each of the four songs that made up their acoustic set ("I Just Want To Celebrate," "When A Blind Man Cries," "In My Life" and "Diary Of A Madman").

Metallica have just released the audio of their four-song acoustic set from the evening to help further raise funds for the charity.The 10th anniversary event saw Osbourne presented with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in recognition for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund, and for his commitment to helping other addicts with the addiction recovery process.

The rocker joins the list of previous honorees including Anthony Kiedis, James Hetfield, Chris Cornell, Alice Cooper and Jerry Cantrell. Check out the video here.





Floor Jansen Appears On New Timo Tolkki's Avalon Song
(TeamRock Radio) Nightwish singer Floor Jansen is the guest vocalist on the latest track from Timo Tolkki's Avalon - she fronts Design The Century from their album Angels Of The Apocalypse.

Former Stratovarius man Tolkki gathered with former colleagues Antti Ikonen and Tuomo Lassila on the record, which also features guests Simone Simons (Epica), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire), Zachary Stevens (Circle II Circle) and others.

Tolkki says of the follow-up to 2012's The Land Of New Hope: "I am following a specific storyboard in a musical format, and this time the musical direction is heavier and darker - the apocalyptic scenes described in the lyrics demanded that." Check out the song here.




Mastodon Recorded New Album At 'Devil Went Down To Georgia' Studio
(TeamRock Radio) Mastodon's Brann Dailor says he will always be a fan of studios with history over modern alternatives. The drummer and his bandmates recorded upcoming sixth album Once More 'Round The Sun with producer Nick Raskulinecz at Rock Falcon Studios in Tennessee.

Dailor tells Fanpass: "Nick's our buddy and we had a lot of fun doing the record. We did it at a place called Rock Falcon which is the studio where The Devil Went Down To Georgia was recorded.

"I love the history, I love being in all the rooms where all that stuff took place. I'd rather be there. A lot of those studios, they can't support it and they're closing because kids are producing stuff out of their bedrooms that sounds just fine.

"I like saying 'okay we're gonna make an album and it's gonna be special. We're gonna do the drums in this special room and we're gonna do it for real.'"

In the rest of the interview, Dailor discusses Mastodon's plans over the coming months and spending time with Metallica. Check it out here.





Bernie Marsden Releasing Solo Album
(Classic Rock) Former Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden has confirmed the release of solo album Shine in August - and it features a long-awaited guest appearance by David Coverdale.

The former colleagues worked together again on a version of early Whitesnake track Trouble, which they co-wrote for the band's debut album in 1978.

Shine also includes contributions from Joe Bonamassa, Ian Paice and Don Airey of Deep Purple, Jimmy Copley of Jeff Bekc's band and Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero.

Last year Coverdale said: "I've just done a song for Bernie. I want him to tell people what it is, but it was one of the songs that we wrote together many years ago in the early days. That was a lot of fun for me to do and it took no time at all." more on this story





Soundgarden Says Opening For NIN Makes Sense
(Classic Rock) Soundgarden will open for Nine Inch Nails on the bands' upcoming double-header US tour - and Kim Thayil believes it makes perfect sense. The outfits recently confirmed plans to hit the road together, with a string of shows kicking off in Las Vegas on July 19 and ending in Hollywood on August 25.

Now Soundgarden guitarist Thayil has explained why the running order will see his band playing ahead of Trent Reznor and co. He tells DC101 (via Blabbermouth): "It makes sense. Nine Inch Nails is a production-heavy band - amazing lights, lasers. They use a lot of production both in the audio performance and the visual performance.

"We're more of a live rock act. If we were to play after them it would be a long wait while they struck all their gear and cleared the stage for us. It's a lot easier to play before them." more on this story






Anathema Discuss Musical Direction Of New Album
(Prog) Anathema's Daniel Cavanagh says the band let their music dictate its own direction on upcoming album Distant Satellites - and one of their only deliberate moves was to introduce more electronic sounds to their tracks.

Their tenth studio record is due for release on June 9 via Kscope. Cavanagh says in a documentary clip: "What we try to do is be intuitive about it all. If a melody comes down from wherever, we try to let the music guide us, rather than the other way round.

"Sometimes we'll have to take the music in a certain direction - but more often you're listening rather than guiding; you're listening to where the music wants to go."

He hails bandmates John Douglas and Vincent Cavanagh for their "penchant and talent for electronica," adding: "It's something they've done really well."

Read more and watch the video here.





Magnum Plan To Keep Turning Out New Music On Schedule
(Prog) Magnum's Mark Stanway says there is no sign of the band's prolific output slowing down. The keyboard player says a follow-up to Escape From The Shadow Garden - released in March this year - will be out within 18 months, insisting that an album every year and a half is the target going forward.

And he adds that live material and possibly a DVD is in the cards over the coming months. Stanway tells MyRockWorld: "In the 80s we had a schedule to release an album as soon as we could, every 12 months. The record companies wanted this.

"So 18 months is a good gap and at our age we can't wait that long before we put another one out. We'll have another one in 18 months. Next year we're going to release some live stuff off this tour." more on this story





Black Crowes' Rich Robinson Streaming New Album Online
(hennemusic) Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson is streaming his new solo album, "The Ceaseless Light", in advance of its official release next week on June 3rd.

Robinson, who produced the set, primarily recording the project with a trio of drummer Joe Magistro and keyboardist Marco Benevento; vocalist Amy Helm sings on two tracks.

The guitarist recently released "In Comes The Night" as the lead single from the package. Robinson will launch the album with a live performance at The Satellite in Los Angeles on May 27.

Check out the stream here.





Led Zeppelin Discuss Expanded Album Reissues With The BBC
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and Robert Plant continue to make the rounds to promote the band's upcoming expanded album reissues project, which launches next week with the re-release of the band's first three albums.

Page and Plant recently sat down separately with the BBC's Rebecca Jones to talk about the reissues. The guitarist spent two-and-a-half years combing through the vaults, listening to hundreds of quarter-inch tapes before choosing the best material for the series.

Asked why he felt the need to be hands-on with this, Page explained, "I don't want to die and have somebody else do it. I'm authoritative about what was done in the first place."

Deluxe editions of the group's first three albums are the initial projects announced as part of an extensive reissue program that will see all nine of the band's studio albums reissued in chronological order, each remastered by Page.

Stream the interview here.





Judas Priest Appear On Later With Jools Holland
(hennemusic) Members of Judas Priest recently appeared on the BBC's Later With Jools Holland program to promote the forthcoming release of their new album, "Redeemer Of Souls."

Singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill and guitarist Richie Faulkner were on hand to talk about the project, while also confirming that they intend to tour to support the album.

Due July 15 in North America, "Redeemer Of Souls" will be issued in a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. The project marks Faulkner's studio debut with Priest; he replaced founding member K.K. Downing following his retirement in 2011.

Watch the Later With Jools Holland appearance here.





Singled Out: Mark Jones & 20 Paces' Fast and Free
Today Mark Jones, frontman of the alt-country stars Mark Jones & 20 Paces tells us about "Fast and Free" from their brand new album "Breaking Even," which was released this week. Here is the story:

"Fast and Free" is a tribute my childhood. It's a compilation of the things I did as a growing up. Living in four different houses in the same neighborhood, the people and scenery didn't change much and we became very familiar with both. It really speaks to the innocence of youth and how every day was full of exciting and new experiences.

Now that I'm older, and bombarded with the responsibilities of being an adult, the lyrics just came out while reminiscing about the good old days when life was free and easy. As a child you are always in such a hurry to grow up you don't take the time to enjoy life's defining moments. This song is an attempt to allow the listener to reflect on the simplistic beauty of those situations.

It also touches on the motif that as much as young people attempt to walk their own path in life, many of us follow in the footsteps of our parents. The nostalgia of returning to my roots and moving back home after college is what drove me to write this song. It's a song that all of us can relate to and we are proud to have released it as our first radio single.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose Has World's Greatest Vocal Range
A new study finds that Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has the greatest vocal range among a host of popular singers including acclaimed pop stars Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce.

On the other end of the spectrum, some of today's most popular pop and country stars landed at the bottom of the vocal range chart, including Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift among the bottom five with Luke Bryan coming in dead last.

Concert Hotels published the results of the study in an interactive chart labeled "The Vocal Ranges of The World's Greatest Singers" with Rose capturing the top spot followed by Carey at no. 2 and Prince at no. 3.

The study measured the highest and lowest notes that the singers achieved in the recording studio and the interactive chart shows the songs where they hit specific notes. Axl Rose came out with the highest range, covering over five octaves. The highest was on the track "Ain't It Fun" from 'The Spaghetti Incident" and the lowest was on "There Was A Time" from 'Chinese Democracy'.

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler came in 4th place, followed by James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Radiohead's Thom Yorke and late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

Most of today's biggest pop stars didn't come close to the top of the chart with Beyonce coming in at No. 22, Miley Cyrus at no. 31, Justin Timberlake at no. 32, Rihanna at no. 43, Lady Gaga at no. 48, Lana Del Rey at no. 49, Lorde at no. 52, Bruno Mars at no. 56, Katy Perry at no. 68, Justin Bieber at no. 73, Taylor Swift at no. 76 and Luke Bryan concluding the list at no. 77.

Among rock singers Elvis was no. 12, John Lennon landed at no. 13, The Who's Roger Daltrey came in at no. 17, Bruce Springsteen was no. 19, Bono was no. 21, Jim Morrison was no. 23, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant was no. 24, Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger was no. 25, Bob Dylan was no. 33, Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was no. 34, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers was no. 35, Lou Reed was no. 40, John Fogerty was no. 55, Chuck Berry was no. 64, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks was no. 71 followed by Jerry Lee Lewis at no. 72.

Check out the interactive chart here.




Rock Hall Sued by Snubbed Heart Members
(Classic Rock) Former Heart bassist Mark Andes and drummer Denny Carmassi have launched a lawsuit against the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. They were left out of the band's induction ceremony last year - but their photographs were used in promotional material.

And they say they were left "humiliated" when they had to respond to colleagues' congratulations by explaining that only members of the original line-up were being honored.

Andes and Carmassa spent nine years with Heart from 1982 and appeared on all their Grammy-nominated tracks and half their total of 20 hit singles. They say in legal papers: "Plaintiffs are not asking that defendant Rock Hall induct them into the Hall of Fame. Instead, this is an action to protect the rights, reputations, and likenesses of Mark Andes and Dennis Carmassi through the causes of actions false light invasion of privacy, misappropriation of name and likeness invasion of privacy, injurious falsehood, libel, slander, and right of attribution falsification of rock and roll history for Defendants' wilful and unauthorised use of Plaintiffs' images and likenesses." more on this story





Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Announce Album and Tour
After Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers teased fans on Facebook this past weekend with a photo of a map of North America, they have now confirmed a tour and the release of a new album.

The band's new studio album, entitled "Hypnotic Eye," will be released on July 23rd by Reprise Records and is the group's first new studio album in four years.

The album will be released in various formats including traditional CD, digitally, as a high-resolution Blu-Ray audio disc. It will also be offered in two different vinyl configurations; a traditional one LP version and 2-LP version featuring an exclusive bonus track.

The band will be supported on the late summer/early fall North American tour by Steve Winwood, and the trek features the group's very first performance at Fenway Park in Boston.

The tour will be kicking off on August 3rd at the Viejas Arena in San Diego and will conclude the trek on October 10th at the newly renovated Forum in Los Angeles. more on this story







Sammy Hagar Tour To Include Van Halen and Led Zeppelin Classics
(Classic Rock) Sammy Hagar's upcoming tour will include Van Halen and Led Zeppelin material according to bassist Michael Anthony - but don't count on it being particularly well rehearsed.

Anthony - who worked with Hagar in Van Halen and Chickenfoot - joked that he, Hagar, drummer Jason Bonham and guitarist Vic Johnson will likely meet up and goof around rather than rehearse for A Journey Through The History Of Rock tour of the US this summer.

Anthony tells Ultimate Classic Rock: "Don't let the title mislead you, because it's not like we're the historians and we're going to take you through a journey of the whole rock and roll spectrum. Most of it is just kind of the history as we've lived it. We might throw some stuff in from bands that we grew up listening to, but of course we're going to cover all of the snippets from Montrose, Sammy's solo stuff, Van Halen and with Jason in the mix, we're throwing in some really cool Zep stuff too that I'm really enjoying playing." more on this story






Pink Floyd Releasing Division Bell Anniversary Box Set
(hennemusic) Pink Floyd will release a 20th anniversary box set edition of their 1994 album, "The Division Bell", on June 30 (July 1 in North America). The release was was Pink Floyd's 14th and final studio album.

The 6-disc box set features a new double-LP vinyl gatefold edition of the album remastered from the original analog tapes, a red 7-inch vinyl replica of the single "Take It Back," a clear 7-inch vinyl replica of "High Hopes," a 12-inch blue vinyl replica of "High Hopes" a with reverse laser etched design, the 2011 Discovery remaster of "The Division Bell" and a Blu-ray disc including "The Division Bell" album in HD Audio, a previously unreleased 5.1 surround sound audio mix of the album by Andy Jackson, and a new music video for the Grammy-winning track "Marooned."

The package also includes a set of art prints designed by Pink Floyd collaborators Hipgnosis and Storm Studios, in addition to a companion booklet. more on this story






Historic Beatles Guitar Fetches More Than Expected At Auction
(Classic Rock) The Rickenbacker 425 guitar played by George Harrison on Beatles hit I Want To Hold Your Hand has sold at auction for $657,000. The sale beat the estimated price of between $400,000 and $600,000 when it went under the hammer in New York at the weekend.

Harrison bought the instrument in the US while visiting his sister, then used it on the other side of the Atlantic as the Fab Four recorded the 1963 single that would break them in the States.

He later gave it to his friend George Peckham of the Fourmost, who sold it in 1999. Confirming the guitar was genuine ahead of an auction 15 years ago, the Beatle's wife Olivia said: "Mr Harrison was disappointed that George decided to sell it. It discourages him from giving away anything in the future." more on this story






Judas Priest Announce U.S. Festival Appearance
(hennemusic) Judas Priest have announced their first US concert date of 2014. In support of their forthcoming new album, "Redeemer Of Souls", the UK metal legends will perform at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas this fall.

Set for November 7-9 at the city's Auditorium Shores and Butler Park, the 9th annual festival features dozens of acts, including Death Cab For Cutie, Gary Numan, Death From Above 1979 and Dinosaur Jr.

Due July 15 in North America, "Redeemer Of Souls" will be issued in a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. The project marks guitarist Richie Faulkner's studio debut with Priest; he replaced founding member K.K. Downing following his retirement in 2011. more on this story






Jimmy Page Amused By Early Led Zeppelin Critics
(Radio.com) In 2012, Jimmy Page told Rolling Stone that his primary job these days is guardian of Led Zeppelin's legacy. The job, it turns out, has taken up much of his time in recent years, as Page has been remastering the band's entire studio catalog, from 1969′s Led Zeppelin through the posthumous outtakes collection Coda.

"I was the authoritative one," Page explained to Radio.com about his role as Zeppelin's chief archivist. "I was there before the group started, and I know exactly what was recorded."

The remastered albums are part of a massive reissue program that pairs each original Led Zeppelin album with a second disc of extra material. The discs will also come in "super-deluxe" editions packaged with lavish coffee-table books, including era-appropriate photos and other archival material. The reissue versions of Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II and Led Zeppelin III hit retailers on June 3.

During his conversation with Radio.com, Page spoke about the critical slamming Led Zeppelin got during the band's formative years, particularly from Rolling Stone. Every negative review aimed at Zep still stings and annoys him, seemingly more now than in 1969.

"If they only had a short time to review the album, along with three or four other albums, and this is their allotted [time] because they have to get their copy to print, well, of course they would have great difficulty" with an album like Led Zeppelin, Page seethed. "And because we weren't in the singles market, where there's an immediate point of reference all the time, by the time the third album comes out they're going, 'Well, they've gone acoustic, because Crosby, Stills and Nash are acoustic,' or whatever. It's just nonsense. But it's quite amusing!"

Page laughs as he says this, but you get the distinct impression he still doesn't actually find it amusing. He's a serious man. Read the full interview with Page here.





Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Box Set Finally Coming?
(Classic Rock) The long-awaited Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young live box set CSNY 1974 has appeared on Amazon's UK site without announcement - and it's set for release on July 7.

Rhino Records have revealed the 48 songs that make up the collection, all of which were recorded during the band's notorious 1974 US tour. David Crosby last year told Rolling Stone: "If you're listening you would think we were really, for a moment, the best band in the world."

Despite their debauched behaviour on the road 40 years ago, he insisted: "The only reason the tour wasn't great is because we were ripped off. It made, like, $12 million - and we each got less than half a million." more on this story





Adrian Vandenberg Open To Reuniting With Whitesnake
(Classic Rock) Adrian Vandenberg says he's open to the idea of returning to Whitesnake - but there would be one important condition attached. The Dutch guitarist became David Coverdale's right-hand man in the mid-80s and left when the band split in 1997. He was replaced by Doug Aldrich when Whitesnake regrouped in 2002 - but Aldrich announced his departure earlier this month.

Vandenberg recently returned to action with his new band Vandenberg's Moonkings. "David and I will do something in the future, whether it's with the two of us acoustically, or whether it's a blues album, a rock album or a tour," He tells Radio Fireball. "We're too good friends not to do it, and we have much fun working together."

He describes his time with Whitesnake as "a great period of time," adding: "We were really successful - but the most important thing for me is enjoying making music in a great band. That's what we did." more on this story






Rotten Little Things On The Way
Former Wonderlove and Johnny Jones and the Suffering Halos guitarist Bryan McIntyre now wants to take fans on a journey to the land of Rotten Little Things.

McIntyre, who aside from being a guitarist, has also worked at the stop-motion animation studio Laika (including their upcoming feature film "The Boxtrolls"), is now using his unique talents to produce a "book unlike anything that you have ever seen."

Instead of using illustrations, McIntyre will be making the book's images by creating the characters and scenes by hand, similar to what you find in films like "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

McIntyre says that the story will be "about what happens when a creepy old codger moves in to a little town and turns its pint sized citizens into adorable candy staved zombies!!!"

He expects the project to take a year to complete due to the time involved in hand crafting the artwork. He is inviting fans that pledge support through his Kickstarter campaign to gain exclusive access to the project as it unfolds.

The Kickstarter campaign was launched earlier this month and so far has reached 10% of its goal, but it has also attracted some attention in the rock world with Rival Sons posting about it on their Facebook page.

Fans can get a feel for what the final product will look like with photos of some proof of concept figures and background scenes along with the introduction video for the project and a lot more details here.





Jimi Hendrix Live At The Isle Of Wight Coming To Blu-Ray
(hennemusic) "Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live At The Isle Of Wight" will be issued for the first time on Blu-ray on June 17. Originally released in 2002, the film documents the guitar icon's August 1970 performance before an audience of 600,000, the largest show attendance-wise he would ever play … just 18 days before his untimely death in London.

England's Isle of Wight Festival, which had its original run from 1968 to 1970, could be considered the Woodstock of Europe, and it provided the perfect setting for Hendrix's return to the country that birthed his career, after an 18-month hiatus. This was the first time his new band, consisting of bassist Billy Cox and original drummer Mitch Mitchell, performed on UK soil.

In depth interviews with Cox, Mitchell, and others set the stage for the concert footage that follows. The Blu-ray version of "Blue Wild Angel" contains all of the outstanding extra features included in the DVD, such as footage of "Hey Joe," which was not in the original release, a behind the scenes interview with Murray Lerner, rare artifacts and memorabilia, including reproductions of original tickets, festival posters, and even Hendrix's own handwritten directions to the festival site. more on this story





Yes Reveal Details About New Album 'Heaven & Earth'
(hennemusic) Yes have unveiled details of their forthcoming new album, "Heaven & Earth." Due July 8, the prog-rock legends have revealed the track listing and cover artwork for the project.

The 8-song release was produced by Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, The Cars, Foreigner, Alice Cooper.) Longtime Yes associate Roger Dean handled the cover art for the band's first record with singer Jon Davison, who joined the lineup in 2012.

Yes are currently playing shows across Europe, and the group will kick off a US tour on July 5 in Nichols, New York. The US dates will see the band performing two albums in their entirety - 1971's "Fragile" (for the first-time ever) and a repeat performance from last year's tour of 1972's "Close To The Edge" - followed by an encore of their greatest hits.

See the cover art and tracklisting here.





Queen's Roger Taylor Says Freddie Would Love Adam Lambert
(Classic Rock) Queen's Roger Taylor says Freddie Mercury would approve of the man who is filling in for him on the band's US tour. Drummer Taylor and guitarist Brian May are in America for a series of Queen dates, with Adam Lambert on vocal duties.

And while Taylor insists they could never replace Mercury - who died from Aids-related complications in 1991 - he is certain Queen's legendary frontman would love American Idol runner-up Lambert's style.

Taylor tells Germany's Bluewin: "When Brian and I give concerts as a Queen, we don't want anyone to imitate Freddie - because no one can replace him for us.

"That would be the wrong message. Adam Lambert is an independent artist. It fits us perfectly, because he is so theatrical, a true diva. Freddie would love him." more on this story





Neal Schon Discusses Journey's New Album Plans
(hennemusic) Journey guitarist Neal Schon says the band is planning to make a new album, their first since 2011's "Eclipse" release. "We are talking about doing another record," Schon told KLOS 95.5 FM Los Angeles on Monday.

"One of the main reasons that we haven't done a record is we go, like, 'How do you get it out anymore?' It's very difficult. If you make a new record today, it's basically because it's something that you need to do and wanna do. And we certainly wanna do that, but pooling us all together… I mean, Arnel [Pineda, vocals] is in the Philippines and everybody is all over the place, and it's not as easy if we all lived in San Francisco, like we used to. But we are talking about doing another record before next year, and definitely I'm doing a record with the Santana guys; we've been in the studio already. And I wanna come out with a new Journey record as well."

"I think it's all challenging, you know what I mean?!," the guitarist continued. "You have to think about when you go in and make a record, I don't think you're ever gonna see the money back, ever. It's kind of, like, out of pocket, but you've gotta do it just for the art. Otherwise you've got attorneys sitting on duty all day long and all night long just taking down links of everybody downloading it for free. And that's been happening forever. I mean, it's, like, you've gotta just say, 'Well, I want new music out there.' And we've got some new ideas of getting it out there and making sure we get a little residual from it. So I think we're ready to check it out again." more on this story





Ethan Brosh Added Carmine and Vinny Appice's Drum Wars
Carmine and Vinny Appice have recruited metal guitarist Ethan Brosh to join them at upcoming Drum Wars events in New York City and Poughkeepsie next month.

The Drum Wars appearances will be taking place shortly after Brosh hosts his own CD release event for his new instrumental album, "Live The Dream", on May 31 at The Hard Rock Cafe in Boston.

"I am honored to be joining two of the biggest drumming legends for a few shows!" says Brosh. "Carmine and Vinny Appice have been in some of rock's biggest groups. Both have influenced generations of drummers. I've been to one Drum Wars concert and loved the intensity and craziness that goes on throughout the whole show!"

"It is all backed up by a never-ending amount of talent on stage," adds Brosh. "Lots of my favorite songs by Ozzy, Dio and more are played in a very cool way! I will be joining Carmine and Vinny in New York City and Poughkeepsie, NY, close to where I was born. To me, these shows will be very special. I can't wait to play these songs onstage with two of the greatest drummers in the world! I would urge anyone in the New York area not to miss these awesome shows!"

Carmine Appice is excited to get a chance to play with Brosh. "Ethan is one of the best young guitar slingers of today," says Carmine. "His style techniques are awesome. Not many can play like him!"

Brosh also had this to say about his record release show, "Finally, on May 31st, the CD release show for 'Live the Dream' will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston!" he said "I'm very much looking forward to having such a special show in my home town of Boston!

"It's been five years since my last album. I can't wait to be back on stage with my instrumental band at the Hard Rock and play this new material to some of my fans and friends so close to home!

"This will be a real fun night to everyone who will show up. My instrumental band is the most powerful band I've ever been in. People can expect a very intense show on the 31st! Bringing HARD ROCK back to the HARD ROCK!!!"

Drum Wars dates:
June 20, 2014 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance
June 21, 2014 - New York City - The Iridium (two shows)

Check out Brosh's Space Invaders video here.





California Breed Release 'The Way' Video
(hennemusic) California Breed have issued a video for "The Way", a track from the band's just-released self-titled debut album. It's the second video from the project, following the lead single, "Sweet Tea."

California Breed is the new band formed by Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham - with guitarist Andrew Watt - from the ashes of supergroup Black Country Communion.

Hughes was introduced to Watt through mutual friend Julian Lennon. "This kid is amazing," says Bonham. "The first time we met, I thought he looked like the white Jimi Hendrix. And he plays in the studio like he's on stage!"

Check out the video here.





Bon Jovi Plan 30th Anniversary Deluxe Reissues
(Classic Rock) Bon Jovi are to release deluxe special editions of some of their back catalogue as part of the band's 30th anniversary celebrations. Further 30th anniversary releases are promised for later in the year.

First up, in June, comes a reissue of the band's fourth album New Jersey. A remastered CD, a double deluxe CD and and a three-disc super deluxe version with DVD will be available.

Five singles were pulled from New Jersey, including Bad Medicine and Living In Sin. It has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Bon Jovi originally envisioned it as a double-LP, using the working title Sons Of Beaches. But Mercury Records released the album as a 12-track single LP and the band renamed it New Jersey, after their home state. According to the band, with the new deluxe and super deluxe editions, "the New Jersey originally imagined by Bon Jovi can finally be shared with fans." more on this story





Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrell Discusses New Album Jitters
(Classic Rock) Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell admits he's scared as he begins to think about their next album - but it's nothing new to him. He says he's felt the same way about their five records to date, including last year's The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here - and he's taking confidence from the fact that they've all seemed to work out.

Cantrell tells the Lansing State Journal: "We approach all our albums the same way. I like to think that's why you get what you get with this band. We take our time; we're lucky enough to work at our own pace and make music we care about and how we want to make it. That's why you get quality music from this band."

But he continues: "It's always scary - you don't know if people are going to go along with you. All you can do is make the best record you can for yourself, and hopefully other people like it. We're fortunate that we've been doing that for a long time and had quite a lot of people dig our tunes." more on this story





Singled Out: Tempt's Under My Skin
Tempt will be performing at the Rocklahoma festival this weekend and the celebrate we asked the band's principle songwriters Harrison Marcello and Zach Allen to tell us about the song "Under My Skin". Here is the story:

Zach: I remember Harrison originally playing me the chorus for Under My Skin in the key of E minor. The verse riff that he had come up with was cool, but both of us felt like it didn't really explode like we knew it should.

Harrison: Under My Skin was one of the first songs that Zach and I wrote together. I had come up with the chorus lyric and hook. I showed it to him during one of our writing sessions. Originally the song was in e minor, but there were a few issues with how high that sat in Zach's voice. We decided that it would be best to drop it a half step, and in order for us to preserve the pedaled tonic on the low E string in the verse riff we decided it would be cool to have a song in drop D.

Zach: Harrison had a catchy melody and lyric for the chorus. We wanted a song that people could easily sing and chant with us at our shows. The chorus lyrics are easy to remember even after the very first time hearing them; people really seem to catch on by the second chorus at our shows and sing along!

Harrison: In our first draft of Under My Skin we opened with the verse riff as the intro accompanied by a cool almost tribal like drum pattern. However, when we transposed the song to drop D the verse riff in the beginning came off as too heavy. The song is an upbeat rocker and we needed to convey that right from the start. We decided that we would lead with the chorus progression so the song would start off with a bang and draw you in.

Zach: The concept for the verse lyrics came to me when I was thinking about a girl I met during my freshman year of high school. I vividly remember seeing her for the first time and being blown away not only by her physical attractiveness, but the cool, "not-giving-a-sh*t" attitude she possessed. I knew right then that it was going to be extremely difficult to get her off of my mind,. She stood out in a sea of new faces: "Stopping, starting many years ago, you was a looker that I got to know"

This chick crawled "under my skin" and stayed there for way too long. Her playful teasing drove me to my knees! I refer to her in the bridge as "Miss Agony". I wanted everything and nothing to do with her at the same time. "Under My Skin" is a way for me to share my experience through a fun, catchy song. I wanted to write something that people could relate to, and I know tons of people who have gone through what I did. Oh, and I hope she hears the song.

Harrison: When it comes to writing lyrics Zach and I take a similar approach. One of us will usually have a concept for the song that often takes shape as a chorus first, We will then write the verse melody and lyrics together around that concept. We demo the songs in my home studio and this allows us to work on the instrumental and vocal arrangements. We then play the demo and show the song to Jimmi and Zak so that they can add their flavor to it.

Zach: When I was recording the vocals in the studio, I originally sang the verses an octave lower than I do now. Our producer Tag suggested that I double the melody with a high octave as well, and I'm really glad he did. It definitely gave the verses the energy they needed to get the message of the song across. In the recording, you will hear both the high and low octaves!

Harrison: We cut this track live at an amazing studio in Vermont called Guilford sound. Everything is live with no Pro Tools trickery. I used my Suhr Modern guitar and Friedman Amplification and a Fractal Audio Axefx II for all of the guitar sounds

Zach: The song was a blast to write and record, and I could not be more proud of the final product!

Harrison: Under My Skin is one of our favorite songs, and we hope you enjoy it!

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Black Sabbath's Final Concert?
(Classic Rock) Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has told Metal Hammer that Black Sabbath's headline appearance at the Barclaycard British Summer Time festival at London's Hyde Park might be the British metal institution's final gig.

The July 4 show, the closing date on the band's summer 2014 tour, will see Sabbath headline above Soundgarden, Faith No More, Motorhead and Soulfly on the festival's main stage. And according to Iommi, it could be the end of the road for the legendary band.

"It could be the last ever Sabbath show," the guitarist admits. "I don't want it to be, but there's nothing really planned touring-wise after that show, so for all we know that could be it really. To be honest I don't want to be touring to this extent too much longer, because it makes me feel so bad." more on this story




Dave Grohl Gets His Own TV Series
(Radio.com) Dave Grohl is coming to your TV set again, this time with his own show. Classic Rock magazine reports that Grohl will be given his own series on HBO. The program will expand on the feel of the Foo Fighters frontman's Sound City documentary, finding Grohl traveling to recording studios across the world.

Grohl will also conduct various interviews at each studio, going head to head with some of the other musicians who have recorded there - making it more than a mere excuse to watch him flex his musical muscle in each recording studio.

Already, the series is set to feature Steve Albini's Electrical Audio in Chicago, Washington, D.C.'s Inner Ear (Don Zientara) and Rancho De La Luna in California, with interviews featuring Kiss' Paul Stanley, Joe Walsh of the Eagles and Heart's Nancy Wilson, among others. more on this story




Geezer Butler Offers Reward To Catch Cat Killer
(Classic Rock) Black Sabbath bass player Geezer Butler is offering a reward for information on a "heinous" crime which saw 25 cats killed and left swinging from trees in New York.

Butler has pledged $1000 to the reward fund on offer to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The cats were put in plastic bags and left swinging from trees in Yonkers, New York. The total reward now stands at $25,000.

In a statement released via the Westchester SPCA, Butler says: "It is so tragic that we have human beings among us that are capable of committing such a heinous and heartless crime. Surely there is someone out there that knows who has done this. Please do the right thing and come forward to get this coward off the street." more on this story




Aerosmith Cancel Turkish Debut After Mining Disaster
(hennemusic) Aerosmith have cancelled Wednesday night's concert in Istanbul following Tuesday's coal mine disaster in Soma. At press time, news reports indicate a fire at a mine in the western Turkish city has resulted in the death of 245 miners in what is expected to be the country's worst industrial disaster. 120 miners remain trapped while 450 were rescued after the fire.

Turkey has declared a three-day mourning for the victims of the incident while rescue efforts continue. Aerosmith members released statements sharing their condolences and prayers for those affected in the incident and for the nation as a whole.

"I woke up this morning to the horrific news of the mining disaster in Soma, Turkey," said singer Steven Tyler. "My heartfelt prayers go out to those who have died, those who are still trapped, and their families. We are holding the people of Turkey close to our hearts and respecting the three days of mourning for a saddened nation." more on this story





United's Akihiro Yokoyama Dead at 49
(Classic Rock) Akihiro Yokoyama of Japanese metal band United has died suddenly at the age of 49. The bassist, who was also their main creative force and manager, passed away on Tuesday, it's been confirmed.

A statement says: "It happened totally out of the blue and it is very hard for his family, United and the staff to accept it, but we wanted to share the news with everyone who has strongly supported both himself and United over the years."

Yokoyama joined the band in 1983 when they were a Black Sabbath and Judas Priest tribute outfit. After he joined they began writing original material and released nine albums, their most recent being 2011's Tear Of Illusions. more on this story





Judas Priest Preview New Song
(hennemusic) Judas Priest are previewing a clip from "March Of The Damned", one of the tracks found on their forthcoming album, "Redeemer Of Souls." The group recently released the title track as the album's lead single.

Due July 15 in North America, the project will be issued in a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. "Redeemer Of Souls" marks guitarist Richie Faulkner's studio debut with Priest; he replaced founding member K.K. Downing following his retirement in 2011.

"We feel 'Redeemer of Souls' reinforces our passion for what we believe in from the Judas Priest style heavy metal," said the band. Check out the new song preview here.





Roger Daltrey Wants To Make Another Album With Wilko Johnson
(Classic Rock) Roger Daltrey has vowed he'll make a second blues album with Wilko Johnson if the cancer victim recovers enough to make it. And he's suggested they'll take more time over recording if they get the opportunity to track a follow-up to Going Back Home, which was released in March.

Wilko Johnson, 66, expected to be dead by October last year after doctors found a tumor in his stomach and he opted not to receive chemotherapy treatment.

He underwent a new surgical procedure last month, after a physician friend became intrigued as to why Johnson appeared to be suffering no ill effects - despite the tumor continuing to grow. more on this story





Stevie Nicks Working On New Album
(hennemusic) While Fleetwood Mac work on new music, Stevie Nicks is also working on a new collection of rare songs that she hopes to release this October, according to Billboard.

The set, tentatively titled "24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault", will feature lost and stray songs that she's written and recorded through the years, but never made it onto an album.

The selections for "24 Karat Gold" were all newly recorded in Nashville, and co-produced by Nicks, Dave Stewart and Waddy Wachtel. Nicks says that she just recorded "18 tracks in three weeks" for the album, saying that it's the "fastest I have ever recorded." more on this story





Metallica Frontman Featured In Guitar Center Commercial
(hennemusic) Metallica frontman James Hetfield is featured in a new commercial for music instrument retailer the Guitar Center. The ad actually stems from an extended video interview that Hetfield did while in the chain's San Francisco store earlier this year.

In a small room, Hetfield recounted tales of his first guitar, becoming a musician, rising to fame, and he played a few riffs during the session. In the meantime, customers continued to shop in the store, having no idea it was Metallica's frontman playing.

This Friday, May 16, Metallica will team up with the Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants for the 2nd annual Metallica Night at AT&T Park.

Check out the GC ad here.




Chris Cornell Was Offended By Temple Of The Dog Critics
(Classic Rock) Chris Cornell says he was "offended" when critics expressed surprise at his vocal range on 1991's Temple Of The Dog album. The Soundgarden frontman says the album - on which he sings alongside Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder as part of a grunge supergroup - eventually led to him changing up his style for Soundgarden's seminal fourth album Superunknown.

Cornell tells Radio.com: "When Temple Of The Dog came out, and I was getting a reaction from people...'wow, we didn't know you could sing', I was a little bit offended. How did you not know - are you stupid? And then I had to stop and think, 'wow I'm doing a lot of screaming and I'm avoiding singing.

"But that was based on the music. I was careful from the very first song that we wrote together, Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto and I, to support the music. Ultramega OK, Louder Than Love and Badmotorfinger was not music that was asking for that kind of singing." more on this story




Dan McCafferty Helped Out His Nazareth Replacement
(Classic Rock) New Nazareth singer Linton Osborne has hailed Dan McCafferty as a "class act" after the retired vocalist helped his replacement through the ordeal of his first show.

Osborne was given the job in February, months after the original frontman was forced to quit three songs into a gig in Switzerland, leaving his bandmates fearing that their careers were over.

But with McCafferty's blessing, Nazareth powered on and hired their second-ever vocalist, who was previously a club singer - and once regularly dressed as a vampire Elvis character in a previous band.

He made his first appearance with the Scots veterans last month in Inverness. Just before he went on his predecessor left a message on his phone.

Osborne, who's known Naz for years, says: "I've still got the message. How much nicer can a man get? There's no way he would have wanted to give this job up. Not a chance. But he obviously had to, and he did it with such class. more on this story





Iron Maiden's Trooper Beer Sells 5 Million Pints In First Year
(hennemusic) UK's Robinsons Brewery have announced that Iron Maiden's Trooper Beer has sold 5 million pints in its first year. The company revealed the news last Friday, on the brand's first anniversary.

Launched in the UK in the spring of 2013, the beverage is named after the classic Iron Maiden song of the same name. Trooper was personally designed and developed as a top quality Premium British Beer by Iron Maiden vocalist and real ale enthusiast Bruce Dickinson with Robinsons' Head Brewer Martyn Weeks.

Since Trooper's launch, the beer has expanded its global coverage and is currently distributed in 40 countries. "When asked a year and a half ago if we wanted to enter into a partnership with the respected Robinsons Brewery to design and brew a real ale for ourselves and our fans, we leapt at the chance," says Dickinson. "What has been particularly encouraging, over and above the international sales success and even over the tremendous reaction from our fans, is how it has been so warmly welcomed by serious beer aficionados outside the Iron Maiden community." more on this story





Yes Reveal New Album Details
(Prog) Yes have unveiled the cover art and tracklist for Heaven & Earth, their first album with vocalist Jon Davison. The eight-track record is described as a continuation of their classic prog sound, but also featuring a "timelessly fresh and innovative" edge.

The sleeve art was once again created by long-time collaborator Roger Dean. Davison last month admitted recording sessions had been completed "just in time," but said there was enough overflow material that could be used in a later release.

He said: "We were doubling up in the studio. Chris Squire and I were working on background vocals and Steve Howe was finishing guitars. Geoff Downes was in Wales, Alan White was in Seattle and they were both sending tracks.

"We were just kind of throwing everything in at the last minute, then we only had two or three days before we had to start this tour."

Check out the cover and the tracklist here.




Jimmy Page's Berklee Music Commencement Speech Goes Online
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page delivered the commencement speech at Boston's Berklee College Of Music on May 10, and video from the event is now available.

On hand to receive an honorary degree from the prestigious music school, Page was asked to deliver the address to the 2014 graduates at Boston University's Agganis Arena.

"This is absolutely so amazing and it's such a privilege to be part of this and to feel all the energy from you graduates," began Page. "Congratulations to all of you."

Caught up in the spirit of the event, the guitarist discarded his planned speech, saying, "Here I am, a busking musician trying to busk my speech."

Page went on to discuss some of his personal history of learning music (self-taught), the relevance of studying music and his impressions of Berklee.

Watch the speech here.





Keith Emerson Pays Tribute To HR Giger
(Prog) ELP keyboardist Keith Emerson has paid tribute to HR Giger, who died on Tuesday. The Swiss painter, sculptor and set designer died after he failed to recover from injuries sustained by falling down a flight of stairs. He was 74.

Keith Emerson has recalled how Giger, who created the artwork for ELP's 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery, always seemed destined for greater acclaim.

He says: "Giger was an extraordinary character. His paintings always looked like photos. He used airbrushing to come up with art that looked like it was part of a movie image.

"I suppose that's why he ended up going into movies - and he always wanted to have a wider audience to admire his work." more on this story




Nash the Slash Dead at 66
(Prog) Jeff Plewman, better known as Nash the Slash, has died at the age of 66, it's been confirmed. The Canadian experimental musician was noted for appearing on stage wrapped in bandages, before he retired two years ago.

In 1976 he was a co-founder of Canadian prog outfit FM and appeared on their debut album Black Noise. He rejoined the band in 1983 and remained until 1996. As a solo artist he's best remembered for 1981 mini-album Decomposing, which was designed to be played at any speed.

He played violin, mandolin, harmonica and glockenspiel, among other instruments. His compositions include soundtracks for silent movies, audiovisual collaborations with surrealist artist Robert Vanderhorst - who confirmed his colleague's death. more on this story




Decade Release Coffin Video Ahead Of This Week's Tour Launch
Decade have released a new live music video as they prepare to launch their own headline tour of the UK at the end of the week with support from Only Rivals and Brawlers.

The new live video is for the track "Coffin" which comes from their debut album "Good Luck." The band filmed the video during their tour with Mayday Parade back in January. Watch it here.

Frontman Alex Sears had this to say about the tour, "We're especially excited about this tour, as we'll be playing the entirety of 'Good Luck' live for the first time, as well as a few oldies. Joe reckons he's going to stage dive at every show too, so that alone is worth coming down to see..."

Following the headline tour, the band have lined up appearances at several summer music festivals in the UK including 2000 Trees, Nass, Boardmasters and all five dates of Slam Dunk's UK run. more on this story





John Illsley Previews New Album With Live Session Footage
(Classic Rock) John Illsley's new album isn't out until next month, but he's giving fans an early hint of what to expect with the release of a low-key live video. When God Made Time is the first single from John Illsley's new the album Testing The Water, which is out on June 16. It's the former Dire Straits bassist's first full-length release since 2010. The album will be launched with a show at London's Jazz Cafe on June 19.

"I was missing being in the studio and playing music seriously," says Illsley. "This record was an important one for me to make. The last few years have been so turbulent politically, militarily and personally, and I wanted to try and create some songs that reflected these strange times and perhaps were worthy of sharing with others."

The video, which features a live performance of the song filmed at British Grove studios in West London, is a Classic Rock exclusive. Watch it here.




The Osiris Club Premiere New Song Blazing World
(Prog) London four-piece The Osiris Club set out their stall with the premiere of Blazing World, the title track of their upcoming debut album. The four-piece started out in 2010 with the aim of melding horror-movie soundtracks with prog metal.

They've been drawing strong reactions from live crowds with shows that feature occult symbolism, film backdrops and theatrics. Guitarist Raf Ruett says: "They tend to react with either religious fervor or complete confusion - and we wouldn't have it any other way."

Fellow guitarist Chris Fullard says of recording work: "We tracked at the renowned all-analogue Orgone Studios in London. We moved to Seattle and began mixing at Avast studios with Randall Dunn, who's previously produced Sunn O))), Earth and Wolves In the Throne Room."

Check out the song here.



The Birds Of Satan Rock Kimmel
(hennemusic) The Birds Of Satan, a new band featuring Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, will perform on ABC-TV's Jimmy Kimmel Live last Wednesday, May 14.

The group recently released their self-titled debut album. Joining Hawkins in The Birds Of Satan are guitarist Mick Murphy and bassist Wiley Hodgden, who regularly perform together as 70s cover band Chevy Metal.

Produced by John Lousteau, the project includes guest appearances by fellow Foos Dave Grohl and Pat Smear, as well as Drew Hester, Rami Jaffee, Butch Vig, and current Yes frontman Jon Davison.

Watch the performance here.




David Lee Roth Streams A Capella Take On Happy
(hennemusic) In the latest episode of The Roth Show, Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth reveals he is in a Yokohama, Japan studio recording an a capella version of the Pharrell Williams hit, "Happy."

Roth recently hooked up with New York a cappella group Naturally 7 at their recent show in Tokyo and participated in an impromptu backstage performance of the song from the "Despicable Me 2" soundtrack album.

The rocker further explains that Tokyo has become his first home (he still maintains property in New York and California) and that he'll be spending 6 months of this year in the Far East country.

Check out the episode here.




Singled Out: Sworn Enemy's Do Or Die
Today Sworn Enemy frontman Sal LoCoco tells us about the song "Do or Die" from their brand new album "Living On Borrowed Time," which was released this week. Here is the story:

I've always been one to pretty much write all the lyrics myself on past albums but this one was kinda different I actually had a lot of help with it. Do or Die was the first song on the new record that me and Matt collaborated on.

He basically gave me a page worth of his ideas on how the song should be and I just worked them in my own way to fit to the music. I have to say it was a masterpiece after we were done with it, because of how good that worked we did a few other songs on the new record the same way.

Now I know I have a collaborator to work with on the future records. That's definitely a great feeling to know that the pressure for writing all the lyrics isn't put solely on me

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Judas Priest's Rob Halford To Undergo Surgery
As Judas Priest prepare to release their first new studio album in six years, "Redeemer of Souls," frontman Rob Halford reveals that he plans to have a hernia operation.

Halford tells ABC that he is not having the umbilical hernia operation because he is in pain, but he will instead be undergoing the procedure because "it looks like the alien just burst forth!"

He tells them, "My doctors always said, 'We can take care of it,' and I said, 'I'll get around to it.' [The doctor said,] 'If it's not giving you any discomfort then you should leave it as it is,' but it's not very appealing to look at, is it?"

The operation will follow the back surgery that he had last year. ABC reports that he taking his aging in stride. "That's life," he says. "The wonderful thing about heavy metal music is that it's immortal. The music is immortal, but the creators are not bestowed with that attribute."

Read the report here.




Ozzy Osbourne Faces New Problem With Bats
(Classic Rock) Ozzy Osbourne once again has a problem with bats - after their presence in his countryside barn led to council bosses refusing his application to convert it into a home.

The Black Sabbath frontman - who famously bit the head off a bat while onstage in 1982 - applied for permission to turn a building on his Buckinghamshire property into a two-bedroom house.

But Chiltern District Council refused, saying there was evidence that bats, a protected species in the UK, live in the barn's rafters. The authority will not consider any application for the conversion until Ozzy can prove the animals' welfare will be protected. more on this story





Page and Plant Agree That Led Zeppelin Is Over
(Gibson) With the Led Zeppelin remasters and expanded deluxe album editions starting June 2014, there have been more persistent rumors the band may reform. Forget it.

Singer Robert Plant, who has been very vocal about his lack of interest in going back, has emphatically told Rolling Stone magazine. "You're going back to the same old s-. A tour would have been an absolute menagerie of vested interests and the very essence of everything that's s-ty about about big-time stadium rock. We were surrounded by a circus of people that would have had our souls on the fire. I'm not part of a jukebox!"

Of other (un-named!) reunion acts, Plant jibes "Good luck to them," he says sarcastically, "I hope they're having a real riveting and wonderful late middle age. Somehow I don't think they are."

Jimmy Page continues. "People ask me nearly every day about a possible reunion. The answer is 'no.' It's been almost seven years since the O2 (show). There's always a possibility that they can exhume me and put me onstage in a coffin and play a tape."

Page adds that the forthcoming Zeppelin archival releases have been a lot of work. "There's certainly more things that can be done," he says. "But this took a lot of time and I don't want to start proposing another project because it will take me another six months or a year."

Still, Jimmy Page may not be done onstage. He cryptically concludes, "I'd rather spend time practicing my guitar and going out to play." more on this story







Peter Gabriel Cancels Kiev Show Over Safety Concerns
(Classic Rock) Peter Gabriel cancelled a planned performance in Kiev after deciding he couldn't guarantee the safety of his band and crew, he's confirmed. The move comes amid continuing violence unrest across Ukraine as opposing political forces fight over the nation's future.

Aerosmith, Motorhead and Depeche Mode have recently called off planned appearances in Ukraine. Gabriel said in a statement at the weekend: "The security of the touring personnel and equipment cannot be guaranteed during the planned visit to the country. This has presented us with significant logistical difficulties that we have been unable to resolve.

"Any delays or damage as result of the situation in Ukraine would not be insured, and would also potentially jeopardise future shows on the tour - something which we feel we also have to consider." more.





Mark Tremonti Planning New Solo Album
(Classic Rock) Recording of Mark Tremonti's second solo album is due to get started this year. The follow-up to 2012's All I Was is well underway, with 10 songs already written, according to the Alter Bridge and Creed guitarist, who also fronts and sings in his own Tremonti project.

After the success of the debut album, the hard-working axeman is keen to put out a second batch of songs as soon as possible, on the back of a busy summer with Alter Bridge.

He tells The Front Row Report: "I'm working on that now. I've got about 10 songs ready for pre-production. Slash and Myles are going out with Aerosmith in July and August so I'll take that time to get back into writing more. Then we'll go back on tour with Alter Bridge in September and October and later his year we'll finish up tracking the new Tremonti record." more on this story




Prog Cover Artist Patrick Woodroffe Dead At 74
(Prog) Prog sleeve artist Patrick Woodroffe has died at the age of 74, his friends in Pallas have confirmed. Renowned for his fantasy-themed work in paintings, etchings and sculpture, he created covers for Pallas' The Sentinel, the Strawbs'_ Burning For You_ and Stratovarius' Fright Night.

He enjoyed a long collaboration with Greenslade mainman Dave Greenslade, which culminated in the release of The Pentateuch, a double-album complete with 48-page book of illustrations.

Pallas say in a brief online statement: "We have some very sad news from the family of Patrick Woodroffe: 'After a short illness, Patrick died before 3am in the early hours of Saturday morning.' Our thoughts are with his family. We are honoured to have been associated with his amazing artwork." more on this story






Robert Plant Reveals New Album Release Plans
(hennemusic) Robert Plant has revealed that his new solo album will be released on September 9th. The Led Zeppelin singer worked on the project with The Sensational Space Shifters at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in southwestern England.

"It's really a celebratory record, but it's very crunchy and gritty, very West African and very Massive Attack-y," Plant tells Rolling Stone. "There's a lot of bottom end, so it might sound all right at a Jamaican party, but I'm not sure it would sound all right on NPR."

Many of the musicians on the disc played with Plant on his 2005 album, "Mighty ReArranger", including keyboardist John Baggott, bassist Billy Fuller and guitarist Justin Adams. more on this story





Rex Brown Says There In No Bad Blood With Appice Over Kill Devil Hill
(Classic Rock) Kill Devil Hill's Rex Brown insists there has been no fall-out with drummer Vinny Appice. The former Pantera man says Appice was unavailable to tour with Kill Devil Hill and all parties were happy enough for Johnny Kelly to take over the sticks.

Brown tells Metal Nation Radio: "It was kind of a mutual thing where Vinny had some other stuff he wanted to do and we wanted to go tour. So everything was cool, there was no problems."

The band announced in March that founder member Appice had left, to be replaced by former Type O Negative drummer Kelly. Appice can still be heard on the band's latest album Revolution Rise. The former Black Sabbath man is working on a new project called WAMI, with an album due out this year. more on this story





Julian Lennon Introduced Glenn Hughes To California Breed Guitarist
(Classic Rock) Glenn Hughes says Julian Lennon introduced him to the young guitar wizard who would go on to join his new band California Breed. Andrew Watt was introduced to Hughes by John Lennon's son and he impressed the former Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Trapeze man right from the off.

Frontman Hughes and drummer Jason Bonham decided to continue working together after their previous band, Black Country Communion, called it a day in 2013 when guitarist Joe Bonamassa walked out. And rather than go down the expected route of calling on one of his many famous guitar playing friends, Hughes wanted to bring in someone relatively unknown and who wouldn't leave them high and dry to pursue other projects.

Hughes tells Planetmosh: "Julian Lennon, one of my dear friends, was in LA in February 2013, the day before the Grammys and I was with him. He said 'there's someone here I'd like you to meet, a young man called Andrew Watt from New York city'. Andrew came over and spoke about his love of how this guy plays, or how this guy writes a lyric. I gave him my email and said to send me some music.

"It was not California Breed's type of music, but more Americana singer solo songwriter stuff, and I heard a good writer, a good guitar player, and a good singer, three things that are important. So Jason and I thought it would be a good idea to choose him instead of choosing a famous guitar player, who would bring into the band baggage of his own band and the unavailability to play." more on this story


Nightwish Star Writes Song For Finnish Live Aid
(Prog) Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen has written a single for the Finnish Live Aid project. Lohtu - translated as "Comfort" - has been recorded by a group of his country's leading musicians with the aim of raising €3m for a children's hospital to be built in Helsinki.

But it retains many of the trademark styles that Holopainen has put into Nightwish, and recent solo album Music Inspired By The LIfe And Times Of Scrooge.

He says: "Life is a miracle of the greatest privileges, and nurturing it is a shared responsibility among all of us. I wanted to capture something which every listener, regardless of age, would be able to empathise with."

Read more and check out the track here.




Eric Burdon, The Yardbirds Added To British Blues Fest
(Classic Rock) Eric Burdon, The Yardbirds, Groundhogs, Dr Feelgood and many others have been lined up for the 25th annual Great British Rhythm And Blues Festival, which takes place on August 22-25.

They're joined on the bill by the Band Of Friends, Lucky Peterson, Eric Sardinas, Otis Grand, Mike Sanchez, Andy Fairweather Low, the Martin Barre Band, Caravan, Grainne Duffy and the Yardbirds, with many more besides.

An additional feature of this year's event is the headline appearance of the Snake Davis Jazz Band on a new jazz stage. A total of 600 artists will perform over the four-day festival in Colne, Lancashire, which last year won Best Blues Festival at the European Blues Awards 2013. more on this story





Billy Corgan Compares Tommy Lee To John Bonham
(Classic Rock) Smashing Pumpkins mainman Billy Corgan says working with Motley Crue's Tommy Lee has given him a new appreciation of the drummer's abilities.

And he's said the only other man who could play like Lee is late Led Zeppelin icon John Bonham. Corgan revealed last week he'd brought in the sticksman to play on Monuments To An Elegy, one of two Pumpkins albums under production.

Now he says: "I've had the fortune of being in the room with some of the all-time greats, and when you're that close to someone who is the best at what they do, you gain insight into the way they are able to communicate to so many.

"Let's call it a universal language - which music is, obviously. In applying it with heart and soul they present intangibles that give dimension and depth to a composition which otherwise would not be as kaleidoscopic.

"Tommy hits the drums in a crushing manner; but as many fans know, this is not without nuance or reaction. He has a fantastic ear for music and plays with the songs in a means that only enhances excitement. The only other place I've heard this phenomena is with John Bonham, where heavy drums can sound soft and expressive. Good company indeed!" more on this story






Neal Schon Wants To Make Another Journey Album
(Classic Rock) Neal Schon wants to make another Journey album - but first the guitarist has to persuade his colleagues to get on board with the idea. Frontman Arnel Pineda has previously stated he'd like to do more.

However, keyboardist Jonathan Cain last year said he thought their studio career was over following 2011's Eclipse, saying: "We're not convinced the market will bear another CD from us."

But Schon wants to keep writing new material. He says: "Nobody's really all that jacked up about recording new songs right now. I am - but I'm trying to get everyone else motivated.

"We'll have to see what happens. I know Arnel is game for anything. We'll have to see where Jonathan is at. For Journey, it's a different beast."

Schon has another idea if his bandmates don't want to write new music.






White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' Covered by Cruise Ship
(Radio.com) The White Stripes' 2003 single, "Seven Nation Army," has evolved from one of the band's biggest hits into something of a cultural phenomenon. Now a bona fide "jock jam" that's routinely chanted by sports fans at events around the world, the tune has been covered and played around the world.

Apparently, that includes cruise ships - and not the cruise ship band, either. An ominous and unconventional take on the song by the MSC Magnifica occurred last week (May 9) in Hamburg, Germany, during celebrations for the 825th birthday of the city's port, with the annual event billed as "the greatest Harbour Festival in the World."

As the ship floats past onlookers, its horn blares the infamous bassline from the song - three times in all. Those watching from the crowd cheer on in support. Check it out here.





Metallica's Kirk Hammett Releases Daisy Bell Video
(hennemusic) Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has issued a video for his performance of the 19th century pop standard "Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)", as featured on the new limited-edition charity album release, "The Gay Nineties Old Tyme Music: Daisy Bell."

The project includes different versions of the 1982 song, which was later popularized in the 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey", in which it is sung by the HAL 9000 computer.

Other artists appearing on the CD include "Weird Al" Yankovic, Tyler The Creator, Nick Cave, Katy Perry, Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh and ex-Oingo Boingo mastermind Danny Elfman.

Watch the video here.





The Black Keys Perform On Live On Lettterman
(hennemusic) The Black Keys performed on the Live On Lettterman online series Monday night from just outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre on the eve of the release of their new album, "Turn Blue."

The band ripped through an 8-song set comprised of three tunes from the new project and five from their catalog, including rock radio hits "Howlin' For You" and "Gold On The Ceiling."

"Turn Blue" was recorded last summer and co-produced by Danger Mouse and the band. The Black Keys will kick off a European tour at the Southside Festival in Neuhausen, Germany on June 20.

Watch the Letterman performance here.





Chris Cornell Looks Back At Soundgarden's Superunknown
(Radio.com) Superunknown was both Soundgarden's most commercially successful album, and their most highly acclaimed. In an era obsessed with stringent notions of underground credibility, the band took risks by bringing a new sense of melody into the mix. Also helping: Chris Cornell added singing to his previously abrasive vocal repertoire. Soundgarden achieved the rare combination of sales and respect: Superunknown debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts in the spring of 1994, going on to sell five million copies in the U.S. It got five-star reviews in Rolling Stone and metal mag Kerrang!; even the mainstream-leaning Entertainment Weekly gave it an A.

This year marks the album's 20th anniversary, and to celebrate the occasion, the band is releasing deluxe editions of the album on June 3. This summer, they're co-headlining a tour with fellow alt-rock legends, Nine Inch Nails. Cornell was thoughtful in discuss both subjects, including why the he doesn't appear on the album track "Half," why "Mailman" still resonates today, and how NIN influenced his band.

Radio.com: You recently performed Superunknown from start to finish at South By Southwest. Did you enjoy it?

Cornell: That's a pretty dramatic concentration of songs. [South By Southwest] was the first time we ever played them in a row. As we performed it live, every song was in a different turning, so we had to swap guitars after every song. That kind of gets in the way of the flow, but it was OK, it worked.

Radio.com: Does the fact that you're coming off of a very strong and well-received album, [2012's] King Animal, make you more enthused about a reissue project?

Cornell: I think that there's some validity to the idea that, had we not made a new album, we wouldn't be so happy about anniversaries and re-releases and repackaging. But in the back of my mind, I always knew that if we got back together, we're gonna start creating something new.

Radio.com: Superunknown was very different from your previous albums. Do you feel that you were progressing as a lyricist?

Cornell: I think I was changing my focus a little bit. I wasn't a lyricist when the band formed, it kind of happened out of default because I was singing. I don't think that I had a lot of confidence as a lyricist, and I don't think that I really wanted to tell my story. To me, Soundgarden was its own entity, this weird, gloomy, psychedelic creature. My lyrics, early on, were more atmospheric and were there to support the atmosphere that the music created. As time went on, I think I yearned to do more with it, and that's when I started opening the door into who I am. Had that not worked, I would have slammed that door. But it worked! I think at some point you have to do that to really connect with your audience, that's a very powerful thing as well. By the same token, always wanting it to be something not so specifically about me or what I think about things, so that whoever is listening to it can adapt it to their life.

Radio.com: "Mailman" was unlike anything you had written before.

Cornell: I think it's like this tiny voice of a forgotten person, or a person who feels forgotten or powerless. I think that there are bedrooms full of those people in the world, and especially here in the U.S., this is a culture that thrives on making a name for yourself, a face for yourself, we're goal oriented, we're achievement-oriented. And so we're growing up in this culture feeling that we have to do something to distinguish ourselves in a country full of 350 million where it's impossible for everyone to distinguish themselves somehow. That is one of the main reasons why we have these horrible incidents of somebody walking into a public place and shooting everyone. What happened to John Lennon was that. This kid that wanted to make a name for himself, he figured out that that was a quick way to do it, at he wasn't wrong. It worked.

Radio.com: When Superunknown came out, some fans didn't like "Half," which [bassist] Ben Shepherd sang. I remember someone saying, it sounds like a B-side.

Cornell: That's what an album is, it's not sixteen singles for radio! It was one of my favorites. I remember getting into a discussion with Ben, where I had to convince him to sing it. He sang the demo and played everything on it. And it was amazing and we all loved it, but I didn't feel like I was going to capture what he was trying to do on it. He said, "If you don't sing on it, and you're not playing guitar on it, then it's a Soundgarden song that you're not even on." And I remember thinking, "That's what we should be trying to do," which is make the song the best song it can be and not worry about anything else.

Read the rest of the interview here.





Singled Out: Prong's Turnover
Today Tommy Victor from Prong tells us about the song "Turnover" from their brand new album "Ruining Lives," which was released in North America today (May 13). Here is the story:

This song was the very last idea for our "Ruining Lives" lp. As usual with how song ideas and riffs are brought into this realm , it started with a click track or a metronome running. The riffs and arrangement came about miraculously in about an hour. It was as some external force dictated the creation of this song. The "Art Gods", as I sometimes refer to this power, were in full effect.

So in conjunction with the ease and flow of this process, I needed to honor this Great Spirit in the lyric. I wanted to express my belief in the potential to tap into this energy. When you surrender, and let the creative realm work through you, without question, you can be sure you'll have success and enjoy the experience considerably.

Left to my own designs, I would fumble around and rework, revisit, and actually disrespect these initial ideas sent to me to be materialized. By letting go and letting this massive engine, "turnover" and start empowering, great results are possible. With incredible quickness and a deafening roar. So, bypass the obstacles and detours and turn it over !

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Black Sabbath Feature Film Coming
(Classic Rock) Black Sabbath are to be the subject of a documentary by top filmmakers Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. The duo behind Canadian company Banger Films have previously made rock documentaries about Rush, Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper.

McFadyen tells Times Columnist that they are to start work on a full-length Sabbath feature film, although it has not been confirmed whether it will document the band's entire history or pick up the story since Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Iommi and Geezer Butler's reunion for 2013 album 13. The record saw the trio record and perform together for the first time in 35 years.

Meanwhile, Banger Films will also film a documentary on Seattle grunge icons Soundgarden. Canadian director Reg Harkema tells Bad Feeling he is working with McFadyen and Dunn on the film, set to get underway in the summer when the band go out on tour with Nine Inch Nails. more on this story




The Misfits Vs Danzig
(Classic Rock) The Misfits have accused their former singer Glenn Danzig of "sour grapes" and trying to profit from merchandise sales to which, they say, he is not entitled.

The band, fronted by Jerry Only, released a statement just a day after news broke that Danzig had launched a lawsuit against his former bandmate. Danzig - who left the band in 1983 - claims bass player Only secretly registered trademarks relating to Misfits merchandise to himself in 2000, cutting the singer out of any profit. The items allegedly registered by Only - real name Gerrard Caiafa - include the band's 'Fiend Skull' logo.

Only's statement, released today, claims he secured exclusive legal rights to tour and record as The Misfits in 1995, at which time he also launched a licensing program through Cyclopian Music. It adds: "At the same time, Glenn Anzalone - professionally known as Glenn Danzig (former co-founder and Misfits vocalist circa 1977 to 1983) - made clear that he wanted no public association with the Misfits or Cyclopian Music's business endeavours."

The statement continues: "To be clear, Glenn Danzig has no legal right to, and no interest in, Cyclopian's Misfits licenses or business ventures period. Danzig's lawsuit is nothing more than a calculated attempt to unfairly and improperly enrich himself from revenue streams to which he is not entitled."

Read the rest of their statement here.




Trivium Lose A Member
Trivium's Paolo Gregoletto released a message to fans announcing that the band has parted ways with Nick Augusto, who became the band's drummer 3 and half years ago.

Gregoletto explains the decision, "I had asked everyone to make this statement regarding Nick, personally and on behalf of the band because of the history we both have had together as friends and bandmates. There is no easy way to go about parting ways with someone; whether it's in a band or not, but if it is coming directly from one of us, I hope that it will be perceived out of our respect for him.

"This past Sunday, Matt, Corey, and I decided that it was best to part ways with Nick and to move forward as soon as possible. This decision was not one that we took lightly, given the fact that we are in the midst of a tour, and more importantly, that Nick has been with us for almost 3 and half years.

"We spoke face to face for about an hour on the bus - first informing him of our decision to move forward, both discussing the situation and how to precede with announcing it, as well as personally thanking him for being there when we needed him as a tech, and then as drummer. I made both those calls to Nick - I asked him if he would be willing to drop everything and come out and be apart of Trivium at a moments notice and he did without hesitation. On stage we all fit well together - I believe we became a tighter and more unified band because of him. There was not a dramatic ending to this, honestly it was quite muted and I am happy to have been able to speak directly and calmly to one another.

"I believe we all agreed that what started out great "off stage" in the beginning, over time began to fray. It became obvious that things were not going to work out in the long run. We did not want to reach the point where the differences between us became apparent on stage. Being in a band is privilege afforded to us by all of you, and as much as we owe you guys the best show we can possibly give you, we also realize that being out here has to be enjoyable enough for us to continue to do so.

"We truly wish nothing but the best for Nick and whatever projects he becomes involved in. We will be rooting for him to succeed. I would like to add that as the one who championed Nick to become our drummer 3 and half years ago, I will be the first person to vouch for him as an incredible drummer and as an immense force and presence on stage. The last show together at Carolina Rebellion was a powerful one, and I am happy to say that we ended our time together on such a high and positive note.

"Lastly, I would like to thank our drum tech Mat Madiro for stepping up to the plate and learning our entire set in 24 hours, allowing us to continue this tour without a hitch. We have always tried to treat both band and crew as family, and the support for Mat from our other crew guys has been amazing, thank you all - Eric, Joey, Sam, Jeremy, and Mike! Another HUGE thank you to Volbeat and their crew for giving us their entire sound check at the Niagara Falls show to allow us to run through the set with Mat. They have been a great band to tour with and this act only further solidified to us what stand up guys they are on and off stage.

"Nick, thank you once again for the hard work with us, we will always be grateful for the time we spent together with you on the road and in the studio.

"Thank you all for your support and understanding.

"Sincerely,
Paolo Gregoletto"




Metal Stars React To Idea of AC/DC Without Malcolm
(Classic Rock) Icons of the rock world have given their opinion on whether AC/DC should continue without Malcolm Young - just as the band appear to have drafted in a replacement.

As Stevie Young, nephew of Angus and Malcolm, joined the band in Vancouver ahead of recording sessions for their next album, musicians and industry heads including Jason Hook from Five Finger Death Punch and Wendy Dio - Ronnie James' widow and manager - spoke out on the band's future.

Dio says they should continue. She says: "Absolutely. They are a legend." But Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and formerly of Down disagrees. He says: "No. Not this far in. I know he had a few problems with drinking years ago and his nephew or someone had to fill in for a few tours while he got sober. It's just my opinion but my God, it's AC/DC, what else do they have to prove?"

Testament's Chuck Billy says he hopes the band continue to write and record but he would understand if they chose not to. And former Pantera man Rex Brown says: "No, there's no AC/DC without Malcolm." Read more.





Scorpions' James Kottack Released From Dubai Jail
(hennemusic) The Scorpions have confirmed that drummer James Kottack has been released from a Dubai jail, following a recent conviction in the United Arab Emirates over alleged misconduct at the local airport in April.

"James Kottak boarded a plane out of Dubai and arrived in the US last night," posted the band on Wednesday. "He will have to find the time to sort out his problems."

The band also confirmed that they had yet to be in direct contact with their bandmate. "Dear fans, at this point we want to hear personally from James what happened in Dubai," they added in a second posted. "We [will] let you know…Hopefully there will be better days ." more on this story





Sebastian Bach Bewildered By Facebook Followers
(Classic Rock) Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach says he's bewildered by people who have liked his Facebook page but haven't bought his latest solo album 'Give 'Em Hell.'

Give 'Em Hell sold 5000 copies in its first week of release - but his official page has over 800,000 followers and his administration section tells him 70,000 are talking about him.

Bach tells The Shoe with Miles Schuman: "I would like to thank the 5000 out of the 800,000 that got my record, and I would like to ask the other 795,000 people, 'Why are you on my page?

"'Are you there to look at the pictures? If that's what you want I'll put some pictures up or whatever.' more on this story




Fish Reveals Rescheduled Tour Dates
(Classic Rock) Fish has confirmed all dates on his rescheduled Movable Feast UK tour. He was forced to postpone the first three shows, then another, then finally call off the entire trek as guitarist Robin Boult struggled with chicken pox and a blood infection.

The shows are in support of acclaimed album A Feast Of Consequences, which was released last year. Fish says: "I talked to Robin today and he asked me to say thanks for all your messages. He's been told he'll be contagious for another six days, with doctors' advice to do nothing and heal for the next two weeks.

"The blood infection has been caught in time and he is now on antibiotics. The worst thing is that he has a large pustule in his ear, which would have meant he could not have used his in-ear monitor system and would have had to resort to old fashioned wedges if there had been any possibility of gigs. He's in a lot of pain still, but this particular spot is the most aggravating and he just has to let it disappear in time."

Read more and check out the rescheduled dates here.





Photos Of Led Zeppelin's Sex Shop Visit Going Up For Auction
(Radio.com) The antics of Led Zeppelin in the '70s are the stuff of rock legend. And most of those legends are too NSFW to be printed by this outlet. However, photographic proof has surfaced that pushes one of the legends into the arena of truth.

Privately owned British auction house Bonhams have put up a lot of photos of the band from March of 1973 that document their reception in Stockholm at the Chat Noir club, the city's leading sex club.

On its website, Bonhams elaborate on the events of the evening, saying, "[d]uring the proceedings, which included a naked couple performing on a small stage, the band was presented with a number of gold album sales awards."

The event was suggested by the band's manager, Peter Grant, and hosted by Metronome Records, who represented their label Atlantic Records in Sweden. more on this story





Video of Scott Weiland Performing New Songs Goes Online
(hennemusic) Former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland performed three new songs during an April 30 show in Dallas, Texas and fan-filmed video has surfaced online.

The rocker introduced "The Way She Moves", "Beach Pop Rock" and "Circles" as part of his set at Trees in Dallas, one of a series of spring concerts by the singer.

Weiland was fired by Stone Temple Pilots in February of 2013, leading to a series of public statements and lawsuits by both parties. The singer's former group have teamed up with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, while Weiland is working on a new solo project with his band, The Wildabouts - it's tentatively expected to be released by the end of the year.

Watch the videos of Weiland performing the new songs here.





Trent Reznor Urges Today's Bands To Break The Rules
(Classic Rock) Trent Reznor has hit out at bands who stay "safe" in an effort to attract positive reviews. The Nine Inch Nails frontman has urged rock bands to express themselves and "break the rules", rather than take the "cowardly" route of keeping on the good side of reviewers.

Reznor tells the Daily Record: "A pretty conservative nature has crept into music and I don't mean sonically. I get the sense that a lot of bands today are designing themselves to get a good review in the hip blogs and that is probably the safest and most cowardly thing you can do as an artist.

"If you have something to say, then say it. Express yourself and break the rules. What I try to straddle is paying attention to what is happening in the outside world to some degree and at the same time becoming insular and really trusting my own voice and my own sense of what is right and appropriate." More





Jeff Beck Says Brian Wilson Tour Was 'A Bit Of A Nightmare'
(Classic Rock) Jeff Beck has described his 2013 US tour alongside Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson as "a bit of a nightmare." The guitar icon was persuaded to hit the road with Wilson to promote an album, even though it hadn't been finished.

That led to a situation where Beck was expected to undertake extensive promotional activities to assist with ticket sales - and on one occasion the schedule was so hectic he had to visit hospital for an endoscopy without taking any time off.

He tells Mojo: "They wanted me to spend the whole afternoon doing promo to prop up the ticket sales. So we did this meet-and-greet stuff, where audiences pay good money to watch rehearsals, which robbed me of the afternoon nap.

"I ended up in Chicago University Hospital having an endoscopy - and they still had me playing the next night. It was a bit blood and guts; but I'd fallen in love with the idea of playing with Brian Wilson." more on this story





Down By Law Plan First UK Tour In A Decade
(Classic Rock) Down By Law will play their first UK tour in a decade in August, they've confirmed. Dave Smalley's melodic punk outfit will also release a mini-album entitled Revolution Time, containing brand new tracks plus covers of Stiff Little Fingers, Thin Lizzy and Elvis Costello songs.

A statement says: "When punk rock broke and bands cashed in on fashion trends, Down By Law stayed true to their ideals. While everyone else wrote songs about farts, Smalley was penning songs about feeling lonely and out of place, afraid and uncertain.

"He wrote about finding strength in being apart from the larger culture, and turning the loneliness and alienation of individuals into unity and mutual respect.

"All politics are personal, and everything personal is political. This is why Down By Law is one of the few bands that matter - the personal and political are inseparable in their music. If you open your heart these songs will reveal truths that no one else has enough guts to say."

Hear their track New Autonomy and check out the tour dates here.





John Mayall Addresses Lack Of Industry Accolades
(The Blues John Mayall regrets the relative lack of industry success he's enjoyed through the release of over 50 albums in his career. And although he's not out looking for accolades, he'd be pleased to add them to his achievements.

The former Bluesbreakers leader, who shut the band down in 2008, is poised to launch new record A Special Life next week. He tells Grateful Web: "I wouldn't call it success, considering I've made over 50 original albums and I've never had a Grammy. I never had any chart success. My records haven't been recognised in the Hall Of Fame or anything like that - a lot of other people have."

But that's not to say he's on the hunt for awards. "It wouldn't complete it; it would add to it," says the 80-year-old. "We have a great fanbase. Everywhere we play we have a full house. You can't get much better than that." more on this story






Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion Nearing Crowdfunding Goal
(The Blues The Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion are hoping the next six days will see them reach the crowdfunding target to pay for production of their third album.

The band have already achieved 82% of the total, and they believe one last push will see them cross the line. Schwarz says on their PledgeMusic page: "As you know, we live in the age of the corporate machine, and most forms of creative, intelligent art have been sidelined to the category of 'specialist'. This erodes the quality of all our lives and tries to feed us a diet of musical 'junk food.'"

But she continues: "We have been on such a roll these last couple of years and new songs keep pouring out of us. The response to our first two albums has shown us that this band has so much potential." more on this story





Tesla Perform Two New Songs At Frontiers Rock Festival
(hennemusic) Tesla performed two new tracks from the forthcoming album, "Simplicity", during a May 1st appearance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy, and fan-filmed video from the event is available online.

The band played "Mp3" and "Ricochet" as part of their festival set; both will appear on the new album when its released in Europe on June 6 in Europe and in North America on June 10.

Tesla's seventh all-original studio album was produced by the band with some help from legendary producer Tom Zutaut. The project was recorded at bassist Brian Wheat's J Street Recorders. Watch the video of the band performing the new songs here.






The Caring Side Of Axl Rose
(Classic Rock) Axl Rose's former personal assistant during Guns N' Roses' heyday has painted a picture of the singer as a caring and compassionate friend. While Rose is often the subject of criticism for his difficult personality and backstage tantrums, his ex-PA Craig Duswalt tells a different story in his book Welcome To My Jungle. It covers the 1991-1993 Use Your Illusion period when the band were the biggest rock act on the planet.

Duswalt, who has stayed in touch with his former boss all through the band's line-up changes, tells MyGNRforum: "Axl was very good to me and my family. I last saw GNR at Universal Amphitheater in 2006, and the show was amazing. After the concert, my friends and I were invited backstage to Axl's dressing room.

"Usually my wife Natasha would have come, but she had been diagnosed with cancer and was going through chemo and didn't have the strength to go to the show. I go back to Axl's personal area and Axl gives me a hug, and the first thing out of his mouth was 'how's Natasha?' That is exactly who Axl Rose is."





Dee Snider Better Than David Lee Roth and Ozzy?
(Classic Rock) Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French believes bandmate Dee Snider is a better frontman than Van Halen's David Lee Roth and Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne.

But he's confirmed fans aren't likely to hear any new music from the band, who continue to play on occasion but have no plans to record again in the future.

"Dee is certainly one of the most underrated frontmen; I don't think he gets the respect he deserves," French tells Full Throttle Rock. "I think he's better than David Lee Roth - and no question better than Ozzy.

"In terms of an entertainer he's more responsible. He understands what he's supposed to do better than these other bands, and that's really an important factor. He really gets what you're supposed to do as a singer. He does his vocal exercises for, like, two hours before he goes on stage."




Singled Out: Baby Baby's Haters
Baby Baby recently sent us over a link to a video for their song "Haters" and it was so hilarious that we had to find out more about the song. Today Baby Baby's Fontez Brooks tells us all about it. Here is the story:

3 years ago I was sitting on my friends couch/my bed, when I realized I hate everyone. But I couldn't articulate it. Maybe this hate stemmed from me sleeping on my friend's couch or maybe it was literally because people suck.

Whatever the reason, I could only come up with this one guitar riff. So I took that riff to the band and we knew immediately what we had to do: go get a 30 pack of Natty Light (sign of the times). Midway threw the pack we actually started playing around with the riff and immediately I knew: this was our chance to call out anybody who's ever doubted us or anyone who doesn't understand how hard we work.

Haven't you ever been listening to someone talk and you wanted to get on top of a table and scream YOU LIL BOYS DON'T KNOW NOTHING 'BOUT NOTHING!!!!!! That is this song. Enjoy....or don't it'll actually be better if you don't...ya know to give the song more credibility.