Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Radio Legend Casey Kasem Dead at 82
(Radio.com) Casey Kasem, legendary host of the American Top 40 radio program that counted down the hits for American audiences every week, has died. He was 82. Kasem passed away Sunday (June 15) after a lengthy illness and battle over his conservatorship by his family member, CBS News reports.

A judge ruled earlier this month that Kasem's daughter Kerri had the right to withhold food, fluids and medication from her father, a process that began earlier this week, Billboard reported. Kerri Kasem and Jean Kasem, the broadcaster's wife of 34 years, had been locked in a battle for control over the decision to keep him alive.

Forbes reported that, after the ruling in Kerri Kasem's favor on Wednesday (June 11), Jean Kasem stormed out of the courtroom, announcing, "You have blood on your hands!"

Kasem had suffered from Lewy body dementia since last year, a condition similar to Parkinson's that had rendered him with trouble speaking. He had also been bedridden for some time, and had been hospitalized with bedsores and sepsis. more on this story




The Birthplace of Black Sabbath May Be Lost
(Classic Rock) The Birmingham pub where Black Sabbath began has been sold to developers - and the landlady has been ordered to get out by next Monday. The Crown played host to the fledgling outfit when they were still known as Earth, and long before they became one of the biggest bands on the planet.

Plans to turn it into a permanent museum while still operating as a cafe, pub and club had been discussed for some time. But now owners Admiral Taverns have sold the premises to a Japanese firm - and licensee Collen Andrews, who took over nine months ago, has been given her marching orders.

Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has spoken of his regret at the sale, saying: "The Crown was hugely important to the Black Sabbath story," he says. "It was where we cut our musical teeth as a blues band."

Iommi continues, "The Crown is also one of the grand old buildings of Birmingham. It may have seen better days, but I would have thought it was important for the city to preserve the heritage that is all too quickly disappearing from our streets.

"It is a matter of concern, too, that music pubs are getting thin on the ground. Back in the 60s and 70s these were the places where today's big groups started out. Where are the opportunities for new bands to get their act together?"

Jim Simpson, Sabbath's first manager, says: "The Crown was the birthplace of the band, where Ozzy Osbourne faced a crowd for the first time." more.




Foo Fighters Fans Succeed
(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters will return to Richmond, Virginia for the first time in 16 years to play a concert after fans took things into their own hands and launched a crowdfunding campaign to make the show happen.

The campaign was launched in March by Andrew Goldin, who sought to bring the band back to one of Dave Grohl's former hometowns for their first show since 1998, according to Rolling Stone.

Goldin and his fellow organizers, Brig White, John McAdorey and Lucas Krost, launched the campaign with a goal of selling 1,400 tickets at $50 each to the hypothetical concert in order to convince the band to return.

Fans' credit cards would only be charged if the show sold out, and the contributions would be returned if the band didn't agree to play at the concert. more on this story





Linkin Park's Shinoda Thinks Rock Has Gone Disney
(Radio.com) Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda knows that 2014 isn't the best climate for them to re-emerge with a new album. "We've been around long enough that music trends have gone away from us and come back," he tells Radio.com.

"And right now, they're away. Rock music has gone in this direction that's like indie pop jingles. It's like songs that could be on Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel. I can't see myself writing music like that. I don't want to follow that trend. Forget it!"

He's quick to point out that he enjoys some of the big indie pop artists of the moment. "Bands like Chvrches and Haim to Vampire Weekend, I like those records, I like those bands, I always cite those bands when I talk about this subject. I like that style of music. But there was a point at which that was fresh and new, and they were making it because it was part of their identity and they were making something different. And now it's a different situation. None of these bands are indie bands, they're all major label bands. So if you think they're not, you're mistaken."

The thing that he felt was missing? Loud guitars. And his own band was guilty of that as well. "On the last two albums, there was not much guitar. "And the guitar that was there, I usually wrote and played." The band's other guitarist, Brad Delson, was more involved in the song arrangements.

Shinoda recalled an important conversation with his fellow guitarist. "I said, 'Look dude, I need to hear some guitar and I know that I can't write the things that you can write. [Bassist] Dave [Farrell] told me that when he first met you, he told me you were one of the best guitar players that he had ever met. Do you think our fans know that?' He doesn't like to be a very showy guitarist. I asked him, 'What do you think the 14-year old Brad thinks of you right now? What would he say if he heard your music right now?' That kid was listening to really heavy metal and shredding in his room all day. 'That's the kid you want to impress, to inspire to be a better guitar player, or be a guitar player at all.'" And so Delson plugged in and turned it up, pointing the album in a much heavier direction." more on this story





Def Leppard Have 15 Songs For New Album
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen has confirmed the band's next studio outing will be an album rather than an EP. The change of plans comes after an incredibly successful songwriting session at frontman Joe Elliott's studio in Ireland - and the experience was fuelled by a vegan diet.

Collen reports: "I just got back from a very productive and creative Def Leppard session in Dublin. We got about 15 songs started. What we thought was going to be an EP has now definitely turned into an album of new Def Leppard material.

"The whole time we were there, the incredible gourmet chef Jeni Cook put the band on a raw vegan food diet - no, it's not just lettuce. We were treated to some of the tastiest foods I've ever had in my entire life." more on this story





Rock Has Never Recovered From Grunge Says Rob Zombie
(Classic Rock) Rob Zombie insists it would be impossible to stage a festival like Download in the US - because the 90s grunge explosion has left a deep wound in the rock scene across the Atlantic.

And he blames the movement that come out of Seattle for opening the door to the mainstream for rap music. Zombie tells TeamRock Radio: "When the grunge rock thing hit with Nirvana and all that, everybody thought it was cool to be anti-rock star.

"They sort of anti-rock starred themselves right out the door - because the rap guys came in and said, 'F*** it. We'll be the rock stars if you guys are going to wear flannel shirts and stare at your feet.'

"US rock music has never recovered from that. A whole generation of kids thought, 'Rock music is boring. Let's go listen to rap music.'" Check out the full interview here.





Letlive's Jason Butler Injured On Stage
(Classic Rock) Letlive frontman Jason Butler was forced to perform at the Download festival this weekend on crutches - and he's accepted that an onstage accident was a long time coming.

He injured his leg during a recent show after leaping in the air and landing in a pool of water he'd thrown on the platform himself. Butler tells TeamRock Radio: "The stage was really wet - because of me - and I jumped off of something with something in my hand. It prevented me from putting my hands down. When I slipped coming down, my legs went the opposite way. It popped something.

"I tore two ligaments in my knee. I think it's alright, but I've got to be really, really careful." And he admits: "It was years in the making - I've been being an a**hole for quite some time." more on this story




Slash Streaming New Single 'World On Fire'
(hennemusic) Slash featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, has revealed a full length stream of his new single and title track to his forthcoming album "World On Fire".

Due September 16, the new album was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette. The guitarist's third solo album is the follow-up to 2012's "Apocalyptic Love", which earned the guitarist his two first-ever No. 1 US rock radio hits: "You're A Lie" and "Standing In The Sun".

Slash and the band will be on the road this summer across North America with Aerosmith for the Let Rock Rule tour, with dates starting July 10 in Wantagh, New York. Check out the song here.





Smashing Pumpkins Lose A Member
(Classic Rock) Smashing Pumpkins mainman Billy Corgan has confirmed drummer Mike Byrne is no longer part of the band. The 24-year-old appeared on 2009's Teargarden by Kaleidyscope at the age of 19, and then 2012 follow-up Oceania.

Corgan recently announced the launch of two albums next year, then revealed that Motley Crue's Tommy Lee had recorded all the tracks on one of them. Now he tells Music Radar: "Let's just say that Mike, like Elvis, has left the building. Tommy Lee is the drummer on Monuments To An Elegy."

He hints that he felt the need for change after Oceania, saying: "It's still about excitement, right? So what is my version of 'excitement' at this point in my life? I don't think it's that same old formula - I don't see where people would listen to it." more.




Avengers Star Lands Role as Hank Williams in Biopic
(Gibson) London-born actor Tom Hiddleston is set to play the most iconic American country singer of all time, Hank Williams, in an upcoming biopic. Hiddleston is best known for portraying the supervillain Loki in The Avengers.

According to Deadline, Hiddleston will not just learn Williams' Alabama accent but master his music too. And unlike Andre 3000's recent turn as Jimi Hendrix in All Is by My Side, producers have secured the rights to several legendary Williams songs, including "Your Cheatin' Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," and "Hey Good Lookin'."

Titled I Saw The Light, the movie is based on Colin Escott, George Merritt and William MacEwen's 1994 book, Hank Williams: The Biography. Director Marc Abraham adapted the screenplay himself and he aims to begin shooting in Louisiana in October 2014.

Hiddleston Tweeted a photo of June 12 with the simple message: I saw the light. See it here.







King 810 Members Arrested At Airport For Alleged Assault
(TeamRock Radio) King 810 were forced to cancel their Download appearance after vocalist David Gunn and bassist Eugene Gill were arrested as they began their journey to the UK.

Cops detained them at a US airport on Thursday and jailed them in connection with an assault during which a man was "critically beaten" in Flint, Michigan, last year.

The 28-year-olds will appear in court next week to answer the charge of "assault with intent to do great bodily harm." They said: "As we drove into Detroit Metro Airport for the flight to London, the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team arrested David and Eugene, and took them away in handcuffs. They remain in jail for an alleged assault from last year." more on this story





John Garcia Previews Solo Album Songs
(TeamRock Radio) Vista Chino and former Kyuss frontman John Garcia has released a series of clips from his upcoming self-titled solo album. It's due on August 1 via Napalm Records and contains 11 tracks - plus a guest appearance by Doors guitarist Robby Krieger.

Garcia says: "To have Robby on my first solo record was surreal. To be the first artist ever to record in his brand-new studio made it even more special. I'm honoured, humbled by his talent and professionalism, and I'll never forget the experience. It truly made the song Her Bullets Energy better, not to mention the entire record."

Vista Chino, renamed from Kyuss Lives, launched debut album Peace last year. Garcia's bandmate Brant Bjork last week confirmed his own solo record, Low Desert Punk, was being readied for launch.

Check out the clips here.




The Offspring Look Back At Smash's Impact
(Classic Rock) The Offspring admit the massive success of their hit album Smash left them feeling "a little uncomfortable." They headlined the Zippo Encore Stage at Download this weekend, performing the album - the best-selling independent release of all time - in its entirety to mark its 20th anniversary.

And while they are proud of everything Smash achieved, they don't want to accept the credit it was given for reviving the punk scene. Guitarist Noodles says: "Kurt Cobain had just passed away - I think they found his body the day our record came out."

He adds: "The Ramones were still alive and playing shows, and not getting the respect or the listenership at the time that we were. That was just weird to us; that was wrong. But at least The Ramones were still around. We lost Cobain but we still had The Ramones." more on this story





Zakk Wylde Inspired By Jimmy Page's Work Ethic
(Classic Rock) Zakk Wylde says his hands-on approach to running Black Label Society was inspired by Jimmy Page's work ethic. And the Black Label Society mainman believes anyone who needs pointers on running a band need look no further than the Led Zeppelin maestro.

Wylde, who hit the main stage at Download yesterday, tells TeamRock Radio: "You wanna play music for the rest of your life, right? Well, make the band your job, because that's the coolest job you can possibly ever have.

"It's like Zeppelin with Jimmy Page - he said, 'Led Zeppelin is my whole life.' It's all-consuming. Even today he's coming out with the re-issues. All his time is invested in what he loves."

Wylde is committed to remaining "involved with everything" when it comes to BLS, and compares himself to a football boss by way of illustration. "If I own Manchester United, I'm involved with not just the trades we're making and the players," he says. "I'm involved with the way the field looks, the way the stadium is, the way concessions are - everything." more on this story






Bury Tomorrow Lucky Escape From Their Own Fans
(Classic Rock) Bury Tomorrow bassist Davyd Winter-Bates was forced to make a swift retreat during their Download set on Saturday after vocalist and brother summoned the crowdsurfers - and received an incredible response.

The band admit they weren't flavor of the month with festival security staff, but they're still reeling over the success of their main stage set. Davyd says: "When you're band that pride yourself on intimate shows… that's the biggest crowd I felt like I could interact with people. During Lionheart I got down and walked up and down in front of the crowds.

"Then Dan called for so many crowdsurfers I got kicked in the head about three times, and decided to go back on the stage! Security swore a lot after our set. They were laughing, but apparently they were not happy." more on this story





Red Dragon Cartel Tour Drama May End Up in Court
(Classic Rock) Jake E Lee is watching his words over last week's tour dramas - because there's a chance the disagreement could go to court. His latest band Red Dragon Cartel became embroiled in a "Spinal Tap moment" argument with agent Denise Dale, leading to the cancellation of a show shortly before doors were to open, and throwing their other UK appearances into doubt.

They found another agent and salvaged the rest of their visit across the Atlantic, and they'll play at Download today as planned. Lee tells TeamRock Radio: "I'm not sure what I can say because someone wants to bring this to litigation.

"The booking agent was trying to hurt us, but who you're really hurting is the fans. She tried to punish us for personal reasons. We managed to salvage the shows and Download - she tried to stop us from doing that too." more on this story





Judas Priest Streaming New Song Dragonaut
(hennemusic) After teasing fans with a short preview, Judas Priest are now streaming "Dragonaut", one of the tracks found on their forthcoming album, "Redeemer Of Souls."

Due July 8 in North America, "Redeemer Of Souls" will be issued in a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. Here is what the band had to say about the song stream: "Dragonaut is a great opening track, you know," says bassist Ian Hill.

"It's a heavy one, for sure," adds drummer Scott Travis, "so we're proud of that. It's a great way to introduce people to the new Priest record." Check out the song stream here.




Yes Preview New Song 'Believe Again'
(Prog) Yes have launched a 90-second clip of Believe Again, the lead track from Heaven & Earth - their first album with Jon Davison. It's set for launch on July 21 in the UK, July 18 in Europe and July 22 in North America.

The eight-track album - the band's 21st studio outing - is described as a continuation of their classic prog sound, but also featuring a "timelessly fresh and innovative" edge.

Davison recently revealed recording work had been finished with just days to spare before they left for another tour, saying: "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."

But he added that the band were left with more material than they needed, and some of it could appear in a future release. Check out the song preview here.




Megadeth Working On New Music
(hennemusic) Megadeth bassist and cofounder David Ellefson has released a new update for fans on the band's latest activity in the studio as they work on some new music.

"Dave [Mustaine] and I are in the studio this week in California working up some of the new riffs," posted Ellefson. "We're having fun, just throwing it down and keeping it chill. These are essentially writing demos at this point so just grinding out the tunes like a metal band should. More to come...."

Drummer Shawn Drover recently shared news that he and Mustaine were working on demos, as well. The band have been touring in support of their latest album, 2013's "Super Collider." more on this story





Killswitch Engage's Jesse Leach Humbled By Post Breakup Job
(Classic Rock) Returned Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach won't forget the humbling experience of being identified by fans as he worked in a bar serving drinks.

He left KSE in 2002, and moved away from music altogether, working a string of jobs including bakery assistant, paralegal and woodcutter. Five years later he formed Times Of Grace with KSE's Adam D, and eventually made peace with the rest of his colleagues, paving his way for his return to the mic in 2012 - and meaning he could leave his job as a cocktail waiter in Manhattan.

Leach tells TeamRock Radio: "For me, the most humbling thing about being a barman is having someone recognise you when you're wiping their glass down, getting ready to serve them." more on this story






Volbeat Focused On The Road, Not Next Album
(TeamRock Radio) Volbeat are trying not to get too creative on new music - in case it distracts them from delivering the best live shows possible, says guitarist Rob Caggiano.

The former Anthrax man joined Michael Poulson's band last year after being invited to produce fifth album Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, then enjoying the experience so much that he signed up full-time.

They're currently concentrating on supporting that release on the road - and Caggiano says they don't want anything to get in their way. He tells TeamRock Radio: "We've started bits and pieces during soundchecks, but we've not really started work yet. I guess at the end of the year we might start looking really seriously into doing some new stuff." more on this story




All The Slayer Fans Love Tesla
(Classic Rock) Dave Rude says Tesla always fear being bottled at festivals - but they've always escaped the worst excesses of violent crowds because even fans of extreme music end up enjoying the band's classic rock vibe.

The guitarist has got used to finding his band sandwiched between much heavier acts on the summer circuit. He tells TeamRock Radio: "Sometimes we'll be on bills like Download, when there's a lot of really heavy bands.

"We did a show in Germany last week with Testament and f***ing Annihilator and all these hardcore bands. Every time we're about to get onstage at those festivals I think, 'Man, we're gonna get bottled - it's gonna be nuts.'

"But no: there's dudes with leather jackets and upside-down crosses tattooed on their faces, going 'Love will find a way!' All the Slayer fans f***ing love Tesla." more on this story





The Temperance Movement Hope To Meet Rolling Stones During Tour
(Classic Rock) The Temperance Movement are nearing the end of their European tour with the Rolling Stones - but they've never been given the chance to speak to Mick Jagger and co.

That hasn't ruined the rising-star blues-rockers' experience of playing their biggest shows ever during the summer. Speaking to TeamRock Radio ahead of their Download appearance on Friday, bassist Nick Fyfe said: "It came up so quick. It sort of blindsided us, and suddenly it was happening. We've played some amazing venues in front of a lot of people."

And he lives in hope of shaking the Stones' hands: "I think they've penciled in a window to meet up with them on the last show," he says. "We've had glimpses of them. It's been amazing - a real honor." more on this story






Anathema Breaking New Ground With New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Anathema's Daniel Cavanagh credits Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt with helping him through a tough time in 2012 - although he won't discuss the details.

Cavanagh tells TeamRock Radio: "I got to know Mike and to like him a lot on our tour in 2012. He was really there for me when I particularly needed somebody. I've never forgotten it and I never will - I'm looking forward to saying hello to him later on."

Anathema released tenth album Distant Satellites last week, and Cavanagh is certain it marks a high point in the band's career. He says: "It's breaking new ground for us. We've had a good chart entry in the UK, Germany and Europe.

"It's a good time - we have new management, we have a great relationship with the record label. We've got the best crew; we're so lucky. The dynamic in the band is so good."

Stream the full interview here.





Sebastian Bach Performs as LMFAO
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach teamed up with comedian Jon Lovitz to perform as LMFAO on the season finale of the new ABC-TV reality series, "Sing Your Face Off."

The pair sang the hip hop duo's massive 2011 hit, "Sexy And I Know It." Bach had been eliminated after four weeks of competition that saw him perform as Lady Gaga, Willie Nelson and Queen's Freddie Mercury.

The series features five celebrity contestants taking on the identity of an iconic music performer each week. Hosted by actor John Barrowman ("Torchwood", "Arrow"), "Sing Your Face Off" saw Bach compete alongside Lovitz, Toronto Raptors basketball star Landry Fields, singer China Anne McClain ("A.N.T. Farm") and actress Lisa Rinna ("Days of Our Lives"). Check out the video here.






Singled Out: The Kut's Make Up
Today The Kut's lead vocalist and guitarist Maha tells us about the title track from their brand new 'Make Up' EP, which was released by Criminal Records this summer. Here is the story:

Make up was one of those tracks that was around as an idea for a long time before it hit paper. It was a collection of different emotions and feelings that were probably bottled up but recurring in my life at that time. The lyrics explain the way that whilst words can build us up, that the emotions aren't the same as the words said to convey them - they are totally separate, and sometimes they conflict or are just a face for something that isn't actually there.

The riff is pretty grunged up, I guess, but the mood also kind of goes through a number of emotions. The verses talk about dark mood swings, feeling unsettled and how sometimes the people around you can have a negative impact on how you feel. It was also about being alone in the world and somehow feeling that it was nothing new or special, and actually quite detached from every day emotions or how you appear to the onlooker.

But that's not to say that everything was totally bleak in the track, even in the most broken times it was swaying in summer beauty, and you can just suppress it to the back of your mind and watch it all fade out. It talks about the seasons, in the summer sun, the trees and then in the fall it's all bare, but it was never about the seasons, just about emotion cycles and a lack of emotion, like it was always on a switch.

The end part is almost the breakthrough, the realisation that some of it stems from the frustration of giving so much of your life for something that hasn't or doesn't seem to be materialised yet. The solo was just an explanation of the future and the unknown. The song asks what then? but that part is unwritten and it's for the time that's coming to decide your fate or future…

It's a great feeling to be finally get the track out there on the EP now though. We had some great reactions to our No Trace single this year and have just started shooting our Mario music video, so it's all go x

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Allman Brothers Releasing Massive Fillmore East Box Set
The Allman Brothers Band's iconic At Fillmore East live album is getting a massive box set reissue that will include fifteen unreleased tracks and will feature six CDs.

The new set will be released on July 29th. The original album featured songs from the band's performances over four shows at the venue on March 12-13, 1971.

The new box set, entitled The 1971 Fillmore East Recordings, will also include the previously unreleased full set from the band's June 27th concert where they performed during the closing weekend for the legendary New York City venue.

The band released these details about the new box set along with the tracklisting: Produced by Bill Levenson, who compiled the definitive Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective (Rounder, 2013), The 1971 Fillmore East Recordings captures the most inspired improvisational rock unit ever at the peak of their prodigious powers, blazing their way through extended instrumental elaborations, so taut and virtuosic, that the crowds that packed the Fillmore East on those memorable nights were utterly transfixed. When it came to live performance, no other band could touch the Allmans.

In his scrupulously detailed notes for the set, Allmanologist John Lynskey writes: "From its inception in March 1969, the Allman Brothers Band rapidly established a near-mythical reputation through its incendiary, marathon concerts. No other group could touch the Allman Brothers when it came to extended, improvised jamming; they truly were in a league and dimension of their own. Duane Allman was joined by his brother Gregg on keyboards and vocals, the dual drumming combo of Jaimoe and Butch Trucks, bassist extraordinaire Berry Oakley, and Dickey Betts, Duane's foil on guitar. Together, these individually talented artists blended into a unit whose sum exceeded the total of its impressive singular parts. The group toured relentlessly—they spent 300 days on the road in 1970 ? honing their sound and building a loyal fan base, one show at a time. An Allman Brothers' concert could not be explained, it could only be experienced, and by word of mouth, the group became known as 'the people's band' for their no-frills approach to live music." more on this story





Led Zeppelin Score Three Top 10 Debuts With Reissues
(hennemusic) The first three reissues in the Led Zeppelin album series have debuted in the top 10 on the US charts. The band's 1969 self-titled debut, "Led Zeppelin I", entered the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 7, "Led Zeppelin II" at No. 9 and "Led Zeppelin III" at No. 10.

With the chart showing, Led Zeppelin has become the first artist to land three albums in the top 15 at the same time since Whitney Houston scored four following her death in early 2012.

Deluxe, expanded editions of Led Zeppelin's first three albums are the first part of an extensive reissue program that will see all nine of the band's studio records reissued in chronological order, each remastered by guitarist/producer Jimmy Page. more on this story





Metallica Play Through Storm Warning
(Classic Rock) The boss of the Pinkpop festival in the Netherlands found himself under fire this week after allowing Metallica to perform their headline set despite severe weather warnings.

The show was held up for an hour while a heavy thunderstorm passed overhead on Monday – but despite pressure to cancel the rest of the event, Jan Smeets allowed James Hetfield and co to play as planned.

The 70,000-strong audience were advised to stay away from sound and lighting masts, but to remain calm. No injuries were reported, but festival staff issued foil blankets to ward off cold as a precaution. more on this story





Former Slayer Drummer Dave Lombardo Joins Amen
(Classic Rock) Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo has signed up with American punk icons Amen for their next album and tour - and he'll be in the UK with them in August.

Frontman Casey Chaos has confirmed the sticksman, who was last year dropped by the thrash icons after an argument over contracts, will be behind the kit for a studio project also featuring guitarist Duke Decter and John King, plus bassist John Fahnestock and long-time producer Ross Robinson.

Lombardo says: "I'm very proud to have been asked to be part of this amazing production with Casey and Ross. My career in thrash was created from my love of the punk genre.

"It's aggressive, honest and needed. I'm looking forward to performing with Amen before returning to Europe with Philm in September." more on this story






Motley Crue May Debut New Song On Farewell Tour
(hennemusic) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is keeping fans updated on the band's preparations for their upcoming farewell tour and revealed they may debut a newly written song on the tour.

"Been in band rehearsal with the guys," Sixx posted on Tuesday. "Lots of surprises…Worked up a new song we just wrote and recorded…Might bust that out live before we even go to radio with it."

"Today is our last day of musical rehearsal's for Motley Crue then next weekend we have a one off festival in Montreal where we're headlining," he wrote on Wednesday. "Right after that the crew load's into pre production where we start running full show rehearsals for a week and then the Final Tour starts July 2 in Grand Rapids. Been busy and time is flying."

After more than three decades together, Motley Crue's "The Final Tour" will kick off July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan with guest Alice Cooper. more on this story






Incubus Secretly Working On New Music
(Radio.com) Mike Einziger has dabbled quite a bit here and there in music the last few years, from playing an integral role in Avicii's smash "Wake Me Up" to recording his own song — the first time he contributed lead vocals — to an upcoming project with Pharrell, Hans Zimmer and more.

But that doesn't mean the Incubus guitarist has become completely detached from his old band. In fact, they're working on new material right now. Einziger and frontman Brandon Boyd have been secretly working on new Incubus music, which would mark the band's first collaborative effort since their 2011 release If Not Now, When?

"Me and Brandon have been scheming the last couple of weeks," Einziger told Radio.com. "There's definitely going to be new music. It probably won't happen until next year but it's happening."

Einziger said the duo has been locking themselves in a room for a few hours here and there — "like little bits here and there. You know everybody's got a lot of things going on but we're slowly bringing out focus back to the band and everybody's excited about it because we've had enough time away from it to where it's exciting for everyone. There's definitely some really great stuff coming."

That doesn't mean that stuff will be coming anytime soon. Though content has come from the sessions, much of it is in its infancy in terms of development; "They're ideas but some are further along than others," Einziger said.

"Our plan as of now is put new music out probably early enough in the year that we would be set up to go out and do full touring in the summertime of next year." more on this story





U2's Bono & The Edge Writing Music for 'Once' Director's New Project
(Radio.com) There's no word yet on when U2′s new album will be released, but Bono and The Edge are already lining up new projects. Namely, writing music for a new film by Once director, John Carney.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the director said, the guys "already have been extremely helpful in discussing the musical aspect of the film and what the sound is going to be like."

According to Carney, the film, titled Sing Street, will be set in the Eighties. "Obviously U2 were extremely prolific then, so they'll bring that, and they've just been great sounding boards," he explained. "Bono has been very helpful with character and story as I've sort of pitched the project to him over the last few months."

The film is not based on Bono's own experiences as a musician, Carney explained, but will show how good of a storyteller the frontman is. "I think that an album is a story, and most people that write albums have some sense of a three act structure," Carney said. "So he's been very helpful with how much music he's done, but also I think he watches movies closely. He's been helpful with beginning with a strong opening scene and character development. He's just generally a guy that knows his movies."

Carney—whose new film, Begin Again, starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, hits theaters June 27—was also quick to say that Bono and The Edge will not be in the movie, but will most likely write two or three songs for the film. more on this story





Iconic Hotel California Solo Nearly Didn't Happen
(Classic Rock) Don Felder says Hotel California's acclaimed guitar solo very nearly didn't happen. The former guitarist with The Eagles recorded a demo of the song a full year before the band recorded the album - also called Hotel California - in 1977.

When he turned up for recording sessions, he began playing a different solo, only for drummer Don Henley to call a halt to proceedings and insist he play exactly the same thing he had done on the demo.

The song is often voted as having the best guitar solo of all time. Felder tells Rock Cellar: "On the demo I changed guitars and played one lick and kind of duelled with myself between a Strat and a Les Paul. When we went into the studio to record the solo, Joe Walsh and I set up and to play the ending on the record. I started and played a lick and Don Henley went 'stop, that's not right.' And I said 'what do you mean it's not right, we're just gonna make these solos up.'

"He said 'no no no, you have to play them exactly like what's on your demo.' So we were in Miami and the demo cassette was at my house in Malibu." Find out what happened next.





Linkin Park Release 'Until It's Gone' Video
(hennemusic) Linkin Park have released a video for "Until It's Gone", a track from the band's forthcoming album, "The Hunting Party." The new song follows the album's lead single, "Guilty All The Same" featuring Rakim.

Due June 17, the project is the follow-up to 2012's "Living Things", and the first release since lead singer Chester Bennington joined Stone Temple Pilots last year.

"The Hunting Party" sees guest appearances Helmet's Page Hamilton, System Of A Down's Daron Malakian and rapper Rakim. Check out the music video here.





Mastodon Release 'High Road' Video, Accepting Bitcoin For New Album
(Radio.com) Turns out 50 Cent isn't alone in embracing our new bitcoin overlords. Mastodon announced they will accept the cryptocurrency for their new album Once More 'Round the Sun once it's released later this month.

The band is partnering with BitPay for the setup, making Mastodon the first major label band to offer their album through the service. The bitcoin news isn't the only thing Mastodon had on tap Wednesday. The band premiered the video for "High Road," the first single for the new album.

"We're excited to work with fellow Atlanta-natives BitPay for our new album," the band noted in a statement. "We want to give our fans as many options to buy our new album as possible and are happy that bitcoin can be one of those choices."

"BitPay is honored to partner with Reprise Records' artist Mastodon," BitPay executive chairman Tony Gallippi added. "Having a major label artist embrace bitcoin is a definite sign of bitcoin's growth and expansion into the world of music."

Mastodon's decision to accept bitcoin for Once More follows 50 Cent's choice to do the same upon his album release last week. Animal Ambition is available via his Shopify account on his website, with one of the payment methods being the digital currency. more on this story





My Dying Bride Lose Member, Reunite With Another
My Dying Bride revealed late last week that they have parted ways with guitarist Hamish Glencross due to "irreconcilable differences" and they announced that Calvin Robertshaw is returning to the band to replace Hamish.

The band posted the following message for fans on their website: "My Dying Bride would like to make it known that we have parted ways with guitarist Hamish Glencross. The reasons being can only be described as 'irreconcilable differences'. However we would still like to genuinely wish Hamish all the luck with his future endeavours.

"My Dying Bride would like to make it clear that this has absolutely no impact on the bands forthcoming 3 final shows of 2014. Copenhell Friday the 13th June, Metaldays Friday 25th July, Brutal Assault Saturday 9th August. All go ahead as planned.

"Our longstanding guitar technician Robb Philpotts has already been drafted in and will fill in for these 3 shows. Ok, enough of that, now for some great news.

"Calvin Robertshaw rejoins!! What more can we say to that. Calvin is one of the original guitarists that helped make My Dying Bride what it is today. His departure after the now infamous 34.788% Complete album left us all stunned but now we have convinced him to rejoin and are sure this is going to be a success." more on this story





Freddie Mercury Approved Wayne's World Rhapsody Scene
(Classic Rock) Queen guitarist Brian May has recalled how Freddie Mercury approved the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody scene in Wayne's World - just weeks before his death.

The comedy film starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey was released in February 1992, three months after Mercury passed away. May tells Sunday Night on 7: "Mike Myers actually sent a tape across, because he wanted Freddie to hear it. Freddie wasn't very well by that time. I took it round and he listened to it and watched it - and he loved it. So Mike got the seal of approval from Freddie."

Myers was horrified when movie bosses rushed out a re-released of Bohemian Rhapsody with clips from Wayne's World added to the original video. He compared the act to "taking a whizz on a Picasso" and sent a note of apology to the band. But they replied: "Thank you for using our music." more on this story






Original Asia Lineups Live Performance of Debut Album Coming To DVD
(Classic Rock) Asia will launch a live DVD in August, featuring the original lineup playing every track of their debut album. High Voltage was recorded at the inaugural festival of that name at London's Victoria Park in 2010.

It was the first time John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer had delivered all nine tracks of their 1982 record in Europe, and remains the only time the set was filmed.

Frontiers Records describe the package as "an irreplaceable companion to the original studio album, and to the reunion that saw Asia return to and stay at the top of their game." more on this story






311 Reveal Summer Tour Plans
311 revealed some big news for fans on Wednesday. The band announced that they will be hitting the road later this month to launch a North American headlining summer tour.

The group will be kicking off the tour on June 26th in Albuquerque, NM at the Sandia Casino and hitting markets across the U.S. before concluding on August 15th in Salt Lake City, UT at the USANA Amphitheatre.

The band is launching the summer tour in support of their latest album, Stereolithic, which they released appropriately enough on March 11th (3/11) of this year.

They recorded the album with longtime collaborator/producer Scott Ralston, who had previously worked with them on 1993's 311, 1997's Transistor and 1999's Soundsystem. more on this story





Walter Trout Credits Wife With Surviving Liver Transplant
(Classic Rock) Walter Trout has given his first interview since undergoing his liver transplant surgery and he's told his wife Marie that she is the reason that he survived.

Doctors have reported they're pleased with his condition after the nine-hour surgery, and they've given him every chance of staging a full recovery in time.

Speaking to Marie in the Nebraska Medical Centre clip, Trout says: "It's still hard for me to take it all in. It's still pretty overwhelming. There were times that I lost motivation to keep going. I was close to death. I was in a coma for a couple of days; I lost all my blood. But I hung in there - and a lot of the reason was due to you. Some of the nurses and the doctors, but mainly you."

More including the stream of the interview here.






Exodus Singer Steve 'Zetro' Souza To Pull Double Duty
(Classic Rock) Returned Exodus singer Steve 'Zetro' Souza has vowed not to wind down his other band Hatriot - and instead he's gearing up to pull double duty. Gary Holt's band this week confirmed they'd dismissed Rob Dukes after nine years, paving the way for Souza's third stint. He's already started recording vocal tracks for what will be their 10th album.

But he tells Metal Recusants: "Gary is in Slayer - what am I going to do when he's off? Hatriot told me not to quit and I was like, 'I'm not going to shelve everything we've worked for.' We're writing the new album right now and it'll be out next year, guaranteed."

Souza's balancing act has forced some changes upon Hatriot's touring plans, but he says: "A little bit of collateral damage is part of the business. The Hatriot boys know this is a great thing. Let's face it - a lot of people who knew me from Exodus didn't even know I did Hatriot. This will bridge that gap." more on this story





Tonight Show Releases Unaired Jack White Performance Video
(hennemusic) Jack White launched the release of his new studio album, "Lazaretto", with a guest appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday and video from the visit has gone online as well as an unaired performance clip.

White joined the host to talk about the follow-up to his 2012 US No. 1 record, "Blunderbuss." Fallon and the rocker also reviewed the technical aspects of the Ultra LP version of the album, which contains several unique technical features.

White then hit the stage to perform the album's title track for the show, while also playing "Just One Drink" as a web-exclusive video release. White recently kicked off a world tour in support of "Lazaretto" with a series of US shows running to mid-month, including an appearance at Bonnaroo on June 14; he'll then head to Europe for a month of dates before returning to North America for some late summer shows.

Check out video here.






Joe Perry Reflects On Aerosmith's Breakthrough Era
(Classic Rock) Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry still harks back to their breakthrough era as the most exciting of his career - and he believes every band feels the same. Despite having toured the world countless times he can't forget the moment 1973 single Dream On became a big hit in their native Boston.

Asked about the highlight of his working life, Perry tells Guitar World: "It's got to be that period where you realise that, all of a sudden, the club you've been playing in for years is crowded - when, at one time, the only people there were your close friends and a small gathering of fans.

"We'd been touring around the mid-west when Dream On got a lot of airplay in Boston. We came back and suddenly every place we played was filled, from the theatres to even some of the bigger clubs.

"Over those next couple of months it was like, 'Holy sh*t - this is really happening! People are listening to our songs!' After all the time and work you put into it, that's got to be the most exciting time for any band." more on this story





Kee Marcello Doesn't Regret Rejecting Europe Reunion
(Classic Rock) Kee Marcello says time has proved he was right not to join Europe's 2003 reunion. Marcello was Europe's lead guitarist during their most successful period after replacing founding member John Norum in 1986. But when the band reformed in 2003, they floated the idea of including both Norum and Marcello.

Marcello tells The Rocktologist: "Joey and me had different views on what musical direction the group would need to take in order to make it back to the top. Seems like I was right."

Describing his relationship with Tempest as "non-existent", Marcello adds that he remembers his Europe days fondly. He says: "I have many very good memories from that era." more.






Tesla Had Strong Reaction To Geffen Wanting Another Hits Album
(Classic Rock) Tesla bassist Brian Wheat doesn't mind if their music is licensed for movies or adverts - but he had a firm message for his old record label when they asked him about another greatest-hits compilation.

The band have just release latest album Simplicity, six years after the launch of previous studio outing Forever More. The latest title is available via Frontiers Records, and Wheat also has to deal with business via Geffen Records, who own their older recordings, and Round Hill Music, who own publishing rights.

He tells BraveWords: "Round Hill didn't buy our writers' share - they bought the publishing share. It means that maybe now you'll see Tesla songs in commercials or movies, because that's what they specialise in. It's a good move for our music to be out there more. It made sense."

But Wheat was less positive with another offer. "Geffen wanted to put out another greatest hits, and I told them to go f*** themselves," he reports. "Literally, that's what I told them. They've put out enough greatest hits and watered them down." more on this story






Birds Of Satan Gives Foo Figher Hawkins Freedom To Do His Own Thing
(Classic Rock) Taylor Hawkins says the chance to show off his drumming chops on The Birds Of Satan album was just what he needed. The Foo Fighters drummer admits he isn't always able to express himself in the band fronted by Dave Grohl and that The Birds Of Satan project gave him a much-needed outlet.

Taylor tells Music Radar: 
"Not having to share that department with anyone and being able to come up with all my own drum shit, just the way I want it, is such fun because I really don't always get that freedom in the Foo Fighters. And nor should I, because those are Dave's songs and, being a drummer himself, he knows exactly how he wants things to be.

"To be honest, I think the fact that I even get to play drums on Foo Fighters records is kind of astounding, considering one of the greatest drummers of all time is the lead singer of the band and could easily do it by himself. More.





Motorhead Expanding Aftershock For Reissue
(hennemusic) Motorhead have announced that they will be reissuing their 2013 album, "Aftershock", next month with a bonus live CD that was produced by Cameron Webb.

Due July 29, the "Aftershock Tour Edition" features the original "Aftershock" album plus the bonus CD "Best Of The West Coast Tour 2014", including material recorded during the group's early 2014 concerts.

This spring, Motorhead returned to live action following a series of European tour cancellations and postponements while frontman Lemmy Kilmister addressed some health issues releated to his diabetes and the rocker took some downtime on doctor's orders. Track details.






Pearl Jam's Mike McCready Jams With Soundgarden
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready joined fellow Seattle rockers Soundgarden at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht, The Netherlands on Tuesday to perform the title track to the band's 1994 album, "Superunknown."

McCready was on hand as Pearl Jam prepare to launch their "Lightning Bolt" European tour in Amsterdam on June 16 and video of the jam has been posted online.

Last week, Soundgarden released an expanded 20th anniversary reissue of "Superunknown." The project is now available in two versions: a 2-CD Deluxe Edition and a 5-CD Super Deluxe Edition.

Watch the jam here.





KXM Release 'Gunfight' Video
(Classic Rock) Rock supergroup KXM have released a brand new music video for the song "Gunfight" which is a track that is featured on the group's recently released self-titled debut album.

The video for Gunfight is directed by Jamie Brown and sees KXM frontman Doug Pinnick as the President of the United States of America with his bandmates George Lynch and Ray Luzier as special agents.

KXM is a combination of the three members' other bands - Korn, King's X and Lynch Mob. Lynch said previously that the supergroup hope to take the songs out on the road and are working on a way to make their schedules work around a tour.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Lars Ulrich Gets Drum Off Challenge From Chad Smith and Will Farrell
Red Hot Chili Peppers Chad Smith and comedian Will Farrell recently faced off against each other in a drum battle on The Tonight Show. But the two have now thrown down the gauntlet and challenged Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich to a drum-off.

Smith and Ferrell were discussing their epic Tonight Show drum off with Spin Magazine when the subject of Ulrich came up. Spin asked Ferrell if he and Smith had any future plans together and he responded, "I mean, we did talk about another drum-off. With a third person that looks eerily similar to Chad and I. A third drummer out there."

Chad Smith added, "I think it's - did we talk about Lars?" and Ferrell responded, We talked about Lars [Ulrich], from Metallica. So, I don't know."

Spin then asked him if they have heard anything back from Lars and Ferrell responded, "Your article will be the first mentioning of it." Chad added, "This is a scoop!" and Ferrell continued, "Lars gets pissed because he gets mistaken for both me and Chad Smith. He can settle that score now, too."

Chad Smith then sealed the public challenge by saying, "There it is. The gauntlet is down."

Read the full Q&A here.




Chickenfoot Working On New Album
(hennemusic) Joe Satriani is sharing an update on the status of Chickenfoot, the supergroup that also features Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith.

The guitarist says a third album by the band is in the works. "It is in the pipeline," Satriani tells Artisan News. "Everyone's got demos, everyone's excited. I don't know about the schedule though. That is still - as usual - in the chaotic Chickenfoot state."

Chickenfoot released their self-titled debut in 2009 and their second album, "Chickenfoot III", in 2011. Juggling the band member's schedules has been the group's biggest challenge. more on this story




Joe Bonamassa Reveals New Album Release Plans
Joe Bonamassa has announced that his new album "Different Shades Of Blue," his first album feature all-original material, will be released on September 23rd (September 22nd in the UK.)

"It's been a while since I've been involved in the writing on an entire album. So I decided I wanted to make a completely original blues album," said Bonamassa in the announcement.

"I've really had to push myself to make everything I do better than the last project. I know the fans expect it. And I feel like I owe it to the fans to give them an original record after all these years."

According to his website, Bonamassa recorded the new album at Studio At The Palms in Las Vegas, NV, with producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin).

"It's definitely my favorite Joe Bonamassa record to date," said Shirley. "It's an album that deserves to be listened to in its entirety. Luckily Joe's fan base really seems to appreciate a body of work and not just songs."

Shirley adds, "I think Joe has learned the value of not underestimating his audience. He plays music as well as he can, and always tries to bring music of depth to his audience. We try very hard to make the records as multidimensional as possible and really try not to cut any corners in delivering them."

For the new album, Bonamassa spent time in Nashville writing with Jonathan Cain (Journey), known for hits "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms," and "When You Love A Woman;" James House (Diamond Rio, Dwight Yoakam, Martina McBride), and Jerry Flowers (Keith Urban).

"The writers really inspired me, and having access to really great lyricists and songwriters made it such a great experience," said Bonamassa.





Tom Petty Streaming Two New Songs
(hennemusic) Tom Petty is streaming two more new songs from his forthcoming album, "Hypnotic Eye", following last week's release of the lead single, "American Dream Plan B".

Petty is sharing full previews of "Red River" and "U Get Me High." Due July 29, "Hypnotic Eye" will be available in CD, digital, high resolution Blu-ray audio and vinyl formats.

The vinyl will be available as 1-LP or as 2-LPs inclusive of an additional track not available in any other format. The project is the band's first new studio album in four years.

Stream the new songs here.






Classic Rock Stars To Pay Tribute To The Doors
(hennemusic) A star-studded list of classic rockers will appear on a new tribute album to The Doors. Due June 24, "Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute To The Doors" will feature a variety of artists performing versions of Doors classics like "Light My Fire", "Riders On The Storm", "Break On Through (To The Other Side)", "Love Her Madly", "L.A. Woman", "People Are Strange", and more.

Rockers included current and former members of Deep Purple, Yes, Grand Funk, Rainbow, ELP, the Moody Blues, The Cars and others, alongside Pat Travers, Todd Rundgren, Edgar Winter and more.

Not one but two members of the quintessential prog rock band Yes - keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman and lead guitarist Steve Howe - joined Deep Purple's Ian Gillan on the signature song, "Light My Fire", which as Wakeman explains, "has always been one of those iconic tracks that keyboard players listen to because of the fact that there are so few tracks with keyboard/organ solos on them compared to our six-stringed buddies. It's also a solo area that is totally open to interpretation so whatever you do is not comparable to the original, so it was an absolute joy to do." more on this story





Richie Sambora To Honor Les Paul At Upcoming Shows
(Gibson) In conjunction with guitar legend Les Paul's 99th birthday Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora announced that he will also be celebrating the musician with three special performances.

Sambora is set to play three gigs at The Iridium, the New York City club where Les Paul performed once a week up until he passed away in 2009. Richie is playing one show on July 22, followed by two appearances on the 23rd. It has not been made clear if Sambora intends to play his own solo material or if this show will contain many covers, only that it "promise to be impressive nights of authentic rock 'n' roll, celebrating the electric guitar sounds and versatility made possible by Paul's inventive mind," according to Richie Sambora's website.

In related Richie Sambora news, European fans have the opportunity to catch the man live during June and early July as the guitarist does a handful of solo appearances throughout the Europe, including gigs in the UK, France, and Germany. Richie is bringing along female guitarist Orianthi for the European shows. The pair toured together in Australia earlier this year have collaborated on an as yet unreleased album. more on this story






Motley Crue Country Tribute Album Release Pushed Back
(hennemusic) Motley Crue's country music tribute album, "Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Motley Crue", has been pushed back from its original July 8 street date and will now be released on August 19.

The project will feature a variety of notable country music artists covering Motley Crue tracks as the rockers prepare to launch their farewell tour this summer.

"Nashville Outlaws" features performances by Rascal Fatts, LeAnne Rimes, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Gretchen Wilson, Justin Moore, Cassadee Pope (with Cheap Trick's Robin Zander) and more. more on this story





Jack White Expands World Tour Plans
(hennemusic) Jack White has expanded his upcoming world tour in support of his newly-released album, "Lazaretto", with the announcement of a series of new concert dates.

New additions to the schedule include an appearance at the Newport Folk Festival on July 26, eight more North American shows in August/September, and a 4-show UK tour set for November.

White recently kicked off the trek with a series of US shows running to mid-month, including an appearance at Bonnaroo on June 14; he'll then head to Europe for a month of dates before returning to North America for some late summer shows. more on this story






Rush's Presto Set For Limited Edition SACD Reissue
(Prog) Rush's 13th album Presto is to be released in a numbered, limited-edition hybrid SACD by Audio Fidelity. They have not yet announced a release date but did offer some details about the special reissue:

The boutique label specialize in delivering 24-carat gold CDs which deliver "the ultimate sound of a classic recorded performance without the irregular plated surfaces of standard aluminium discs."

They say: "Rush were never a band known to play the same sort of thing for any extended period. By 1989 a change was inevitable - and with Presto it was a change for the better. The synths were toned back while the guitars were brought up to a reasonable level allowing the emphasis to return to the rhythm instruments, resurrecting the groove that Rush maintains so very well. more on this story





Rob Dukes 'Bummed' About Exodus Firing
(TeamRock Radio) Rob Dukes says he's "bummed" after being fired by Exodus in favour of classic-era vocalist Steve Souza's return. The thrash icons confirmed the move at the weekend, saying it was a "difficult choice" but that "a change was necessary."

Now they've reported Souza will start recording vocals for their tenth studio album this week. Dukes, who started out with the band as a guitar tech before rising to front them for nine years and four albums, tells Blabbermouth: "I've had the experience of touring the world, playing music.

"I was just a regular guy - a fan - and I got the chance to front a legendary band with no prior experience of being a singer. I had no idea what I was doing; I made it up as I was going along.

"It was a great chapter in my life. I'm bummed it ended with them, but I have another band, Generation Kill. So I'll concentrate on that right now." more on this story




Red Dragon Cartel Salvage Tour Following Promoter Dispute
(Classic Rock) Red Dragon Cartel have saved what's left of their UK tour following their public spat with their now ex agent. Tensions boiled over at the weekend after a disagreement, apparently over work visas, led to the last-minute cancellation of Jake E Lee's show in Wolverhampton.

The band accused agent Denise Dale of creating a "total f***ing joke" of a situation and branded her "completely unreasonable, immature" and "unprofessional." Dale responded by describing a "Spinal Tap moment" with Lee's girlfriend, and confirmed the band's next show at the Tivoli in Buckley had also been called off.

Now Red Dragon Cartel have secured the services of another promoter, meaning the Buckley show will take place as planned on Friday, with tickets reduced in price. more on this story





Bleachers Trys To Channel Springsteen Classic On New Single
(Radio.com) With Bleachers' latest single, "Rollercoaster" Jack Antonoff was looking to channel his inner-Springsteen. In an interview with Radio.com, Antonoff says the track off his upcoming debut Strange Desire was his full-hearted attempt at making his own, modern version of Springsteen's 1984 track, "Dancing in the Dark."

"He's like the greatest songwriter in history, ever," Antonoff said of the fellow New Jersey native. "He's just unapologetic and not afraid to make you dance or make you cry."

With the release of his new song, Antonoff also announced he'll be hitting the road for the first leg of his world tour. The 22-date trek kicks off on July 20 in Dover, Del., for the Firefly Festival, while also hitting New York City, Boston and Chicago's Lollapalooza. more on this story





Gilby Clarke Postpones Tour Dates
(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke has postponed a series of UK and Spanish tour dates that were set to begin this week. A total of seven shows are affected, including four in the UK and three in Spain.

"I regret that we couldn't make these dates happen," says Clarke. "You can refund your tickets or keep them for the rescheduled dates." Rescheduled concerts will be announced soon.

Clarke will now kick off his summer shows at the Tiszavirag festival in Szolnok, Hungary on June 20; he'll play a series of US shows with Quiet Riot and Faster Pussycat starting July 10 in San Diego, California. more on this story







Ace Frehley Performs KISS Classics With Night Ranger & George Lynch
(hennemusic) Ace Frehley performed some KISS classics at the May 24 debut of Carnegie Rocks!, an exhibit at the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, California designed to help gather support for the center and its community musical education programs.

The original lead guitarist for KISS played "Cold Gin" and "Rock And Roll All Night" at the event with fellow guests Night Ranger and guitarist George Lynch.

The Carnegie Rocks! exhibit features Frehley's Cherry Sunburst played during the sessions for the 1977 KISS album, "Love Gun", and at the band's legendary Budokan Hall concert in 1977; his original John Elder Robison Light-Up guitar from KISS' Dynasty Tour; and "Space Ace" costume from the KISS Farewell Tour. Peter Criss' KISS Reunion Tour drum kit is another of the highlights, amongst dozens more one of a kind items.

Watch the video here.






Spoon Release Unofficial 'Rent I Pay' Video
(Radio.com) Spoon recently debuted their new song "Rent I Pay" at a show hosted by NPR at NYC's Le Poisson Rouge, and now they're treating fans to a studio version of their latest track.

The bluesy guitar-heavy song, which kicks off their new album, They Want My Soul (out Aug. 5), has Britt Daniel repeatedly proclaiming, ""That's the rent I pay/Like my brother say."

The band has already previewed two tracks off their follow-up to 2010′s Transference live, including "Rainy Taxi" and "Knock Knock Knock," which they played at this past weekend's Governors Ball.

They Want My Soul is their first record to feature an outside producer in Joe Chiccarelli, who has worked with Beck and the Strokes, and Dave Fridmann, who has worked with The Flaming Lips.

The band also shared an "unofficial" music video for the song. Check it out here.




Rise Against Stream New Song 'I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore'
(Radio.com) Rise Against have released "I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore," the first single from their album The Black Market due in stores July 15. The single is available for download today on Amazon and iTunes.

As is customary with many of today's premieres, the band debuted the song with an accompanying lyric video with scenes from their latest photo shoot. "I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore" is a track fairly in line with many of the rockers' more recent affairs, with punk-esque drumming, rapid-fire riffs and a fist-pumping chorus from vocalist Tim McIlrath, plus refrains of "Where do we go?"

Last week, the band shot scenes for the official music video, which is said to be coming soon. The Chicago-based punk rock foursome have gone introspective for their seventh album. "Rise Against has always been a political band, but also a personal band," McIlrath said in a release. "We've always had songs that have a foot in both worlds. This album is a lot more introspective to me."

Check out the lyric video here.





Maybeshewill Releasing New Album This Summer
(Prog) Maybeshewill have confirmed their fourth album is named Fair Youth and it's set for release on August 25 via Superball Music. The band will mark the launch with their biggest-ever UK headline show at the Garage in London on October 17.

They say of the follow-up to 2011's I Was Here For A Moment, Then I Was Gone: "It's taken its time - but we're happy to say it's finally finished, and we're really, really happy with it.

"Fair Youth was recorded at Seamus Wong and Park Farm studios with our very own Jamie Ward's steady hand at the production helm once again. We're unbelievably excited for what the next couple of years have in store."

Watch the album trailer here.




Sepultura's Home Roots Demo Goes Online
(TeamRock Radio) The original demo version of classic Sepultura track Roots Bloody Roots has emerged. Max Cavalera's demo was recorded at home and features him on vocals and guitar. It would go on to become the opening track to the band's sixth album, Roots - released in 1996.

The heavily downtuned track drew influence from the nu-metal bands of that era, a fact Cavalera described as an about turn as those bands had themselves been influenced by early Sepultura.

Cavalera's new project Killer Be Killed released their self-titled debut album in May. Listen to the Max Cavalera's Roots Bloody Roots demo stream online here.






Metallica Perform Ride The Lightning Classics In Oslo
(hennemusic) Metallica are sharing video of their performance of a pair of classics from their 1984 album, "Ride The Lightning", from their show in Oslo, Norway on June 1.

The video package includes footage from the pre-show Met Club meet and greet, the band warming up in the Tuning Room and "Fade To Black" and "For Whom The Bell Tolls" from the concert.

Metallica are currently in the middle of a "By Request" European tour. Following their June 9 headlining slot at Holland's Pinkpop Festival, the band will enjoy a two-week break before returning to the stage on June 28 - when they will become the first metal act to headline UK's Glastonbury Festival.

Watch the video here.






Linkin Park's Full Rock am Ring Performance Goes Online
(hennemusic) Linkin Park headlined the Rock am Ring Festival in Germany this past Saturday night (June 7th), and video of the bands full performance is available online.

The 4-day festival also included headline sets by Iron Maiden (Jun 5), Kings Of Leon (Jun 6) and Metallica (Jun 8). On June 17, Linkin Park will release their new album, "The Hunting Party."

The project sees guest appearances from Helmet's Page Hamilton, System Of A Down's Daron Malakian and rapper Rakim. The follow-up to 2012's "Living Things" is the first project by the band since lead singer Chester Bennington joined Stone Temple Pilots last year.

Watch the Rock em Ring video here.







Video From Robert Plant's Tour Kick Off Goes Online
(hennemusic) Robert Plant launched his summer tour with The Sensational Space Shifters at the Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco last Thursday, and video from the event is available.

The group will be on the road for seven weeks through mid-July before taking a break in theier live schedule. Plant will release a new solo album on September 9th.

The Led Zeppelin singer primarily worked on the project at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in southwestern England. Watch video from the tour kick off here.




Singled Out: Brother Firetribe's For Better Or For Worse
Today Brother Firetribe singer Pekka Ansio Heino tells us about the song "For Better or For Worse" from their brand new album "Diamond In The Firepit," which was just released in the U.S. Here is the story:

As soon as I heard the keyboard riff our keyboard player Tomppa Nikulainen had come up with, I knew it would be fairly easy to end up with a good, catchy song. I wanted the chorus to be a sing-along type of thing - as always - and wanted to approach the thing through rhythm. I already had the melody for the chorus and tried singing it legato but something was missing. So we decided to splice up the first words to both bars of the chorus and ended up with a nice hook.

We basically had the song structured already when Tomppa came up with a great idea of modulating the second verse. It lifted the song nicely and made the return to the bridge sound interesting.

Lyrically it's basically about how hard it is to let go of someone after a relationship is over when you still have feelings for that person but knowing it only makes things worse if you stay in touch.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Original Guns N' Roses Reunion Predicted by Axl's Former Manager
Axl Rose's personal manager during Guns N' Roses' Use Your Illusion tour, Craig Duswalt, says that he and others in the old school GNR camp see a strong possibility of the classic lineup of the group reuniting "in the next two years."

Duswalt, who is making the media rounds to promote his new memoir, "Welcome to My Jungle," says that Duff McKagan could pave the way for the band reuniting. McKagan has recently rejoined the band live, filling in for Tommy Stinson who has had live commitments with The Replacements.

"Duff is paving the way to open the gates again," Duswalt said to ABC News Radio. "Axl and Duff are really getting along well at the concerts, so there's an opening."

However, Duswalt also admits that there is bad blood between Axl and Slash, but he and others that were associated with the band in the past feel that Duff could bring the former members together.

Duswalt tells ABC News Radio that he knows "for a fact [Axl and Slash] hate each other right now. It's bad. Axl is a loyal guy and you get on his bad side and some people don't come back, but Slash and him were so close. We [in the old-school Guns camp] all have a feeling it will happen. It's gonna happen in the next two years...there's an opening because of Duff playing with Axl."

He also went into some details about where the rift between Axl and Slash originated. "It was a thing that happened at the end of [Use Your Illusion]," he said. "There were also the differences in music," Duswalt adds, "like Slash wanted to do more hard rock stuff and Axl wanted to do more ballads, rock ballads. There was that difference, but there was a specific thing that happened that both of them are at odds over."

Read the full report here.




Motley Crue To Continue Beyond Farewell Tour Says Neil
(Classic Rock) Vince Neil has emphasized that Motley Crue aren't going to end their career when they complete their farewell tour, which starts this month. They signed a high-profile contract in January meaning that they'd be sued if they ever hit the road after their world trek ends in 2015.

The farewell plans include a single called All Bad Things Must Come To An End and a movie based on their biography The Dirt. But Neil tells TNTRadioEmpire: "The band isn't over. Here's the thing - Motley Crue is a business and there's different parts of the business. There's merchandising, there's music and there's touring.

"We're just ceasing the touring part. But there's still going to be music coming from Motley Crue for different types of things, and still merchandise and stuff like that," he said. "We're just saying we won't tour any more - that's really kind of it." What's Nikki's take on the band's future beyond the tour?





Plant Slams Page Over Led Zeppelin Reunion Remarks
(hennemusic) In a new interview with The National, Robert Plant has responded to some negative comments made by bandmate Jimmy Page about his role in preventing a Led Zeppelin reunion.

"I was told last year that Robert Plant said he is doing nothing in 2014, and what do the other two guys think?," Page told the New York Times last month. "Well, he knows what the other guys think.

"Everyone would love to play more concerts for the band. He's just playing games, and I'm fed up with it, to be honest with you. I don't sing, so I can't do much about it. It just looks so unlikely, doesn't it?"

"I think he needs to go to sleep and have a good rest, and think again," Plant told The National. "We have a great history together and like all brothers we have these moments where we don't speak on the same page but that's life." more on this story




Phil Anselmo Admits He 'Sucked' On Zakk Wylde Pantera Jam
(TeamRock Radio) Phil Anselmo says he "sucked" during a recent live performance of Pantera classic I'm Broken. The modest Down frontman joined Black Label Society on stage to perform the track and later said Zakk Wylde's band "played the f*** out of it" in New York last month. But it appears he wasn't as impressed with his own contribution.

On a YouTube video of the performance, a comment was posted by 'Phil' under the Housecore Records account. It reads: "Dear lovers and haters. I adore you all, and I must admit one thing here and now: my voice was fried.

"Too many reasons to list here, but I did the Down set, waited an hour, drinking and smoking reasonably, and basically, I sucked. I admit it completely, you are correct."

It appears Anselmo was responding to some negative comments from fans, and he did say that when he is properly rehearsed, he is capable of singing Pantera's post-Cowboys From Hell material.

More including video of the performance here.





Don Henley Vs Frank Ocean Over Unauthorized Use of Eagles Classic
(Radio.com) Frank Ocean knew this day was coming when he preemptively posted back in March of 2012 on his Tumblr that Rhino Records threatened to sue him over his track "American Wedding" from his nostalgia, ULTRA mixtape, which samples the Eagles hit song "Hotel California." On the track, Ocean takes the master recording of "Hotel California," using the music but putting his own lyrics over them.

Eagles' Don Henley, who sings the song, is not a fan and has now spoken publicly about it. "I heard it, I was not impressed," Henley told the Daily Telegraph. "He needs to come up with his own ideas and stop stealing stuff from already established works."

Henley goes on to suggest that Ocean doesn't understand U.S. copyright law, which prohibits unapproved use of copyrighted works such as this, even when they are distributed for free as his mixtape originally was.

For his part, Ocean seems to understand perfectly. He just doesn't care. "If I don't show up to court, it'll be a judgement against me & will probably show up on my credit report. Oh well. I try to buy my s- cash anyway," Ocean wrote on his Tumblr back in March of 2012.

Ocean's attitude toward Henley and the Eagles is another burr in Henley's saddle. "[Ocean] was quite arrogant about it," Henley said. 'We tried to approach him calmly to talk reason to him via his managers and his attorneys and he wouldn't listen. So finally we threatened to bring legal action against him. He was clearly in the wrong. I wouldn't dream of doing something like that. What kind of ego is that? I don't understand it." Ocean isn't the only one that Henley has a problem with.






The Angels Frontman Doc Neeson Dead At 67
(Classic Rock) The Angels frontman Doc Neeson has died at the age of 67 after fighting a brain tumour for a year and a half, it's been confirmed. Angels bassist Chris Bailey died of jaw cancer 13 months ago.

In 2013 Neeson vowed he'd be among the 20% of sufferers who beat the disease - and appeared to have done so until the cancer returned earlier this year.

Drummer Buzz Bidstrup announced on Wednesday: "It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Bernard 'Doc' Neeson. He left the world early this morning. I join music lovers everywhere in mourning this great man." more on this story





Jack White Releases Lazaretto Video
(Radio.com) No modern rock star does eccentric as convincingly as Jack White - and so he delivers exactly what is expected with his video for "Lazaretto." It is a work of postmodern art, hitting all the hallmarks of the genre: ironic, referential and highly staged. Those attributes, executed in concert, are a delight to watch.

Directors Jonas & François (Iggy Azalea, Kanye West) made their name as post-production effects specialists with Justice's "D.A.N.C.E." They pull off some stunners in this gravity-defying video in which broken glass never hurts a fly and exploding guitars are just part of a day's work.

The b-shots give us a collection of outsiders, reflective of Jack White's perceived image of himself. We get snakes (not, coincidentally, the animal that had humanity kicked out of heaven on Earth), a transgender person and a bull.

Watch the video here.





Metallica Release Video Of Frayed Ends Of Sanity Live Debut
(hennemusic) Metallica played their 1988 track, "The Frayed Ends Of Sanity", for first time ever at the Sonisphere Festival in Helsinki, Finland on May 28, and now the band have released pro-shot video of the performance.

The "…And Justice For All" tune had been teased in concert before, but the band dug it out for a fan request at the show, one stop on their "By Request" European tour.

Metallica headlined Sonisphere, which also saw performances by Slayer, Mastodon, Ghost and Gojira. Metallica's video package from the event also includes soundcheck from the day before the show, tuning room footage and "Enter Sandman" from the concert.

Check out the video here.





Judas Priest Preview Another New Song
(hennemusic) Judas Priest are giving fans yet another taste of their forthcoming album, "Redeemer Of Souls," with the release of a new preview clip of the song "Crossfire".

"Crossfire has an acknowledgement to the blues," says singer Rob Halford. "It starts off in a very kind of mesmerizing way, but then when those drums kick in, it just gives another tone and atmosphere to the record that doesn't exist elsewhere."

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. Check out the clip here.





Soundgarden May Give Badmotorfinger Deluxe Anniversary Reissue
(Classic Rock) Soundgarden are looking at the possibility of making a deluxe 25th anniversary edition of Badmotorfinger, says guitarist Kim Thayil. It would follow the 20th anniversary version of Superunknown, released this week - although it won't happen until 2016.

Thayil tells Billboard: "We have discussed giving the treatment to Badmotorfinger - there are some B-sides, there's some live material, and I believe they may be rehearsal material.

"Badmotorfinger had an impact with listeners, but also with guitarists, drummers and singers - people who started bands. It definitely deserves the same kind of treatment we're giving Superunknown."

Meanwhile, Thayil admits his long-planned compilation of B-sides and rarities is still something he wants to do, but the band have other priorities. more on this story





Bret Michaels Had To Be Talked Out Of Playing When Sick
(Classic Rock) Poison singer Bret Michaels had to be talked out of trying to play solo shows while fighting a serious virus, his solo band guitarist Pete Evick has reported.

The diabetic vocalist was forced off stage after three songs last week as his blood-sugar level plummeted. He was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe form of flu, and later cancelled two further shows.

And Evick - who's been present while Michaels fought off a brain haemorrhage, heart disease and emergency appendectomy in recent years - says he's never seen his bandmate in such a bad condition.

He reports: "It took a team of doctors, friends and family to convince Bret not to return to the stage. He doesn't believe it's right, but those close to him would rather have him miss one more day than to cause more problems by pushing himself.

"Most non-diabetics take a week off work when they contract a flu like this, so two days is still pretty crazy." He goes on to describe Michaels' illness




Deke Leonard Recalls Unusual Jimi Hendrix Experience
(Classic Rock) Former Man guitarist Deke Leonard has recalled the night his band played a show for an audience of one - but the single listener was Jimi Hendrix. The once-in-a-lifetime experience took place at the iconic Speakeasy club in London in 1967, when Leonard was playing with his three-piece outfit Lucifur and the Corncrackers.

Leonard and his colleagues were one of the many bands who performed as many as four sets on the same evening, with the earlier shows often poorly-attended as many of the regulars were in other parts of the country playing their own shows.

Leonard tells WalesOnline:: "We played our first song, and when it had finished the figure in the darkness applauded. We turned to him, bowed and told him he was a wonderful audience - and the largest crowd we'd played to in some time!"

When the set was over he went over to thank the listener. "It was Hendrix," he recalls. "He was dressed in a black military jacket. My heart stopped, my mouth went dry and I broke into a cold sweat.

"He stretched out a huge bony hand for me to shake and said, 'Far out, man.'" More details here.




Rise Against Releasing New Album Next Month
(Radio.com) Rise Against announced the release of their seventh album, titled The Black Market, hitting hits stores July 15. The album's first single, "I Don't Want To Be Here Anymore," which can be heard in the form of a video snippet on the band's website, will be available for digital download and streaming via digital subscription services next Tuesday (June 10).

"Rise Against has always been a political band, but also a personal band," said frontman Tim McIlrath in a release. "We've always had songs that have a foot in both worlds. This album is a lot more introspective to me."

Last year the Chicago-based punk band released a rarities and greatest hits album titled Long Forgotten Songs, B-Side & Covers 2000-2013. Among the album's classic covers are Springsteen's "Ghost of Tom Joad," Dylan's "Ballad of Hollis Brown," Nirvana's "Sliver," and Journey's "Any Way You Want It." more on this story





Alice Cooper Comeback Fueled By Sobriety
(Classic Rock) Alice Cooper says he would have made many more hit albums if he had stayed sober. The shock rocker says he made four unsuccessful albums when he was in the grip of alcohol addiction and only made another hit record - 1989's Trash - when he quit drinking.

Cooper is the subject of current documentary Super Duper Alice Cooper which charts his career up until the 1980s. He tells Guitar International: "I got to a point where we made three or four albums in a row that didn't do anything. My real fans loved those albums, but they were so experimental and different from Billion Dollar Babies and School's Out which were both number one and Welcome to My Nightmare which was in the top five. Those were the albums that were huge. Then I had four albums and they were cool but non-existent.

"I think in that period of time from a career point of view, I said I'm never going to make another hit album again. Trash came after that and it sold five million copies. As soon as I got sober all of a sudden things got okay again. It took me going into a hospital and getting sober before I made another hit album." more on this story





Touchstone Cancel DVD Release Shows
(Prog) Touchstone have been forced to cancel their planned live DVD launch shows later this month. A family illness has meant the gigs at London's Borderline on June 20, Chesterfield's Real Time Live on June 21 and Bilston's Robin 2 on June 22 have had to be called off.

But the band have vowed to make amends to disappointed fans hoping to support the release of Live Inside Outside, which will appear on July 4. Touchstone say in a statement:

"This has been a very tough decision to make - we have never had to cancel any gigs before. We don't want to let anyone down. Unfortunately, it is the only decision we could make when it involved supporting one of our band members through an unforeseen family illness." more on this story





Dave Grohl Describes Reconciling With Courtney Love At Rock Hall Event
(Classic Rock) Dave Grohl describes finally burying the hatchet with Courtney Love as "beautiful". The Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer brought an end to years of feuding with Kurt Cobain's widow when he embraced Hole singer Love onstage at April's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony.

Grohl tells The Hollywood Reporter: "The wonderful thing about that night was the personal side of it. It was the Hall Of Fame ceremony, but it meant so much to all of us personally that sometimes you forgot about the other stuff, like the arena and the trophy, and focused on real, personal things.

"I saw Courtney walking past and I just tapped her on the shoulder and we looked at each other in the eyes and that was it - we're just family. We've had a rocky road. We've had a bumpy past, but at the end of the day we're a big family and when we hugged each other it was a real hug.

"And after we walked off stage, we just walked down the hallway together, it was almost like no time had passed at all. Those things are real and no matter what it looks like in a magazine or on a website. That's real sh*t and I was very, very happy that we had those moments. It was beautiful." more.





Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Becomes Visiting Professor Of Music
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has taken up teaching at Coventry University. Last month, Iommi carried out his first official engagement on campus as a Visiting Professor Of Music.

The guitarist visited the performing arts department's facilities and spent the afternoon talking to students and staff, answering questions about his legendary career as one of the founders of Black Sabbath.

"To watch Tony interact with the students was an absolute privilege," said Dr. Geoff Willcocks, Coventry University's Director Of Arts And Culture. "He was incredibly generous and open with them about all aspects of his work. Tony is without doubt a rock icon and he's an inspiration to so many people around the world. It's wonderful to have such an important and respected international figure working with us." more on this story





Steve Harris, Geddy Lee and Geezer Butler Father Figures To Frank Bello
(Classic Rock) Frank Bello says the fact he looked up to his bass playing heroes, Steve Harris, Geddy Lee and Geezer Butler, as father figures meant he was only ever going down one career path.

The Anthrax bassist grew up without a father and instead saw Steve Harris, Geddy Lee and Geezer Butler as surrogate dads. With the Maiden, Rush and Sabbath stars as childhood heroes, Bello says he was never going to be anything else other than a bassist.

He tells Ultimate Guitar: "My heroes were bass players. I guess everybody needs somebody to look up to. I didn't grow up with a dad so my heroes or father figures, guys to look up to that gave me a goal were my bass player guys.

"Steve Harris, Geddy Lee and Geezer Butler. Those guys made me want to play bass. And as far getting onstage, Kiss made me want to play onstage. So it was all these things. I really am very, very thankful for having music in my life because it's pretty easy to go a different way. more on this story





Brother Firetribe Fine With Working Around Nightwish
(Classic Rock) Brother Firetribe have no complaints over the fact their careers are linked entirely to the schedule of Nightwish. Formed by Nightwish guitarist Emppu Vuorinen as a side project in 2002, Brother Firetribe have been at the mercy of Vuorinen's other commitments ever since.

There was a six year delay between Brother Firetribe's third album Diamond In The Firepit - released in May - and 2008's Heart Full Of Fire. But according to singer Pekka Ansio Heino, it's a situation the other band members are all happy with.

He tells Bravewords: "The band was born with that cross to bear. Back in 2010 we did the last gig for the previous album and then Nightwish went on their way touring the world again, so we agreed on taking a break and it was a much needed break." More.






Chuck Ragan & The Camaraderie Release New Video
(Classic Rock) Chuck Ragan has released a video featuring live footage of Chuck Ragan & The Camaraderie that reveals how he benefitted from a break from life on the road.

"It definitely takes its toll in you. I took some time off from doing any heavy touring, and spent a lot of time at home", says Chuck, "working on the house, spending time with my wife and dogs… and it was really healing, very rejuvenating. And that's where a lot of the songs on the new record began".

Till Midnight is Ragan's fourth solo album, and knits punk, folk, rock'n'roll and bluegrass together in a way that's perhaps more mature than his previous work.

"You never really know how long it's going to last", says the singer, "and that's the reason why it's so important to be appreciative for the time that you have, and for the opportunity to do this, and for the people who come and support you."

Watch the full video here.




Arthur Brown Uses His Pychosonic Helmet In New Video
(Classic Rock) Arthur Brown makes full use of his "pychosonic" helmet in the video for his latest track Unknown. He debuted the sound-creating headgear at Hard Rock Hell last year.

He explained at the show, "It won't just trigger sounds that are preset - it will create sounds in real time. Then it will develop to include body energies; next will come the energy of feeling, then the sexual energies will be accessed.

"After that, the energies of the spirit and soul will become instigators of sound - and the whole human being will be used." Unknown is taken from upcoming album Zim Zam Zim, which is described as "a genre spanning, time travelling, world bending, heavy grooving and massively eclectic collection of songs." It's set for release on July 28.

Watch the video here.





Synaesthesia Reveal Temporary Guitarist
(Prog) Synaesthesia have confirmed American guitarist Joey Frevola as the man who'll replace Ollie Hannifan until the end of the year. Hannifan has taken a leave of absence from the band to concentrate on a touring project.

As a result they recently launched a hunt for a stand-in to appear with them at the Night Of The Prog festival and contribute to their second album. They report: "As with all applicants we told Joey to pick a song and learn the top line of the guitar parts. He chose all 22 minutes of Time, Tension And Intervention."

Frevola says: "I'm currently scrambling to learn all my parts and get my things packed for the trek to London. My head is still spinning - it all feels a bit surreal."

More including his audition video here.






The Nighthawks Releasing New Album This Month
(The Blues The Nighthawks will release their latest album, 444, on June 17, featuring tracks they've spent a year "test-driving" at concerts. The 13-track follow-up to 2012's Damn Good Time contains original material plus covers of songs made famous by Muddy Waters and Elvis Presley.

Ellersoul Records, the band's new label, say: "Now in their fifth decade of recording and live performing, the 21st-century Nighthawks are a tight, cohesive unit - the kind that comes only from years and miles. The nightly consensus from fans is that this version of the Nighthawks is the best ever.

"Almost every recording has featured at least one Muddy Waters tune and 444 is no exception. This time the band showcase their acoustic version of Louisiana Blues, staying close to the country blues of Muddy's original version." more on this story





Collibus Release 'The Fallen' Video
(Prog) Collibus have released a new music video for their track The Fallen, which appears on debut album The False Awakening. The clip can be viewed online.

The Manchester five-piece last year made history by becoming the first heavy band to perform in the House Of Commons, and they've received compliments from Brian May of Queen and Luke Appleton of Iced Earth.

Collibus have made three tracks available as free downloads - The Fallen, The Hunted and Dead Inside. They can be seen at the Download festival later this month and at Sonisphere next month.

Grab the download link and check out the video here.




Dave Kerzner Recruits Floyd Vocalist For New Song
(Prog) Former Sound Of Contact man Dave Kerzner has recruited Pink Floyd vocalist Durga McBroom for a track on his upcoming solo album and a preview clip is available online.

In the newly released online clip she sings a section entitled "A Wave Of Evolution Moves Across The Sand" taken from the work-in-progress record New World.

Kerzner, who last year left Sound Of Contact to concentrate on his own projects, says: "Durga is a great friend and I'm thrilled to have her backing harmonies and soulful lead vocals on my album.

"The song features Nick D'Virgilio on drummer, Fernando Perdomo on guitar and bass - and it will also feature guest guitarist Steve Hackett."