All Your Rock n Roll/Entertainment Events That I Find Interesting Enough To Post To My Blog!Read With Great Pleasure!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Today's Day in Rock News!
Today's Day in Rock
Def Leppard Will Reject Rock Hall Induction
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott says in a new interview that band has decided that if were ever invited to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame that they would 'politely refuse' the induction. But he adds that the fans will have the final say.
Elliott says that the Rock Hall is "nice but not that important" and explained why it isn't that important to him or the band, "The biggest compliment I ever got was my first ... platinum disc because it's a representation of 1 million people who've bought your album, and those million mean a lot more to me than some people that decide whether you fit for the Hall of Fame."
"In fact, we've kind of all decided that even if we get asked we're just going to -- how can I put this? -- politely refuse, like the Sex Pistols did. Unless there was some sort of online campaign by our fans cause they were annoyed with us."
Check out the full video interview here.
Slayer Reveal Special Release Plans For New Song
(Classic Rock) Slayer will release a new track as a limited edition Record Store Day vinyl single. The thrash icons issue When The Stillness Comes on 7" vinyl via Nuclear Blast for RSD on April 18.
Only 5000 copies will be available worldwide. It features, as a B-side, a live recording of 1983 classic Black Magic - recorded at last year's Wacken Open Air festival.
Record Store Day was devised in 2007 to raise awareness of and drum up business for independent record stores in the US and UK. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl is the RSD Ambassador for 2015. Check out a photo of the vinyl release here.
Eyehategod Fear For Frontman's Mental Health
(TeamRock Radio) Eyehategod have cancelled their upcoming Australian and Mexican tour dates after becoming concerned about the mental health of frontman Mike IX Williams.
He's currently resting after the band performed two runs of US shows against doctor's orders - and aims to be back in action in time for their UK and Europe dates in April.
Eyehategod say in a statement: "We regret to have to cancel our Australian and Mexican dates. Mike's mental stability and health are serious issues at this point. We are very, very sorry for putting our fans and business partners in this miserable position.
"We will make up these tours as soon as possible." Read more here.
Tom DeLonge Thinks He Was Target Of Intelligence Operation
(TeamRock Radio) Former Blink-182 member Tom DeLonge believes that his life has been endangered by his belief in life on other planets and government conspiracies to hide it.
He says he was the target of an intelligence operation, that a colleague of his was subjected to mind-control experiments and that he received a personal safety warning after talking to an engineer about a spacecraft.
Delonge - who's regularly discussed his conviction that aliens exist and UFOs are real - tells PaperMag.com: "I've had one interesting thing happen to me where I believe somebody was trying to get to me, that was in the intelligence industry. That's as much as I want to say. A very interesting thing happened."
He adds: "One time I remember bringing up a very specific craft that I believe we're building, in secret, to emulate the phenomenon that our government has been observing for decades.
"I started talking about the craft, its magnetic slide system, how it ionises the engine, how it glows. I went through the whole thing, and this engineer looks at me and goes, 'You better be real f***ing careful about what you're talking about.' I go, 'Okay, so I'm close.' He goes, 'I'm not f***ing kidding with you. You better be really f***ing careful.'
"And he calls me up the next day and he goes, 'I've had calls about you. If someone comes and asks you to get in their car, don't f***ing get in the car.' That's the sh*t I'm dealing with." Read more here.
Kid Rock Explains $20 Concert Tickets
(Classic Rock) Kid Rock says keeping the costs of his live shows down is vital and reveals he's surprised other artists haven't followed suit. He heads out on the road across the US this summer to support his upcoming album First Kiss. And he's frozen ticket costs at $20 - a price he introduced during his Best Night Ever Tour in 2013.
He tells Billboard: "I'm so happy about the $20 thing. I've said before, I feel like I'll be able to ride this into the sunset. We've even learned more from being the guinea pig to do it the first time, and now we've learned so much more.
"We thought about raising the ticket price five bucks, and then we're like, 'Let's just keep it $20. Let's find ways that we can be more efficient now that we've done it one time, that we can make more money but we're not messing with the people who are paying.' I'm just very fortunate to be in a position to do it."
Rock is able to keep his ticket prices down by partnering with the gig venues and ticket outlet Live Nation and then splitting the costs from the shows. And he says he's no idea why other artists haven't copied his business model. Read more here.
Page Says Led Zeppelin Couldn't Keep Up With Fans Demands
(Classic Rock) Jimmy Page says Led Zeppelin couldn't meet the demands of fans during the height of their success. And he reveals they could have played more live shows if their tours across the US weren't so hectic in the 70s.
He tells the Associated Press: "There was a supply and demand - and the demand always outsourced the supply that you could give as far as concerts go.
"The States is a massive continent and it got to the point where, during the 70s, we were doing multiple shows in New York, Chicago or LA and it would just be sell-outs. There was demand but we had to move on.
"You know the volume of record sales, you've heard about it, and it's exactly the same with the attendance. We broke records, I know we did, but we still couldn't supply the demand." Read more here.
Eric Clapton, Little Richard Lead Blues Hall of Fame Inductions
Eric Clapton, Little Richard and Tommy Brown are the three living performers that will be included into the Blues Hall of Fame at a special event this year, the Blues Foundation has announced. We were sent the following details:
Eric Clapton has been tapped for induction into the Blues Hall of Fame for his many musical achievements as well as for his role as a popularizer of the entire genre. He brought the blues to audiences in his native Britain and throughout the world, illuminating the work of the original blues artists who inspired him.
With his induction, Little Richard joins an elite group of Blues Hall of Fame icons including Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley who built upon rock 'n' roll's foundation in the blues. His earliest recordings were in the blues vein and, throughout his career, he continued to employ a blues format in his work.
In the early '50s Tommy Brown broke through nationally fronting the Griffin Brothers Orchestra with the #1 hit "Weepin' & Cryin'." He brought his intuitive sense of showmanship to the blues over a career that has now spanned over 75 years.
Their induction will be held in conjunction with the three days of events May 6-8 surrounding the 36th Blues Music Awards on May 7 and the public Grand Opening of the bricks and mortar Blues Hall of Fame on May 8 in Memphis, Tennessee. With living musicians like B.B. King and Buddy Guy, and legends like Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor, the Blues Hall of Fame consists of blues music's best and brightest stars.
The Blues Foundation is now in the final stages of the renovations needed to showcase these legendary performers and their work with Blues Hall of Fame exhibits at its 421 S. Main headquarters in downtown Memphis. The Blues Hall of Fame will honor inductees year round, provide interactive and educational exhibits, and create a place for serious blues fans, casual visitors, and students to congregate, celebrate and learn more about the Blues.
For tickets and more information go here.
Saxon's Nigel Glockler Recovered From Emergency Brain Surgery
(Classic Rock) Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler has made a full recovery from emergency brain surgery, and plans to get back to work soon. He collapsed during the band's winter UK tour in December and was diagnosed with an aneurysm.
Doctors put him through two procedures after the first wasn't entirely successful. He was sent home from hospital in January to recuperate. Former Accept singer Udo Dirkschneider's son Sven stood in for Saxon's February shows, although Glockler performed one track, Strangers In The Night, in London on February 7.
Now Glockler reports: "The neurosurgeons have informed me that I have made a 100% recovery, and there is zero damage at all from the aneurysm - mainly due to the part of the brain it was located in.
"This means I am okay to get back to work, but I'm told to easy back into it in my own timeframe." Read more here.
Lou Reed Slammed The Beatles and Doors In Lost Interview
(Classic Rock) Lou Reed branded The Doors "stupid" and The Beatles "garbage" in a lost interview released after 28 years. The late Velvet Underground frontman's interview with journalist Joe Smith was recorded in 1987 but has only surfaced now in an animated video created by Blank On Blank.
In it, Reed insists the Velvet Underground never intended to make money out of their music and says he was amazed by the negative reaction to their 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico.
Asked how he thought his music stacked up against rival bands of the time, Reed pulls no punches. He says: "I know this sounds pretentious, but the other stuff couldn't even come up to our ankles. The level that we were on compared to everyone else, I mean they were just painfully stupid and pretentious. What I mean by stupid, I mean like The Doors.
"I never liked The Beatles, I thought they were garbage. I liked nobody." Read his comments about the Velvet Underground here.
Alex and Eddie Van Halen Ink New Publishing Deal
(hennemusic) The Van Halen brothers, Alex and Eddie, have signed a worldwide publishing deal with Atlas Music Publishing. The agreement covers the entire Van Halen catalog - excluding 2012's "A Different Kind Of Truth" - and includes multiple hit singles and albums that have collectively sold close to 90 million copies worldwide, making the group one of the best-selling musical artists in history.
The landmark deal with Atlas marks the first time Van Halen's music has been published by an independent music publishing company. "This deal has been a long time coming," Atlas Music Group CEO Richard Stumpf tells Billboard.
"I have been after [manager] Irving Azoff and [lawyer] Peter Paterno for five years to find out if there would ever be an opportunity to work with the Van Halen catalog. They are my favorite all-time band so this is kind of a surreal moment where my professional and personal lives are coming together."
"We will give their music the proper push for synchronizations in films, TV and commercials," says Stumpf. "This is a premium catalog, so we will look for the right films and brand advertisers to place their music with." Read more here.
Foo Fighters Auctioning Studio Time To Help Friend and Musician
(hennemusic) The Foo Fighters have stepped in to assist friend and Seattle musician Mike Squires (Loaded, Alien Crime Syndicate, Harvey Danger) and his mother, Charlotte, who is fighting cancer.
The band have offered up two days of recording at their California base, Studio 606, as part of an eBay auction by Squires to assist with his mother's medical bills.
Squires posted a description of the studio in his eBay listing: "Studio 606 is the Foo Fighters' private studio. 606 Studio Manager, Scott Parker, and the Foo Fighters have donated 2 days of studio time to help benefit my mother Charlotte's fight against cancer.
"The highest bidder in this auction will have unlimited access, for two days, to record or mix at the studio.
"The auction includes the use of the house engineer, the studio space, studio recording equipment, Pro Tools rig, and limited backline (no house guitars are available for use, Sorry!). That literally means that you can show up with your band's guitars and pedals and your favorite snare or kick pedal (but, seriously?) and create a record in a world-class recording environment." Read more here.
Skillet Making Plans For Next Album
(TeamRock Radio) Skillet will start recording their ninth album this summer, singer and bassist John Cooper has confirmed. The Christian rockers' last release was 2013's Rise which spawned the single Not Gonna Die. Now they'll hit the studio with the aim of launching a new album later in 2015.
Cooper tells Billboard: "We're planning on recording this summer. June will mark two years for Rise, and I would like to be releasing a record this year. We're working towards that goal and even if we don't, we'll release it early next year."
Joining Cooper in the Tennessee outfit are his wife Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar, drummer Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. They're currently on tour across the US and the frontman says he's been inspired to write new material by meeting fans out on the road. Read more here.
Mitch Lucker's Death Gave Suicide Silence New Perspective On Life
(TeamRock Radio) Suicide Silence guitarist Mark Heylmun says dealing with the tragic death of singer Mitch Lucker has made the band more resilient than ever. Lucker died in a motorcycle crash in 2012 and his place in the band is now filled by Eddie Hermida. Heylmun previously said Lucker's death led to the band tackling their drink and drug abuse, and he now says they're prepared for anything life may throw at them.
He tells Hot Topic: "The way I feel about it is, when you reach that bottom that we reached, there's pretty much nothing that's going to feel worse than that. If anything that comes your way, you're ready to face it with a clear head and think about how much worse everything can be."
And he urges fans to take the same attitude to life's challenges. He adds: "Listen to your actual gut instinct - there is a feeling in your stomach, and that's a real f***ing feeling. Listen to it.
"If you're afraid, f***ing face that fear. Face your problems and make sure that you're handling them, not avoiding them. F***ing attack them head on." Read more and stream the full interview here.
Faith No More Premiere New Song In Concert
(Classic Rock) Faith No More last night performed their track Cone Of Shame, from comeback album Sol Invictus, for the first time. Fan site FaithNoMoreFollowers revealed an audience video of the performance alongside the evening's setlist.
Mike Patton and co opened their second of two shows in Tokyo with the song, which appears to match keyboardist Roddy Bottum's description of the album's material as featuring "really simple instrumentation" and "a lot of pianos."
Bottum tweeted after the performance: "Tonight was the first performance of Cone Of Shame. it felt good to do that in Tokyo to rectify the wreckage of last night's tumult. Hug." Read more here.
Nonpoint Revived By The Return
(TeamRock Radio) Nonpoint drummer Robb Rivera has revealed they feel like a band again following the success of latest album The Return. It launched last year following the departure of guitarist Dave Lizzio who was replaced by BC Kochmit previously of Eye Empire and Switched.
And despite the shake up, Rivera insists the new-look lineup are riding a crest of a wave and says they're now being rewarded after going through "dark times."
He tells In The Now: "In this lineup right now, we're on a high point. Single Breaking Skin is doing killer radio, great sales, attendance, selling merch - it feels like a band again.
"There's some low point that I think every band goes through - and we've definitely had our share of dark times. But vocalist Elias Soriano and myself have made a pact that, it doesn't matter when the dark comes, there's always a light at the end." Read more and watch the full video interview here.
Robben Ford Streams New Collaboration With Warren Haynes
(The Blues Robben Ford has released an exclusive stream of his track High Heels And Throwing Things, featuring Warren Haynes. It's taken from upcoming album Into The Sun, to be released via Mascot Label Group on March 30, also including guest spots with Keb' Mo', Robert Randolph and others.
Ford recently said: "The rule was to have no lid on things. I've worked very hard to master my craft as a musician and a songwriter - but other than relying on my strengths in those areas, I made sure there was room for new ideas and everything my collaborators brought to the music.
"When you're open to different concepts and approaches, the most beautiful things can happen." Ford also plays London's O2 Academy Islington on April 29, followed by a run of European shows.
Listen to the new song here.
Fit For An Autopsy Complete Work On Album With New Singer
(TeamRock Radio) Fit For An Autopsy have confirmed they have finished work on their first album with new singer Joe Badolato. The New Jersey metal outfit brought in Badolato following an acrimonious split with Nate Johnson last year and they say they will issue the new, as-yet-untitled, record later this year via eOne Music.
It was recorded at The Machine Shop in New Jersey and produced by band member Will Putney. Guitarist Pat Sheridan says: "The new album is a bit of a step in a new direction for the band. You'll hear a lot of new influences in our sound and a real creative move towards other genres we have never experimented with until now.
"It's dark, sad and aggressive all at once and we're really happy with the vibe. It's also a very literal and real record and in more of a first person view of the world than we've ever done, and it feels really intense." Read more here.
Sevendust Preparing To Begin New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Sevendust are to begin work on a new album and are hopeful of a summer release. Another acoustic album could also be on the way. Guitarist Clint Lowery said last year he hoped to make it a regular thing for the band.
Drummer Morgan Rose says the band are heading to the studio in Butler, New Jersey, working on what will be their 11th album and the follow-up to last year's acoustic record, Time Travelers & Bonfires.
Rose tells All Access Live: "We haven't written one song yet, but we're going into the studio in a week. It's amazing. I love it. We do everything that way." Watch the video interview here.
John Wesley Begins Work On New Album
(Prog) John Wesley has begun work on the follow-up to solo album Disconnect, he's confirmed. The Fish and Porcupine Tree collaborator aims to start recording his seventh record later this year.
Wesley had the following to say, "I have begun sorting through ideas and directions for the next album, and I've started the process of writing pieces that will form the basis.
"I'll be using much of the same team who recorded the last album, and I hope to begin tracking in the late spring or early summer." Read more here.
Foo Fighters To Headline Glastonbury Festival
(Classic Rock) Foo Fighters will headline the main stage at Glastonbury this summer. Dave Grohl announced the news in a video acceptance speech at tonight's NME Awards. The Foos were named Best International Band, with the prize presented by Chrissie Hynde.
Grohl said: "Sorry we couldn't make it tonight, but we will be seeing you over the summer at some big outdoor festival that nobody knows we're playing - it's Glastonbury. So we'll see you at Glastonbury. Thanks a lot everybody."
They will play the last slot on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm on Friday, July 24. It will be the band's first appearance at Glasto since 1998. Last year, Metallica were the surprise headliners and won widespread acclaim for their performance. AC/DC and Iron Maiden were among the favorites to land a headline slot at Glasto this year following Metallica's triumph. Read more here.
Michael Anthony Jams Van Halen Classic With John 5
(hennemusic) Original Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony joined Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 for a performance his former band's 1979 classic, "Somebody Get Me A Doctor", at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood on February 11.
John 5's Van Halen connection goes back years as a fan; he then teamed up with David Lee Roth to write and record his 1998 album, "DLR Band." The guitarist has continued to write material with Roth and, last year, revealed that the pair had recorded a second project in early 2013.
"[Dave and I] just made another record, and it's, like, the 'California Sessions', [Dave] was calling it," said John 5. "And it's 11 of the greatest songs you'll ever hear, and it's just me and Dave, and we had Gregg Bissonette play drums on it. And it's unbelievable. And hopefully sometime it'll see the light of day. But he is, of course, busy with Van Halen and all that stuff. But it's an incredible record."
"I always go over to his house and we write music and things like that," he continued. "It's a lot of fun. I would just go over to his house during the day and write this music and then he would book the studio at night. So we would go into A&M Studios - Henson Studios, it's called now - and we'd record."
John 5 described the vibe of the material and Roth's performance. "It sounds just like Dave from that 'Van Halen I' or ' Van Halen II' or 'Women And Children First' era, [in terms of his] singing [style], and it's incredible, man. It's really incredible. He loves it too, so maybe it'll see the light of day sometime."
Read more and watch video of the jam here.
Jack White Get Innovate For Interactive 'That Black Bat Licorice' Video
(hennemusic) Jack White had released an inventive and revolutionary new 3-in-1 music video for his latest single, "That Black Bat Licorice", from his latest studio album "Lazaretto."
The video offers three original films of differing themes that can be interchanged based on viewers' interaction with their computer keyboard or tablet screen.
The video trio also draws from the vision of three different directors - James Blagden, Brad Holland and White himself. Blagden created an animated clip, Holland a headbanging video, and White directed live action footage. Read more here.
Jimmy Page Honored At NME Awards
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page was honored with the Rock 'N' Roll Soul Award at the NME Awards Wednesday night in London and video of the presentation has been posted online.
Organized by UK music magazine New Musical Express (NME), Page was on hand to receive a special one-off award from Royal Blood. "Well, well, well," began Page. "Thank you to Royal Blood. They said it's an honour to be giving this award but it's an honor for me. I trust so much in Royal Blood and what's gonna come from them is absolutely magic, isn't it? They really deserve Best Group."
"Thanks so much for this award, NME," he added. "It's a real honor to get it, but as far as whatever I've managed to do in music, I'm really just passing on the baton because for me, I've learned from records and my heroes. I got the music together and passed it on and it's for everyone."
The honor recognizes Page's as one of rock's most important and influential guitar players, writers and producers. Watch the video here.
Black Star Riders Perform New Songs Acoustically
(hennemusic) Black Star Riders vocalist Ricky Warwick and guitarist Damon Johnson teamed up to deliver acoustic performances of a pair of tracks from the group's upcoming second album, "The Killer Instinct."
The duo dropped by The Orchard to play their new single, "Finest Hour", and the album's title track. Due February 23 (Feb 24 in North America), the follow-up to the group's 2013 debut, "All Hell Breaks Loose", was recorded in Nashville with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, The Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Mastodon).
"The Killer Instinct" will be available in multiple formats: CD, Limited 2 CDs Digibook with a bonus disc that features 2 extra songs and acoustic versions of 4 tracks from the album, Limited Gatefold Black Vinyl and Limited Gatefold Clear Vinyl (available for mail orders only).
Black Star Riders will launch the album with a co-headline UK tour with Europe starting March 2 in Dublin, Ireland. Check out the unplugged videos here.
Umphrey's McGee Preview Their Abbey Road Album
(Prog) Umphrey's McGee have released a trailer for upcoming album The London Sessions, which they recorded in Abbey Road's iconic Studio Two over 12 hours last year.
The video includes their cover of the Beatles' track I Want You (She's So Heavy) which recognises the fact they were recording where the Fab Four did some of their most memorable work.
Frontman Brendan Bayliss says the first thing he did on arrival was asked to be shown to the corner of the space used most by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Bayliss tells Rolling Stone: "I couldn't believe they were just crammed there, doing 75 takes in a row till they got it." Guitarist Jake Cinninger clapped his hands to listen for the studio's trademark effect. "I heard that ambient tone - yup, that's Abbey Road. I wanted to witness it for my own ears, that time delay in the room." Read more and watch the video here.
Metalhead Rocks TV Talent Show With Led Zeppelin Classic
(Classic Rock) A metalhead contestant on the Irish edition of TV talent show The Voice won a clean sweep of judges' approval with a powerful rendition of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song.
John Bonham's performance saw all four judges pitching to have him on their team. In the end, the 28-year-old from Dublin chose former Westlife singer Kian Egan as his coach.
After his performance led to all four experts turning their seats to signify they wanted him to progress, Bonham had to explain that having the same name as the late Led Zep drummer was merely a coincidence.
And he says he would never have compromised by singing a "safer pop song." He tells TeamRock: "The first thing they asked was whether that was my real name. It's a total coincidence, but I'm obviously a big Zeppelin fan.
"I only wanted to go through on my own terms. I didn't see the point in doing a safer pop song just to try get through. I thought I might as well be me.
"It's a tough song to sing because of the range in the vocals. It actually hadn't gone so well when I was practising, but the big arena and the crowd gives you such adrenaline and it worked out."
"I definitely did not expect to go through, I thought I wouldn't be what they were looking for. I didn't think many of the audience would even know Immigrant Song, but when I started headbanging halfway through, they all went crazy." Read more and watch video of his performance here.
Rush's Neil Peart, Tool's Danny Carey and Stewert Copeland Drum Jam
(Classic Rock) Rush drummer Neil Peart and Tool counterpart Danny Carey are seen in a video clip jamming with former Police sticksman Stewart Copeland. It's the latest in Copeland's series of Sacred Grove clips, and it took place after he invited the pair to try out some new percussion equipment.
Also featured are South Park creator Matt Stone and Vertical Horizon frontman Matt Scannell. Further tracks were added to the original recording later.
Rush recently confirmed what's likely to be their last large-scale tour, while Tool continue work on the follow-up to 2006's 10,000 Days. Check out the video of the drum jam here.
Drowning Pool Celebrate Late Singer Dave Williams In New Video
(TeamRock Radio) Drowning Pool have launched a video for their track Soul to mark the 13th anniversary year of the death of frontman Dave Williams. He died from heart failure caused by cardiomyopathy in 2002 while on tour – and the band have launched a tribute video featuring rare and previously unreleased shots of the late singer and launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise cash for the American Heart Association.
Fans are asked to pledge $30 – all of which will go to the charity and they'll receive a Williams t-shirt in return. The band say: "People assume drugs and alcohol are the cause when the news reports that a rock star has died. Dave actually died of the heart disease known as cardiomyopathy – disease of the heart muscle and Dave didn't know he had it. It often goes undiagnosed and affects people of all races and ages.
"To celebrate Dave's life and contribution to music, we have partnered with the American Heart Association of Dallas and IndieGogo to raise both awareness of the disease, and funds for further research and development of new treatments." Read more and watch the video here.
A Look Back On Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi On His 67th Birthday
(Gibson) Any short-list of the greatest riff-makers of all-time would be incomplete without Tony Iommi's name inscribed in bold letters. Beginning with Black Sabbath's 1970 debut album, Iommi ushered in a dark, sludgy sound that through the years has impacted bands as varied as Nirvana and Metallica. To commemorate his birthday-Iommi turns 67 on Feb. 19-we've gathered a number of choice quotes. Simply put, the man is a legend.
On giving birth to heavy metal, as told to Guitar Player: "I think it was the dramatics of it all. I used to listen to the old classical stuff with the dynamics in the music, and I wanted that sort of dynamics in what we were doing-something that was really dramatic and big. And that's what I tried to achieve guitar-wise. I wanted to make this big, powerful thing come over you-like what happens when you go and see a horror film. I wanted to create a huge sound that was really horrific in some ways."
On when he knew Black Sabbath had "made it," as told to Rock Cellar: "It was great when we started having hit albums and stuff, but I guess the first time we thought we had broken through on some level was with our first album. With that album we realized we had something different to offer, and then the next Sabbath album came out, which was Paranoid, and that went to number one, certainly in most of the world except for in America. (laughs) Then we sort of felt like we were doing something and achieving success and knew we were on our way."
On considering switching to playing right-handed, after the accident where he sliced off the tips of two fingers, as told to Guitar World: "If I knew what I know now I probably would have switched. At the time I had already been playing two or three years, and it seemed like I had been playing a long time. I thought I'd never be able to change the way I played. The reality of the situation was that I hadn't been playing very long at all, and I probably could have spent the same amount of time learning to play right handed. I did have a go at it, but I just didn't have the patience."
On coming up with great riffs, as told to Rock Cellar: "What I generally do is go into my studio for an hour or I might go in for ten minutes and just start playing some riffs and put them down. So I might do that for a few days and then I'll start listening to them with a more critical ear…. What makes a great riff, for me, is tension, drama and dynamics, but also you'll get some up-tempo stuff where you've got to create a different dynamic. With the heavier, slower stuff, it's pretty easy for me to put in the dynamics. But sometimes the up-tempo stuff is a little bit more challenging."
On his signature tone, as told to Guitar International: "I took a long time working on it. Years and years. I've never been totally satisfied with it. I always keep trying. Even now, on stage some nights it doesn't sound quite right. It's the building or the stage or whatever. But ninety-percent of the time I'm happy with it."
On first hearing Ozzy's debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz, recorded with Randy Rhoads, as told to Guitar World: "It was quite good. I loved Randy's playing. I didn't rush out right away to buy Ozzy's album because I was into what we were doing at the time. But I was pleased for Ozzy. It was the spark that got him going, and it was exactly what he needed."
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!: Today's Day in Rock Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp Form Supergroup (Classic Rock) Shock rock legend Alice Cooper and...
Today's Day in Rock News!
Today's Day in Rock
Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp Form Supergroup
(Classic Rock) Shock rock legend Alice Cooper and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry are to team up with actor Johnny Depp in supergroup Hollywood Vampires at a music festival in Brazil.
The trio will perform under the banner which was the name given to members of The Doors, The Who, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix and Cooper who would often meet for drinks in LA in the 1970s.
Cooper has recorded a covers album featuring tracks by members of the original Hollywood Vampires, and he'll now take the songs to the live arena at the Rock In Rio festival in Rio De Janeiro in September. Read more here.
1960s Hitmaker Lesley Gore Dead at 68
(Radio.com) Lesley Gore, a famed singer-songwriter who topped the U.S. charts in the 1960s with the hit "It's My Party," has died. She was 68. According to CBS News, Gore died on Sunday (Feb. 16) of cancer at a Manhattan hospital. Her partner of 33 years, Lois Sasson, confirmed the news.
Gore, born in 1946 in New York City, was a junior in high school when "It's My Party," one of pop's quintessential songs charting the rough waters of teenage angst, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, as well as the U.S. R&B chart. Not only was it Gore's first hit; it was also producer Quincy Jones'.
But Gore landed multiple other top 10 hits in the '60s, including "Judy's Turn to Cry," "She's a Fool" and "You Don't Own Me," the latter of which reached No. 2 in the country. Her final top 20 hit came with "California Nights" in 1967. Read more here.
Kid Rock and Foreigner Plan $20 Ticket Summer Tour
Kid Rock is once again bucking the trend of bilking fans with excessively priced concert tickets with the announcement that this summer he will be launching a tour with support rock legend Foreigner with a bargain ticket price.
The tour, in support of Rock's new album "First Kiss," is scheduled to kick off on June 24th in Hartford, CT at The Xfinity Theatre and will conclude on September 5th in Auburn, WA at White River Amphitheater.
Like his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour, tickets for this summer run, from the "2nd row to the lawn" will only be $20.00 with reduced parking and service fees keeping the total price of the tickets around $30 and under.
Also according to Warner Bros., "$20 all-in tickets (including parking) will be offered from participating Walmarts and at the venue box offices, and everyone who purchases a ticket at Walmart will receive a coupon for $2 off their purchase of 'First Kiss.'
As an added bonus, the tickets for the first row at each concert "will be held back and given as free upgrades for lucky fans," according to Rock's label. Check out the tour dates here.
Within The Ruins Tour Van 'Completely Destroyed' In Crash
Within The Ruins announced that they were involved in a serious road accident on an interstate in Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon. The band reports that no one was hurt but their tour van, trailer and their gear were "completely destroyed."
Guitarist Joe Cocchi had the following to say about the accident, "We rolled about three times from what I can remember and landed on the median. Our van and trailer are totaled."
He adds, "All I can say is that we're happy to be alive. I don't know how, but none of us were injured. We're on the road touring because this is all we know and love, and we want to continue. Help us get back on our feet by picking up a shirt. Thank you all for the continued support."
The band announced that they were on their way to California for the kick off a tour with Suicide Silence and Fit For An Autopsy and they expect to take part in the tour's third show in Seattle on Friday.
For fans that wish to help the band with their "Van Accident Fund", they are taking donations here.
Guns N' Roses Guitarist Explains Axl's Motivation
(Classic Rock) Guns N' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus says Axl Rose is motivated purely by the music and that a future reunion of the classic GNR lineup is unlikely. Fortus - who has been with GNR for 13 years - insists any criticism that Rose is only in it for the money is absurd, because if it were all about cash he'd have pushed for a reunion.
The guitarist tells Mitch Lafon (via Blabbermouth): "I've never met anybody that has so much genuine musical integrity. He won't whore himself out, he won't do anything for business or money. It's just about the music.
"And he won't defend himself in the press, because he doesn't think it matters. It's just about the music - that's all he cares about. I've worked with a lot of people in this business, and I've never seen, or met, anybody that was motivated purely by that desire to make art.
"And you can say whatever you want about it, because he's not gonna defend himself, but he is that, and that's for sure. Otherwise, there would have been a reunion, because the offers for money have been outrageous. But he would never do a reunion unless it was for something besides money."
Rose has come under fire for repeatedly taking to the stage hours after the scheduled start time. Fortus at first thought it was for effect, but he says he realises now it is more about Rose getting himself in the right frame of mind.
He adds: "For the longest time, when I first started with the band even, I thought it was by design. I thought, 'He has this worked out.' Because it's two hours after we're supposed to start, three hours, and the stadiums are full of people just booing.
"And the second he'd walk out on stage, all that energy on the verge of chaos, of just imploding and everyone just rioting, right at that moment he walks out on stage, and all of that negative energy just goes totally up right into the palm of his hand." Read more here.
Early Beatles Club Shows Recordings To Be Auctioned
(Classic Rock) Original recordings of the Beatles' 1962 December gigs at Hamburg's Star Club are to be sold at auction, it's been confirmed. The band played a series of shows at the venue to small audiences and performed tracks including Twist And Shout and I Saw Her Standing There along with covers of Chuck Berry's Roll Over Beethoven and Phil Spector's To Know Her Is To Love Her.
Now Ted Owen and Co auctioneers will sell the 33-track collection on behalf of Larry Grossberg, the business manager of Andy Warhol and Muhammad Ali, who spent £100,000 remixing 26 of the songs for a 1977 album release.
Grossberg had the following to say, "I'm 74 and it's time to sell. I don't want my family to have the burden of going through my things and liquidating everything." Read more here.
Fake Asking Alexander Singer Announcement Explained
(TeamRock Radio) Former Dead By April singer Jimmie Strimell has explained how he was wrongly announced to be Asking Alexandria's new frontman. Several names have been linked with the role since Danny Worsnop quit in January to concentrate on his band We Are Harlot.
Earlier this month Strimell was said to have been given the job after a tweet that read: "I am very pleased to say I will be joining@AAOfficial I am so stoked guys! This is a brand new chapter!"
Asking Alexandria denied it, with guitarist Benjamin Bruce tweeting: "Until I say anything don't believe the rumours." Now Strimell tells Metal Insider: "I just found out that a tweet by someone calling himself Jimmie Strimell has made a joke on my behalf and may be causing Asking Alexandria some problem as well.
"I'm sorry about that - but I can assure you that it was not me. People start profiles in my name on a lot of social media sites, and the last time I counted I found eight Jimmie Strimells on Facebook. None of them were me." Read more here.
Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick Announce Summer Tour
Peter Frampton has announced that he and Cheap Trick have expanded their upcoming coheadlining tour of North American and Frampton has also announced some solo headlining shows.
The Frampton and Cheap Trick summer tour will be kicking off on June 5th in Temecula, CA at the Pechanga Resort and will conclude on August 25th in Livermore, CA at the Wente Vineyards.
Frampton had this to say about the trek, "I've always loved Cheap Trick and their sound. Great band, great people! We played one show together last year and had so much fun we decided to do a whole tour together." See the tour dates here.
AC/DC Stand-In Only Had Hour To Learn Songs
(hennemusic) AC/DC brought in Welsh drummer Bob Richards to stand-in for the absent Phil Rudd when they filmed videos in London in early October for the band's latest album, "Rock Or Bust."
The sessions at Black Island Studios in Middlesex saw the group film the lead single, "Play Ball", on their own on October 3 before being joined the next day by about 500 fans from around the globe for the title track.
Richards explains how he became involved in the video shoot. "I received a call on the Thursday evening asking if I could step in as Phil was unavailable, so I filled in at the last minute," Richards tells Rhythm magazine. "It was all hands on deck. I got my kit sorted out and then an early start to London. I heard the songs an hour or so before we went on to the set to start the filming. I played it over several times and did a bit of air drumming to it."
"The band were fantastic," he continues. "They made me so welcome and we had a great time shooting the videos. They were very encouraging. I could just enjoy the experience." Read more and watch the videos here.
Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page To Receive Rock'N'Roll Soul Award
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page will be honored at the NME Awards this week. Organized by UK music magazine New Musical Express (NME), Page will be on hand at the 02 Academy Brixton in London on Wednesday, February 18 to receive a special one-off award, the Rock'N'Roll Soul Award.
The honor recognizes legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist's unique genius and celebrates one of rock's most important and influential guitar players, writers and producers.
"This special, one-off award has been created to reflect one of the most important and iconic figures to have ever picked up an instrument," says NME editor Mike Williams. "There is nobody in popular culture quite like Jimmy Page, and we are honored to be giving him the Rock'N'Roll Soul Award at this year's ceremony." Read more here.
Heart In Hand Break Up Due To Lack Of Trust
(TeamRock Radio) Heart In Hand have split up, citing a lack of trust within the band as the reason. They've cancelled a European tour that was set to take place next month. The move means their third album, last year's Poison Pen Letters, is their last.
The band say in a statement: "Heart In Hand will no longer be continuing to create and perform music. Trust is a hugely important part of any band, and when it is tested it is difficult to come back from without causing further damage.
"We cannot apologies enough - but we wouldn't want to tour not to our full potential and see this off in an even more negative way." The six-year-old outfit add: "We will be toying about with music outside of this band in due time, but for now, this is the end for Heart In Hand." Read more here.
Ian Anderson Plans Jethro Tull Rock Opera Tour
(Classic Rock) Ian Anderson has announced plans for a touring theatre production based on the life of the real Jethro Tull. Titled Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera, it will tell the story of the English agriculturist reimagined as if taking place in the near future and will feature Tull tracks including Heavy Horses, Farm On The Freeway, A New Day Yesterday, The Witch's Promise and Locomotive Breath. The lyrics for the songs will be rewritten to better reveal the story.
Anderson will team up with bassist David Goodier, keyboardist John O'Hara, guitarist Florian Opahle and drummer Scott Hammond on the project. Guest musicians will also appear via video, although further details have yet to be released.
A full touring schedule will be confirmed in due course but the first shows are penciled in for September in the UK to be followed by performances in Russia, Europe and South America before the end of 2015. Read more here.
Black Star Riders Release 'Finest Hour' Video
(Classic Rock) Black Star Riders have released a video for Finest Hour, taken from the band's forthcoming album The Killer Instinct, the follow-up to 2013's All Hell Breaks Loose.
The Killer Instinct was recorded with Nick Raskulinecz, who's previously worked with the likes of Rush, Deftones, The Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains and Mastodon. It's released on February 23.
Since releasing the first details of The Killer Instinct in December and revealing more information last month, Black Star Riders have played at the Giants of Rock festival in Minehead. Watch the video and read more here.
The Quireboys' New Album Part Of Four-Disc Set
(Classic Rock) The Quireboys have announced that their ninth album, St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul, will be launched on March 30th and it will be released as part of a four-disc set.
The package comes via Off Yer Rocka Records and includes 2009's out-of-print Halfpenny Dancer plus two discs covering the unreleased 2010 Halfpenny Dancer live show, featuring fiddles, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo and more.
Quireboys frontman Spike says: "The plan was always to record some new acoustic songs and rework some originals - but the plan changed. The vibe got better and better and we just went with the flow.
"This side of the band needs to heard." Read more here.
Walter Trout Returning To Road Following Serious Health Problems
(Classic Rock) Walter Trout has announced his full return to action after the liver disease that nearly killed him last year. His first show takes place at London's Royal Albert Hall in June, to be followed by a UK and Europe tour in November, after a string of US shows.
Last March the blues icon was told he had just 90 days to live unless a transplant took place. Fans raised nearly $250,000 via a crowdfunding campaign to cover his medical bills, and he underwent surgery in May.
Despite suffering a health setback in October, his wife Marie vowed: "The bottom line is this: Walter will pull through - just watch!" Now Trout says in a video: "I want to tell you I feel great these days. I'm recovering very nicely - it's kind of a miracle. I look forward to getting back in front of you, playing my music for you.
"I'm very anxious to get back. I'm thankful for the support you gave me while I was fighting for my life. It worked - I'm back, I feel great, I'm playing good." Read more and watch the video here.
Slash Recalls Accidentally Unplugging for Bob Dylan
(Radio.com) The latest installment of Radio.com's Minimation, where they comb through their interview archive and animate pieces with legendary rock artists, features a 2014 interview with Slash where he recalls the recording of Bob Dylan's "Wiggle Wiggle" from his 1990 album "Under the Red Sky."
In 1990, Don Was was one of the most in-demand producers in music, if not the most in-demand. As such he had a lot of big name friends. So, when he was hired to produce Bob Dylan's 1990 album Under the Red Sky, he brought a lot of those friends in to guest on the record. Among them were Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elton John and the guitarist from the hottest band in the world at that time, Slash of Guns 'N Roses.
Slash told Radio.com that he was called in to play on the song "Wiggle Wiggle," where he thought he would be laying down a guitar solo. He played some acoustic rhythm guitar to start and then picked up his electric. "I put what I thought was one of my better one-off solos on there," he recalls.
When Was sent Slash the tape, the guitarist was surprised that his acoustic playing was on the track but not his solo. It turned out that Dylan felt his electric lead made the song sound too much like GNR for the Dylan's tastes.
Under the Red Sky came early in Was's producing career and he feels his inexperience worked against him. "I was thinking like a fan," Was says. "'Man, I loved Highway 61, it'd be great if he did something else like Highway 61!' So, I'm trying to get him back to something and he's trying to look forward and do something different. Which is what you're supposed to do! You're not supposed to just imitate yourself, you're supposed to do something new that challenges you. It's a lesson to everybody. It's larger than producing records. Don't be that way in life. Don't keep repeating the same old things. Be present in each new moment, don't rehash the past. So I don't think I was of great service to Bob Dylan."
The 13th Floor Elevators Plan First Show in 45 Years
(Classic Rock) The 13th Floor Elevators have confirmed they are to play their first show for 45 years at a festival in their hometown of Austin, Texas. The psychedelic rock pioneers formed in Austin in 1965 and called it a day five years later after releasing three albums.
Frontman Roky Erickson is joined by original drummer John Ike Walton and bassist Ronnie Leatherman in the reunion lineup. Electric Jug player Tommy Hall is also onboard for the show at the Levitation festival, May 8-10, at Carson Creek Ranch.
Hall, 72, tells the Austin Chronicle: "You try to find out what the different structural levels of the universe are so you go on this trip to understand that. Eventually, you realise that you have to go back to the beginning and figure out what caused it all. So that's why this has taken so long. For a long time, it was because I wasn't in a stable environment. I had to be able to support myself. Finally I got settled and I can look at the beginning again." Read more here.
Former Rooney Guitarist Taylor Locke Streaming New Album
(Classic Rock) Taylor Locke, the former Rooney guitarist, has released an online stream of his debut solo album Time Stands Still, ahead of its official release later this month.
"I think the term 'singer-songwriter' sadly evokes a white guy in a coffee shop strumming a f***ing G-chord all day," says Locke. "I think this record sounds more like a band record… the band just takes occasional smoke breaks."
Since Rooney's demise, Locke has released two albums and a live EP as part of Taylor Locke and the Roughs and struck up a friendship with impresario Kim Fowley, which led to the recording of Time Stands Still.
"I was given a notebook of lyrics from the legendary songwriter and manager Kim Fowley and decided to use those as a jumping off point. I was in sort of a loner mode and unsure if I wanted to start another band. I searched through the Fowley lyrics and showed the ones I liked to my friend [LA songwriter] Kelly Jones who had impressed me with her recent solo album Alta Loma. We wrote a couple songs using the Fowley lyrics but quickly exhausted that source and began moving in a new direction. We were going to call this project the Fowleys and make it a band thing but Kim said he'd sue the sh*t out of me. That made the decision to go solo pretty easy. I guess Kelly became the female J.D. Souther for this project." Stream the album here.
Nightwish Feel 'Violated' By Music Leak
(Prog) Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen says he and the band felt "violated" after their track Elan was leaked last week. The song was posted online ahead of its official release- a move which angered the group, leading them to make fans aware of their displeasure on Facebook and call out the individual responsible. This sparked a lengthy and heated debate resulting in the band issuing a statement explaining their position.
Holopainen tells TeamRock: "When Elan was leaked, the whole band was really upset and we ended up being vocal about it. Now I look back at the whole thing, I think it's good that we brought this thing into the daylight because it's a big problem these days. Not because of money but because it kills the mystery.
"Maybe we could have taken a little breather before acting in the heat of the moment. Looking back, I would have done a few things differently. But you just felt so violated - even though it's very common and happens to almost all bands, but that's not the point - it's still wrong." Read more here.
Zwan, Slint Star David Pajo Thanks Fans After Suicide Drama
(TeamRock Radio) Former Zwan guitarist David Pajo has thanked fans for their support after he survived a suicide attempt. He told fans via Instagram last week that he was going to take his own life after a painful split with a long-term partner. But he was rescued by emergency workers after fans alerted the authorities.
Pajo, who has worked with Slint, Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well as Billy Corgan's short-lived group Zwan, later posted an image from a hospital bed in which injuries to his neck can be clearly seen.
He has since posted another message on Instagram. He says: "I have no words to express how thankful I am for all the love and messages I and my parents and brother have received from strangers and friends everywhere." Read more here.
2nd Video Of Chris Cornell Interviewing Jimmy Page Goes Online
(hennemusic) Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell hosted "An Evening With Jimmy Page" in Los Angeles in November and part 2 of their interview is now available.
The rare event saw the pair discuss the Led Zeppelin guitarist's photographic autobiography, "Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page." In part 1, Page discussed his early years and musical upbringing with host Cornell in front of a live audience at the Ace Hotel Theater on November 12.
Part 2 sees the guitarist talking about how he came to join The Yardbirds. The event followed the re-release of Page's book, which sold-out of its limited-edition run of 2,500 copies upon its initial release in 2010 on its way to becoming the fastest-selling book in Genesis Publications' 40-year history.
Page and Led Zeppelin continue their extensive reissues series on Febuary 23 (Feb. 24 in North America) with an expanded reissue of their 1975 release, "Physical Graffiti." Check out the interview here.
Slash's Soon To Be Ex-Wife Says Slit Is Amicable
(Classic Rock) Slash's estranged wife Perla Hudson says her split with the guitar icon is "amicable" and that she gets on with his new partner. Slash - aka Saul Hudson - filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years in December, saying they had separated in June of last year.
Perla Hudson tells TMZ that she still speaks to Slash and that there is no bad blood and that she doesn't expect that their lack of a prenuptial agreement to be a problem.
She adds: "It's pretty amicable. I know he's gonna do the right thing for me and his children, as I would do the right thing to him. Like I said, it's amicable, so there's no bad blood - at least not yet."
Former Guns N' Roses man Slash is reported to be dating Meegan Hodges, and the pair recently got matching tattoos. Read more here.
Music For Nations Making A Comeback
(Classic Rock) Music For Nations, the label that released albums by artists including Metallica, Anathema, Tool, Opeth and Paradise Lost has been resurrected. The company closed in 2004 - but 11 years on they're planning to launch a series of reissues and have outlined plans to sign up-and-coming artists and release their material on a new singles label.
The first set of reissues will come from Anathema, whose albums Judgement, A Fine Day To Exit and A Natural Disaster will be remastered and released on CD and vinyl on April 13. A box set titled Fine Days 1999-2004 will launch simultaneously featuring the trio of albums along with a DVD containing the track Fine Days.
Guitarist Daniel Cavanagh says: "I'm really happy that after all these years, the Music For Nations era of Anathema music is finally receiving the attention, respect and treatment it deserves. " Read more here.
Blackberry Smoke Release 'Too High' Video
(Classic Rock) Blackberry Smoke have released a video for Too High, taken from the band's album Holdin' All The Roses. The album entered the UK chart at number 17 this week, and reached the top spot in the rock chart.
Holding All The Roses was recorded with producer Brendan O'Brien, who's worked with the likes of AC/DC, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, and limited edition vinyl sets are still available from the Earache webstore.
Recently the band filmed a trio of videos with Classic Rock, including a live version of Living For The Song, also taken from the new album. Watch the new video and grab the link for the live videos here.
The Tangent Releasing New Album
(Prog) Prog outfit The Tangent will release their eighth album in April, they've announced. Titled A Spark In The Aether: The Music That Died Alone - Volume Two will launch in Europe on April 20 via InsideOut Music.
A Spark In The Aether: The Music That Died Alone - Volume Two is the follow-up to 2013's L'Etagere Du Travail and takes its name from their 2003 debut.
Joining founder and multi-instrumentalist Andy Tillison on the album are The Flower Kings' bassist Jonas Reingold, saxophonist and flautist Theo Travis who has worked with Steven Wilson and Robert Fripp, Maschine guitarist Luke Machin and Kaipa drummer Morgan Agren. Read more here.
British Blues Awards Winner Jo Harman Lands US Deal
(The Blues UK singer Jo Harman has signed a deal with Sands Foley Entertainment (SFE) to bring her music to the US market. She released her debut studio album Dirt On My Tongue in 2013 and Live At The Royal Albert Hall in October last year. Now the artist who won 2014's Female Vocalist Of The Year at the British Blues Awards will reach a wider audience thanks to the new partnership.
She says: "The core of any success we've had to date has, I believe, been due to our independently minded approach with a strong commitment and belief in artistic integrity.
"As such, we've resisted a number of attractive label offers in the past but on this occasion I'm delighted to be partnering with Paul and Sheri, who I feel truly understand our artistic aims.
"They also enjoy great experience within both the major and independent label music business whilst also understanding the changing nature of the landscape." Read more here.
Prog Legends Van Der Graaf Generator Release Live Album
(Prog) Prog legends Van Der Graaf Generator have released a live album, Merlin Atmos, via Esoteric Antenna. Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton and Guy Evans were captured live on their 2013 European tour, performing their epic A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers in full for the first time in decades - along with Hammill's Flight as the centerpieces of the band's live set.
Hammill says: "Flight had been in the repertoire since the last North American Tour. Lighthouse Keepers had only ever been played live once before, as far as we remember, back in the seventies.
"It was a pretty major commitment to say we'd be doing it before we'd actually rehearsed together. We were also doing it as a trio, whereas the original version was as a quartet with David Jackson. It took quite a bit of work to make it stageworthy!" Read more here.
Godflesh Lead Additions To Bloodstock Lineup
(TeamRock Radio) The industrial titans Godflesh are making their way to Catton Park to headline the Sophie Lancaster stage on Sunday night of the Bloodstock Festival this August.
Speaking about the headline slot, frontman Justin Broadrick says "Godflesh is thrilled to be playing a very metal UK festival! We don't get asked to play many, as we're often viewed as not 'real' metal enough, or we're generally seen as outsiders, which we are, thank you. That doesn't mean we don't like to be invited to be a real metal band once in a while and especially in the Derbyshire countryside! Thank you Bloodstock!"
Joining Godflesh on the Sophie stage on Sunday are the Brit thrashy bastards Onslaught. They're celebrating a baffling THIRTY YEAR anniversary since their debut album "Power From Hell" in 2015, so this is gonna be special.
Hitting up the Sophie stage on Friday are the caveman battle doomers Conan (yes you read that correctly) and the equally as heavy London blackened doom mob Bast. Read more here.
Arjen Nervous About The Gentle Storm's Upcoming Tour
(Prog) Arjen Lucassen admits he's dealing with nerves ahead of his acoustic tour with The Gentle Storm collaborator Anneke van Giersbergen. She persuaded him to return to the stage for a run of European shows that kicks off in Hungary tonight.
Lucassen will also play at The Gentle Storm's debut album launch event next month in the Netherlands - although he won't take part in the rest of the tour.
Lucassen says: "It's really happening. Anneke and I are leaving for the acoustic tour. Exciting! Quite nervous as well, though. It's been a long time since this recluse played live."
He adds: "So sorry if we don't play near you, but I'm looking forward to seeing all of you who can come." Read more here.
Joan Baez, Passenger, Wilko Johnson, Frank Turner Lead Festival Lineup
Joan Baez, Passenger, Nick Mulvey, John Butler Trio, Wilko Johnson, Frank Turner are just some of the acts that will be taking part in this summer's Cambridge Folk Festival.
The festival will run from July 30th through August 2nd at Cherry Hilton Hall in Cambridge England. Organizers have revealed the initial acts that will be playing this year's event.
The lineup will also include Joan Armatrading Nick Mulvey , The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain , The Unthanks Show of Hands , Katzenjammer, Altan Treacherous Orchestra , Danú , Shooglenifty Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting & Nancy Kerr , Peggy Seeger Bella Hardy , Amsterdam Klezmer Band , The Lone Bellow Chris Smither , Angaleena Presley , Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker, Jim Moray's Silent Ceilidh , Keston Cobblers Club The Stray Birds, Rura, Goitse De Temps Antan and Lynched. You can watch a trailer for the festival here.
Enslaved and Taake Lead BlekkMetal Festival Lineup
(TeamRock Radio) Norway isn't exactly lacking for extreme metal festivals these days, but even by the high standards already set the announcement of BlekkMetal, a once-only non-profit event taking place at Bergen's USF Verftet venue on November 13-15 this year, is a bit special.
The brainchild of one of the most respected artists in the extreme metal world, Jannicke Wiese-Hansen, whose work has graced Burzum's best known album sleeves, Satyricon's first album and created the logos for both Immortal and Enslaved, BlekkMetal is both a celebration of the roots of Norwegian black metal and a tattoo convention, as she puts it, "a look back at what were, what happened and what inspired the beginning of the scene known as True Norwegian Black Metal and a tribute to those times!"
Conceived as a small but intimate even, BlekkMetal will host 16 tattooists with strong connection to the metal scene, a series of talks, live interviews and panels dedicated to the birth of black metal's second wave, and 10 Norwegian bands formed before 1994.
The bands confirmed so far are: Enslaved, Taake, Hades Almighty, Aeternus and Helheim. The confirmed tattooists are: Uncle Allan (Conspiracy Ink, Berlin), Phil Kyle (Magnum Opus, Brighton), Welt (Yama Tattoo, Rome), Trine Grimm and Nick Morte (Lucky 7, Oslo), Jon Clue ( East Side Ink, NY) and Dagfinn Bjelland (Karma Tattoo, Haugesund).
TeamRock spoke to Jannicke about what is sure to be one of the most unmissable and resonant events on 2015's metal calendar. Check that out here.
Will Haven Releasing New EP
(TeamRock Radio) Will Haven have announced that they will be launching a UK tour this spring that will coincide with the release of the group's brand new nine-track EP.
The Sacramento band will release the nine-track EP Open The Mind To Discomfort on May 18 via Artery Recordings. It is the group's first release since 2011's Voir Dire.
They then hit the road in the UK, starting with a show in Manchester on May 24, the tour will feature support from Raging Speedhorn and Palm Reader. Read more here.
Singled Out: Sylvan's Shine
Today Marco Glühmann, the leader singer of progressive rock band Sylvan, tells us about the song "Shine" from their brand new album "Home," which was released this week. Here is the story:
Quite some time ago I was tumbling over an article about violence against children and what it does to them, how it affected them during their whole life.
It was not until the composing of our new album HOME that I thought about using these impressions for one of our songs. This special song was created during a jamming session in our rehearsal room. We right away started to play this incredible chorus with this kicking-ass melody, which came to my mind … and a clear word on my lips: "shine".
I directly knew that this had to be a song about the fragility of childhood, about the things that people are capable to do to these defenseless beings and about the hope that, out of the dark, they still have the strength to carry on … and "shine". It fitted so wonderfully into the concept of our new album HOME.
I soon realized that SHINE meant so much more to me. It actually evokes some questions that were turning in my head: "What if it happened to my own child?"
When we shot the video for SHINE I played some scenes with my son … and it was just right … as a father that I am …
Monday, February 16, 2015
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!: Today's Day in Rock Jimmy Page Releasing Sound Tracks Box Set (hennemusic) Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page will release &...
Today's Day in Rock News!
Today's Day in Rock
Jimmy Page Releasing Sound Tracks Box Set
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page will release "Sound Tracks", a box set featuring the guitarist's work on films "Lucifer Rising" and "Death Wish II", along with additional archive material on March 6 and he has released streams of some of the tracks from the collection .
The package presents work from both projects plus a companion disc of previously unreleased tracks - the same format Page designed for the extensive Led Zeppelin reissues series.
Recorded at Page's home studio in Plumpton and The Sol studio in Cookham in the late 70s and early 80s, "Sound Tracks" includes an all-new booklet containing a written track-by-track insight by the guitarist for the archive material amidst a collection of original artwork across 36 pages.
Page explains: "The archive material and work included here serve as an illustration of the ongoing process at the time of these two projects." "Sound Tracks" will be available as a 4CD, 4LP and signed deluxe edition. Check out the streams here.
Kanye West Ridiculed In New Song
(Classic Rock) Comedy metal band Steel Panther have come out swinging in a new song about Kanye West following an incident at the Grammy Awards. West momentarily interrupted Beck's acceptance speech for his record Morning Phase winning Album Of The Year at the annual event in a flashback to a similar stunt with Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. In both cases, the rapper was attempting to protest the decision not to award the honors to Beyonce.
West later told the media that the decision to give Beck the prize over Beyonce's self-titled record was disrespectful to "the craft" of music. Steel Panther have stepped into the ring on the issue, posting a short song about the rapper on Facebook.
Accompanied by piano, Panther frontman Michael Starr declares West's music "sounds like hamster turds" and that he sounds like "a donkey fart", adding that "Beck should kick you in the nuts with steel toed boots to make it right."
The group says: "For your consideration for next year's #Grammys… #Kanye" Check it out here.
Def Leppard Delay Their New Album Plans
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott says a busy 2015 tour schedule and "an unprecedented amount of offers" to release their 11th album have pushed the project into later in the year.
Songwriting sessions for the follow-up to 2008's Songs From The Sparkle Lounge early last year yielded the beginnings of 15 tracks, which guitarist Phil Collen described in September as "really heavy and very melodic."
Between live commitments and guitarist Vivian Campbell's stem-cell treatment for cancer, the group resumed studio activity in December, with drummer Rick Allen recently revealing the majority of 16 songs are close to completion.
Leppard were planning to have the record ready for release in time for the spring 2015 touring season, but Elliott now reveals to Billboard the project has been moved back due to "an unprecedented amount of offers from various different people to release this record, which we weren't expecting and has changed the whole dynamic of how we want to put this record out." Read more here.
Tool and Motorhead Captured In New Recording Studio Video
(Classic Rock) Tool guitarist Adam Jones is sharing video filmed by Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee as the two bands work on new projects in the same recording facility in Los Angeles.
Last month, Tool confirmed their fifth album was moving forward as they continue to record the follow-up to 2006's 10,000 Days. The guitarist revealed last summer that a 2007 lawsuit brought aginst the band by his best friend contributed to the delay as members dealt with the negative effects of the eight-year long legal battle.
Jones can be seen in footage posted on his Facebook page - titled 'Hanging With Heroes' - and shot by Dee at the studio complex where both bands are in session.
Dee says: "Hi, everyone. I'm in the studio. I've been working hard all day today. I'm going into the lounge. I know that Adam is here - they're next door to us, the guys from Tool."
The drummer runs into Jones and Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell. He says: "What are you guys doing here, Adam?" who replies, "We're working on some tunes, having fun, bugging you guys."
Watch the video here.
Banned Cradle Of Filth T-Shirt Causes More Controversy
(TeamRock Radio) A banned Cradle Of Filth t-shirt is causing a media storm after it was included in a museum exhibition. The notorious t-shirt features an image of a nun masturbating on the front, with the words 'Jesus is a cunt' emblazoned on the back.
It was banned by New Zealand's chief censor in 2008, but is now appearing as part of an exhibition called T-shirts Unfolding at Canterbury Museum in Christchurch. It is being displayed in an area of the gallery marked for over 18s only.
However, according to The New Zealand Herald, a lobby group Family First called the exhibit "horrific" and "offensive" and is appealing to authorities to take action.
The group say: "We don't think it's art. We don't think any group should be subjected to this level of vile hate language." Read more here.
Machine Head Filming DVD At Upcoming Concerts
(Classic Rock) Machine Head have announced that they will be filming a pair of shows that will be taking place in California this coming weekend for a future DVD release.
The band performed a UK tour in December following the release of their eighth album Bloodstone & Diamonds, and launched a two-month winter US run last month.
Billed as 'An Evening With', the group are playing longer than usual sets that feature material from the latest album alongside tracks from their back catalogue.
Machine Head will film shows at The Regent in Los Angeles on Friday, February 20, and at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on Saturday, February 21, for a concert DVD. Read more here.
Eddie Van Halen's Smithsonian Interview Video Steaming Online
(hennemusic) Video has now gone online from Eddie Van Halen's interview at The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington on February 12 to help launch the institution's new 3-year initiative "What It Means To Be American."
The project is aimed at engaging leading thinkers, public figures and Americans from all walks of life to explore how the United States became the nation it is today.
Van Halen joined host Denise Quan for the session, where he discussed his family's journey from Holland to America, his musical roots and, as things developed, his need to build his own guitar - which turned out to be a hybrid of a Fender and a Gibson - to create the sound he heard in his head.
The rocker then recounted his long history of tinkering with guitars, amps and electronics under the evening's theme, "Is rock 'n' roll about reinvention?"
Dimebag Darrell House and Studio Video Tour Released
(Classic Rock) A video tour of Dimebag Darrell's house and personal recording studio has been released. Filmed by Guitar World, the clip takes fans around the late Pantera guitarist's house and reveals a home that entirely matches the iconic musician's personality.
Pantera and Damage Plan memorabilia adorn the walls alongside posters of Judas Priest and some of Dime's other favorite acts in the short 3:24 long video clip.
Dimebag was shot and killed on stage during a Damageplan gig in Columbia, Ohio on December 8, 2004 by gunman Nathan Gale, who also killed three more people and injured seven others that night. Watch the video here.
Rob Halford Open To Resurrecting Fight
(Classic Rock) Rob Halford says he's open to the idea of resurrecting his 1990s band Fight. The Judas Priest frontman formed Fight after his 1992 departure from Priest. The band released two albums, 1993's War Of Words and 1995's A Small Deadly Space.
Halford was joined in Fight by guitarist Russ Parrish - aka Satchel from Steel Panther. On the possibility of future work with Fight, Halford tells Scenstr: "I've just been through a patch with the people who were looking after me previously. It took a while to get everything knocked back into shape legally and to get out of the hell that I was going through.
"But the good news is my solo back catalogue is slowly being put back out there into the world again. And, if the opportunity arises, I would love to do that again." Read more here.
Former Trivium Member Forms New Supergroup
(TeamRock Radio) Former Trivium drummer Nick Augusto has formed a new band with members of Insense and Before The Mourning. The new band will be called Corrosion.
Augusto was sacked by Trivium in the middle of a tour last year, and replaced by his own drum tech Mat Madiro.When he arrived back home in Florida, Augusto met up with childhood friend Christopher Cussell, guitarist with Before The Mourning.
He then got in touch with friends in Norwegian metal outfit Insense who agreed to help out. Singer Tommy Hjelm and guitarist Martin Rygge are onboard for the new band. Read more here.
Voivod 'Back In Prog Rock Mode'
(Classic Rock) Voivod drummer Michel "Away" Langevin says the veteran Canadian band are staying true to their roots on their latest single We Are Connected. Following its premiere last month, the tune will be issued as one half of a split release with Century Media labelmates At The Gates on 7-inch vinyl on April 7.
Langevin tells the Edmonton Sun: "We're back in prog rock mode. Especially the new single, it's shameless prog rock. We still try to keep it thrash metal, though. I try to keep the double kick going just so it's punky. We won't forget the roots, that's for sure."
We Are Connected marks the first new music from Voivod since 2013's Target Earth; it's also the first track featuring new bassist Dominic 'Rocky' Laroche, who joined the group last summer following the departure of Jean-Yves 'Blacky' Theriault. Read more and stream the song here.
David Ellefson Was Shocked At Drover's Megadeth Exit
(Classic Rock) Megadeth bassist David Ellefson says he was "shocked" when he heard the news that drummer Shawn Drover had quit the band. Drover announced his departure from the group in November and was followed mere hours later by a similar statement from guitarist Chris Broderick, leaving Ellefson and mainman Dave Mustaine as the remaining members in the lineup.
Ellefson soon followed the duo's news by confirming the band would continue as he and Mustaine move forward with plans to add new members and record the follow-up to 2013's Super Collider starting in March.
The bassist is now sharing details about how he found out about Drover's exit and what transpired in the hours after the news first broke. Ellefson tells 100PercentRock.com: "Well, you know, there were some things leading up to it that I certainly was in tune with, and paying attention to. Actually, I swear the day it happened I was shocked. It's funny, a friend of mine sent me a text, he goes, 'hey, I just heard Shawn Drover quit Megadeth.' And I was like, 'That's odd…' and the next thing you know my phone started just blowing up.
"So I called Shawn, I said, 'what's going on man?' He said, 'yeah dude, it was time.' And I was like, 'all right,' you know. So we just had a conversation about it." Read more here.
Apocalyptica Stream New Song 'Cold Blood'
(Classic Rock) Apocalyptica have issued "Cold Blood" as a preview to their upcoming eighth studio album, "Shadowmaker." The song follows the title track as the second tune released from the project, produced by Nick Raskulinecz - who has worked with Foo Fighters, Deftones and Mastodon - and due in April via Eleven Seven Music.
"Shadowmaker" features former Scars On Broadway guitarist Franky Perez on vocals, and there's talk that the singer could become a permanent member of the group following the upcoming tour to promote the record - a trek that will see them open for Sixx AM's spring shows in North America.
Cellist Eicca Toppinen says the band wanted to challenge themselves following a year-long break. Toppinen tells The Rockpit: "It's always hard to talk about albums without being a nerdy musician. I think it's a totally new kind of record for Apocalyptica, especially because we have one singer on the whole album, and I think it's making the whole album more solid. It's more of a band record compared to the album that we have had guest vocalists, so I think it's more solid.
"We had a break when we stopped touring for 7th Symphony, we had one year off, we didn't write a single song for a record, nothing except for Wagner Reloaded, but for the regular stuff, nothing. And after the break, we came together and if we wanted to do something, we have to do exactly what we want to do and this record is the result of that, that journey." Read more and stream the song here.
Supertramp's Carl Verheyen Unplugs For Covers On New Album
(Classic Rock) Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen has just released his second acoustic solo album, Alone, via Cranktone Entertainment. The follow-up to 2014's Mustang Run - and companion to 2001's Solo Guitar Improvisations - sees Verheyen mixing original compositions with songs by The Beatles (All You Need Is Love, Norwegian Wood and In My Life), Peter Gabriel (Mercy Street), Pat Metheny (Last Train Home), Elton John (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) and Mark Knopfler (Going Home: Theme Of The Local Hero).
Verheyen says he chose his cover tunes carefully for this project. He adds: "Most of the material on this album is covers of songs I like. Three John Lennon tunes form a little suite in the middle of the set. I recorded some jazz standards, a Peter Gabriel song, a few originals, a movie theme and a Pat Metheny tune.
"My goal is simple: I only cover a song by another composer if I feel I have something new to say about it. A good musician makes music sound different and the object is to make the standards your own." Read more and check out a video here.
Judas Priest's Ian Hill Talks Redeemer Of Souls
(Classic Rock) Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill says 2014's Redeemer Of Souls is "the best album" the veteran band have ever done. Issued last summer, the group's 17th album delivered their first-ever US Top 10 debut and their highest UK album chart entry in 34 years - landing in the No. 12 position.
Frontman Rob Halford declared Redeemer will be "revered" a decade from now, and is so enthusiastic about Faulkner's songwriting skills that he's already itching to make another record.
Ahead of their appearance at Australia's Soundwave Festival series later this month, Hill backed up Halford's comments in an interview with the event's Lindsay McDougall.
Hill says: "Obviously, whatever album we do, it's gotta stand up to what went before. But with the endless quality material that Richie and Glenn and Rob were churning out, it was evident from the start that this album was gonna be a classic, and that's the way it's turned out.
"People say, 'What's your favorite album?' and everybody always says the latest one. Only this one is, you know?! I think it's the best, obviously, classic Priest album. You can't really count Nostradamus, being sort of a standalone, one-off sort of album. But I think Redeemer is the best album that we've done." Read more here.
Satyricon Announce New DVD Release
(TeamRock Radio) Veteran Norwegian black metallers Satyricon will release their upcoming DVD Live At The Opera on May 1 via a newly-signed deal with Napalm Records.
In sync with the release of 2013's self-titled, eighth studio album, the band played an exclusive, one-off show at Den Norske Opera & Ballett in Oslo, Norway on September 8, 2013, where they were joined by the Norwegian National Opera Chorus as part of the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival.
Frontman Sigurd 'Satyr' Wongraven explains how the project came together. He says: "The whole thing started with us doing one song, To The Mountains, a year and a half before the actual show. We performed at a closed event in the main hall of the opera with the Royal Norwegian Opera Chorus. It was very inspirational.
"I then said to the conductor that I would love to do a whole show like this. He loved the idea, I was serious about it, and he was serious about it. We spent approximately one and a half year working with composer and arranger Kjetil Bjerkestrand on the choral arrangements."
Satyr continues: "For something that we planned for so long, put so much work into, and something this unique - of course it would be nice to film it and record it. But I made it very clear to the people around Satyricon that I`m not going to turn this into a recording session where you can buy tickets." Read more here.
Soilwork Working On New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Soilwork are back in the studio working on their new album, frontman Bjorn 'Speed' Strid has confirmed. They're working with producer Jens Bogren again, who was behind the desk for The Living Infinite and 2010's The Panic Broadcast.
They began demos for the follow up to 2013's The Living Infinite in December - with Strid insisting the band were sounding "better than ever." Now they're in the studio in their homeland of Sweden to lay down tracks on album no.10.
Strid tells GoetiaMedia: "We've actually entered the studio. Dirk Verbeuren has started to lay down some of the drums already. I'll go up to the studio in Stockholm this week." Read more here.
Nazareth Announce New Singer
(TeamRock Radio) Nazareth have moved quickly to bring in a new frontman in the wake of Linton Osborne's departure. The Scottish veteran rockers have snapped up Persian Risk singer Carl Sentence to take over vocal duties, after being blown away by his first audition.
Bass player Pete Agnew says: "We take great pleasure introducing to you our new singer, Carl Sentance. We had been looking at Carl from afar for some time and very much liked what we saw, so we asked him to come up and sing a couple of songs with us in the studio.
"He came in on Tuesday and completely blew us away in the space of half a song. He was offered and accepted the job right there and then. As you can imagine, we are dying to get started with rehearsals but it's going to have to wait." Read more here.
Kurt Cobain Movie Moved People To Tears Says Love
(Classic Rock) Courtney Love says director Brett Morgen did a "fantastic job" on the Cobain: Montage Of Heck, the documentary about late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
While daughter Frances Bean Cobain served as the project's executive producer, the Nirvana frontman's widow had no editorial input but did provide Morgen with access to her personal archives as a way of providing material and support for the first fully-authorised Cobain film.
Montage Of Heck - which includes unreleased songs by the Nirvana leader - had its world premiere at last month's Sundance Film Festival and just debuted at the 65th annual Berlin International Film Festival. It will see a UK release in April and US television premiere on cable network HBO on May 4.
Love shared her reaction to seeing the film during an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman. Love says: "I just came back from Berlin. It's anguish. It's very moving. I've seen it now three times, and I'm probably not going to see it again. It's too much. People were in tears." Read more here.
Nightwish Release 'Elan' Video
(Prog) Nightwish have released a video for their new single Elan. Elan will feature on the band's eighth album, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, which will be out next month via Nuclear Blast.
On the video, mainman Tuomas Holopainen says: "The long awaited Nightwish music video Elan is finally here. Inspired by the untold stories of abandoned places around Finland, the video was nearly a year in the making and features some of the most loved Finnish actors and actresses."
The track has been officially released after it was leaked earlier this. The leak was described by the band as a "huge blow." Watch the new music video here.
The NX Streaming New EP Online
(TeamRock Radio) Northern riffers The NX are gearing up to release their debut EP "Night Heaver" onto the world but fans can get an early listen as they're streaming it online right now.
Speaking about the record, drummer Luke Walker says: "We're excited for the year ahead, finally getting to release Night Heaver that we've worked so hard on and now we're ready to play as many shows as possible on the back of it.
"Touring means partying with new friends and bands we meet on the road so we're excited about that. A lot of partying and puking but also making sure we put on the best shows we can, get the crowd involved and spread the good word of The NX party nationwide. Remember to take the next day off work to recover!"
Pentagram Reveal New Album Plans
(TeamRock Radio) Pentagram have announced they will release their eighth album in the summer. Bobby Liebling's doom outfit have re-signed with Peaceville Records ahead of the new album's release and worked with producer Mattias Nilsson at studios in Baltimore, Washington DC and Virginia.
Additional vocal and guitar production took place in Knoxville, Tennessee with Travis Wyrick - the Grammy Award-winning producer who worked on the band's previous album, 2011's Last Rites.
The current Pentagram lineup includes Liebling, guitarist Victor Griffin, bassist Greg Turley and drummer Peter Campbell. The band say: "Pentagram is happy to return to the label that helped relaunch interest in our debut album and introduce us to a new metal audience in the 1990s.
"Peaceville Records has been an ally to us throughout the past 20 years. We are happy to have them by our side once again as we record our fourth album under their banner. Never properly recorded songs written by Bobby in the 70s will be heard on the album as fresh as they were when they were written over 40 years ago." here.
Rex Brown Explains Pantera's Rise to Fame
(TeamRock Radio) Former Pantera bassist Rex Brown says the band's success was down to hard work and came at a time when the rock scene was changing. And he credits word of mouth as a major contributing factor to their rise to success in the early 90s as they didn't have a lot of support from MTV.
He tells Do You Know Jack?: "Everything was kind of changing at that point. All the hair bands and all that kind of stuff. Everybody was kind of stale.
"If you think about just songs in general, there were some pretty good songs that the look took away from all that. We just came around at a time that we saw a crack and we slipped through it, and we put a lot of hard work and did a lot of touring.
"We toured non-stop. We had 32 days off on the Cowboys From Hell tour, and that was the total time period between 18 months on, and then directly back in the studio."
He continues: "We just came in at a time when people needed us. We would stay out in the parking lots until six in the morning signing autographs. I think that really made a huge difference between us and other bands that were just, 'Go on the bus and bye.' You meet one guy, and he goes, 'Man, those guys were cool.' And he tells another friend, and it gets around like that." Read more here.
Wire Streaming New Song 'Joust and Jostle'
(Prog) Veteran UK rockers Wire have released a stream of their new single Joust & Jostle and announced their self-titled 14th album will be released on April 13th.
The follow-up to 2013's Change Becomes Us will launch on CD and vinyl.
The band also announced that take to the road across the UK the same month to promote their new material.
Included in the live run is another round of their Drill festivals, this time taking place at the Lexington, London on April 14-18. It's their fourth headlining festival they've organized after previous set in London along with dates in Seattle and Brighton. Artists joining the bill will be announced in due course.
Dzyen Release 'As One' Video
(Prog) Dzyen have launched a music video for their track "As One," which comes from their upcoming debut album It's Pronounced Zen, which is pencilled in for an April release. The full-length studio outing is the follow up to their self-titled 2013 EP.
The core band features guitarist Scott Goodrum, bassist Bryan Tulip and drummer Romeo Ferrari. For the new track they've hooked up with former Tesseract frontman Ashe O'Hara - just one of many guest musicians who appear on the upcoming record.
It will also feature artists including Periphery's Spencer Sotelo, Monuments Chris Barretto and John Browne and Tesseract and Skyharbor frontman Dan Tompkins.
The band say: "We are planning - planning being the operative word - to have our album finished by February or March and unveil our new vocalist." Watch the video here.
Hasse Froberg & Musical Companion Reveal New Album Details
(Prog) Hasse Froberg & Musical Companion have revealed details on their upcoming album. Titled HFMC, it will launch on March 27 via Glassville Records and will be the follow-up to 2012's PowerPlay.
Froberg is joined in the project by lead guitarist Anton Lindsjo, keyboardist Kjell Haraldsson, drummer Ola Strandberg and bassist Thomson. Froberg says: "I've never experienced a recording like this before. So many strange things happened along the way and I've been living so close to this music for so long - so right now I feel exhausted, yet hopeful.
"This being our third album, from day one I've had the intention to make this an album I'm proud of. Honestly, me and the lads have really done our utmost to give you our strongest album to date." Read more here.
Black Rainbows Release 'The Prophet' Video
(Classic Rock) Black Rainbows have released a video for the song "The Prophet," which is taken from the band's "Hawkdope" album, released on March 14. The album is the follow-op to 2013's "Holy Moon."
"I'm so happy with the Hawkdope album and can't wait to get out on tour," says the band's Gabriele Fiori. "As you may have noticed from our past few EPs, we're moving away from the stoner sound and getting equally into the older head bands and space rock vibes of Ladbroke Grove. I think this new record will be a hit with fans of both new and old music. Fry Your Mind!"
The band, who describe themselves as "the bastard offspring of '70s hard-rock swagger and '90s stoner-groove", are in the process of setting up a mini UK tour for June.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!: Today's Day in Rock Scott Weiland Vs Stone Temple Pilots No More While discussing the forthcoming Scott Weiland and the Wilda...
Today's Day in Rock News!
Today's Day in Rock
Scott Weiland Vs Stone Temple Pilots No More
While discussing the forthcoming Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts album "Blaster," in a new interview Weiland revealed that legal battle between him and his former band Stone Temple Pilots is over.
Speaking to Ultimate Guitar, Weiland was asked how he felt about Stone Temple Pilots replacing him with Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington and he responded, "Umm, I really don't think about it that much. It's like our legal suits we had going are way behind us now. They're doing what they're doing and I'm doing what I'm doing and I wish them luck."
Weiland also reiterated that he was never an official member of the supergroup Art of Anarchy, which features Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, Disturbed's John Moyer and twins Jon and Vince Votta.
Echoing his previous comments on the group and their debut album, Weiland said, "Uh, yeah. It's just something I kinda got into when I wasn't doing anything else and just wrote some melodies and lyrics to.
"I sang over these stereo tracks and then sent it back. But I'm not in the band. It will be cool once they find a lead singer so check 'em out when they play live. But it's not something I'm a part of."
Read the full interview where Weiland goes in depth about the new album, here.
Def Leppard, Styx and Tesla Announce Summer Tour
Def Leppard has announced that they will be launching a massive North American summer tour with Styx and Tesla. The trek will follow Def Leppard's spring tours in Canada and Europe.
The summer tour is scheduled to kick off on June 23rd in Tampa, FL at the Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre and conclude on October 4th in Bismarck, ND at the Bismarck Civic Center.
Def Leppard has also previously announced two separate tours this spring. On April 15th they will kick off 13 date tour of Canada in Penticton, BC and on May 15th the will launch a mainland European tour in Minsk, Belarus. See all the tour dates here.
The Animals' Danny McCulloch Dies From Heart Failure
Eric Burdon & The Animals' Danny McCulloch died from heart failure on January 29, 2015, according to his children Natasha Brearley, Nina McCulloch Kent, Tara Mcculloch and Alistair Temple.
McCulloch was a member of the band from 1966 through 1968 and appeared on three albums with the group "Winds of Change" (1967), "The Twain Shall Meet" (1968) and Every One of Us (1968).
His children wrote a tribute to the musicians which was published by NME. They write, "Danny McCulloch died suddenly on the morning of Thursday the January 29, 2015 from cardiac heart failure. At age 69 this 'giant amongst us' departed doing what he loved until the end, though he still had more to give in life and in music.
"Although best known for the earth shattering riffs played with Eric Burdon and the Animals, giving depth and vitality to Burdon's vocals, there was much more to his individual composition and passion for the raw music.
"In the summer of '68 a blessing presented itself in the form of Danny's realisation that he was, in fact, an animal no more, which meant that he could write the music that he wanted to, the way that he wanted to. The legacy that he leaves us with today are thought-provoking and quietly humble arrangements." Read the rest of the tribute here.
Bumblefoot Clears Up Scott Weiland Supergroup Confusion
(Classic Rock) Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal has moved to clear up the "confusion" surrounding Scott Weiland's involvement with supergroup Art Of Anarchy. The Guns N' Roses guitarist formed the group with brothers John and Vince Votta as well as Disturbed bass player John Moyer. Former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Weiland agreed to do vocals on the band's debut album, due out in the spring.
But Weiland later insisted he was never part of the band and that he was simply hired to sing on the record - nothing more. Bumblefoot tells Icon Vs Icon: "I know that right out of the gate there was a little bit of, I wouldn't say controversy, but maybe some unnecessary confusion about things.
"However, it is about the music, about the album and putting the album out. Anything beyond that remains to be seen. We don't know what is going to happen. We don't know if, after the album comes out, people are going to want to see something live.
"If they do, Scott is very clear that his focus is his solo stuff and mine is too. Scott wants to just do his solo thing and isn't looking to do any live dates with this.
"Then we would find a new singer, if we did any live shows. Who knows what would happen with that new singer and if it would become a permanent thing or if it would just be for the live setting. We don't know." Read more here.
Another Rocker Thinks Rock Might Be Dead
(Classic Rock) Gene Simmons has finally found an ally to back his claim that Rock Is Dead - in Anvil frontman Lips. The Kiss bassist repeated his often-used comment on the music industry last year in an interview with Esquire magazine, suggesting that it is almost impossible for new artists to make a living from songwriting.
The headlines generated by 65-year-old Simmons' soundbite created an uproar from several corners of the rock world - including Dee Snider, Slash and AC/DC, among others.
Anvil have been fighting the good fight in metal's name since forming in Toronto in 1978. The band have released 15 albums through the years, and had their career re-energised following the success of the 2008 documentary Anvil! The Story Of Anvil, which recounted their struggles in the hard rock music industry.
Frontman Steve 'Lips' Kudlow tells Horns Up Rocks that he's unsure how he would launch Anvil as a new band today given the current state of the rock industry.
He says: "I don't know how you make it. Maybe Gene Simmons is right. Maybe rock is dead. I don't know. Certainly the business of rock is dead. But I really don't know you would tackle getting known in today's day and age. I just don't know.
"I don't think there's anything that can be done differently. You know, there is no music industry as such. Starting out today, you might as well not bother. There's no industry. How can you start? I don't even know. I wouldn't even know how to begin tackling that problem today." Read more here.
Steely Dan Announce Summer Tour With Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Steely Dan has announced that they will have added a summer leg to their Rockabye Gollie Angel Tour which will include support from Elvis Costello & The Imposters.
The summer trek will follow Steely Dan's spring tour leg which will kick off on April 7th in Santa Rose, Ca at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts and conclude on April 18th in San Diego, CA at Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay and includes sets at this year's Coachella Festival on April 10th and 17th.
Steely Dan will then take a couple of months off before kicking off the summer tour on July 6th in Denver at Red Rocks and they will stay on the road until August 12th when they close out the tour in West Palm Beach, FL at the Cruzan Amphitheatre. See the tour dates here.
Bob Dylan Announces U.S. Tour Dates
Bob Dylan has announced that he will be launching a tour of the United States and has revealed the initial 20 dates for the trek which will be taking place this spring.
The initial dates will be hitting the east coast the southern U.S. including stops in New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas.
As of right now the tour is scheduled to begin on April 10th in Atlantic City, New Jersey at The Borgata and concludes on May 7th in San Antonio, Texas at the Majestic Theatre.
Dylan is launching the tour in support of his new standards album, "Shadows In The Nights," which is currently in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 album chart. See the tour dates here.
Coal Chamber Announce Release Of Comeback Album
Coal Chamber has announced that "Rivals", the recently reunited band's first new studio album in over thirteen years, will be released in North American on May 19th.
The band's frontman Dez Fafara had the following to say about the album, "This record was over 13 years in the Making and I promise this record won't disappoint and will be worth the wait!
"Rivals is solid through and through, there's maturity and growth in the music while still maintaining the true Coal Chamber sound and delivering track after track of killer tunes! We had a great time working together on this record and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do!"
The band will be launching a North American tour in support of the album that will feature support from Filter, Combichrist and American Head Charge.
The tour will be kicking off on March 6th in Tempe, AZ at the Marquee and concluding on April 12th in Dallas, TX at Gas Monkey Live. See the tour dates and the album's tracklisting here.
Doobie Brothers Announce Tour Dates With Don Felder
The Doobie Brothers have announced some additional North American tour dates that include a handful of dates with former Eagles Guitarist Don Felder this spring.
The new dates with Don Felder are focused mostly across Texas and will kick off on April 22nd in Midland at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center and will conclude with the only non-Texas date in Alpharetta, GA on May 2nd.
The Doobie Brothers have also added a number of tour dates this summer including stops in Francisco, Oregon, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and an appearance at the Lockn' Festival in Arrington, VA on September 10th. See the new tour dates here.
Mike Portnoy His First 'Full-Blown' Metal Album
(Classic Rock) Drummer Mike Portnoy has revealed he's been recording his first "full-blown" heavy metal album. Details of who he's recording with haven't been officially confirmed, although he recently posted a picture of himself with Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick and Megadeth bassist David Ellefson on Facebook.
And the sticksman says his live appearance with members and former members of bands including Anthrax, Slayer, Sepultura and Death Angel under the Metal Allegiance banner sparked his idea for his latest project.
He tells Mike Portnoy Warriors: "There's another album I just finished the drums and the writing on - and it's my full-blown first full-on metal album. We wrote it in December and January, I tracked my drums in January, and we're about to do the guitar and bass tracks.
"It's pretty obvious that it's stemming from my Metal Allegiance experience. I'm getting to do double-bass shredding drumming that I've only been able to hint at with Dream Theater, Avenged or Adrenaline Mob." Read more here.
Doug Aldrich Calls Twisted Sister's Dee Snider 'A Total Jackass'
(Classic Rock) Guitarist Doug Aldrich has hit back at Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider after the singer questioned the axeman's contribution to Whitesnake in an online posting.
Aldrich quit David Coverdale's band in 2014 after 11 years with the outfit and was replaced by Joel Hoekstra. But despite being an integral part of Whitesnake for over a decade, Snider has called out the guitarist on Twitter.
Snider says: "Question: What Whitesnake album of importance did Doug Aldrich play on? I'm just sayin'. I'm tired of musicians who joined famous bands after their heyday claiming they are from those bands. They had nothing to do with success!"
Aldrich responded: "Dude, I just did my best to keep the band moving forward. Was blessed to compose 30 tunes. You are a total jackass though. Haha!"
Snider was then forced to issue an apology saying: "It was wrong for me to single you out. I'm sorry. My point is valid, but I shouldn't have singled you out." Read more and see the twitter exchange here.
Yngwie Malmsteen Inducted Into Swedish Music Hall Of Fame
Legendary guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen was inducted into the Swedish Music Hall Of Fame according to an announcement from the organization on Thursday (February 12).
They released the following from the Hall of Fame Jury: "The boy who would become known as Yngwie Malmsteen used to lock himself in his early-70s bedroom in Hässelby with his electric guitar. His mother passed in trays of food now and again. The boy's plan was not to come out again until he had mastered his instrument as well as Paganini, the Italian violin virtuoso who played so well it was rumoured that he had sold his soul to the devil.
When Yngwie eventually emerged from his room, he brought with him albums such as Rising Force, which were to take the world by storm. Yngwie Malmsteen, with his dazzling technique and neo-classical metal style, has influenced electric guitarists on seven continents. Like a Paganini with smoke bombs and long hair, he has - in his own words - 'unleashed the f***ing fury' and redefined Swedish music.'
Yngwie posted a photo of the plaque here.
Steve Hackett Releases Video Teaser For New Album Wolflight
(Classic Rock) Steve Hackett has issued a teaser video for his upcoming album Wolflight. It's due to launch on March 30 and will be the former Genesis man's first original solo work since 2011's Beyond The Shrouded Horizon. And he insists Wolflight is the pinnacle of his career so far.
He says: "I feel it's the best thing I've done and I've been making albums now for a very long time. There's tons of energy and I feel, unlike the other albums, it doesn't wander off the plot too much."
He's joined on the record by guest musicians and longtime collaborators, including keyboardist Roger King, drummers Gary O'Toole and Hugo Dagenhardt, saxophonist Rob Townsend, bassist Nick Beggs and singer Amanda Lehmann. Also joining Hackett on the project is Yes bassist Chris Squire, who plays on the track Love Song To A Vampire.
Along with a standard CD, Wolflight will also launch on double vinyl and as a digital download. In addition, a special edition CD and Blu-ray mediabook will be released featuring interviews and two hours of bonus material. Read more and watch the teaser video here.
Danko Jones Release 'Do You Wanna Rock' Video
(Classic Rock) Danko Jones have released a video for "Do You Wanna Rock," taken from the band's forthcoming "Fire Music" album, the follow-up to 2012's Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue.
"Do You Wanna Rock? has a lot of cowbell," says Danko. "We wouldn't want it any other way. Use it to start parties, create conga lines, and plain ol' boogie oogie oogie."
In November, the band released a video for Gonna Be A Fight Tonight, a track later selected to be the official anthem of last month's WWE Royal Rumble in Philadelphia. Watch the video here.
Riot V Release 'Ride Hard Live Free' Lyric Video
(Classic Rock) Riot V have issued a lyric video for Ride Hard Live Free, the second single from their 2014 album Unleash The Fire. Released last October via SPV/Steamhammer, the project is dedicated to the last original member, Mark Reale, who founded the band in New York City in 1975 and passed away in 2012 following a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease.
Riot V's current lineup includes singer Todd Michael Hall, guitarists Mike Flyntz and Nick Lee, bassist Don Van Stavern and drummer Frank Gilchriest.
Hall spoke with Grande-rock.com about how Reale's death affected the band and the direction they took on Unleash The Fire. He says: "I feel like I have an outsider's perspective on this type of question, because I did not know Mark. I can tell you that Donne, Mike, and even Frank talk about Mark a lot, which makes the loss very apparent. In some ways, I feel like I know Mark now because I have met his father and heard so many stories about him.
"We definitely talked about the need to create an album that would make Mark proud and we are concerned about shedding a positive light on his legacy. As for the song writing, I think Mark's passing gave Donnie and Mike inspiration to include other types of songs that spanned the career of Riot and not just to stay just within the 'Thundersteel' sound for this album."
Scorpions' Virgin Killer Set For Limited Edition Vinyl Reissue
(Glass Onyon) Audio Fidelity have announced that they will be releasing a limited edition 180gm vinyl reissue of the Scorpions' classic 1976 album "Virgin Killer" this April. An exact release date has not been announced.
We were sent the following marketing message about the special reissue: "'Virgin Killer' is the first of four studio releases that really defined the Scorpions and their highly influential urgent metallic sound. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The album was a step in the band's shift from psychedelic music to hard rock. For the first time in the band's career the line-up stayed the same with Klaus Meine on vocals, Uli Jon Roth on lead guitar, Rudolf Schenker on rhythm guitar, Francis Buchholz on bass, and Rudy Lenners on drums. The nine tracks were laid down with Dieter Dierks producing.
"The band is in top form and churns out some melodic yet blistering heavy rock. 'Virgin Killer' is full of heavy songs and exceptionally, fast, innovative guitar leads by Uli Jon Roth. These songs are infectious and the Jimi Hendrix comparisons are endless, especially the sound of the thunder-heavy riffs and grooves on Uli's 'Polar Nights' guitar solo that make it a classic.
"'Virgin Killer' should have made the band superstars, but since metal was still very much an underground movement, the Scorpions would have to wait until the 1980's when the band cranked out their first hits. The metal is so clear cut and state-of-the-art on this historic recording and distinctly draws the line of what was classic hard rock and true heavy metal.
"'Virgin Killer' is simply essential listening; a landmark album for the genre's development that made Uli Jon Roth a guitar legend." See the tracklist here.
Slash's Les Paul Award Acceptance Speech Video Goes Online
(hennemusic) Slash was honored with the Les Paul Award at the 30th annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards in Anaheim, California on January 24, and video of his award presentation and acceptance speech has surfaced.
The Les Paul Award - named for the revolutionary inventor and esteemed musician - honors individuals or institutions that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of audio and music technology.
Instituted in 1991, the honor has been awarded to influential artists including Pete Townshend, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Todd Rundgren and Peter Gabriel.
Hosted by comedian Sinbad, the 2015 event honored individuals and companies for outstanding achievement in professional audio technology and production.
On the road in support of "World On Fire", Slash just completed a series of concerts in Japan and now heads to New Zealand for two shows next week before hitting Australia for the Soundwave Festival.
Watch the video of the awards ceremony and Slash's speech here.
Cannibal Corpse Pass Two Million Album Sales Milestone
(TeamRock Radio) Cannibal Corpse have praised their fans after they were honoured for selling two millions records. The death metal veterans were presented with a plaque by their record label Metal Blade Records ahead of a show in California to commemorate the milestone.
And while they're thrilled with the accolade, both singer George 'Corpsegrinder' Fisher and guitarist Rob Barrett are quick to hail their fans for sticking by them.
Fisher tells Metal Sanaz: "I think it says a lot about the fans of death metal. It goes to show what we've always been saying, death metal's not even close to dead.
"It was pretty crazy when we went past a million and now it's two million plus. Not to downplay it, but I think those are things you reflect on later on. It's not like we dwell on it much, we're still on tour.
"We've got shows to play. I don't sit around and dwell on it. But of course it's awesome, it's a pretty big deal. Especially for a death metal band." Read more and stream the interview here.
Whitesnake Release Teaser Video
(hennemusic) Whitesnake have issued a video teasing an upcoming announcement on February 25. The band may reveal details on that date regarding their first project with former Night Ranger guitarist Joel Hoekstra, who replaced Doug Aldrich following his exit last spring.
"One of the first, if not the first, guitarists to put his name forward after hearing that Doug Aldrich had left the band, was an exceptionally talented musician whom we had met briefly last year when his band opened for Whitesnake in Arizona," revealed Coverdale last August.
"Everyone was very impressed by him, not only for his ability to play amazing guitar, but, also, his very agreeable personality & he was definitely foremost in our minds when we began to search for Doug's replacement in Whitesnake."
"We jammed together & were mutually impressed enough to ask him to join Whitesnake on the spot," he added. "This was May 30th. 2014." Watch the video here.
Thunder Release Live Video Of New Song
(Classic Rock) Thunder have released a live video of Black Water, filmed before an invited audience at London's Brooklyn Bowl last November. The studio version of the song comes from the band's Wonder Days album, which is the follow-up to 2008's Bang!
Live versions of two other new tracks recorded on the same night appear on the free CD that adorns the cover of the current issue of Classic Rock. Thunder, Live At Brooklyn Bowl, London will only be available while the magazine is on sale.
Thunder first detailed Wonder Days in November, before releasing a live video of the title track filmed in Tokyo. Wonder Days will be released on Monday. Watch the video here.
Dragonforce Announce Live Release Plans
(TeamRock Radio) Dragonforce will release their first live DVD this summer, they've confirmed. In The Line Of Fire will launch on July 10 and was recorded at last year's Loud Park festival in Tokyo.
And guitarist Herman Li says the reason the band waited so long to launch a live recording was because they wanted to have a wide range of material to showcase.
He explains: "We always held the opinion that if we ever did a DVD we wanted to do it properly. Now, having released six studio albums, we thought we had a great cross section of material to pick from and we knew the facilities at Loud Park made it a great place to film a show.
"Everything just came together and we're very pleased with the results and hope the fans will be also." The DVD package will feature an audio CD of the gig and will also be available on Blu-ray. The band have also issued a video for "Three Hammers" from the concert, check it out here.
Escape The Cult Release Clandestine Video
(TeamRock Radio) Escape The Cult have released a music video for their track Clandestine, which comes from the band's debut album All You Want To which launched in August last year.
The supergroup is the brainchild of Kamlath bassist Peter G Shallmin. He's joined in the project by Primus and former A Perfect Circle drummer Tim Alexander, King Diamond and Mercyful Fate guitarist Mike Wead along with Uneven Structure singer Matthieu Romarin.
The band collaborated with Belgian-based director and artist Pasquale Baseotto of FrictionMedia for the shoot, and Shallmin says Baseotto managed to create a "dark atmosphere" which worked perfectly with the song.
He says: "This time we are going into mysterious characters and occult symbolism in seven scenes, seven different worlds, seven spaces, seven secrets, seven demons and seven sins.
"We are happy to work with Pasquale. His impressive personal input and professional approach turned into a wide video novel with lots of details, epic dark atmosphere and sophisticated interlacing the images and visual elements with the lyrics." Read more and watch the video here.
The Gentle Storm Release New Studio Video
(TeamRock Radio) The Gentle Storm have released another behind-the-scenes clip from recording sessions for their upcoming album The Diary. The collaboration between Arjen Lucassen and The Gathering singer Anneke van Giersbergen launches in Europe on March 23 via InsideOut.
The clip shows Lucassen playing a variety of instruments and highlights his guitar solo on the track Endless Sea. an Giersbergen says about the Ayeron mastermind: "I love his dedication and sense of humour and now that we did a whole album together I can see how he pulls off these enormous projects that he became famous and loved for.
"It was a real pleasure and an honour to do an album together - it's already one of the highlights of my career and I can't wait to share The Gentle Storm with you all." Watch the video here.
Therapy? Reveal New Album Details
(Classic Rock) Therapy? will release their 14th album next month to coincide with a full UK tour. The band issue Disquiet on March 23 via Amazing Record Co and hit the road a few days later.
The follow-up to 2012's A Brief Crack Of Light comes on the heels of a last year's 20th anniversary reissue and tour - including a show at The Scala in London - celebrating the band's 1994 breakthrough album, Troublegum.
The 11-song Disquiet was overseen by Royal Blood and Turbowolf producer Tom Dalgety and recorded at Blast Studios in Newcastle. Frontman Andy Cairns explains the project sees the band moving forward with a nod to their past.
Cairns says: "In constructing Disquiet, we went back to the old-fashioned way in which Troublegum was written, whereby I'd take my guitar, play a song, record it on my phone and then send the song to the guys 'finished,' in terms of lyrics, melody and guitar chords.
"We started with 19 songs, recorded 18 of them and then worked with Tom to select the ones that best represented what we were trying to do with this record. And we're genuinely delighted with how things have turned out." Read more here.
The Vintage Caravan Announce New Album
(Classic Rock) The Vintage Caravan have unveiled plans to issue their third album, Arrival, on May 15 via Nuclear Blast. Hailing from the Greater Reykjavik area, Vintage Caravan features singer/guitarist Oskar Logi, bassist Alex Orn and drummer Gudjon Reynisson.
The band - who toured the UK with Blues Pills in November, including a show at The Dome - recorded the follow-up to their self-titled 2011 debut and 2014's Voyage in an isolated Fjord where they set up a studio in an old ballroom and worked again with producer Axel 'Flexi' Arnason.
Vintage Caravan say: "The songwriting sessions have been going on since around October 2012, when our album Voyage had been out in Iceland for a month. We immediately started writing at that point, so some of the songs are quite old for us; because of that, we have a bit too many songs but we intend to make this album around 10 tracks so we can put what we think are the best tracks on the album." Read more here.
More Bands Added To Ramblin' Man Fair
(Classic Rock) Ramblin' Man Fair has added further names to its main stage line-ups. The festival, presented by The Rock Collective and TeamRock, will bring the best of Classic Rock, Progressive Rock, Country and Blues to Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent over the weekend of 25th and 26th July 2015.
Announced today are American bluesman Seasick Steve, blues rockers The Temperance Movement, Geordie legends The Quireboys, Icelandic metallers Sólstafir and up-and-coming multinational act Blues Pills. All are playing on Ramblin' Man's man stage on Saturday, while rising UK rockers Toseland will be performing on the Sunday. More acts are still to be announced.
Already announced for Ramblin' Man are Scorpions and Gregg Allman (both acts' only UK shows of 2015), four artists who won't be performing at any other UK festivals this year - Camel, Marillion and Dream Theater - plus Saxon, Blue Oyster Cult, Ian Anderson, Pendragon, Anathema, Haken, Alcest, Knifeworld, Anna Phoebe, Unto US, Riverside, The Pineapple Thief, Messenger, and more.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!
Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day in Rock News!: Today's Day in Rock Rolling Stones Plan North American Summer Tour Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood says in two new int...
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