Today's Day In Rock News!

Slipknot Want To Make Movie With Double Concept Album(TeamRock Radio)

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has revealed the band's plans to make a double-length concept album have expanded to include a tie-in movie. But he says the project won't even be started for at least two years.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that the follow-up to last year's .5: The Gray Chapter would be Slipknot's answer to Pink Floyd's The Wall or The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Taylor tells Q103 Albany: "Clown and I and Jim have been talking about what would be next. The idea we had was to come up with the concept, then provide the soundtrack for it.

"But I told them the other day, 'Let's take it even further. Let's make our Purple Rain, let's make our The Wall. With a movie - not just the album, but do a movie.' They were pretty into it."

He adds: "It's going to be a few years before we even get into that. But the fact that we're laying the steps for it now just means that we're right back to where we were, which us five steps ahead of the game." Watch the full interview here.



Metallica In The Studio and Recording Says Hammett(Classic Rock)


Kirk Hammett has reassured fans that work is continuing on Metallica's long-awaited tenth studio album. Drummer Lars Ulrich said in May "I wouldn't hold my breath" over a completion or release date.
Now Hammett says: "It seems like we might not be doing anything - but we're in the studio, we're recording, we're working on music. We're in for weeks at a time doing exactly that."

The band headline the Reading and Leeds festivals at the end of August. They just released a live clip from their appearance at Lollapalooza in Chicago earlier this month. Read more and watch the full interview here.



Phil Rudd Hopes For AC/DC Return Following Home Detention(hennemusic)

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd says he is hoping to return to the legendary Australian band's lineup when he finishes his 8-month home detention sentence in New Zealand.
"I've got a lot to think about now," Rudd tells 3 News. "I've grown up, but not grown old. I hope there's a difference. I still want to play the drums. I've got a lot of game left and I reckon I'm just starting to f***ing get cleared up. So I just want a chance to get back in with the boys and just carry on from there. This last tour bulls**t, you know, sure. Last tour, AC/DC will never retire, Angus will never retire."

After Rudd recorded "Rock Or Bust" with AC/DC in Vancouver last year, the band hired former member Chris Slade to handle drum duties in his place for the group's world tour, which launched on April 10 at Coachella.

"Slade! He's a good drummer, mate," says Rudd. "Chris Slade's a good drummer but I've got no idea what he's doing up there. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I got nothing against Chris. It's just he hasn't got a permanent job. I hope! That's all."
"I'm going to be back," he adds. "I've never been fitter; I've never felt better; I've never been psychologically or physically in better shape my whole life, and I love playing. I've realized who I am and what I can do and I just want a chance to go out there and show everyone who the man is. I'm the man."

In April, Rudd entered a guilty plea to one count of threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis stemming from a series of incidents in 2014. Read more here.




Evanescence Reveal Lineup Change(Classic Rock)

Evanescence guitarist Terry Balsamo has been replaced by a musician Amy Lee describes as the band's "missing piece." German Jen Majura will take part in the band's autumn tour, which could include sets chosen by fans.
Lee - who confirmed an end to Evanescence's three-year hiatus in July - says: "After two albums, countless adventures around the world and on the stage, Terry's time has come to an end.

"As difficult as that is, we stand unified knowing it's the right thing for all of us. We will always love you, Terry." She says that Majura was found after "scouring the globe" and continues: "I found Evanescence's missing piece in South Germany. She plays like a supervillain, sings like an angel and laughs like a great friend." Read more here.



Police Call On Metalheads To Help Identify Dead Metal Fan(Classic Rock)

An investigator in the US state of Wisconsin hopes metal fans can help identify a man who was found dead 20 years ago. The body of a person aged 17-20 was found in Rock County in 1995, wearing a Venom shirt, and all attempts to find out who he was have failed. He's referred to as John Clinton Doe.
Now a charity has put up posters in metal venues and clubs, in the hope that someone might recognise a fellow music fan. The sign features a Venom logo and a reconstruction of how the man might have looked.

Jack Freiss created the Find JCD Project while working in the Rock County coroner's office. He's no longer employed there, but he's vowed to keep the project alive. Read more and see the sketch here.




Rush's Alex Lifeson Says Health Issue Isn't As Bad As People Think(Classic Rock)

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has played down the effects of his arthritis, saying it isn't preventing him from playing. Frontman Geddy Lee said in May that he feared his colleague's pain would be the main factor in ending their live career, saying: "It kind of hurts me to see him when he's having a bad day, physically."
But Lifeson tells That Metal Show: "You have to be careful what you say these days - I almost regret ever mentioning it in the past. Everyone thinks, 'Oh, his hands. He's got arthritis. That's it, he can't play.'

He adds: "I feel it, just like we all do as we get older, aches and all of that stuff - but it doesn't impede my playing. It makes it a little more difficult, a little more challenging to do the fast stuff, and there's a little bit of feedback that I get from it the next day. But it's nothing that really stands in the way." Read more here.



Yes Pay Tribute To Chris Squire At First Concert Since His Death(Classic Rock)

Yes began their first concert since the death of Chris Squire by paying an emotional tribute to the late bassist. The only man to have played in each of the prog veterans' lineups passed away in June after a battle with cancer. He'd been replaced by Billy Sherwood since beginning treatment earlier this year.
Last night in the Grand Theater, Mashantucket, Connecticut, the lights went down save for a single white spot, illuminating a Rickenbacker bass on a stand in the position traditionally occupied Squire.

A wave of applause erupted as images of the musician were displayed on stage screens and the sound system played Onward, one of his compositions from 1978's Tormato album.

Jon Davison, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Alan White and Sherwood performed a 90-minute set. Three songs in singer Davison thanked the audience for their support, saying: "We're all celebrating the magic of music - but also the remembrance of a great friend. We love you, Chris." Read more here.



Dave Grohl Performs On New B'Last EP(Classic Rock)

Dave Grohl takes part in the latest EP from hardcore punk outfit B'last! - the Foo Fighters mainman recorded drums and oversaw production of the two-track title.
He stood in for former Queens Of The Stone Age drummer Joey Castillo, who was busy with other commitments when sessions took place. Bassist Nick Olivera, also ex-QOTSA, was also previously engaged, and was replaced by Black Flag's Chuck Dukowski.

Grohl, who's worked with Bl'ast! before, said in 2013: "They were the quintessential California hardcore band. They skated, they jammed, and they were like an explosion live." Read more and stream the songs here.



Twenty One Pilots Lead Madden 16 Soundtrack(TeamRock Radio)

Twenty One Pilots' track Heavydirtysoul will be included in American Football video game Madden 16, it's been announced. The latest entry in the long-running sports series will be released on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on August 25 through Electronic Arts.
Other songs of note that have made it into the game include Don Broco's Automatic, The Cadillac Three's I'm Rockin' and Blackberry Smoke's Holding All The Roses.

Worldwide Executive Of Music And Marketing for EA, Steve Schnur says: "For the last few years, our Madden soundtracks focused on recreating the stadium experience. But with Madden 16, we've returned to our roots for introducing new artists and new music."

Part of the tracklist has been added to Spotify, with further songs to be revealed throughout the coming months. See the list here.



Dave Mustaine Explains Megadeth's Latest Lineup Changed(Classic Rock)

Dave Mustaine says Megadeth's latest lineup changes were inevitable as the departed members didn't share his vision for the band. Megadeth recruited Kiko Loureiro and Chris Adler after Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick quit. The new lineup is working on the band's upcoming 15th album, due out later this year or in early 2016.
And mainman Mustaine insists the switches are a good thing, comparing them to changes made by Slayer and Metallica down the years. He tells The Leader:

"Bands are living organisms, and sometimes when you have four people and they don't all have the same vision, you've got to ask yourself what's good for the band rather than the individual, and we made some changes. The two guys we have playing for us now have been great.

"My godfather is Alice Cooper. How many guys has he had in his band? Slayer has had tons of people and Metallica has had changes, too. We all go through these unfortunate changes." Read more here.



Thin Lizzy's Philip Lynott Celebrated In New Play(Classic Rock)

A new play about late Thin Lizzy frontman Philip Lynott from former EastEnders actor Rob Mountford debuted on Friday evening at the Edinburgh Festival.
Described as "a hilarious, philosophical, rock 'n' roll one-man show", Vagabonds - My Phil Lynott Odyssey is an hour-long soliloquy co-written by and starring 40-year-old Mountford, who played Dr Farah Singh in the long-running soap back in 2013.

The storyline is jointly inspired by the lives of Thin Lizzy leader Lynott, who died in 1986, and by 40-year-old Mountford himself. The actor, whose CV also includes The Royal Shakespeare Company and spots on Casualty, tells Classic Rock:

"Phil was a black Irishman and I'm a brown Brummie but we both grew up as mixed race kids in predominantly white areas, and when that happens you either allow people to push you around or you take life by the scruff of the neck and go for it. Phil did the latter, and I thought it was about time there was a play about him." Read more here.


Led Zeppelin Score Top 10 Debut For In Through The Out Door Reissue(hennemusic

) Led Zeppelin's expanded reissue of their 1979 album, "In Through The Out Door", has debuted in the US Top 10. Billboard reports the album reenters the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 9 with opening week sales of 24,000 units (23,000 from pure album sales).
The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

"In Through The Out Door" originally spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 1979 and was last on the chart in 1980. Industry sources expected a Top 10 debut for all three of Led Zeppelin's July 31 reissues, but 1976's "Presence" and 1982's "Coda" failed to hit the mark; their chart positions will be revealed when the new chart is posted on Tuesday. Read more here.



Red Dragon Cartel Singer Wants New Album To Be A Little Badlandsish(Classic Rock)

Red Dragon Cartel singer Darren James Smith doesn't want to go into the details of how he got his job back with Jake E Lee's band. He's just glad to be given a second chance after leaving in March and hopes the band's new album goes into the musical territory of Lee's former band Badlands.
Lee struggled to replace him, with four other men having taken on the role before the original frontman's comeback was confirmed last week. Smith tells SleazeRoxx: "I don't know the reasons - but I like to think it's because I'm the guy for the gig, I guess."

He'll soon start co-writing the group's second album - which he says could sound like Lee's former band Badlands. "It's going to be a band effort," Smith reports. "I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm hoping it's going to be a little Badlandsish. I really love that stuff. Jake is quite a creative guy, so who knows what he's going to toss at us?" Read more here.



Atreyu Ask Fans For Help With New Music Video(TeamRock Radio)

Atreyu are looking for fans to submit videos and photos to appear in the video for their next single Do You Know Who You Are. The song follows the title track of the group's sixth album Long Live as the second tune issued from the project, which will be released on September 18 via Spinefarm Records.
The band say: "Do You Know Who You Are? Want a chance to be in our next video? Tell us who you are. Simply send us a photo or video showing us. Are you a father? A warrior? A mother? A writer? A lover?

"Write it on a card, spell it in sand, whatever. We want to see as many of you as possible get involved and get creative to show the world who you are." Read more here.



King Crimson Releasing 16-Disc Thrak Anniversary Box Set(Prog)

King Crimson have revealed the contents of the 16-disc box set that marks the 20th anniversary of their Thrak album. It features 12 CDs, two DVDs and two Blu-rays, packed with extended, unreleased and remastered recordings from the lineup's first rehearsals to their final show.
The double-trio arrangement featured mainman Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Trey Gunn, Bill Bruford and Pat Mastelotto. Thrak Box highlights includes an unreleased concert video from 1995, bassist Tony Levin's personal road movies, and footage from recording sessions at Peter Gabriel's RealWorld Studios.

Crimson say: "If the stereo material sounds wonderful - and it does - the hi-res stereo and the 5.1 Surround mixes are a revelation. This is a lineup that's best heard in multi-channel Surround Sound." Read more here.



Phil Anselmo Doesn't See Pantera Reunion As Realistic Possibility(TeamRock Radio)

Phil Anselmo says he doesn't get bored of being asked about a Pantera reunion - even though he doesn't think it's going to happen. The frontman, drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Rex Brown field the query on a regular basis, and sometimes even indulge in speculation about who might replace late guitarist Dimebag on stage.
Anselmo tells National Rock Review: "It doesn't really bother me. I understand the concern, the want. I understand, if the opportunity was there, what it would mean to a lot of people."

But he continues: "Right now there's really no truth in it. The only people within the band that even communicate are Rex and I. So it's not very realistic." Read more here.



Spotify Reveal Top 25 Heavy Music Genres(TeamRock Radio)

Spotify have released a list of the top 25 heavy music genres, with alt metal in the number 1 position. The streaming service say bands including Disturbed, Korn, Papa Roach and Nonpoint are among the most-listened acts in metal.
They've split the genre into 91 different specialties, with nu metal, hard rock, groove metal and rap metal proving to be most popular. That includes namechecks for bands including Drowning Pool, DevilDriver, Linkin Park - and Ted Nugent.

Spotify's list includes crossover entries, with Korn, Disturbed and Papa Roach among bands that appear in more than two lists. The service said in June that metal fans remained most loyal to their favourite bands out of all music fans. Check out the list here.



Trivium Frontman Matt Heafy Explains His Screams(TeamRock Radio)

Trivium frontman Matt Heafy has revealed he only took up screaming because he couldn't sing. He's delighted he can now deliver more melodic vocals - despite the mixed response to latest track Silence In The Snow.
Heafy says: "Since I was 12 I wanted to be a great singer. I screamed because I couldn't sing. I'm proud and excited to finally be able to do what I love the way I love. Screaming is easy - singing in hard. I've always been a fan of what's harder."

He explains the track, which gives Trivium's seventh album its title, was written during sessions for 2008 album Shogun, saying: "Shogun fans rejoice. Didn't like Shogun? You may not dig this."

And he adds: "I love both sides of you all regardless. We always want to evolve, and make what we want to make. Other bands do what they think people want, or are told to - we do what we want every time. And we love our Trivium supporters worldwide." Read more and check out the band's new video here.



Golden Void Announce New Album 'Berkana'(Prog)

Golden Void, led by Earthless' Isaiah Mitchell, will release second album Berkana next month. The follow-up to their 2012 self-titled debut arrives on September 18 via Thrill Jockey Records.
It was recorded with producer Tim Green and also features Camilla Saufley-Mitchell, Justin Pinkerton and Aaron Morgan. Mitchell tells Prog: "We put Berkana together pretty quickly because our label put a deadline on when the album needed to be completed. Life was very busy so a deadline was helpful.

"We had more time in the studio so we were able to take our time and really find the best texture or harmony for the part at hand. Tim Green is a great person to have on your side when you're searching for the right ingredients for a song." See the track details and cover art here.



Fear Factory Streaming Entire New Album 'Genexus' Online(TeamRock Radio)

Fear Factory are streaming their ninth album Genexus in full - and they've also released a video for lead track Dielectric. The follow-up to 2012's The Industrialist is launched on August 7 via Nuclear Blast.
Vocalist Burton C Bell recently explained: "The word 'genexus' is a hybrid of two words - 'genesis' and 'nexus.' It describes the next transition in human evolution, as man moves forward to a mechanical state of being.

"The cognitive machine has arrived, and it wants autonomy. This machine struggles, like every other human has throughout the course of history. This is the story of every one of us." Watch the new video and stream the album here.



Kid Rock Does Surprise Jam With Ted Nugent(hennemusic)

Ted Nugent made a surprise appearance during the opening night of Kid Rock's record-setting 10 sold-out show home stand at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit, MI on August 7 and video of the jam shot by Ted's wife from the front row has been posted online.
The Michigan natives shared the stage late in Rock's 2-hour set, with the host preparing to launch into "Cat Scratch Fever" before Nugent bolted on stage to take over.

"LORD HAVE MERCY!!," posted Nugent after the concert. "The mighty MotorCity Madhouse LIVES & Kid Rock & his killer band make all Detroit/American rockers very very proud! Amazing opening night of their record breaking 10night sellout run at PineKnob North of Detroit!

"I figured I could take a quick break from fishing, grab ol killer Byrdland Blackie & show the boys how to krankout the Motown guitar classic CATSACRATCHFEVER with maxximum piss&vinegar ultra attitude & SpiritWild! Damn that was crazyFUN! It's only Rock-N-Roll but I like it! KidRock is my sonic bombast BloodBrother!! YOWZA!!"

Rock's other guest on opening night was his son, Bobby Jr., who joined the singer for an encore version of "Good Time Lookin' For Me." Part of Rock's summer tour with Foreigner in support of his latest album, "First Kiss", the dates shatter previous ticket sale records for the state of Michigan, previously held by Garth Brooks at approximately 107,000 tickets; the shows will see Kid Rock sell over 145,000 while also breaking the record for most consecutive dates at the venue, formerly held by Bob Seger. Watch the video here.




Trailer For Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese's Rock Drama Vinyl Released(Classic Rock)


The first trailer for Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese's rock drama Vinyl has been released. The nine-part series about the fortunes of a 1970s record label exec will air next year on US network HBO. Scorsese will direct the pilot and serve as an executive producer alongside the Rolling Stones frontman.
Vinyl features actors Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano, Andrew 'Dice' Clay and P.J. Byrne, while Jagger's son James will star as Kip Stevens, the singer of fictional punk outfit Nasty Bits.

Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Otis Redding and Elton John will also be portrayed in the show. The Rolling Stones reissued their 1971 album Sticky Fingers in June, while guitarist Keith Richards hinted they could soon begin work on the follow-up to 2005's A Bigger Bang. Watch the trailer here.



Bon Jovi Stream New Song 'Blind Love' And Plan New Tour(Classic Rock)

Bon Jovi have released a lyric video for their track Blind Love. The song is one of the tracks that will appear on "fan album" Burning Bridges, to be released on August 21.
Frontman Jon Bon Jovi recently said: "This is a fan record to accompany a twelve-show international tour. It's sort of a hint as to where we're going musically - but the new album, the real new album, will be early next year."

The band's published dates for the short international tour start with a show in Indonesia on September 11 and end with one in Israel on October 3. Stream the new song here.


Disturbed Streaming New Song 'What Are You Waiting For'(TeamRock Radio)

Disturbed have released a lyric video for their track What Are You Waiting For. It's taken from comeback album Immortalized, to be launched on August 21 after the band ended a four-year hiatus.
Frontman David Draimain recently revealed he writes most of his music while smoking weed, saying: "It helps me relax. I can see the holes in the rhythm and the melody and I'll know where I can go, and what the possibilities are."

The band were this week revealed to be among the most listened metal acts on Spotify. They feature in the latest edition of Metal Hammer, out now in print, digital and via TeamRock+. Stream the new song here.



Blessthefall Release 'Walk On Water' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Blessthefall have released a music video for their track Walk On Water. It's from fourth album To Those Left Behind which is set for release on September 18 via Fearless Records.
Frontman Beau Bokan called the follow-up to 2013's Hollow Bodies as a "giant f***ing leap forward." adding: "We're constantly trying to outdo ourselves.

"We're at our absolute best as musicians and songwriters. We're looking forward to seeing where this album will take us." Check out the new "Walk On Water" video here.


The Sword Streaming New Song 'Dreamthieves'(Classic Rock)

The Sword have released an online stream of their track Dreamthieves. The song comes from their fifth album High Country, which will be released on August 21 via Napalm Records.
They previously revealed Mist & Shadow from the follow-up to 2012's Apocryphon. Speaking about High Country, frontman JD Cronise tells Noisey: "I hope our fans will be open to it. I know some of them will be, and they spread the word to other people who may not have been into our older stuff.

"I just want people to dig it. It's meant to be a generally positive vibe, not super intense or doomy - just a classic rock record with different shades of tones and a good time." Stream the new track here.



Drowning Pool's Bodies Get Sock Puppet Parody(Classic Rock)

Drowning Pool are the latest band to have their work spoofed by YouTube channel Sock Puppet Parody. Slayer, Rage Against The Machine and Immortal have all been sent up by the channel in the past.
Sock Puppet Parody have now taken Drowning Pool's 2001 single Bodies and reworked it as Let The Laundry Hit The Floor. It features alternative lyrics which describe the fate of dirty socks escaping from a washing basket.

The band, who said they were planning a studio return this year to record the follow-up to 2013's Resilience, saw the funny side of the video and posted a link to it on their Facebook page. Watch it here.


Ghost Streaming New Song 'Majesty'(hennemusic)

Swedish occult rockers Ghost have released an online stream of "Majesty", a track from their forthcoming third album, "Meliora." Due August 21, the project sees the debut of new vocalist Papa Emeritus III alongside the Nameless Ghouls following the resignation of his three-month older brother Papa Emeritus II.
Produced by Klas Åhlund and mixed by Andy Wallace (Slayer, Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, Linkin Park), "Meliora" is the follow-up to the band's second album and major label debut, 2013's "Infestissumam."

"Majesty" is the fourth track issued in advance of the album, following "Absolution", "From The Pinnacle To The Pit" and the lead single, "Cirice." The group will launch the Black To The Future North American tour at The Fillmore in Washington, DC on September 22, which will be followed by fall dates across Europe. Stream the song here.



Symphony X Release 'Kiss Of Fire' Lyric Video(Prog)

Symphony X have released a lyric video for their track Kiss Of Fire. The song comes from their ninth album Underworld, which launched in July via Nuclear Blast.
Guitarist Michael Romero tells Prog: "This one does have a lot of elements of what we've done in the past. There might be a song with sections that could have been on The Divine Wings Of Tragedy, our third record, or there might be a heavy song that sounds like it could have been on Iconoclast.

"It's pretty diverse. It's a good balance of everything we've done, but also a little bit different because we're trying to fine-tune the songwriting and really pay attention to the melodies and the arrangements and flow." Watch the video here.



Blurred Vision Release 'All I Wanted' Lyric Video(Prog)


Blurred Vision have released a lyric video for their track All I Wanted. The song comes from the trio's debut album Organized Insanity, which was launched in April via Cherry Red.
The psychedelic pop outfit, led by Iranian-born brothers Sepp and Sohl Osley, first drew large-scale attention when Roger Waters approved of their 2010 cover of Another Brick In The Wall.

They describe All I Wanted, produced by Terry Brown, as "a reminder of how precious our here and now is." It was inspired when all three members became uncles, leading them to realize: "There is nothing more humbling than to be in the presence of a newborn or a young child, when all you can think about is protecting their innocence. At the same time, you're forced to understand why we lose that simplicity as we get older and create the barriers that separate us from one another." Check out the lyric video here.



Riverside Release Fear Teaser For 'Love, Fear And The Time Machine'(Prog)

Riverside have released another trailer for sixth album Love, Fear And The Time Machine. After the launch of a clip focusing on the Love element, the latest teaser concentrates on Fear.
The follow-up to 2013's Shrine Of New Generation Slaves is set for launch on September 4 via InsideOut. Frontman Mariusz Duda recently said: "I wanted to combine the 70s and the 80s.

"The 80s was a decade of musical growth for me - I remember being enchanted by music deep with bass, chorus and all kinds of reverb." Watch the new teaser video here.



The Black Atlas Singled Out Week:

MoonsongDoom-rock artist The Black Atlas just released his new solo EP "Devils" and to celebrate we asked him to tell us about some of the tracks for the effort. Today he tells us about "Moonsong". Here is the story:
I was on the A train headed uptown after having purchased the Marseilles Tarot deck at a small retailer of curios and cards, a local haunt in Manhattan's West Village at that time. At first I was unsure whether or not to take the deck out right there in the shaky subway car, or wait 'til I was home, at my desk. However, at last I was compelled. Lifting the lid, I turned the box upside down and let the deck slide into my palm. I looked over to my left, at my girlfriend at the time. She was asleep, with her head on the train car wall. Feeling a little nervous and excited, I began to shuffle the cards facedown, without looking at them. I was trying to go by feel. I had done this many times before. I cut the deck and drew a card: La Lune.

The colors were stark, and the artwork somewhat crude, but the sight of it seemed to literally evoke a resonant note somewhere inside my body. The crustacean crawling forth from waters of untold depth, the howling dogs beside the trail that leads winding over the horizon to the foreign city, the moon heavy and low in the night sky. All familiar symbols to me, but somehow seen for the first time. I put the card back in to the deck and began shuffling again. Vigorously. Thoroughly. Cutting the deck once more, I drew the first card on top yet again: La Lune. I felt a chill run through me. Immediately, I glanced up at my girlfriend, still asleep next to me. She had not seen me draw the card twice consecutively.

Later that night, I sat at my desk, alone, with the deck in front of me. Almost afraid of what may happen, I shuffled the cards again, cutting the deck three times now. After a deep breath and a moment's hesitation, I drew once more: La Lune.

The Moon is the eighteenth Tarot Trump of the Major Arcana. Its symbolism includes the realm of mysticism, the exploration of the unconscious world of dream images. A few nights later, I would write "Moonsong" almost in its entirety. Inspired by the recurrent Tarot card, I wrote the lyrics entirely stream of consciousness, drawing from first thoughts, and dreamlike imagery that appeared while writing. The subject most present to me in this song is the dreamlike underworld, where images from the wellspring of creativity and meaning abut and intrude upon the waking mind's rigid rationality. Most significantly, much like my experience on the subway train, these images are experiences in themselves, which we may never truly share with another person. We are the sole witness to our own dreamlife.

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page Planning Live Return Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page reveals in a new interview that now he has finis...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page Planning Live Return

Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page reveals in a new interview that now he has finished work on the reissue campaign for the iconic group, he will be turning his focus to performing live again.
Page was asked by The Toronto Star what his future plans following the reissue campaign for his former band's catalog. Page said, "I seem to have tireless energy when I get involved in things, on an almost OCD basis, which is a good way to do things because if you're gonna do something you'd better make sure you do it well. At least that's the way I do things. The benchmark of quality I go for is pretty high. I had a master plan and the master plan was that, at the end of these releases, then I would start putting all of this energy into being seen to play live again."

He continued, "But I haven't been able to because of all this other stuff. I couldn't concentrate properly on even thinking about another project until all of this was done. But now's the time. Now's the time to really get into the guitar to such a point that all the material I've got and all this revisiting of things that I've done in the past is put together so that it becomes a project."

Page was then asked what project he had in mind and responded, "Well, that is the project. I'm not being sarcastic or facetious when I say it's a guitar project because that's what it is. That's it. That's what it is until I've actually done it. It'll manifest when it manifests, really." Read the full interview here.



Pink Floyd Rejected Bob Ezrin's Rap Rock Inspiration

Famed producer Bob Ezrin encouraged Pink Floyd to experiment with hip hop back in 1987 when the band was working on their "Momentary Lapse of Reason" album.
Ezrin, who has also produced classic albums by KISS, Alice Cooper, among others, made the revelation during a 2013 interview. His comments went largely unnoticed at the time, but resurfaced following a recent link to a Guardian article on Reddit posting.

In the interview Ezrin revealed, "I became fascinated with [rap] in the Afrika Bambaataa days. I'm an early adopter … [I] brought some in when we were doing A Momentary Lapse of Reason … going, 'Boy, I think this stuff with a rock beat would be awesome.'"

David Gilmour, however did not share Ezrin's enthusiasm. The producer recalled Gilmour's strong negative reaction. "He said, 'Oh my God, that would be terrible. He couldn't believe it. He hated the idea." Read the Guardian report here.




Of Mice & Men's Austin Carlile Recovering From Surgery(TeamRock Radio)


Of Mice & Men frontman Austin Carlile has given a health update as he recovers from surgery. And the singer, who received emergency medical attention last month because of complications from the genetic disorder Marfans, says he's on the road to full recovery.
He says on Twitter: "Today was my first day 'out of the house' since my surgery. Getting closer to 100% with every passing week. Almost out of the woods."

He later added: "Physical therapy is going well but it sure is kicking my a$$. Three times a week! Have to get better. Have to keep pushing. Nothing comes easy." Read more here.




Chickenfoot Not Worth Sammy Hagar's Time Says Satriani(Classic Rock)

Joe Satriani believes his Chickenfoot bandmates have given up on writing another album because they think it's too difficult. And that leaves the guitarist bewildered - and tired of trying to change their minds.
He's previously discussed how he thinks the supergroup has run out of steam after two records because singer Sammy Hagar, bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Chad Smith have lost focus.

Former Van Halen men Hagar and Anthony are concentrating on covers band The Circle, while Smith continues work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Satriani says of Hagar: "I don't think he believes that making original music is worth his time any more - which is kind of sad. I just don't get that part of it."

And he emphasizes: "A band I thought really had a future is calling it quits because they think it's too difficult. I don't understand that." Read more here.




Megadeth Recruit Lamb Of God Producer To Mix New Album(hennemusic)


Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine has revealed that they have recruited Lamb Of God producer Josh Wilbur to handle mixing duties for the band's upcoming 15th album.
"I heard the first pass at an official mix for the song 'The Threat Is Real' that @JoshWilburMusic did," tweeted Mustaine. "I'm thrilled he's mixing! #Megadeth15"

Mustaine and Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Korn) shared production duties on the project, which was recorded in Nashville. Megadeth's 15th album will feature Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler and new guitarist Kiko Loureiro.

Megadeth debuted their new lineup during a performance at the Festival D'été De Québec (Quebec City Summer Festival), in Quebec City on July 18. Read more here.




Disturbed Stream Title Track Of New Album Immortalized(TeamRock Radio)


Disturbed have released a lyric video for the title track of their upcoming album Immortalized. They announced their comeback following a four-year hiatus last month, and will release their sixth record on August 21 via Reprise Records.
They said keeping their return under wraps had been "torturous" and gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at studio sessions earlier this month. The band said of Immortalized:

"This album had the arduous task of, in some way, justifying the hiatus - giving the fans something that made it worth our time away from one another. We hope that it succeeds in that task." Stream the new song here.




Korn Frontman Sued Over Failed Serial Killer Museum(TeamRock Radio)

Korn frontman Jonathan Davis is being sued for $250,000 over a failed serial killer museum. He tried to launch the project with a partner in 2006, but the idea came to nothing.
After two rounds of legal action his attorneys reached an agreement for him to pay $158,000 at $1000 a month. But TMZ reports that Davis only made the first two payments to his lawyers, then stopped - and as a result they're suing him for a total of $256,021, including interest.

The failed serial killer museum, American Curiosities Museum, was to focus on exhibits associated with some of the most infamous murderers in US history. Read more here.




Former Pantera Frontman Phil Anselmo Abandons Autobiography Plans(Classic Rock)


Former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo says he's no longer interested in releasing his autobiography. He previously stated he would write an "upbeat" portrayal of his former band in his book which had been tentatively titled Mouth For War: Pantera And Beyond.
But he's shelved plans for his memoir saying it would be a backwards step. The Down and Superjoint singer tells Metal Sucks: "After reading Rex Brown's Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story Of Pantera and then all that's been said about Pantera, I don't want to do it right now.

"I'm not so sure that I want the rest of the world knowing all my business. There's got to be some limit or line. Maybe somewhere down the line, hopefully, 30 years from now, if I'm that f***ing lucky, or if I'm on my deathbed, then I'll speak and spout it out and tell everybody." Read more here.




Lamb Of God Members Fought Over New Album Title(TeamRock Radio)


Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler says he was initially against calling the band's latest album Sturm Und Drang. The title translates as "storm and stress" with mainman Randy Blythe saying he chose the name after looking for a German phrase to match his character.
But Adler reports he was initially opposed to the move. He tells Elliot In The Morning: "We fought over that forever - and it was me on the side of not wanting to name it that.

"But a compromise was found in adding the Roman numeral VII to it. So it's the seventh studio record from Lamb Of God, so hopefully most people that I know will just refer to it as 'Seven'"

VII: Sturm Und Drang was released last week and features the track Overlord, which has clean vocals from Blythe. And Adler says they thought long and hard before including the song on the record. Read more here.




Billy Corgan Slams Today's Alternative Rock Scene(Classic Rock)

Smashing Pumpkins mainman Billy Corgan has hit out at the current state of alternative rock music - saying Radiohead are the only band to do "anything new with the guitar" in recent years.
And he says while other genres are moving forward, rock has been stuck in a rut for two decades. He tells Entertainment Weekly: "If you look at most alternative rock music in 2015, it hasn't really evolved for 20 years.

"We get our asses kicked by EDM or some of these artists that are more keyboard and drum machine and reverb. They're engaging in new technology. Guitar isn't new technology - there are only so many ways you can warp it around.

"Radiohead was probably the last band that really did anything new with the guitar." Read more here.




Fear Factory Streaming New Song 'Dielectric'(TeamRock Radio)

Fear Factory have released a stream of their track Dielectric. The song comes from their ninth album Genexus which is due for release on August 7 via Nuclear Blast. They previously released Protomech and Soul Hacker from the record.
Guitarist Dino Cazares said of the new album: "It's a hybrid between organic and digital - that's what this record sounds like, and I think that's what makes it really good."

Joining Cazares in the lineup are frontman Burton C. Bell, drummer Mike Heller and former Static-X and Soulfly bassist Tony Campos, who replaced Matt DeVries earlier this year.

Troubled Journey sticksman Deen Castronovo guests on the album. He'll appear in court in October to answer charges of rape and assault. Watch the new video here.




Queen Release Video Trailer For New Box Set(hennemusic)


Queen has released a video trailer as a preview of their forthcoming "The Studio Collection" Special Edition Vinyl Box Set, due for release on September 25.
The package will present 18 remastered vinyl editions of the complete collection of 15 Queen studio albums - from the 1973 self-titled debut to 1995's "Made In Heaven" - and comes with a fully customized limited edition Queen-branded turntable made by Rega.

The 15 albums are configured across 18 discs due to some tweaks in the change of format to vinyl: 1974's "Queen II" is spread across two records with a custom etching on the reverse side in tribute to the original "Side White" and "Side Black" presentation, while 1991's "Innuendo and 1995's "Made In Heaven" are double albums due to the longer running time on the original CD releases.

"The Studio Collection" presents each album in a different colour along with an illustrated 12 x 12 inch 108 page hardback book complete with introductions to each record - including quotes from Queen themselves, hand-written lyrics, rare photographs, memorabilia, and information on singles and videos. Watch the video here.




Whitesnake's Michael Devin Does Marriage Proposal On Stage(hennemusic)

Whitesnake bassist Michael Devin proposed to his girlfriend, actress Drea de Matteo ("The Sopranos", "Sons Of Anarchy"), during the band's concert at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, and video from the show has surfaced.
"Very, very special & magical night, Boys & Girls," tweeted singer David Coverdale. "Michael D proposed to his Beloved Drea De Matteo onstage!!! WooHoo."

"Cheers To Michael & Drea!!!!," he added in a separate tweet accompanied by an image of a button marked "press for champagne." Whitesnake are in the middle of their North American tour in support of "The Purple Album", a project that sees Coverdale re-recording classic songs from the Deep Purple Mark 3 and Mark 4 records he appeared on, including 1974's "Burn" and "Stormbringer" and 1975's "Come Taste The Band." Watch the video here.




Theory Of A Deadman Release 'Blow' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Theory Of A Deadman have released a video for their track Blow. The song features on 2014 album Savages and takes aim at celebrity culture, Chris Brown, Kanye West, social media and more.
Tyler Connolly recently told Audio Ink Radio: "People can see through what you're writing if it isn't the truth. Music connects people better than anything else. That's the great thing about music. There's a connection through all of us.

"Write how you feel - and I guarantee that other people will feel it too." Theory Of A Deadman released their _Angel Acoustic _EP earlier this year to coincide with a UK tour. They're currently on the road across North America. Watch the video here.




Small Faces Box Set To Be Released This Fall(Classic Rock)


A five-disc Small Faces box set has been announced, covering all the band's work on the Decca label from the mid-60s. The Decca Years 1965-1967 will be released on October 9 and features their self-titled 1966 debut album and the following year's From The Beginning.
Also include in the package which is being released to celebrate their 50th anniversary are a greatest hits disc along with a 23-track anthology of rarities and outtakes.

In addition, a collection titled the BBC Sessions will be included featuring 'lost' tapes discovered from the Decca archives. These recordings and interviews with frontman Steve Marriott haven't been heard since they were originally broadcast.

The package has been remastered from the original analogue sources by Faces drummer Kenney Jones and comes with a 72-page booklet featuring photographs and press cuttings. Read more including the track details here.




Halestorm Poised To Reach Chart Milestone(Gibson)

Chalk up another milestone for Halestorm's Lzzy Hale. The band's most recent single, "Amen," is set to hit Number One on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs chart this week, making Halestorm only the second female-fronted rock act to achieve that distinction three times.
Since the chart's 1981 inception, only The Pretty Reckless, fronted by Taylor Momsen, can lay claim to the same achievement. Halestorm first topped the Mainstream Rock Songs chart in 2013, with the single "Freak Like Me."

This year, the band hit Number One for a second time in late March with "Apocalyptic." Their most recent album, Into the Wild Life, topped the Hard Rock Albums chart, making Halestorm the only female-fronted group to accomplish that feat twice. Read the Gibson report here.






Between The Buried And Me Score This Biggest Hit Yet(Prog)


Between The Buried And Me have thanked fans for their support after latest album Coma Ecliptic gave them their highest-ever chart placements. The release topped the Hard Music Billboard Chart in the US while reaching number 4 in the UK's Rock and Metal Chart and number 10 in the Independent Chart.
Other positions include topping the iTunes Metal Chart, Vinyl Chart and the Amazon Hard Rock Chart. Frontman Tommy Rogers tells TeamRock: "After 15 years of writing music together, we're very flattered to chart for the first time in the UK. We want to thank our fans for such huge amounts of support over the years."

Coma Ecliptic tells the story of a patient in a coma who travels through his past lives. The band say: "He's offered a choice - stay, or move to the next in search of something more 'perfect.'" Read more here.




Chelsea Wolfe Streaming New Song 'Grey Days'(Prog)


Chelsea Wolfe has released a stream of her track Grey Days. It's taken from her fifth album titled Abyss, which is set for release on August 7 via Sargent House.
Wolfe tells Billboard: "For this album I was interested in the subconscious, or unconscious mind, approaching it like a warehouse full of memories and emotions to be confronted.

"Grey Days came from a conversation with someone I met on the road who had been in prison. He called that time his 'grey days.' It's about something holding you back."

Wolfe is joined on the album by multi-instrumentalist Ben Chisholm, drummer Dylan Fujioka, violist Ezra Buchla and guitarist Mike Sullivan. She'll head out on a North American tour in August and will announce Europe dates at a later date. See the dates and stream the new song here.




Arcane Roots Tease New Album With 'If Nothing Breaks' Clip(Prog)


Arcane Roots have begun teasing the follow-up to 2012 debut Blood & Chemistry. They've released a 20-second video entitled "If Nothing Breaks..." accompanied by the hashtag #INBNM.
Co-founding drummer Daryl Atkins last month announced he wouldn't be playing with the band any longer, saying: "Due to unfortunate circumstances I've had to make the very difficult decision that it's not in my best interests to carry on touring."

He added: "I'm still part of Arcane Roots, just working in the shadows rather than in the bright lights." His replacement is yet to be announced. Check out the teaser video here.




Arjen Lucassen Announces Limited Edition Guilt Machine Release(Prog)


Arjen Lucassen's Guilt Machine album On This Perfect Day will receive a limited-edition vinyl release in September. The 2009 title saw the Ayreon mastermind reacting to epic 2007 work 01011001 by focusing on a project with just a handful of collaborators.
On This Perfect Day was mainly built around singer Jasper Steverlinck, guitarist Lori Linstruth and ex-Porcupine Tree drummer Chris Maitland, along with the bandleader's multi-instrumental contributions.

Lucassen says: "Zero-One was a logistic and financial nightmare. That's why I wanted to keep On This Perfect Day on a manageable scale. Working with a small group of people also provided a welcome new challenge.

"People sometimes tell me how hard they think it must be to write parts for the huge cast of vocalists on an Ayreon release. Actually it's easy - I can choose vocalists who are specialised for each particular emotion that I want to express.

"But for Guilt Machine I had to find one singer who could cover the entire range of feelings and emotions, and who was versatile enough to keep things interesting until the last song." Read more and watch the trailer here.



KISS Rock Acoustic Version Of Rock and Roll Over Rarity(hennemusic)


KISS unplugged for An Acoustic Evening With performance at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, in Highland, CA on Friday. The band has released video footage of the vintage 1976 "Rock And Roll Over" track, "Love 'Em And Leave 'Em", marking its first live appearance since 2006.
KISS' 20-song set list featured 17 tracks from their classic 70s era alongside a pair of 80s tunes and a single track from the 90s. "Like all things that we do, we do it only if we want to," Gene Simmons tells The Press-Enterprise about the rare acoustic evening. "Sometimes it takes a lot of work. Sometimes it's just seamless. Like when we do the Kiss cruises, it's a lot of work. You're talking, making sure every person gets personalized signed stuff, pose for photos with every person and do a few shows.

"Playing at San Manuel is seamless. You sort of get up and it feels like somebody's in your living room, compared to the stadiums we play in. It's easy and we get a chance to not worry about the pyrotechnics and technical stuff. It feels informal." Watch the video here.



U2 Joined By Jimmy Fallon To Perform Classic Song(hennemusic)


U2 were joined by Jimmy Fallon for a performance of their 1988 hit, "Desire", at New York's Madison Square Garden on July 22 and video of the jam has been posted online. Fallon also shared the behind the scenes story of his U2 performance the following night on his NBC show.
The surprise appearance on the group's "Innocence + Experience" tour began when Fallon was called on stage from his spot in the crowd on the floor, where he held up a sign that read "singer with a broken finger."

"I'm a big fan of Irish people that fall down and hurt themselves," said Fallon when he arrived on stage with an introduction by Bono. "So you're like a mentor to me, brother. Edge, what you did a couple of weeks ago falling off the stage was classic, brother. I'm happy to be a part of the club."

The reference calls upon Bono's bicycle injury in New York's Central Park last November, as well as guitarist The Edge's fall off stage during the tour's opening night in Vancouver on May 14.

Still wearing a cast, Fallon recently suffered a serious injury to his left hand that almost cost him a finger when he fell in his apartment at the end of June. Following "Desire", Fallon and U2 brought out The Tonight Show house band The Roots for 1988's "Angel Of Harlem." Watch videos here.



Duff McKagan Talks Mad Season Reunion Concert(Radio.com)


On January 30 of this year, fans of the '90s Seattle music scene had their minds blown by a (probably) one-off event that paid tribute to the city's supergroups and fallen icons, and now it's going to be released on CD, vinyl and as a download.
The centerpiece of the show, which took place at Seattle's Benaroya Hall, was an ad hoc reunion by the supergroup Mad Season's surviving members, guitarist Mike McCready (also of Pearl Jam) and drummer Barrett Martin (formerly of Screaming Trees, currently of Walking Papers). Accompanied by the Seattle Symphony, and joined by singer Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden) filling in the for the late Layne Staley (of Alice In Chains) and bassist Duff McKagan (formerly of Guns N Roses, currently of Walking Papers) filling in for the late John Baker Saunders, they performed a few songs from Mad Season's lone album, the 1995 classic Above.

The show also saw McCready performing a classical original, "Walking the Horizon," accompanied by Pearl Jam/Soundgarden/Temple of the Dog drummer Matt Cameron and the Seattle Symphony. Finally, there was a Temple of the Dog reunion when Cornell and McCready were joined by Cameron and Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, for two songs from the legendary band's sole album, their 1991 self-titled effort.

We recently spoke to McKagan about the show, as he was promoting his latest book, How to Be a Man. While some may have been surprised by the choice of the ex-Guns N Roses member to fill in for Mad Season, McKagan is a proud Seattlite who has jammed with McCready in the past, and is a former member of legendary Seattle band the Fastbacks. And, as mentioned, he is bandmates with Mad Season's Barrett Martin in Walking Papers.

"The Seattle Symphony approached Mike McCready about doing the Mad Season record," he told Radio.com. "Immediately, Cornell agreed to do it. He was [Mad Season/Alice In Chains singer] Layne [Staley]'s friend. And then they asked me, I was also Layne's friend. Regrettably, I didn't know [Mad Season bass player] Baker [aka John Saunders]. But I feel like I do now, because I listened to his bass playing inside and out." Read more here.




Weezer's Rivers Cuomo Looks for Love In 'Go Away' Video(Radio.com)

Rivers Cuomo goes looking for love using the latest dating app. Well, kinda. In support of their recent collaboration with Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino, titled 'Go Away," Weezer has released a music video in which frontman Rivers Cuomo uses 'Winder" (a play on Tinder), to woo his online crush.
Dressing like a hipster DJ, a bleach-blond surfer dude, and a money-grubbing millionaire, Cuomo fails to attract his e-love, until he figures out the perfect con.

The fuzzy track comes from 2014's Everything Will Be Alright in the End, the ninth studio record in Weezer's lengthy career. Unlike the band's preceding handful of releases, this album harkens clearly to their roots, feeding fans of the storied band the tinny guitar tones, chants, and insistent catchiness that attracted them to The Blue Album back in 1994. Read more and watch the video here.



Kataklysm Release 'The Black Sheep' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Kataklysm have released a music video for their track The Black Sheep. It's taken from 12th album Of Ghosts And Gods which is released on July 30 via Nuclear Blast.
The band revealed earlier this year that they felt rejuvenated while recording the follow-up to 2013's Waiting For The End To Come. The Canadian outfit say about the track:

"The Black Sheep is a song we feel represents anyone who follows his or her own path despite facing critics and hate for being different than the norm. I'm sure many metalheads will relate - we surely do."

Kataklysm recently announced plans for a 44-date European tour, which kicks off in Germany on January 7. Watch the new video here.




Gus G Releases 'Brand New Revolution' Video(Classic Rock)

Gus G has premiered a music video for the track Brand New Revolution. The song is taken from his solo album of the same name which was released last week. He previously issued streams of Burn and The Quest.
The Ozzy Osbourne and Firewind star said of the record: "I feel the album as a whole has many influences, from classic hard rock and metal, to more modern and current sounds."

The follow-up to I Am The Fire features guest appearances from Jeff Scott Soto, Mats Leven, Amaranthe's Elize Ryd, and Jacob Bunton of Lynam and Adler.

The guitarist is currently on tour across Europe and will set sail from Florida on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise in February. Watch the video here.



The Fierce And The Dead Release 'Magnet In Your Face' Video(Prog)


The Fierce And The Dead have released a video for Magnet In Your Face - their first new track in two years. It's taken from their EP entitled Magnet, set for launch on August 14 and follows the stream of the lead track earlier this month.
Guitarist Matt Stevens said: "This EP represents a different sound for us. It's important to keep moving forward. It's more joyous and intense, with bigger riffs and more of an electronic feel."

The band continue work on their third full-length album, having described the material as "f***ing terrifying." Watch the "Rehearsal Recording" video for "Magnet In Your Face" here.

More on The Fierce And The Dead - The Fierce And The Dead Music, DVDs, Books and more - The Fierce And The Dead T-shirts and Posters
Obsidian Kingdom Release Live Drone Set Video(Prog) Obsidian Kingdom have released a live video shot during their Drone Set side-project. It features a performance of their piece BCNmp7. Metal•lúrgies, recorded during a concert in Barcelona last month.
The Catalan outfit say: "We combine our rock band aspect with the Drone Set effort - an ephemeral live project focused on impromptu and sonic experimentation.

"Through active listening and an exclusively live approach we amalgamate drone, noise, ambient music and video projections for a unique and surrounding audiovisual live experience."

Each session requires the musicians to "rethink their connection with their instruments, deepening their possibilities through unorthodox use." The effect is maximised through the contributions of a video artist who effectively becomes an additional member of the band.

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Jimmy Page Reveals What Next Led Zeppelin Album Would Have Been(Classic Rock) Jimmy Page has opened up on how Led Zeppelin's...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Jimmy Page Reveals What Next Led Zeppelin Album Would Have Been(Classic Rock)

Jimmy Page has opened up on how Led Zeppelin's ninth album might have sounded - if the band hadn't split on the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. And the guitarist says he wasn't aware of any tension within the lineup as they worked on what would be their final releases.
Led Zep had endured a potentially permanent break after the death of Plant's young son Karac in 1977, and finally ground to a halt following Bonham's passing in 1980. Coda was released two years later.

But Page says he knows what the band would have done with their next studio title if they'd kept going: "Riffs. Interestingly-contructed riffs and hypnotic music," he says.

"John and I spoke about this a lot. Let's put it this way - on the next album, John wouldn't have been playing with brushes. John loved the idea of anything where he could really get going." Read more here.



Kings Of Leon Announce Free New Year's Eve Show

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced that Kings Of Leon will be bringing some rock to the country music capitol on New Year's Eve with a free headlining Bash on Broadway set.
Kings of Leon's Nathan Followill had the following to say about the show, "I can think of no place I'd rather play New Year's Eve than at home with 100,000 of my closest friends."

Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the NCVC, adds "The Kings' following internationally is beyond impressive - no doubt they are one of the biggest rock bands in the world right now.

"Not only are they great musicians, but they love Nashville and are great ambassadors for us. We are honored to have them play their hometown and know it takes our event to a new level in terms of reach and expectations."

Read more details on the NCVC's website here.



Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Does Surprise Performance At A Park(hennemusic)


Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler surprised a handful of fans in a downtown park in Kelowna, British Columbia on July 13 when he stopped by and performed a taste of an Aerosmith classic on a piano.
The singer played the intro to his band's 1973 signature tune, "Dream On", just hours before the group's show at Kelowna's Prospera Place as part of their Blue Army tour.

Inspired by similar programs in other cities around the world, Kelowna's Pianos In Parks initiative - part of Festivals Kelowna - sees 5 free, playable and accessible pianos installed in high profile, public spaces throughout its downtown to encourage residents and visitors to stop by and play the instrument.

Aerosmith's 15-date Blue Army tour will wrap up in Grand Rapids, MI on August 4. The Boston band will release a new live package, "Aerosmith Rocks Donington 2014", on Blu Ray, DVD and Digital on September 4. Watch video of Tyler's park performance here.




Drama Surrounding Release Of Song Featuring Asking Alexandria Singer(TeamRock Radio)


Forever In Combat have defied a record company order not to release a track featuring Asking Alexandria frontman Denis Stoff. They recorded Lucid Dreams in 2013 and paid Stoff, who was then with Down & Dirty, to add guest vocals.
His band later signed with Sumerian Records - and the German metalcore outfit say the label wants to prevent the release of Lucid Dreams. But Forever In Combat say: "F*** it, whatever anyone says we have the right to release this song, and we will. We are not letting higher powers manipulate and push us around.

"The transaction was made in October 2013, when Denis was in Down & Dirty. He had told us that they had not been signed yet. They were announced as a Sumerian band in December 2014 - months after the deal was sealed." Read more here.




Rob Zombie Completes Album But Delaying For Visual Component(Classic Rock)


Rob Zombie says his next album is ready to go - but he won't release it until he's had time to add a "visual component" to the work. The shock-rocker and his band completed work on the follow-up to 2013's Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor months ago.
But Zombie tells Loudwire: "I have this idea that I really want to make a visual component. I don't have time yet, because I'm in the middle of editing my movie. I didn't want to just throw the record out there and there's no videos. I'd rather just hold it and do it properly."

The title was recorded over several recording sessions across a 12-month period, and Zombie says it was a good way to work. "It really gave you time to live with it," he reports. "Sometimes you go into the studio and plough through a record, and at the end you go, 'That last track is bullsh*t,' or, 'I wish we'd cut that part down.' Living with it a long time made the record so much better." Watch the full interview here.




Iron Maiden Releasing New Stronger Limited Edition Beer(Classic Rock)


Iron Maiden will release a stronger version of their Trooper beer - to mark the original brew selling 10 million pints. The limited-edition beverage was once again created by frontman Bruce Dickinson, in association with the UK's Robinsons Brewery.
And while Trooper, launched in 2013, sells at 4.7% ABV, the 666 version is 6.6% ABV. Dickinson says: "Our fans have been asking for a stronger brew, and it seemed only right to this at 6.6%."

But he continues: "Despite the links with our song The Number Of The Beast, the name has come about as some research by historian Terry Brighton. He's shown there were 666 soldiers who rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854 - and not just the 600 of Tennyson's famous poem." Read more here.




Mad Season Releasing Reunion Show and Final Layne Staley Show(Classic Rock)


Mad Season's one-off 2015 reunion show is to be released on CD, vinyl and DVD next month - alongside a recording of the band's last performance with Layne Staley.
Surviving members Mike McCready and Barrett Martin collaborated with Soundgarden's Chris Cornell, Pearl Jam's Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament plus Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan for the gig in January. They were accompanied by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

Mad Season/Seattle Symphony: Sonic Evolution/January 30, 2015/Benaroya Hall is issued on August 28 via Pearl Jam's Monkeywrench Records and proceeds will benefit the Seattle Symphony and Vitalogy Foundation.

On the same date, Legacy and Columbia Records will reissue Mad Season: Live at The Moore - the final performance to feature the band's original lineup. Read more here.




David Gilmour Previews Title Track To New Album 'Rattle That Lock'(hennemusic)


David Gilmour has released a preview of the title track to his forthcoming solo album, "Rattle That Lock." Due in September, the Pink Floyd guitarist's fourth solo effort sees him working alongside wife and lyricist Polly Samson and Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera.
"The album was largely recorded in a studio in Brighton," says Gilmour of Rattle That Lock. "There are parts that are recorded on my houseboat, The Astoria, as well.

"The song 'Rattle That Lock' was inspired, musically, by the sound that's played on French railway stations; before they make an announcement - a 4-note jingle is played. Every time I heard it would make me want to start dancing."

Gilmour will launch "Rattle That Lock" with a sold-out 11-date European tour, with shows starting on September 12 in Croatia; the run includes five concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall. Check out the song preview and the album EPK here.




The Scorpions Release 'We Built This House' Lyric Video(hennemusic)


The Scorpions are premiering a lyric video for "We Built This House", the lead single from their latest album, "Return To Forever." The German rockers will release an expanded edition of the project in North America on September 11 that will feature seven bonus tracks including two exclusives: "Crazy Ride" and "One And One Is Three."
The updated version will be issued in sync with the start of the Scorpions North American dates as part of their 50th anniversary tour, which opens in Boston on September 10.

"We have been overwhelmed with the amazing response to our new album across the globe and can't wait to finally release Return To Forever in North America," says singer Klaus Meine. "We have always had such a special connection with our incredible fans and are so excited to get them the new album and return to play live this fall."

In November, the Scorpions will release expanded reissues of 1977's "Taken By Force" and 1978's "Tokyo Tapes." Both projects will feature many previously unreleased tracks, including demo versions of some songs dating back to 1977. Watch the video here.




Blitz Kids Announce Details For Farewell Concerts(TeamRock Radio)


Blitz Kids have announced two farewell shows for October. The English rockers revealed they were calling it a day earlier this month and cancelled all their planned dates including an appearance at the Vans Warped Tour in London.
They promised at the time they'd announced farewell shows - and they've now confirmed appearances at Manchester's Academy 3 on October 9 and London's Dome on October 10.

Blitz Kids say: "It's been a tremendous ride and we want to celebrate it with you all, old fans and new. Come grab a beer and shed a tear. We are the good youth. Never die." Read more and see the poster for the farewell shows here.




Lynyrd Skynyrd Release 'Free Bird' Video From Tribute Show(hennemusic)


Lynyrd Skynyrd have issued video of a performance of their classic, "Free Bird", as a preview to the July 24 release of "One More For The Fans", a 2CD/DVD set featuring highlights from an all-star tribute concert held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta last November.
The second single from the group's 1973 debut, "(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)", is one of the Southern rock icons signature songs; it peaked at No. 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 upon its release and continues to be a staple at rock radio.

The "One More For The Fans" event featured performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as music legends and young talent, including Cheap Trick, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Blackberry Smoke, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Gov't Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt and many more.

As part of the campaign to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded "One More From The Road" at the landmark theatre; the title of the tribute concert and release was inspired by that legendary album's title.

Other previews from the forthcoming package include the rare track "Travelin' Man" and a Cheap Trick cover of "Gimme Back My Bullets." AXS TV will premiere "Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans" on Sunday, July 19 at 8:00pm EST / 5:00pm PST. Watch the "Free Bird" video here.




AC/DC's Classic Featured In Trailer For New Film 'Masterminds'(hennemusic)


AC/DC's classic 1980 track, "What Do You Do For Money Honey", is featured in the trailer for the upcoming Zach Galifianakis film "Masterminds."
Due October 9, the heist comedy film - based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery in North Carolina - is directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Gentlemen Broncos) and also stars Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis.

"What Do You Do For Money Honey" was originally issued on AC/DC's blockbuster 1980 release, "Back In Black." The group's first effort following the death of Bon Scott saw singer Brian Johnson join the lineup as the project delivered four singles - including the smash "You Shook Me All Night Long" - on its way to sales of more than 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best selling albums of all time.

AC/DC are currently playing shows across Europe on their Rock Or Bust world tour, which marks the return of guitarist Stevie Young and drummer Chris Slade to the lineup following the retirement of founder Malcolm Young and a series of legal issues faced by longtime member Phil Rudd.

AC/DC will launch al fall stadium tour of North America August 22 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Watch the trailer and the original video for the track here.




Prog Supergroup Flying Colors Release 'Fury Of My Love' Video(Classic Rock)


Supergroup Flying Colors have premiered their video for Fury Of My Love with TeamRock. It's their way of celebrating being nominated for Band Of The Year and Album Of The Year at the 2015 Progressive Music Awards, run by Prog.
The "Fury Of My Love" track is taken from Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Dave LaRue and Casey McPherson's album Second Nature, launched last year.

Portnoy says: "There is a real magic that happens when the five of us get together. It's a combination of these five very different styles and personalities that make Flying Colors so unique and special."

Neal Morse adds: "Writing with Flying Colors is exciting, challenging, and a lot of fun, because so much happens so quickly. I love the musical results." Watch the video here.




Fear Factory's Burton Bell Releasing Limited Edition Graphic Novel(TeamRock Radio)


Burton Bell is to release a graphic novel based on the Fear Factory's 2012 album The Industrialist. A limited-edition print run of 500 copies will be sold via the frontman's website.
A collector's edition, limited to just 100 copies, includes a signed and numbered graphic novel, a shirt featuring The Industrialist character and a numbered art poster.

Bell says: "As far as I can remember, I have been a fan of science fiction. Watching episodes of Twilight Zone and Star Trek led me to read Robert A Heinlein by the time I was eight.

"I started writing concepts for Fear Factory during the Demanufacture process. The sci­-fi element integrated itself into the band's philosophy and concepts. This early influence has directed my path of creativity to enjoy science and the future of humanity." Read more here.




Sikth Drop EP Plans In Favor Of New Mini-Album(Prog)


Sikth have decided to upgrade their next release from a four-track EP to a six-track mini-album. It follows writing sessions that the band say were "very fruitful," with the results due in November, to tie in with a UK tour.
Guitarist and co-producer Dan Weller says: "We wanted to give our fans more for their money - the price will be staying the same. We're in the best place we've ever been and the music reflects that. It's special."

Frontman Mikee Goodman says of the additional material: "We discussed an extra epic kind of song. I like that our songs can go in many directions. As always I'll have a spoken-word on there too. We're enjoying writing this mini-album." Read more here.




The Eagles React To Being Named 2015 Kennedy Center Honorees(hennemusic)


The Eagles have been named as one of the recipients of the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. The band will be inducted at the 38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors event in Washington, DC in December alongside fellow honorees singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas, actress and singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson.
The Honors recipients are recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts - whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television - and are selected by the Center's Board of Trustees.

"We are deeply grateful to have been named a Kennedy Center honoree," says the band. "The members of the Eagles hail from different regions of this great nation and we feel very fortunate that our music has been embraced by people from all walks of life, all over the world.

"Popular music is one of America's greatest exports - a bridge that spans geographical and cultural boundaries. We are truly humbled to have been able to be a part of this global connection. Many thanks to our fans, our fellow artists and the Kennedy Center for this recognition." Read more here.



Canned Heat Celebrating 50th Anniversary Tour With DVD-CD Release(Classic Rock)


Canned Heat will launch a Songs From The Road live pack to celebrate their 50th anniversary tour. The latest in Ruf Records' Songs From The Road series arrives on August 7 and includes a DVD and CD.
The veteran outfit say: "We're all amazed and thankful that we're still here, living our dreams of making a living doing what we all love - playing the blues, travelling the world and giving a taste of boogie to audiences everywhere."

Canned Heat manager Skip Taylor describes the set recorded at Harmonie, Bonn, Germany, as "a capsule of where the band was at on that particular night." Read more here.




Emperor Frontman Ihsahn Reveals New Solo Album Details(TeamRock Radio)


Ihsahn has reported he'll release his sixth solo album early next year - and it'll be based on a "more classic vibe" than its predecessor. The Norwegian multi-instrumentalist says he has finished writing the follow-up to 2013's Das Seelenbrechen and he's used some of the work that didn't make its final cut.
Isahn tells Eternal Terror: "There are a few themes that were not leftovers, but things that I wrote in the period when I did Das Seelenbrechen, but that did not fit."

But The Emperor frontman adds that fans should expect something very different with his next outing. He says: "Whereas the previous album was this total freeform, mental-trip kind of thing, this new album is much more focused on the rhythmical aspects, good choruses and, not necessarily technical, but really cool guitar riffs.

"At least that's the intention - to focus on a more classic vibe." Stream the full interview here.




Bullet For My Valentine Share Jamie Mathias' Audition Video(TeamRock Radio)


Bullet For My Valentine have issued a studio update which shows new bassist Jamie Mathias' audition for the role. The Welsh metal outfit release fifth album Venom on August 14 and revealed Mathias as the replacement for Jay James in May.
In the clip - the second studio diary so far - Mathias says: "I'm excited more than anything. There's a little bit of nerves because it's an audition. But I try not to stress or worry about anything. At the end of the day you just jam with a few boys."

The band are later seen praising Mathias' audition and choosing him as their newest member. BFMV are on a world tour, which includes their biggest run of UK dates ever, starting in Belfast on September 28. Watch the video here.




Patrick Moraz Releases Moraz Album Project(Prog)

Patrick Moraz has released his collaborative album entitled Moraz Album Project - or MAP for short. The former Yes and Moody Blues man partnered with longtime friend and drummer Greg Alban on the record, which is billed as 'a collection of instrumental pieces that range in style and spirit of world-fusion, rock and jazz.'
The pair - who first worked together on Moraz' 1984 album Timecode - are joined on the new release by bassist John Avila (Oingo Boingo) and percussionist Lenny Castro (Elton John, Eric Clapton), as well as guests Matt Malley (Counting Crows), Dave Van Such and Patrick Perrier.

Moraz says: "Some time ago, Greg asked me if I would like to start composing and arranging some music that he could play the drums on. He wanted to record a whole album together, and eventually, of course, release it." Read more here.




Styx In The Studio For New Classic Albums Box Set(ITS)


Syndicated radio show In The Studio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands has released a two part special where they celebrate the release of eight classic Styx albums in a new vinyl box set. The show sent over these details.
Originally a Midwestern phenomenon far from the musical meccas of New York and LA, Styx were outsiders of sorts to the music industry, but dearly beloved by their loyal fan base to this day. Styx songwriters Tommy Shaw, James "JY" Young, and co-founder Dennis DeYoung wrote about the life in America they experienced, all the while battling for respect from certain music critics hell bent on tagging them "corporate rock" for the band's hard-earned success.

InTheStudio host Redbeard gets first-hand accounts from all three principles about this period in Styx history, as the band's current and former members share stories behind eight of their classic albums: Equinox, Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, Cornerstone, Paradise Theater, Kilroy Was Here and the live double album Caught In the Act.

"Styx was a really hard thing to get people to believe in. Most bands have one sound. They have one guy you focus on and one style of songwriting... We were so different from each other that we were trying as hard as we could to have a unified sound." - Tommy Shaw

"The Grand Illusion, in part, was my way of saying, 'Don't be fooled by all the things you see, because that's not reality." - Dennis DeYoung Stream part one of the special here and part two here.



Led Zeppelin Release Preview Video For Expanded 'Coda' Reissue(hennemusic)

Led Zeppelin have issued a video preview of the forthcoming expanded reissue of their 1982 album, "Coda." Due July 31, the project features two companion discs featuring 15 tracks recorded between 1968 and 1974, including 1968's "Baby Come On Home" and a blues jam from the same sessions, "Sugar Mama"; an early version of "When The Levee Breaks" from 1970 titled "If It Keeps On Raining"; rough mixes of "The Wanton Song" and "In The Light" from the "Physical Graffiti" sessions; and, an instrumental 1970 mix of "Poor Tom" and the previously unreleased instrumental "St. Tristan's Sword."
The set also presents "Friends" and "Four Hands" ("Four Sticks" from "Led Zeppelin IV"), two tracks recorded during a 1972 trip to India by Page and Robert Plant that saw the pair perform with the Bombay Orchestra.

The band's ninth and final studio album, "Coda" originally presented 8 unreleased tracks recorded between 1970 and 1978. The project peaked at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 on its way to sales of more than 1 million in the States alone.

The project is one of three albums set to be released that will wrap up a year-long reissues campaign by the group; also due is 1976's "Presence" and 1979's "In Through The Out Door."

Led Zeppelin launched the extensive reissues series last June with their first three albums, "Led Zeppelin I", "Led Zeppelin II" and "Led Zeppelin III"; it continued last October with "Led Zeppelin IV" and "Houses Of The Holy"; and was followed by "1975's "Physical Graffiti" this past February. Watch the video here.




Creeper Announce New EP 'Callous Heart'(TeamRock Radio)

Rising stars Creeper will launch their first release with Roadrunner, an EP called Callous Heart, on September 18. They previously released a video for Lie Awake, one of five tracks on the title.
It follows the Southampton goth-punks' self-titled, self-released debut EP last year, a support tour with Funeral For A Friend and an appearance at Download last month.

Frontman Will Gould last year told TeamRock: "We can't just bash out a bunch of songs. Other bands might do it differently, but we always spend time putting a lot of research into our songs. When we're writing, I always rearrange the walls in my bedroom and make a collage to get a real visual sense of what we're doing." Check out the video here.



Parkway Drive Announce European Tour(TeamRock Radio)

Parkway Drive have announced a European tour early next year, in support of upcoming album Ire. The run of shows includes some of the biggest venues the Australians will have played on the continent to date.
Epitaph Records say: "Parkway Drive have tapped deep into their reserves of talent and creativity, and have taken their craft as musicians and songwriters to another level.

"Ire is clearly something brave and new. They are a band that will continue to challenge themselves - and in doing so they will again redefine what has been thought possible for a metal band from Australia."

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: X's Billy Zoom Fighting Cancer Again(Classic Rock) Billy Zoom of US punk veterans X is fighting bladder cancer and has been ...

Today's Day In Rock News!

X's Billy Zoom Fighting Cancer Again(Classic Rock)

Billy Zoom of US punk veterans X is fighting bladder cancer and has been forced to step back from the band. The 67-year-old will begin chemotherapy treatment in the coming week, after having being treated for prostate cancer five years ago.
The band have launched a GoFundMe page so that fans can help with Zoom's medical fees - and it's already raised $67,000 from a planned target of $50,000.

They say: "In the music community, we all take turns helping each other - we have since the beginning. Punk rock and benefits always went hand in hand: you name the cause, and the bands and fans will be there.

"Now it's our turn to help Billy Zoom, the wittiest, smartest, nicest, best guitar player and friend we know. He has a long road ahead of him - but we're confident. He's beat cancer once and he'll do it again!" Read more here.




AC/DC's Phil Rudd Appealing Threatening To Kill Sentence(hennemusic)

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has filed an appeal following his July 9 sentencing to 8 months of home detention by a New Zealand court after admitting threatening to kill and drugs charges stemming from a series of incidents in 2014.
In April, the drummer entered a guilty plea to one count of threatening to kill, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis. Last week, the Judge banned Rudd from taking any drugs not prescribed to him and he will be monitored 24 hours a day during his home detention, which he'll serve at his waterfront Tauranga mansion.

Now, the New Zealand Herald reports Rudd's lawyer has lodged an appeal to the July 9 sentencing. A series of significant new insights around the case emerged from the sentencing hearing, including:

• Rudd has been meeting one-on-one with a specialist psychiatrist but authorities have remained concerned about his behaviour. It emerged ESR results showed Rudd had tested positive for cannabis in a test in December.

• Rudd has reconciled with his would-be victim and agreed to pay him a substantial sum of money in reparation - the Herald can not reveal the amount for legal reasons. Mr Tuck told the court a process that had "started badly" had "ended beautifully".

• Rudd's lawyer claimed that a conviction would result in losses in the tens of millions of dollars that would have came from being able to tour with AC/DC. The Crown cast doubt on this assertion, pointing out there was no direct evidence that Rudd was still a member of the band.

• The rocker put the threats he made to his former employee down to "methamphetamine-induced psychosis". Read more here.


John Fogerty Vs Former Creedence Clearwater Revival Bandmates(hennemusic)

John Fogerty has filed a civil suit against his former Creedence Clearwater Revival bandmates for breach of contract regarding their use of the name Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
Rolling Stone reports the claim, which was filed Friday in California, states that former CCR bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford haven't paid Fogerty for the use of his songs as well as his share of their "touring and merchandise" since December 2011, despite a 2001 agreement to do so.

Cook, Clifford and the widow of rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, John's brother, preemptively sued Fogerty last December over what they feared was "pending litigation."

For his part, Fogerty reissued the same statement he made in December. "No lawyers, lawsuits, or angry ex-band members will stop me ever again from singing my songs," said the singer. "These frivolous lawsuits in the past took me away from the music I loved. I am going to continue to tour and play all my songs every single night I am out on the road. No matter how anyone else sees it, they are my songs." Read more here.


Def Leppard Releasing New Album In October(Classic Rock)

Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen has revealed the band's 11th album will be launched in October. And he says the follow-up to 2008's Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is "probably the most diverse thing we've done."
Collen tells WAAF: "I think it's the best thing we've done since Hysteria - I really do. It's the loudest rock guitars we've ever had." And he believes the project is all the stronger for having developed organically. "We thought we were going to do an EP or a single, and we came out with 12 songs, and now we've got 14," he says.

"There wasn't any industry - no record company executive or anyone saying, 'You've got to do an album.' It was purely because we wanted to write songs, and we felt the need to do that.

"In the old days the Stones, Zeppelin, James Brown, the Beatles, they'd go into the studio when they had an idea and they'd record it. We've done it like that, and it has a fresher kind of sound for it. The integrity is just amazing - you can hear that in the grooves." Read more here.


Ritchie Blackmore Sues Over Deep Purple Royalties(hennemusic)

Former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore is suing two management companies over claims that he is owed over a million dollars in unpaid publishing royalties and legal costs.
The Daily Mail reports Blackmore is claiming that a 2003 lawsuit brought by the lineup of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord and Ian Paice against two management companies - HEC Enterprises and Deep Purple (Overseas) - should have included him and that he should be compensated as part of the settlement reached between the parties.

Blackmore claims he is entitled to receive one fifth of up to 85 per cent of the income from 14 of the band's classic albums after he hired an audit by a specialist accountant covering the years between 2007 and 2013, which showed 'very substantial' under-accounting by both management companies.

According to the documents, a former director of both management companies admitted last November that £370,561 was due to Blackmore, and later revised this upwards to £480,638. Read more here.




Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page Live Streaming Rare Interview(hennemusic)


Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page will take part in a rare live streaming interview with fans today, July 13. The live stream interview will begin at 7:30pm CET.
The guitarist is promoting the group's year-long reissues campaign, which will wrap up on July 31 with the release of 1976's "Presence", 1979's "In Through The Out Door" and 1982's "Coda."

To participate in the Page session, fans will need to download the Periscope app from the app store (Android/iOS). Partricpants should then follow the user name Warner Music Germany directly at Periscope in order to attend the video live chat via Twitter.com/WarnerMusicde and Periscope. Read more here.



The Who Sabotaged At Music Festival?(Classic Rock)

The Who were victims of backstage sabotage ahead of their Glastonbury festival appearance, a senior roadie has claimed. And despite guitarist Pete Townshend describing it as one of the worst shows they've ever played, the tech insists they scored a definite victory.
He reveals that The Who were added to the Pyramid Stage bill at the last moment, "replacing Prince who decided not to come this year." Townshend told the 100,000-strong crowd on June 28: "This could have been better, but it's as good as it can be. It would have been great to have had a sound check and sorted ourselves out before we came out and hit you with all this sh*t."

The roadie says in a blog on the band website: "As we began to prepare, we found someone had sabotaged the carefully-tested audio connections for much of our gear. We've never seen that before - but we're good at plugging things in, so all damage was repaired in time."

He continues: "Within a few songs, we knew something was wrong. The band were playing more than a little loose, rather sloppy in fact. Pete was growing angry right away, yelling at one point that the band ought to play 'like we're in the same f***ing band' and telling brother Simon to pay close attention to their sync together.

"Soon after, Pete decided the sound screens in front of Zak's drums were in the way, and violently pulled them over. It helped, though, and he was more happy for a bit. The audience loved the raw violence of it, a rare display of anger you'd not see at others' shows. One more reason to see The Who.

"Late in the show, Roger decided he wanted all the screens off the drums, which is generally his own worst nightmare. He likes a controlled sound in his middle zone. The screens are up there directly at his own request.

"After deliberation on whether to follow his orders, we waited till the end of the Tommy set and came out en masse to remove the screens - then Rog decided he didn't want them taken down! And within a song, he walked right over and then pulled them off himself. Go figure!" He had more to say, read it here.




Van Halen Classic Featured In New Minions Movie(hennemusic)


Eddie Van Halen's classic solo, "Eruption" from the band's self-titled debut album, is featured in the new animated film, "Minions," which opened in theaters this past weekend.
At one point in the story, one of the characters - Stuart - is handed a guitar and told it is a "super mega ukulele." He plays a few notes before launching into Van Halen's groundbreaking solo and driving the crowd wild.

"Eruption" is one of several classic rock tracks featured in the film, alongside tunes by The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks and Donovan, among others.

"Eruption" introduced Van Halen - the guitarist and the band - to the world in 1978 as the lead-in to the first single from their self-titled debut: a cover of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me."

Eddie's tone, speed and use of two-handed tapping techniques on the track were game-changers, influencing guitarists from the day it was released. Read more and see both the footage from the movie and stream the original track here.




Randy Blythe and Gary Holt Featured In Metal Allegiance Video(TeamRock Radio)


Supergroup Metal Allegiance have released a video teaser for their debut album. The clip features the self-titled album's opening track Gift Of Pain being recorded, with snippets of Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe tracking his guest vocal part for the song. Exodus and Slayer axeman Gary Holt is also seen.
The project is led by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick and Winery Dogs drummer Mike Portnoy. Nuclear Blast will launch the title on September 18.

Skolnik said last month that he was loving the freedom afforded to him in the group, adding: "I enjoy being part of a guitar team in Testament - but I'm also somebody who you can give the whole track to and I'll make it happen." Watch the video here.




Corey Taylor Shocked His Kanye West Video Went Viral(TeamRock Radio)


Corey Taylor says he can't believe the response to his video message to rapper Kanye West. He last week shot a video, addressing West's claim during his Glastonbury performance that he was the "greatest living rock star of all time."
Since then the video has gone viral, notching up over 3,000,000 views in just four days. Taylor tells Opie Radio: "I woke up and the academics are in on it. There's all these blogs on it. Like, 'Well, Corey actually kind of is the greatest living rock star, and this is why,' blah-blah-blah."

Asked if he's enjoying the experience, he replies: "God, no - because it's so ridiculous. I've written three books, I've sold millions of albums, I'm in two different bands, I'm in movies and sh*t. And this is what it took! Me talking about some hard-on? I'm like, 'You've got to be kidding me, man.'"

The sudden attention only proves what he's saying in his recent book You're Making Me Hate You. "Everything has flipped on itself," Taylor says. "It doesn't take anything to be famous any more. It used to be, you had to have talent, a work ethic, something special. I was born in the wrong f***ing decade." Read more and watch the video here.




Lamb Of God Streaming New Song 'Erase This'(TeamRock Radio)

Lamb Of God have launched a stream of their track Erase This, from upcoming album VII: Storum Und Drang. It's released on July 24 - and those who preorder via the band's website, iTunes or Amazon will receive the track as an instant download.
Much of the lyrics deal with frontman Randy Blythe's Czech prison ordeal before he was acquitted of manslaughter, following the death of fan Daniel Nosek after a concert in 2010.

Blythe this week released a excerpt from his book Dark Days in which he says: "It was a bad day, but I wish I could remember more of it. I wish I could remember every second. Then maybe I would have had some real answers to all the impossible questions that were about to be asked of me." Stream the new song here.




Gene Simmons Explains Why KISS Did Scooby-Doo Movie(Classic Rock)


KISS star Gene Simmons has explained the band's decision to appear alongside Scooby-Doo in the feature Rock And Roll Mystery. The band revealed in April that they voice themselves in the movie, which marks the second time they've guested with the cartoon dog and his friends. The soundtrack also features a brand-new KISS song.
Simmons tells IGN: "We do very very few cross-branding things. We're very careful about who we associate with. Scooby-Doo is iconic so for us it was a no-brainer. When Warner Brothers came to us and said, 'How would you like to do a crazy-wacky thing?' It was like, 'Crazy-wacky is our middle name. What it is?'"

He adds that the movie pays homage to graphic novel culture and says of the plot: "It's a story that meanders left and right. When you think you've got it figured out, the portals of space and time open up and you're off into the deep wonderland of it all."

It starts off with a trademark Scooby-Doo scene: "There's a theme park, and we're invited to okay the Kiss World. It's haunted, there's a witch and spells," says Simmons.

"You find out that she's fake but there's a mystery behind the mystery, and we're off into deep space with superpowers and planetary-sized dangers. Just like in the Fantastic Four there was Ego, the living planet - and shame on you if you don't know what I'm talking about." Read more and stream the full interview here.



Soilwork Stream Title Track To New Album The Ride Majestic(TeamRock Radio)

Soilwork have released a lyric video for their track The Ride Majestic. It is the title track from the Swedish metal outfit's 10th album, due out on August 28 via Nuclear Blast.
Frontman Bjorn Strid says: "The Ride Majestic was one of the first songs we wrote for this album. The intro sets a certain melancholic mood and after that it's all pure melodic mayhem. There's a very epic and anthemic feel to it, which suits the album title perfectly.

"The lyrics deal with the fear of dying and the art of remaining sane while you're still alive. Not wanting to miss a thing, wanting to embrace every moment, and being able to bring it all back on your dying day, with a snap of your fingers.

"It's also a tribute to the ones we've lost and the comfort of hoping that they will catch us when we fall, on the other side. We believe that, if there is an afterlife, this song would be the soundtrack to that journey. It deals with the acceptance of life and death and possibly everything between and beyond." Watch the video here.




Warped Tour and Mayhem Festival Boss Sorry For Insulting Metal Bands(TeamRock Radio)

Mayhem Festival boss Kevin Lyman has apologized for saying "grey, bald and fat" metal bands are turning fans away from live music. The co-founder of the metal event, as well as the Warped Tour, said in an interview published last week that ageing metal bands demanded big fees to be on bills and that there was no community spirit, like that which exists in the punk scene.
He has since issued a statement via Blabbermouth, apologizing for speaking his mind and insisting that the challenges associated with booking bigger acts won't put him off.

Lyman says: "There has been a lot of talk on the internet about an interview that was done by me a few weeks ago - and I said some things to a reporter that I now regret. In a nutshell, the problem is I was never talking about Mayhem - I was talking about metal scene as a whole.

"Let me go on record saying that I support heavy metal and producing music events has been my whole career. We do strive to work our hardest to keep this Mayhem train rolling and it only works with the support of all of us and I'm apologizing for conveying my deepest concerns on the record." here.




Neal Morse Announces Epic Live Release(Prog)


Neal Morse has announced that he will be releasing a five-hour live package entitled MorseFest 2014: Testimony And One Live. It was recorded in November last year and mixed on the scene by Rich Mouser, who worked on the original studio albums.
It features full performances of both classic albums with a band featuring Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette, plus a four-piece horn section, six-member backing vocal section, strings and orchestra percussion.

Morse says: "We really went all-out this time. I wanted it to be the quintessential presentation and performance of this music. And so it was - and is!" Read more and check out a preview video here.



TesseracT Announce New Album 'Polaris'(Prog)


TesseracT have confirmed their fourth album, Polaris, will be launched on September 18 via Kscope. The follow-up to 2013's Altered State sees the studio return of vocalist Dan Tompkins, who'd been replaced by Ashe O'Hara for the previous release.
TesseracT say the work represents another revolution, promising "more experimentation with sounds and tones and deeper exploration into the core attributes of our trademark sound."

The band add: "Polaris is a different scenario - the first chance for us as a group to stop and take stock of what we are right now, to explore a TesseracT of melody, dynamics, and singular focus. For the first time, too, we feel free from the bounds of genre-specific expectations." Read more and watch the teaser video here.




Anthrax Announce Final Metal Show At Sunset Strip HOB(hennemusic)


Anthrax will perform the final metal show at the Sunset Strip's House Of Blues on July 29. The venue will officially close on August 7 to make way for a new hotel/housing/retail complex.
"Every show we've done at the Sunset House of Blues has been a party," says bassist Frank Bello. "Everyone who we're friends with who's not on tour shows up, either to jam or drink or just hang out. And I'll really miss that. Sunset Boulevard has lost its last great place to play."

"The memories that have been created will always live on for anyone who went to the HOB," adds drummer Charlie Benante. "I feel honored and privileged to have this last chance to blow the roof off of the HOB. The Strip will soon end up looking like a corporate strip mall, no memories there." Read more here.



Ghost Streaming New Song 'From The Pinnacle To The Pit'(hennemusic)


Swedish occult rockers Ghost are premiering "From The Pinnacle To The Pit", a track from their forthcoming third album, "Meliora," which is set to be released on August 21st.
The project sees the debut of new vocalist Papa Emeritus III alongside the Nameless Ghouls following the resignation of his three-month older brother Papa Emeritus II, who himself took over from original singer Papa Emeritus.

"Meliora" - latin for "better" - is the follow-up to the band's second album and major label debut, 2013's "Infestissumam" (latin for "hostile"), which debuted at number one in Sweden and won the Swedish Grammis Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album.

"From The Pinnacle To The Pit" follows the lead single, "Cirice." Ghost debuted Papa Emeritus III and four songs from "Meliora" at Doom in Linköping, Sweden on June 3.

The band will launch the Black To The Future North American tour at The Fillmore in Washington, DC on September 22. Stream the song here.



Warren Haynes Streaming New Song 'Is It Me Or You'(Classic Rock)


Warren Haynes has premiered his track Is It Me Or You via TeamRock. It's the opening song on upcoming solo album Ashes & Dust, created in collaboration with the band Railroad Earth after the Gov't Mule leader jammed with them live.
Haynes recently said: "I've been compiling songs that didn't necessarily fit in with Gov't Mule or the Allman Brothers, or even my last solo album. This record was really a chance to bring a lot of that music to fruition. It's given me the opportunity to take a lot of songs I love, that didn't have a home, and build a home for them."

Additional guests include Grace Potter, Shawn Colvin and Mickey Rephael, plus Allmans bassist Oteil Burbridge and percussionist Marc Quinones. Stream the new song here.




U2 Recruit Woody Harrelson For 'Song For Someone' Video(hennemusic)


U2 are premiering the video of "Song For Someone", the latest track from 2014's "Songs Of Innocence." Directed by Vincent Haycock, the clip features Woody Harrelson as a man being released from prison after years of incarceration and features his daughter Zoe.
The video thematically links to SundanceTV's Peabody award-winning series Rectify, which follows the story of Daniel Holden and his family as they struggle to move forward after Daniel's release from 19 years on death row.

U2 are currently in the middle of four-night residency at TD Garden in Boston as part of the group's "Innocence + Experience" tour. The group will wrap up the North America leg with an 8-show run at New York's Madison Square Garden before taking a five-week break; they'll return to open a European tour in Turin, Italy on September 4. Watch the video here.



Mike Dupke Announces Departure From W.A.S.P.

Mike Dupke announced late last week that he is no longer a member of W.A.S.P., after spending almost a decade as the drummer of the theatrical metal group.
He released the following message to fans via his Facebook page, "Ladies and Gentlemen: I am no longer with WASP. I would like to wish the guys in the band all the best in the future. I must also send thanks out to all the WASP fans who welcomed me with open arms. You all rock!

"I would also like to add that I am now available to join, work, and tour with any new prospective artists or bands. Feel free to contact me here on Facebook or through my website: www.mikedupke.com." Visit his Facebook page here.




Korn Give Rihanna's 'Better Have My Money' A Metal Makeover(Radio.com)


Rihanna's "B-- Better Have My Money" has received the remix from Korn. The rockers have uploaded their version of the radio hit to their YouTube channel.
Sadly, it's not a cover--which is to say, no Jonathan Davis vocals for you today. Instead, Rihanna's original vocals get the crunching Korn guitar treatment, along with cymbals-laden percussion and riffs plucked out of 1999 for your listening pleasure.

Next up, we hope: Rihanna cover of "Did My Time." Or "Y'all Want a Single." Or the entire Korn discography. Stream the unlikely remix from Korn here.



Pentagram Streaming New Song 'Misunderstood'(TeamRock Radio)


Pentagram are streaming a track from their upcoming album Curious Volume. Misunderstood is one of 11 new songs on the band's eighth record, due out on August 28 via Peaceville Records.
The band the following to say: "This old, firey, punky street rock song has only previously been heard during the CBGBs gig seen on the DVD All Your Sins.

"Although this song sounds nothing like the rest of the album, it does fit right in, especially when you consider the lyrics. It reflects Bobby's life-long love of The Dead Boys and other street rock bands."

Pentagram play a number of tour dates in August, starting at Heavy Montreal in Canada on August 7. See the dates and check out the song here.




The Strawbs Postpone Tour After Frontman Has Surgery(Prog)

The Strawbs have postponed the UK tour that was set to start later this month after frontman Dave Cousins underwent surgery for injuries sustained in a fall.
Their Plugged Unplugged electric shows are to be rescheduled for next year while the 70-year-old recovers. A statement reports: "Dave was taken to hospital in Margate on June 16 after choking on a cup of tea outside his house. This caused him to lose consciousness and smash his head on the pavement. He was discharged after this on June 19.

"Unfortunately this accident dislodged a kidney stone. On June 23 he was admitted to K&CH Hospital. He was operated on under general anaesthetic and discharged on June 26.

"He is recovering well, but is not yet fit enough to take the stresses and strains of a band tour. We are all disappointed - however, all Strawbs fans will understand that this decision is the right one, to make sure that Dave is able to recuperate fully." Read more here.



The Doors, Journey Taken Off Radio In The UK(Classic Rock)

Neil Young, the Doors, Journey and Bonnie Raitt are among a number of classic rock acts whose music can no longer be played by the BBC. The corporation has been forced to ban their work after the artists removed themselves from the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society group licensing deal.
It means there is no agreement in place to play their recordings, and therefore they must remain off-air. The ban extends to cover versions and works including samples of their original material.

The situation is unlikely to be resolved quickly. Wixen Music, who represents the artists, say: "The BBC can use Neil Young and the Doors any time they negotiate a license with us to do so in any given programme." Read more here.




Exxasens Announce Album and Release New Video(Prog)

Exxasens have confirmed details of their upcoming fifth album and issued a video for one of its tracks. They will release Back To Earth on September 7 via Aloud Music Ltd, with the clip for My Hands Are Planets available to view now.
Led by guitarist and programmer Jordi Ruiz, the follow-up to 2013's Satellites was recorded at Siete Barbas Studios in Barcelona. Said to be heavily influenced by the work of Steven Wilson and the progressive dynamics of Mogwai and 65daysofdstatic, the project mixes instrumental post-rock with choirs, stratospheric guitar solos and electronic grooves.

Inspired by the study of space, Ruiz originally built Essaxens as a solo project in 2007. Working in his home studio, the guitarist would upload one song a month online, eventually attracting a significant following and compiling the material with keyboardist Sergio Ledesma, bassist Cesc Cespedes and drummer Oriol Planells into the band's 2008 debut Polaris. Watch the new video here.



Riverside Reveal New Song 'Discard Your Fear' From Forthcoming Album(Prog)

Riverside have released a lyric video for their track Discard Your Fear, the first to appear from 6th album Love, Fear And The Time Machine. The follow-up to 2013's Shrine Of New Generation Slaves is set for launch on September 4 via InsideOut.
Frontman Mariusz Duda says: "I wanted to combine the 70s and the 80s. The 80s was a decade of musical growth for me - I remember being enchanted by music deep with bass, chorus and all kinds of reverb. Discard Your Fear is a good example of this flow."

Love, Fear And The Time Machine will be available with a bonus musical package entitled Day Session, described as the "brighter companion of the Night Session" that accompanied Shrine.

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: AC/DC's Phil Rudd Sentenced For Threatening To Kill Charge(hennemusic) AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been sentenced to 8 months...