Monday, April 4, 2016

Today's Day In Rock News!






Today's Top Stories

Rolling Stones Finish New Album, Plan More Live Dates


Keith Richards reveals in a new interview with The Sun that the Rolling Stones' new album has been completed and the band also plans to play some more live shows later this year.
When asked about the new album, Richards responded, "Yeah, that's in the can, although it might be a surprise to people and I can't say any more than that right now.

"We did sessions in London in December which suddenly gave us a whole load of stuff. In fact, the Stones have never cut so many tracks in such a short time. Now that's not necessarily a guarantee of a good record but there is something in the works and I'd just like to leave it up there in mystery land."

He was then asked about future tours and said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah! We're planning some gigs later on this year. I take each tour as it comes and at the moment I'm still shaking Cuba off me." Read the full interview here.




Guns N' Roses Play First Reunion Show At L.A. Club(Classic Rock)

Guns N' Roses delivered a 16-song set at a Los Angeles club Friday night to kick off their reunion tour - but an expected guest appearance from drummer Steven Adler didn't take place.
Frontman Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan were joined by axeman Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and sticksman Frank Ferrer at the Troubadour, where the fledgling outfit played in the early 1980s.

The show, in front of around 400 fans, consisted mainly of classics from their early years - although the title track from Chinese Democracy and Better were both performed, featuring Slash for the first time.

Recording devices were banned from the Troubadour, although several fans managed to post video clips and pictures. Read more and see some of the posts here.




Wes Scantlin In Standoff With Police

Puddle of Mudd frontman Wes Scantlin was reportedly in a standoff with 30 police officers at his Los Angeles home some time last month, according to an online tabloid report.
TMZ reports, via Loudwire, that police went to Scantlin's home to investigate a report of a suspected burglary of a car in the singer's driveway.

The singer was arrested on a previous warrant after the police broke down his door following a two hour standoff that included more than 30 police officers.

He reportedly did not receive any charges for the standoff. Police learned that Scantlin and his friends were simply trying to jump-start the car in his drive way.




AC/DC Classic Used To Fight Cancer(Classic Rock)


AC/DC classic Thunderstruck is being used by scientists to improve the effect of a cancer-fighting drug, they've reported. The 1990 song, from The Razor's Edge, is being used to force medicine particles to bounce, so they can be coated with a plasma shell that helps them last longer in the human system, and therefore do more good.
Before discovering the technique, only one side of each particle could be coated, and so the camphothecin drug was broken down faster. Confirming the contents of a paper published in February, the University of South Australia's Professor Nico Voelcker tells In-Pharma: "Normally, you only form the coating on one side of the particle, the side that is exposed.

"But the other side is not going to get coated. That's where we came up with the idea of using a loudspeaker that would play into the system. It would vibrate and the particles would bounce up and down. The chaotic frequencies worked well, and give you a more homogenous coating." Read more here.




Latest News

Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven Trial Date Set(hennemusic)

Led Zeppelin will face a May 10 start to a trial in the copyright-infringement lawsuit against the band over "Stairway To Heaven", according to the National Law Journal.
The suit - brought by Randy California's estate and members of Spirit - claims the acoustic introduction to 1971's "Stairway" was lifted from their 1968 instrumental, "Taurus."

The two bands shared the bill at several shows in late 1968 and 1969. "I do not recall ever seeing Spirit perform live," stated guitarist Jimmy Page in his deposition for the case. "Again, though, I am absolutely certain I never heard them, or anyone else, perform 'Taurus.'"

In the declaration, Page adds, "Prior to hearing a recording of 'Taurus' in 2014 in connection with this matter, I have never heard 'Taurus' or even heard of it. I am very good at remembering music and am absolutely certain that I never heard 'Taurus' until 2014." Read more and listen to both songs here.




Alice Cooper's Hollywood Vampires Announce Tour(hennemusic)


Alice Cooper's supergroup The Hollywood Vampires have announced dates for their first extended tour. Led by founders Cooper, Johnny Depp and Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Hollywood Vampires also includes Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Tommy Henriksen and Bruce Witkin.
In addition to a previously announced show at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on May 24, the band will perform a series of European concerts and some additional US dates.

New additions to the schedule include stops in Sweden, Denmark and Romania in May and June, and a July show at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

The group's live schedule is built around touring commitments to other projects by its members. "We have to carefully schedule the Vampires," Cooper tells Rolling Stone. "That's because you have Johnny's movie schedule, you've got Aerosmith, you've got Guns N' Roses and you've got me! It's five entities going five different directions.

"To get those guys all at once when we're not working is really unique, so everybody looks at their calendar and you have to find that two weeks where everybody's off." See the dates here.




Foreigner And Lou Gramm In Talks For 40th Anniversary Tour(Classic Rock)


Foreigner leader Mick Jones is talking to former vocalist Lou Gramm about a reunion to mark the band's 40th anniversary. The pair have settled their differences in recent years, performing together at an awards ceremony in 2013, after a fall-out in 2003.
Jones tells One On One With Mitch Lafon: "It's quite possible. We've actually been talking about it. I'm not at a point where I can say it's definitely going to happen, but we're trying to make it happen. It's kind of exciting - hopefully it's be possible to pull it off next year."

The anniversary lineup could also include original men Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliott and Rick Wills. Bassist Ed Gagliardi died in 2014.

Jones says: "We've kept up sort of a loose communication. My people and myself are physically putting it together now, trying to find the right venues that would make sense for us." Read more and listen to the full interview here.



Ace Frehley Streams Thin Lizzy Cover Featuring Slash(hennemusic)

Ace Frehley is streaming his cover of Thin Lizzy's 1976 track, "Emerald", which features a guest appearance from Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. The track comes from original KISS lead guitarist forthcoming all-star covers album, "Origins Vol. 1."
Slash joined Frehley to perform the tune more than a dozen times live in a studio session last summer. "It took me three days to pick the best takes," Frehley tells Rolling Stone, "and I think it came out great."

Due April 15, "Origins Vol. 1" sees Frehley joined by a variety of guests to deliver new versions of tracks by Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Steppenwolf and Free, among others.

Guests include former bandmate Paul Stanley, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Lita Ford and John 5. Check out the song here.




Rush Release Comic-Book Style '2112' Lyric Video(Prog)


Rush have marked the 40th anniversary of groundbreaking album 2112 with the release of their comic-book style lyric video featuring all seven sections of the 20-minute title track.
The band's fourth title was launched on April 1, 1976 and it's become one of their most popular works. The video first appeared in the 2012 remaster package, and will only be streaming via their website until tomorrow (April 4). The opening sequence, featuring Overture, can be viewed below.

Frontman Geddy Lee recently told Classic Rock: "The album just flowed - one song came out of the other. There was a lot of passion in that record, a lot of ferocity. It cut through the static of the music that was out there and it reached people." Watch the video here.




Paul McCartney Announces 67-Track Compilation(Gibson)


It all started with a weird, unintelligible five-second audio clip posted on Paul McCartney's social media last week. This was followed up the next day with the same audio clip, now accompanied by a super-fast video sequence of song titles.
It all became clear when a statement on McCartney's website announced the upcoming release of a massive sixty-seven track career-spanning compilation, tracing McCartney's solo output, as well as his work with Wings and Fireman.

In the announcement, McCartney said, " Me and my team came up with the idea of putting together a collection of my recordings with nothing else in mind other than having something fun to listen to".

"Maybe it's to be enjoyed on a long car journey or an evening at home or at a party with friends? So we got our heads together and came up with these diverse playlists from various periods of my long and winding career."

Titled Pure McCartney, the compilation, which releases on 10 June, will be available in 2CD, 4CD, 4LP and digital versions. The 4CD/LP version will contain the entire listing of sixty-seven tracks. Read more here.






Peter Frampton and Gregg Allman Announce Coheadlining Shows(Radio.com)

Two of classic rock's biggest names are heading out on the road together. Peter Frampton will partner up with Gregg Allman this summer to play four co-headlining dates.
Frampton will be performing at Gregg Allman's Laid Back Festival in Chicago, after which the two will hold four shows of their own beginning in mid-July.

"I've been a huge Gregg Allman fan since first hearing the Brothers' live Fillmore album. So this is going be a dream tour," Frampton stated. "I've had the honor of sitting in with the Allmans at their Beacon shows a couple of times and it just doesn't get better than that" (Ultimate Classic Rock). Check out the dates for the Frampton/Allman tour here.




Music Icon Keith Emerson Laid To Rest(Prog)

Music icon Keith Emerson was laid to rest at a private ceremony this past Friday (April 1st) by his family, after his tragic death at the age of 71 last month.
The Emerson, Lake and Palmer icon's passing was ruled a suicide after he was found at home in Los Angeles with a self-inflicted head wound, leading the prog world to pay tribute.

His son Aaron Emerson, also a musician, posted a picture of his father's grave yesterday and said: "I would like to thank all the thousands of people who have sent messages of love and condolences to myself and my family after the passing of my father.

"We followed his wishes, and he has been laid to rest in Sussex. Rest in peace Dad." Read more here.




Sixx: A.M. Stream New Song 'You Have Come To The Right Place'(hennemusic)


Motley Crue offshoot Sixx: A.M. are streaming "You Have Come To The Right Place" as the latest single from their forthcoming album, "Prayers For The Damned."
Due April 29, the record is the first volume of a double album project that will keep vocalist James Michael, bassist Nikki Sixx and guitarist DJ Ashba on the road throughout the year.

The trio will launch their world tour starting April 30 in Jacksonville, FL on April 30. "Sixx:A.M. is in the most creative place of our careers," says Sixx, "For James, DJ and myself, we think it's the perfect time to release so much quality music to our fans who've been supporting us over the last 3 albums." Stream the song here.




Surgical Meth Machine Release 'I'm Invisible' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Surgical Meth Machine - the new brainchild of Ministry's Al Jourgensen - are premiering their video for the track 'I'm Invisible' with TeamRock. The track is taken from the band's self-titled debut album, which will be released on April 15 through Nuclear Blast.
Says Al of the video: "Hello folks, thought y'all might like to see some home videos of my last Las Vegas vacation. Warning! Do not attempt to view this unless sufficiently high!"

Jourgensen says of the album "There's a couple of real poppy things on there, which brings me full circle, because, literally, I don't give a f*** anymore. So I'm actually almost acknowledging that first horrible pop record I did in 1983.

"I'm crooning on some songs, I've got some pop songs on there, and then there's just brutal assault for the rest of it. It's a very dichotomous record, but it's me, and I'm acknowledging everything that's been me through, like, the last 35 years. Let's just throw my balls on the table and hope somebody doesn't have a meat cleaver running." Watch the video here.




Avenged Sevenfold Tease New Song(TeamRock Radio)


Avenged Sevenfold have released a brief teaser clip of a demo track from their seventh album. The 50-second section comes at the end of a video message for fans, in which frontman M Shadows says: "We're recording stuff right now. We're not in the studio yet, but we're demoing."
No completion date has been confirmed for the follow-up to 2013's Hail To The King, although it's expected at some point this year. It'll be their first release with drummer Brooks Wackerman, who joined the band last year.

Avenged Sevenfold's only confirmed appearance for 2016 is on August 20 at the US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, with Metallica and Volbeat. Check out the video here.




Curved Air Forced To Cancel Shows Due To Family Emergency(Prog)


Curved Air were forced to cancelled three shows on the current UK tour this past weekend as singer Sonja Kristina had rushed to the bedside of her "seriously ill son."
The band were due to play in Ruislip tonight (Friday), Howden on April 2 and Bolton on April 3, but all three have been pulled. Curved Air say: "Sonja has had to travel to the USA to be with her son who is seriously ill."

As it stands, all of the group's other upcoming dates - including the tour with Renaissance - are still scheduled to go ahead. See all of the remaining tour dates here.




Ensiferum Announce Lineup Change(TeamRock Radio)

Ensiferum keyboard player Emmi Silvennoinen has left the band and been replaced by Netta Skog. The Finnish folk metal outfit announced the change in a Facebook post, with Silvennoinen saying she is stepping down for family reasons.
Electric accordion player Skog is now onboard as a permanent member after a year as a touring musician. Silvennoinen says: "Many of you have probably noticed that during the last year I have missed lots of gigs and now it's time to put an end to all rumors.

"For family reasons, I have to step aside from Ensiferum. It's been an amazing nine years. I have learned and seen so much all over the world. This decision was not made lightly.

"But every cloud has its silver lining and I couldn't be any happier that my dear friend Netta will take my place in the band." Read more here.



Cheap Trick's Fame Has Risen With Rock Hall Induction News(Classic Rock)

Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander says people in his hometown ask for his autograph since hearing the band would be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
The band will be entered into the Rock Hall along with Deep Purple, Chicago, Steve Miller and N.W.A at the April 8 ceremony at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

And despite years of success and gold and platinum records, Zander says his Florida neighbours only started asking for his autograph once the Rock Hall came calling.

He tells Canoe.com: "The thing I've noticed is the change in people where I live. I live in a very small town where I know everybody. And now when I walk around, people I've known for 23 years are coming up to me and going, 'Oh man, congratulations. Can I get your autograph for my kids?' That's how I see the difference." Read more here.




Motorhead Slot Machine Being Released In Honor Of Lemmy(Classic Rock)

A Motorhead slot machine is to launch online in memory of Lemmy in September. The late frontman was known for his love of gambling - even in his final days, the poker videogame he regularly played at the Sunset Strip's Rainbow Bar And Grill was rumoured to have been brought into his home.
The Motorhead slot machine will join Jimi Hendrix and Guns N' Roses in the rock-themed roster produced by gaming company NetEnt. Global Merchandising Services manager Gabbi Landdorf says (via LicensingSource.Net): "The Motorhead brand is synonymous with high-octane music and has one of the last real iconic logos in music.

"Ace of Spades, which will be included as a soundtrack, couldn't be a better theme song to this style of gaming and we hope not only fans, but the gaming public will appreciate the fantastic game mechanics that NetEnt are producing." Read more here.




Sick Puppies Stream New Song 'Stick To Your Guns'(TeamRock Radio)


Sick Puppies have released a lyric video for a new song called "Stick To Your Guns," which is the group's first track to feature their new singer Bryan Scott.
Scott, who previously played with Glass Intrepid and Dev Electric, joined Emma Anzai and Mark Goodwin in the lineup this year, replacing Shimon Moore.

Bassist Anzai says: "You have to push regardless of what anyone tells you. This was a big thing for us. You can pray, hope, or wish for something to happen, but at the end of the day, you have to stick to your guns, go out there and believe. The song is meant to empower." Stream the song here.




Ashestoangels Release 'Not In My Name' Video

Bristol UK goth punks Ashestoangels have released a music video for their song 'Not In My Name'. The track comes from their new album 'How To Bleed', which is set to be released on April 15th.
Ashestoangels singer Crilly Ashes had this to say, "Not in my name. It's a powerful statement. I think it's important to say this is not an omission of guilt. It is a rejection of all the horrible things that are done by those we trusted to protect us, on a global scale, a national scale and in our day to day life.

When taking away tents and blankets is seen as a solution to homelessness you know something is wrong. When we refuse to support the same people we have displaced you know something is wrong. I feel like by not speaking out then I am being complicit through inaction. It may just be a punk rock song, but words have power and if I can use that to make even the smallest difference, then I have too. I won't be complicit through inaction.
Things may carry on regardless, but not in my name." Watch the video here.




The Virginmarys Streaming New Song 'Moths To A Flame'(Classic Rock)


The Virginmarys have released a stream of their track Moths To A Flame. The song comes from their upcoming LP Divides, which is due out on May 6. The record is the follow-up to their 2013 debut King Of Conflict.
Bassist Matt Rose describes Moths To A Flame as "written about struggles through mental health and addiction and how we must stick together and be there for each other."

The band issued Motherless Land in February and also released two music video formats for their track Into Dust last year. The Virginmarys will perform at Derby's 2Q Festival in April, before appearing at Camden Rocks and Stone Free Festival in London in June. Stream the song and see the tour dates here.




Lars Ulrich's Join Or Die Appearance Goes Online(hennemusic)

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was among the guests featured on the March 31 episode of Join Or Die, comedian Craig Ferguson's new show on the History channel, and video from the broadcast is streaming online.
The series sees Ferguson joined by three guests to discuss historical and political questions, including History's worst tyrant, craziest cult and best frenemies.

Ulrich was on hand to debate history's most influential band alongside fellow panelists comedian/ actor Tom Papa and music journalist Alan Light, who has been a rock critic for Rolling Stone and the editor-in-chief for both Vibe and Spin.

The episode saw the group determine history's most influential band from one of six choices: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, The Ramones, Run DMC and Nirvana.

The panel also discussed the influence of several acts that didn't make the final 6, including Spinal Tap. "Every single functioning band out there has sat and looked at that movie and cringed," says Ulrich, "because we have all lived on those 'Hello Cleveland' moments - you can't find the stage, you're stuck inside the stage prop. It's a horror film." Watch the clips here.




Devon Allman Excited For The Open Of US National Blues Museum(The Blues)


Devon Allman has predicted a bright future for the US National Blues Museum after it opened in St Louis, Missouri, this past weekend. He's a member of the board who steered the project from concept to launch over a five-year period.
The museum offers access to historical exhibits alongside interactive experiences, including the chance for visitors to record their own blues music during their visit.

Allman tells St Louis Public Radio: "It's in a great location. We have space for special events - we're going to have concerts inside the venue, so there will be a lot of different incentives to get people in there.

"We hope that, as word spreads, it'll attract people. There's a certain clip we're going to need per year to get in there, and I think we'll hit that." Read more here.




Ihsahn Addresses Chances Of New Emperor Album(TeamRock Radio)


Ihsahn believes there would be no point in trying to make another Emperor album - because it would wind up sounding too much like his solo work. The Norwegian band's last release was 2001's Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire And Demise, but it was created almost entirely by the frontman.
They've since reunited on stage on a number of occasions, but he's turned his attention onto his solo career, with sixth album Arktis arriving on April 8. Emperor guitarist Samoth is gearing up to launch an album by his own band The Wretched End.

Asked about the chances of another studio project, Ihsahn tells Metal Wani: "I get that a lot - but I don't know if people know what they're asking for. I ended up writing the last album on my own.

"I was kind of bound in this direction of going it alone. So if it was up to me to decide, Emperor would sound like this. This is how I write metal. This is my direction." Watch the full interview here.



Deftones' Vega Says Stephen Carpenter Speculation Is BS(TeamRock Radio) Deftones bassist Sergio Vega says he's sick of the speculation surrounding the band's relationship with guitarist Stephen Carpenter. Carpenter admitted in February that he originally didn't want to play on eighth album Gore because he wasn't happy with the musical direction.
But he later slammed the suggestion that he was set to leave the band, and stated that the track Hearts/Wires, which had caused his issues, had become one of his favourites on the record.

Now Vega - who joined Deftones in 2009 - tells Rolling Stone: "People want to perceive it as the battle between melodies and the metal dude. They're not coming in with songs like that. We write together. The whole thing is such bullsh*t, to be honest. It just drives me crazy." Read more here.



David Lee Roth Thanks Fans For Van Halen Tours(hennemusic)

David Lee Roth offers up volume two of his thanks to Van Halen fans for their support of his last two tours with the band on the latest episode of The Roth Show.
The footage captures images of Roth from the group's road treks in support of 2012's "A Different Kind Of Truth" and 2015's "Tokyo Dome Live In Concert."

The tour video is accompanied by a soundtrack of Van Halen's 1982 cover of "Happy Trails" and Roth's 1985 cover of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody." Watch the video here.


WWE NXT Wrestling Stars Added To Download Festival(TeamRock Radio)

Download festival organizers have confirmed that part of this year's entertainment will be laid on by WWE NXT wrestling stars Finn Balor, Bayley, Baron Corbin and others.
They'll perform feats of athleticism and strength at a purpose-built ring in the main arena at Donington on June 10-12, before performances by headliners Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Rammstein.

Deputy festival promoter Dave Bradley says: "Rock and wrestling is the ultimate marriage, and we can't wait to bring this exclusive to the Download fans."

Friday, April 1, 2016

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!: Today's Top Stories Metallica To Perform At Record Store 2016 Record Store Day Ambassadors Metallica have announced that they...

Today's Day In Rock News!





Today's Top Stories

Metallica To Perform At Record Store

2016 Record Store Day Ambassadors Metallica have announced that they will doing a special performance at Berkeley, CA record store Rasputin Music on Saturday, April 16th as past of Record Store Day 2016.

The band had this to say in the announcement, "As this year's Record Store Day Ambassadors we will also be celebrating the release of remastered and deluxe versions of Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning, getting loud, noisy and sweaty, shaking up the East Bay old-school style."
Lars Ulrich adds, "Getting loud, noisy and sweaty at Rasputin's on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley transports Metallica right back to the core of its Bay Area beginnings". Find more details, including how to obtain tickets, here.




Guns N' Roses Reunion Tour May Be Expanded(hennemusic)


The Guns N' Roses reunion tour may be expanding beyond its original soon-to-be-announced North American dates. Guitarist Billy Duffy of The Cult shared some breaking news about the GNR trek with Vanyaland ahead of their show in Boston, MA next week.
"I believe we will be playing with them at a couple of shows that are not in the United States - I think I can say that - I believe," Duffy said. "I just found out."

It's unclear at this point if Duffy is referring to a pair of concerts in Mexico City in April or if he's aware of an overseas schedule that has yet to surface. Read more here.




Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman Dead At 73(Classic Rock)


Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman has died, it's been confirmed. The piano player and mainman with his namesake band Thunderclap Newman was 73. The band was formed by The Who's Pete Townshend and Kit Lambert in 1968 as a showpiece for the skills of Newman, John 'Speedy' Keen and Jimmy McCulloch.
The Who confirmed Newman's death in a Facebook post, which reads: "It is with great sadness that we report the death of Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman, who passed away yesterday age 73. Rest in peace."

Thunderclap Newman's biggest hit was 1969's Something In The Air, from the Pete Townshend-produced album Hollywood Dream. Newman died on March 30 (Wednesday) and producer Steve Hoffman paid tribute in a post on his blog. Hoffman says: "Andy himself, I always thought, was even better on a B-side of Something In the Air called Wilhelmina that one can safely assume probably did not get as much airplay as the A-side." Read more here.




King King Frontman Alan Nimmo To Have Vocal Surgery(The Blues)

King King frontman Alan Nimmo will take a 2-month break this year to undergo vocal cord surgery, he's revealed. The band will spend August and September off the road, after having spent a year promoting third album Reaching For The Light.
Nimmo says: "Due to the extensive amount of touring and travelling, I have developed polyps on my vocal coords, and unfortunately I will need a small operation to fix the problem.

"This will require a two-month recovery period so I am able to rehabilitate my voice and get back to match fitness. With great regret, we will be cancelling all shows for the months of August and September." Read more here.




Latest News

Led Zeppelin's John Bonham Tops 100 Greatest Drummers Of All Time List(hennemusic)


John Bonham of Led Zeppelin has topped Rolling Stone magazine's newly-published list of the "100 Greatest Drummers Of All Time." The late sticksman landed at No. 1 ahead of major players like Keith Moon of The Who, Cream's Ginger Baker and Neil Peart of Rush, among others.
Rolling Stone explained that their sure-to-be-hotly-debated list of timekeepers was based on "one important caveat: we used rock and pop as our rubric, so a drummer's work needed to directly impact that world (as we define it, of course) to make the list."

"We valued nuance and musicality over chops and flash," they added, "celebrating players who knew the value of aiding a great song more than hogging up a show with a silly solo." Read more here.




White Stripes Announce Double Disc Record Store Day Release(TeamRock Radio)


White Stripes are releasing a complete Peel Sessions double LP for Record Store Day on April 16. The duo appeared on John Peel's BBC radio show twice in 2001 following the release of their third album, White Blood Cells.
The sessions feature songs from the record and its 2000 predecessor, De Stijl. The promo also includes covers of Dolly Parton's Jolene, Gene Vincent's Baby Blue and the MC5's Looking at You.

Meanwhile, Frank Carter, Bring Me The Horizon and Deftones have announced special releases for Record Store Day. Check out the track details for the White Stripes release here.




Rival Sons Confirm Album Release, Stream New Song

Rival Sons have announced that they will be releasing their fifth studio album, 'Hollow Bones', on June 10th and the group has released an online stream of song "Hollow Bones, Pt 1".
Frontman Jay Buchanan had this to say about the new album "Each record we've made has been part of a distillation towards revealing the band's essence.

"This record is finally the release of the unapologetic, wild beast that has long lived within the ribs of Rival Sons, howling to be freed." Stream " Hollow Bones, Pt 1" here.



Royal Blood Streaming New Song 'Where Are You Now?'(hennemusic)

UK rockers Royal Blood are streaming a new single, "Where Are You Now?", ahead of its debut this weekend on HBO's 1970s music industry drama series Vinyl.
The duo of bassist/singer Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher were reportedly inspired to write the song after seeing the first trailer for the Mick Jagger/Martin Scorsese produced program.

"Hearing Richie Finestra talk about the first time you heard a song that made your hairs on the back of your neck stand up or made you wanna dance or kick someone's arse," Kerr tells Noisey. "I just wanted to write a song that gave me that sort of buzz."

Royal Blood have been off the road since wrapping up a world tour in support of their 2014 self-titled debut album last fall. Stream the song here.




Martin Henriksson Leaves Dark Tranquillity

Dark Tranquillity guitarist Martin Henriksson has announced that he has left the group, saying that he is departing the band that he helped cofound because he has "lost the passion for playing".
The band had this to say, "While putting the finishing touches on the material for our next album, we have to inform you that guitarist and original member Martin Henriksson sadly but amicably left the band a couple of months ago."

Henriksson says, "I recently quit the band. I feel I have lost the passion for playing music, and Dark Tranquillity deserves to have members that are 100% committed to the art. Therefore I decided it's in everyone's best interest to step aside and leave the band with the best possible ability to grow and get even stronger.

"I've had 26 years filled with wonderful memories and we made a lot of great music together, and for that I'm forever grateful. Thanks to all the fans, crew and other people involved that supported Dark Tranquillity through the years!"

The band has yet to reveal Henriksson's replacement but they have confirmed a tour dates across the world beginning with an appearance at the Feel The Noise Festival later this month in Austria and a series of European festivals this summer followed by a North American tour in November and December. See the tour dates here.




Rita Coolidge Says She Co-Wrote Eric Clapton Classic 'Layla'(TeamRock Radio)

Grammy-winner Rita Coolidge has publicly laid claim to the piano section of Eric Clapton classic Layla - and says she was rudely dismissed when she asked to be credited.
The 1971 Derek And The Dominos song is officially listed as having been written by Clapton and Jim Gordon, her then-boyfriend. She argues that she and Gordon had written a track called Time (Don't Get In Our Way) the previous year, then played it to Slowhand.

Coolidge says in her memoir Delta Lady (via the Miami Herald): "We played the song for Eric Clapton in England. I remember sitting at the piano in Olympic Studios while Eric listened to me play it. Jim and I left a cassette of the demo, hoping of course that he might cover it."

She "largely forgot about it" after that - until she heard Layla after she and Gordon had split up. "I was infuriated," she remembers.

"What they had clearly done was take the song Jim and I had written, jettisoned the lyrics and tacked it to the end of Eric's song. It was almost the same." Read more here.




Atreyu Announce A Death-Grip On Yesterday Anniversary Tour(TeamRock Radio)


Atreyu have announced they'll tour North America to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their record, A Death-Grip On Yesterday. The band are set to play the record in full at each of their shows, with Islander and Sworn booked as support.
Frontman Alex Varkatzas says: "Death-Grip is my favourite 'older' Atreyu album. It represents an exciting time and place for myself and my brothers. It's our most 'to the point' record.

"I also feel it's one of our most natural records as well. Lyrically, I got to run free and it felt great. We are pleased to play it in its entirety and give each song its due."

Atreyu have also scheduled a run of shows in Europe and the US following the anniversary tour, which includes an appearance at the Download Festival. See the A Death-Grip On Yesterday tour dates here.




Davey Havok's Blaqk Audio Stream New Song 'Waiting To Be Told'(Radio.com)


AFI's Davey Havok and Jade Puget released another track today from their forthcoming Blaqk Audio album, Material. The synthetic 80s-sounding song is the opening track on the album, Havok told Billboard.
"It really harkens back to a genre that very much influenced Jade and I and that really was a genre that inspired us to start moving on creating Blaqk Audio, which was, at this point, 15 years ago, believe it or not."

An electronic dance music fan for decades, Havok believes his new music lines up with today's EDM scene. "If we had the opportunity to do an Ultra or EDC or Hard it would be really fun for us." Read more and stream the track here.




American Head Charge Release 'Let All The World Believe' Video(TeamRock Radio)


American Head Charge are debuting the video for their track Let All The World Believe with TeamRock. The song is taken from the band's album Tango Umbrella, released this month via Napalm Records. It's their first album since 2005's The Feeding.
AHC say: "We touched upon different directions. Our influences come from the early 90s, Ministry, Tool, PJ Harvey and so forth. We cover a lot on Tango Umbrella. If people dig it, Cool. If not, Go f*** yourself."

Bassist Chad Hanks previously said: "Tango Umbrella, sonically, feels like a combination of The War Of Art and The Feeding. It's a logical progression for us as we continue experimenting with different feels, sounds and vocal styles. It's heavy in every way possible, and I really think our fans are going to love it." Watch the video here.




Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess Remembers Keith Emerson(Prog)


Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess has paid tribute to late ELP icon Keith Emerson, saying his style of playing changed his life. Emerson committed suicide earlier this month aged 71.
And Rudess reports that he was lining up a career as a professional classical pianist until he heard ELP's 1971 album Tarkus for the first time. Rudess tells Freqs TV: "This has been a major, sad event in my life because it was completely unexpected. Keith was my keyboard hero. He really was the person who I looked up to. His music changed my path of life.

"I was deeply in the classical path - I was going to be a professional classical pianist. I was going into the college division at The Julliard School. But I waved goodbye because I was already into synthesisers and Tarkus - I was into other things that didn't relate at all to what I had been doing."

Rudess says that Emerson "opened the door" for him to explore a different type of music and adds: "The Emerson thing hit me like a ton of bricks because this person that was not only my keyboard hero became a friend of mine.

"It's something I'll be thinking about for a long time because he left too early, he left us with all this amazing music. Whenever my hands touch the keyboard I'm going to think of him." Watch the full video here.




Killing Joke Release 'New Cold War' Video(Classic Rock)


Killing Joke have released a video for their track New Cold War. The song features on Jaz Coleman and co's latest album Pylon, which was released in 2015.
Bassist Martin 'Youth' Glover said of the record: "It's stark, brutal industrial suicide. It's the third in a tryptich of albums - Absolute Dissent, MMXII and now Pylon.

"We remain genre-blind so our music will always cover a vast spectrum of influences, from disco right through to heavy metal and beyond." The band have also announced a show at London's Brixton Academy on November 4 under The Great Gathering banner. See the dates and watch the video here.




Bullet For My Valentine Ink New Worldwide Record Deal(TeamRock Radio)


Bullet For My Valentine have signed a deal with Search And Destroy/Spinefarm Records. The Welsh metal heroes' four most recent albums - 2008's Scream Aim Fire, 2010's Fever, 2013's Temper Temper and last year's Venom - were all released under the Sony group, with their 2005 debut The Poison being issued on indie label Visible Noise.
The new deal will see future BFMV records released worldwide via Search And Destroy/Spinefarm Records - which is owned by the Universal Music Group.

Frontman Matt Tuck says: "We're very proud and excited to announce our signing to Search and Destroy/Spinefarm Records. It feels great to be part of a family that truly believes in the band and is ready to take us to the next level." Read more here.




Gojira Preview Snippet From New Album(TeamRock Radio)


Gojira have teased fans with a snippet of their as-yet-untitled record, which is due out this summer. The French group have been working on the follow-up to 2012's L'Enfant Sauvage in frontman Joe DuPlantier's newly built New York studio.
He and his drummer brother Mario say that many of the album's songs were half-written when their mother died.

Joe tells Rolling Stone: "The songs were half-written while she was sick. After she died, I still had to finish them. So one song was like, 'You're going to make it,' but the second verse is 'You didn't make it.'

"I felt physically, mentally exhausted. At the same time, though, the way it happened was beautiful. We were all around her. We had to cancel a few shows when she died, but it was very enriching at the same time. We learned a lot about death."

Mario adds: "When you read Joe's lyrics, for me, I cry right away. They're very deep and to the point. No bullsh*t. We recycle our sadness and depression in the music." Check out the preview video here.




Megadeth Were Advised To Change Logo And Grow Beards(Classic Rock)


Dave Mustaine says Megadeth were advised to grow beards and change their logo in the past - but insists he always had the final say on the band's direction.
The frontman admits they took advice on revamping their image following the success of their 1992 album Countdown To Extinction - but says that it didn't work for them.

Asked what changes bosses suggested for Megadeth, Mustaine tells Bonfire: "It basically started after Countdown To Extinction where the logo changed, our look changed. We were supposed to start growing facial hair, and we were told, 'Take the points off your 'M' letters on your logo, get rid of your mascot and stuff.' And we were, like, 'Really?'

"You've gotta remember, Countdown came in at No.2 on the Billboard chart, so we thought, 'Wow! This feels great. Now we're starting to get some direction. This is how you'll be great. You listen to people who have some credibility.' And we did, but it didn't work. And you don't realize that people that have credibility aren't always right." Read more here.




Asking Alexandria Release 18-Minute Interview Video For The Black(TeamRock Radio)


Asking Alexandria have released an 18-minute interview video on the subject of latest album The Black. Their first record with new frontman Denis Stoff was released last month after most of the original production work was scrapped following the departure of Danny Worsnop.
Guitarist Ben Bruce recently described The Black as dripping with "raw energy and aggression," adding: "You turn it on and you're like, 'Wow - they're back.'"

Asking Alexandria are midway through a world tour, culminating in appearances at this year's Reading and Leeds festivals in August. Watch the video here.




Lars Ulrich Says 'Hallelujah! Over Deep Purple's Rock Hall Induction(Radio.com)


For years, hard rock and metal fans felt jilted by the Rock and Roll of Fame; the institution seemed to mostly ignore the genre. The Hall of Fame was co-founded, of course, by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner, who is not a friend to the metal community.
But over the years, the Hall's stance has thawed a bit, with Black Sabbath, Metallica, AC/DC, Van Halen, Rush and even RS adversaries KISS being inducted in recent years.

And next week, 23 years after they were first eligible, the iconic British band Deep Purple is finally being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich couldn't be happier.

Ulrich is a life-long fan; he's also been announced as a presenter at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 8.

"It's been no secret that I have been fairly vocal about my appreciation for Deep Purple ever since I was about that big [gestures as if he here knee high]. They have probably been the primary musical backbone in my body ever since I first heard them when I was nine years old. I do believe that most people have heard me say that 'It's long overdue for them to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'… but now they're here: hallelujah!"

He noted their importance during the early days of hard rock and metal: "When I grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark in the early '70s, Deep Purple was the biggest rock band. There were three big bands at the time; Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. In Scandinavia, Germany and so on, Deep Purple were the biggest. People were just more aware of them. Led Zeppelin was probably more appreciated in the United States and Black Sabbath obviously were super heavy but I just didn't get to them 'til a few years later." Read more here.



Iamthemorning Streaming New Album 'Lighthouse'(Prog)

Iamthemorning have issued a stream of their latest album Lighthouse. Gleb Kolyadin and vocalist Marjana Semkina will release the record today, April 1 via Kscope.
The duo said of the album: "Lighthouse is a rich and eclectic album, with echoes of classical music, the Canterbury scene, northern folk, jazz and electronic sounds.

"Featuring a story of the progression of mental illness, the album takes the listener through the stages with the story's central character, her attempts to fight it, temporal remission leading to a final breakdown.

"Lyrically, the works and lives of Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath inspire the album." Check out the album stream here.



Steven Tyler Sings Dave Grohl's Praises(Classic Rock)


Steven Tyler says that Foo Fighers frontman Dave Grohl is one of his heroes and that the pair are "birds of a feather." The Aerosmith singer points to the fact that both of them emerged from behind the drum kit to take on vocal duties - and reports that he and Grohl have remained down to earth despite their success.
When asked who his heroes are, Tyler tells Rolling Stone: "There's so many, but really anyone that survived trauma. People like Dave Grohl. He could have gone the way of the rest of Nirvana, but he came out from behind the drums and became a guitar-playing lead singer.

"The two of us are birds of a feather. You won't meet two more country, down-to-earth, help-my-wife-make-the-pie type of people than myself and David." Read more here.




Black Peaks Streaming New Song 'White Eyes'(TeamRock Radio)

Black Peaks have released a stream of their track White Eyes. It's taken from the band's upcoming debut album Statues, out on April 8 via Sony Music Entertainment.
The band say: "This was one of the last songs we wrote whilst writing the record and by far one of the most fun to play live. This was one of those songs that has a million different sections that we originally planned to chop down but ended up leaving every last detail in there. We feel it represents us down to the last note."

Black Peaks kicked off a UK tour yesterday (March 31) in Newcastle with Palm Reader and Toska. They'll then head to mainland Europe in June before returning to England for an appearance at this year's Download festival. Stream the song and see the tour dates here.



Japanese Fighting Fish Release 'For Queen Marilyn' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Japanese Fighting Fish have released a video for track For Queen Marilyn. The promo is in support of their third album Swimming With Piranhas, due out on June 17. It's the second single they've streamed from the record, following November's U Ain't Gonna Win This.
Swimming With Piranhas is described as "coming from the real life wild experiences of Karlost and drummer Sweetman in Ecuador whilst staying with a Quechan tribe when they took a dip in the Amazon River.

"After their excursion, the boys did a Lep Zep III move and retreated to the countryside to channel all they had learnt from the 'tribal way of life' into creating an exhilarating thrill-ride record that bites hard and won't let you go." Watch the new video here.




Wire Streaming New Song 'Internal Exile'(Prog)

Wire have made their track Internal Exile available to stream. The song follows last month's release of the band's title track from Nocturnal Koreans, which is due for release on April 29.
The mini-album includes material left over from recording sessions from their 2015 self-titled record. Vocalist and guitarist Colin Newman says: "The Wire album was quite respectful of the band and Nocturnal Koreans is less respectful.

"More accurately, it's the band being less respectful to itself - in that it's more created in the studio rather than recorded as the band played it, which was mostly the case with Wire.

"A general rule for this record was, any trickery is fair game, if it makes it sound better." Stream the new song here.



Singled Out: Entheos' Neural Damage

Entheos, featuring Navene Koperweis and Evan Brewer, released their new album "The Infinite Nothing" today (April 1st) and to celebrate we asked them to tell us about the single "Neural Damage". Here is the story:
The main riffs have a strong death metal vibe but we wanted a progressive flair to it. Navene had received a toy electronic midi guitar from a friend.

He had been writing some odd chord progressions, just sort of messing around. On a whim, we decided to take those silly chords and merge it with the metal. The result gave us something we feel is quite unique and we hope you'll like it !

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

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!: Today's Top Stories Axl Rose And AC/DC Spotted Leaving Same Rehearsal Studio(TeamRock Radio) The wild rumor of Axl Rose sing...

Today's Day In Rock News!





Today's Top Stories

Axl Rose And AC/DC Spotted Leaving Same Rehearsal Studio(TeamRock Radio)

The wild rumor of Axl Rose singing in AC/DC might actually be true. Rose has reportedly been spotted leaving a rehearsal studio in Atlanta apparently on the same day as members of AC/DC - adding fuel to rumors that he is being lined up as a possible replacement for Brian Johnson.
The rumors of Rose taking on the guest vocal role with the group began last week that the Guns N' Roses frontman was in Atlanta, Georgia, to meet with members of AC/DC, who recently had to reschedule a number of shows after their singer Johnson was ordered to stop touring or risk going deaf. AC/DC indicated their intention to play the shows with a guest vocalist.

A local DJ in Georgia said he had it on good authority that Rose was set to guest with AC/DC, and Malcolm Young's son Ross reportedly said on Facebook: "It's true." Ross Young had posted a link to a story about Rose working with AC/DC, but his link was later deleted.

AC/DC then responded to questions about the rumours by saying: "Nothing official to announce. Will update you if that changes." Neither AC/DC or GNR's management have moved to confirm or deny the rumours.

Now TMZ have published an image showing Rose leaving an Atlanta studio, as well as an image showing Angus Young and other members of AC/DC leaving the same venue. TMZ report that both images were taken on Good Friday. Read more here.




Cheap Trick To Reunite With Bun E. Carlos At Rock Hall Induction(hennemusic)

Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen confirms the band will reunite with estranged drummer Bun E. Carlos to perform at their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in New York next month.
Carlos left the touring lineup in 2010, was replaced by Nielsen's son Daxx, and then found himself suing his own group for monies owed before reaching a settlement last year.

The Rockford, IL band will enter the Hall during an April 8 ceremony at New York's Barclays Center alongside Deep Purple, Steve Miller, Chicago and N.W.A.

"He's going to play the inductions because they're inducting the people who made the records way back when, and that's good,'' Nielsen tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He deserves it.''

At the same time, the guitarist notes that Carlos "has been gone almost six years, and Daxx has been playing the whole time. He revitalized the band totally.'' Read more here.




Smashing Pumpkins Do Reunion Jam With James Iha(Gibson)

It's been a long time coming: three fourths of the original Smashing Pumpkins line-up reunited in a performance at a concert in Los Angeles this past weekend.
Guitarist James Iha joined former bandmates Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain for a performance of a few classic songs at the band's show at The Ace Hotel.

They performed a suite of Siamese Dream songs including "Mayonaise," "Soma," "Rocket," "Today," "Disarm," "Spaceboy" and well as "Whir" from Pisces Iscariot. Read more here.






Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Calls Out Ignorant Critics(TeamRock Radio)

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has called out the meanest critics saying they lack understanding of music and branding them "bitter". He and bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, along with Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler, released the group's 15th studio album, Dystopia, in January.
And when asked if he thinks the music industry is now too tame, Mustaine tells Fox News Magazine: "Probably yes and no. I think that there's a lot of people out there that are probably overtly harsh in their criticism and it's because they don't want people to know that they don't really know what they're talking about.

"It's like the old saying - dogs with no teeth bark the loudest. You find that the meanest critics are people with no real musical education and they're just bitter." Watch the full interview segment here.



Latest News

The Posies and Sunny Day Real Estate's Joe Skyward Dead At 57

The Posies revealed that bass player Joe Skyward, aka Joe Bass, died on Saturday night (March 26th) after a two year battle with cancer. He was 57-years-old. Skyward was also known for his time playing with Sunny Day Real Estate.
"Joe Skyward, aka Joe Bass, left us last night. He had been fighting cancer for the last 2 years. Positive to the end, he went surrounded by friends and family," The Posies wrote on their Facebook page on Sunday.

"We had many great years with Joe and loved him very much. We still do. Rest in peace, rest in space, rest in bass... We will miss you Joe." See their post along with a photo here.




Stone Sour Are Back In The Studio(TeamRock Radio)

Stone Sour have confirmed they're back in the studio. Frontman Corey Taylor posted a single image along with two video clips on his Twitter account showing the band rehearsing.
It's thought that they're recording the follow-up to 2013 House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2 after plans to release a third cover EP were shelved. They previously issued Meanwhile In Burbank… and Straight Outta Burbank.

Taylor told the Someone Who Isn't Me podcast: "Originally we were going to do three and now it sounds like we're just going to do the two and then just keep the other stuff we recorded as extra content for when we make the next album." Read more and see Corey's posts here.

More Stone Sour News - Stone Sour Music, DVDs, Books and more - Stone Sour T-shirts and Posters
Deftones Announce U.S. Summer Tour(TeamRock Radio) Deftones have announced a US summer tour with Refused as main support. Chino Moreno and co will hit the road in August in support of upcoming album Gore, which is due for release on April 8 via Warner Bros Records.
The shows are in addition to the band's previously announced tour dates and anyone who buys a ticket for the summer tour will receive a free copy of the forthcoming album Gore.

They say: "Deftones are excited to announce a summer tour with Refused joining on select dates. With every ticket purchased online, you'll also receive a standard or digital copy of the new album, Gore." See the dates here.


Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy Remembering Keith Emerson Tour(TeamRock Radio)


Carl Palmer has announced a run of North American tour dates in memory of late bandmate Keith Emerson. Keyboard maestro Emerson died earlier this month at the age of 71 and now the Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer says he will perform instrumental versions of ELP classics on the US and Canada dates, branded Remembering Keith - The Music Of Emerson Lake & Palmer Tour.
Palmer says: "I will deeply miss Keith and I want you all to know I will carry on flying the ELP banner and playing the great music with my band for many years to come. We have lost a very talented and gifted musician but this great music will continue for a long, long time."

The shows will be performed under the banner of Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy, which includes guitarist Paul Bielatowicz and bassist Simon Fitzpatrick. Read more including the dates here.




Metallica Stream Remastered 'Creeping Death'(hennemusic)


Metallica have released an online stream of remastered audio of "Creeping Death" from the forthcoming expanded reissue of 1984's "Ride The Lightning."
Due April 15, multiple remastered versions of the group's second album and 1983's "Kill 'Em All" will launch a massive catalog reissue campaign by the band.

Both projects will be available in three formats - CD, vinyl and as a limited edition deluxe box set that includes original source material from the band's personal collection with many never before heard or seen recordings along with books including rare photos and essays from those who were there. Check out the stream here.




Anthrax Star Believes Texting Is A 'Humanity Problem'(Classic Rock)


Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian says the world's obsession with texting is a problem for all humanity and not just the music business. Currently on the road with Iron Maiden in South America in support of the recently released 11th album For All Kings, the guitarist discussed his issues with technology in an interview with Argentina radio station Vorterix.
Ian says: "If you go to any public place anywhere on the planet now, all you do is see hundreds of people staring at their phones. So it's not a music-business problem; this is a humanity problem. I think the internet and technology is just turning us into a very antisocial species where human connection is being lost.

"People don't talk to each other any more - they f***ing text. That's what our world has become. And what's next? What comes next after texting? Because I'm sure technology will advance in the next hundred years and there'll be even less interaction between human beings."

He adds: "I just find it to be a very scary thing. As a reader of a lot of science-fiction, the planet is a much different place than it was before the internet. And it's just the way I choose to live my life. I know other people have the way they choose to live their lives, and I'm not gonna tell anybody else how to live their lives." Read more here.




AWOLNATION Announce Summer Tour

AWOLNATION apparently didn't get enough of the road this spring with Fall Out Boy, as the group has announced that they will be launching their very own North American summer tour.
The tour will feature support from Death From Above and Irontom for most of the dates. The trek will be kicking off on June 17th in Louisville, KY at Mercury Ballroom and wrapping up on July 21st at The Woods at Fontanel in Whites Creek, TN.

Death From Above will not be performing at two shows on the tour: the kick off show in Lousiville, or the June 19th stop in Toronto, ON at the Sound Academy. Tickets will be going on sale this Friday, April 1st. See the tour dates here.



Video Of Tony Iommi Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp Jam Goes Online(hennemusic)

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi jammed with aspiring rockers last month at the Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp in Los Angeles, and video from the weekend event has surfaced.
Iommi performed his band's 1971 classic, "Into The Void", with Canadian singer Lauraleigh Cairns and other players on the tune from Sabbath's third album, "Master Of Reality."

"Rock' n Roll Fantasy Camp really does make your dreams come true!," says Cairns as she posted the footage online. Video of Iommi and a different group running through Sabbath's 1980 track "Neon Nights" has also been featured online by event organizers.

The Los Angeles edition of the camp also featured guitarists Steve Vai, Warren Haynes, Zakk Wylde and drummer Carl Palmer, with players performing at the Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Read more and watch the video here.




Jeff Lynne's ELO To Rock Radio City Music Hall(hennemusic)


Jeff Lynne's ELO have announced a September 16 show at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Lynne and company are touring in support of 2015's "Alone In The Universe", the first album of all-new music released by the band in over a decade.
Fan club and VIP package pre-sales for the Radio City date starts March 29 at Noon EDT; an American Express pre-sale begins March 30 at 10 AM EDT, and a Live Nation mobile app pre-sale gets underway March 31 at 10 AM EDT.

The New York appearance lands on the heels of a sold-out UK and European tour, and three September concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. ELO will be joined by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Strings conducted by Thomas Wilkins, for the Fireworks Finale shows on September 9, 10 and 11. Read more here.




Pvris Announce North American Tour

Pvris have announced that they will be following their recent U.S. arena tour with Fall Out Boy with their very own North American headlining tour this spring.
The headline tour is scheduled to kick off on May 11th in Nashville at the Cannery Ballroom and the tour will be concluding on June 10th in Boston at the Royale.

According to BWR, in June they'll join Florence & The Machine, Ellie Goulding and Disclosure on the Firefly Music Festival, then head to Chicago in July for Lollapalooza alongside Radiohead, Lana Del Rey and The 1975. See the tour dates here.




New Keepers Of The Water Towers Stream New Album 'Infernal Machine'(Prog)


New Keepers Of The Water Towers have released a stream of their upcoming album Infernal Machine. The Swedish outfit will launch their fourth album on April 1 via Listenable Records.
The band previously released a promo for their track War, with the group saying it was a sad song about "leaving everyone you know and love behind to face something new."

Rasmus Booberg, Tor Sjoden, Victor Berg, Bjorn Andersson and Adam Forsgren are currently on the road across Europe with Hexvessel. Check out the album stream here.




John Bassett Previews New EP 'Aperture'(Prog)


John Bassett has revealed that he'll release an EP entitled Aperture next month. Aperture will be available via Bassett's Bandcamp page - and he's also issued a teaser of the album.
The Arcade Messiah and KingBathmat man's four-track recording is out on April 3 - and he says he wanted to release something different from his other material.

Bassett says: "I took a small break from recording the latest Arcade Messiah project to put together something completely different - a mellow, small collection of post rock, ambient style songs.

"The whole process was completed in spontaneous manner over 12 days." Check out the teaser video, the artwork and the tracklisting here.




Against The Current Stream New Song 'Wasteland'(TeamRock Radio)

Against The Current have issued a lyric video for their track Wasteland. The song features on the New York-based band's upcoming album In Our Bones, which is set for release on May 20 via Fueled By Ramen.
The group said: "This album is as much yours as it is ours. We wouldn't be here doing what we love right now if it weren't for the endless support we've received from our friends and fans across the world over the last two years. We hope you love this record as much we do, and can't wait to play these songs for you the next time we make it to your city."

Against The Current recently wrapped up a European run of shows and will head to Japan next month before dates across the US on the Vans Warped Tour. See the dates and stream the song here.




Pendragon Expand 2016 Tour Plans(Prog)

Pendragon have extended the scope of their 2016 tour schedule as they gear up for their first appearance of the year. The band have announced new festival dates alongside their previous commitments, and add that there are more to come in the near future.
They'll perform 1996 album The Masquerade Overture in full at headline shows, but not at festivals. Pendragon say: "We have much more limited time at the festivals. Don't miss out - London and Zoetermeer are both looking to be sold out in advance. Verona, Katowice and Wath are now sold out, so if you're hoping to come to one of these shows get your tickets early."

Support comes from Lifesigns' John Young at some shows, and Magenta's Christina Booth at others. Pendragon plan to film their show in Katowice, Poland, for a later DVD release. See the dates here.




Riverside Thank Fans For Support Following Piotr's Death(Prog)


Riverside have praised their fans for supporting them following the death of guitarist Piotr Grudzinski last month. He passed away after suffering a heart attack in February aged 40.
As a result, the band cancelled all live shows this year and recently revealed they'd release a collection of ambient and instrumental music in honor of Grudzinski. And while the group are on hiatus for the remainder of 2016, they'll say they have "individual plans" and will release their long-planned biography later this year.

They say in a statement: "Our biography has been in the making for over two years and it will be published towards the end of this year - we just didn't expect that it would contain an additional chapter and that its character would change.

"We've always been like a family, we have stuck together and always taken care of that bond both on and off the stage. We have also said many times that we have the best fans in the whole world.

"Our band wouldn't exist without you, without your commitment and all the emotional links that have been created between us over the years. Your reactions and support we have received from you have surpassed our most daring expectations. We'd like to thank you for that from the bottom of our hearts." Read more here.




The Arcs Release Live 'Chains Of Love' Video(Classic Rock)


The Arcs have released a live video of their track Chains Of Love. It was filmed at New York's Bowery Ballroom and shows Black Keys mainman Dan Auerbach's side-project playing the song which features on Yours, Dreamily - their debut album which was released in 2015.
Auerbach said of the record: "I just wanted to do my thing and get extra weird. I wanted everything to flow and be cohesive. A lot of the songs bleed one into the other, a lot like the Grateful Dead - my favorite records that they did.

"So I've got a lot of connected songs. It's basically everything I love about music all wrapped up into one record - that's all. It was cut really quick in a week and a half, two weeks of recording with a whole bunch of different people - my favorites." Watch the video here.



Griever Release 'A Pure Heart' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Bournemouth metalcore bruisers Griever are debuting their new video for A Pure Heart exclusively with Metal Hammer. Taken from the band's upcoming EP Soul Searcher, Griever deliver a solid slab of seaside savagery in A Pure Heart.
"We're so excited to finally unveil Soul Searcher, the product of over a year's work," the band tell Hammer. "This EP is by far the most honed material Griever have ever released.

"And we really hope fans old and new connect with it as much as we do. Whether you love the heavier side of metal or the more melodic side, Soul Searcher has it all." Watch the video here.



Singled Out: Libel's Hats Off

Gavin Dunaway from Brooklyn 'protoglam' rockers Libel tells us the story behind the song "Hats Off" which comes from their forthcoming album 'Comfort in the Noise'. Here is the story:
One of my favorite scenes in the movie "Fight Club" is when narrator Jack "meets" Tyler Durden on an airplane. Jack explains his concept of the single-serving friend - that anonymous person you chat with while traveling that you know you'll never see ever person again - and Tyler responds, "That's clever. How's that working out for you?"

Jack is puzzled. "What?"

"Being clever."

"Hats Off" is an empty salute to all those dedicated to perpetually showing off how clever they are - including myself. And how easy the Internet has made this! The social mediascape has awakened our inner self-righteous trolls, and they have run rampant to little effect other than making us all look like a bunch of a**holes. The acrimony festering on the Internet is seeping into all parts of life, to all of our chagrin.
But rather than lecturing on the death of discourse, the chorus uses the most pithy of snark - "Hats off to you, mighty dragon slayer" - to admit that I'm part of the problem. This song is akin to me asking myself (pseudo-spoiler?), "How is being so clever working out for you?" Just like Jack, not so great.

As for the music, I have a tendency to dive into the deep end of prog, employing crazy complex riffs, weird time signatures, unsettling key changes, you name it. But occasionally I ask myself, "Can I actually write a straightforward song? You know, one that's interesting, one that's catchy? And most important - something that doesn't sound condescending, as if I'm slumming or trying to reach a broader audience?"

I heard in my head a simple bass line, something like a 50s pop song, but with a more propulsive beat. I shared it with bass player Julie, who Julie-fied the line (brilliantly, if I may say so) by making it more complicated rhythmically yet also groovier. Drummer Nick immediately laid into driving beat that's deceptively intricate. So I let the chorus chords flow right out of me, not giving much thought to whether they resembled some other song (I'm sure they do). "Hats off to you," came naturally to my lips.

Of course, we had to have a little bit of weirdness - it just wouldn't be us otherwise! We needed a transition from the second chorus to the guitar solo and nothing was landing. So randomly we thought, "What if we just do some noise over crazy drums?" Sigh, Justin and I are always up for making noise - it's a shared passion. And speaking of Justin, I quite enjoy trading guitar solos with him in the second half of the song, as self-indulgent as it may be. There's a lot of fun dueling guitars all over "Comfort in the Noise."

Monday, March 28, 2016

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!: Today's Top Stories Video From Rolling Stones Cuba Show Goes Online(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones performed their first-ev...

Today's Day In Rock News!





Today's Top Stories

Video From Rolling Stones Cuba Show Goes Online(hennemusic)


The Rolling Stones performed their first-ever concert in Cuba on Friday and video from the event has been posted online. The free show marked the first open air concert in the country by a British rock band.
The "Concert For Amity" saw the group play an 18-song set before an estimated crowd of 1.3 million fans on the Caribbean island. "Here we are finally!," Mick Jagger told the crowd. "We are sure that this night is going to be an unforgettable night, for you and for us.

"We know that years ago it was difficult to listen to our music here in Cuba, but here we are, playing for you in your beautiful land. I think that finally things have changed, haven't they?" Watch the videos here.




David Lee Roth Previews Unreleased Song 'Red Bull And Pop Tarts'(hennemusic)


David Lee Roth explores the Chinese strategy game Go, among others topics, on the latest episode of The Roth Show. The program also includes a snippet of an unreleased song, "Red Bull And Pop Tarts", and ends with Roth's cover of the 2013 Pharrell Williams hit, "Happy."
"Everybody in China plays it," explains Roth, "and, if they can afford it, they get tutors to come in and teach their kids every day of the week. You play chess? It's a little like chess but it's about four times as big the board and about four billion times the opportunities."

The singer's rambling on the game in the latest Roth Show episode blurs with talk of recording studios, websites and painting. Check out a stream of the new episode here.




Disturbed's David Draiman Rants Against Rude Fan(Classic Rock)


Disturbed frontman David Draiman verbally attacked a "rude" fan for texting throughout one of the band's shows last week. During their gig in Dallas, Texas, on March 23, Draiman turned his attention to a woman on the balcony of the House Of Blues venue. His rant was captured on video.
Draiman says: "What is so important going on in the world that you need to be texting the entire f***ing show? The whole show. You're right up front, I can see you clear as day. You've had your face in your f***ing phone the whole goddamn show. Are we that boring?

"Don't tell me to go f*** myself. You already did by looking in your phone instead of paying attention. It's f***ing rude. If you don't want to watch, don't watch. But don't stand there in front of the f***ing stage in the front row of the balcony where everybody can see you texting the whole f***ing time on your phone."

Draiman then asks the woman if he can have her "attention for the rest of whatever's left of the set?" He adds: "Now she's all pissed off. She thinks that I did something wrong to her. I love it. Welcome to the age of the internet, ladies and f***ing gentlemen." Watch it here.



Tom Petty's Mudcrutch Announces Album and Tour(Radio.com)

Before he fronted Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Petty led a Florida band called Mudcrutch. They only recorded a few songs before splitting, but decades later in 2008, they released a self-titled album that served both as their reunion album and their debut. And today, they announced the follow-up. The new record, 2, will be out May 20.
The album was produced by Petty and Mudcrutch/Heartbreaker member Mike Campbell along Ryan Ulyate, who has worked on several recent Heartbreakers projects. The album includes seven new songs written by Tom Petty, with band members Mike Campbell, Tom Leadon, Randall Marsh and Benmont Tench composing one each. Tench is also a member of the Heartbreakers.

Mudcrutch has also announced their first national tour, starting at Denver's Ogden Theater on May 26. Tickets for all headline shows go on-sale Friday, April 1st and every online ticket purchased for the headline tour includes a CD copy of the new album. See the dates here.


Latest News

Eddie Vedder Joins Bruce Springsteen For 'Bobby Jean'(Radio.com)

Last week in Seattle, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder joined Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band onstage during the encore for a performance of the Born in the U.S.A. classic, "Bobby Jean."
Of course, the saxophone solo on the song is now handled by Jake Clemons, the nephew of the late E Street sax legend Clarence Clemons. Jake recently told Radio.com that Vedder and singer/songwriter Glen Hansard were instrumental in getting him back on stage after his uncle's passing.

"I had a hard time coming out of my bedroom after Clarence passed away, it was a really difficult time, and I certainly wasn't looking at playing my saxophone," he said. 'Through the kindness of their hearts and their care for me, Glen Hansard and Eddie Vedder [who toured together in 2011] gave me a call and asked me to come out of my room and bring my sax. There was a moment on stage when I played with them in Philadelphia where' I always understood the saxophone as an extension of myself and a communication device, but that night it became something enormously bigger than that. I was able to have this euphoric sense of being with my uncle again [they all covered Springsteen's 'Drive All Night" together that night], and that sense of healing was something I was desperate for."

Watch Springsteen and Vedder, with Clemons on sax, perform "Bobby Jean," here.




Sammy Hagar Won't Follow-Up Eddie Van Halen Tweet(Classic Rock)


Sammy Hagar says he has no plans to follow-up a recent birthday tweet to Eddie Van Halen because he senses it would be misinterpreted as more than a gesture of simply trying to re-establish a friendship.
Prior to the January exchange as Eddie turned 61, the pair had not been in touch in a dozen years following a 2004 reunion tour. Hagar tells Rolling Stone: "It would be misinterpreted.

"I know the way those guys think. 'Oh, he wants something! He wants back in the band. He must be broke.' I'm sorry, but unless they've changed drastically, which when I've talked to people that do know them it sounds like they haven't changed at all, it would be misinterpreted. I also don't want to provoke that. That's not what I'm looking for in my life now." Read more here.




Metallica Stream Classic Performance Of 'Seek & Destroy'(Classic Rock)


Metallica are streaming a 1984 live recording of their classic track Seek & Destroy as featured on the upcoming deluxe edition of their 1983 debut album Kill 'Em All.
The rare audio captures Metallica performing at J Bees Rock III in Middletown, NY, without their own equipment after it, along with their rental truck, were stolen during a blizzard in Boston the week before.

The band say: "This was recorded at the first gig that we played after having our gear ripped off in January of '84. Anthrax was cool enough to lend us their equipment for the night."

Expanded and remastered versions of Kill 'Em All and 1984's Ride The Lightning will be issued on April 15 to tie-in with Record Store Day and will be available on vinyl, CD, and limited-edition box sets. Check out the song stream here.




Rob Zombie Announces Release Of 31 Film(TeamRock Radio)

Rob Zombie will release his latest horror film 31 on September 16 via Saban Films. Written and directed by the rocker, the project stars Malcolm McDowell and Sheri Moon Zombie alongside a cast that includes Richard Brake, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Jeff Daniel Phillips and Meg Foster, among others.
The film's official description reads: "The day before Halloween, five carnival employees are kidnapped and held hostage in an isolated compound known as Murderworld.

"On Halloween, they are thrown into a sadistic game called 31 where they must survive 12 hours against a gang of maniacs dressed like clowns. However, the clowns aren't the only ones they need to worry about - a grand scheme of satanic rituals and a much more sadistic plot awakens. It's time to play 31." Read more here.




Voivod Announce North American Tour


Voivod have announced that they will be embarking on a North American tour this spring to promote their "Post Society EP" that will feature support from King Parrot and Child Bite.
The tour is scheduled to kick off on May 19th in Dallas, TX at Gas Monkey and they will be wrapping up the trek on June 21st in London, ON at Call The Office.

Voivod's drummer Michel "Away" Langevin had this to say about the tour, "After an exciting North American East Coast tour with Vektor, Eight Bells and Black Fast, we are thrilled to tour the West Coast of USA and across Canada with King Parrot and Child Bite.

"We have updated the set list, so be ready for a few classics mixed with new songs from the 'Post Society @ EP'. In the meantime, well...we're still working hard on the next album!" See the tour dates here.




Stone Temple Pilots and Chester Bennington Reunite For Benefit Show(hennemusic)

Stone Temple Pilots reunited with singer Chester Bennington of Linkin Park on Saturday for a one-off performance at From Classic To Rock, a charity concert to benefit public schools in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
The show at the Norris Theater and Pavilion mixed rockers with world-renowned classical musicians to take the audience on a journey from 17th century to today's modern hits, with proceeds to be donated to the Peninsula Education Foundation (PEF).

In addition to STP, other performers included Gary Wright ("Dream Weaver"), Yutong (Pacific Symphony, LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra), Chas West (Bonham, Foreigner), Marten Andersson (Lizzy Borden, George Lynch), Monte Pittman (Madonna, Solo Artist), Stan Sharp (Long Beach Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra) and Jane Lee (accomplished pianist).

A charity auction at the event included signed items from Slash, KISS, Def Leppard, Peter Frampton, Foo Fighters, The Doors and Joe Walsh, among others. Read more and watch a video from the show here.




David Gilmour To Rock Jimmy Kimmel Live(hennemusic)


David Gilmour will perform on ABC-TV's late night series Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight, March 28. The Pink Floyd guitarist will appear in support of his latest album, "Rattle That Lock."
The project was recorded at various places, including Gilmour's Astoria houseboat studio and in Hove, Sussex, UK. He worked on the record with co-producer Phil Manzanera and wife and lyricist Polly Samson.

The guitarist launched a series of spring North American dates this past weekend with three shows at the Hollywood Bowl; he'll play a pair of concerts in Toronto, ON later this week before performing multiple dates Chicago, IL and New York, NY next month. Read more here.




The Ghost Inside Name Permanent Guitarist(TeamRock Radio)


The Ghost Inside have added guitarist Chris Davis as a permanent member of the band. The former Texas In July man has been a touring member of The Ghost Inside in the past, and is now included full-time.
As members of The Ghost Inside continue their recovery from a horrific road crash, they say in an Instagram post: "Us playing shows again is the furthest thing from our minds at the moment while we focus on our recovery, but none of us could ever imagine playing again without Chris.

"He's been such an awesome guy to have on the road, he's been so rad to have around off stage, and he loves Batman - almost a scary amount." Read more here.





Todd Rundgren Releases Limited-Edition Box Set Details(TeamRock Radio)

Details of a Todd Rundgren live box set have been revealed. The Boxx O' Todd limited-edition package features previously unreleased live in-studio recordings from the early 1970s, all of which were originally broadcast on radio.
It is out now on Purple Pyramid Records and features both stripped down solo performances by Rundgren as well as full band recordings with The Hello People. It includes some of Todd's most well-known songs including Hello, It's Me, I Saw The Light and It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference.

The 3CD set comes with a 20-page booklet featuring a full set of insightful liner notes by Dave Thompson and full color photos plus, a signature guitar pick, three collectible pins and a backstage pass. Read more including the track details here.




Five Finger Death Punch Sad Over The End Of Black Sabbath(New Rock Times)


Five Finger Death Punch drummer Jeremy Spencer says he is 'bummed' over Black Sabbath's impending retirement but he understands why the veterans are bringing the black curtain down on a legendary career.
The metallers are Down Under as support for the Sabbath's 'The End' tour. An invitation Spencer and the band were thrilled to accept. "We're huge Ozzy fans and Sabbath fans, we've been listening to them forever," continues Spencer.

"Part of the reason we do what we do, I mean we're big fans and to be able to finish our show playing for a huge audience and then get to watch them do their thing every night is going to be a whole lot of fun man, because it's their last tour so it's a really special thing because we'll never get to see them again."

On the forthcoming end of Black Sabbath he says: "Well there's always a time, they've been doing it so long, I can see why they're ready to not keep doing the grind of the road. But it's a bummer, it's part of my whole upbringing of music.

"They were some of the first heavy music I ever got into as a kid so it's kind of weird to see that chapter in my life, but they are a phenomenal band and their history speaks for itself and they are certainly legends and we can't wait to share a stage with them, it's going to be great." Read more here.




Mike Portnoy To Celebrate 50th Birthday With Cruise To The Edge(Prog)


Mike Portnoy will celebrate his 50th birthday with a rock cruise featuring live performances from throughout his career. The Winery Dogs, Metal Allegiance, Neal Morse Band and former Dream Theater drummer turns 50 on April 20 next year and plans a celebration to remember.
He says: "April 20, 2017, is my 50th birthday. If I could have any wish, any birthday gift to celebrate half a century on Earth, it would be to gather all of my family, friends, bandmates and fans on a ship sailing across the ocean and celebrate my 50 years of life and 30 years of making music with all my loved ones.

"Thank you to Larry Morand and Cruise To The Edge for granting me this wish and enabling me to share this gift of life and music with my family, friends, bandmates and fans on next year's Cruise To The Edge." Read more here.




The Word Alive Release 'Trapped' Video(TeamRock Radio)


The Word Alive have released a video for their track Trapped. It features on the US outfit's fourth album Dark Matter, which they delivered earlier this month via Fearless Records.
Vocalist Telle Smith tells Billboard: "Trapped is about the inescapability of our overthinking and progress-restricting behaviour. We all have something we struggle with internally, and sometimes we have to realise our mind can be a strange dark place, and our own worst enemy."

The band shot the video the day before filming last single Sellout - but Smith insists this promo is the best they've ever done. He adds: "While filming the music video for Trapped with director Marcus Eden, we knew instantly that it would be our favorite video to date.

"It's able to capture a depth to our band and the meaning behind the song in a way we've never accomplished before." Watch the new video here.




Goo Goo Dolls Announce New Album, Single, Tour Dates(Radio.com)


Goo Goo Dolls announced details about their new album, titled Boxes, as well as the first single, "Over and Over." The 11-song album is set for release May 6.
Frontman John Rzeznik, who was honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award, called on a few of his songwriters and producers, including Gregg Wattenberg (with whom Rzeznik wrote four songs on the Goos' 2013 album Magnetic), Wattenberg's production partner Derek Fuhrmann, and Drew Pearson (who has worked with Phillip Phillips and OneRepublic).

The New York band will tour the album this summer with support from Collective Soul and Tribe Society. Kicking off July 8 in Portland, the tour will wrap up in Sin City September 16. Stream the single and check out the tour dates here.




Joe Bonamassa Releases 'Mountain Climbing' Studio Video(The Blues)


Joe Bonamassa has released a studio clip for his track Mountain Climbing. The song features on the guitarist's latest album Blues Of Desperation which was released last week via Provogue.
Bonamassa said of the album: "I want people to hear my evolution as a blues-rock musician - somebody who isn't resting on accomplishments and who is always pushing forward and thinking about how music can evolve and stay relevant.

"Lyrically, you'll hear the proverbial trains, mountains, valleys and other blues references about heartbreak and loneliness. But there are also some poignant moments about getting away from the stressful, crazy demands of life and losing yourself with your special someone." Watch the video here.




Halestorm's Hale Says Metal And Rock Can No Longer Be Pigeonholed(New Rock Times)

Halestorm's Lzzy Hale says metal and rock bands can't be pigeonholed anymore as the lines between genres and sub genres have become blurred. Hale, and guitarist Joe Hottinger, also discussed the Grammy Awards - an honour Halestorm have on their rock mantelpiece following a 2013 win for 'Best Hard Rock/Metal performance.
In an interview with Russia's Classic Rock, Hale says: "I think it's getting harder and harder to categorize anything anymore, just 'cause everything is… there's so much out there, and it's so broad. If you say 'rock music,' it's so all over the place. And same thing with metal - same thing. Depending on your spectrum of heaviness and your opinion of it, it's getting harder and harder to categorize."

She continues: "We know a lot of the people at The [Recording] Academy [which oversees the Grammy Awards] now, and it must be such a hard job to try to narrow all of that down and choose the best one. So, yeah, there's always things that, like, you personally are, like, 'Ah, I would have voted for that. I would have done that.' But, you know, at the end of the day, it is what it is."

Continuing on the theme of the Grammy Awards, Hottinger reveals: "It was interesting to see who won. I'm glad everyone who wins wins. You never know how it's gonna go. It was neat that Sevendust got their nomination, and we were pulling for them." Read more here.




Asking Alexandria As Excited As Their New Singer(New Rock Times)


Danny Worsnop 'didn't give a sh*t anymore' says his former Asking Alexandria bandmate Ben Bruce as he reflected on the vocalists exit from the British metallers.
It is over a year now since Worsnop announced his departure on his Twitter page after eight years fronting the band. Now Asking Alexandria guitarist Bruce has opened up on the final months with Worsnop admitting they were 'difficult' as he praised new singer Denis Stoff.

In an interview with Australia's The Rock Pit, Bruce recalls: "We hadn't really rehearsed or hung out that much before we even hit the stage together but I think the first show we did together, we headlined a festival in Austria I believe and there was 30 thousand people there," says Bruce.

"Before we went on stage it was like, 'F***, what's going to happen? Are they going to bottle us off the stage because they miss our old vocalist? Is he going to be booed off stage? What the hell is going to happen?' But everyone was just excited, everyone welcomed him with open arms.

"It was good for us as we spent the last few years touring with a vocalist that didn't give a sh*t anymore so we lost all drive and all passion for touring because it was a nightmare being up on stage with someone like that who didn't give a sh*t and when Denis came along, here's this young kid who is stoked to be up there and he's smiling." Read more here.




Dream Theater Take Fans Behind-The-Scenes Of The Astonishing Tour(Prog) Dream Theater have released a behind-the-scenes video showing how their production partners brought latest album The Astonishing to life for the supporting tour.
The band worked with Lucion Media to create the multi-screen visuals and animations that play a leading role in their stage show, which just completed a European run.

The Astonishing, released in January, has been described by Dream Theater as "a sonic story that is our most ambitious creative work to date." They launch a North American tour next month. Watch the video here.




Doro Pesch Releases 'Love's Gone To Hell' Video(Classic Rock)

Doro Pesch has released a video for her track Love's Gone To Hell. It features on her upcoming maxi-single of the same name which will include three versions of the song along with live cuts. It's out on April 1 and is available for pre-order via Nuclear Blast.
Speaking of the shoot, Pesch tells Femme Metal Webzine: "Me being from the 80s, I like big productions. We've always had really high class, top-notch videos back in the 80s and I wanted to do something like that for that song.

"For a normal rock song maybe it's cool to be in a rehearsal room or on stage just shooting a little video but I feel that this is a big song and it deserves the best."

Pesch will release the DVD Strong And Proud: 30 Years Of Rock And Metal in June which will celebrate the former Warlock singer's career. Read more and watch the video here.




Testament Add Thrash'N'Bowl Event To Upcoming Tour Dates(Classic Rock)


Testament have announced two extra appearances in the UK for later this year. Chuck Billy and co were already down to play in Leamington on June 21 and Southampton the following evening - but they've added a show at Oxford's O2 Academy on June 19 and a Thrash'N'Bowl event at London's Brooklyn Bowl on June 23.
Tickets for the London bash are on sale via the official Brooklyn Bowl website, which states that along with entry to the show on the night, fans will get an hour's worth of bowling with the band.

The group are currently working on what will be their 11th album, which frontman Billy recently hinted would be called The Brotherhood Of The Snake. Read more here.



Sepultura Preview 'Under My Skin' Mini-Series Documentary(TeamRock Radio)


A trailer has been released for a six-part mini-series documenting the 30th anniversary tour by Brazilian metal heroes Sepultura. Shot over four days during the 2015 run, the film captures the band on the road reflecting on their storied history.
Frontman Derrick Green says: "The hardest thing is definitely being away from my son - it's always top of the list. It's such a tough sacrifice doing what we do on the road and being away from family and everything, but it's for the betterment of our family."

Under My Skin takes its title from a 2015 EP of the same name, which included the title track and a live version of Kairos, and a cover featuring artwork of fan tattoos. Read more and watch the trailer here.




Grand Magus Stream New Song 'Varangian'(TeamRock Radio)


Grand Magus have released a lyric video for their track Varangian. The song is taken from the Swedish metal outfit's upcoming eighth album Sword Songs, released on May 13 via Nuclear Blast.
Singer Janne 'JB' Christofferson had the following to say: "Metalheads. Grand Magus are back. We are proud to unleash this iron-clad anthem, we give you...Varangian."

The song is available as a digital single. Sword Songs is available for pre-order on vinyl now. Grand Magus have a number of tour dates lined up for 2016. See the dates and stream the new song here.



Singled Out: Lee Aaron's Tom Boy

Multi-platinum Canadian rocker Lee Aaron just released her brand new album "Fire and Gasoline" and to celebrate we asked to tell us the story behind the song "Tom Boy". Here is the story:
"Tom Boy" was inspired by my ten year old daughter, Angella, who'd asked if I would write a song for her whilst working on material for Fire and Gasoline. In a distracted moment I said yes, I would, and immediately regretted making this promise, because I realized I'd trapped myself. What on earth would I possibly write that wouldn't be sappy as heck?

I've always felt that the best songs write themselves. There is something inherently magical when a song idea arrives in your psyche almost fully formed and gets stuck there. When this happens, I almost feel like I should give writing credit to someone else, some spiritual force, some Bob Dylan in the cosmos. Well, "Tom Boy" was one of those experiences for me.
A few nights later, while getting ready for bed, the chorus and first verse literally landed in my head like a lightning bolt (thank you Lord!). I ran for my phone (I must say that iPhone memo feature has become my best friend) to record the melody and words. Over the next week, while vacationing, I fine tuned the lyrics and wrote the bridge section on my acoustic guitar by the lake. By the end of the week everyone was singing it, ha, ha... so I knew I was on to something.

"Tom Boy" was initially inspired by the free-spirited energy and spitfire attitude that young girls have before they hit their teen years and start becoming self conscious. There's purity there, idealism about the world and a real love and acceptance of themselves that I adore. They're in touch with their truest selves and aren't yet weighed down with the trappings of a photo shopped 'beauty culture' that our media foists upon young women. My daughter, of course, is a tom boy and completely comfortable in her own skin. I was a tom boy growing up too (still am actually) so there were a lot of connections for me too. I asked Angella to contribute her own ideas to the song, hence the lines: "don't girlie, girl me," "I'd rather shoot and arrow than have a tea party," and "I'm not into fuchsia..."

The rhythm and changes in the song lent itself really well to fun, precocious word play, so I had a blast writing the lyrics. The geek in me had always wanted to fit 'quantum physics' into a song somewhere and finally I had a chance to do it.

The video features Angella on guitar and her school friends as the backing band. I loved the idea of doing a modern emulation of Elvis' Jailhouse Rock video with school girls. The girls totally rose to the challenge and gave amazing performances brimming with pre-teen, sassy attitude.

Songs often evolve, and it became apparent after a while that "Tom Boy" had taken on a life of its own. The song had a much more universal theme - one of individual empowerment for anyone feeling pressured to conform to a persona that wasn't authentic for whatever reason: societal, religious or parental pressure. "Tom Boy" is meant to be a positive message to young girls but even more so, it's a shout out to all of us who want to be loved and accepted for who we really are. I hope that's the message that really resonates.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

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