Roth Driving Force Behind Van Halen/Interscope Signing

Monday, 14 November 2011


Billboard.com has an interesting story about the series of meetings that Van Halen had with Interscope Records that “presented the band with a global plan that included extensive marketing, merchandising, touring and, of course, recordings.” Here’s the Billboard article, followed by our own comments:

Van Halen To Sign With Interscope

Iconic rock band Van Halen are set to sign with Interscope Records, says a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal is expected to be finalized next week, marking the first time in 35 years that the band will not release music through Warner Music, its longtime label home.

It had been rumored — and reported — that the band was joining the Columbia Records roster. In fact, an insider tells The Hollywood Reporter that the contract for the Sony deal was drawn up and approved but hadn’t been signed when Universal Music stepped into the picture.

The signing was a group effort involving UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, UMG International COO Max Hole, Interscope Geffen A&M vice chairman Steve Berman and Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine, who, says a source, “heard the band was available and wanted to work with them. It was decided at the 11th hour.” What came next was a series of meetings that presented the band with a global plan that included extensive marketing, merchandising, touring and, of course, recordings.

So what derailed the Columbia deal? The usual rock band complications, says an insider. While the group reunited with original singer David Lee Roth in 2006, the Sony label could not come to terms with Roth, who has a separate management, legal and accounting team than the other three members, guitarist Eddie Van Halen and his son Wolfgang (who replaced bassist Michael Anthony) and drummer Alex Van Halen. The main issue for Roth? He was apparently adamant about being on a west coast label. “He was never on board [with Columbia],” says the source. “It was as complicated as anyone would imagine, when one side says black, the other says white. The label was pretty skeptical that things would work out.”

It’s expected that as frontman, Roth will have to carry much of the marketing burden and it seems the band members ultimately want their singer to be happy with the deal which is why they went with Universal’s west coast-based Interscope.

A new album, their first studio effort since 1984, is believed to be nearly finished with the hope that it can be released in 2012. The band is expected to make a “special announcement” on Nov. 30 at the Grammy Awards nominations concert, which will air live on CBS from Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater.

An Interscope rep had no comment.

First, a note from VHND regarding the last paragraph of the above article. The new album has actually been done for quite awhile – mixing was completed in August and mastering was done in September. Also, it will definitely be released in early 2012.

As an extension of the article, sources have told VHND that David Lee Roth was the driving force behind the move to Interscope (A division of Universal – which has a stable of artists such as U2 and the Police) and it seems his desire was to be on a more “hip” label. One that would take advantage of all promotion tools available (such as new media and new technology). While the other three members (Wolf, Alex and Eddie) were ready to go with Columbia, it was Roth who prevailed upon them to go with Interscope and when presented with Interscope’s package they agreed it was the way to go.

It must be noted that, if Roth will be charged with promotions with the new album, Van Halen is in good hands. Simply put, this is something DLR does VERY well. Since Ed and Alex don’t particularly like interviews it seems only natural to place this in the capable hands of Roth, who guided the Van Halen promotional ship from 1978 to 1984.

It’s especially interesting that the band chose Interscope over Columbia mainly because of Roth. It’s also very exciting that the story implies that Roth might do much of the marketing, which makes sense, as that’s what he was born to do! All this shows that Roth has quite a bit of say in what Van Halen does!

Today's Day In Pop

Today's Full Report


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He made a name for himself as the wheelchair bound Jimmy Brooks on "Degrassi: the Next Generation" but when Aubrey Graham went by his middle name, Drake, he rocketed to stardom. Now Bluewater Comics shares the story of how Drake went from Canadian teen-melodrama to the hip hop star that worked with Lil Wayne's stable of musicians with the comic "Fame: Drake."

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Novi Is Here
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Novi, born Carolyne Neuman, arrives on the scene with an eclectic taste that captivates listeners immediately. Her distinct sound is smooth and full of catchy hooks with looping skills Imogen Heap would envy, and playful, tantalizing lyrics ("I had barflies sipping on my motherf#*king drink") that will leave NOVI "peddling back" through your mind all day long. more on this story



X Factor's Claude Kelly Receives Record of the Year Nomination for Michael Jackson/Akon Song
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Kelly has penning hits for the likes of Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston and countless "American Idol" and UK "The X Factor" alumni and Kelly was tapped by the producers of FOX's "The X Factor" to be one of the show's Vocal Producers/Coaches. On the show Claude Kelly is working with the mentors – Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger – to arrange, train and coach the contestants on how to best sing and perform their song selections each week.

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Catch Claude Kelly on "The X Factor" Wednesdays and Thursdays this Fall on FOX.



Ty Herndon Explains Stones
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Lissy Trullie Previews New Album
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RuPaul's Drag Race Contestant Details
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Janie Fricke Revisiting Hits In A New Way
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Today's Day in Rock

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But Iommi remains skeptical, unsure if he would consider it with the release of their new album next year. more on this story



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Anthony Green will support the release of "Beautiful Things" with a North American tour which begins January 13th at New Haven, Connecticut's Toad's Place, and then continue though mid-February.

Green will be backed on all dates by his longtime collaborators Good Old War, with support on most dates from very special guests The Dear Hunter. more on this story



Paul Simon TV Special and Collectors Edition Release
Two big Paul Simon news items for you: The legendary singer will be the focus of an upcoming PBS premiere next month and this week Hear Music/Concord Music Group released Simon's So Beautiful or So What - The Collectors Edition.

The special 2-disc Collectors Edition contains a bonus DVD featuring 5 live video performances captured at New York's historic Webster Hall where Paul Simon thrilled hometown fans with a special club performance last June. The live video tracks include "So Beautiful or So What," "Dazzing Blue," "The Afterlife," "Mother and Child Reunion," and the classic "Slip Slidin' Away."

The show was the culmination of a sold-out, triumphant, two-month U.S. tour. In addition to the release of The Collectors Edition, PBS will air Paul Simon: Live At Webster Hall New York which captures this extraordinary event and is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning December 3, 2011 Check local listings.



Eyehategod Announce Winter Dates
Eyehategod have mapped out an Eastern United States mini tour for this December and a couple of appearances in the New Year.

The band will play shows in Boston, Allentown and Brooklyn beginning December 2.

Commented frontman Mike Williams on the next round of pummel: "Following an amazing dark and cloudy show at Austin's Fun Fun Fun fest, America's drunkest sweethearts will set off on yet another East Coast exploration and research field trip into the age old tradition of self-abuse." more on this story



Wishbone Ash To Release New Album This Month
(Glass Onyon) Wishbone Ash's new album, Elegant Stealth, will be released on ZXY Music on November 25th.

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland's guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 14-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain's new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.

The band demonstrates its versatility on Elegant Stealth, from the pop/rocker "Reason to Believe" to the gentler vibe of "Give it Up" to tunes like "Warm Tears" and "Big Issues," where the band gets to stretch out and flex its musical muscles. more on this story



Dropkick Murphys Announce 2012 St. Patrick's Day North American Tour
Christmas has yet to come but Dropkick Murphys are already looking ahead to another holiday with the announcement of the initial dates for their 2012 St. Patrick's Day North American Tour with supporting special guest Frank Turner.

The annual trek kicks off February 22 in Toronto and wraps with the band's second appearance at Washington, DC's ShamrockFest (March 24).

The tour includes a matinee and an evening show on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) at Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA, just outside Boston, as well as Dropkick Murphys' third annual performance after a Milwaukee Admirals hockey game at Bradley Center in Wisconsin (February 24). more on this story



Mars Attacks Megadeth and Adrenaline Mob Stars
Chris Poland of Megadeth fame, and Mike Orlando of Adrenaline Mob are the featured guests on the latest episode of the Mars Attacks Podcast.

Chris discusses what he is currently up to with Ohm, and Ohmphrey, and addresses his solo work, and why Damn The Machine came to an end. His tenure in Megadeth is not discussed as this portion of the interview will form part of this month's Classic Albums Column.

Mike Orlando discusses putting Adrenaline Mob together, writing the material for the band's self titled EP, and what it was brining all of the members into the band among other things.

The episode also contains a review of the Iced Earth, White Wizzard and Fury UK show that host Victor M. Ruiz took in this weekend. You'll hear tracks from Megadeth, Adrenaline Mob, Ohm, Damn The Machine, Sick Speed, Dave Reffett and Iced Earth during the episode. Listen here.



I Am the Avalanche Deliver Brooklyn Dodgers
I Am the Avalanche have released a brand new music video which pays homage to their hometown.

The music video for their new single "Brooklyn Dodgers," premiered yesterday exclusively on VEVO. You can check it out here

Directed by Michael "Yoshi" Jasionowski, the video for "Brooklyn Dodgers" takes fans back to where it all started, set against the music of one of this year's most memorable punk anthems. Shot over the course of two days, the video follows I Am the Avalanche as each band member takes to the streets of Brooklyn to visit old haunts while going about their daily routine. The stunning black & white video also features cameos from friends and family. more on this story



Waylon Speed Release Party
Waylon Speed will celebrate the release of The Boots EP with a release party the opening night of The Rock n Roll Resort: A Thanksgiving Affair, Friday, November 25, 2011 in Kerhonkson, New York, about an hour north of New York City. [The EP's release date was not specified in the announcement]

The Boots EP is comprised of four tracks recorded not long after the release of their critically-acclaimed Horseshoes and Hand Grenades double LP last March. Degrade, Meet Me in the Middle, Tragedy, and Shine, were all recorded in the raw and creative country recording space of Trey's (Phish) Barn, in their home state of Vermont. Like all of their songs, these rockers' creations are a collaborative effort from members Noah Crowther (bass/vocals), Justin Crowther (drums), Reverend Chitwood Hammaker (guitar), and Kelly Ravin (guitar/vocals). Recorded and mastered by Barn/Staff Engineer Ben Collette, these cuts burn with the fiery country outlaw rock that is uniquely Waylon Speed and demonstrate the band's skill at shredding the perceived boundaries of rock n roll.

"Rock N Roll Resort is the ultimate venue to introduce The Boots EP," says musician Kelly Ravin, "because it's filled with the live music scene's most avid fans in an intimate, round-the-clock party." more on this story



SS-Kaliert Total Deconstruction Tour
SS-Kaliert will launch their Total Deconstruction Tour next month with Embrace The Kill and Verbal Abuse joining them on select dates.

The tour will be the first time in years that SS-Kaliert has graced American soil. "The Total Deconstruction" Tour will also be the first tour in support of their latest album, Subzero which was released earlier this year.

"On behalf of all five of us, I can say that we can't hardly wait for the 29th of November when we finally touch American soil again - for the third SS-KALIERT US Tour in the band's history." Says guitarist Benni Whitley, "We are looking forward to rocking the shit out of 21 cities. Also, we are very honored to share stages with US Hardcore Punk veterans such as Verbal Abuse, Embrace the Kill and Poison Idea. Spread the word and light the fire!!!" more on this story



The Villains Set New Album Release
The Villains will release their sophomore album, Velocity, on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2012), to be followed by a tour.

Produced by Stan Lynch (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Don Henley) and Billy Chapin (Backstreet Boys, Edwin McCain) and mixed by industry veteran John Kurzweg (Jewel, Creed), the 12 new songs on Velocity represent the experiences and emotions that accompanied the recent period of growth for the band.

In the spirit of acts such as The Band, The Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac, The Villains utilize different singers and styles for a cohesive, but aurally interesting mix. Songwriters such as Tom Douglas (Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw), Stan Lynch (Don Henley, The Eagles) and Richard Feldman (Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker) were enlisted. From the blistering opening track "Cadillac" to the optimistic "I've Got A Feeling," VELOCITY is a relatable slice of life set to music created by five industry vets. more on this story



Glen Campbell, Bill Medley, Grateful Dead Rarities Set For Release
(conqueroo) A never-before-released Glen Campbell live album, Bill Medley's post-Righteous Brothers solo albums for MGM, a 1975 album by Maggie & Terre Roche of the Roches, a retrospective of country singer Jody Miller's Epic Records years and two new Dick's Picks volumes from the Grateful Dead headline the January 2012 lineup for Real Gone Music, the new indie label helmed by reissue veterans Gordon Anderson and Gabby Castellana.

The January rollout will also feature, as part of the label's ongoing partnership with ABKCO Music & Records, Inc., The Tymes' So Much in Love and the complete Cameo recordings of jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson.

The multi-talented Glen Campbell, who has enjoyed a 50-year career as singer, guitarist and television personality, is the recent recipient of much warm sentiment as he released his final album and embarked on his final tour. Campbell's 1975 Live in Japan was originally issued only across the Pacific. The album will receive its worldwide CD release on January 24, 2011. Glen is at the peak of his powers here, pulling favorites from his vaunted songbook while displaying his usual unerring taste in covers (Conway Twitty's "It's Only Make Believe," Paul Anka's "My Way"). The album was released in a gorgeous gatefold package that Real Gone has faithfully reproduced along with other graphic elements. It's a timely tribute to one of the great American music entertainers. more on this story



Ramming Speed and Saviours Team Up For Tour
Ramming Speed are teaming up with Saviours for a co-headlining tour at the end of the month.

Ramming Speed will follow that trek with a few weeks of headlining dates. It all kicks off in New York City on November 30th, and runs throughout the entire country before ending up in the band's Allston, MA stomping grounds.

Ramming Speed will be out supporting their most recent release, a split 12" with legendary metalpunks A.N.S., which is now in its second repress (on wicked green wax!) on Tankcrimes. more on this story



Old Crow Medicine Show Plan Special Gold Release
Old Crow Medicine Show will celebrate their song "Wagon Wheel," being certified Gold by the RIAA, with sales nearing 600,000 digital tracks, with the release a "Wagon Wheel" Limited Edition 7" Vinyl beginning the week of November 22, 2011.

Originally sketched by Bob Dylan and later finished by Old Crow Medicine Show's Ketch Secor, "Wagon Wheel" remains the band's most revered and top-selling single. The 7" vinyl will be numbered and feature a previously unreleased b-side, "All Night Long" (Live).

Secor reflects on the history of "Wagon Wheel": "Wagon Wheel" is a gold record 75 years in the making. Back in 1995, I first heard Bob Dylan sing that striking chorus on his unfinished 1972 studio outtake of "Rock Me Mama". Being an audacious, banjo-picking teenager, I quickly rattled off three verses and rushed it out to coffeehouses and street corners, singing it to anyone who would listen. In 2003, seeking a copyright to the song, I learned that Dylan had credited it to Memphis songster Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, who recorded the 1950's boogie-woogie number "Rock Me Mama." From there, I learned that Crudup attributed the song to Mississippi-turned-Chicagoan Big Bill Broonzy, who recorded it way back in the late 1920's. So, from Big Bill to Big Boy to Bob and on down to me, "Wagon Wheel" has become a true American folksong, borrowed, half-stolen, and sung out far and wide. The rest, as they say, is history. more on this story



Boris Announce Dates and Record Store Day Release
Boris are heading Down Under next year and announced a limited edition release for Record Store Day.

Boris' New Album will be available via Sargent House on limited edition vinyl and CD at independent retailers on Record Store Day: Black Friday November 25th and LP/CD/Download worldwide on December 6th.

The band also announces the first few dates of an Australian headlining tour in March 2012. more on this story



Young The Giant Tap Grouplove For Tour
Young The Giant have tapped Grouplove to support them on their upcoming North American tour.

The cross country trek is set to begin on March 6th at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT and will wrap up on April 7th in Seattle, WA at Moore Theatre.

In other news, Grouplove will perform their hit single "Colours" on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman" this Friday. more on this story



Singled Out: Agents of Mercy's Citadel
Today Agents of Mercy's Roine Stolt (who is also in Transatlantic) tells us about "Citadel" from their brand new album "The Black Forest". Here is the story:

Citadel: Young and beautiful – well maybe not forever. How deep is our fear to get old, ugly and rejected? How far are we prepared to go? Is there a limit to how much we are willing to spend on plastic surgery, implants and beauty products today? In the shape of "The Blood Countess" we meet Elzbeth Bathory in the song 'Citadel' from Agents of Mercy's new album 'The Black Forest'.

Countess Elzbeth Bathory (1560-1614) of Hungarian nobility, was known as the blood countess, rumored to kill near 650 young women in the belief that their blood could make her skin young and glowing again. She's known as the female Count Dracula and a both scary and tragic part of Hungarian history. A female serial killer to boot – what a creepy theme for a prog rock tune.

Today's Day In Pop

Today's Full Report


Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez Reunite For TV
(TMZ) Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez were together in Puerto Rico last week -- but we're told there's no reconciliation here ... it was was strictly business.

The ex-couple went to the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, according to the Puerto Rican website Primera Hora ... where they were filming their upcoming Latin talent competition show, "¡Q'Viva! The Chosen."

We're told they watched auditions last Tuesday night and seemed like they were having fun together.

The show is scheduled to air in the U.S. on Univision in early 2012. more on this story



Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw Stadium Tour Coming
Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw will once again team up to hit the road for the 'Brothers of the Sun' Tour.

The 19-date stadium tour will be the first time in 10 years that Chesney and McGraw have hit the road together. The reunion will kick off June 2 in Tampa, FL and will feature stadium shows on weekend dates at venues across the country, including Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, Dallas' Cowboys Stadium, Detroit's Ford Field, and New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. 'Brothers of the Sun' will also feature special guests Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Jake Owen.

"Tim and I have been great friends since we first toured together, and I can't wait to get back on the road with him," Chesney said. "He's one of my closest friends in music and in life, and I know this tour is going to be something special." more on this story



Kelly Clarkson Announces North American Stronger Tour
The first American Idol champ Kelly Clarkson will be hitting the road early in the year for the Stronger Tour 2012.

The first leg of her world tour kicks off with a North American 40 plus city trek beginning in Mashantucket, CT on January 13th, with special guest Matt Nathanson.

Clarkson will be touring in support of her 5th studio album, Stronger, which was released on October 24th. more on this story



Adele Recovering From Throat Surgery
(popmusiclife) Adele says she's doing "really well" and recovering after last week's throat surgery in Boston.

"Sorry I haven't written for a while," the singer posted on her blog. "Thank you for all your positive thoughts and get well wishes. I'm doing really well, on the mend, super happy, relaxed and very positive with it all. The operation was a success and I'm just chilling out now until I get the all clear from my doctors. Thank you to everyone who voted for the awards I've won recently as well. Hugely appreciated. I best get back to practicing my mime show now. Take care, miss you all - Always adele xx"

The operation, performed by Dr. Steven Zeitels at Massachusetts General Hospital, was to stop a vocal cord hemorrhage from a benign polyp, which has caused the British singer to cancel concerts and personal appearances, in both the US and at home, through the end of this year. more on this story



Rihanna For The X Factor This Week
(popmusiclife) Rihanna will perform her newest No. 1 smash hit "We Found Love" on The X Factor results show this Thursday, November 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

"We Found Love" is Rihanna's lead single from her upcoming release, "Talk That Talk," which will be available Monday, November 21.

Rihanna made Billboard history earlier this month, when "We Found Love" became her 11th No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 and her 20th Top 10 hit. She collected her 20 Hot 100 Top 10 singles faster than any other solo artist – six years and four months – as reported by Billboard.com. more on this story



Rocky Emergency for Selena Gomez's Puppy
(TMZ) Note to Selena Gomez: Purina Puppy Chow is highly preferable to backyard rocks.

Selena had Baylor for less than a month, when the dog got violently ill last Friday after ingesting a bunch of rocks.

Selena tweeted a pic moments after the 3-month old pooch fell ill ..."My baby is sick :( praying for his surgery."

But all bad things must pass, and that's exactly what happened to the rocks, so Baylor dodged the surgery bullet. more on this story



Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and Big & Rich For Country Thunder
(Webster) We now know three of the four headliners for Country Thunder Arizona: Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and Big & Rich.

The upcoming festival on April 12-15, 2012 will mark the 19th year for Country Thunder and will take place at its home at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona.

Phoenix native Dierks Bentley will officially kick off the festival on Thursday night, taking the stage in front of thousands of fans who will be ready to show him that he is definitely not the only who wants to have fun tonight! With eight No. one hits, 10 GRAMMY nominations and over five million album sales under his belt, his anthemic new "Home" is the second single off his upcoming album scheduled for release in early 2012. more on this story



M83 Add New Show
M83 will follow up their sold out Music Box show last week with another LA show early next year on January 13th at Nokia Theater.

M83 is currently on a sold out North American tour supporting Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, which debuted at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 week of release (Oct. 18th).

The album is #1 on the CMJ Top 200 chart this week and an early frontrunner on critics' year-end lists.
more on this story



The Voice's Beverly McClellan Sets New Album Release
The Voice's Beverly McClellan will release her new album, Fear Nothing, on November 21st.

The hit television show introduced her to the world as a singer of stunning power and range with the presence and ability to draw comparisons to Etta James, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt and Melissa Etheridge, to name just a few of the great torchbearers whose legacies she evokes.

McClellan recently shared, "I believe that I have a message. It's simple: be yourself, love yourself, always be honest, and let the rest come naturally. That's the way I live my life and make my music." And that's the easygoing Zen she applied to the recording of Fear Nothing at Los Angeles' House of Blues studios with producer David Z. (Prince, Fine Young Cannibals, Billy Idol, Buddy Guy) and the superb rock and roots session players he assembled: guitarist Josh Sklair, keyboardist Jimmy Pugh, bassist Hutch Hutchinson and drummer Tony Braunagel — all noted producers in their own right. McClellan also brought along her own longtime guitar foil Billy Vazquez, and a stack of mostly upbeat and entirely heartfelt new songs. She recalls, "Making Fear Nothing was as smooth as melting butter on a oven-hot slice of bread. I showed the songs to the guys and then we played them together in the studio and that was it. We played some of them two or three times, but a lot of performances on the album are first takes, so they have that edgy, live feeling just like on stage." more on this story



Drake Leads This Week's New Releases
(popmusiclife) Drake leads the list of new music releases in stores this week. "Take Care" is Drake's sophomore album, the follow-up to last year's million-plus selling, "Thank Me Later."

The single, "Headlines," is hanging in on the top 15 on Billboard's Hot 100, after more than a dozen weeks on the chart.

Other big releases this week include the Glee Christmas Album (Volume 2), and new music from Gym Class Heroes and Howie D. See what else is being released this week.



A Chance To Meet Lady Gaga
(popmusiclife) Lady Gaga and photographer Terry Richardson are celebrating the upcoming release of Gaga's photo book "Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson," with a book signing at The New Museum in New York City on Tuesday, November 22nd.

For the project, Richardson captured the intimate, random, behind-the-scenes moments of Lady Gaga in all aspects of her life. The collection showcases more than 450 stunning, provocative color and black-and-white photographs — beginning with Lollapalooza in August 2010, to the February 2011 Grammy Awards, to the final shows of her Monster Ball tour.

Both Gaga & Terry Richardson will be on hand at the launch event to sign copies of the book. more on this story



Thomas Dybdahl Hitting The Road With Tori Amos
Thomas Dybdahl will join Tori Amos on the US leg of her Night of Hunters tour.

Dybdahl will be touring in support of his debut U.S. album, Songs, which was released in July.

The dates kick off on November 29th in Atlanta, Ga and are set to conclude on December 18th in Los Angeles. more on this story



Crabb Family Set New Album Release
(Nelson) Gaither Music Group will release an all-new studio recording from the Crabb Family on February 7th, 2012.

Together Again coincides with a limited run of national touring dates for the group. Produced by lead singer and Grammy Award-winning solo artist Jason Crabb, Together Again offers fans new music recorded with a unique vocal approach.

"In the past, when it came time to select songs for a project, part of the process was our deciding who would be featured on what song," describes Jason. "Basically, we all had 'our individual songs' that we took the lead on. With Together Again, the songs aren't centered around 'who is singing lead.' Our vocals are intermingled as never before. I'm especially excited about this, not only for the record, but for this run of concerts." more on this story



Kim Kardashian Fighting Fake Wedding Claim Maker
(TMZ) Kim Kardashian is finally firing back at the guy who has been making claims her wedding was a sham -- by hiring legal pit bull Marty Singer to put a muzzle on him ... TMZ has learned.

A guy by the name of Jonathan Jaxson has been doing a media tour to promote his book (coincidence?) and saying Kim never wanted to marry Kris Humphries and her wedding was all staged.

Jaxson claims he knows this because he did PR work for her, but a source close to Kim tells us they worked together once, years ago, on a blog ... and that Kim barely remembers who he is.

We're told Kim is particularly baffled how Jaxson can talk about Kim's wedding plans ... when she hasn't spoken to him in years.

But as part of their brief time together, we're told Kim had Jaxson sign a confidentiality agreement -- which Kim clearly feels he's violating now. Kim has now hired Marty Singer, who submitted papers to a private arbitration to attempt to shut Jaxson up immediately.

KK is claiming Jaxson has damaged her reputation with his allegedly defamatory statements and she wants a minimum of $200,000 in damages. more on this story



Lady Antebellum Goes Platinum
(TGR) Lady Antebellum's latest album, Own The Night, has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales of one million units just four weeks after its release.

The group has now sold a career total of seven million albums worldwide and Wed. night claimed its third consecutive CMA "Vocal Group of the Year" trophy.

"It's been a dizzying and exciting few months launching this album, but it's also really energizing to see how the fans are reacting to some of the songs on our new record," says Dave Haywood. "The reaction both in the States and overseas has been a huge confidence booster as we are getting ready to launch our first big arena tour this Friday. We couldn't be more excited to get back out on the road!" more on this story



Willie Nelson Giving Fans A Musical History Lesson With New Release
Country legend Willie Nelson will deliver his take on legendary songs with the November 21st release of Remember Me, Vol. 1.

Willie Nelson hand-picked the collection's 14 songs from among the top Billboard hits of the last 70 years.

Artists and songwriters reflected in Nelson's versions of their songs include Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Rosemary Clooney, Porter Wagoner and Ray Price. The first volume, out November. 21, is drawn from Nelson's sessions with longtime friend and producer James Stroud, which yielded more than 30 songs. Remember Me, Vol. 2 is scheduled to be released next year. more on this story



Avicii Lands U.S. Deal
Swedish DJ, remixer, and producer Avicii has inked a U.S. singles deal with Interscope Records and Troy Carter's electronic dance music label Atom Empire.

Born Tim Bergling in Stockholm, Avicii has already conquered club charts worldwide with his current single "Le7els." Released by LE7ELS Records/Atom Empire/Interscope, the radio edit is now available now at all digital partners.

"Le7els" has been declared the "Tune of 2011" by David Guetta in DJ Mag, which also placed the 22-year-old Swede at No. 6 on its yearly poll of the Top 100 DJs after just two years of performing. more on this story



American Idol Kris Allen To Help Bring Music Education To Schools
(MEP) The Music Empowers Foundation and American Idol champ Kris Allen are launching a new program to support music education programs in public schools.

Allen and Music Empowers have partnered to provide a major grant to DonorsChoose.org, the national online charity that matches individual donors to project requests from teachers in public schools.

The initiative hopes to benefit over 10,000 students by helping to provide music supplies to classroom music programs in high poverty areas across the country. more on this story



Iggy Pop, Teddy Thompson and More on Michel Legrand's Christmas Album
Verve have set a December 6th release for French composer Michel Legrand new studio album, Noel! Noel!! Noel!!!

Legrand called on a array of recording artists from around the world who jumped at the chance to work with the globally acclaimed songwriter and composer on his new studio album.

This diverse group of artists includes the Grammy Award-nominated, jazz-pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum; the multi-faceted singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright; the eclectic pop styling of MIKA; acclaimed singer and composer Teddy Thompson; folk-soul chanteuse Ayo; noted French singer Carla Bruni, and punk pioneer Iggy Pop. more on this story



Singled Out: Space Capone's I Just Wanna Dance
Today Space Capone (a.k.a. Aaron Winters) tells us about his brand new single "I Just Wanna Dance" which was released today ahead of the self-titled debut album which will arrive early next year. Here is the story:

I wrote this tune during a very influential period in my life. I mean to say, I was being influenced by many things... Mostly what my producer Calvin Turner, was telling me to listen to. I was a sponge. I had been on a Prince kick. Not just dabbling in Prince, we're talking about purchasing every record. Living Prince.

During this time, I was hanging out with a good friend of mine, Sam Gibb. She was living in town then. I remember getting to meet Barry Gibb backstage at the Ryman Auditorium for an Olivia Newton-John show. I wanted to tell him we were the same person. I didn't. Instead, I came home later that evening and wrote the song on the foot of my bed. I built a loop and forced myself to write to 120 BPM. I forced myself to write without swinging, which is a comfort thing for me. It was also when I committed to singing falsetto. All in all, it was a very quick process. Maybe twenty minutes.

I would later finish the lyrics without the use of the guitar. I sang a lot of the lyrics into existence while renovating a house on the east side of Nashville. Carpentry has been my gig before music. Carpentry took a half inch off my middle finger. I actually tracked vocals to this song with my hand above my head, one finger wrapped in gauze. There's a cute back story.

In conclusion, this song holds a special place in my heart. Written in my wilder developmental stages, it has proven to be a catalyst for the vibe that has become Space Capone.

Today's Day In Rock!

Gene Simmons Vs Axl Rose
(hennemusic) In an interview with Music-News.com Gene Simmons of KISS was asked about what advice he would offer Axl Rose about staying at the top of his game. "You get to sleep in the bed you make," said Simmons. "It's simple. If you're lucky enough to be accepted on stage by the audience, if you're lucky enough to be able to write a song, if you're lucky enough to have charisma on stage, that's the beginning. And then you've got to be able to deliver night after night after night. And not everybody is designed to run a marathon. Because to be a rock star for decades means you're running a marathon."

"Guns N' Roses could have been the best band in the world, and the reason they're not is because of Axl Rose," he added. "I mean, the drugs, the heroin, the alcohol and all that. But ultimately, it falls on Axl's shoulders."

So, Gene, what could Axl have done differently? "A good beating would have helped," Simmons replied. "I mean, when you misbehaved as a little kid and continued to do it, there was somebody there to give you a what for. Then when you become a grown-up, who's there to set you straight?" more on this story



Rammstein Set Release Date and North American Tour
Rammstein have plotted a North American invasion, first with a new release and then a spring tour.

The 21 date date tour will be kicking off on April 20th in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and hit cities across the U.S. and Canada for before wrapping up on May 25th in Houston, Tx.

The release date for the new Rammstein retrospective, Made in Germany 1995-2011, has been set for December 13th. more on this story



Courtney Love Rants About Dave Grohl and Smashing Pumpkins
(Banana 101.5) Courtney Love's Hole took the stage in Brazil over the weekend and the notoriously opinionated vocalist launched into a tirade against Dave Grohl after a fan held up a picture of Kurt Cobain and she also claimed to have inspired all of The Smashing Pumpkins' best music.

According to Antiquiet, early in the set Love made an incoherent speech about The Smashing Pumpkins — claiming that Billy Corgan wrote all the songs on 'Siamese Dream' and 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' about her.

She also alleged that the lyrics, "The killer in me is the killer in you" from 'Disarm' were cribbed directly from a letter she wrote to Corgan. A lot more here including video



Rick Rubin Got Black Sabbath To Reunite
(Rock News Desk) Black Sabbath say producer Rick Rubin should take the credit for bringing about the band's reunion.

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward last night confirmed the long-standing rumours were true, and revealed they'll begin recording a new album, their first in 33 years, just after Christmas.

It's set for release in autumn 2012 and will tie in with a world tour, marking the first time Sabbath have played together since 2005. All four members appeared at a press launch at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, presented by Henry Rollins. Guitarist Iommi said of Rick Rubin, who was also present: "He phoned us every five minutes." more on this story



Scott Reeder To Join Kyuss Lives's Special Home Town Show
Kyuss Lives! announces former Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder will join them as a special guest as their upcoming home town show.

Kyuss Lives! are billing the event as a very special one-off homecoming show, set for Friday, November 18 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.

The event will see the band perform an extended two and a half hour long set showcasing songs from all of the band's records in addition to never-before-performed songs taken from the band's archive. more on this story



Prong Plan New Album Release
(Freeman) Prong have signed a worldwide recording contact with Long Branch Records/SPV for the release of their as yet untitled album, which will be released in Spring 2012.

Prong frontman Tommy Victor commented on signing with SPV: "I feel like Prong has come full circle. We have the same energy and excitement about our music that we did at the beginning of our career. With Long Branch SPV we've found people to work with who are very supportive of us and what PRONG has accomplished so far in our career."

SPV A&R representative Maria Ouellette spoke about signing Prong: "We're extremely excited to welcome Prong into the SPV/Long Branch Records fold! Tommy Victor's musical innovation and influence is far-reaching and inspirational, and exactly what we're about. We're proud that we can be part of their next musical milestone!"



EMI Split Up Between Rivals
(Gibson) Record label EMI has been split up and sold to other majors by Citigroup, who took control of the company from Guy Hands' Terra Firma private equity company earlier this year.

Vivendi and its Universal Music Group subsidiary will acquire EMI's recorded music division for a total consideration of $US 1.9 billion, while EMI Publishing will be acquired for $US 2.2 billion by a consortium comprising Sony Corporation of America, the Estate of Michael Jackson, Mubadala Development Company PJSC, Jynwel Capital Ltd, the Blackstone Group's GSO Capital Partners LP and David Geffen. Sony/ATV Music Publishing will oversee EMI Music Publishing on behalf of the consortium.

Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said the deal was an historic acquisition for UMG and an important step in preserving the legacy of EMI Music. more on this story



Hail The Villain Lose Their Voice
(Banana 101.5) Hail The Villain will be continuing as a band, but will be doing so without vocalist Brian Crouch. Word of the split comes after Crouch suffered a vocal chord hemorrhage that forced the band to cancel several tour dates.

Just as things were starting to look up for the Ontario based hard rock unit, they've been dealt what is often a career deathblow for newer bands.

Hail the Villain announced on Facebook that their vocalist Brian Crouch has quit the band. more on this story



Nonpoint Tease Fans With New Demos From New Lineup
(Banana 101.5) Just after news broke that Nonpoint would be moving forward without their guitarist and bassist, they confirmed they had already found replacements and are now showing off some new material via YouTube.

Towards the beginning of the month, Nonpoint announced the departure of guitarist Zach Broderick and founding bassist Ken MacMillan. It was immediately rumored, and confirmed just days later, that members of the Chicago based hard rock band Inn Cinema would be filling the void.

Now vocalist Elias Soriano and Robb Rivera are now joined by guitarists Rasheed Thomas and Dave Lizzio and bassist Adam Woloszyn, and are predicting their new album could be in stores as early as Spring of 2012. Read more and checkout the new demos here.



The Doors L.A. Woman 40th Anniversary Edition Coming
(Gibson) Rhino Records will release a 40th anniversary version of The Doors' 1971 classic album L.A. Woman on November 25.

The two-CD set includes a bonus disc featuring covers of Willie Dixon's "(You Need Meat) Don't Go No Further" and Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)."

According to Noise11.com, the remastered album features several noticeable changes compared to the original. For instance, the fade-out of "Love Her Madly" is 18 seconds longer than on the original album; an extra verse has been reinstated to "Cars Hiss by My Window," and the title track includes the guitar intro "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," adding an extra 10 seconds to the track. more on this story



F***ed Up Future in Doubt
(Rock News Desk) F***ed Up frontman Damian Abraham is not ready to leave the band but admits he is guilty of spreading such rumours.

Abraham reveals he no longer wishes to tour, having a wife and young son at home, but does not want to leave his bandmates in a difficult situation by quitting.

He says: "I've been talking about it a lot because I don't want to take away these five other people's livelihoods. I would love to find a way to make it into a constantly-evolving thing, where sometimes we can tour and other times it's another band involved with us." more on this story



Stevie Ray Vaughan Collaborator Doyle Bramhall Dead at 62
(Gibson) Austin, Texas, drummer and songwriter Doyle Bramhall died suddenly at home on Sunday. He was 62. The exact cause of death is not known and Bramhall's family will request an autopsy, according to dfw.com, one of the first news websites to break the story.

Bramhall was a fixture on the Austin scene and wrote or co-wrote several songs performed by Stevie Ray Vaughan, including "Dirty Pool," "Life by the Drop," "The House is Rockin'," "Tightrope" and "Change It."

Bramhall also played drums on the Family Style album by Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. Bramhall and Jimmie Vaughan first played together in The Chessmen in Dallas, moving to Austin in the early '70s. His most recent solo album was 2007's Is it News. more on this story



Ace Frehley Scores Top 10 Debut on Best Sellers List
(hennemusic) Ace Frehley is in the New York groove. The original KISS guitarist's new book, "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir," has just debuted at #10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list.

Co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden, the book is billed as "a funny, truthful, candid memoir about a hard-drinking, drug-addicted, music-loving guitar player who lived life as a rock star and survived to tell the tale."

The book was published November 1, and Ace has been doing book-signing events around the country – and lots of media interviews – to help promote it. more on this story



Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Scores Best Seller
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi's tale of his history with the legendary band has landed at no. 35 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list.

"Iron Man" chronicles the story of both pioneering guitarist Tony Iommi and legendary band Black Sabbath, dubbed "The Beatles of heavy metal" by Rolling Stone.

"Iron Man" reveals the man behind the icon yet still captures Iommi's humor, intelligence, and warmth. He speaks honestly and unflinchingly about his rough-and-tumble childhood, the accident that almost ended his career, his failed marriages, personal tragedies, battles with addiction, band mates, famous friends, newfound daughter, and the ups and downs of his life as an artist. more on this story



Red Hot Chili Peppers Kiedis' Sobering Reality
(Rock News Desk) Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis believes sobriety to be the key to his success as he enjoys fatherhood.

He explains: "The greatest thing for me was becoming a dad and not having to work or go on the road for the first two years of my son's life. I recently moved to the seashore and having this little person in my arms looking at the ocean was a reawakening for me in terms of being an elated human being.

"I wouldn't have been a dad if I wasn't sober. It's what led me to fatherhood. It's what led me to most of the great success in my life. It allows me to do my best at everything." (The Mirror) More rock news.



Remix Queen
Queen have teamed up with Talenthouse to bring remixers, musicians and producers the chance to remix 'Don't Stop Me Now'.

This will be the first time Queen have released isolated parts or 'stems', including Freddie Mercury's original vocals in order to discover a modern remix of the much loved track.

The winner will be featured on Queen's official site and across their social media channels including their Facebook and YouTube pages. They will also receive $1,000, Avid Pro Tools software and studio time with a top mastering engineer at Metropolis Studios in London* where Queen famously recorded their hit albums 'Made In Heaven' and 'Innuendo'. The runner-ups will receive Avid music software and Queen goodies. more on this story



Thy Will Be Done Finish Recording New Release
Thy Will Be Done have completed the recording process for what is to be for their upcoming EP.

The forthcoming release was engineered by the band's own rhythm guitarist Kurt Fraunfelter, who adequately possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Audio and Media Technology, and is currently being mixed by Zeuss (White Chapel, Suicide Silence, Chimaira) at Planet Z in Hadley, MA.

The follow-up release to 2009's 'In Ancient of Days' LP will feature 6 brand new studio tracks including the track, "You, The Apathy Divine" which the band debuted live on last year's Stillborn Fest tour with Hatebreed.



Slash and Ozzy Lead This Week's New Rock Releases
(hennemusic) Two veteran hard rockers lead this week's new rock releases as we draw another week closer to Christmas and the big guns in new music releases are starting to come out.

"Made In Stoke 24/7/11," a new live package from Slash is now available; in comes in audio and audio + DVD options.

On the heels of Friday's Black Sabbath reunion announcement comes the "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" film, in both DVD and Blu-Ray. See what else is hitting stores this week.



Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven Map Out Year End Plans
(PPR) Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven will be teaming up for their annual year-end California tour.

Cracker will follow up the dates by heading further north to Portland on December 30th for a special one-off with bluegrass jam band Leftover Salmon, where the two bands will perform their highly-lauded 2003 album O Cracker, Where Art Thou? together in its entirety.

The following night Cracker & CVB will be in Chicago for a celebratory New Year's Eve bash at Chicago's House Of Blues. Camper Van Beethoven will open, followed by Cracker ringing in the new year, and then Big Head Todd & The Monsters playing into the wee hours. more on this story



Polyphonic Spree Connected Good Records Recordings Relaunched
(Paradigm) Good Records Recordings, the independent label co-owned by The Polyphonic Spree's Tim DeLaughter and Julie Doyle and their longtime associate Chris Penn, has been relaunched as a label focused on releasing one song at a time from its stable of artists, in both digital and vinyl formats.

Each track will be available two ways: a high-quality download (with a choice of MP3 or lossless FLAC) or as a limited-edition, colored, collectible vinyl record with custom artwork and a surprise B-side not available elsewhere. Additionally, artists will create a music video for every track they release.

The relaunch sees the release of new music from DeLaughter and Doyle's two bands, The Polyphonic Spree and Preteen Zenith, as well as a previously unreleased outtake from DeLaughter's previous band, Tripping Daisy. Also on the roster are music from New Fumes and Sweet Lee Morrow (the alter egos of former Polyphonic Spree members Daniel Huffman and Jesse Hester, respectively), as well as the Texas bands Pilotdrift (who released their acclaimed debut "Water Sphere" on Good in 2005) and Binary Sunrise. And later this fall, the label will release new music from former Grandaddy frontman Jason Lytle. Each month will feature new song releases from various GRR artists. See what's coming up from the label.



R.E.M.'s Stipe on Stephen Colbert's Rock and Roll Shelf of Fame
R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe made a surprise appearance on The Colbert Report last week.

During the appearance, host Stephen Colbert said goodbye to the band by putting Stipe on his Rock and Roll Shelf of Fame (literally.) They were then joined by guest Brian Eno for an impromptu acapella rendition of "Lean On Me." Watch the surreal clip here.

Stipe made the appearance to promote the release of their final album, R.E.M., Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage, 1982 - 2011, was released by Warner Bros. Records today November 15th. more on this story



David Lynch Delivers His Take On The Blues
(Gibson) Legendary filmmaker David Lynch has just released his first solo album, Crazy Clown Time, a mix of blues and electronica.

Described as being "filled with foreboding soundscapes, hypnotic rhythms and enigmatic lyrics," the album is a collaboration between the influential auteur and engineer Dean Hurley. It was recorded in Lynch's own home studio.

In an interview with the New York Times, Lynch said the album's tracks typically started from jams with Hurley on drums and Lynch on guitar. "And out of the jamming comes some kind of form, like, lots and lots of garbage – you can picture a landfill – but some chunks of gold." more on this story



Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Plot North American Return
(hennemusic) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are wrapping up a short North American swing this week to promote their new self-titled debut.

But they'll back for more in the Spring, as the band have announced a series if 2012 concert dates through Australia, Europe and the US.

The Aussie shows in February are a part of the 20th Anniversary of the annual Big Day Out concert events across the country. more on this story



Otis Taylor Sets New Album Release
(conqueroo) Bluesman Otis Taylor will deliver his new album, Contraband, on February 13, 2012.

"When I sing, I just do what I do," Taylor says. "Whatever comes out — that's the way I leave it. And if I make a mistake, I leave it in. I like to keep the emotion." Otis Taylor's Contraband is evidence of that. Set for release February 13, 2012, on Telarc, a division of Concord Music Group, Taylor's new album finds the artist on familiar thematic terrain: love, social injustices, personal demons and war.

The album takes its title from an article that appeared in the May/June 2011 issue of Preservation Magazine about runaway slaves who during the American Civil War escaped to the Union lines at Fort Monroe, Va.. Known as "contraband," they lived in camps where conditions were often worse than life on the plantation. more on this story



The Prophets Of Addiction Reunites Pretty Boy Floyd Members
Ex-Pretty Boy Floyd's Lesli Sanders new The Prophets Of Addiction have announced a lineup change.

The group have split with guitarist Amit Lee Ron and announced Tchad Drats (Pretty Boy Floyd , City Girls Boys) as a replacement.

The Prophets Of Addiction will release their debut album "Babylon Boulevard" which was mixed by Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy IdoL) and mastered by Dave Hillis (Pearl Jam) on french label Deadlight Entertainment (Undercover Slut, Los Disidentes Del Sucio MoteL) by the beginning of January.

Their track "Self Portrait" is available for free download on the label's Bandcamp page here.



Freedom Call Set New Album Release
Freedom Call will release their new studio album, "Land Of The Crimson Dawn," in various territories in late February 2012.

The album will be released on February 24th in Germany, February 27th in Europe and February 28th in the USA/Canada.

Singer and Guitarist Chris Bay offers news to the fans: "We started in the beginning of September to record the first tracks for the new album. The band was working the past months intensely creative and did a fantastic job! Now we're happy and satisfied with the result and will finish the recordings in the next days!!

BILLBOARD REFLECTS ON VAN HALEN/INTERSCOPE DEAL:

Interesting story appeared late Friday on Billboard.com, after I broke news via Twitter that Van Halen had ditched plans to sign to Columbia and chose LA based Interscope Records instead. Read below for a little more inside information on the signing.
Here's my take - I was told the band wanted a "hipper" label - they got that - but they also wanted a LA based label to be closer to the action and the decisions that would need to be made over the next 6 months (with the album and tour etc..)
Read through the insider comments below and it seems that was indeed the case, but I was surprised to read that it was singer David Lee Roth that was making this demand, as it seems the plan is to have him front and centre for upcoming PR push.

This to me is an interesting point. The Van Halen camp want us to believe that the band is a united team....but I see this more as the Van Halen Brothers being acutely aware that they must keep DLR happy, as he is their only option to move forward and continue touring/recording...or at the heart of it...making money!
The band simply had to fulfil fan demands for the DLR partnership from 2008 to continue and (finally) record a new album after 13 years wait. Going back to Sammy Hagar certainly wasn't an option. I can't see how that will ever work again after Sammy's book and continued comments on the state of VH....plus the fact Sammy won't return without Michael Anthony.
And moving forward with a 4th lead singer, or a collaboration of various singers on one album (something we've continually heard Eddie would like to do), would cause such a revolt amongst fans (still burnt from the Gary Cherone album/tour) that any hope of making big bucks on tour would be wiped clean.

So David Lee Roth is the lynch pin in this scenario, and therefore holds all the power. Signing to Interscope is an interesting decision and I for one hope that it comes together nicely for the band. If Roth is to do the bulk of the press, one wonders if Eddie will be available at all? After all, there is a lot of questions fans and press have for him.
It will be interesting to see if this VH/DLR relationship is authentic and if there is genuine chemistry between the guys on record and on stage. I for one think that is crucial.
And one thing remains absolutely vital. This new studio record must absolutely 100% kick some serious ass. On a lighter note - as a die-hard Van Halen fan, it's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's good to feel excited about new music coming our way.

From Billboard: Van Halen To Sign With Interscope / By Shirley Halperin, THR / www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/van-halen-to-sign-with-interscope-1005511802.story

"Iconic rock band Van Halen are set to sign with Interscope Records, says a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal is expected to be finalized next week, marking the first time in 35 years that the band will not release music through Warner Music, its longtime label home.
It had been rumored -- and reported -- that the band was joining the Columbia Records roster. In fact, an insider tells The Hollywood Reporter that the contract for the Sony deal was drawn up and approved but hadn't been signed when Universal Music stepped into the picture.
The signing was a group effort involving UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, UMG International COO Max Hole, Interscope Geffen A&M vice chairman Steve Berman and Interscope's Jimmy Iovine, who, says a source, "heard the band was available and wanted to work with them. It was decided at the 11th hour." What came next was a series of meetings that presented the band with a global plan that included extensive marketing, merchandising, touring and, of course, recordings.
So what derailed the Columbia deal? The usual rock band complications, says an insider. While the group reunited with original singer David Lee Roth in 2006, the Sony label could not come to terms with Roth, who has a separate management, legal and accounting team than the other three members, guitarist Eddie Van Halen and his son Wolfgang (who replaced bassist Michael Anthony) and drummer Alex Van Halen. The main issue for Roth? He was apparently adamant about being on a west coast label. "He was never on board [with Columbia]," says the source. "It was as complicated as anyone would imagine, when one side says black, the other says white. The label was pretty sceptical that things would work out."
It's expected that as frontman, Roth will have to carry much of the marketing burden and it seems the band members ultimately want their singer to be happy with the deal which is why they went with Universal's west coast-based Interscope.
A new album, their first studio effort since 1984, is believed to be nearly finished with the hope that it can be released in 2012. The band is expected to make a "special announcement" on Nov. 30 at the Grammy Awards nominations concert, which will air live on CBS from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater.
An Interscope rep had no comment."

AEROSMITH Lands On BILLBOARD's 'Hot Tours' Chart

Nov. 12, 2011
AEROSMITH has landed at position No. 2 on this week's Billboard.com "Hot Tours" rankings with ticket sales counts reported from three venues on the Latin American leg of its "Back On The Road Tour" that launched in late October. This week's totals include grosses from Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. The October 26 performance in Paraguay was an outdoor concert for 32,000 fans staged at the Jockey Club, a horseracing track in the city of Asunción. Two days later the band was in Argentina and played to a crowd of 38,000 at Estadio Único Ciudad de La Plata, a soccer stadium in the Buenos Aires market, grossing over $3.8 million (US$) from one performance. The last of this week's reported concerts was an October 30 event held at Arena Anhembi, an open-air concert site in São Paulo, Brazil. Attendance was just over 29,000 with a gross of $2.9 million (US$).

AEROSMITH will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its iconic 1976 album, "Rocks", with a special edition release, due out in Japan on November 23. The release will coincide with AEROSMITH's fall tour through Japan, kicking off Tuesday, November 22 in Kanazawa.

AEROSMITH entered guitarist Joe Perry's home studio (The Boneyard) in suburban Boston and the Pandora's Box (the band's main studio) in early July with Jack Douglas to begin recording its long-awaited 14th studio album. The CD will be AEROSMITH's first set of original material since 2001's "Just Push Play" and first studio offering since 2004's covers CD, "Honkin' On Bobo".

AEROSMITH and singer Steven Tyler almost went their separate ways in late 2009, but reunited and toured last year. However, Tyler then stunned his bandmates by taking a job as a judge on "American Idol", which pushed back work on the already-delayed new record.

Van Halen Signs With Interscope Records

Van Halen Store

Thursday, 10 November 2011

VHND has been hearing some solid info from our trusted sources, and it’s all wonderful news!

Van Halen has recently signed with Interscope Records (not Columbia Records as rumors stated). The album is 100% done and in the can, and fans will have it in their hands early next year. The release date is set in stone and is top secret, but will be announced very soon.

In fact, the Grammys are hinting strongly that Van Halen will make their announcement at the Grammy Nominations Concert held in Los Angeles on November 30th. Fans will be able to watch the announcement live on CBS.



“Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography” is a Must-Read
Thursday, 10 November 2011

Edward Van Halen: A Definitive BiographyA new, incredible Van Halen book is being released – Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography.

This is it! The definitive and very detailed biography of the most famous and influential living guitarist. VanHalenStore.com proclaims this book to be one of the few MUST-HAVE books on Van Halen!

In July of 1984, Edward Van Halen was the most popular musician in the world in the most popular band in the world—the band that to this day bears his own surname. As a 12-year-old, author Kevin Dodds experienced his first Van Halen concert, and it changed his life.

In this biography, Dodds takes a comprehensive look at the life of Van Halen, examining Eddie’s early years growing up in the Netherlands; his life with his mother and musician father; the family’s immigration to the United States; his lifelong trials and tribulations; and his remarkable music career. For more than a year, Dodds delved into more than a thousand different sources to compile Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography, the story that captures the life of a man with complex personality and character traits whose life and times has played an important role in American cultural and musical history. Dodds has also woven his personal experiences with Van Halen into this story, providing a unique perspective in the field of rock-and-roll biographies.

Kevin Dodds has been an avid follower of Edward Van Halen’s career since 1979. Dodds is a writer, semi-pro guitarist, and rock and roll historian.

Softcover, 420 pages. Size is 6″ x 9″.

Here’s a short preview:

INTRODUCTION:

It is July of 1984. He is the most popular musician in the world in the most popular band in the world, the band that bears his own surname. The Summit in Houston is sold out not for just one night, but for three nights in a row.

It’s the first night of the stand. The rockabilly opening act has come and gone without notice. The house lights have gone down and the lighters have gone up. The crowd roar is simply unbelievable—constant and deafening. Thirty to forty seconds go by with swirling white spotlights streaming up from the stage’s edge. And then I hear it. A scream—a scream from a guitar. I know that scream but my brain is laboring in disbelief. “Is this really happening?” And I wasn’t sure it was. This was bigger than Christmas, bigger than a thousand Christmases. The guitar dive bombs on the low E and a few choice licks come pouring out of the sound system.

The spotlights continue along with the butanes. I still haven’t grasped the reality. I feel like I’m dreaming because it’s dark and the lights are trancelike. It continues: the crowd roar, the wailing guitar, pounding drums, the spotlights rotating. The stage announcer steps up, sounding like a WWF wrestler, and delivers the classic Spinal Tapesque “I give you…the mighty…VAN HALEN!” Edward then immediately kicks off the show with “Unchained.” I am still in disbelief because I can only hear it and can only barely see it. Ed is backlit, silhouetted in a tight white spot. The introduction of “Unchained” continues and the opening pattern is repeated twice before the drum fill followed by the entire band kicking in. And when it does—the lights explode, and the first thing you see is Dave at the peak of his “splits” jump coming off the drum riser. It was like sleeping and being awakened by being shoved out of an airplane. The wave of applause that followed the opening hit of the lights was simply thunderous and permanently unforgettable.

The microsecond that my mind admits it—“Okay, you are at the Van Halen concert”—my eyes immediately scan the stage in search of my idol. There he is in a white shirt, patched jeans, a bandana around his neck, and red shoes. And he’s playing a red, black, and white striped Kramer guitar.

“It’s true,” I thought. “He does exist. He’s real. I can see him with my own eyes.” He is a comic book superhero and here he is saving us, 15,000 people at a time. If the roof of the Summit had caved in, I would not have been surprised if Edward were to hold it up with one hand while continuing to play with the other. Honestly, that probably would’ve just been incidental to the concert.

Permanent After-Effect

Within a week, my best friend Mike and I started a band. The first three songs we learned as a band were “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “You Really Got Me,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” My buddy and I still play together to this day. This all really means something to me. Edward inspired me so greatly, I absolutely had to get to the bottom of what makes him tick. My peers demanded I do it. “You were born to do this” and “If anyone was cut out to do this, it’s you” and “You should do it because…”

Edward is one of only a handful of legitimate musical geniuses of the past 200 years. Genius is a blessing, but sometimes a curse. And the two are, unfortunately, intertwined.

Order the book now at Van Halen Store for just $19.95 and save $5 off the list price.