Today's Day In Rock News!

Sebastian Bach Caught In Guns N' Roses Crossfire
(Classic Rock) Sebastian Bach has a hard time remaining friends with people on both sides of the Guns N' Roses split, he says. And he's frustrated that radio stations featuring his former band Skid Row on heavy rotation have failed to even mention his recent solo album.
Bach remains friends with GnR frontman Axl Rose and former bassist Duff McKagan. He's recently worked with both. But he found himself in a crossfire situation over the band's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, which Rose eventually decided not to attend.

"I just played with Duff and Matt Sorum in a band called the Rock'n'Roll Allstars with Gene Simmons and Joe Elliott. I'm also friends with Axl, and I don't want to piss off either side," Bach tells CleveScene. "When I stick up for Axl, Duff gets mad at me. When I stick up for Duff, Axl gets mad at me. It's totally true." He has a lot more to say.


Band Stops Label From Going After File-Sharing Fans
All Shall Perish were surprised back in April when they discovered that 80 people were facing up to $150,000 in damages in a lawsuit for sharing one of the band's albums via BitTorrent.

At the time that news of the lawsuit surfaced the band told fans on their Facebook page: "ALL SHALL PERISH ISN'T SUING ANYONE, least of all our fans. No idea what this blog is talking about. WE AREN'T SUING ANYONE. We have no knowledge of any lawsuit. Our management and legal representation know nothing about it. Nobody from this blog contacted us to ask about it, either. We are looking into it and exploring our options."

Last week the band's label announced: "Nuclear Blast also respects bands such as All Shall Perish that do not wish to pursue file sharers. All Shall Perish was not consulted about this course of action and did not wish to participate in it whatsoever. When they learned about it, they immediately asked us to cease all legal action against their fans, file traders or otherwise, as soon as they learned this action had been taken in their name. Therefore Nuclear Blast and World Digital Rights decided recently to stop legal actions against the file sharing with songs from the band All Shall Perish." Read the label's full statement.



Iron Maiden Vs Texting 'Wanker'
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden are halfway through the North American portion of their "Maiden England World Tour."

On Thursday, Maiden rolled into Indianapolis for a show at the Klipsch Music Center, along with tour mate Alice Cooper.

During their headlining set, Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson busted a fan for not paying attention. "Oh, for fuck's sake, the man the white shirt, you've been texting for the last three fucking songs! You're a wanker!," said Dickinson to wild applause at the opening of "Wasted Years." Check out video here.



Staind Not Breaking Up
Staind frontman Aaron Lewis reassures fans in a new interview that the band is just taking a break and they will return.

"We've got this next tour and we might do something next year and then we're going to take a little break for a second," he tells Billboard.

"We're not breaking up. We're not gonna stop making music. We're just going to take a little hiatus that really hasn't ever been taken in our career. We put out seven records in 14 years. We've been pretty busy." Read the Billboard report here.



Iwrestledabearonce Singer Permanently Gone?
It looks like Krysta Cameron's absence from Iwrestledabearonce may be permanent, this according to a comment in an interview with the band.

Earlier this month the band announced that they had recruited Courtney LaPlante to sing for them on this summer's Warp tour after their singer Krysta Cameron discovered she was pregnant.

However, Propertyofzack.com asked the band "Krysta being pregnant I would imagine makes the band re-imagine some things. What may change until she's ready to go again? Or might she leave permanently?" and bass player Mike "Ricky" Martin responded "I'm going to say she's permanently gone." But Mikey Montgomery added "Fingers crossed though." You can read the full interview here.



Judas Priest Including Us Fest DVD on Screaming 30th Anniversary Edition
(hennemusic) Judas Priest are marking the 30th Anniversary of their 1982 album, "Screaming For Vengeance," with an expanded version of the release, which is due on September 4 (one day earlier internationally).

"Screaming For Vengeance – Special 30th Anniversary Edition" will feature not only the remastered original album plus bonus tracks, but also a live DVD from the 1983 US Festival show, filmed in San Bernardino, CA on May 29, 1983.

The US Festival was intended to be a celebration of evolving technologies; a marriage of music, computers, television and people — organized by Steve Wozniak, formerly of Apple. The "Screaming For Vengeance – Special 30th Anniversary Edition" live DVD was filmed at the second, and what turned out to be last, US Festival in 1983. Headlined by Van Halen, Sunday was the Heavy Metal Day, billed as "the day new wave died and rock 'n' roll took over." It set the single-day concert attendance record for the U.S. with an estimated 375,000 people. more on this story



Slayer's Hanneman Flesh-Eating Disease Free But Still Needs To Recover
(Gibson) Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman is free of the flesh-eating disease that struck him early last year, but his rehabilitation continues.

Speaking to Billboard.com, Slayer bassist-vocalist Tom Araya said, "Jeff's had a long ordeal. He's working on his playing ability, and that's something that's going to take some time. He's working on strengthening his arm and his ability to play. He can play, but it's not for an extended period of time. Like anything else when you have some kind of not only muscle damage but nerve damage, it takes a bit for a lot of your functions to come back. They're not going to come back easy and quick."

Araya praised Exodus guitarist Gary Holt for the "fantastic job" he's done filling in for Hanneman, but still he longs for Hanneman's return. "I just kind of look [on-stage] and think, 'Jeff, God, where are you? You worked 30 years for this. You should be here,'" Araya said. "He should be enjoying this part of his career. I can't wait for him to [be back]." more on this story





Cheap Trick and Aerosmith Jam Goes Online
(hennemusic) Cheap Trick have been rocking North America this summer as part of Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.

This past week, the classic rockers played two shows in Aerosmith's hometown of Boston.

On the second night, Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford joined Cheap Trick for their cover of Fats Domino's "Ain't That A Shame." Watch it here.



Izzy Reunites With Guns N' Roses For Wedding Jam
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses played a private wedding concert in Saint-Tropez, France Saturday night.

The last-minute show featured guest Izzy Stradlin, who sat in with his former brand for most of the set.

GNR guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal tweeted the news, writing, "Wow. Diverted without info (or gear or clothes or sleep) to play a wedding in France. Yep. Guess it's not *one show left*", adding, "Crew working dangerously nonstop due to added show. Not ok with that..." More including photos.



Blink-182's Travis Barker Suffering From Six Ulcers
(Classic Rock) Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker was forced to give up drugs after doctors found six ulcers in his stomach.

Barker tells Red Bulletin: "I used to love smoking weed. I would smoke at night if I had anxiety. I always thought I'd be able to do it for the rest of my life.

"But when your health is on the line you don't mess around. I love being a dad and I love playing music – I'm not trying to give up any of that." more on this story



33 Queen Videos Coming To DVD
(Gibson) Queen will release a new boxed set featuring the rock legend's most famous videos and promotional films.

Greatest Video Hits will include two DVDs containing 33 clips from the '70s and '80s, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.

The DVDs will include commentary from Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor, as well as restored versions of the videos with DTS sound mixing. Greatest Video Hits will be available on August 28. more on this story





Hawkwind Fans Deemed Undesirable Or Just A Misunderstanding?
(Classic Rock) Hawkwind have been forced to cancel an all-day event in a Leicestershire venue after organisers claimed the band's fans are an undesirable audience, the band say.

The space-rock veterans were set to perform at the Conkers attraction in the National Forest, a scheme designed to create a new 200-square-mile area of woodland in central England.

They say bosses won't agree to run the September event, but they haven't been offered a full explanation. And they're astonished because the show was only booked after promoters approached the band, having enjoyed a previous festival set. But there are two sides to every story and the other side says it was a misunderstanding



Dead Sara Pull Summer Tour Plan Due To Injury
Up and comers Dead Sara have been forced to pull out of this summer's Warped Tour due to injury. The band advised fans on Thursday via their website:

"We are sad to announce that we are unable to play the remaining dates of the Vans Warped Tour due to our guitarist, Siouxsie, recently fracturing her ribs.

"Unfortunately, rib injuries are a tricky thing to heal and she has been advised to rest and recover for the next several weeks to avoid any permanent damage and cancellation of future shows."

See band's website for the latest.



Jon Anderson Plans Special One-Off Concert
Original Yes frontman Jon Anderson plans a special one-off concert on August 8th at the Sadler's Wells Theater in London.

This will be the first time Jon has performed in the UK since his successful tour with Rick Wakeman in 2010.

"The concert in London is with the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra with the help of my good friend composer Peter Machajdik plus a semi acoustic group I performed with a couple of years ago in Bratislava," says Jon. " 'Concert for Earth and Peace' – the show will be around one hour long, with classic YES songs, and Vangelis songs, plus 'Earth and Peace', a new song written with the music of Austin Haynes, and some surprises." Also performing, Miro Zbirka from Slovakia, a celebrated singer/songwriter with a career spanning 40 years. More info



George Harrison Documentary Nominated For 6 Emmys
Martin Scorsese's film 'George Harrison: Living In The Material World' has earned 6 nominations for the 2012 Emmy Awards.

We were sent these details: The film was nominated for Outstanding Nonfiction Special, Outstanding Cinematography For Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Directing For Nonfiction Programming (Martin Scorsese), Outstanding Picture Editing For Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Sound Editing For Nonfiction Programming (Single or Multi-Camera) and Outstanding Sound Mixing For Nonfiction Programming.

Martin Scorsese traces George Harrison's life from his musical beginnings in Liverpool through his life as a musician, a seeker, a philanthropist, and filmmaker. Scorsese weaves together interviews with Harrison and his closest friends, performances, home movies, and photographs. Much of the material in the film has never been seen (or heard) before. more on this story



Exhumed Reunite With Former Member For Summer Slaughter Tour
If you catch Exhumed on the Summer Slaughter Tour, you may notice a familiar face from the past on stage. The band have reunited with former bassist Bud Burke for the trek, which kicked off last week. Burke will taking over lead guitar duties for Wes Caley, who the band recently parted ways with.

Frontman Matt Harvey had this to say, "We're psyched to welcome Bud Burke back in the ranks of Exhumed, this time on lead guitar. For those of you who knew him as our bassist (from '99 - '04), you will be pleasantly surprised when he melts your face onstage with the band for the Summer Slaughter tour. Rob [Babcock], Mike [Hamilton] and I are all excited to have someone with killer chops and a deep history with the band on board. We look forward to coming to your town, drinking all your beer and then making fun of your record collection as usual!

"After the Canadian Ritual tour with Black Dahlia Murder, we made the decision to part ways with guitarist Wes Caley, and Bud was the perfect person to step in on lead guitar. I know Wes' new project, Downfall, is currently in the works and will be awesome and we wish him the best. In the meantime, we'll see all your drooling, sweaty faces on the road!"



Zappa Plays Van Halen
(hennemusic) Dweezil Zappa pays tribute to the legacy of his father, Frank, with his ongoing touring show Zappa Plays Zappa.

The group mixes a variety of tracks from Frank's catalogue with some choice covers of tunes by artists like the Allman Brothers and Van Halen.

Video from Zappa Plays Zappa's July 11 show in Raleigh, NC has surfaced, and the footage features an extended session of Van Halen material. Dweezil begins by sharing one of his favorite memories - how he met Eddie Van Halen. Check it out here.



The Wombats Plan American Tour With Morning Parade
The Wombats will be leaving their native Liverpool this fall, crossing the pond for a North American Tour with Morning Parade.

The 6-week nationwide tour includes stops at Austin City Limits and Seattle's Bumbershoot.

The new single off their latest album, The Wombats Proudly Present...This Modern Glitch (Bright Antenna/ILG), has been one of the band's biggest airplay records ever in the UK and Australia, marking their sixth Top 40 single overseas. The single is proving to have similar success in the U.S. - not only did it reach #1 on Sirius XM's "Alt Nation" countdown, but it just broke into the Top 25 Alternative Chart and continues to climb. more on this story



B Sides


Motley Crue Debut New Song Live
(hennemusic) KISS and Motley Crue launched their summer tour of North America on Friday in Bristow, VA.

The Crue delivered the live debut of their new single, "Sex," during Friday's tour opening; the band are expected to play it at each of the shows on the trek.

"Sex" is the Crue's first new song in four years; it was written when the band was together during their residency in Las Vegas last February. Check out video here.


The First Interview With Drowning Pool's Jasen Moreno Goes Online
Amber Lee from 93Rock in Green Bay conducted an interview with Drowning Pool's new frontman Jasen Moreno.

This is the first interview Jasen has ever done, which was conducted right after his first official show w/ the band at Rock USA in Oshkosh.

Very little is know about Moreno who just landed the gig with Drowning Pool, so this interview should act as a good introduction to fans. In addition to Moreno, the interview also includes CJ Pierce & Mike Luce. You can find the interview here.


Video Tour of Slash's Rehearsal Studio
(hennemusic) Slash continues to work hard to spread the word about his sophomore solo effort, "Apocalyptic Love."

Slash recently hooked up with Germany's Metal Hammer magazine and was joined by singer Myles Kennedy as he hosted a tour of his rehearsal studio.

"This is one of the places in L.A. where people rehearse at," says Slash. "I've been rehearsing here since the late '80s." Watch it here.


Scythia Deliver Spirit of the Quest Video
Scythia have released a new music video for their song 'Spirit of the Quest,' which comes from their sophomore album, ...Of Exile.

Scythia vocalist / guitarist Dave Khan had this to say about the new clip: "This video has been a long time in the making as we've made several attempts to capture our excitement and enthusiasm as well as the story on the album with an indie budget.

"Filming and editing it was an extremely fun and humorous process, we worked with James Weekes and Rosie Anson of Hammer Records to capture the footage. They were both great at capturing wicked content and amping us up to get into character."

Today's Day In Rock News!

The Who Plan Quadrophenia Tour
The Who held a virtual press conference yesterday to announce that they will be hitting the road for a very special North American arena tour this fall.
The trek, the legendary rockers plan to play their classic 1973 double album Quadrophenia in its entirety, along with a selection of fan favorites.

The initial 36-date leg, the band's first North American tour in four years, kicks off November 1 in Sunrise, FL with an initial six-week run. The Who will return in late January with more dates commencing January 28 in Anaheim, CA. more on this story



Guns N' Roses Focused On Writing New Music
(hennemusic) On Tuesday, Guns N' Roses played the Spaladium Arena in Split, Croatia. The day before the show, GNR members Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Tommy Stinson (bass) and DJ Ashba (guitar) sat down for an interview with K5 TV.

The guys chatted about the tour, as well as their work on new material. "That's definitely our main focus right now," said Ashba.

"We're always sort of kicking material back and forth and trying to come up with new ideas," added Reed. "Throwing it in the big melting pot that, hopefully, will become the next Guns N' Roses record."

When asked about who would be contributing new music from a songwriting standpoint, Stinson said, "It will be all these guys; it'll be all of us, probably. I wouldn't totally rule it out but probably all of us will be included in making a new record." Watch the interview here.



The J. Geils Band Reunite For Summer Tour
The J. Geils Band camp sent over word that the group will be reuniting for the 2012 Houseparty Tour of limited appearances this summer. They provided these:

The band is hitting the road with original members Peter Wolf (lead vocals), Seth Justman (keyboards), Danny Klein (bass) and Magic Dick (harmonica) and will be joined by longtime associates Duke Levine (guitar) and Tom Arey (drums). See below for tour dates.

Guitarist John Geils will not be joining this tour due to an ongoing legal dispute between The J. Geils Band and John Geils' solo record label, Francesca Records. more on this story



Randy Blythe's Bail Doubled In Manslaughter Case
(Classic Rock) Lamb of God frontman's Randy Blythe's bail has been doubled to $400,000 and the objection raised against him being freed has been overruled in a Prague court hearing which took place two says earlier than planned.

But that doesn't mean he'll be freed – the judgement is subject to the same appeal process that forced him to remain behind bars even after posting $200,000 surety following his arrest three weeks ago.

The vocalist has still not been charged for any offence, despite being accused of manslaughter after fan Daniel Nosek died in June 2010, a month after allegedly sustaining a head wound at a Lamb of God concert. Band manager Larry Mazer says he's waiting for an official letter explaining the judgement and detailing the conditions of Blythe's freedom.

Meanwhile the musician has spoken in his first interview since being jailed in the Czech Republic on June 27. See what he had to say here.



Paul McCartney Working With Mark Ronson
(Gibson) NME shared the scoop that earlier this summer Paul McCartney was in New York cutting tracks with Mark Ronson.

Of course, Ronson might be best known for shaping the sound of Amy Winehouse's classic Back to Black album.

Ronson was also responsible for producing Rufus Wainwright's latest album, Out of the Game which was released this spring. more on this story





Iron Maiden's Steve Harris Releasing Solo Album
Iron Maiden's founding member Steve Harris is planning to release his very first solo album in September.

The album, 'British Lion,' will be released September 24th in the UK (by EMI) and the 25th in the US (By UME).

Harris has launched a solo website to promote the effort at steveharrisbritishlion.com/ and put out some details about the album and what fans can expect: 'British Lion' and comprising ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on for the past few years between Iron Maiden tours and releases, it is an album that will surprise and delight music fans the world over. more on this story



X Reuniting With Ray Manzarek For Full Album Show
(MI) For the first time since 1980, X will be joined by Los Angeles album producer Ray Manzarek, and play the album in its entirety, at The Roxy during the Sunset Strip Music Festival on August 17th.

Just prior to this historic show, the band will perform at the Indie West Fest in Ventura, CA on July 29th.

As announced earlier, the band will travel across the country for one East Coast show where they will, once again, join Pearl Jam as a special guest on their "Made in America" Festival date with Jay Z, taking place on September 1 & 2nd in Philadelphia. more on this story



KISS Playing Private Show For The Troops and Vets
(hennemusic) KISS have announced that they'll play a private show for US troops and veterans today at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia.

The show comes on the eve of the band's summer tour with Mötley Crüe, which kicks off Friday at the same location.

KISS will put on their show for over 2,000 service men and women, who were provided with free tickets to the private event. more on this story



Keith Richards Getting His Chops Back For Rolling Stones Live Return
(Gibson) The Rolling Stones are 50 years old as a band, and rumors grow of an anniversary tour. But Keith Richards has revealed he struggles to remember the band's classic hits.

He told Absolute Radio, "When you kick off a song you say, 'I can't remember how the middle bit goes,' but the fingers remember even if you don't!

"I don't practice as much as I should, probably. But now that we're putting the act together again I'm getting the chops back together."

The Rolling Stones have recently been in rehearsals, with bassist Bill Wyman back in the fold. They have yet to confirm any official shows, but Mick Jagger has said "autumn" when asked when the Stones will play live again. more on this story





Slipknot's Corey Taylor Doesn't Remember Onstage Collapse
(Classic Rock) Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor doesn't remember the details of his onstage collapse in Texas last week.

He says: "It was really, really, really hot. I kind of had a heatstroke blackout. I finished the show but I don't remember the last two songs.

"I woke up backstage – apparently I collapsed onstage. It scared the crap out of me; it's like, 'Oh, yeah, we were masks and coveralls in 110-degree heat. It's awesome.'" More rock news.



Meat Loaf Suing Tribute Singer For $100K
(Classic Rock) A Meat Loaf tribute singer is being sued for $100,000 by the Texan singer's lawyers.

But UK-based Dean Torkington, who's been impersonating the Bat Out of Hell icon since 1996, says the legal action is a case of "bullying" and he won't bow to it.

He first fell foul of Meat when he was invited backstage in 2003 – and ordered to remove artwork from his custom-painted van. more on this story



Alvin Lee Releasing On the Road to Freedom Sequel
Ten Years After's Alvin Lee will be releasing a sequel to his 1973 album, On the Road to Freedom, with the August 27th release of Still on the Road to Freedom. Conqueroo sent over these details:

Recorded at Space Studios 3 in Spain, Still on the Road to Freedom finds Lee returning to his original inspirations. Longtime band members bassist Pete Pritchard and drummer Richard Newman, along with keyboardist Tim Hinkley, join Lee in a musical travelogue that is a tribute to the roots music that first influenced him.

"I got my start in music listening to my dad's jazz and blues 78s when I was eight years old," says Lee, who continues to follow his inspirations. "It's about the freedom to make music of my own choice without worrying about what other people thought or expected," he writes in the album's liner notes. more on this story



Slayer's Kerry King Wrote New Songs On Recent Tour
(Classic Rock) Slayer guitarist Kerry King managed to write some material during the band's recent European tour because he doesn't tend to leave his hotels so often during visits to the old world.

He explains: "I don't go out that often – there are still a number of currencies over there and you get dicked every time you change money. If I don't have any local money I'll probably sit in my room."

King says one new song is entitled Chasing Death, adding: "As you get older your friends start dropping; you're having that new sensation. My guitar tech died earlier this year and he was just 35. Those are the touch ones. It's talking about stuff like that. Chasing Death isn't directly related to any of my friends dying. It's like people who drink too much – they don't help themselves out so they're chasing death." More rock news.



Lynyrd Skynyrd Ready For New Album and Tour
(Gibson) Lynyrd Skynyrd release a new album, Last of a Dyin' Breed, on August 21. It is the band's first studio album since 2009's God & Guns. The band also plans to play three dates in the U.K. in November.

Gary Rossington is now the only original Skynyrd member, but he has told Michigan Live: "I wouldn't say it's a responsibility, at least not in a heavy way. We all had a dream, and the dream came true. Then, it was stripped away so quickly. People still love the music, and we love doing it. That's really what's it's all about – playing music that makes people happy and hearing stories from them."

Of Last of a Dyin' Breed Rossington says: "It's just good Southern rock 'n' roll. It's within the tradition and style of the band."

New to the band is ex-Black Crowes bassist Johnny Colt. When asked about receiving a phone call from Rickey Medlocke to join the band, Colt said, "What else do you say to Medlocke, Rossington and Van Zant? We're talking Southern rock royalty. We're talking Lynyrd Skynyrd. The only thing out of my mouth was, when and where?" more on this story





Van Halen Confirm Tour Dates
(hennemusic) Van Halen have officially confirmed three concerts in Japan this November as part of their "A Different Kind Of Truth".

After suggesting that they'll be playing shows in Japan this fall, the band had yet to actually announce or officially confirm anything to date - until today.

Van Halen have announced two concerts in Osaka (November 20 & 22) and a show in Tokyo on November 27. more on this story



My Darkest Days Added To Dirt Fest
(Banana 101.5) My Darkest Days will be performing on the main stage at Dirt Fest 2012 which will take place on August 11th at the Birch Run Expo Center.

The Canadian rockers will be playing songs from their recent release 'Sick and Twisted Affair' and their major label debut album.

MDD will join Dirt Fest 2012 headliners Clutch as well as Chiodos, Falling in Reverse, In This Moment, Royal Bliss, Dead Sara and more on August 11th at the Birch Run Expo Center. more on this story



The Acacia Strain Plan Rocktober Album Release
Rise Records have set an October 9th release date for The Acacia Strain's new album, "Death Is The Only Mortal".

When it came time to pick a producer for the effort, the band didn't have to look too far, tapping guitarist Daniel Laskiewicz (DL) for the task.

The announcement was short on other details but did say that the band have been in the studio writing and recording for the past couple of months, right up until they had to leave for tour. more on this story



Black Tusk Plan Headline Tour
Black Tusk will be hitting the road this fall for a string of North American headlining dates in support of their latest release Set The Dial.

The run kicks off October 13th in Johnson City, TN and is scheduled to wrap up October 24th in Portland, Oregon.

Black Tusk, are in the midst of their first ever European headline tour. The run will wrap up this week with a festival appearance in Tonsberg, Norway with an appearance at Slottsfjell Fest. more on this story



B Sides


Backstage With Aerosmith Guitarist
(hennemusic) Aerosmith are playing two shows in their hometown of Boston this week as part of the band's Global Warming summer tour.

The group have already completed about a half-dozen shows on the trek, on which they are joined by Cheap Trick.

Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford is featured in a new video shot at the TD Garden on Tuesday, prior to the band's first show in the city. "I can't remember the last time we were here," says Whitford. "It's great to be back; this home plate in Boston. Forty-something years ago we hit a home run out of the park here – and everywhere else in the world." more on this story



Robert Fleischman Talks Vinnie Vincent Experiences
The Decibel Geek podcast interviewed original Vinnie Vincent Invasion vocalist Robert Fleischman for the 3rd installment on their special series about the former KISS guitarist. They sent over these details

Known for his vocals on the 1986 self-titled Vinnie Vincent Invasion debut album, Fleischman never appeared outside of a few photographs as a member of the band due to stalled contract negotiations and the addition of Mark Slaughter. Slaughter would go on to appear in the video for lead single 'Boyz are Gonna Rock' while lip-synching to Fleischman's studio tracks. This video also resulted in a lawsuit. Fleischman joins Decibel Geek hosts Chris Czynszak and Aaron Camaro for a discussion detailing his time working with Vinnie Vincent; three different occasions including the Invasion's debut album.

Also of note in this interview is Fleischman's recollections of Vinnie Vincent before he became Ace Frehley's replacement in KISS as they worked on some demos together which later became the first Invasion album.

This conversation details the behind the scenes process and turmoil that went into making 1986's Vinnie Vincent Invasion album including Fleischman's claims of unethical behavior by band members and constant tension between band members, managers, and record executives.

Also included in this conversation are Fleischman's memories of working with the former KISS guitarist after the breakup of the Invasion and his take on what happened to cause a record deal to fall through in 1990 and why he decided to walk away from a working relationship with Vincent

STYX RAISE THE CURTAIN ON THE GRAND ILLUSION AT 35:

Exclusive interviews with Tommy Shaw, James 'JY' Young, Lawrence Gowan and former member, co-founder Dennis DeYoung.

Dallas, TX - JULY 17, 2012. North American syndicated Rock radio show InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands sails away this week with Styx for the 35th anniversary of their breakthrough album The Grand Illusion. It took 7 albums in 7 years, but on 7/7/77 Styx would shatter any perception of Midwest mediocrity with the release of The Grand Illusion, an album questioning life's illusion versus its reality. Surprisingly timely today, the Top 10-selling Grand Illusion album produced two massive hit singles, “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself”, and began what would result in four straight platinum-plus selling albums. In 1999 Lawrence Gowan replaced cofounding member Dennis DeYoung on keyboard and vocals.
Currently on tour now through November, Lawrence shares with program host Redbeard his thoughts on the power of the Styx vocal assault.
“The toughest thing for me coming into Styx, and the thing I have to be most cognizant of, is being a part of that three voice, three headed monster. The power of those three voices together are one of the most distinctive things about the sound of Styx. And being able to put myself into that block harmony with JY and Tommy has been the thing I'm most aware of. I think that's just one of our strengths.”

The Styx The Grand Illusion/ InTheStudio program will air on radio this weekend on over 50 radio stations across North America. To stream this interview online, visit: www.inthestudio.net/redbeards-blog/styxthe-grand-illusion-35th-anniversary/

SEBASTIAN BACH TO GO 'KICKING AND SCREAMING' ON AXS TV:

Multi-platinum rocker Sebastian Bach will celebrate Kicking And Screaming, his latest solo album on Frontiers which debuted at #73 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, with a special live television event exclusively on AXS TV. Currently touring the world, Bach's "Sebastian Bach: Kicking & Screaming & Touring" will broadcast LIVE from Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 2 showcasing Bach's "balls out gang of mountainous hooks and titanic grooves" (Outburn) from his latest offering.
"Bach's voice is in particularly fine form…the album is pure rock aggression," Revolver praised of Bach's solo album.
The singer/songwriter's fan base extends beyond the 20 million-plus records sold worldwide as he expanded his career over the past decade to actor/entertainer. Highlights for this multi-faceted performer consist of multiple television appearances including a 5-season recurring role on the CW's hit series "Gilmore Girls", two turns on Broadway, with starring roles in "Jekyll & Hyde" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show;" and "The Jesus Chris Superstar" national tour.

Tickets are available at: www.ticketmaster.com/event/2C0048DDD2E65225.

Sebastian Bach: Kicking & Screaming & Touring - LIVE broadcast exclusively on AXS TV. Thursday, August 2 at 10pm PT / 1am ET

Fans can share the experience of on twitter www.twitter.com/AXSTVConcerts and Facebook www.facebook.com/AXSTVConcerts.

For more information on AXS TV concerts and events, please visit: www.axs.tv.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Cops Pull The Plug On McCartney and Springsteen Jam
(Gibson) It seems not even an historic meeting of rock royalty is immune from that most troublesome of musician woes: the dreaded curfew. Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen had the plug pulled on them at London's Hyde Park in the interest of the public's "health and safety."
The incident happened at the Hard Rock Calling festival during a cover of "Twist and Shout."

The Boss's guitarist Steve Van Zandt of the E Street Band vented his frustrations on Twitter after the incident: "English cops may be the only individuals left on earth that wouldn't want to hear one more from Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney," he wrote more on this story





Slash Already Working On Next Album
Slash seems especially inspired by his new solo band, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, as the former Guns N' Roses guitarist just released a new album but he tells Rolling Stone that they are already working on the next one.

"I definitely feel like I'm cresting a certain wave in my career where I'm having a really great time, I love what I'm doing, I love the people I'm working with and I'm feeling very energized," Slash said. "I haven't had that feeling since when Guns started."

"We've got the tour that's gonna go into next year, we're starting work on the next record.'" Read the Rolling Stone report here.



Motley Crue Release First New Song In Four Years
(hennemusic) Motley Crue have released "Sex," their first new song in four years. The track was written when the band was together during their residency in Las Vegas last February.

Since there will not be a new Crue album this year, the band is releasing the song to help promote its summer tour with KISS, which kicks off this Friday in Bristow, VA.

The pair of classic rock acts will play more than 40 shows across North America before the tour wraps up September 23 in Hartford, CT. Listen to the song here.



Deep Purple's Jon Lord Dead At 71
(Classic Rock) This sad news broke after the Day in Rock was published yesterday, for those that missed the update: Deep Purple icon Jon Lord has died from a health complication as a result of his fight with cancer. He was 71.

Last year he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the fourth most-common type of the killer disease – but vowed to return to health, saying music would play a major part in his recuperation.

An official press statement says: "It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday 16 July, at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. more on this story



Richie Kotzen, Mike Portnoy and Billy Sheehan Supergroup
(Gibson) The new supergroup featuring Richie Kotzen, Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) will begin recording their debut album in August.

The group was originally to include Portnoy, Sheehan and John Sykes (ex-Whitenake, Thin Lizzy, Blue Murder). Portnoy and Sykes had even gone so far as to announce the band formation during an episode of That Metal Show.

But as Portnoy explained on Eddie Trunk's Friday Night Rocks radio show on the weekend, "I love John personally, and we get along great – he's a sweetheart of a guy – but I need to keep moving. I can't sit still and kind of wait to make an album over the next three years. I need to put things on the calendar and move forward and get them done, and John's kind of just a 'wait, wait, wait' guy." more on this story





KISS Reveal Destroyer Resurrected Details
The new reissue of KISS' classic 1976 album Destroyer is set to feature an extended version of the hit ballad "Beth" and a bonus track version of "Sweet Pain," which features an alternate guitar solo. The new version will also feature the original artwork that was intended for the album, but was changed because the record label thought it was too violent.

The band revealed these details on Monday about the reissue: On August 21, 2012, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release KISS's 1976 multi-platinum, landmark album Destroyer: Resurrected, newly remixed from the original master tapes by the album's original producer, Bob Ezrin. Ezrin pulled the tapes from the vaults and painstakingly remixed the entire album, enhancing the sound and bringing out its rich texture and vibrancy, while keeping the integrity of the original recording intact. Destroyer: Resurrected will also include rare and unreleased recordings rediscovered during the remixing process, plus the originally intended cover artwork.

Originally released as the B-side to the single "Detroit Rock City," "Beth,"–the heart-yearning ballad co-written and performed by drummer Peter Criss–was quickly picked up by radio nationwide and became the first top 10 for KISS, climbing all the way to the No. 7 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While going through the original tapes, a forgotten vocal piece that was originally edited out in the final mix of "Beth" was discovered and now, for the first time, the complete original vocal recording has been restored and is included in the final mix. more on this story



Mumford & Sons New Album Details
Mumford & Sons have released details about their sophomore album, Babel, which was produced by Markus Dravs and will be released on September 25th, 2012.

"We are more than excited to release Babel into the world. We had started writing new songs well before we got into the studio to record," says the band.

"At first, we peeled ourselves off the road quite reluctantly. We love playing live, obviously, but it had also become an important part of our creative process, we had been writing and rehearsing in soundchecks, and sort of 'road-testing' new songs on our very gracious audiences. But then we fell in love with recording again. more on this story



Queensryche Win Court Ruling For Their Name
(Classic Rock) Queensryche will be allowed to perform using the band name with new singer Todd La Torre, a court has ruled.

Sacked singer Geoff Tate's attempt to have the title taken off them failed in a preliminary court hearing – although the decision could be overturned in later action. The two parties have been locked in a bitter paperwork feud since Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield and Eddie Jackson decided to kick Tate out last month.

Responding to the King County Superior Court judgement in Washington, the band's management said: "We are excited that the courts saw what we and the fans have always known: that Queensryche is more than any one member. We are sorry we had to go to court to show this." more on this story



The Afghan Whigs Give Away Song and Expand Tour
The Afghan Whigs have added six new stops to their upcoming tour of North America and announced a free song download.

The tour will now include shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Boston & Philadelphia.

Yesterday the band began offering fans a free download of the song "Lovecrimes" here. Originally released by Frank Ocean in 2011 on his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, the track has become a staple of The Afghan Whigs live set since their reformation this year. more on this story



Robert Plant Confirms Secret Marriage
(hennemusic) Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant has confirmed the rumors that he married Patty Griffin last year.

"I eloped and ran off to Texas," the singer tells The Independent. "So now I spend half my time there and half here [in the UK]."

There, the couple lives in what the former Led Zeppelin frontman describes as "an old crack house in Austin," a rented place infested with termites. "I tap my hand on the table and they fly out the walls in this huge cloud, like something from a Disney film." more on this story



Joe Elliott Wants Rerecorded Def Leppard Songs To Sound Like Originals
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott insists the band's plan to rerecord all their hits is not an attempt to make a fast buck. And he wants to make the [new versions] so good that fans won't notice the difference between the new versions and the originals.

Last month he revealed the band had decided to retrack as much of their back catalogue as possible after failing to reach an agreement with their former record label over digital releases.

"What we're trying to attempt to do – and it's down to the listeners to decide whether we achieve it or not – is give them something that sounds like the original," Elliott tells NPR. "We don't want them to say 'It's better' or 'It's worse'. We want them to say 'It's the same'." more on this story



Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book Coming For His 70th Birthday
Janie L. Hendrix has compiled the forthcoming Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book which is set to arrive in time for Hendrix's 70th birthday and will feature never-before-seen songs, photos, and handwritten lyrics.

Backbeat Books sent over these details: Jimi Hendrix was such an extraordinary guitarist, it is easy to forget that just as much passion, soul, and precision went into his lyrics. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Hendrix was a fearless lyrical innovator, willing to let his imagination guide him to uncharted landscapes within the pop music realm.

From the existential euphoria of "I Don't Live Today" to the elusive beauty of "Little Wing" to the psychedelic blues of "My Friend" to the otherworldly "1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)," his lyrics remain among the greatest in the pantheon of rock, infused with the same inventiveness, virtuosity, and courage that informed his guitar playing. more on this story



Mike Portnoy and Paul Gilbert Guest On New Neal Morse Album
Neal Morse has set a September 11th release date for his new album, "Momentum" which will feature Mike Portnoy, Paul Gilbert and more and will be supported by a North American tour. Glass Onyon sent over these details:

In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the progressive rock stalwart Spock's Beard to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded 6 impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record's title track: "You've got some new momentum, you better keep going."

Morse's long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever. more on this story



Chris Robinson Brotherhood Releasing Another Album This Year
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood will follow-up the June release of their debut Big Moon Ritual, with the release of the companion album, The Magic Door, on September 11th.

Both albums were recorded in two marathon sessions earlier this year at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles with producer Thom Monahan (Vetiver, Devendra Banhart, Papercuts) after the band wrapped up a 118-show 2011 tour during which the band road-tested all the material.

"I would say very early on in the recording--within the first two days," says Robinson when asked about the moment he realized two albums would emerge. "Thom had encouraged us to remain true to the arrangements we had been playing all year on the road. We inevitably had some longer pieces and felt that the performances were strong enough that we didn't want to edit them for any extraneous reasons." more on this story



Vision of Disorder Set New Album Release
Candlelight Records have set a September 18 North America release date for Vision of Disorder's new album, The Cursed Remain Cursed.

The album marks the first new recording by the band in over ten years and was produced by Will Putney (Shadows Fall, Suicide Silence) and mixed by Cameron Webb (Motorhead, Social Distortion).

"We feel we accomplished a very unique, vicious and exciting record without compromising the VOD brand of hardcore," says guitarist Mike Kennedy. "The Cursed Remain Cursed sounds like nothing we've ever done." Vocalist Tim Williams adds, "the songs are raw, real and from the heart." more on this story



Randy Blythe Friend Asks Fans Not To Bash Czechs Over Arrest
(Classic Rock) A close friend of Randy Blythe has called on fans not to criticise the Czech Republic over the Lamb of God singer's prison drama. Long-time friend Tommy Streat organised a gathering of supporters in Blythe's home town of Richmond, Virginia, earlier this month. He'll lead a second vigil at the US Supreme Court on Sunday afternoon.

Blythe has been behind bars for nearly three weeks after being arrested in Prague last month in connection with the death of fan Daniel Nosek at a concert in 2010.

He's never been charged and he's posted bail of $200,000 – but despite that he hasn't been freed. And although a new hearing is set for Thursday, it's not guaranteed that he'll be released even if the judge finds in his favour. more on this story



Alex Van Halen Strived For John Bonham Sound On New Album
(hennemusic) When Van Halen prepared to create "A Different Kind Of Truth," their first album with David Lee Roth in 28 years, they surrounded themselves with a new production team.

Grammy-winning producer John Shanks headed up the project, and engineer Ross Hogarth handled the mixing stage. Hogarth spoke with Guitar World about his role on the album. "Van Halen is a very three-dimensional band," explains Hogarth. "There are incredible dimensions to each and every aspect of the instruments, the people, the dynamics and the history. There are all these dimensions and you have to live inside of them. It's not a simple task of 'go mix a record.'"

"Starting with the sonics, Alex loves John Bonham's drums and wants his to sound like Led Zeppelin, but Led Zeppelin never had the amount of distortion and the amount of size and the guitars that Eddie has, so right off the bat, just getting the guitars to fit into a drum sound that sounds like John Bonham — because we all know that Alex is like the torch that John Bonham left, and there's an element to Alex that's like a mixture between Keith Moon, John Bonham and Elvin Jones or some jazz kind of thing. They're coming from the same place," Ross continues here.



Snow Patrol and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Tour
Snow Patrol and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will be teaming up this fall for a coheadlining tour of North America.

The trek will kick off in Portland, OR on October 23 and is set to conclude on November 9 Houston, TX.

Gallagher's camp sent over this additional info: This will be Gallagher's fourth USA touring visit within the last 12 months, having performed at Coachella Festival in April, as well as double sell out shows in Los Angeles and New York. more on this story



Mike Keneally (With XTC's Andy Partridge) Album Coming Next Week
(Gibson) Wing Beat Fantastic, the album by Mike Keneally featuring songs he co-wrote with XTC's Andy Partridge, will be released on July 24.

As previously reported, Wing Beat Fantastic is a 12-song album, eight of which were co-written by Keneally and Partridge during two writing sessions in 2006 and 2008. "The chance to work with Andy was absolutely a mind-blower," said Keneally, who quoted XTC's "The Mayor of Simpleton" in the song "Day of the Cow 2" from his 1992 debut hat. "He's a true songwriting hero of mine, and during the '80s he demonstrated that there was still a place for truly high-quality writing in pop music. His songwriting gift is still as strong as ever, and I'm fiercely grateful to be able to help bring new Andy Partridge music into the world."

Partridge said of the collaboration, "I didn't know how any of the tunes we'd agreed to write together were going to come out, but I know one thing, so musical is this man that him just sitting with a guitar across his lap or perched at a keyboard pulled things from me that I can honestly say 'I don't know where they came from.'" more on this story





B Sides


Singled Out: District 97 (American Idol's Leslie Hunt)
Today District 97 singer Leslie Hunt tells us about the song "Open Your Eye" from their brand new album "Trouble With Machines". You may remember Leslie as a top 20 finalist on season 6 of American Idol. But don't let the Idol thing fool you; she is a rocker at heart. Here is the story:

I wrote Open Your Eyes with every intention of helping my sister see how screwed up her relationship was with her boyfriend at the time. They would regularly fight and get physically violent with one another, and I would often write songs as a sneaky way to offer her a new perspective. Music spoke to her more than my lectures ever did, so that was often the method that I chose to get through to her. She ended up passing away at twenty two years old, so while my music was not able to save her, I feel in my heart that whatever wisdom I was able to impart onto her was made possible through this song.

The song itself has many little sections, all of which were written at different times. As a writer, I often stock pile melodies and fragments that come to my head, and if I notice a trend in tempo and key, I take it as a sign that they are all part of the same song, finding it's way out of me. I originally wrote that song to be performed in my solo project, and it appears on my solo album Your Hair Is On Fire. Jonathan (drummer/primary composer of District 97) thought it would be fun to make a new arrangement for the band, and now it's hard for me to hear it any other way!

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself with a full album stream right here!



Green Day Release New Lyric Video
(hennemusic) Green Day have released a lyric video for "Oh Love," the lead single from "Uno!", the first album in the band's forthcoming trilogy.

"What I really wanted to do was write real power-pop kind of music that had that old Green Day energy," frontman Billie Joe Armstrong tells Billboard, "so the original Green Day sound became '¡Uno!'"

As for the trilogy, ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré! will be released in stages, on September 25th, November 13th, and January 15th 2013 respectively.

STYX JOINED ONSTAGE BY TED NUGENT FOR GRAND FINALE OF TOUR:

July 12, 2012 -- Special one-time-only surprises usually happen at the end of a long tour. The final stop in Bangor, ME last Sunday, July 8 of “The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express” with Styx, REO Speedwagon & Ted Nugent was no exception. During Styx's set, lucky fans at that final stop got what they were hoping for when Ted Nugent joined the band for a special performance of the Damn Yankees classic Coming Of Age.
As Styx's Tommy Shaw declared, “Working with Brother Ted has been a real treat. Joining fellow Nugent alumni Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon guitarist) in the wings on a regular basis to watch Ted, Derek (St. Homes), Greg (Smith) and Mick (Brown) craft the perfect set for our collective audience. Night after night, it has been inspirational. Then, to finish the tour with Ted joining Styx on stage for a killer performance of 'Coming of Age' caught me off-guard how powerful it was. I swear Nugent was levitating. Damn Yankee brothers forever.”
“The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express” began May 1 in Hidalgo, Texas and quickly became one of Pollstar's top-grossing tours of the summer so far. Rolling Stone recognized the 30-date tour as one of the “Ten Hottest Summer Package Tours of 2012” noting, “Likely Highlight: Styx has played 'Renegade' and 'Come Sail Away' about six thousand times, but the fans keep coming back for more.”
In touring news, the band's schedule isn't slowing down now that “The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express” tour is done. Check out Styx at any of the following stops, with more to be added in the coming weeks:

Thu 7/19 Interlochen, MI Kresge Auditorium
Fri 7/20 Lac du Flambeau, WI Lake of the Torches Resort Casino
Sat 7/21 Goshen, IN Elkhart County Fair
Sun 7/22 Harrington, DE Delaware State Fair (with Cheap Trick)
Fri 8/3 Waverly, IA Bremer County Fair
Sat 8/4 Anderson, IN Hoosier Park Racing Casino
Sun 8/5 Muskegon, MI Frauenthal Center
Tue 8/7 West Allis, WI Wisconsin State Fair
Wed 8/8 Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Empire Fair
Fri 8/10 Corbin, KY NIBROC Festival
Sat 8/11 Pittsburgh, PA PNC Park (post-game Pittsburgh Pirates game)
Fri 8/24 Boise, ID Western Idaho Fair
Sat 8/25 Albany, OR Oregon Amphitheatre
Sun 8/26 Palmer, AK Alaska State Fair
Mon 8/27 Monroe, WA Evergreen State Fair
Fri 8/31 Marshfield, WI Central Wisconsin State Fair
Sat 9/1 New Lenox, IL New Lenox Commons
Sun 9/2 Wauseon, OH Fulton County Fair
Thu 9/6 Lincoln, CA Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Fri 9/7 Madera, CA Madera District Fair
Sat 9/8 Pomona, CA LA County Fair
Sun 9/9 Saratoga, CA Mountain Winery
Tue 9/11 Redding, CA Cascade Theatre
Thu 9/13 Spokane, WA Interstate Fair
Sat 9/15 Deadwood, SD Deadwood Jam
Fri 11/9 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Casino & Resort
Wed 11/14 Provo, UT Covey Center

Today's Day In Rock News!

Rolling Stones Plan Live Return This Fall
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones will mark their 50th Anniversary by playing their first live shows in five years this fall.
"You will definitely be seeing us all together soon," Mick Jagger told the Evening Standard on Thursday at a London exhibition of photographs taken throughout their career. "It's been great fun being back together and there are a lot of memories in here. I can't believe it's been 50 years. We've been hanging out together, seeing quite a bit of each other and we want to do some gigs."

When asked by the Standard when the band would next be performing live together, Jagger replied with a wink: "In the autumn." more on this story



Fan Dies At Warped Tour
A teenage female died at Sunday's stop of the Warped tour in Toronto, Canada. Other fans reportedly discovered the 19-year-old on the grass not breathing during Chelsea Grin's set.

Fans called 911 and attempted CPR but were unable to revive her. Chelsea Grin responded the tragedy with this posting on their Twitter page: "Our hearts go out to the person who died today. We still don't know everything that happened but it's no time for jokes on our page."

According to Lambgoat: the woman was reportedly Taylor Nesseth, age 19, of Ontario. Ironically, Nesseth Tweeted the following Sunday morning: "Have to be up in 10 minutes...oh well. Warped tour today! I'd say I'm excited, but that's not enough." Read their report here.



Travis Barker May Fly Again
(Classic Rock) Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker may rethink plans to sideline himself for his band's upcoming tour of Australia due to his fear of flying.

He narrowly escaped with his life in 2008 when a private jet he'd hired with collaborator DJ:AM crashed on takeoff, killing four of the six people on board. It was later revealed Barker's injuries nearly killed him too. DJ:AM later died as a result of becoming addicted to the medications prescribed for him after the accident.

Barker, 36, recently said his reluctance to board a plane meant a stand-in would have to be hired when the three-piece played down under. But after fans pleaded with him to change his mind, he says he's considering flying after all – although he'll do it under sedation. The drummer says: "I'm contemplating getting knocked out and getting on a plane to Australia. I want to overcome that eventually for me – and my kids are scared to death to fly. I want them to witness me overcome it." more on this story



Bret Michaels Recruits Joe Perry, Ace Frehley and Michael Anthony For CD
(Gibson) Poison frontman and reality TV star Bret Michaels has put together an all-star supporting cast for his new album. Bret Michaels and Friends: Get Your Rock On will be released in September and feature guest spots from musical luminaries from Loretta Lynn and Jimmy Buffett to members of Rascal Flatts and Lynyrd Skynyrd, according to Rolling Stone.

Aerosmith's Joe Perry plays on a reworking of "Every Rose Has its Thorn," while Michael Anthony, Lil Jon and Ace Frehley contribute to a new version of "Nothin' But a Good Time."

"Ace Frehley is the real deal," Michaels said. "He laid down this amazing solo and then Michael Anthony came in, he did the backups, and I was like, 'Just play some Michael Anthony licks.' He did, and that's what made magic on the song."

And Bret's still trying to add stars to the roster. He'd like to bring in Zakk Wylde for "Go That Far" and Cheap Trick axeman Rick Nielsen for a revamp of "Talk Dirty to Me." "I think that'd be great to have him come in and put his style on a song that I remade in an over-the-top, punk-metal fashion," Michaels said. more on this story





Producer Says Queensryche Wasn't On Mindcrime II
(Classic Rock) The producer behind Queensryche's 2006 album Operation Mindcrime II claims that only singer Geoff Tate and later-sacked guitarist Mike Stone appeared on the album.

Jason Slater was hired for the follow-up to the band's platinum hit 1988 release, and worked on their next two releases. He insists drummer Scott Rockenfield didn't even appear in the recording studio during sessions, and work done by guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Parker had to be binned.

Slater's statement is part of Tate's court filing in answer to the allegations levelled on him by the band who sacked him last month. The parties are fighting over ownership of the band name and arguing over who has done most damage to the brand's value. more on this story



Eddie Van Halen Explains What Inspired Their New Album
(hennemusic) In a new Guitar World interview/cover story, Eddie Van Halen talks about what got the ball rolling on making the new Van Halen album, "A Different Kind Of Truth," the band's first with David Lee Roth in 28 years.

"Wolfgang's enthusiasm," explains Eddie. "He was going, 'Come on, come on!' We went up to 5150 and started jamming. It felt like a comfortable old pair of shoes. Working with Dave again was like we had never left each other. It was that comfortable. We've known each other since high school. When you have old friends, five or six years can go by when you don't see each other, but you just pick up where you left off."

"We started recording at the studio at my house with just Alex, Wolfgang and me," continued the guitar icon. "Basically it's the same way we start any record. We went through our archives of stuff we had already written. Wolfgang picked out a bunch of tunes. 'She's the Woman' was the first one. We started jamming on songs like 'She's the Woman' and 'Bullethead' and reworked them." more on this story



Mutemath Map Out Fall Tour
Mutemath will follow their late summer tour with Linkin Park and Incubus with their very own headlining tour this fall.

The headlining tour will kick on of September 13 in Phoenix, AZ and runs through October 25th and will feature support from Civil Twilight.

Before heading out on their own, MUTEMATH will join Linkin Park and Incubus for this year's annual Honda Civic Tour. The tour kicks off on August 11th in Virginia and will crisscross the U.S. before wrapping up in San Diego on September 10th. more on this story



Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Killers Lead Big Day Out
The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Killers have been named as the headliners for the 2013 Big Day Out festival in Australia.

The annual touring festival is set to take place from January 18th thru 28th and is set to feature over 30 bands participating in the tour for the first time, including Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Band Of Horses, Animal Collective, 360, Foals, B.O.B, , Sleigh Bells, Jeff The Brotherhood, Off!, Jagwar Ma, Delta Spirit, Every Time I Die and House Vs Hurricane.

Alabama Shakes, Childish Gambino, Logo, Death Grips, Adventure Club and Gary Clark Jr., will all be making their Australian debut at the festival. more on this story



Wallflowers Set Album Release, To Give Away Song Featuring Mick Jones
Columbia Records have set an October 2nd release date for The Wallflowers' new album, Glad All Over.

The band's new single, "Reboot The Mission," is a Clash-inspired track featuring Mick Jones on vocals and guitar.

The song will be available for FREE beginning Tuesday, July 24th at www.thewallflowers.com. The single is set to impact radio on July 23rd.

In addition to their new album, The Wallflowers have announced a series of tour dates that will kick off in select U.S. cities in July. more on this story



Iron Maiden Issue Video Road Report
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden are on the road this summer as they bring their "Maiden England World Tour" to fans across North America.

The tour closely mirrors, in terms of production and content, the original 1988 concert video of the same name, shot on the "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour."

Maiden have posted a US East Coast report from the road, featuring footage and interviews with band and crew members. "It's rocking along," says singer Bruce Dickinson. "It's an unrelenting set and it goes… 2 hours…just like that."

"I think the stage show is probably one of the best kind of shows we've had, since I've been with the band, anyhow," adds guitarist Janick Gers. "It's absolutely enormous. You don't notice it when you're on the stage 'cuz it's happening around you – you're kind of in the eye of the storm, as it were." Watch the video here.



Queen Classic Voted Top No. 1 Single Off All Time
(hennemusic) Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been voted the UK's favorite Number 1 single of all-time.

The Official Charts Company and ITV conducted a nationwide poll in honor of 60 years of the Official Singles Chart.

Queen's 1975 classic was revealed as #1 during a 60-song countdown Sunday evening. Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" was at Number 2, while Adele's "Someone Like You" (Number 3), Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger" (Number 4) and The Beatles' "Hey Jude" (Number 5) completed the Top 5. more on this story



KISS' Secrets To Success
(Gibson) Gene Simmons says KISS's famous black and white make-up was "warpaint." Speaking to U.K. newspaper The Guardian, Simmons said he used to think The Beatles were a family because they had identical haircuts, and wanted to create a similar effect of unity.

"[The make-up] was warpaint. Make-up does not give it enough respect. We played a place called the Daisy. There couldn't have been more than 50 to 100 people there. When we looked across the stage, we felt as if we belonged together. I remember seeing The Beatles as a kid and thinking there must have been a Beatle mother 'cause they all looked like they were connected. There's no question that our outfits and our boot-heels and our make-up was a unique definition of who we were and helped us become who we are."

Fellow frontman Paul Stanley shared another strategy that KISS used to make the group look popular in the early days. He said they created a myth of success, even though they were struggling at the time. "We had a rule that we wouldn't play more than once every eight or 12 weeks because we wanted people to think we were busy. We were literally sitting in our loft starving and rehearsing. And then we would go out and do a show and I would say, 'It's great to be back' we've been gone!' We weren't anywhere. But it was about creating this mythology from the ground up," he said. more on this story





Absu Streaming New Song
(ESM) Absu have released a new single, "Hall of the Masters" as part of Adult Swim Singles Program.

The track was recorded at Nomad Recording Studios in Carrollton, Texas and once again mixed by J.T. Longoria. (King Diamond, Solitude Aeternus) An official video to accompany the song will be released on September 10 directed by filmmaker Daniel Garcia. Listen here.

Absu have also confirmed new festival and tour dates for the Summer and Fall months. Late August will see the band performing at Slaughter By The Water III -- the annual fest taking place in Alameda, California aboard massive aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Hornet -- followed directly by two shows in Mexico City and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. November sees the band traveling to South America for a string of eight shows throughout Columbia, Chile and Brazil. More stateside tour actions are being confirmed to be announced in the weeks ahead. more on this story



The Specials 30th Anniversary Tour DVD Coming
Wienerworld will release The Specials 30th Anniversary Tour on DVD next Monday July 23, 2012. They sent over these details:

Filmed at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall in front of an adoring home crowd, the show was the biggest revival story of 2009 and the first time the band had been captured in concert for 28 years. With a 30th Anniversary set packed full of energy and hits, and a set of musicians on top of their game, it's a memorable record of a band who defined an era.

Includes all of their biggest hits including 'Monkey Man', 'Guns Of Navarone', 'Hey, Little Rich Girl' and 'Rat Race'. The DVD was also shortlisted in the best live coverage category in the 2010 UK Music Video Awards. more on this story



New Jersey ATP Event Moved To Manhattan
ATP Concerts have been forced to move the New Jersey based I'll Be Your Mirror festival event to Pier 36 in Manhattan, New York. They sent over these details:

Pier 36 was the intended home for I'll Be Your Mirror beginning in 2013 - but due to unavoidable logistical concerns (along with a lack of available fan accommodations in Asbury Park), ATP has decided to move there for this year's event.

New additions to the festival today include: Philip Glass & Tyondai Braxton, Lightning Bolt, Lee Ranaldo, Chavez, Kurt Braunohler, Afterhours, Joseph Arthur, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Album Leaf, The Psychic Paramount, Braids, Tall Firs, Blanck Mass, Endless Boogie, Demdike Stare and DJ Jonathan Toubin with more to be added to all three days. more on this story



B Sides


Duff N' Slash Jam
(hennemusic) There was a partial Guns N' Roses reunion in Seattle on Friday night. On tour in support of his new album, "Apocalyptic Love," Slash rolled into town for a gig at the Showbox SoDo, where he was joined by fellow- and former-GNR member Duff McKagan for a pair of their old band's classics.

Duff and Slash rocked out on "It's So Easy" and "Paradise City" to the delight of the packed house.

"Thanks to Duff McKagan for coming down & jamming a couple tunes as well. Made it a perfect night. #itssoeasy#" tweeted Slash after the show. Check out video here.



Megadeth Guitar Center Sessions Video Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Megadeth are featured on the latest edition of DirecTV's Guitar Center Sessions.

The Megadeth episode was filmed at Guitar Center in Hollywood, California on March 22 and premiered this weekend on DirecTV's Audience Network.

The metal legends appearance was designed to promote their latest release, "Thirteen." Watch the video clips here.



Sebastian Bach's Complete Hellfest Set Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach spent the spring on the road across Europe playing a series of festival dates.

In June, Bach and crew rolled into Clisson, France to play the second day of Hellfest on a bill topped by Guns N' Roses; Megadeth and Motley Crue headlined the other nights.

Sebastian is touring behind his latest release, "Kicking & Screaming." Pro-shot footage of Bach's full set has now surfaced. Watch it here.



Vince Neil Jams Motley Crue Classic With Slaughter
(hennemusic) While Motley Crue are getting set to kick off a full summer tour with KISS, singer Vince Neil stepped out to join his pals in Slaughter recently at a show in Nevada.

During Slaughter's set at the Sunset Station Amphitheater in Henderson, the band brought Neil out for a performance of the Crue classic, "Home Sweet Home."

The Slaughter-Crue connection is simple: bassist Dana Strum and guitarist Jeff "Blando" Bland are both longtime members of Neil's solo backing band. Watch it here.



God Forbid Release Equilibrium Video
Victory sent over word that God Forbid have released a new music video for their title track of their latest album, "Equilibrium."

Filmed in Brooklyn, NY and directed by Eric Richter, "Equilibrium" takes you through the layers of life.

"It's about discovering that no matter how much you strive to achieve a goal, you become sidetracked. You look for ways to find patience and balance while becoming stable and finding a renewed feeling or belief in what may come your way." says vocalist, Byron Davis.

Bret Micahels looks to remake Poison songs with Zakk Wylde & Rick Nielsen.

Saturday, 14 July 2012

"I'd like to get Rick Nielsen to come in to play on 'Talk Dirty to Me,'" he says.
"I think that'd be great to have him come in and put his style on a song that
I remade in an over-the-top, punk-metal fashion."



Poison frontman looks to remake Poison classic with Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick
Posted By: Metal Sludge


While gearing up to take Poison on tour with Def Leppard this summer, Bret Michaels found time to assemble an all-star cast of guests for his new LP, Bret Michaels and Friends: Get Your Rock On, due out in September.

"Every song on it is a collaboration with other musicians," says Michaels. "And it's such a diverse range of people, from Loretta Lynn and Joe Perry [who play on a reworking of the Poision hit "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"] and Jimmy Buffett to Lil Jon, Michael Anthony, Ace Frehley, all the Skynyrd guys, guys from .38 Special and Blackfoot and Rascal Flatts' Jay [DeMarcus]. These are friends and people I've played with, partied with, jammed with throughout the years."

A new rendition of Poison's "Nothin' But a Good Time" unites Frehley, Anthony and Lil Jon. "Ace Frehley is the real deal," says Michaels. "He laid down this amazing solo and then Michael Anthony came in, he did the backups, and I was like, 'Just play some Michael Anthony licks.' He did, and that's what made magic on the song."

While many of the featured artists are now friends of Michaels, they started off as his rock & roll heroes. That's most apparent on his rendition of "Sweet Home Alabama." "I did [it] with all the guys from Lynyrd Skynyrd, the guys from Blackfoot and .38 Special," he says. "That was amazing because probably my first foot in the door as a child was traditional country, then I got turned onto the Beatles and Stones. Then I immediately fell in love with Southern rock, which was kind of a perfect mixture of country and rock."

Michaels isn't done recruiting collaborators. He hopes to get Zakk Wylde to come in and redo "Go That Far," the theme from Rock of Love. And after checking out Cheap Trick in concert recently, he got another idea. "I'd like to get Rick Nielsen to come in to play on 'Talk Dirty to Me,'" he says. "I think that'd be great to have him come in and put his style on a song that I remade in an over-the-top, punk-metal fashion."

Though Michaels says, "This could be the never-ending record," he's focused on finishing the LP and can't help but get excited about the prospects of future collaborations. "If I was to do another one of these records, it's overwhelming the amount of possibilities," he says. "I've been onstage with Jimmy Page, he's come and played with Poison in Reno, Nevada, and it was an amazing night. And last year, I played with Toby Keith and partied with him. The list is endless."

Courtesy of Rolling Stone

Metal Sludge
Talk Sludge To Me

Last Updated ( Saturday, 14 July 2012 )

Today's Day In Rock News!

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Quits American Idol
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is focusing his attention back on his band and stepping away from his judging role on American Idol after two seasons on the hit show. His camp sent over the comments:
"After some long......hard......thoughts…I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," said Steven Tyler. "I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I'm back--but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass--the ultimate in auditory takeover… On Nov 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars…'Idol' was over the top fun, and I loved every minute of it…Now it's time to bring Rock Back. ERMAHGERD."

"It's been a tremendous honor to have Steven--one of the most prolific artists in the world--on AMERICAN IDOL for the past two seasons," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "He's been a terrific judge, a true friend and great mentor to everyone involved with the show, and we know he'll continue to be a huge inspiration to IDOL hopefuls for years to come. We are very sad that Steven has chosen to focus more on his music, but we always knew when we hired a rock 'n' roll legend, he would go back to the music. We all wish him all the best and would love to have him back on the show anytime." more on this story



Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie Tour
Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie are teaming up for a co-headlining tour this fall which will hit North America and Europe and will feature support from J Devil, the DJ alter ego of KoRn's frontman Jonathan Davis.

The tour will kick off September 28 when both Zombie and Manson co-headline the first day of the Desert Uprising Festival in Phoenix, Arizona and the U.S. leg will wrap in Dallas on Halloween, October 31.

"Finally! Why did the most obvious tour take so long to happen? Who knows? Who cares? It's happening now," stated Zombie. "If good taste is the chief enemy of great art, then we should be able to fill the Louvre with this f**king tour. Be prepared for something wicked this way a-coming." more on this story



Motley Crue Tease New Song
(hennemusic) Motley Crue are giving fans a preview of their new single, "Sex." The track was written when the band was together during their residency in Las Vegas last February.

"Sex" will debut today, Friday, July 13 on Sirius/XM and be available on Tuesday, July 17.

The Crue hit the road with KISS for a North American summer tour that will play more than 40 shows following its July 20 launch in Bristow, VA. Listen the tease here.



Fleetwood Mac Will Be Back
(Classic Rock) Fleetwood Mac will reunite for a tour next year, according to Stevie Nicks. Fleetwood Mac last toured in 2009.

Nicks confirmed the band's comeback plans during an interview on CBS This Morning.

She said: "It's the plan, because that's what we do. I do my thing. And Lindsey [Buckingham] is out doing his thing now."

Nicks also commented on the recent suicide of former Mac guitarist Bob Welch. Find out what she had to say here.



Lamb of God Singer Gets Court Date In Manslaughter Case
(Classic Rock) Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe will return to court in Prague on Thursday, three weeks after he was arrested for manslaughter after the death of Daniel Nosek at a 2010 concert. But even though he posted $200,000 bail nearly two weeks ago, the new hearing won't necessarily lead to a criminal charge or freedom.

A panel of judges will consider prosecutors' objections to his release. However, if they decide in his favour, the prosecutors are allowed to challenge the new decision too. Under Czech procedural law this cycle can continue for up to six months.

Prague Post reported Jonathan Crane believes there's not enough evidence to secure a conviction against Blythe, even if he was responsible for the incident that led to Nosek's death from a brain haemorrhage a month after rushing the stage three times during a Lamb of God show. "Who is to say that Nosek wasn't accidentally kicked or trodden on, or left without help by fans below the stage?" he asks. more on this story



Flanagan Speaks Out On The Cro-Mags Stabbing
(Classic Rock) Cro-Mags founding bassist Harley Flanagan says the knife attack against ex-bandmates that got him arrested last weekend was self defense.

He insists he was invited backstage and planned to settle his long-standing differences with the outfit he left in 2002 – but instead found himself the victim of a "beatdown" and feared for his life, and wound up stabbed in the leg.

He says the violence spilled out to the VIP area of the Webster Hall in New York during the inaugural CBGB Festival, and that's when he stabbed current bassist Michael Couls and William Berario. more on this story



Charlie Sheen Insults Axl Rose at Slash Event
(Classic Rock) When Slash was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame earlier this week, the guitarist was accompanied by his friend Charlie Sheen. In a speech, the wayward actor couldn't resist taking a pot-shot at Slash's former Guns N' Roses band-mate, Axl Rose.

Sheen said: "You know, it's quite fitting, I think, that Slash is getting a star on the very street that Axl Rose will one day be sleeping on."

Slash couldn't resist a sly chuckle at Sheen's comments. Sheen also quipped: "This star is going to be stepped on more than the coke we did in the 80s." Watch video of it here.



Slipknot To Broadcast Knotfest Performance
If you can't make it to see Slipknot perform at their upcoming Knotfest, don't worry you will still be able to watch it. But it will cost you.

The band have announced that they will offer a pay-per-view broadcast of their performance at their new two-day music fest at this location.

"One of our long-time dreams, is finally coming to fruition with the creation of Knotfest," says M. Shawn Crahan aka clown of Slipknot. "Our goal was to create a festival experience which screamed our vision. It means everything for everyone to see the live spectacle we're creating in the flesh, but we understand some fans around the world can't be at the show. We've now made it possible for you to be there in spirit--so join us Live on August 18th." more on this story



Historic Bob Dylan Treasure Uncovered
(Classic Rock) The guitar that shocked Bob Dylan fans at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 has been found and valued at $500,000. And the case holding the Fender Stratocaster also contained some unpublished lyrics written by the iconic musician.

Investigators on TV show History Detectives have verified it's the genuine article after the person who currently keeps it told how Dylan left it on a plane after the controversial concert.

His brief set provoked a massive backlash from the folk music fraternity, with one leading light calling Dylan's transition to electric music "tenth-rate pop-pap drivel." Recordings include booing from the crowd, although it's said the negative reaction was simply because he was only given time to perform three songs. more on this story



Allman Brothers Band Reveal Peach Music Fest Details
The Allman Brothers Band have announced the lineup and details for their Peach Music Festival which is taking place from Aug 10th - 12th.

We were sent these details: This will be the first-ever Allman Brothers Band-inspired festival in the Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) region, which will take place on multiple stages over the course of three days at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain and Sno Mountain Ski Area & Water Park in Scranton, PA Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12th. Previously-announced artists include Zac Brown Band, Warren Haynes Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, O.A.R., Railroad Earth, The Wailers, Dark Star Orchestra, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Blackberry Smoke and more.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10: Zac Brown Band, The Allman Brothers Band, Warren Haynes Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Blackberry Smoke, Trigger Hippy, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Cabinet and 61 North

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11: The Allman Brothers Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, O.A.R., The Wailers, Rebelution, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band, Railroad Earth, Toubab Krewe, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, JD & The Straight Shot, Grimace Federation, Tauk and Miz

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12: Wake Up With Warren (Warren Haynes acoustic solo), Robert Randolph & The Family Band and Blind Boys of Alabama



Queensryche Angered That Geoff Tate Made Mindcrime Movie Deal
(Classic Rock) Queensryche drummer Scott Rockenfield says the band were forced to fire singer Geoff Tate as a result of ongoing violent and dominating behaviour.

Rockenfield has detailed a series of events which he says proves they had no option but to oust the frontman, including a series of spitting and punching incidents ahead of a concert in Brazil in April.

He says Tate's statement that the band didn't write songs is untrue – and that claims he taunted his ex-bandmate by saying "I've fired your family and now I'm going to fire you" is "a complete lie."

And he reveals the crunch came when the band discovered Tate had cut a secret deal to make a movie based on classic album Operation: Mindcrime. more on this story



Rolling Stones Deliver Latest Bootleg
(Gibson) Rolling Stones fans are in for a treat, as the fourth installment of the legendary group's new series of authorized bootlegs has arrived. Live at the Tokyo Dome (Tokyo 1990) offers footage from the rockers' second to last gig during their 10-concert residency in the Japanese capital in February 1990.

The shows were the first The Rolling Stones had ever performed in Japan and came at the end of their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle tour to promote 1989's Steel Wheels.

Rolling StonesThe Live at the Tokyo Dome release groups together 23 songs – everything from newer cuts off Steel Wheels to the group's catalog of favorites. "Start Me Up," "Sad Sad Sad," "Harlem Shuffle," "Tumbling Dice," "Miss You" and "Ruby Tuesday" are just a few of the selections. Longtime engineer Bob Clearmountain worked on the mixes for the album, which is available only as a digital download. Fans can score it in the U.S. via the Google Play music store. more on this story





Job For A Cowboy Recruit The Red Chord Guitarist For Tour
Job For A Cowboy have recruited The Red Chord guitarist Mike "Gunface" McKenzie to fill in for bassist Nick Schendzielos on the Summer Slaughter tour.

The tour which also features Cannibal Corpse, Between The Buried and Me, The Faceless, Periphery, Veil of Maya, Goatwhore, Exhumed, Cerebral Bore, is set to kick off next week and Schendzielos is going to miss part of the trek run due to a serious family emergency.

Comments Schendzielos: "Hey friends: On June 28, immediately after landing in Boston to rehearse for Puerto Rico/Summer Slaughter, my girlfriend was in a head-on collision on her scooter. She sustained very serious head and bodily injuries. I flew right home, and we've been in the ICU for a week and are still in the hospital to make sure everything is okay. She needs 24/7 supervision for at least two weeks once we get out of here, so I'm very grateful to announce that Gunface from The Red Chord is going to help me out filling in on Summer Slaughter until I can meet back up with it. We love the dude very much and it's going to be really cool for both JFAC and TRC fans to see. Enormous thanks for understanding this difficult situation and I'll be back as soon as possible!" more on this story



Richie Sambora Sets Solo Release and Streams New Song
Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora has set a September 18, 2012 release date for his third solo album, Aftermath of the Lowdown.

Aftermath of the Lowdown is his first album in 14 years. Lyrically, he tackles the universal tribulations of divorce, substance abuse, single parenthood, independence and self-reliance.

"A lot has happened in my life over the last ten years, personal stuff that's cathartic for me to get out," says Sambora. "Really things that could happen to anybody, but I just happened to be in a band with the biggest concert tour in the world, and in the glare of the public eye."

The first single, "Every Road Leads Home To You," is available here.



Gary Moore's Jimi Hendrix Tribute Show Being Released
Eagle Rock have set a September 25 CD, DVD and Blu-ray release date for Gary Moore's Blues For Jimi. Here are the official details and the tracklisting:

This release captures a unique concert featuring Moore playing Jimi Hendrix tracks, including such classics as "Purple Haze," "Foxy Lady," "The Wind Cries Mary," "Hey Joe," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and many more. Filmed at the London Hippodrome on October 25, 2007, it was part of the launch for the Jimi Hendrix "Live At Monterey" program.

At the end of the night, Gary was joined by Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox of the Jimi Hendrix Experience for three tracks. The full line-up for this show was Gary Moore (guitar, vocals); Dave Bronze (bass); Darrin Mooney (drums) with Billy Cox (bass on tracks 9-11, and also vocals on the first two of those) and Mitch Mitchell (drums on tracks 9-11). more on this story



Slash Reflects On Walk of Fame Honor
(Gibson) Slash should be a happy guy at the moment, as the guitar great was honored Tuesday (July 10) with his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Now, Slash is speaking out about the honor, and he says it's reflective of how great he feels about his music at this point in his career.

"I definitely feel like I'm cresting a certain wave in my career where I'm having a really great time, I love what I'm doing, I love the people I'm working with and I'm feeling very energized," he told Rolling Stone after the star ceremony. "I haven't had that feeling since when Guns started."

He added that his current solo project, and recent #4 Billboard smash album, Apocalyptic Love, is something of a "Cinderella story."

"It's kind of a Cinderella story," he said. "I had no idea this was going to be a band I was going to do things with – I thought it was a pickup band. It turned out to be really, from the get-go, this kickass band, and now it's more like a group." more on this story





Bob Seger Comments On Metallica's Cover Of His Classic
(hennemusic) Detroit rocker Bob Seger has written many legendary songs over the course of his career. Seger was rewarded by the industry for his craft recently when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame during a June 14 event in New York City.

That evening, Seger performed one of his classics, "Turn The Page," a song that originally appeared on his "Back In '72" album. Although never released as a single, Seger's live version of the tune on his 1976 "Live Bullet" album became a mainstay of rock radio stations, and still gets significant airplay to this day on classic rock stations.

While in New York, Seger was asked for his thoughts on Metallica's version of the song, which appeared on the band's 1998 covers/compilation album "Garage Inc." "I loved it. They told me they were gonna do it and I loved it," said Seger. "I really liked the drums, especially, because our drums are really simple. [It was] a cool take on it. It's been done before. Another guy did it in Australia and won a Grammy with it." more on this story



Next Week's Riot Fest East Postponed
Organizers of next week's Riot Fest East 2012 in Philadelphia but have pulled the plug on the event for unknown reasons.

The event's homepage states that the date, which was led by Refused and August Burns Red, has been postponed and they are looking to reschedule but they are offering refunds.

They issued this statement: "Riot Fest East 2012, scheduled for Thursday, July 19 at Festival Pier in Philadelphia, PA has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Refunds will be available at point of purchase. more on this story



The Sheepdogs Set Album Release and Preview New Song
Atlantic Records have set a September 4th release date for the new self-titled album by The Sheepdogs.

The album was produced by The Black Keys' Patrick Carney and Austin Scaggs, and the first single, "The Way It Is," can be heard here.

The Sheepdogs will celebrate their new album with their first coast to coast U.S. headline tour. The trek gets underway September 16th at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, New York, and then continues through late October and will feature support acts Black Box Revelation and Buffalo Killers. more on this story



B Sides


Singled Out: Beasto Blanco (Alice Cooper)
Today Chuck Garric, long time bass player for Alice Cooper tells us about the song "Break Down" from Beasto Blanco, the band he formed with guitar player Chris Latham. Here is the story:

It was the first song I sat down to write as the new band was being formed and dates were being scheduled for tracking. "Break Down" started as most songs do - with a guitar riff. I had a riff I liked and when I put down a vocal melody, it had a percussive rhythm to it - a bounce I liked. I didn't have lyrics yet, it was more of a rhythmic scat that really started to grow on me. I wasn't sure where it was going to go after the verse, but I knew I had something I liked.

I remember having this other melody in my head. And when I would sing it back, I kept hearing a group of girls singing it. So, on the demo version I sang the melody in my best "Cherie Currie" voice, knowing that when we'd track it I'd have to find a female voice for the song.

As the song starting to take on its own life, I had a dream - one of those dreams you have where you're trying to run but you move slowly or trying to punch someone but its like your hands won't move.

That idea came to me as a chorus and lyric idea. The song "Break Down" is about trying to get somewhere and sh*t keeps happening. You get stuck, something gets in your way. Or you have to start over again. But you keep on keeping on!

The final touches came in the studio. Producer Tommy Henriksen got Glen Sobel on drums and Calico Cooper to get that aggressive female sound the song needed.

Beasto Blanco is currently in the studio writing for their new album and looking forward to a fall release with upcoming tour dates. Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!



Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw Damn Yankees Reunion Jam Online
Video has emerged online of the Damn Yankees semi-reunion jam that occurred on the final date of The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express tour featuring Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent.

Styx's camp sent over the details and comments: During Styx's set, lucky fans at that final stop of the tour in Bangor, ME last Sunday got what they were hoping for when Ted Nugent joined the band for a special performance of the Damn Yankees classic "Coming Of Age."

"Working with brother Ted has been a real treat," said Styx's Tommy Shaw. "Joining fellow Nugent alumni Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon guitarist) in the wings on a regular basis to watch Ted, Derek (St. Homes), Greg (Smith) and Mick (Brown) craft the perfect set for our collective audience. Night after night, it has been inspirational. Then, to finish the tour with Ted joining Styx on stage for a killer performance of 'Coming Of Age' caught me off guard how powerful it was. I swear Nugent was levitating. Damn Yankee brothers forever." Watch video of the jam here.



Free Song From We Are the Fury and Head Automatica Supergroup Romans
The Muse Box sent over a free download of "Mystery Girl," a new single from Romans, the supergroup formed by Jeremy Fury from We Are the Fury, and Craig Bonich of Head Automatica / Jaguar Love.

Backing up the two on recording are Rick Penzone, Christopher Hatfield and Los Angeles native drumming monster, Jon Safley.

Produced by L.A. based noise-smith Manny Nieto (The Breeders, Rumspringa, Health) and assisted by Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, Good Old War) Grab the song here.



Travis Barker Discusses His Love Affair With Cars
We received this bit of news which might be of interest to Blink-182 fans: Travis Barker recently sat down to talk about his love of cars for the most recent episode of "Sanctiond Stories" directed by famed photographer Estevan Oriol.

"I think cars and drums are two things I've always been passionate about," Barker divulges. He also discusses his appreciation for classic rides, how his kids have inherited a love for cars, differences between West and East Coast car culture and how a unique paint job reflects the personality of its owner.

"Sanctiond Stories" dive into the lives of tastemakers from art, music, fashion and more, while showcasing their passions, lifestyles and endeavors as it relates to the mission statement of Mister Cartoon's Sanctiond premium car care products.