Today's Day In Rock News!!

Foreigner Star Diagnosed With Cancer
(Classic Rock) Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein has been forced to bow out of the band's upcoming US tour after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
He'll take an indefinite break while he undergoes 28 radiotherapy sessions – but reports his illness was discovered early enough to be successfully treated. It follows Foreigner mainman Mick Jones' heart surgery in February.

"I recently went to the hospital following some symptoms and it was discovered I have colorectal cancer. This has required me to take a leave of absence from the band for a significant period," Bluestein says. "The good news is that I caught this early enough so that through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, I will be able to treat this and return to normal life after it's over. And of course, normal life for me includes rocking with Foreigner." more on this story



Band Beat Up Former Singer?
(TMZ) A popular band was none too please when the lead singer quit, and they acted out their anger by beating the crap out of him -- according to allegations made in a police report.

Aron "Deuce" Erlichman was the lead singer of Hollywood Undead, a rap/rock band. Deuce decided to quit the band a few months ago to launch a solo career.

On May 25, Deuce performed at Angels & Kings -- a Hollywood hotspot. After his gig, Deuce left the club and claims his former bandmates were "lying in wait." Deuce claims when they spotted him, they jumped him and went to town -- punching, kicking and stomping on him.

Deuce says he was badly hurt and went to cops, alleging former bandmates Dylan "FunnyMan" Alvarez and Jorel "J-Dog" Decker were the primary culprits. Deuce also told cops the two dudes had someone videotape the attack.

Now, Deuce plans to sue -- and has already hired legal pitbull Donald Karpel.

Cops are investigating. So far, no comment from FunnyMan or J-Dog. more on this story



Spineshank New Album and Tour Coming This Month
Spineshank is officially back, not only is the band releasing their first new album in almost a decade, they are lauching their first headlining tour in over 6 years.

The band has set dates for a lengthy tour spanning nearly two months. They have released a list of confirmed dates which kick off on June 14th in Las Vegas. Support bands will be announced soon.

Spineshank will be touring in support of their new album, Anger Denial Acceptance, which will be out on June 19 in North America. more on this story



Another Slash Ban At Guns N' Roses Concert?
(Classic Rock) An 18-year-old Guns N' Roses fan was told to remove his Slash shirt or go home ahead of Axl Rose's appearance in London on Friday. It's a repeat of events first believed to have unfolded in 2010, when gigglers in Canada were ordered to turn Slash shirts inside-out and abandon their top hats.

James Revell attended the GnR show in London's O2 Arena with his younger brother. On arrival door staff instructed him to take off his shirt and said he wouldn't be allowed in if he didn't comply.

"I felt as though my freedom to wear what I want had been taken away from me. I did not react angrily as I didn't want to spoil the show for my brother," The teenager tells NME. "I believed they asked me to do it because Axl Rose has some problem with Slash, and if he saw me wearing the shirt he might have stormed off stage." more on this story



Aerosmith Tease New Video
(hennemusic) Aerosmith are gearing up to release the video for "Legendary Child," the lead single from the band's forthcoming album, "Music From Another Dimension."

Directed by Casey Patrick Tebo, the clip will be the band's first video in 8 years. Tebo raved about the results of the May 4 filming, after which he tweeted: "Can't wait for people to see the new Aerosmith video. looked great and really rocked. Psyched. Soon I shall unleash my fury on the world."

Aerosmith have released a sneak peek of what's to come with the "Legendary Child" video. Check it out here.



Black Sabbath Have Written 15 Songs For Reunion Album
(hennemusic) The planned Black Sabbath reunion may have gone off the rails due to contractual issues with drummer Bill Ward, but three of the four original members are continuing to work on a new album.

"We've written about 15 songs so far, whether they all get on an album, I don't know," Ozzy Osbourne tells NME. "We just keep on writing. I was trying to work out: where would we be now musically if we'd have stayed together?"

Rick Rubin is producing the new album, the band's first studio effort since 1978's "Never Say Die." The veteran producer helped shape the project with some initial words of creative direction. "He [Rubin] sat us down," explains Geezer Butler. "He put on the first [Sabbath] album on and said 'Listen to this. Now imagine it's 1969, you've just done that – what would you do next?'" more on this story



Classic Jimi Hendrix Shows Coming To DVD and Blu-Ray Restored and Expanded
(Gibson) A new edition of Jimi Hendrix's 1970 performances at the Berkeley Community Theatre is coming to DVD and Blu-ray. The restored and expanded concert will be released on July 10, according to Brave Words.

The documentary showcases the two performances Hendrix gave on May 30, 1970. This edition has been restored from the original 16mm negative, and includes more than 15 minutes of unseen footage. Among the new performances are "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "Machine Gun" and "Hear My Train a Comin'" – none of which were included in the original film.

In addition, July 10 will see the first stand-alone release on Blu-ray of Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child. The documentary film directed by Bob Smeaton (The Beatles Anthology) was previously included on DVD in the West Coast Seattle Boy box set. more on this story





The Darkness Covering Radiohead On New Album
(Gibson) The Darkness have announced full details of their third studio album, Hot Cakes. The album is their first since 2005's One Way Ticket To Hell and Back. Hot Cakes (they plan it to "sell like hot cakes," geddit?) will be released on August 20 via Play It Again Sam recordings and has been produced by singer and guitarist Justin and Dan Hawkins along with long-time collaborator Nick Brine.

Frontman Justin Hawkins said: "Hot Cakes has a nice raw feel to it like the first album had, with occasional luxurious moments akin to the second. We're proud of the songs and we can't wait for people to hear them. We've been playing a lot of the material from the album in the live set for some time now. Each time we play a new song it feels like a deep powerful thrust in a frenzied love ritual between us and our fans."

The album also includes a cover of Radiohead's "Street Spirit (Fade Out)," of which Hawkins said: "We included the Radiohead cover because it has been a live favourite for many moons, and we wanted to release a definitive recording of our interpretation." more on this story





Adam Lambert Wants To Do Freddie Proud at Queen Shows
(Classic Rock) Adam Lambert is convinced his upcoming shows fronting Queen will prove he can do the job, although he insists he'd never try to replace Freddie Mercury. And the singer admits he knew talent shows weren't cool before he found fame in American Idol – he aimed to use the exposure to advance his career.

He's performed with remaining Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor on TV twice before. So when he hits the Hammersmith Apollo stage with them on July 11, 12 and 14 he knows what he has to achieve.

"We want to keep the music alive and give it an energy that would have made Freddie proud," Lambert tells the Daily Mail. "You can't replace him. But playing with Queen is the best thing that could happen to me. My intention is to pay tribute to Freddie." more on this story




Devin Townsend Project and Katatonia Epic Kings & Idols Tour
Devin Townsend Project and Katatonia are teaming up for a Fall tour of North America dubbed Epic Kings & Idols Tour.

Paradise Lost will be direct support on the trek and Stolen Babies will be openers (DTP and Katatonia will alternate in headlining each show).

In regards to this upcoming trek, Devin Townsend comments: "So after a break in which we've managed to finish the live DVDs from the London shows ('By A Thread') as well as our surprisingly epic new record, 'Epicloud'...We're about to start getting into touring mode again, and it pleases me to announce that we'll be with some wonderful bands this Fall. I think this package pretty much covers the gamut of emotional heavy music, and really...It'll be nice to share the stage with some passionate folks who live for their music as much as we do. Again, we can't thank you enough for supporting what we do and allowing us to play for you. It will be nice to catch up, and we hope to see you there!" more on this story




Biker Shot At Charity Rock Show
(Classic Rock) A charity rock show in Spanaway, Washington, US, erupted with gunfire this weekend as tensions between rival biker gangs spiraled out of control.

The Northwest Metal Fest was being held by the Bandidos fraternity to raise funds for cancer support, featuring the first headline appearance of thrash metal band Mace in 23 years. But violence ensued when members of the Ghostriders gang arrived in an SUV at Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill wearing their colours.

"A small group of Ghostriders showed up. One of the members tried to enter the bar while wearing his jacket. The Bandidos asked him to remove it so as not to disrespect their club. When he refused a group of Bandidos surrounded him," Local news outlet Q13Fox reports. "The Ghostriders member felt threatens and reportedly pulled a gun and shot a Bandidos member in the arm. He was then tackled by a friend of the victim, disarmed and held for police." more on this story



Zakk Wylde's True Rocker Test
(Gibson) Zakk Wylde, guitar legend and Black Label Society frontman, has been promoting his new book Bringing Metal to the Children.

The book begins with Wylde's "true rocker test" (TRT), in which the reader must answer and self-score 10 questions to determine if he is a true rocker and should continue reading, or if he's just a complete "tool" who needs to hand the book to someone more metal. There are plenty of epic stories about life on the road, using his Black Label Society coaching techniques to instruct the reader on proper touring hygiene, pre-concert preparations and post-show etiquette.

The road stories include wild nights with many of Wylde's peers, including Rob Zombie, Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darrell, Mike Inez, Snake Sabo, Lars Ulrich, professional wrestlers Chris Jericho, Bubba Dudley and Stone Cold Steve Austin and, of course, Ozzy Osbourne. more on this story





Metallica Star Working on New Film
(Gibson) An upcoming 3D movie isn't the only Metallica-related film project. Bassist Robert Trujillo is funding a biopic about the influential bass legend Jaco Pastorius, according to USA Today.

"Jaco was my hero growing up. Hearing him was like hearing Eddie Van Halen doing 'Eruption' for the first time: You thought, 'What instrument is that?'" Trujillo said. "I loved jazz fusion and branched out from there. But Jaco had an edge that far exceeded his jazz persona. He was funk, he was rock, he was soul. And his whole attitude was punk."

The documentary, tentatively titled Jaco, is being directed by Stephen Kijack (2010's Stones in Exile). Trujillo hopes the movie will be ready in time to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this fall. more on this story





Blaze Bayley Was Suicidal With His Formal Band
(Classic Rock) Blaze Bayley says he'd have killed himself if he hadn't sacked his entire band and the only reason he didn't end his life was that his wife talked him out of it.

Last year he fired guitarists Nico Bermudez and Jay Walsh along with bassist David Bermudez , and announced he would continue to operate as a solo artist using pick-up bands. His move came after drummer Larry Paterson and manager Anna Di Laurenzio quit.

"I just wanted to kill myself on that tour. The pressure to keep a band together was too much. Sometimes I really wished I had killed myself to escape, but my wife talked me out of it. She persuaded me to carry on and that's why I'm still here," the ex-Iron Maiden singer tells Radio Metal. "So they can say what they want. But my truth is: being with those people on that tour in that situation made me feel like killing myself, ending my life, ending everything, leaving my wife and son just to get away from everything. That's the truth." more on this story



Nonpoint Preview New Song Online
Nonpoint have posted an online advance mix of "I Said It," a brand-new studio track they've recently been working on with producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Staind, Megadeth).

"I Said It" is a first look at the recently revamped Nonpoint line-up which includes founding members Elias Soriano (vocals) and Robb Rivera (drums) along with new members Dave Lizzio (guitar), Adam Wolosyzn (bass), and Rasheed Thomas (guitar). The new line-up has been hard at work on its new, yet-to-be titled album which is due for release in fall 2012 on Razor & Tie. Listen to the preview here.

The band will hit the road this summer to preview new music with Call Me No One. Lead singer Elias Soriano adds, "We are about to hit the road and wanted to give our diehards an exclusive advance mix version of a brand new song we just finished called 'I Said It'. We're excited to play this one along with a few other new songs live soon so show your love in the pit when you hear them!" more on this story



Skeletonwitch Plot North American Tour
Skeletonwitch will be hitting the road this summer for a North American headline tour that will feature support from Barnburner.

The tour, which includes two weeks' worth of dates in Canada, will kick off July 17 in York, Pennsylvania soon after the band return from a European tour during which they will play festivals alongside the likes of Slayer, Megadeth, and Behemoth.

Skeletonwitch will be touring in support of their latest album, Forever Abomination, as well as the recent vinyl reissues of their popular releases Breathing The Fire and Beyond The Permafrost. more on this story



B Sides


Watch Evanescence Rock Am Ring
(hennemusic) Evanescence played the Rock Am Ring festival in Nurburgring, Germany on Friday. The festival is streaming live and the Evanescence set, like many others, was seen by fans around the globe.

The show is part of the band's extensive world tour in support of their 2011 self-titled release.

The group's first album in five years, it debuted at #1 back in October, after selling 127,000 copies in its first week. Watch their set here.



The Black Keys Release New Gold On The Ceiling Video
(hennemusic) The Black Keys have issued a new version of a video for their latest single, "Gold On The Ceiling" from their album, "El Camino."

While the original featured footage of the Keys on tour, this one is more conceptual, with the duo dressed up in fluffy baby costumes being carried by two men in Black Keys masks.

The new version is directed by Harmony Korine, who has directed cult films such as "Kids," "Gummo," "Julien Donkey-Boy" and "Mister Lonely." Watch the video here.



Geddy Lee Remembers When Rush Fired Him
(Classic Rock) Geddy Lee formed a new band when Rush fired him in their early days and he was doing better than they were when he was invited to rejoin. But he believes the experience was a blessing in disguise because it set them on the road to becoming the band they are today.

The bassist and singer was dismissed long before the Canadian outfit made their first recording. It happened even before they'd become a three-piece. The band's new manager, Ray Danniels, who is still with them, carried out both the firing and re-hiring.

Lee recounts the story in Classic Rock's Rush Fan Pack, which includes a copy of the band's new album Clockwork Angels and is available for pre-order now."That was pre-history really. We hadn't recorded yet and were still in our embryonic stage, and Ray came along. He had no real reputation yet as a manager or anything. He was just kind of an agent working in Toronto," He says. "So he started directing the band and he just thought I wasn't suitable, for whatever reasons he had. I don't know whether it was the way I looked, or my religious background – who the f**k knew?" more on this story



Metallica's Rock Am Ring Set Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Metallica headlined the Rock Am Ring festival in Nurburgring, Germany on Saturday. The show is part of the band's European Summer Vacation tour.

The festival is streaming live and the Metallica set, like many others, was seen by fans around the globe as it happened.

In an effort to promote their upcoming US festival, Metallica also streamed the show live at OrionMusicAndMore.com, the band's online home for the event, which is set to take place June 23-24 at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Watch their set here.



Slash Jams With Ozzy
(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne continues his run of fill-in shows to make up for the cancelled Black Sabbath reunion tour this year.

On Thursday, Ozzy and Friends played the Spektrum in Oslo, Norway, with the now standard setlist mix of Sabbath classics and Ozzy solo tunes.

Along for the ride are Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, former Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde and Ozzy band members Gus G., Rob Nicholson and Tommy Clufetos.

On this night, the crew were joined by Slash for a few Sabbath tracks. Watch it here.



Soundgarden Rock Am Ring Set Streaming Online
(hennemusic) Soundgarden are currently playing the European festival circuit and, on Friday, the band performed at the Rock Am Ring festival in Nurburgring, Germany. Their complete set is streaming online.

Soundgarden recently released "Live To Rise," the band's first new song in 15 years. The tune is featured on the soundtrack to the box office smash, "The Avengers."

As for a full new album, singer Chris Cornell told Rolling Stone last month that "it's done. It'll be out in probably October. I would say September but I'm just guessing October. We're pretty much done with everything." Watch their set here.



Remembering Faces' Ronnie Lane
(Gibson) On this day in 1997, ex-Small Faces, Faces and leader of Slim Chance, Ronnie Lane died aged 51 after a 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Gibson takes a look back:

Ronnie Lane, one of the good guys of rock, had risen from humble beginning to international pop star and everybody loved him. The friends he made on the way to the top, from Jimmy Page to Rod Stewart to Pete Townshend, would also figure prominently in the dark days as his body rebelled on him and disease took over his life.

Lane and his band The Small Faces were huge rock stars when Steve Marriott jumped ship to form Humble Pie. The rest of the Small Faces drowned their temporary sorrows with old pals Ron Wood and Rod Stewart, became the Faces and matched anything they'd done in the '60s and set the bar for no-frills rock and roll.

When Rod became a megastar and the Faces disbanded, Lane moved to a farm in Wales, enjoyed life in the country and played folk and roll with his new band Slim Chance. Their albums sold well but a caravan tour of England featuring an ambitious assortment of circus acts was a financial disaster. Undeterred, he kept making low-key albums. Critics loved the records he made with old pals, like Mahoney's Last Stand, with Ron Wood and Rough Mix with Pete Townshend.

But something wasn't quite right with Ronnie. As drummer Kenney Jones recalled later: "He seemed very forgetful, slurred his words and tripped up a lot. We accused of him of being drunk and of having a secret tipple, but he wasn't of course."

More than that, Lane was suffering coordination issues and numbness in his arms. A doctor diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis in 1977

SLASH’s ‘APOCALYPTIC LOVE’ ENTERS BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART AT #4

ALBUM EXPLODES INTERNATIONALLY WITH TOP 5 POSITIONS IN SEVEN
OTHER COUNTRIES

BAND LOCKS DOWN #4 POSITION AT ACTIVE ROCK WITH “YOU’RE A LIE”



SLASH’s second solo studio album APOCALYPTIC LOVE has stormed onto the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #4, marking the top rock debut this week. The disc is also #1 Independent Albums Chart and #1 Hard Music Albums Chart. In addition, APOCALYPTIC LOVE is exploding internationally as the album is also Top 5 in seven countries outside the U.S.: Canada (#2), Australia (#2), New Zealand (#1), Germany (#5), France (#7), Japan (#2), Sweden (#4) and Switzerland (#3).

The news comes as SLASH and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) also have the #4 spot at Active Rock with their single “You’re A Lie.” SLASH and his band are riding a wave of critical acclaim with a four-star review in Revolver magazine noting: “Apocalyptic Love is at heart a collection of lean, high-octane rock-and-roll tunes built to be blasted out of open-top sports cars or, more suitably, open-air stadiums” (July 2012); heavy exposure for the new single and striking video for “You’re A Lie” (MTV, Fuse, MTV2 VH1); and rave reviews for their sold-out shows across the country and rock festival appearances this month. While in New York the band performed an epic version of “You’re A Lie” on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (May 21). Watch the performance here: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2012/05/slash-with-myles-kennedy-the-conspirators-perform-youre-a-lie/.

Last night (May 29), SLASH joined Ozzy Osbourne onstage for his Ozzy & Friends tour in Bergen, Norway, for the first of 10 dates before joining his band, SLASH Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators for sold-out shows across Europe. The group will return to North America for a headlining run set to kick off in Portland, OR on July 12. Stay tuned for more SLASH touring news.

All songs on APOCALYPTIC LOVE (Dik Hayd International, distributed through EMI) were written together by SLASH and Myles Kennedy.

The in-progress tour dates are as follows and check out: www.slashonline.com.



DATE CITY VENUE
European Tour Dates: June 6-June 25
Headlining Tour w/ Monster Truck supporting

Thu 7/12 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
Fri 7/13 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
Sat 7/14 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Mon 7/16 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee
Tue 7/17 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee
Thu 7/19 Medicine Hat, AB Esplanade Arts & Heritage Center
Fri 7/20 Saskatoon, SK TCU Place
Sat 7/21 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre Perf Arts
Mon 7/23 Thunder Bay, ON Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Wed 7/25 Belleville, ON Empire Square Live
Thu 7/26 London, ON Harris Park – Rock the Park
Fri 7/27 Montreal, QC Olympia Theater
Sun 7/29 Quebec City, QC Agora de Quebec
Mon 7/30 Moncton, NB Centre – Casino Moncton
Tue 7/31 Halifax, NS Cunard Events Centre
Thu 8/2 Boston, MA House of Blues
Fri 8/3 Montclair, NJ Wellmont Theatre
Sat 8/4 Huntington, NY The Paramount

SLASH assets:
VIDEO: “You’re A Lie”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SZrJLMTO-8
PHOTOS (Group): http://msopr.com/files/slash-group_photo_2012_large_by_travis_shinn.JPG
(Solo): http://msopr.com/files/slash-solo_2012_large_by_travis_shinn.JPG

Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr. Rants/Raves:: Today's Day In Rock News!: Wife Broke Up Van Halen? (hennemusic) Van Halen's label rep at Warner Music in the band's early years blames Valerie Bertinelli for th...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Wife Broke Up Van Halen?
(hennemusic) Van Halen's label rep at Warner Music in the band's early years blames Valerie Bertinelli for the group's 1985 split with singer David Lee Roth.
In a new interview with LA Weekly, former Warner Music artist development director Ted Cohen says the arrival of Bertinelli on the scene in 1980 began to drive a wedge between the members of the group, Yoko Ono–style. (Neither Van Halen's nor Bertinelli's management responded to repeated requests by LA Weekly for comment.)

The actress believed Eddie Van Halen should receive the lion's share of the credit for the band's triumphs, whereas Roth was essentially expendable, Cohen says. more on this story



Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Lands Film Role
(hennemusic) Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler is among the voices cast for a new animated film entitled "Epic."

The flick, by Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios, is a 3D CG action-adventure comedy that reveals a hidden world unlike any other. From the creators of "Ice Age" and "Rio", "Epic" tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world…and ours.

Beyoncé Knowles voices Queen Tara; Colin Farrell ("Total Recall") is Ronin; Josh Hutcherson ("The Hunger Games") is Nod; Amanda Seyfried ("Dear John") portrays Mary Katherine; and Johnny Knoxville ("Jackass") voices Mandrake. more on this story



Izzy Stradlin Reunites With Guns N' Roses On Stage
(hennemusic) Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin joined his old band on stage at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday.

Stradlin teamed up with GNR to perform the songs "14 Years," "You Could Be Mine," "Dead Flowers," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," "Nightrain," and "Paradise City."

The rarest of tracks on this night was was the "Use Your Illusion II" song "14 Years," which hasn't been played live since 1991. Watch the jam here.



Lars Explains 3D Metallica Movie Plans
(Gibson) It's still not completely clear what Metallica's upcoming 3D movie will be like. Drummer Lars Ulrich recently spoke to Rolling Stone about the plans for the film.

"This has been circling for two years. It's time to life-size it, get it out of our minds and on the screen. And if it's done right, it can be sensational," he said. "You're not watching Metallica onstage. You're onstage with Metallica. In IMAX, James Hetfield is 38 feet tall, snotting on you, spitting on you. It's 2,000 decibels. If there is an earthquake outside, you wouldn't notice."

Of course, Ulrich admits that the treatment could be too intense for even the most ardent Metallica fans . "But you can't do that for 100 minutes. It loses its appeal. There is another element in there – intimate, small, a story that takes place over the same trajectory as the concert. The question is, 'Where do they weave in and out of each other?' But you have to cut away from the concert to enjoy the concert." more on this story





King's X Hitting The Road With Kansas
King's X will be hitting the road this fall for a North American tour where they will be direct support for Kansas.

In regards to this upcoming trek, King's X bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick comments: "I've been a huge Kansas fan since the beginning. I remember sitting on the floor with my friends listening to the just released record 'Song for America'...Fast forward to years later, King's X is going on tour with them!! It is an honor to be doing shows with them. This is gonna rock!!"

With King's X drummer Jerry Gaskill and lead guitarist Ty Tabor also onboard for the North American trek, these dates will mark the band's first tour since Gaskill's remarkable recovery from a major heart attack earlier this year. "Not too long ago I was thinking I might not ever get back on a stage, now I'm ready and with the ok from all my doctors," says Gaskill. "What better way to get back than to tour with the legendary Kansas. Let's rock..." more on this story



Queensryche's Tate Moving Forward With Solo Rock Album
(Classic Rock) Queensryche singer Geoff Tate vows his upcoming solo album will rock. He's at the centre of a storm of controversy after his bandmates formed Rising West, pledging to play tracks from Queensryche's first five albums.

Speculation the prog-metal giants are experiencing tension has been played down – although their official website promotes Tate's solo work while it doesn't mention Rising West.

The frontman hasn't discussed the splinter group either and insists he's concentrating on his own projects. Tate tells AnthologySD: "The album is recorded now, so I'm happy about that. I don't know exactly when it's coming out.

"It's very different from the last one. It's a new bunch of people I've been working with to write and record it, so that changes things. This one is really hard rock. The last one was really all over the place with different styles of music and everything, but this one really keeps with the hard rock style. more on this story




Senses Fail Giving Back To Wounded Warriors On Warped Tour
(CSP) Senses Fail have donated 4 tickets for each of their stops on this summer's Warped Tour to the Wounded Warrior Project. We were sent these details:

The WWP has sent out an invitation to select service members across the country to attend the tour along with the opportunity to meet the band, plus watch Senses Fail's set from the side of the stage.

"We are very excited to be working with WWP and to have the opportunity to give back to the veterans," says singer Buddy Nielsen. "I have had many friends who served in the military and my girlfriend is a former Marine. She was actually the one who brought WWP to my attention. I stand very proud of her and every other man and woman that have served this nation and am glad we can lend a small piece of happiness to them." more on this story



Dave Grohl, Stevie Nicks, Kenny Rogers For Songwriter Hall of Fame
The 2012 Songwriters Hall of Fame Annual Induction and Awards Dinner will feature an allstar cast of performers and presenters.

Organized announced that Foo Fighter's Dave Grohl, Stevie Nicks, Kenny Rogers, Lyle Lovett, Meat Loaf, Emmylou Harris, Cheyenne Jackson, Constantine Maroulis, L.P., Jerry Moss and Take 6 have signed on to be either a presenter and/or performer at.

This year's dinner will be held Thursday, June 14th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in NYC. more on this story


Bloc Party Returning With Four
Frenchkiss Records have set an August 21st release date for Bloc Party's first new album in four years, Four.

Produced by Alex Newport (The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In, Polysics), the album was recorded and mixed in New York City, and is the band's first full-length since 2008's acclaimed Intimacy.

Along with this news, the band have announced a string of European, U.S. and festival appearances following a two year absence from the stage, which will give fans the first opportunity to hear new material from their forthcoming album, as well as classic tracks from the band's ten year history. more on this story



Joe Lacy Joins Second To Last
Second To Last have tapped Joe Lacy (Sleepsick, ex-Transit) to replace former guitarist Pat Mays.

Lacy has become a permanent member of the group and will be playing guitar and singing vocals. Drummer Kristopher Ruiz rounds out the trio's new lineup.

"I will be playing guitar and singing most of the songs with Tyson," Lacy announced in an exclusive interview with PropertyOfZack. "I'm really excited to focus more on my guitar playing and helping Second To Last come up with a new direction." more on this story




Ace Frehley Set To Rock Live This Summer
Ace Frehley will be playing a handful of live tour dates this summer in North America.

The former KISS guitarist will kick things off with a three-day appearance at the Days of the Dead event in Indianapolis, IN.

He will follow up with shows in New York, Jackson, MI with Ted Nugent, Detroit, and Greenville, WI with Sammy Hagar. more on this story




Singing Harder for Megadeth's Dave Mustaine After Surgery
(Classic Rock) Megadeth's Dave Mustaine finds singing more difficult after surgery on his neck and spine – and admits it was never his strong point in the first place.

The Megadeth mainman went under the knife last year after going through agony following a lifetime of energetic performance. But he says one of the worst parts was people accusing him of making it all up.

He says doctors warned him he would struggle with his vocal delivery. "It's been harder to sing and they said that would happen," he reports. " Which is sad, because I've already had… Singing is not my forte. I try my best to go it, but I'm not a great singer." more on this story



Slash Scores Top 5 Debut
Slash has scored a Top 5 debut with his new album Apocalyptic Love, landing at No 4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, marking the top rock debut this week.

The disc is also #1 Independent Albums Chart and #1 Hard Music Albums Chart. In addition, Apocalyptic is also Top 5 in seven countries outside the U.S.: Canada (#2), Australia (#2), New Zealand (#1), Germany (#5), France (#7), Japan (#2), Sweden (#4) and Switzerland (#3).

Earlier this week Slash joined Ozzy Osbourne onstage for his Ozzy & Friends tour in Bergen, Norway, for the first of 10 dates before joining his band, Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators for sold-out shows across Europe. The group will return to North America for a headlining run set to kick off in Portland, OR on July 12. more on this story




Robert Plant's Band Of Joy Releasing DVD
(hennemusic) Robert Plant's Band Of Joy's set at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium for the TV series "Live From The Artists Den," will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on July 10, according to Billboard.

The DVD of "Robert Plant & the Band of Joy: Live from the Artists Den" includes performances of three Led Zeppelin classics - "Black Dog," "Houses of the Holy" and "Tangerine" - that were not part of the initial broadcast on public television stations.

Other songs included that did not make the initial cut are "In the Mood" from his solo disc "Principle of Moments," and the traditional "I Bid You Good Night." The DVD features bonus interview clips as well. more on this story



Tragedy Inspired Garbage Reunion
(Classic Rock) Garbage realised it was time to end their seven-year break after band friends lost a young son to cancer, says mainman Butch Vig.

The genre-crossing outfit fronted by Shirley Manson have released Not Your Kind of People on their own label. And Vig says the decision to get back to work was made in a "profound moment".

He tells ExploreMusic: "A friend of ours, a couple, lost their son to cancer. It was a horrible tragedy. Shirley and I wrote a song for a tribute album to raise money for children's cancer. Shirley sang at the funeral. I think we realised how important music is in our lives, and we had unfinished business.

"A day or two after that Shirley called Duke and Steve. A couple of weeks later we were in the studio recording." more on this story




The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends Getting Wide Release
If you didn't get a chance to grab a vinyl copy of The Flaming Lips' The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends on Record Store Day, don't fret.

Warner Bros. Records will make the album available on physical CD and digitally via all digital retailers on June 26th.

The album contains the band's unique and experimental collaborations with a diverse cross-section of heavy friends from every corner of the musical cosmos, including vocal and musical assistance from such disparate playmates as Yoko Ono, Nick Cave, Bon Iver, Ke$ha and many more. A new track recorded with Aaron Behrens of Ghostland Observatory is exclusive to the CD and digital versions and was not included on the vinyl edition. more on this story



Mars Attacks Pantera Classic
Pantera's Far Beyond Driven is the focus of the latest edition of Mars Attacks Classic Albums Column.

As usual the column is split into a written comments received via e-mail, and a podcast that can be streamed or downloaded from here

The podcast contains comments from Rex Brown, Gene Hoglan, Alan Tecchio, Dave Reffett, Martin Popoff, Mitch Lafon, Aaron Griffith

The written portion contains comments from Ron "Bumblefoot Thal", Dan Lorenzo, Jim Florentine, Steve Smyth, Jason Bittner as well as members of Angelus Apatrida, Cancer Bats, Sacred Reich, and current and former members of White Wizzard among others.



Harry Potter Actors Lands CBGB Film Role
(Gibson) Rupert Grint, best known for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, has been cast as New York punk legend Cheetah Chrome.

NME.com reports Grint will play the Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome, who played a key role in the CBGB club story. The Bowery club launched a series of major acts in the 1970s including The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith Group, Mink Deville, The Dead Boys, The Dictators, The Fleshtones, The Voidoids, The Cramps, Talking Heads and Blondie.

Malin Akerman, who stars in the upcoming movie musical Rock of Ages, will play Blondie's Debbie Harry, while another Harry Potter actor Alan Rickman has signed on to portray club owner Hilly Kristal. more on this story





Beatles Musical To Open In Los Angeles Before Broadway
(Gibson) The theatrical adaptation of Backbeat, the 1994 film that details The Beatles' early days, will open in Los Angeles early next year before hitting Broadway, Billboard has reported.

The production will be staged at L.A.'s Ahmanson Theater from January 16 through February 24, with January 23 being designated as the "official" opening night. The show premiered originally at Glasgow's Citizens Theater in 2010, and its next run till take place in Toronto, from July 21 through September 2.

Set in 1960, Backbeat plays out against the backdrop of the relationship between The Beatles' original bassist, Stu Sutcliffe, and German photographer Astrid Kirchherr. The show prominently features songs the band covered in the clubs of Liverpool and Hamburg – including "Long Tall Sally," "Twist and Shout," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Please Mr. Postman" and "Rock 'n' Roll Music." The cast for the Los Angeles production has not been announced. A Broadway theater has yet to be booked, but Billboard speculates the show will likely open in New York before the end of April 2013. more on this story





Smashing Pumpkins Call On Fans To Help With Album Art
(Gibson) The Smashing Pumpkins are asking fans to put their art skills to use for the band's forthcoming album, Oceania. As outlined on their website, the Pumpkins would like artistic fans to share visual impressions trigged by each of the album's 13 song titles.

Acceptable images include photos, designs, paintings and words. Those participating are encouraged to circulate their efforts via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social networking sites. The Smashing Pumpkins will, in turn, share, "like" and re-post their favorites on the band's official social sites. Select images will also be featured on the Smashing Pumpkins' official website.

In a related initiative, the band has partnered with jpgmag.com for a series of "Photo Challenges." Over the next few weeks, fans will have the opportunity to submit one photo for each of the 13 challenges, based on song titles for Oceania. Winning entries will be featured on a limited edition print-on-demand canvas poster signed by Billy Corgan and the other members of the band. more on this story





Digital Music Overtakes CD Sales in UK
(Gibson) The digital revolution in the U.K. in in full force and now the British trade organization, BPI, has announced that digital sales have passed CD sales for the fist time.

NME.com reports that digital sales, which includes downloads and subscriptions to sites like Spotify and Napster, has reached 55.5% of total sales. The increase in digital sales was measured at 23.6%.

Music Week quotes BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor as saying: "This is a significant milestone in the evolution of the music business. U.K. record labels have embraced digital to their core, supporting innovation and licensing more new online and mobile services than any other country. As a result, the industry's prospects for growth look brighter than for several years." more on this story





John Lydon Says Sex Pistols Frustrations Inspired PiL Formation
(Gibson) Having just released This is PiL, the first album from Public Image Ltd in 20 years, John Lydon has revealed that he originally formed PiL out of frustration with the Sex Pistols.

"I wanted to break with traditional formats," Lydon said, in an interview to be published by M - Music & Musicians. "The Sex Pistols were a great thing – that whole experience was wonderful, and I thank those lads very much. But there were limitations in the band. There was some ambition toward emulating sound structures, with following the rules of rock and roll. And that was unacceptable to me. We fell apart for the other reasons, but that, alone, would have been a good reason."

Lydon added that the concept for PiL was forged while he was still in the Pistols. "It was already there, permanently, throughout our American tour. I wrote [the early PiL song] 'Religion' while in the Sex Pistols, but the rest of the band wouldn't touch it. So I had to find a new base to begin from." more on this story





Gwar-B-Q Confirmed
Good news from the land of Gwar this week. The band sent out word that this year's Gwar-B-Q is on. Here is what they sent over:

After months of paperwork, hoop-jumping, and making the appropriate sacrifices, today Slave Pit is pleased to announce that the Gwar-B-Q is 100% completely legal and confirmed, and set for Aug, 18th at Hadad's Lake, the location we had planned on using last year. As you may recall, last year's Gwar-B-Q was switched from Hadad's to the National Theater because of problems getting the correct permits. Even though the event was still completely awesome most people seemed to agree that generally speaking, Gwar-B-Q's should be held outdoors.

"All the proper arrangements have been made in triplicate and the proper demonic sponsorships attained," said GWAR spokes-thing Oderus Urungus. "It's going to be a stinking hot, beer and beef-smeared metallic murderfest of unprecedented debauchery...the most splat-tac-cular Gwar-B-Q! more on this story



Speedy Ortiz Set EP Release
Our friends at Exploding In Sound sent over this big news for Speedy Ortiz fans: The debut EP from Speedy Ortiz, Sports EP, is set for a June 5th release on Exploding In Sound Records.

The album is available in limited edition 10" random colored vinyl and digitally through Bandcamp and other major distributors.

Speedy Ortiz has several release shows planned along the East Coast, celebrating the arrival of Sports EP with friends in Boston, MA (5/30), Danbury, CT (6/1), and Brooklyn, NY (6/2) before heading out on tour this summer. Fans at the shows will be able to purchase the vinyl ahead of the June 5th release. more on this story



B Sides


Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Release Man On Fire Video
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros have release a new music video for the song "Man On Fire."

"Man On Fire" is the first single from their latest album, Here, which was released this week.

The clip is the first music video directed by actor Brady Corbet (Melancholia, Martha Marcy May Marlene, Thirteen), and it stars the New York City Ballet, NY Cheer Allstars, National Double Dutch League, and Soul Steps & Brooklyn Divas, as well as choreographers, coaches, and relatives of the various performers.

Corbet shot "Man of Fire" on location in New York from May 12th through 14th. Watch it here.



Truth And Its Burden Deliver The Decider Video
Rite of Passage Records has premiered Truth And Its Burden's new music video for their track "The Decider."

The song comes from the band's new album Choices, which hits stores on May 29th. Watch the video here.

Formed in 2008, Truth And Its Burden started out as an idea to bring a sincere message of hope, and to do so with a real sense of urgency. Those same ideals that gave life to this band still chorus through in every song 4 years later. To be aware, to challenge, to follow through, to ignite ideas into dreams, to re-invigorate life itself and to find meaning and purpose. Over the past four years, the band has toured throughout Europe and Africa with bands like The Ghost Inside, Haste The Day, Have Heart, and many others. more on this story


Miss May I Release Hey Mister Video
Miss May I released their new music video for "Hey Mister," which was directed by Thunder Down Country.

The track comes off the new album At Heart which will be available June 12th via Rise Records.

You can check out Miss May I this summer on the 2012 Warped Tour. For now check out the new video

Today's Day In Rock News!!

Def Leppard To Play Free Club Show
(hennemusic) Def Leppard have announced that they'll play an exclusive "YouTube Presents" club gig at House of Blues Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA on Wednesday, June 6 at 2:30PM (PST),
Fans will be admitted to this FREE show on a first-come, first-served basis. The show itself will be followed by a Q&A of fan questions.

June will be busy for Leppard, as the UK rockers celebrate the summer of "Rock of Ages" by releasing newly-recorded versions of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages" on June 4. more on this story



The Red Hot Chili Peppers Releasing 18 New Songs This Year
(Classic Rock) The Red Hot Chili Peppers are planning to release 18 new songs before the end of the year.

Flea reports they've been "writing stuff while touring" and adds they'll be released in seven-inch vinyl and digital formats.

The songs will follow the release of the band's last studio album, "I'm With You," which hit stores last summer. More rock news.




Fans Lose Patience With Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses still pack arenas but they appear to have a problem keeping the fans in the arenas.

The band ran into that problem earlier this week when fans in Manchester England left the arena after losing their patience waiting for the band to start.

NME reports that the band were told to end the show by 11 PM but didn't even take the stage until 11:15. They were schedule to start at 10PM and by the time they ended their set there were reportedly only 6,000 fans still in the arena, 10,000 less than the venue holds.

Those that did stick around were treated to a three hour show that included 33-songs. A case where patience was a virtue but with some fans relying on trains to get home, it made it impossible for them to stay for the concert and still catch the last train of the night. Read NME's report here for more info.



Slash Documentary Set For Release
(Gibson) Slash just released his sophomore solo album, Apocalyptic Love, last week, and now, the famed Velvet Revolver and former Guns N' Roses guitarist has a documentary on the horizon.

Slash – The Cat in the Hat: The Story So Far is set to arrive on Blu-ray on August 21 via Pride, according to Blabbermouth. Here's the official description of what to expect from the 131-minute flick: "The most iconic rock guitarist since Keith Richards, Slash has achieved the status of 'most interesting hard rock act in the world today.'

"This two-disc set includes a DVD documentary tracing the life and times of Slash, and a disc of audio interviews with the Cat himself during which he speaks candidly and honestly on almost everything he feels strongly about." more on this story





The Killers To Return With Battle Born
(Gibson) The Killers have announced that their new album will be called Battle Born. The follow-up to 2008's Day & Age is reportedly due out this fall.

Rolling Stone caught up with the rockers in their Las Vegas studio. Frontman Brandon Flowers explained the title: "In a sense, all Americans are battle born. Our ancestors came here for something better."

Many producers have been attached to the album, including Stuart Price, Steve Lillywhite, Damian Taylor and Brendan O'Brien. Among the songs confirmed to appear on Battle Born: "Heart of a Girl," "Flesh and Bone," "Carry Me Home" and "Runaways." more on this story





Tom Petty Still Suffers From 30-Year-Old Hand Injury
(Gibson) Take note, musicians out there. It's probably best not to punch a recording studio wall when frustration occurs. Thirty years ago, Tom Petty did just that and had to have pins placed in his fingers.

The Daily Express reports that the rock legend still suffers pain from injuring his hand back in the '80s. Petty told Q magazine, "I didn't notice it for the longest time, but in the last year it's started to hurt. I guess that's just down to getting old."

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will perform at the Isle of Wight Festival in England on June 22. more on this story





Folk Pioneer Doc Watson Dead at 89
(Gibson) Folk music pioneer Doc Watson passed away Tuesday (May 29) at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he was registered in critical condition last week. Watson, who recently underwent abdominal surgery, was 89 years old.

Watson is best known for his influence on the '60s folk movement with his groundbreaking flat-picking technique on the acoustic guitar. His songs brought vintage country to the next generation of folk and bluegrass lovers. Moreover, his command of flat-picking helped bring the guitar to the forefront of music in the '50s and '60s, since at the time, the instrument was often treated as a backup for the mandolin, fiddle or banjo.

Watson was born March 2, 1923 in Deep Gap, North Carolina. He lost his eyesight by the age of 1, but he still began playing guitar, banjo and harmonica as a child. By the end of his career, Watson had released over 50 albums, scored seven Grammy Awards and, in 2004, earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. more on this story





ABSU Sidelined By Medical Problem
Absu have been sidelined by a medical problem and as a result they have been forced to cancel their appearance at this weekend's Chaos In Tejas.

The band was set to headline the show at Red 7 this Saturday with support from Terrorism, Loss, Morbosidad, Ares Kingdom and Black Witchery.

Immediately following their performance at the opening night of this year's installment of Maryland Deathfest this past Thursday night, Absu drummer/vocalist Proscriptor had to rush back to Texas due to a knee infection. Following two instantaneous surgeries, Proscriptor will be in good health and back to 110% efficiency by the mid portion of June, but not in time to perform as scheduled on Saturday night. more on this story



Garbage Score Top 20 Return
Garbage's first album in seven years, Not Your Kind of People, scored a top 20 return for the alternative rockers.

The album debuted at no. 17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart last week selling 19,281 digital albums via iTunes where the album was available exclusively for the week.

This week the album jumped up to no. 12 on the Top 200 Chart this week scanning over 22,000 units. more on this story



Alice in Chains Honored With Post Comeback Grammy Nods
(Classic Rock) Alice in Chains mainman Jerry Cantrell says they were honored just to be nominated for more Grammy Awards after the release of comeback album Black Gives Way to Blue.

"We were very happy to lose two Grammy again," he comments. "I think that puts us at zero and eight… Look, dude, it's an old cliche but it's true: it's an honour to be thought of. We achieved something.

"We were very happy with the success that we had. It felt good, it was hard work and it was worth every bit of it. And we're looking forward to doing it again." more on this story




Rick Wakeman Releases Live Album
Rick Wakeman has pulled a classic concert recording from 2003 out of the archives and released it as a new CD. Glass Onyon sent over these details:

After leaving YES following a world tour in 2004, Rick concentrated on his solo career and collaborated with Jon Anderson on a number of projects including tours of the UK and US and a studio and live album. The latest release from Rick Wakeman is an archive live album titled 'In The Nick Of Time', which was recorded in 2003. The album was recorded during the tour to promote the then current studio album 'Out There'. Rick performed with the "New English Rock Ensemble" which featured Rick alongside old hands Ashley Holt, Tony Fernandez and new boys Ant Glynne and Lee Pomeroy. Tracks featured include: "Out There", "Catherine Parr", "No Earthly Connection", "White Rock" and "Wurm". The album has been much anticipated by the large and dedicated Rick Wakeman audience and this release will be the first time this album has been commercially released.

Tracks: 1. Catherine Parr 2. Out There 3. No Earthly Connection 4. Dance of a Thousand Lights 5. The Cathedral In The Sky 6. White Rock 7. Wurm.





Rancid, The Rev. Horton Heat, Lucero, Bouncing Souls Hootenanny
Rancid, The Rev. Horton Heat, Lucero and Bouncing Souls lead the lineup for this year's Hootenanny which will take place on July 7 at Oak Canyon Ranch in Silverado Canyon, California.

Over the last 18 years, The Hootenanny has become one of Southern California's most anticipated annual events celebrating the convergence of music and kustom car culture that have helped shape the region's iconic fashion, lifestyle and sound. Attended by thousands of fans from around the world each year, The Hootenanny has featured performances by pioneers that have influenced and inspired the spirit and soul of the thriving scene like Jerry Lee Lewis, Social Distortion, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Link Wrey, Chris Isaak, Joe Strummer, Stray Cats, The Cramps, X, Scotty Moore & DJ Fontanta, Wanda Jackson, Steve Earle, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Los Lobos, Tiger Army, Hank Williams III, among many others.

This year The Hootenanny makes a strong return with headlining California punk rock legends Rancid, who are making their first ever appearance at the festival in celebration of their 20th anniversary. They'll be supported by rockabilly favorites The Reverend Horton Heat, punk-country rockers Lucero, New Jersey punk rockers The Bouncing Souls and more. more on this story




Volbeat, Hellyeah and Iced Earth Summer Tour
Volbeat will be hitting the road this summer for the North American leg of their Live >From Beyond Hell / Above Heaven Tour.

The trek kicks off on June 18th in Toronto and will run until July 19th where it wraps in Baltimore, MD. Hellyeah has been selected as direct support, with Iced Earth also on the bill.

Volbeat will be touring in support of their latest album Beyond Hell / Above Heaven, which debuted at number one on the sales charts in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and Top 10 in a half dozen additional countries. more on this story




The Mars Volta Sideband Zechs Marquise Map Out Tour
The Mars Volta sideband Zechs Marquise will be hitting the road for a summer co-headlining North American dates with And So I Watch You From Afar.

Following the band's recent stint as main support for At The Drive-In's reunion tour, Zechs Marquise joins ASIWYFA on June 30th to kick off the extensive tour in Anaheim, CA.

Zechs Marquise, the El Paso, TX quintet are touring in support of their sophomore album Getting Paid. more on this story



Evans Blue Plan Summer Tour
Evans Blue have mapped out the dates for the first leg of their Graveyard Of Empires 2012 Tour.

The summer trek is set to kick off July 6th at The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan, where the band will also film a live video for the song "Halo."

Evans Blue will be touring in support of their latest release, Graveyard Of Empires, and will be joined on the tour by State Your Cause who will provide direct support. More August dates will be announced in early June. more on this story



Aerosmith Touring Member Russ Irwin Releases Solo Album
(Shorefire) Russ Irwin, a touring member of Aerosmith for over 15 years, has released the ten song solo album 'Get Me Home.'

Featuring guest vocals from Steven Tyler and appearances by Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford, Stone Temple Pilots' Dean DeLeo, and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Chris Botti, 'Get Me Home' showcases Irwin's unique style of piano-driven, jazz-inspired, blues rock.

The album's sharp arrangements and eclectic dynamics represent just a sample of the songwriting acuity that has earned Irwin high-praise status as a hitmaker among his peers. Irwin's first single "Manhattan," a modern day standard and ode to New York City, chronicles a born and bred New Yorker's nostalgia for the landmarks and mood of the Big Apple after years of being on the road and living in L.A. The raucous "I Miss Being Lonely" laments an addict friend's chaotic downward spiral despite claims of being sober and the slow-burning build and tight vocal harmonies of "Find the Light" give universal encouragement to not "give up when times are rough." more on this story



10 Years Set New Album Release
10 Years have set a July 31st release date for their new studio album, Minus The Machine, which is being released under their own label Palehorse Records.

The first single from the effort, "Backlash," is set for release on June 19th via iTunes and will hit radio on the same day.

"We wanted to create an album that has no boundaries," 10 Years frontman Jesse Hasek explains the decision to release Minus The Machine independently. "When you feel like you're being told to go through motions and jump through hoops, it takes the heart out of it. It's better to do what comes naturally and then figure out the after-effect." more on this story



The Contortionist Releasing New Album This Summer
eOne Music/Good Fight Music have set a July 17th release date for The Contortionist's new album "Intrinsic".

"On 'Intrinsic', we've found ourselves focusing on the songwriting as well as the new textures and melody we're striving for. Each song has its own identity and flow, but the album is fun to listen through in order cause of the conceptual ties," says vocalist/keyboardist Jonathan Carpenter.

The album was produced and recorded by Eyal Levi (Daath, Job For A Cowboy) and Jason Suecof (Trivium, Devildriver) at Audiohammer Studios. more on this story




No Bragging Rights Begin Recording New Album
No Bragging Rights are heading into the One Light Media recording studios in Las Vegas, NV to start recording their next album.

The band will start tracking a brand new album with Kelly Cairns (As I Lay Dying, Austrian Death Machine, Molotov Solution) who worked on the bands last album "Illuminator" which was released January of last year.

No Bragging Rights completed many tours this past year with appearances at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, The Jamboree and many other notable festivals, and could not be more thrilled to take time off and start recording a new album. more on this story



B Sides


Little Ozzy Rocks America's Got Talent
(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne impersonator Little Ozzy auditioned for America's Got Talent Tuesday night in front of Ozzy's wife, Sharon Osbourne, one of the judges on the talent competition.

Little Ozzy was created by Lin Doak, an ex-MINIKISS member who left the band after four years of touring the country with them to create a new live act.

Tuesday night's episode featured AGT reviewing contestant auditions in St. Louis, and Little Ozzy stepped up to perform Ozzy's "Mama, I'm Coming Home." "I have to tell you something," Sharon said to Little Ozzy. "My husband is away from me right now, and it made me miss him even more by you singing me that song, so I really thank you." Watch it here.



Metallica Release Oslo Footage
(hennemusic) Metallica's 2012 European Summer Vacation rolled into Oslo, Norway on May 23.

The tour sees the metal icons performing their 1991 self-titled ("Black") album in its entirety for the first time, and the band offers it up with a twist: they perform the songs in reverse order so they can end the regular set with "Enter Sandman."

Metallica are now sharing some footage from the Oslo event, including video of the pre-show meet and greet, a tuning room version of "No Remorse," and the performance of "Through The Never" from the concert. more on this story



Beatles Impact on Badfinger
(Gibson) Joey Molland, who along with Ham powered the band's distinctive dual-guitar sound, continues to keep the Badfinger flame alive. Gibson.com spoke with Molland about Badfinger's legacy, the band's twin-guitar approach and what it was like to work so closely with The Beatles.

Badfinger self-produced the first version of Straight Up, but then Apple Records insisted the album be re-made. What was the biggest change that occurred, when George Harrison came in as producer? The idea was to smooth things out, to make it more of an Abbey Road-style album. Apple thought our recordings were a bit crude, so we went in with George and did something more sophisticated. George took our original version of Straight Up, went through the songs and the lyrics, and arranged them very much as he did with his own music. And then he had us play those arrangements. That was the biggest difference. It turned out great, although to this day I think some of those original versions are closer to what the band was about.

Was Harrison pleasant to work with? Oh, yes. George didn't behave like a rock star, or like a "Beatle." It was very comfortable working with him. He also had no qualms about strapping on his guitar and playing a bit of guitar with us. I think he enjoyed doing that, as much as he enjoyed everything else. He worked on lyrics with us, and he got excited about the songs as they went down. He started sensing that this could be a hit record. He completely changed "Suitcase," for instance, and you can hear that on the record. He even changed the lyrics. I didn't play guitar on the "George" version of "Suitcase," whereas on the original version I played all the guitar. more on this story





The Day The Who Became The World's Loudest Band
(Gibson) On this day in 1976, The Who gave themselves a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the loudest performance of a rock band at 120 decibels, when they played at Charlton Athletic Football ground. Gibson looks back:

It's May 31, 1976, and it's a typically wet rainy night in London, England at the Charlton Athletic Football Stadium. The 60,000 people have been there all day watching the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Little Feat, The Outlaws, Streetwalkers and Widowmaker battle the elements. How many were there for Little Feat or Alex Harvey can't be clear but the excitement grew tangible as the audience waited for the headlining act. As several tried to climb floodlight towers for a better vantage point, it was obvious that most were there to see one of the greatest live bands of all time, The Who.

The band were still on their '70s creativity high, still pushing the boundaries of rock and roll performance. The Who by Numbers was just out and "Squeeze Box" had given them their first hit single in a while. Tommy would feature heavily in the set (which included "I Can't Explain," "Substitute," "My Wife," "Baba O'Riley," "Squeeze Box," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Dreaming from the Waist," "Magic Bus," "Amazing Journey," "Sparks," "The Acid Queen," "Fiddle About," "Pinball Wizard," "I'm Free, "Tommy's Holiday Camp," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "Summertime Blues," "My Generation," "Won't Get Fooled Again") partly because the Ken Russell movie was released the previous year. And they'd just set the record for the largest indoor arena attendance with 75,962 at the Pontiac Silverdome the previous December.

Today's Day In Rock Music News!

Boston Singer's Bedroom Spy Cam Discovered Days Before Suicide
(Classic Rock) Boston singer Brad Delp installed a hidden camera in his fiancee's sister's bedroom and killed himself nine days after he was caught.
Evidence given in the court case between Boston mainman Tom Scholz and a newspaper revealed how Delp, who committed suicide in 2007, was ashamed and apologetic after his spy device was found. Events came to light as part of Scholz's claim that the Boston Herald defamed him by suggesting he was to blame for his bandmate's death.

Delp was engaged to Pamela Sullivan while her sister Meg Sullivan lived in the singer's house. His relationship with Meg was described as "platonic". But in February 2007 she discovered his battery-powered spy device when it fell from its hiding place. She confronted him about it then went to stay with her boyfriend. There is more to the story and Meg Sullivan says the discovery was not the reason for his death.


Queensryche's Future In Doubt
(Classic Rock) The future of Queensryche is in doubt after the band announced plans to tour and record with Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre in Geoff Tate's place.

Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren have teamed up with La Torre to form Rising West. They'll play tracks from the first five Queensryche albums and aim to start work on their own record in the coming weeks. Tate, meanwhile, is concentrating on his solo career.

Speculation has increased recently that the band were experiencing internal tensions, with unconfirmed reports of arguments, secret meetings and outbursts of violence. Tate surprised fans by telling them: "You suck!" at the Rocklahoma festival last weekend. more on this story



Metallica Streaming Concert This Weekend
(hennemusic) Metallica's 2012 European Summer Vacation sees the metal icons performing their 1991 self-titled ("Black") album in its entirety for the first time.

The band offers the classic up with a twist: they perform the songs in reverse order so they can end the regular set with "Enter Sandman."

Metallica have announced that this Saturday's performance at Rock Am Ring in Nurburgring, Germany will be streamed live online. more on this story



Slipknot Demoing For New Album and Plan Mysterious Announcement
Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has been teasing fans via Twitter about #HoGaB and the countdown to when the mystery will be solved. With yesterday's tease he also gave fans an update about a forthcoming greatest hits album and that the band is working on new demos. Here is what he wrote:

"11 days till the meaning of HoGaB is revealed. And I believe 7.17.12 is when the Slipknot greatest hits album drops."

Soon after he Tweeted, "To anyone asking, Slipknot is not currently working on an album. Yet. We are putting together demos, but we're not recording. Yet." Corey's Twitter page



ZZ Top Releasing New Music Next Week
(hennemusic) After years of talking about, and recording, new music with producer Rick Rubin, ZZ Top are finally sharing some of it with fans.

Next Tuesday (June 5), ZZ Top will release "Texicali," a four track digital collection of the first new studio recordings from the band in nine years.

The four new songs offer a preview of the group's full-length album, as yet untitled, that will be released late this summer or early fall. Fans purchasing the four songs will benefit from a pro-rated discount on the purchase of the full album when it is released. more on this story



Olympics Snubbed Jimmy Page
(Classic Rock) Jimmy Page says he's offended that UK Olympics bosses didn't ask him to take part in the London event.

Organisers have tried and failed to secure a Free reunion and a Sex Pistols set – and even asked the Who if late drummer Keith Moon was available.

But they didn't approach the Led Zeppelin guitarist, who appeared at the Beijing Olympics to promote the London games. "I'm feeling rather hurt," Page says. "We put so much into Beijing." More rock news



Lita Ford Wants The Runaways To Reunite
(Gibson) Lita Ford says she's hoping for a reunion of her old band The Runaways next year. The singer and guitarist, who is preparing to launch a new solo album, Living Like a Runaway, made the statement to Metal Underground in response to a question about whether she'd consider performing in an all-female festival or tour lineup.

"I would if it was the Runaways," Ford said. "There's all kinds of lineups you can have and all kinds of wonderful musicians. Unfortunately Sandy's not around anymore, the drummer, and she was such a huge part of the band. I don't know if Joan Jett would do the band without Sandy. I would, I love Sandy and nobody will ever take her place, but there's still me and Joan and Cherie. The Runaways had a couple of bass players and they were both great. I would love to do the Runaways again, maybe next year, 2013 would be a good time."

Ford's immediate plans include the Def Leppard/Poison tour that begins in Salt Lake City in June, and the release of Living Like a Runaway, which features guitarist Gary Hoey. more on this story





Former David Bowie Guitarist Joins The Cure
(Gibson) Former David Bowie/Tin Machine guitarist Reeves Gabrels is a member of The Cure for their summer festival tour in Europe. The Cure and Gabrels kept the news under wraps until their performance at the PinkPop 2012 festival in Holland on May 26.

The collaboration isn't the first time Gabrels has worked with The Cure, collaborating with the band on the tracks "Wrong Number" from their 1997 Galore singles compilation, and "A Sign From God" (as COGASM). Gabrels also co-wrote the song "Yesterday's Gone" with Cure frontman Robert Smith for Gabrels's solo album Ulysses.

There is no word yet on whether Gabrels will join The Cure on an extended basis or if his current tenure with the band is just for the European shows. more on this story





Sex Pistols' Queen Wasn't Act Of Spite Against The Jubilee
(Gibson) The Daily Express reports that John Lydon, formerly Johnny Rotten of Sex Pistols infamy, did not write the biting lyrics of the Pistols' "God Save the Queen" to attack the Queen's Jubilee in 1977.

He told OfficlalCharts.com: "I wrote a record. It wasn't about a specific moment in time or history – I wrote a record about a subject matter that mattered to me, in a personal way, and then all this situation enveloped and unfolded. I never did it as an act of spite against the Jubilee. I don't think that's been quite completely understood."

Queen Elizabeth will be celebrating her Diamond (60 years) Jubilee next week in England. more on this story





Ugly Kid Joe Taking Fans On The Stairway to Hell
(Gibson) The reunited Ugly Kid Joe have released their comeback EP, Stairway to Hell, digitally. The EP will come out on July 9 as a physical release, and fans can hear it now via an official widget.

Stairway to Hell is the band's first release since their 1997 disbandment. It contains six tracks, including "Love Ain't True" which features guest appearances by Angelo Moore and Dirty Walt of Fishbone.

The band has also released a video for the album's first track, "Devil's Paradise," which was filmed in early April in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, with Mike and Dave Hatchett of Standard Films. more on this story





Testament, Anthrax, Death Angel Tour
Testament is once again teaming up with Anthrax and Death Angel for a North American tour this fall.

So far Death Angel is the only group to officially announced the trek but Testament and Anthrax have posted the updated tour dates on their websites.

Testament and Death Angel's list of dates has the tour kicking off on September 14th in Sacramento and wrapping on October 5th in Montclair, Nj. There is always a chance that more dates could be announced in the near future, but there is no official word at press time. more on this story




Mumford & Sons Map Out Special Tour Plans
(BH) Mumford & Sons have some special plans this summer and have announced details of a series of Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers in the United States this August.

The Stopovers combine the intimacy of a community celebration with the excitement of a world-class music festival. Featuring local vendors and activities, each Stopover will begin with a concert at a unique site and end with a series of smaller events involving local businesses, venues, and, most importantly, local people.

Mumford & Sons will headline the main event, alongside an eclectic and energetic roster of artists curated by the band themselves. more on this story



Asia Plans New Album, Tour, Deluxe Reissue and DVDs Release
Frontiers Records have set a May 14th North American release date for Asia's new studio album, XXX (out June 29th in Europe.

The band also plans to release a 30th Anniversary edition of their debut album, 2 DVDs, and also embark on a world tour.

XXX was produced by Mike Paxman and will be released as a CD, collector's edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on vinyl (limited edition Europe only). more on this story




Katatonia Set New Album Release
(Fresno) Peaceville Records have set a August 28th release date for Katatonia's new studio album, Dead End Kings.

"Dead End Kings is about the corridors of our mind from where there is no return," commented vocalist, Jonas Renkse. "Be a king or queen in your own right in these hallways, even at the dead end. Carry your burden with pride. That's what we are doing, twenty years and counting. Kings, because we believe in what we are creating, in our own disturbing faith."

Added guitarist, Anders Nyström, "This album has doors revolving into many different genres of music but remain disguised within the Katatonia trademark. We have walked the fine line between attempting not to repeat ourselves but also not to distance us away from what people know and love. We're now ready to hand over the evidence and whatever the direction this has taken is now for you to decide. We're confident the creativity and passion on this album is something that will be echoing evenbeyond the dead end." more on this story




Killinger To Tour With Volbeat and Hell Yeah!
Killinger will be hitting the road this summer supporting Volbeat and Hell Yeah! on their upcoming North American tour.

Killinger will also perform at the 8th Annual Boonstock Music & Arts Festival in Gibbons, Alberta, Canada on June 30th alongside acts like Korn, Puddle Of Mudd and Volbeat.

Killinger will be touring in support of their self-titled full-length debut which was released last year in North America by Sunmor Entertainment more on this story




In This Moment Album and Tour Plans
In This Moment will be hitting the road next month for a series of North American tour dates.

The run will include headlining dates, as well as support slots with Shinedown and Adelita's Way.

The band will be digitally releasing the title track to their forthcoming album on June 12th. The album, Blood, will hit stores on August 14th and was produced by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch). more on this story




New Tinnitus Treatment Offers Hope
(Classic Rock) A team of researchers have made a breakthrough in the treatment of hearing condition tinnitus which promises a better future for victims.

Tinnitus, often describes as "ringing in the ears", is incurable and can cause a chain-reaction of related issues including sleep disorders and emotional problems.

Now researchers have reported positive results after a year-long study followed 492 sufferers and provided them with an experimental treatment plan. more on this story




Andy Fraser Explains The Breakup of Free
(Classic Rock) Free bassist Andy Fraser says he wasn't interested in singer Paul Rodgers' vision of the future and that's one of the reasons the band broke up in 1972.

They were already dealing with guitarist Paul Kossof's drug addiction issues when tension boiled over between the frontman and the four-stringer. Rodgers went on to form Bad Company with drummer Simon Kirke, managed by Led Zeppelin impresario Peter Grant – but Fraser says he never had any interest in that kind of success.

"Free had become unglued. Paul and myself were going in different directions. He thought I acted like an emperor and decided he was now going to run things," He tells Psychedelic Baby. "All the while Koss was becoming a junkie. We had basically broken up. As spokesman it fell to me to announce it. I was viewed as the one leaving. more on this story




Iron Maiden's Dickinson Introduces New Business
(hennemusic) A few weeks ago, Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson announced the launch of his major commercial airline maintenance repair and overhaul operation in South Wales.

Dickinson's Cardiff Aviation is based at the Twin Peaks hangar at St Athan in the of Vale of Glamorgan. "We're coming into this enterprise with the knowledge that we'll also be bringing business to South Wales," said Bruce at the time. "A cautious projection is that we'd expect to create up to a thousand jobs within 18 months based on the level of interest and commitment from aircraft manufacturers and operators."

"South Wales has long had an association with the aircraft industry and I am delighted that I am able to have a small part in the continuation of that tradition," he added. more on this story




B Sides


Paul Rodgers Still Has The Swagger To Rock and Roll
(Classic Rock) A bona-fide classic rock legend, with over 90 million album sales to his name, at age 62 Paul Rodgers shows little inclination to leave rock'n'roll to the young guns.

The voice of Free, Bad Company and The Firm, the Middlesbrough-born singer is currently duking it out with Bruce Springsteen and The Black Keys on the upper reaches of America's Classic Rock radio airplay charts with his solo single With Our Love, and ahead of the re-formed Bad Company's first tour of mainland Europe in 37 years, he recently announced his sole UK show of 2012, a charity gig at The Venue in Chichester this coming Thursday (May 31).

"I still feel that swagger when I walk onstage that I felt as a teenager," Rodgers admits. "I'm always up for a show." Read the Classic Rock interview here.




Van Halen Share Their Inspirations
(hennemusic) Van Halen are sharing more footage from their self-interview series. The latest video to surface features singer David Lee Roth sitting down with Eddie and Alex Van Halen to reminisce about their original musical inspirations.

Among the topics discussed by the guys are things like the the first song that made them want to play their particular instruments and the first album they ever bought. "First record I ever bought was Dave Clark Five, 'Glad All Over,'" says Eddie. Originally a drummer, Ed was turned on by the song's thundering drum sound.

"The first one I remember was a Louie Bellson record; it was a 78 [rpm]," explains Alex. "Bellson was the drummer for Duke Ellington, Count Basie…he was the first double-kick [drum guy]."

"First record I bought was The Beatles' second record," says Roth. "'Roll Over Beethoven' was the first song, and that had a superb impact one me, cause I didn't know, at the time, that that was a cover tune." Check out the full session




Kasabian Guitarist Named Man of the Match
(Gibson) Kasabian guitarist Serge Pizzorno was named Man of the Match for his superb goal during the all-star celebrity Soccer Aid game last weekend.

The soccer-playing guitarist played for the Rest of the World team alongside other celebrities and ex-professional players.

Pizzorno's team included Gordon Ramsay, Woody Harrelson and Will Ferrell, while Robbie Williams captained the England team.

Today's Day In Rock News!

Judas Priest Play Final Show of Farewell Tour
(hennemusic) Judas Priest played the final show of their "Epitaph" world tour Saturday in London. Saturday's sold-out gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in London was professionally filmed for a 2013 DVD release.
The band's year-long farewell trek kicked off last June in Holland, and has been around the globe. Epitaph saw the introduction of guitarist Richie Faulkner to the Priest fold, following the sudden retirement of Kenneth "K.K." Downing just six weeks before the tour's launch.

Upon announcing the "farewell" tour, Priest clarified the band's status as the trip was not going to be their final shows but, rather, their last extensive world tour. Check out video from the show here.



Guns N' Roses Late Start Reportedly Planned Ahead Of Time
(Classic Rock) The crew working at Guns N' Roses's Glasgow show were told to expect a late start, thirteen hours before Axl Rose and co hit the stage.

The news calls into question the frontman's insistence that he doesn't mean to keep fans waiting, and it simply happens by accident.

GnR played in the Scottish city on Friday as part of their current UK tour. The band and staff arrived on the Thursday evening, more than 24 hours ahead of showtime. But next morning local crewmen were invited to a production meeting and told to come to work two hours later than scheduled. more on this story



Linkin Park Release New Music Video
(hennemusic) "Living Things," the new album from Linkin Park, is due June 26. The group has released the video for the album's lead single, "Burn It Down."

The band are currently pre-promoting the new project with a series of live shows on the European festival circuit.

Linkin Park kick off a North American tour on August 11 in Bristow, VA. Until then, check out the new video here.



Ozzy and Lita Ford Duet Was A Mistake
(Classic Rock) Lita Ford has recalled how the biggest hit of her career, the Ozzy Osbourne duet Close My Eyes Forever, came about by accident during a night of drinking, getting stoned and driving under the influence.

The 1988 hit from her album Lita crowned an era during which she was named best female vocalist in rock, while Ozzy was named best male vocalist. She was managed by his wife Sharon at the time.

"Close My Eyes Forever was a mistake." The former Runaways guitarist tells Metal Underground. "It was just me and Ozzy and Sharon hanging about in the recording studio. They showed up one day and had a housewarming present for me: a life-size duplicate of Koko the gorilla from the San Diego Zoo. It was freaking huge – I had to strap it in the front seat of my jeep to get it home.

"Ozzy stayed, Sharon got bored and left, and me and Ozzy had a couple of drinks and we were jamming. We started singing, messing about and we wrote Close My Eyes Forever. more on this story



One Member Preventing Skid Row Reunion?
(Classic Rock) Sebastian Bach has backtracked on his previous vehement statements that he'd never return to Skid Row and he's revealed only one member of the hard rock outfit's classic lineup disagrees with him.

But he hasn't said whether it's bassist Rachel Bolan, guitarist Dave 'Snake' Sabo, guitarist Scotti Hill or drummer Rob Affuso. All but the sticksman are currently in the band.

The singer was sacked by Skid Row in 1996, going on to develop a solo career while they hired replacement Johnny Solinger. In the past both parties had firmly asserted getting back together wasn't on the cards. But asked again via Twitter, Bach said: "Four out of five want to do it. Believe it or not, I am one of the four who would do it." more on this story



Soilwork and Arch Enemy Supergroup Preview New Album
Coroner Records are offering a preview from the forthcoming The Night Flight Orchestra (classic rock project for Soilwork and Arch Enemy members) album.

The label have posted a preview of "Montreal Midnight Supply" taken from the forthcoming album "Internal Affairs" here

The Night Flight Orchestra's brand new album that will be released worldwide on June 18th 2012. The project features Björn "Speed" Strid from Soilwork and Sharlee D'Angelo from Arch Enemy. more on this story



Robert Plant, Razorlight, Joss Stone and More On Rockwell Concert DVD
MVD have set a June 19th DVD and Blu-ray release date for the Rockwell Benefit Concert at O2 London. They sent this background:

The O2 arena, London was stage for the gathering of some of the UK's most notable, and charitable music icons. "Rockwell" event brought together the likes of Robert Plant, Tom Jones, Joss Stone, as well as Lulu, Razorlight, Beverley Knight, Escala, Dan Gillespie Sells (from The Feeling)in one of the most memorable benefit concerts to date.

The evening with many major stars sharing the spotlight for brilliant, unexpected surprises was culminated in the final song that saw every act hit the stage for a version of The Beatles' classic "Let It Be"! more on this story



The Queen Extravaganza Tour Kicks Off
(hennemusic) Queen's official tribute band, The Queen Extravaganza, launched their North American tour Saturday in Quebec City.

"The Queen Extravaganza" band was selected after judges spent 11 weeks reviewing online auditions and weighing votes from Queen fans around the world to confirm the lineup.

The band consists of singers Jennifer Espinoza (San Antonio, TX) and Marc Martel (Montreal, QC / Nashville,TN), guitarists Tristan Avakian (Toronto, ON) and Brian Gresh (Tulsa, OK), drummer Tyler Warren (Camden, TN) and bassist Francois-Olivier Doyon (Quebec City, QC). "Audience refuse to sit down for the first 11 songs...i'm a nervous wreck, band are amazing!" tweeted Queen's Roger Taylor, who is producer and musical director for the event. Check out video here.



ZZ Top Explain Releasing New Song Via YouTube
(Classic Rock) Billy Gibbons admits many ZZ Top fans will be surprised to find them embracing the digital era after they released their first new music in nine years via an online ad.

A clip of upcoming track I Got To Get Paid is used in a YouTube promo for Jeremiah Weed Root Brew – and Gibbons says that's just the start for his outfit.

"ZZ Top would be the last guess for the most internet-savvy band. However, I think we're just in the initial stages of a very fast-moving platform," He tells USA Today. "Sooner rather than later, any other form other than digital media will be a thing of the past. It won't vanish – but let's face it, this is the way of the future." But that doesn't mean he has no doubts about what comes next.




Dance Gavin Dance Singer Jonny Craig Still In The Band
Dance Gavin Dance frontman Jonny Craig was the focus of a lot of controversy and many believed his days with the band were over. But the apparently are not.

Earlier this year the band went on tour without Craig after a controversy surrounding the reported bogus sales of laptops online and a jail stint for drug charges, followed by court ordered rehab. The band said at the time, "As some of you have heard today, Jonny Craig will not be doing the upcoming tour with Dance Gavin Dance. Jonny is very sick right now, and needs to do what he can to get better.... For this upcoming tour with A lot Like Birds, we will be joined by Kurt Travis and Matt Geise to fill in on vocals."

It now appears that Craig is back with the group, a posting via Facebook under his name reads, "I know people have been wondering, but I am STILL in Dance Gavin Dance and will be singing for them on all upcoming tour dates including The All Stars Tour."





Joe Bonamassa Books Retrospective Tour
Joe Bonamassa will perform a series of four London concerts that chronicles his rise from playing the intimate Borderline to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

Bonamassa will be playing in support of his 13th solo album Driving Towards The Daylight, which is currently #2 in the UK's Official Album Chart.

Blues rock fans will be able to purchase tickets to see Joe perform at four different London venues including The Borderline (March 26), 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire (March 27), HMV Hammersmith Apollo (March 28) and the Royal Albert Hall (March 30). more on this story




Animals' Eric Burdon Releasing New Solo Album
(Gibson) Eric Burdon, singer with the Animals during the '60s British invasion has a new album coming soon. Til Your River Runs Dry will be released on September 18.

Burden said in a statement: "I started feeling that I needed to use this album as a catharsis, to express my own truth. It took longer than any other album, not because of time spent in the studio, but because of the subject matter of the songs I wanted to put out there.

"During the making of this record, we lost Bo Diddley, one of my greatest influences. There were many things I would have said to him, if I'd realized that his time was limited." more on this story





Elvis Presley Crypt To Be Auctioned
(Classic Rock) Elvis Presley's original crypt will be put up for auction next month. It's part of Music Icons auction which takes place on June 23.

The King's body was interred for two months at the Forrest Hill Cemetery, Tennessee, following his death in 1977, but later moved to Graceland.

Sale price will include the underground crypt, opening and closing for burial, a memorial inscription and use of the cemetery's chapel. More music news



Kamelot Set New Album Release
Kamelot has inked a new deal with SPV and their new album has been scheduled for release on September 24, 2012 in Europe, September 21st in Germany and September 25th in North America.

Kamelot are set to play a number of festivals (among them Wacken Open Air and Bang Your Head) as early as July and August before embarking on a US tour alongside Nightwish in September/October and a major headliner tour of Europe in November 2012.

The group surrounding guitarist and composer Thomas Youngblood is currently working on the drum recordings with renowned sound engineer Jim Morris at the Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida, before work on the album is due to be completed at Wolfsburg's Gate studios under the direction of producer Sascha Paeth (Edguy, Avantasia, Rhapsody). more on this story




Municipal Waste, Sepultura, Soilwork and More For Extreme Metal Cruise
Municipal Waste, Sepultura, Soilwork, At The Gates, Six Feet Under are just some of the bands taking part in Barge To Hell: The World's Most Extreme Metal Cruise. We were sent these details:

The madness begins on December 3rd, when 40 of the most extreme Metal Bands and 2,000 headbangers from around the world will go to the Caribbean to take over a luxury cruise ship for a 5 day and 4 night trip to the undead!

For the entire trip it's like everyone has a backstage pass and you can mingle side-by-side with the Artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. See each of the 40 bands play two live shows on two different days. That's 80 shows with unrestricted festival access to the three stages, each with it's own unique atmosphere more on this story



Nikki Sixx Threw Out The First Pitch At Dodgers Game
(hennemusic) Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx threw out the first pitch in Dodger Stadium prior to Sunday's Los Angeles Dodgers game vs. the Houston Astros.

"Really grateful being from Los Angeles to be invited to throw out the first pitch today at Dodger stadium ( YES I can throw a ball )," posted Sixx. "The Dodgers are on a winning streak and you could feel it in the air everywhere today.( New owners surely helps too.) "

"My family had a blast and it was nice for me to connect with the great Victor Ortiz, who I think is a great fighter," Nikki continued. "If you remember back, I was really disappointed in Floyd Mayweather for the sucker punch he threw at Victor and, after meeting him, I see what a class act he was for not slagging Floyd in the press after that cheap shot....Here we are hanging out (see photo here).




B Sides


Angels & Airwaves Deliver Surrender Video
Angels & Airwaves have released a new music video for the track "Surrender," the lead single off their latest album Love Part Two.

Set amongst opposing scenes of passionate youth rioting and dancing in the streets, the video, as lead singer Tom DeLonge explains it, "is based on young revolution. The idea that young people are speaking their minds...and that young people across the Globe will still find a way to celebrate even when they're living their worst day."

The band enlisted director William Eubank to create the video. Eubank is previously known for teaming up with the band to create their critically acclaimed, independent feature film Love that was released in conjunction with the Angels & Airwaves double album Love Part One and Two.

"Surrender " was shot in Los Angeles at the old Herald Examiner Building, and at the La Mirage dry lakebed outside of Barstow. Indy film fans may catch the quick cameo by Evan Glodell and the Medusa car from the movie Bellflower. You can check it out here




Bruce Springsteen Releases Rocky Ground Video
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's "Wrecking Ball" tour is currently in its third week of shows across Europe.

Bruce's latest release debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart back in the spring. With sales of 196,000, Springsteen just barely outsold Adele's "21" (195,000) to bump it from the top spot, where it had been for 23 non-consecutive weeks.

Springsteen has released the video for the project's latest single, "Rocky Ground." Watch it here.




Watch The Offspring Rock in Rio
(hennemusic) The Offspring return June 26 with their new album, "Days Go By." Ahead of the album's release, The Offspring are doing shows on the European festival circuit.

On Saturday, they played the Rock In Rio Lisbon festival on a bill headlined by Smashing Pumpkins.

The band's Dexter Holland told Rolling Stone that it was important for the band to push themselves this time around. "This is our ninth record, so we've got to dig a little bit deeper, and that's what we want to do as well." Watch the Rock in Rio performance here.



Anniversary of Jeff Buckley's Disappearance
(Gibson) On this day in 1997, Jeff Buckley disappeared after talking a swim in the Mississippi River. His body was found on June 4, after being spotted by a passenger on a tourist riverboat. Gibson looks back:

In the mid-'90s, things were looking pretty good for Jeff Buckley. Although his 1994 debut album, Grace, hadn't been a blockbuster, it was a massive critical success. Up on the record's release, Buckley seemed to become the favorite newcomer for rock's elite, earning praises from Bono to Jimmy Page to David Bowie to Bob Dylan, who called him "one of the great songwriters of this decade."

While Buckley toured incessantly, his album eventually went gold in France and Australia and began to sell better in the U.S. as well. After two years of touring, in 1996, Buckley began working on his follow-up album in New York. As he was writing, he helped Patti Smith on her record, Gone Again, and met former Television guitarist Tom Verlaine – who agreed to produce Buckley's next CD. In New York City, Buckley began testing out songs for the upcoming record (to be titled My Sweetheart, the Drunk) at live shows. Lou Reed attended one, and told Buckley he'd like to work with him in the future.

In '96 and early '97, Buckley and his band began laying down tracks with Verlaine producing, but Buckley wasn't happy with the results. He felt a change of scenery might be in order and moved to Memphis in February. The singer rented a shotgun shack in Memphis and planned to record at Easley McCain Recording.

Verlaine and Buckley's band soon joined him in Memphis to take another crack at some sessions, but the magic still wasn't there. Buckley called upon Grace producer Andy Wallace to replace Verlaine and sent his band back to New York while he continued to work on writing and demos in Memphis. In the meantime, Buckley continued to test out his new songs live, playing regular gigs at Barrister's, a downtown bar.

He sent his demos to his band, who were thrilled with the results and excited to begin work on the songs. Arrangements were made for the musicians to fly in on May 29, 1997. Sadly, the day would prove a tragic one and the band would never see Buckley alive again.

On this day in 1997, with his band scheduled to arrive in the evening, Buckley went out to dinner with friend and road manager Keith Foti. The two guys were heading to a rehearsal studio when, at about 9 p.m., the singer decided to go for a swim in Wolf River Harbor – while wearing boots and all of his clothing. Apparently, this is something Buckley had done before. Legend has it that Buckley was singing "Whole Lotta Love" to himself and he jumped in. Foti watched from the shore.