Today's Day in Rock
Machine Head's Robb Flynn To Have Emergency Surgery
Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn has to undergo emergency surgery which has caused the band to drop off their current North American tour with Dethklok, All That Remains and Black Dahlia Murder. Their camp sent out the following:
Flynn had planned to go under the knife in January after completing the tour as he has been playing through the pain of a double inguinal hernia since the tour started in October. He had hoped to continue the tour despite extreme discomfort, but it's become too difficult to continue on. Flynn will undergo surgery today, Wednesday, November 14 in Minneapolis before returning home to California to recover, rest and recuperate. Machine Head will rejoin the tour in Portland, OR.
Below is Flynn's statement about his health and the tour. "I've been toughing out an inguinal hernia below my waistline since June of last year, and a few months ago got a second hernia in my nuts. What basically happens is my guts drop into my nuts, and it looks like I have a third testicle (man, I can hear the jokes already!) It hasn't been that painful, and I've gone to the doctor a few times to take care of it, but he said after surgery I probably couldn't sing for a few weeks, and since that wasn't going to happen, I scheduled it for January when I had a break. more on this story
Paul McCartney Helicopter Crash Averted
(CBS Local) Decades after Beatles fans began a rumor that "Paul Is Dead," Paul McCartney is still alive and well.
That might not have been the case, but for the quick decision making of a 55-year-old British helicopter pilot. According to a report from the UK's Daily Mail, Paul and his wife Nancy Shevell were passengers on a helicopter traveling home to their estate in East Sussex on May 3 when bad weather nearly caused the chopper to crash into some trees.
The pilot, an unidentified native of Hertfordshire, became disoriented when low clouds, poor visibility and rain forced the Sikorsky S-76C plunging downward according to The Daily Mail. The pilot reacted just in time, narrowly missing the tree line by two feet. more on this story
Ted Nugent Drummer Pleads Guilty
(TMZ) Ted Nugent drummer Mick Brown pled "guilty" to OWI yesterday at the Penobscot Judicial Centre in Maine, stemming from his arrest in July -- when he hijacked a golf cart from backstage after a show ... and led police on a low-speed chase through a nearby town.
Brown was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine. His driver's license was also suspended for 90 days.
The other charges -- assault, theft by unauthorized use of property, and driving to endanger -- were all dismissed. more on this story
Black Sabbath Releasing Ozzy Era Box Set
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath have announced the upcoming UK release of a new box set of their Ozzy era output.
Due December 12th, "Black Sabbath - The Vinyl Collection: 1970 – 1978" is a limited edition box-set celebrating the iconic albums featuring the full original Sabbath lineup.
Titles include: - Black Sabbath - Paranoid - Master of Reality (with poster) - Volume 4 (with photo insert book) - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - Sabotage- Technical Ecstasy - Never Say Die - Live At Last more on this story
Led Zeppelin Classics To Be Used On NBC's Revolution
(hennemusic) Two classic Led Zeppelin tracks "Kashmir" and "Since I've Been Loving You" will be featured in the TV drama "Revolution" on Monday, November 19.
To celebrate the release of their upcoming live concert film and album "Celebration Day," available this Monday, November 19, Led Zeppelin has granted NBC and Warner Bros. Television rights to feature two of their songs in an episode of the hit series "Revolution," airing later that night (10:01-11:00 p.m. ET) on NBC.
"Anyone who really knows me knows how obsessed I am with Led Zeppelin. So the fact that the band agreed to put two songs in my show is, very seriously, a career high-point," said Eric Kripke, creator and executive producer of "Revolution." more on this story
Van Halen's Rescheduled Japanese Dates Announced
Van Halen's rescheduled dates for Japan have been announced by the promoter, according to Pollstar.
The industry website reports that the group's postponed dates that were original set to take place later this month, will now occur next June.
The band was forced to postpone the dates are guitarist Eddie Van Halen underwent surgery in August for diverticulitis. See Pollstar for the new dates.
Rush Featured In The Studio For Signals 30th Anniversary
(hennemusic) The 30th anniversary of Rush's 1982 release, "Signals," is featured on syndicated radio program In The Studio.
Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart all weigh in on the album for this episode of In The Studio.
"We were all looking for a new place for the guitar, and Alex was looking for a new way to play it and present it," Peart tells ITS host Redbeard. "So 'Signals' is very experimental for us." more on this story
Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Revisited For TV Special
Beatlemania will be coming to PBS on December 14th when the network airs a special Magical Mystery Tour Revisited documentary followed by a showing of the original film. Here is the official word:
Songs you'll never forget, the film you've never seen and a story that's never been told. In August 1967, in the wake of the extraordinary impact of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles made a film. It was seen in the U.K. by a huge audience, at 8.35 p.m. on BBC One on Britain's Boxing Day...and all hell broke loose.
The story behind that film - Magical Mystery Tour - is revealed on Magical Mystery Tour Revisited on Thirteen's Great Performances, Friday, December 14 at 9 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings.) The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour itself will follow at 10 p.m. more on this story
Scar Symmetry Cancel North American Tour
Swedish metal band Scar Symmetry have been forced to pull out of their upcoming North American headlining tour due to visa issues.
The band had this to say via their official Facebook: "It is with deep regret that we bring you these news: due to unforeseen problems securing our US work visas in time, our North American headlining tour will have to be cancelled.
"The waiting time for a visa interview appointment was several weeks longer than what we've experienced before. Our sincere apologies to Threat Signal, Stealing Axion, Lord of War and Kings Field - you guys rule and we do hope for the opportunity to share a stage with you sometime in a not-to-distant future instead!
"To our fans... we will work our asses off to make this up to you! Expect to see Scar Symmetry back in North America in 2013 - back with a vengeance!" Facebook Link
The Bronx Streaming Song From New Album
The Bronx are giving fans a small taste of their forthcoming album with the release of a new digital and 7" vinyl single and a stream of the track online.
The new song, "Ribcage," can be streamed here. If you like what you hear then you can buy the single at all major digital retailers of purchase the limited edition vinyl that also features "Into The Black," a previously unreleased b-side here.
The track comes from the band's new album, The Bronx (IV) which will be released on February 4th in the U.S. (February 4 in the UK/Europe (PIAS) and February 8 in Australia/New Zealand.) more on this story
Jack White, Tim McGraw, Edward Sharpe For Austin City Limits
Jack White, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Norah Jones / Kat Edmonson, Bob Mould / Delta Spirit, Tim McGraw, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros / tUnE-yArDs, Gary Clark Jr. / Alabama Shakes and Esperanza Spalding will all be featured in the next run of episodes of PBS' Austin City Limits.
Jack White kicks things off on January 5, 2013 with a full-hour performance which will begin a run of eight new episodes for the series' thirteen-episode season. They sent over these details:
The extended line-up features a number of artists making first-time appearances, among them Austin's own rising star, blues-soul phenomenon Gary Clark Jr., Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, spellbinding jazz-pop vocalist Kat Edmonson, punk rock icon Bob Mould, country superstar Tim McGraw, hard-hitting Southern soulsters Alabama Shakes, indie-folk band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, roots-rockers Delta Spirit and indie sensation tUnE-yArDs. Completing the season are dazzling performances by Norah Jones and a full hour of Esperanza Spalding in the season finale. more on this story
KISS, Motley Crue, Thin Lizzy Tour
(hennemusic) KISS and Motley Crue have announced a 2013 Australian tour that will feature Thin Lizzy opening the shows.
Following the pairing's successful summer run in the US, the two classic rock acts will once again team up for a series of dates, set for Spring 2013,.
Not only has it been five long years since KISS last toured Australia, but 2013 marks a very special milestone for the band – their 40th anniversary. The New York band are touring in support of their 20th studio album, "Monster." more on this story
Jimi Hendrix A Big Influence on Lemmy As A Singer
(CBS Local) While many musicians were influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Motorhead frontman Lemmy knew the man:
He actually worked as a roadie for Jimi in the 1960s before joining Hawkwind (and ultimately forming Motorhead). He spent time with the man both in the studio and on the stage, and he told CBS Local that Hendrix was a big influence on him as a vocalist.
"He helped me to cement my resolve as a singer," he says. "He hated singing, he would board himself up in the corner of a room with a microphone and he's record like that. I still do that now, myself. He must have been insecure about his singing. I thought he was a great singer, he had a lot of soul." more on this story
Mick Jagger's Brown Sugar Love Letters Going Up For Auction
(CBS Local) Mick Jagger's love letters to Marsha Hunt, the woman who famously inspired the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar," are being sent to auction block next month in England, The Guardian reports.
Ten letters from Jagger, written in July and August 1969, will be sold December 12th at Sotheby's, where they are expected to fetch £70,000-£100,000 (roughly $111,000-$158,000).
The letters supposedly show an intellectual, sensitive Jagger who was exceedingly self-aware about his fame. Written while Jagger was filming the movie Ned Kelly in Australia, the letters find him referencing the death of Stones guitarist Brian Jones, as well as his feelings about Bob Dylan and John Lennon/Yoko Ono. He discusses the reading material sent to him by Hunt (Emily Dickinson poems, Vaslav Nijinsky's diaries), and includes bits of lyrics he's writing (like the track "Monkey Man"). more on this story
John Fogerty Signs Book Deal For Memoir
Little, Brown and Company have inked a deal with John Fogerty to publish his memoir in 2014. They sent over this background:
In his long-awaited memoir, John Fogerty—one of rock's most important artists and a national treasure who's sold over 100 million albums—will recount his remarkable life. Fogerty's private and professional journey is one of the great sagas in American music, and his book will interweave the facts of his life with the music that emerged from his personal joys and battles. This includes his time as the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for one of the most beloved and successful rock bands of all time, Creedence Clearwater Revival. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Fogerty wrote hit after hit, including "Proud Mary," "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," "Bad Moon Rising," "Down on the Corner," "Who'll Stop the Rain," "Fortunate Son," "Up Around the Bend," "Run Through the Jungle," "Long as I Can See the Light," "Born on the Bayou," and so on—distinctly American songs that coalesced the strong emotions running through a nation at war in Vietnam. His solo career includes the album Centerfield, as well as Grammy Award–winning records and award-winning tours. John Fogerty sits beside a handful of musical songwriting legends. He was a hit maker, and he is one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time.
Fogerty will write about the pressures of sudden fame, his tumultuous relationships with his bandmates—including his brother, Tom—and his long and costly battle for creative freedom from his record label, a battle that was taken all the way to the Supreme Court. Crushed by how the record label victimized him, he was forced to walk away from it all while they were the number one band in the world. "I want to tell the story of how I fought—hard—to maintain my artistic integrity in the face of opposing forces." He will also discuss his inspirations, including meeting his wife, Julie, and eventually building a family with her, which brought him back to music. He will also look forward to where his journey will take him next, including his forthcoming album Wrote a Song for Everyone, due in 2013, and upcoming collaborations with the Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, and Dawes. more on this story
The Who's Daltrey and Townshend Launch Teen Cancer America
The Who's Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are launching their new charity 'Teen Cancer America.' MSO sent over these details:
Teen Cancer America's mission is to improve the quality of life for teens and young adults with cancer by partnering with hospitals to create facilities, develop support programs, and raise awareness during treatment and beyond. Teen Cancer America aims to ignite a movement that bridges the gap, generating action around helping teens and young adults with cancer.
With the continuing support of Roger and Pete, Teen Cancer America is building on over 22 years' experience from the renowned UK charity, Teenage Cancer Trust www.teenagecancertrust.org, and is committed to addressing the gaps in the teen and young adult cancer experience. more on this story
Senses Fail Begin Recording New Album
Senses Fail will enter the studio this week to begin recording their fifth full-length album with producer Shaun Lopez (Far, Deftones) at The Airport Studio and Red Bull Studio in Los Angeles.
"Over the last 10+ years our influences have grown, and the creative well from which we draw has been dug deeper," says vocalist Buddy Nielsen. "This record stands to show where we are in our personal and creative lives. We've always counted on this band to be our rock and positive tool of expression through our highs and lows. Never has that been more clear than with this batch of songs.
"We're excited to be working with Shaun Lopez. We've been a fan of his work as both a musician and producer for a long time and we look forward to his input and direction."
The recording is expected to wrap up in mid-December with a Spring 2013 release planned.
Dave Navarro Replaces Band's Stolen Guitar
(CBS Local) We were just reporting on the sad but common occurrences of bands having their instruments stolen on tour, as a Good Samaritan recently returned a banjo that was taken from British folk-rockers Mumford & Sons during a swing through Australia.
In another report of stolen gear with a happy ending, Canadian husband-wife duo the Marrieds had an acoustic guitar lifted at a recent gig.
After offering a reward for the guitar's safe return, the band was pleasantly surprised when none other than Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro took it upon himself to send the couple one of his signature model "Jane" Epiphone acoustic guitars to replace the one (a Navarro edition Yamaha axe) that had been taken.
The band was obviously thrilled with Navarro's gesture. more on this story
This Is Elvis Director Asking Fans To Kickstart Jerry Garcia Documentary
Director Malcolm Leo has launched a Kickstarter program to fund a new documentary about Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia. We were sent these details:
It's been a long strange trip since iconic musician Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995. He is possibly one of the best loved figures in American music via his work with the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia Band. Director Malcolm Leo, whose work includes the quintessential Elvis documentary This Is Elvis (revered by many as one of the top ten music documentaries of all time) and films on The Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills & Nash, has had an unreleased filmed interview with Garcia from 1987 in his personal archives -- until now.
Jerry The Movie is being built around Leo's interview with Garcia at the height of his charm, brilliance and success. Drawing from this intimate interview as well as new interviews with Jerry's contemporaries, photographs and concert footage, Leo is creating a singular portrait of an American icon that graced our lives through music, art and the counter-culture of the sixties. Jerry opens up his heart and describes the things he believed in, valued and loved. The documentary will include unreleased footage, home movies and rare performances. more on this story
Converse Releasing Soundgarden Shoes
(hennemusic) In sync with this week's release of Soundgarden's new album, "King Animal," Converse has announced a limited-edition, exclusive collaboration with the band.
Converse's Soundgarden Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker features album artwork from "King Animal" on a monochromatic black sneaker. The new Soundgarden logo is also highlighted in white on the heel.
The Soundgarden Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker is limited to only 60 pairs and will be available in unisex whole sizes 6-13. more on this story
Nada Surf Release Jules and Jim Video
Nada Surf have released a new music video for the song "Jules and Jim," from their latest album, The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy (Barsuk, 2012).
The video was directed, animated and edited by Rachel Chaiya Blumberg. Filmed over the span of several months on location in Arch Cape, OR, and in Providence, RI, it gently alludes to the classic French new wave film of the same name. Watch it here.
Following their latest leg of European tour dates, this December Nada Surf will close out the year with a string of gigs across the mid-west and east coast, including a pair of home town shows in NYC at Bowery Ballroom. more on this story
John Lennon Letters App
(CBS Local) Earlier this fall, a collection of John Lennon's were anthologized in the aptly-named book The John Lennon Letters.
Now selections from the book will be available in a new app for iPhone iOS coming soon, according to the book's official website.
The app will include 78 letters in total – 68 from the book and 10 exclusive to the mobile platform – as well as a foreword by Yoko Ono, commentary by the book's editor, Hunter Davies, and audio readings from British actor Christopher Eccleston. No exact date on the app's release. more on this story
Neil Young and Crazy Horse Release "For The Love Of Man Video
(hennemusic) Neil Young and Crazy Horse have issued another video from their recently released new album, "Psychedelic Pill." The latest clip is for the track, "For The Love Of Man."
At 87 minutes, "Psychedelic Pill" is Neil's longest album and only studio album to span two discs. Many of the songs on the album came out of extended jam sessions with Crazy Horse after "Americana" was recorded – that album was released in June.
Neil & Crazy Horse are currently on a North American tour. Young also recently released his autobiography, "Waging Heavy Peace." Watch the new video here.
James Durbin Covers Elvis Presley Christmas Song
(hennemusic) James Durbin has the jump on the holiday season with the release of his new single, a high-energy cover of Elvis Presley's "Santa Claus Is Back in Town."
"[It] has ALWAYS been my favorite Christmas song," James tells Yahoo Music. "It's Elvis, and who doesn't like Elvis? Ha!"
"One day while we were writing and recording the new record in Nashville, and we sat down with our producer James Michael and started jamming on this song," explained Durbin. "We found this killer, Van Halen-esque punk hybrid sound, and decided to record."
