Pearl Jam Announce North American Tour
Pearl Jam's countdown clock hit zero yesterday and the band revealed their plans to launch a North American tour. As that countdown ended, the band started a new one which ended up being the announcement for their new album.
The North American tour will span twenty-four concerts and is broken up into two legs with the first leg launching on October 11th in Pittsburg and concluding with Pearl Jam's headline set at this year's Voodoo Music + Arts Experience in New Orleans on the weekend of November 1st.
The band will kick off the second leg of the tour on November 15th in Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Arena and that leg will end with a hometown concert on December 6th in Seattle, WA.
When the band launched the original countdown clock on their website it sparked speculation that the band was planning to announce a new album release, tour or single. - more on this story
Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington Announce U.S. Live Date
Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington have announced a new U.S. music festival appearance as well as the release of their new single in the U.K.
The band, now fronted by the Linkin Park frontman, has been announced as a headliner for the inaugural Rockwave Festival at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida on September 21st.
The new festival, presented by local radio station 96-KROCK, will also feature performances from Jane's Addiction, Filter, Anberlin, Beware Of Darkness and more.
Fans across the pond will be able to purchase "Out of Time, the band's debut single with Bennington on vocals on July 15th via Spinefarm Records in the UK.
"I've loved STP since I was 13 years old, and they've had a huge influence on me," says Bennington. "When the opportunity came up to do something creative with them, I jumped at the chance.
"The guys in Linkin Park have been incredibly supportive of me undertaking this project while I've continued to work on new music with LP." - Stream the song here.
Layne Stayley's Father Joins Alice in Chains Onstage
(hennemusic) On tour in support of their new album, "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here," Alice In Chains were joined onstage recently by Phil Stayley, the father of the band's late singer, Layne, and video of the event has surfaced.
Guitarist Jerry Cantrell introduced Phil to fans from the stage during the band's July 1 Canada Day performance at FoxFest in Burnaby, British Columbia.
"We always like to remember our brothers," said Cantrell. "This one is for Layne Stayley and Mike Starr," as the band launched into the 1994 track, "Nutshell."
Stayley died from a drug overdose in his Seattle apartment on April 5, 2002 at the age of 34; bassist Starr died from a prescription drug overdose in Salt Lake City on March 8, 2011 at the age of 44. - Check out video here.
Five Finger Death Punch's Jason Hook Appearing in Counting Cars
Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook will appear in an episode of Counting Cars on the History Channel tonight, July 9th, at 9 PM Eastern / 8 PM Central.
According to the show's webpage, the episode is entitled "Floodpocalypse Now." The synopsis does not mention Hook but does provide these details: "Danny tries to score an ex-police motorcycle without getting busted, while a watermain break threatens to put the shop permanently under water. Will Danny be able to get the shop back up and running, or will it be a complete washout?"
The show stars Danny "The Count" Koker and the crew at his Las Vegas car and motorcycle customization shop. Hook had this to say about his appearance on the show, "I'm a great admirer of Danny's custom motorcycle work.We both live in Las Vegas and I stop by the shop from time to time.
"It's crazy that he has his own hit show now, it's even crazier that I got to sit in on an episode!"
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Sammy Hagar Reveals Birthday Bash Details
(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar has announced the dates for his annual Birthday Bash shows in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Sammy and The Wabos will perform at the Cabo Wabo Cantina on October 7, 9, 11 and 13.
Tickets will be handled similar to last year through a registration and random drawing system. Fans can expect registration for the drawing to happen at the end of July - stay tuned for specific dates and details.
The Red Rocker celebrated his 65th birthday at his Cabo club last year, along with special guests including Chickenfoot bandmates Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani, Matt Sorum, Kenny Chesney, Billy Duffy of The Cult, Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains, and Denny Carmassi of Montrose. - more on this story
Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Announces Guitar Center Appearances
(hennemusic) Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has scheduled a series of Guitar Center appearances while the band tours in support of its latest album, "Super Collider."
Mustaine will host meet-and-greets and special autograph signings at the Guitar Center locations in Dallas, Oklahoma City and Brookfield, WI during the month of July.
Megadeth are on the road for their Gigantour festival, which launched last week in New Hampshire. Gigantour 2013 wind its way through North America, hitting cities throughout Canada and the U.S. before it wraps up on August 11th in Toronto.
Gigantour sees Megadeth headlining the event with tourmates Black Label Society, Device, Hellyeah, Newsted and Death Division – all personally picked by Mustaine. - more on this story
Geoff Tate Says Queensryche Drama Is Good For Business
(Classic Rock) Geoff Tate says the drama surrounding Queensryche has been good for business. Two versions of the band are currently in existence after the original outfit fired him last year, and a court ruled both parties were free to use the name until a final hearing in November.
Tate tells The Classic Metal Show: "What we're doing in November is, we're dissolving our corporation. It has nothing to do with music – it has nothing to do with 'he said, she said;' it's just paying off the members of the corporation.
"Who has the money to buy it will buy it. Whoever has the most money will get it. It's as simple as that. It's rules and regulations – it's a paint-by-numbers kind of thing."
He insists that, since music has nothing to do with those legal matters, the media controversies have no value whatsoever – except for one thing. "All it did was create publicity, which Queensryche hasn't had in years," he says. "And I've gotta tell you, Gene Simmons was right: any publicity is good publicity." - More from Tate here.
Metallica Make First Roskilde Festival Appearance In A Decade
(hennemusic) Metallica returned to Denmark's Roskilde Festival on Saturday for the first time in 10 years. The event, which marked the band's only European show of the year, was also a return to drummer Lars Ulrich's homeland.
Metallica first played the iconic Danish festival in 1986 on their "Master Of Puppets" tour; fans can check out some of that performance on the "Cliff 'Em All" video package.
Up next, the band launch an 8-date Asian tour on August 10 in Tokyo, a trip that will see Metallica's first shows in China. - more on this story
Bronz Mainman Shaun Kirkpatrick Dies
(Classic Rock) Classic Rock has learned that Shaun Kirkpatrick, the main guitarist/writer for the NWOBHM band Bronz, died of a suspected heart attack this past weekend.
Bronz were one of the first bands from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal era to hit America, touring their debut album Taken By Storm, notably as support to Ratt. The record went on to sell over 200,000 copies worldwide, while single Send Down An Angel featured heavily on MTV.
Follow-up album Carried By The Storm had to wait 25 years for release but when it finally emerged it received positive reviews, Classic Rock's Malcolm Dome describing it as being full of "classy, melodic hard rock". After the success of Carried… Kirkpatrick re-formed Bronz for selected live shows. - more on this story
Queen Manager Has Freddie Mercury Gorilla Art Removed
(hennemusic) A Freddie Mercury gorilla sculpture has been removed from a Norwich, UK street exhibit over copyright issues after Queen's manager contacted organizers.
Organizers of Go Go Gorillas, a public art trail in Norwich, were contacted by Queen's manager Jim Beach on behalf of the Freddie Mercury estate, according to The BBC.
The estate claimed the suit "worn" by the gorilla breached copyright, and it asked the Freddie "Radio Go Go" Gorilla sculpture, which Norfolk artist Mik Richardson took three days to create, to be "taken off the streets". - more on this story
Perry Farrell Working On New Jane's Addiction and Porno For Pyros Music
(Gibson) Perry Farrell has confirmed that he's working on new material with both Jane's Addition and Porno For Pyros, as well as with his wife Etty Lau Farrell.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Farrell wrote, "This summer has been so far gratifying. I have been active recording Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, and PerryEtty Vs. songs. There is nothing more gratifying to me than making a beautiful song. A song that people will fall in love with. They should be lovesick to hear it again. That's how I feel about the songs as they are being born."
Farrell had previously reported that the band was planning to begin work on a follow-up to The Great Escape Artist, noting that he was going through a particularly prolific creative phase. "I haven't written this much or been this prolific since I started when I was in my 20s," Farrell told Antiquiet. "It's been coming out fantastic. I'm super-excited."
At the time, Farrell explained his decision to step back from plans to make the new album a sequel to The Great Escape Artist. "I had thought that it would be a great idea," he said. "However, I just came up with this other twist to doing the next record. At this point I want to start fresh with a fresh angle." - more on this story
Dream Theater Updating Their Official Biography For Reissue
(Gibson) The official authorized biography of Dream Theater will be reprinted in a revised version which will now cover the departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy, the subsequent welcoming of Mike Mangini into the fold and the band's successful touring on the back of the album A Dramatic Turn Of Events.
The new version of Lifting Shadows: The Authorized Biography of Dream Theater by Rich Wilson features all-new interviews with the band members and others close to the band. The book traces the band's history from their mid-1980s Long Island origins through to the present, in full, frank and revealing detail.
Meanwhile, the band's next album is now in the mastering stage. Due September 24, mixing of the self-titled album wrapped up a few weeks ago, and last week guitarist John Petrucci posted an Instagram photo of the completed mixes locked up in a case on their way to the mastering studio.
The band has announced the first leg of their European tour in support of the album, kicking off in Portugal in January 2014 and wrapping up in Finland in late February. A North American tour is being scheduled and is due to kick off in March 2014. - more on this story
Joe Satriani To Perform National Anthem At U.S. Grand Prix
(hennemusic) Ahead of his upcoming North American tour in support of "Unstoppable Momentum," guitarist Joe Satriani will perform the national anthem at the U.S. Grand Prix in Laguna Beach, California on July 21.
In addition to Satriani's appearance, the ninth consecutive year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the U.S. Grand Prix will also see a concert featuring the original members of Bob Marley's The Wailers, as well as a wide assortment of activities over the 3-day weekend event.
Satriani is currently on the road in Europe; that swing wraps July 13 before the guitarist launches his North American dates in San Diego on August 29. - more on this story
Manic Street Preachers Release New Video
(Classic Rock) Manic Street Preachers return this autumn with Rewind The Film, their first studio album since 2010′s Postcards From A Young Man. As a very early taster for the release, they've just unveiled a video for the title track.
Rewind The Film (the song) features the Manics' James Dean Bradfield trading vocals with special guest Richard Hawley, who comments: "I am so chuffed to have been asked to sing with the mighty Manics, can't tell you what it means to me.
"The whole experience is something I'll treasure forever – I love the Manics and what they stand for, and to be a tiny part of that means the world to me."
Rewind The Film (the album) is released on September 16 with a single, Show Me The Wonder, coming out the week before. The new full-length is said to showcase a more reflective, stripped-back sound while maintaining the classic Manics melody and unique lyricism.
Watch the video and read more details (including tour dates) - here.
Praying Mantis Reveal New Lineup
(Classic Rock) Praying Mantis have revealed their new lineup after firing vocalist Mike Freeland and drummer Gary Mackenzie, as Classic Rock reported yesterday.
Dutch singer John 'Jaycee' Cuijpers will front the band from now on, with countryman Hans in't Zandt behind the drumkit. The lineup is rounded out with guitarist Tino Troy, bassist Chris Troy and guitarist Andy Burgess.
The band say in a statement: "John and Hans are seasoned professional musicians, with vast experience of playing alongside bands such as Toto, Vengeance, Jan Akkerman and Steve Lukather, and will bring a extra dimension to the Mantis sound." - more on this story
Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx To Continue Selling Stage-Played Basses
(hennemusic) On the band's recent Canadian tour, Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx launched a campaign to sell his stage-played basses, and now he says he's going to carry on with the new tradition for the group's upcoming 2013 shows.
"Had such a great time doing this on the last tour I have decided to continue to do it," posted Sixx on Monday. "I really enjoyed meeting all the fans and hearing their stories during the meeting, but the best part for me was hearing what the bass meant them and what they were gonna do with it. Thank you for making this great."
"I also plan on doing this in Vegas, as well," he adds, "and we have some special packages were working on for the residency." - more on this story
The Union Announce Fall Tour
(Classic Rock) The Union have announced a UK tour which will see them playing eight shows in November. Later in November they'll make their first trip to Japan, supporting Thunder at two shows there.
Thunder guitarist Luke Morley and former Winterville vocalist Pete Shoulder are riding high with recent album "The World Is Yours," their third outing, which was released in March.
Last month they recorded a show for a future DVD release, performing an acoustic set followed by an electric one. Grab the UK Tour dates and ticket information - here.
Rolling Stones' Keith Richards Reflects On Altamont Murder
(Classic Rock) The Rolling Stones kept playing while Meredith Hunter was murdered in Altamont in 1969 because they wanted to provide a distraction, says Keith Richards.
The 18-year-old drew a gun on members of the Hells Angels after they'd prevented him from climbing onto the stage in their role as Stones security. He was stabbed to death by Alan Passaro moments later.
"There was the terrible murder going on in front of us, which we all could see. As events turned out, security wasn't what it should be," Richards tells Absolute Radio.
He recalls the Stones had already stopped playing once that night, in an attempt to calm the unruly crowd, and decided to take the opposite position when the Hunter incident began. "I don't know if it was scary," he says of the earlier part of the show. "It was just like, 'Wow, you have go to do something about this before it turns into a full-scale riot.' We handled it the best way we could – I just stopped playing, and it happened to work."
When the stabbing took place, he explains, "It was a matter of, 'Quick, do something, and distract people from the Hells Angels.' We didn't know the cat was dead, or anything, but we saw what was going on."
The Stones appeared in London's Hyde Park yesterday for the first time in 44 years. Their 1969 show took place just two days after the death of former member Brian Jones. - Read what his girlfriend Anna Wohlins had to say.
Franz Ferdinand Release 'Right Action' Video
Franz Ferdinand have released a new music video for the song "Right Action," which has been released as a digital single and on 7-inch vinyl.
Press Here sent over these details about the video and song: Directed by Jonas Odell, the three minute clip sees the Franz Ferdinand live experience juxtaposed with imagery inspired by the graphic style of a series of books on Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology published by Pelikan in the late 50s through to the early 80s.
The strong graphic style of those books - clean, bold and simple - reflected the confidence and optimism of the content. That graphic style is appropriated in this video.
The single, "Right Action," recorded in a day at Club Ralph, London and produced by Joe Goddard and Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip and mixed by David Fridmann, is featured on their forthcoming album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, which will be released on August 27th. - Watch the video here.
Blackmore's Night Release Dancer And The Moon Video
(Classic Rock) Blackmore's Night have released a video for their track Dancer And The Moon. It's the title track from Ritchie Blackmore and co's most recent album, which was launched last month.
The new album is available in standard CD format and also as a deluxe digipak including a 40-minute documentary and acoustic versions of four songs.
The last track on the album, "Carry On… Jon," is a tribute to Blackmore's Deep Purple bandmate Jon Lord, who died last year. Check out the new video - here.
Iron Maiden Release Video Tour Diary
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden have released video diary of their Maiden England European summer tour. The trip is a continuation of the tour which played across North America last year.
The stage show closely mirrors, in terms of production and content, the original 1988 concert video of the same name – reissued on DVD this year - shot on the "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour."
Iron Maiden kicked off the trek in Bilbao, Spain in late May. The band will wrap up the European dates with two homecoming show at the O2 Arena in London early next month. - Check out the video here.
God Damn Release Red Checker Video
(Classic Rock) Rising stars God Damn, described by Ginger Wildheart as the "best new band you'll see for a while", have released a video for their track "Red Checker."
The band considered holding off on the release as guitarist and vocalist Dave Copson is in hospital following a serious traffic accident – but his family say he wanted the world to hear the new music.
The video's song is taken from their Heavy Money EP, which is available as a free download. You can check out the new music video - here.
Epica's Simone Simons On Latest Episode of Wikimetal
The latest episode of Wikimetal features an exclusive interview with their special guest, Simone Simons from Epica. The show sent over these details:
The vocalist was very nice, talking about her career, the band's last CD "Requiem For The Indifferent" and Epica's sixth album, that is already on the way.
Simons also talked about her main influences and her future plans to record a solo album. You can listen to the full episode here or you can skip directly to the interview - here.
As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis Breaks His Silence
As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis has broken his silence for the first time since he was arrested back in May for an alleged murder for hire plot against his estranged wife.
Lambesis posted (and later removed) a new blog on his Tumblr page. Under the heading of "What I Can Talk About" Lambesis writes, "I've come across many comments, both private and public, asking me to explain more about my case or to explicitly state what my current worldview is. First, I simply am not allowed to do either of those things.
"Some day I will be able to tell the story of all that has happened in detail to get the facts straight and representing the many sides to this fairly complex story. In the mean time, many of you will make your assumptions and take the sensationalism of the press focusing on selling points at face value. I can't stop that from happening, and I've learned something by not having that kind of control. The people who want understanding will wait until the formalities and trials are done.
"Strangely enough, those type of minds are the people least likely to be judgmental even if I am found guilty. Those reporting from the courtroom will only pass along select facts and the case itself will only require select facts that do not encompass the entirety events. On the other hand, the seemingly larger percentage of people delight in voicing their opinion even though I personally have never said a word about even a single detail related to my case. Unspecific to me, that is a terribly sad reality greatly in contrast to the type of discussion I intend to start by choosing to post again.
"Second, all I have the ability to do right now is keep learning. By posting again I hope to attract people like me who are willing to look at all sides of a philosophical issue to learn before they speak. In fact, I'd be happy if this whole thing was just a way to recommend further readings to each other. However, I do accept that there will be some true geniuses who will try to turn each comment section into what topic they would like to discuss instead as if they created the original post and we all stumbled on their page.
"I'm out on bail, but on house arrest. My family has jobs and the ability to run errands or take an afternoon/evening out. I have the unique opportunity of being able to focus and study like I may never have again in life after this. While I can't say that I always enjoy it, it is more valuable than I originally acknowledged.
"Lastly, while I can't say exactly what it is I believe epistemologically or metaphysically, I can explain what I'm interested in learning.
"I grew up in a Christian home and held that belief myself for many years. In the process of sincerely trying to defend that belief in a scholarly way and shortly after finishing my degree, I felt that it was unreasonable to call myself a Christian in light of the evidence. Many AILD fans picked up on the not-so-subtle hints at my worldview change in a couple songs on Awakened. It was never really hidden. Anyway, after my incarceration I found myself re-evaluating topics that I had previously sworn I would never waste my time looking at again. Many can chalk that up as one point for pure boredom in an isolation cell, or you can look at it providentially as the needed circumstance and only possible way to get me to humble my mind. - more on this story
Metallica To Play 'Super-Secret' Show
Metallica have announced plans for a special event at this year's Comic-Con convention in San Diego to discuss their upcoming 3D movie "Metallica Through The Never," and they will also be playing a secret show while they are in town.
The Comic-Con event will take place on Friday, July 19 and band revealed these details, "The four of us will be in Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center from 6:30-7:00 PM on that Friday, along with many of the super talented team that is helping us create an unprecedented film experience.
"Joining us to talk all things Through The Never will be the star of the film, Dane DeHaan, Director/Writer Nimrod Antal and Producer Charlotte Huggins as we proudly present the world premiere of the theatrical trailer along with an exclusive preview of footage from the movie followed by a discussion on the making of the film."
On Sunday the band announced their plans to follow up that event with a surprise show. They told fans, "We can't just TALK about the film when we are in San Diego... we want to play too! Following our chat in Hall H at Comic-Con, we'll be heading out to a super-secret spot to have some fun and hit the stage.
"Comic-Con attendees will have a chance to win tickets at the Hall H event and Met Club members should keep their eyes peeled here for more details about chances to win tickets too."
"Metallica Through The Never" is set to be released in IMAX theatres on September 27, followed by a wider release to other theaters on October 4. - More details about the event here.
Eddie Van Halen Delays LL Cool J Jam
(hennemusic) Eddie Van Halen's originally scheduled guest appearance Sunday in Los Angeles with LL Cool J has been postponed to late summer at the Hollywood Bowl, according to the VHND.
Van Halen was originally expected to join the rapper on Sunday (July 7) at the Greek Theatre on the final stop of LL's "Kings Of The Mic" Tour.
Van Halen collaborated with LL on his new album, "Authentic," which hit stores in April. The guitarist appears on two tracks: "We're the Greatest" and "Not Leaving You Tonight." - more on this story
Mastodon Planning Next Album
(Gibson) Mastodon's Bill Kelliher has given an update on the band's next album which they plan to begin recording in September. It follows The Hunter and is due for a spring 2014 release.
Speaking to The Examiner, Kelliher confirmed that the metal four-piece has over 25 new tracks ready to record. "Before we left for the European tour, we got into a studio with a producer," Kelliher said.
"We started just putting ideas down on tape, so to speak. We have about 25 to 30 songs that are ready for the new record. We're obviously not gonna use all 30 of them, but we're in a much better place than we've ever been as far as being prepared during pre-production for an album."
He continued, "We'd like to get the record finished by the end of the year and have it out as soon as Christmas and all the holidays are over with - maybe, like, March or April. It would be great to have the new record out and then do a brand new tour on some new music." - more on this story
Bernie Leadon Reunites With The Eagles At Tour Kick Off
(hennemusic) The Eagles kicked off their "History Of The Eagles" North American tour on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, and video from the opening night show has surfaced.
The band is hitting the road in support of their acclaimed documentary "History Of The Eagles," which was released on DVD and Blu-ray in April.
Louisville.com reports the show began with founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey playing acoustic guitar before being joined by another founding member, Bernie Leadon. From there, bassist Timothy B. Schmidt was added to the lineup, and then Joe Walsh came on board for the show. - Check out video here.
Gary Clark Jr. Joins Rolling Stones At Hyde Park
(hennemusic) Bluesman Gary Clark Jr. was the featured guest Saturday night as the Rolling Stones performed in London's Hyde Park for the first time in 44 years.
Clark joined the band for their 1971 classic, "Bitch," from the "Sticky Fingers" album. The appearance marked the guitarist's fourth guest spot with the Stones on the 50 & Counting tour; Clark played with the group in New Jersey and Brooklyn last December, and again in Boston last month. Watch video from Saturday's jam here.
Saturday's show was the first of two shows 44 years since they last played the London venue. The July 6th and 13th dates mark the band's first appearance there since the group's free concert on July 5, 1969.
Mick Taylor, who played his first gig with the Rolling Stones at Hyde Park in 1969, joined the band for his regular slots on "Midnight Rambler" and the final encore of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
"Mick's very first show was with us here," Mick Jagger told the crowd. "We found him in a pub and put him in front of 250,000 people." - Check out video from the show here.
'Springsteen & I' Movie To Hit Theaters Across The World
The fan made music documentary "Springsteen & I" is set to be screened in over 2000 movie theaters in 50 countries around the world beginning on July 22nd.
The synopsis for the film reads, "Forty years ago, Bruce Springsteen burst onto the rock scene and changed it forever. His music defines a generation, but behind the songs were remarkable stories about the fans who lived them.
"Now audiences everywhere can discover how the sound of Bruce Springsteen became the soundtrack to our lives." You can view the trailer and learn more about the movie here and find a list of theaters - here.
Winger Plan Reunion Concert For 25th Anniversary
Winger will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut by putting on a special reunion concert where they will perform the album in its entirety.
The show will be taking place on August 30th at The San Felipe Casino in Algodones, New Mexico and the band will be recording the show for a future CD and DVD release, according to their official site.
Original keyboard player Paul Taylor will be joining current and original members Kip Winger, Reb Beach, Rod Morgenstein as well as current member John Roth for the show.
The reunion concert will feature support from special guests Warrant and Head East.
The current lineup of Winger is currently working on a new studio album. -
Ronnie Wood Wins Broadcasting Award
(Gibson) Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has won an Arqiva Commercial Radio Award in the UK. Wood hosts The Ronnie Wood Show on Absolute Radio and has won the award for Specialist Programme of the Year. Wood was up against Geoff Lloyd's Beatles Brunch, also on Absolute and the Andi Durrant Show on Capital.
Wood started his show in 2010. He picks the playlist which he says is, "From Mozart to Marley. This is the soundtrack to my life." Ronnie was previously named The Music Radio Personality of the Year in 2011.
The Rolling Stones play London's Hyde Park this weekend, for the first time since 1969. That was their first show involving Mick Taylor, replacement for the just-deceased Brian Jones.
Keith Richards says, "I've no doubt there'll be some sort of flashbacks and reminiscences or something because after all, that was also Mick Taylor's very first show with the Stones. So I'm sure there will be a couple of moments where it'll all come back to us."
"You always thought with the Hyde Park show, you've done that, you've been there and that it will never happen again. And now here we are – I guess if you hang around long enough, everything happens twice!" - more on this story
Iron Maiden's Trooper Beer A Big Success
(Classic Rock) The makers of Iron Maiden's Trooper beer were so impressed with Bruce Dickinson at the launch event that they offered him a job as a tour guide.
Robinsons have just confirmed the sale of the millionth pint of the cask ale, which was launched just two months ago. The firm say in their Unicorn newsletter: "Trooper was officially launched on May 9 at Robinsons' new visitor centre – a day that will certainly remembered, as the brewery experienced a product launch like no other.
"With a reception attended by over 100 influential brewing trade representatives, Bruce conducted a tour of the new brewhouse to explain the process of how Trooper ale is made.
"Robinsons were so impressed with Bruce's tour they offered him a job as a brewery tour guide – if he ever gets tired of performing to millions of Maiden fans, flying airplanes, fencing and brewing beer, that is." - more on this story
Metal Supergroup Civil War Commemorate Gettysburg Anniversary
Last week Civil War marked the 150th Anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg by posting the song "Gettysburg," from their debut album, online.
Civil War features ex-Sabaton members, Rikard Sundén, Oskar Montelius, Daniel Mullback and Daniel Myhr, along with frontman, Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors), and bass player, Stefan "Pizza" Eriksson (Volturyon).
"The Battle of Gettysburg. 150 years have passed since it took place, but still today it's one of the greatest battles in history," says band. "This is a song that reflects the memories and thoughts of one single soldier.
"His name is unknown, maybe he never existed. But if he did, maybe this is what went through his mind. We give you the song, 'Gettysburg.'"
The song comes from the group's debut album, "The Killer Angels" which was named after the novel by Michael Shaara about the Battle of Gettysburg.
The album was recorded by Jonas Kjellgren at Studio Myhrer (which is actually the bed and living room of keyboard player, Myhr), Black Lounge Studio and Peter Tägtgren's, The Abyss, in Pärlby, Sweden. - Listen to the song here.
Former The Catalyst Frontman Matt Bailie Joins BornBroken
BornBroken have announced that lead singer Jesus Salazar has left the group and they have recruited former The Catalyst frontman Matt Bailie to take his place.
Guitarist Mike Decker had this to say, "We had come to a pass in the road; Jesus had some tough life decisions, which came down to no longer being able to sing for BornBroken.
"We have had 2 great years with Jesus and recorded a stellar debut CD. We wish him the best in his future projects and health. Thanks for everything!
"To all our fans, this bump in the road came with a glimmer of hope at the end. BornBroken was able to quickly fill the empty spot in the lineup and is happy to announce -The Catalyst's ex-frontman Matt Bailie as the new singer.
"We will debut our live show with Matt on July 12th in Montreal at Foufounes Electriques supporting The Agonist."
Matt Bailie had this to say, "I would like to thank Mike, Simon, Tommy & Joe for the opportunity to once again destroy and dominate on stage.
"BornBroken has big things planned for the not so distant future and I am glad to be a part of it. This is a new chapter for me musically and I personally cannot wait to unleash our music upon the masses, 'Hear our cries...the Broken shall rise.'" -
Praying Mantis Fire Singer and Drummer
(Classic Rock) Praying Mantis have fired singer Mike Freeland and drummer Gary Mackenzie. Both musicians – who have been part of the NWOBHM band for several years, but have a history of collaboration going back 20 years – say the decision was not theirs.
In a statement Freeland says: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you all that I am no longer a member of Praying Mantis. Please know that this was not my decision.
"On a more positive note, I've had the most incredible seven years; I have been to some truly amazing places and met some fantastic people – you guys. I can't thank you all enough for your support and for the great times. Keep the faith!" - more on this story
Runaways Cherie Currie Explains Album Delay
(Classic Rock) Cherie Currie has decided to put three years of disappointment over an album release behind her after former Runaways bandmate Lita Ford gave her some advice.
Currie admits she's found recent months "very, very hard" after being told to wait and keep waiting for her record, which was laid down in 2010, to be finished. But the vocalist has learned to live with the disappointment, and she's vowed to get back into action instead.
"There have been a lot of stories flying around, mostly negative, about my album and why it isn't out. I feel I owe you an explanation," Currie says. "I just wanted to get out there and play for you again. After 30 years, with the movie, my book, and then a successful show opening for Joan Jett in 2010, the time was right for me to make a record.
"I have sat on the sidelines waiting for a record that still isn't mastered. Had I known my record company would hold the record this long, I would have gone a different route – but that's water under the bridge now." - more on this story
Earth Crisis Kicking Off Firestorm Anniversary Tour This Week
Earth Crisis will be kicking off the first leg of their Firestorm EP 20th anniversary tour this week where the band will be performing the EP in its entirety along with other rarely played songs.
They have broken the tour up into two legs with the east coast leg featuring three shows that will include support from Shai Hulud, Thy Will Be Done, White Widows Pact.
The first leg will kick off this Friday, July 12th, at Underground Arts in Philadelphia, PA and will include shows in Syracuse, NY and New York City this weekend.
The second leg will feature four shows next month at venues on the west coast and will include support from Lionheart, Harness. That leg kicks off on August 15th at Pubrock/Chaser in Tempe, AZ.
Guitarist Scott Crouse had this to say, "We can't believe we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Firestorm. None of us were even 20 years old when we recorded it. Its release forever changed our lives and, we are told, many other people's. Come out and help us do this right."
The band will follow up the tour by returning to work on their forthcoming album which reunites the band with producer/mixer Zeus (Hatebreed, Throwdown, Municipal Waste). - more on this story
KISS Kick Off Summer Tour
(hennemusic) KISS kicked off their extensive Canadian summer tour in support of their latest album, "Monster," on Friday at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, BC.
The tour features the band's new spider stage, which they unveiled last month during a series of European dates. The main feature of the design is the spider, which brings the band to center stage at the opening of the show.
The month-long Canadian trek, which runs across the country from west to east, wraps up with two dates at Mile One Stadium in St. John's, Newfoundland in early August. - Check out video from the show here.
Robert Plant Supporting Love Hope Strength Charity On US Tour
(hennemusic) Robert Plant has announced that he is supporting the Love Hope Strength (LHS) charity during his current run of US tour dates with his new band, Robert Plant Presents Sensational Space Shifters.
Love Hope Strength (LHS) is an international, music-centric cancer charity dedicated to saving lives, one concert at a time. The mission is to save lives, right now, with the advances that have already been made in cancer care.
Funds raised through LHS are used to: - Build and support cancer centers around the globe - Build awareness of global cancer needs - Build international marrow databases through the "Get On The List" campaign. - more on this story
TeamRock Radio Launch Blues, AOR and Prog Shows
(Classic Rock) TeamRock Radio has unveiled their weekend schedule that features the Blues Magazine Show, AOR Magazine Show and Prog Magazine Show.
Former Nazareth guitarist and Rock Radio breakfast show host Billy Rankin will present the Blues Magazine Show on Saturday evenings. Philip Wilding brings you the Prog Magazine Show on Sunday evenings and Kylie Olsson fronts the AOR Magazine Show on Sunday nights.
In addition Beez will lead The Pulse on Saturday mornings; Kieron Elliott serves up the LA Rock Show on Saturday nights; John Robb takes the mic for the punk-themed Louder Than War Show on Sunday nights; and Talita Two Shoes, formerly of Totalrock Radio, appears on Turn Up The Night on both days. - more on this story
Airbourne, Orange Goblin, The Treatment Plan Fall Tour
The Treatment have announced their fall tour plans where they will be joining the lineup for Airbourne's forthcoming UK tour that will also feature Orange Goblin.
The Airbourne tour will be kicking off on November 28th at Portsmouth's Pyramids Centre and wrapping up on December 13th at The Forum, London.
The Treatment frontman Matt Jones had this to say about the tour, "A few months back, we spent a night drinking with the guys in Airbourne, and we discussed playing some shows together then – a tour that would make a statement about the music we both love.
"Well, we're delighted that all that late-night, beer-fuelled conversation has turned into a reality! And we'll have our new album released by then, so we'll have more songs to choose our set from. It's gonna be a tour not to be missed!"
Prior to the Airbourne tour, The Treatment will be performing at the 'Rock Im Wald' festival in Germany on July 27th.
