Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Zakk Wylde, Bootsy Collins, Buddy Guy Lead Experience Hendrix Tour
(Radio.com) Radio.com is proud to announce 2014′s Experience Hendrix Tour, the guitar-centric tribute to Jimi Hendrix that's run on and off since its first incarnation as the Jimi Hendrix Guitar Festival at Bumbershoot '95.
This year's tour will feature Buddy Guy, Bootsy Collins and Zakk Wylde, along with a busload of other guitar legends including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Gales, Eric Johnson, Serbian blues-rocker Ana Popovic, Doyle Bramhall II, Mato Nanji of Indigenous, and Los Lobos co-frontmen Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo.

The tour is set to kick off March 11 in Dallas and run through April 3′s Detroit show. Other than Wylde and Popovic, the other artists have played the tour in the past. John McDermott, one of the tour's organizers, told Radio.com that while Wylde, Hildago, Guy, Zappa and Collins may be an odd combination, the goal of the tour is to show the scope of Hendrix's musical influence.

"We try to follow the roots to the fruits," McDermott said. "Before he passed away, we had [blues legend] Hubert Sumlin, who was a favorite of Jimi's. We have Buddy Guy, who is a favorite of Jimi's. We like to have a variety of [younger] players to show how broad and deep the influence is. "

While Wylde spends most of his time on the road playing to all-metal audiences, it's not all that surprising that he signed on for this tour given his fandom (one of his sons is named Hendrix). As for the other tour rookie, Popvic, she first came to the attention of Hendrix fans via a cover of "Belly Button Window" on the 2000 tribute album Blue Haze. "Ana is somebody who we had seen, we saw a performance of 'If 6 Was 9,' which was great, so she was a no-brainer for us," McDermott said. more on this story




Rush On Hiatus
(hennemusic) As Rush release their new "Clockwork Angels Tour" DVD this week, guitarist Alex Lifeson tells Billboard that the band will be on hiatus for most of 2014 but assures fans it will only be a short break and they will return.

"We've committed to taking about a year off," says Lifeson. "We all agreed when we finished this tour (in early August) we were going to take this time off and we weren't going to talk about band stuff or make any plans. We committed to a year, so that's going to take us through to the end of next summer, for sure. That's the minimum. We haven't stopped or quit. Right now we're just relaxing. We're taking it easy and just enjoying our current employment."

That said, Lifeson acknowledges that he and singer/bassist/keyboardist Geddy Lee - who both live in the Toronto area while drummer Neil Peart resides in California - "typically get a little bored, and so we enjoy writing and working together and I wouldn't doubt that some time in the new year we'll probably gravitate towards each other and start doing some writing."

"It's going to be interesting to see where we do go next," he continues. "You know, the album is dying as a format. We're so used to it and we're so old school in that format, but will we get more mileage by doing a few new songs at a time, or do we do another album? It's hard to say what the future holds, and it's just changing so rapidly. It's always hard to speculate where you're going to go." more on this story





Sammy Hagar and Motley Crue's Vince Neil Planning Tour
While Motley Crue has announced their intentions to retire, their frontman Vince Neil has revealed that he plans to continue performing and even broke news about a tour with Sammy Hagar.

Neil was recently interviewed by Vegas Rocks! Magazine and was asked about what he intended to do following the band's retirement and revealed that he is already working on a big tour with Sammy Hagar for next year.

The singer told the publication, "I have my own stuff. I have my solo band, and we have a lot of touring coming up. And actually, it looks like me and Sammy Hagar are gonna go out together for a long tour next year. I'll be carrying the torch for Motley Crue when Motley Crue is done." more on this story



Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Wants Rick Rubin To Produce Solo Album
(hennemusic) Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has been meeting with Rick Rubin to see if popular producer will sign on produce his debut solo album, tentatively due next spring.

"I'm working on it," Tyler tells Rolling Stone. "I just got back from Russia. Tour was over last week, so I set up my studio, and I had dinner with Rick Rubin last night."

While their working together is not yet confirmed, Tyler seemed confident about Rubin's involvement when asked about the likelihood. "We did do 'Walk This Way' with Run-D.M.C.," he said. "That was his idea." more on this story





The Doors Surviving Members Plan Q&A At Special Event
(hennemusic) The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is hosting "An Evening With The Doors" on December 5, an event which will feature a screening of "Mr. Mojo Risin: The Making of L.A. Woman" and a Q&A with surviving band members Robbie Krieger and John Densmore.

The 2011 documentary "Mr. Mojo Risin: The Making of L.A. Woman" looks at the creation of The Doors' sixth album, offering a detailed perspective of the intense recording sessions that produced one of the group's most memorable records.

Krieger and Densmore will be on hand for a Q&A following the screening to discuss the band's legacy and their own careers. Check out the trailer for the film here.





R.E.M. Members Reunite
(Gibson) There was a partial reunion of R.E.M. last week when drummer Bill Berry and bass player Mike Mills joined guitarist Peter Buck on stage during one of his solo shows at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia.

The former bandmates performed R.E.M.'s 1984 track "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville." According to reports, former frontman Michael Stipe was in the audience too. So if he happened to be singing along, a case could be made that R.E.M. performed together, right? Right?

R.E.M. called it quits following the release of the album Collapse Into Now in 2011, an album which they chose not to tour for. "As lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band," they sad by way of explaining the break. "We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished."

However, comments made by Mills to Rolling Stone in May seem to indicate that this onstage jam is as close as we're going to get to the real thing. "We said we're done and we're done," he said at the time "If we honestly thought there was a chance of a reunion tour, we might have said so at the time."

During that May interview, Mills explained that there was no animosity among band members: it was simply time to bring the band to an end. "There were no real factors other than deciding it was time to break up," he said. "There's no drug abuse. There's no in-fighting. There's no legal problems. It was time to break up. That's never really been done before. The idea of breaking up and not reforming for a reunion tour is kind of attractive to us. I doubt you'll see us touring as R.E.M. again."

Check out video of the reunion performance here.






Bruce Springsteen Releasing New Single Next Week
(hennemusic) Bruce Springsteen has announced that he will be releasing a new single, "High Hopes", on November 25. Originally recorded by Los Angeles band The Havalinas, a version of the song appeared on Springsteen's 1996 documentary and EP, "Blood Brothers".

Bruce and The E Street Band performed the song during their March tour of Australia this year, along with special guest Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, who was filling in on guitar for Steve Van Zandt.

In January, Springsteen will perform in South Africa for the very first time before kicking off a month-long tour of Australia and New Zealand in Perth on February 5. Hear the original version here.





Queens of the Stone Age Get Interactive In New Video
(Radio.com) For "Vampyre of Time and Memory," Queens of the Stone Age have crafted a surreal interactive music video that allows fans to peruse the hallways of a rather creepy mansion.

The clip–directed by Kii Arens, Jason Trucco with help from the tech company Darknet–lets fans lead the way threw the gothic house only to end up in an ever-changing grand ballroom with a very well-manicured Josh Homme and the rest of the band playing the song in dapper suits and ties.

While interacting with the clip, users can find QOTSA performing in three different settings, as well as access song lyrics and a direct link to purchase …Like Clockwork by clicking on various onscreen "Easter eggs" like the very cool poster for the band's show at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple leads to La-La Land Posters, which is home base for the artwork of director Arens.

The elaborate clip can be accessed through its own dedicated website. But for fans who prefer to just sit back and relax, the band has also provided a director's cut of the video, which merges the various scenes and settings of the interactive clip into one fluid visual. Watch it here.





The Flaming Lips Have Major Plans For Black Friday
(Gibson) The Flaming Lips will mark this year's Black Friday edition of Record Store Day by participating in a trio of interesting projects and creating a chocolate skull and a toy frog.

The band has curated a covers album of the entire first Stone Roses LP along with bands including Peaking Lights, Stardeath, White Dwarfs, New Fumes, Def Rain, Poliça, Foxygen's Jonathan Rado and Spaceface. They've also recorded a collaborative EP with Australian neo-psychedelic rockers Tame Impala where they cover each other's songs, and will release a vinyl edition of their Peace Sword soundtrack EP for the film Ender's Game. And frontman Wayne Coyne tells Rolling Stone the band also hopes to have an edible chocolate head ready in time too.

"It's all made out of chocolate, it's a life-size human skull, a life-sized human brain, and the brain is actually sliding out of the skull made with this brain fluid flavored hard-candy," Coyne says. "And there's a little magic coin inside that brain that you're supposed to dig out. I think it's supposed to get you into any Flaming Lips show in the world. I think that's our intention." If the Oompa Loompas haven't sorted out the chocolate head by Black Friday, the band will aim to have it out for Christmas.

Perhaps even more bizarre though is [Expletive] You Frog, a toy frog which contains a recording of the band's first demo. "That is our very first demo that we ever recorded that's never been released before," Coyne says. "So you get that in this packet. This little frog that's kind of a recorder that you can manipulate the sound on." more on this story







Stevie Nicks Releasing In Your Dreams Documentary Next Month
(hennemusic) Stevie Nicks will release her 2013 documentary, "In Your Dreams", on December 3. The project shows a behind-the-scenes look at the Fleetwood Mac singer as she created her 2011 solo album of the same title.

Co-produced and co-directed by Dave Stewart, "In Your Dreams" shows the musical journey that the two artists embarked on in Nicks' Los Angeles home as they wrote and recorded an album during what Nicks called "the greatest year of my life".

For "In Your Dreams", Nicks allowed cameras inside her mansion high above L.A. with a wild cast of musicians and friends. The inner life of the legendary Nicks has by her design long been kept at a distance from the public. We learn in "Dreams" that her world features costume parties, elaborate dinner feasts, tap dancing, fantasy creations and revealing song writing and recording sessions all of which are captured on film. more on this story




Stryper Score Top 40 Debut With New Album
(Gibson) It's a chart result that's pretty much unprecedented in the modern era for 80s hard rock acts, especially those with a Christian element: 80s rockers Stryper have landed at a very respectable #35 on the Billboard Top 200 with their new album No More Hell To Pay.

The album also landed at #2 on the Contemporary Christian Albums chart, #3 on the Current Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart and #6 on the Top Current Rock Albums. The album sold over 9,500 copies in its first week.

Hailed by fans as a return to their classic sound, No More Hell To Pay features the original lineup of Michael Sweet (vocals/guitars), Oz Fox (guitars), Tim Gaines (bass) and Robert Sweet (drums), and was produced by Michael Sweet.

"We're humbled to be charting alongside some of the biggest and best in music today," Michael Sweet said. "We've worked hard to deliver the best Stryper record to date and we couldn't be more proud of "No More Hell To Pay"! The Yellow & Black Attack is back (well, we never really left). Here's to 30 more years and we'll see you on the road in 2014."

Second Coming, an album of re-recorded Stryper classics, sold less than half the number of copies of No More Hell To Pay in April and handed at #117. Their 2011 covers album The Covering sold 4,600 copies to hit #175, and their previous album of new material, Murder By Pride, reached #73 in 2009. more on this story






Roger Waters Reflects On Original Pink Floyd Frontman Syd Barrett
(Gibson) Roger Waters reflected on the legacy of original Pink Floyd frontman Syd Barrett at the recent Billboard Touring Conference, describing the troubled songwriter as "very talented" but "only incandescent for a year or two maybe."

During the 80-minute discussion, Waters also recalled Floyd's 1967 U.S. debut performance at San Francisco's Winterland, saying Janis Joplin pilfered a pint of Southern Comfort he had just purchased just before the show.

Earlier this week, Waters spoke with Rolling Stone about his forthcoming solo album--his first "rock" effort in 20 years. "I finished a demo of it last night," he revealed.

"It's 55 minutes long. It's songs and theater as well. I don't want to give too much away, but it's couched as a radio play. It has characters who speak to each other, and it's a quest. It's about an old man and a young child trying to figure out why they are killing the children." The veteran rocker went on to say he isn't sure whether he'll support the disc with a tour. more on this story






Robert Plant Releases Second Episode of New Web Series
(hennemusic) Robert Plant has posted the second episode in his new 8-part web series, "Zirka", which documents his 2003 trip to perform in Mali and the Festival In The Desert.

Plant appeared at the famed festival alongside Ali Farka Toure, Tinariwen and many others. "It was a journey of revelation — one of the most illuminating and humbling experiences of my life," Plant explained recently to Rolling Stone.

"[The trip] took us from the scurry and bustle of our world into the homeland of the Tuareg, the Sahel of Mali, Timbuctoo, and north to Essakane. A journey that could only reinforce the power and the great gift of music across and between cultures. . . sharing outside of language." Check out the video here.





Black Sabbath React To Living Legend Award
(Gibson) Black Sabbath were the big winners at this year's Classic Rock Roll of Honor ceremony in London. The heavy metal pioneers picked up three prizes, including the coveted Living Legend award, reports NME.com.

"I didn't even expect to live this long," said Ozzy Osbourne, accepting the awards. "When I was 21 I thought I would be dead by 40. That was alright until I was 39." He later added: "I never thought 43 years ago I'd be standing here. We're in shock--this year has been an incredible event for us."

Guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler attended the event as well. "It's fantastic to get the awards," said Iommi. "When we started out we never thought about it, you just wanted to play. Even this time, we never thought for a minute [the new album] would get to number one. We just wanted to make an album."

In other Sabbath news, the band has just announced another round of North American live dates, kicking off at the end of March. more on this story






The Wildhearts Planning Spring Tour With Ginger's New Band
(Classic Rock) The Wildhearts have announced that will be heading out on tour in April 2014, with support provided by Classic Rock Award nominees – and another Ginger project – Hey! Hello!

This tour will see Ginger reunited with his bandmates CJ & Ritch, and will welcome the return of Scott Sorry on bass. Says Ginger: "The Wildhearts always seem to regroup when the timing is absolutely right for everyone. I absolutely cannot wait to get back onstage with the lads, and we're all excited to be playing with our brother Scott again."

Scott Sorry had this to say about the reunion, "After a four year long break, I am excited as hell to hit the road again with The Wildhearts. April couldn't come soon enough." more on this story




Nine Inch Nails Announce UK Spring Tour
(Classic Rock) Nine Inch Nails will be heading across the pond to launch a tour of the UK next year, where they will be performing six shows in May, it's been confirmed.

It's a continuation of the first world tour since Trent Reznor reactivated the band he'd shut down in 2009. Their eighth studio album, Hesitation Marks, was released in September.

NIN performed at this summer's Leeds and Reading festivals, but the upcoming dates mark their first full UK tour in six years. The shows will feature the full arena production they've been using across the US. more on this story




Roy Harper Appears In Court On Alleged Child Sex Charges
(Classic Rock) Roy Harper appeared in court on Monday (November 18) for a hearing. The iconic folk musician has been charged for allegedly sexually abusing an underage girl.

He's accused of two charges of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 in the 1970s, plus three charges of indecent assault and four of gross indecency. All charges relate to one alleged victim.

The 72-year-old progressive folk musician, best known for his guest vocals on Pink Floyd track Have A Cigar, entered no plea during a short hearing at Hereford Magistrates' Court. more on this story




Monster Truck and Scorpion Child Team For Lords Of The Riff Tour
(Classic Rock) Classic Rock is proud to present the Lords Of The Riff UK tour, featuring a double-whammy of rising star acts Monster Truck and Scorpion Child, in association with their sister title Metal Hammer.

Highly rated by both magazines, the bands will deliver nine shows in March next year, taking turns at closing the show. Canadians Monster Truck have been in existence for four years.

The four-piece released their debut album Furiosity earlier this year and won a Juno Award in their home country. Frontman Jon Harvey says: "We can't wait to get back over to the UK with Scorpion Child. It's going to be a certified rock'n'roll roadshow that will melt your face off…"

Texan outfit Scorpion Child launched also launched their first album this year. The self-titled opus led to their nomination in the Best New Band category at the Classic Rock Awards. Vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black enthuses: "We are super excited to rejoin our European family, along with Canadian brethren Monster Truck." more on this story




Threshold Working On Next Album
(Prog) Threshold are at work on what will be their tenth studio album and guitarist Karl Groom hopes the change of pace between new albums will be permanent.

Their previous studio outing was 2012′s March Of Progress, their first with vocalist Damian Wilson since his return in 2009. Fans had been forced to wait five years for the sequel to Dead Reckoning.

Groom reports that he and keyboardist Rich West started thinking about new material during their last stint on the road. "Our touring for the March Of Progress album inspired Rich and I to get writing not long after the main set of dates," he says. more on this story





Eric Clapton Releases Tears In Heaven Video From Crossroads DVD
(hennemusic) Eric Clapton is sharing video footage of a performance of his 1992 hit, "Tears In Heaven", from his new live package, "2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival."

Due for release Tuesday in North America on DVD and Blu-ray with highlights on digital and CD, the set features nearly 5 hours of music across 45 tracks, plus conversations with the artists and other behind-the-scenes footage from the event.

On April 12 and 13 in New York City, Clapton assembled an unparalleled lineup of the world's most celebrated guitarists for the fourth incarnation of his legendary festival, where the world's greatest players perform together to raise funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua. Clapton founded this treatment and education facility in 1998 to help people suffering from chemical dependency. Check out the video here.




Dregen Reveals Bald Look in New Music Video
(Classic Rock) Former Backyard Babies guitarist Dregen has released a video for his track Flat Tyre On A Muddy Road and it's the first time fans will have seen his bald look.

The guitarist, who's taken a break from Michael Monroe's band to promote his self-titled solo debut, explains that his hair started to fall out as he worked his way through a hectic year.

"Here's the answer to all of you who have asked why I've been wearing a hat or bandana for the last six months," Dregen says. "I became a dad. I was writing and recording my solo album. I was writing and recording the Michael Monroe album. I wrote a 330-page autobiography. I was touring. All at the same time.

"So my hair fell off – overnight. All of it. The doctor called it 'post traumatic stress disorder.'" But he's pleased to report he'll soon be sporting a head of hair again, and reflects: "Luckily I don't play or write with my hair… It could have been worse. I could have lost my fingers." Check out the video here.




Blitz Kids Release 'Sometimes' Video
(TeamRock Radio) Blitz Kids have released a video for their track Sometimes. It's taken from the band's upcoming album The Good Youth, which is set for launch on January 20.

Frontman Joe James asserts living in the past two decades has been a massive boost for the Crewe four-piece. He recently told the Plymouth Herald: "We grew up in what I think was true best era of music ever. People still play System Of A Down and Green Day. It was a golden age."

But he cites Queen frontman Freddie Mercury as one of his biggest influences, saying: "I'm a real introvert. I always admired Freddie but I never saw myself in that role. Then I realised even he had insecurities – but he just got on and did it."

James describes writing material for Blitz Kids' next album as "a bit like self-therapy." Check out the video here.





A Look Back At Led Zeppelin III
(Gibson) Led Zeppelin III often has been tagged the group's "folk album." But how folkie is a tune like the operatic "Immigrant Song" or the charging "Out on the Tiles" or the epic blues "Since I've Been Loving You" or the wailing "Celebration Day?"

What the album actually represented was the band's arrival at the height of their compositional powers and the apex of their ability to distill their primary influences (folk, rock and blues) into something grander that faithfully encompassed elements of all three genres. And to do that, they had to go "country" – or at least into the countryside.

Until mid-1970 the group hardly had time to plan its moves. Less than two years in existence, Led Zeppelin had already made two albums and toured the U.S. – where Page acquired his storied "Number One" Gibson Les Paul Standard from Joe Walsh – five times, rising from clubs to arenas as their guarantees swelled from $1,500 to $100,000 a show. The modus operandi had been to grab their blues roots hard and hit the ground running, and it was only when they stopped in July for a five-week break in the action that Led Zeppelin III crystallized as something more.

Before that the group had tried to record "Since I'd Been Loving You," which appears in a pre-Led Zeppelin III live version on the Royal Albert Hall concert DVD, but couldn't nail its radical shifts in dynamics and intensity in the studio.

The acoustic "Friends," inspired by Page's tinkering with open C tuning, and "Immigrant Song" were also written, or at least ready to get crunched out in jams and on tape.

But sometimes the vibe just isn't right. Maybe, for Led Zeppelin in 1970, it was a matter of finding the right headspace. The group's most recent tour of the States had been a challenge. On the plus side, they set attendance records wherever they traveled and grossed well over a million dollars at a time when concert tickets were about the same price as a fast-food meal today. But the minuses included conflicts between the police and Led Zeppelin's counter-culture audiences in Baltimore, Vancouver, Pittsburgh and other cities. In Georgia and Texas, Plant and Page were taunted by rednecks when their bus stopped, and in Texas they were refused service at a restaurant because of their long hair and had a pistol pulled on them. Worse, in Canada, Page's beloved three-pick-up 1960 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty was nicked at an airport and still has never been recovered. He'd played the instrument since his years in the Yardbirds.

So when Plant suggested a July retreat to the ancient Welsh cottage Bron-Yr-Aur that he'd visited as a lad, he and Page packed up their families and headed to the country to find some peace.

After 18 months on the road playing at teeth-rattling volumes, the tranquility of the unelectrified cottage was welcome. It also seemed to be a perfect segue for the music they'd been listening to, which included a big helping of acoustic open-tuning wizards John Fahey, Burt Jansch and Davy Graham.

"That's the Way" ended up becoming a turning point in the upcoming album's direction. After Page and Plant mapped the song out at Bron-Yr-Aur it became a touchstone, dictating further acoustic explorations for Led Zeppelin III. Page developed the song in open G tuning, inspired by Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, and that, in turn, fueled a search for new textures when they returned to the studio. When the song was recorded John Paul Jones shifted from bass to mandolin, and Page took turns at pedal steel and dulcimer.

"That's the Way" was actually the only song written during the idyll in the countryside, but, Page says, it opened up the approach that made Led Zeppelin III a landmark recording in the group's history.






Singled Out: Echotape's Far From Heaven
Today Echotape's Mike Burford tells us about the song "Far From Heaven" which comes from their brand new album "Collective". Here is the story:

"Far From Heaven" was one of the quickest songs we've written! We wrote it in around an hour after a jamming session with Youth, who ended up producing our album. He invited us to his house in London after hearing an old demo and got the best out of us in that short afternoon collaboration!

It was a real spontaneous track that was born from our subconscious. Youth likes to get you working as fast as possible and to not think about what you're coming up with so all the guitar lines were written on the spot along with the main melody line.

On the strength of this song, Youth offered to record our debut album. We did this, recording the final version of the song, at his studio in the south of Spain. It was a picturesque surrounding on top of a mountain with the most amazing view. It was nice for the song to be recorded in such a perfect location!

VINCE NEIL PARTNERS WITH VEGAS RESTAURATEURS TO BRING HIS TATUADO BRAND TO CIRCUS CIRCUS:

New Rock 'n' Roll Hotspot Debuts Saturday, Nov. 9


In an effort to bring the rock 'n' roll vibe of the Sunset Strip to Las Vegas, longtime restaurant aficionados and owners of Kahunaville at Treasure Island, David Tuttleman and Mark Green, have partnered with Mötley Crüe front man Vince Neil to re-brand their 14,000 square foot Circus Circus venue, Rock 'n Rita's.
The new venues, Vince Neil's Tatuado Eat-Drink-Party! and Vince Neil's Party Bus Bar, which open to the public Saturday Nov. 9, showcase the combination of Neil's affinity for tattoos and tequila with Tuttleman and Green's emphasis on a fun and exciting party-like environment. The mouth-watering menu offers up Neil's signature Tatuado burgers, burritos and more to tantalize guests' taste buds. The dining room bar allows guests to pair their meal with a cold beer, lavish cocktail or one of the rocker's very own premium brands. “I have wanted to expand the Tatuado brand and bring it to The Strip for a while,” said Vince Neil. “Teaming with David and Mark to recreate Rock & Rita's into my own spot will create a true home for the brand. People can come have a great time and enjoy my signature line of spirits while they party.”



Owner of Rock 'n Rita's David Tuttleman said, “When we launched Rock & Rita's, I wanted to create a rock 'n' roll party vibe where our guests could experience a true Vegas party. Teaming up with Vince is going to take that concept to the next level, creating an authentic atmosphere with an edgy tattooed feel, different from others you find here in town. I really want to submerge guests into the true lifestyle and party atmosphere of a rock star. I have been friends with rock 'n roll photographer Mark Weiss for many years, so when it came time to design the new space, it was a no-brainer to utilize his creativity.” The three are combining their creative talents for the new Vince Neil's Eat Drink Party! at Circus Circus which will bring the Sunset Strip to Las Vegas.
Photographer Mark Weiss, who was an integral part of the creative vision for the restaurant and bar areas, added, “In 1982, after shooting Mötley Crüe for their first national magazine spread, Vince took me to the infamous Rainbow on the Sunset Strip. We ate, we drank and we definitely partied. When I walked into Rock & Rita's to be a part of the creative design team on this project, I was immediately taken back to those days at the Rainbow and was inspired to help create the feel and passion of the Sunset Strip.” -Mark Weiss

The main space, branded as Vince Neil's Tatuado Eat-Drink-Party!, is the ultimate definition of Neil's Tatuado brand and outrageous lifestyle. Throughout the dining room, the ambiance of the venue embraces Tatuado, meaning tattoo, artwork and imagery, along with the iconic rocker's most prized possessions, including gold and platinum records from his enormous success with Mötley Crüe. Guests will be immersed in an ambiance reminiscent of the legendary Sunset Strip rock clubs where Neil and his pals launched their paths to stardom. Two large video walls, projection screens and 22 HD flat screens, located throughout the restaurant and satellite bars, will entertain guests with rock-infused music videos and candid behind-the-scenes video of the rocker enjoying Las Vegas. True Vince Neil fans can feel at home as they party to Mötley Crüe hits and more, streamed through the premium sound system. Just upstairs from the restaurant, visitors can enjoy Vince Neil's Party Bus Bar, appropriately nicknamed “Bus Bar.” The well-known full-size bus features flair bartenders and party girls offering up shots and creative to-go drinks. Party-goers will feel as if they have been swept into a post-concert-like tailgate party.
Additionally, sports fans can take a break from their rock star-style partying to gamble and grab a drink in the existing Rock & Rita's Sports Bar. Retaining the original branding, the sports bar embodies the All-American party for which Tuttleman and Green have become known. Avid gamblers can enjoy access to the adjoining Circus Circus Race and Sports Book, as well as counter-top video gaming machines. For more information on Vince Neil's Tatuado Eat-Drink-Party!, Vince Neil's Party Bus Bar and the Rock & Rita's Sports Bar at Circus Circus, visit www.VinceNeilsParty.com.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Ted Nugent May Run For President
(hennemusic) Ted Nugent hinted that a run for the US Presidency may be a part of his plans during a Google Hangout session with Detroit's Classic Rock station 94.7 WCSX Classic Rock on Monday.
"I have threatened to run for public office, because I have been prodded to do so, and pushed hard in Texas and other states, and here in Michigan, so it's not off the table," Nugent replied to a question posed by WCSX program director Jerry Tarrants.

"I'm 65 this year but I'm still blessed with incredible energy. I don't know. At this point, it would be up to Mrs. Nugent and my family; I would consult with my manager Doug Banker, but I'm being pushed pretty hard to run for public office." more on this story




Def Leppard Guitarist Receives Good News In Cancer Fight
(hennemusic) Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma earlier this year, has posted a new update on his battle with cancer.

"For anyone who gives a toss, after doing another PET scan and all the other follow up tests, then getting a second opinion etc., I'm officially in remission from Hodgies," wrote Campbell. "That's the good news. The bad news is: I no longer have an excuse to not go to the gym."

Campbell remained update throughout his treatment, and even when he broke the news to the world. "My diagnosis was Hodgkin's Lymphoma and 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment," he wrote in June. "I'm about 2 months in and feeling rather spiffy, all things considered. Hodgkin's has an over 80% cure rate, so by my reckoning, if you're going to have a cancer, Hodgie's is the one to have!" more on this story




U2 Releasing Two New Songs
(Gibson) U2 have revealed that they will release two new tracks that will be included in the upcoming Nelson Mandela biopic Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. The songs will be released on November 29 in conjunction with Record Store Day's Black Friday.

The tracks, titled "Ordinary Love" and "Breath" will be released on 10-inch vinyl. However, the title "Breath" may be a misprint since the first version of the U2 song "Breathe" from their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon was written about Nelson Mandela. Modern Vinyl report that only 10,000 copies of the single will be pressed.

Meanwhile U2 are said to be close to finishing the recording of their next studio album. U2 bassist Adam Clayton recently told Irish radio that he hopes the band will be able to wrap up the recording sessions before the holidays.

Check out the trailer for Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom in the link below. At the one-minute mark, U2's "Ordinary Love" can be heard here.






Arctic Monkeys Announce North America Tour
(Radio.com) Sheffield's favorite indie rockers Arctic Monkeys have announced plans to launch a North American tour in support of the band's critically-acclaimed fifth album AM.

The band has already spent much of their time performing live during the latter half of this year in the U.S. and Europe, spawning treats like a cover of Drake's "Hold On We're Going Home" and an unexpected performance with Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme at Los Angeles' Wiltern. And don't forget their recently released music video for "One For The Road", which shows that anyone can look good when they're back on the farm.

The band will cross the pond at the beginning of December to kick off the tour in Vancouver, and will continue throughout America until mid-February. Deerhunter will open at New York City's Madison Square Garden and Boston's Agganis Arena. more on this story




Peter Gabriel Streaming Just Completed Unreleased Song From So Album
(Classic Rock) Peter Gabriel has released a track called Courage, which he started in 1986 but only recently completed to his satisfaction. He began work on the song during sessions for classic album So, which included the hit singles Sledgehammer and Don't Give Up, featuring Kate Bush.

But he admits he was never satisfied with Courage, which appeared in its unfinished form on So's 25th anniversary edition. Recently the ex-Genesis frontman and guitarist David Rhodes added overdubs, and producer Tchad Blake completed the "radio edit", which is now available as a digital single.

"When So drew to a close I didn't feel the song was delivering the way I'd hoped, so I decided not to include it," Gabriel explains. "When we were reviewing all the material from that time we wanted to take a fresh look at it and get it finished. I always liked the track and very much enjoyed the playing on it – especially the energy of the drums." Listen to it here.




Limp Bizkit Giving Away Their New Ministry Cover
(TeamRock Radio) Limp Bizkit have released their cover of the Ministry track "Thieves" and they have not only released the track but are offering it as a free download on their website.

The cover track is set to appear on the band's upcoming album Stampede Of The Disco Elephants, which the band fanfared via lead track Ready To Go, launched in August.

Guitarist Wes Borland recently said of the record: "It's a little bit more playful, taking chances, a little less structured. I don't want to say it's younger – but maybe a little more carefree, musically. We don't over-think what we're doing." more on this story





The Who Streaming Alternative Version of 'Amazing Journey'
(hennemusic) The Who are premiering an alternate version of "Amazing Journey" from the forthcoming reissue of their 1969 masterpiece, "Tommy" and the track is streaming online.

Due November 11, the reissue campaign includes a Deluxe Edition and a limited-edition Super Deluxe Box Set. Originally released in May of 1969, "Tommy" launched The Who as a serious 'albums band' after years of chart-topping hit singles.

These new Deluxe and Super Deluxe versions of the album come with a wealth of previously unheard material in the form of 20 demos from Townshend's archive and also a full live performance of "Tommy" from 1969 taken from tapes that infamously Townshend asked the band's sound engineer to burn.

The Super Deluxe box also features a 5.1 mix featuring the complete album remixed in Surround Sound on new Hi Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray format. As well as the music, the limited edition Super Deluxe box set comes with a hardback 80-page, full-colour book featuring rare period photos, memorabilia, a 20,000-word essay by legendary Who aficionado Richard Barnes, and a rare facsimile Tommy poster housed in a hard-back deluxe slip-case. Listen to the song here.




Motorhead Releasing Board Game
(hennemusic) Motorhead have teamed up with Rock Science for new board game about the legendary band. The Rock Science Motorhead Game includes 1,600 questions on the band's history – from Lemmy's first steps into rock 'n' roll to Motorhead today.

Billed as "the loudest trivia game in the world," the game features three levels of difficulty and tense betting means that the novice can give the hardcore fan a fair fight.

"I've had a fun life for sure," says frontman Lemmy Kilmister. "Playing this will help me remember it!" and guitarist Phil Campbell adds "About f***ing time". more on this story





The Beatles Really Made Pet Sounds
(Gibson) The reason The Beatles endure is because their music appeals to pretty much everybody. We've all known this instinctively, of course, but Beatle fandom needn't be confined to humans: Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that the band went out of their way to include a special nod to their four-legged friends too.

In an interview with BBC's Zane Rowe, Sir Paul revealed that the band added a sound to "A Day In The Life" which only dogs would be able to hear: a dog whistle, in fact. It's a 15-kilohertz tone which sits above the range of human hearing but which is perfectly audible for our canine friends.

McCartney made the revelation when discussing the merits of vinyl. "I think vinyl is the best," he said. "It just sounds good. I asked my engineers why it sounds good and they explained that there are frequencies above and below that you can't hear. We got into a rap with George Martin a long time ago. We'd talk for hours about these frequencies below the sub that you couldn't really hear and the high frequencies that only dogs could hear. We put a sound on Sgt. Pepper that only dogs could hear. If you ever play Sgt. Pepper watch your dog."

So there you have it. Pop on "A Day In The Life" (on vinyl of course) and see if your dog sings along. more on this story






Super-Humbucker Designer Bill Lawrence Passes Away
(Gibson) Pickup and guitar designer Bill Lawrence has passed away, his family has announced. Born Willi Lorenz Stich in Germany in 1931, Lawrence built his first magnetic pickup in 1946, and his work with several companies as well as under his own name helped to shape the sound of modern guitar. Lawrence worked with Gibson during two eras: from 1968 to 1972 (when he designed models such as the S-1, L6-S (the modern reissue of which is the L6S) and Marauder as well as contributing to the design of there Gibson 'Super-Humbucker'), and again from 1987 to 1989.

A statement from Lawrence's wife Becky reads: "With great sadness in our hearts, the man we know as Bill Lawrence in the music industry passed away on November 2, 2013 at approximately 9:20AM.

"Bill was a strong and courageous man. Even in his last few days, Bill fought to live. He'd talk about Music, Pickups & Guitars — and Life, and we, at his company, were still working because this is what Bill Lawrence wanted to know — that his company & legacy is carrying on as usual.

"We will miss the Bill Lawrence Mighty Force. Bill brought so much, and he wanted to stay here on earth to keep giving. One thing, yesterday as preparing the necessary paperwork, required is Designation of Race. In Honor of Bill Lawrence and his wishes, we included Human." more on this story






Lou Reed's Estate Divided Between His Wife and Sister
(Gibson) Late Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed's will was filed with a New York City court on Monday (November 5). According to a report by Billboard the estate will befall Reed's wife - musician Laurie Anderson, as well as Reed's sister.

Anderson inherit Reed's NYC penthouse, and their home in East Hampton, NY, as well as most of his estate. Reed's sister inherit about a quarter of the estate, along with an additional $500,000 which is supposed to be used to take care of their elderly mother. Licensing and copyrights of Lou Reed's music will be handled by his manager and accountant.

Reed passed away on October 27 following complications from a liver transplant he underwent in May. We recently reported on the many tributes to Reed following his death by some of the world's most famous musicians. more on this story






Mike McCready Explains Pearl Jam's Relationship With Nirvana
(Gibson) In an interview with Esquire Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready talks about his band's relationship with Kurt Cobain and his Nirvana bandmates at the height of the band's success. McCready says that the supposed tension between Nirvana and Pearl Jam was largely blown out of proportion by the media.

"There probably was some of that, but toward the end of it, there wasn't," McCready says. "I think he [Cobain] and Ed had talked. I remember we were at the MTV VMAs, and I just jumped over the seats, and I said [to Cobain], 'Hey, I heard you and Ed might be doing a record some day. I'd love to play a lead on it.' And he goes, 'Oh, we'll talk about it some other time.'"

McCready also spoke about the band's early days and all the hard work Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana had to put in to get noticed: "We all came from the same scene, in my mind. We came out of a very provincial city that was not very supportive of music, and we had to do our own thing, and flyer everywhere. There was never support from the city to do music there, not as there is now. We had to do that, Nirvana had to do that, the Soundgarden guys did that, but we'd all go to each other's shows, too. We'd go to the same parties. So we all kind of came up together. When it got huge and we all went on the road, we were happy for everyone else, and I wish Kurt was happy, too." more on this story






Aerosmith To Headline Download Festival
(Classic Rock) Aerosmith have been named as the third and final headline act for next year's Download Festival, with Alter Bridge named as main support. Steven Tyler and co will close the 2014 Donington extravaganza on Sunday June 15, after headline slots from Avenged Sevenfold on Friday, June 13 and Linkin Park on Saturday, June 14.

It's Aerosmith's first UK show since they headlined Download in 2010 – a triumphant return after a difficult year in which they'd nearly fired Tyler. Guitarist Joe Perry says: "It's been too long seance we've been to England and we're sincerely f**king charged to be coming back!"

Rob Zombie has been confirmed as main support on Friday, with Fall Out Boy playing the same role the next night. Linkin Park will deliver classic album Hybrid Theory in full during their top-billing appearance. more on this story




Paul McCartney Looks Back At Beatles White Album In The Studio
(ITS) Syndicated radio show InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands concludes its two week look at The Beatles' 1968 White Album with the second part of the special going live.

In the latest edition Paul McCartney tells the story behind the song "Helter Skelter", pre-Manson family murders, and describes how a party in the studio, became a "Birthday" party of a song.

The recording process for the White Album was a departure from the dense production of the previous two Beatle albums Sgt. Pepper's... and Magical Mystery Tour. Not only did members work separately in some cases, the band collectively decided to make each recording sound uniquely different. Paul McCartney remarks to InTheStudio host Redbeard on the band's approach.

"We wanted every single track we did, because of this mono singles focusing that we come out of, to be a completely new departure. It didn't seem to be any since to us if you just put an album on and the drums sounded the same all the way through... Every single track should be different."

Listen to part 1 here and part 2 here.




James Durbin Releasing New Music
(hennemusic) American Idol rocker James Durbin has announced his return with a new single, "Parachute", due November 22. The track is the lead single from his as-yet-untitled sophomore album, which is scheduled for release on April 8, 2014.

"Parachute was the 10th song I wrote for the new album," said James, "and as soon as we finished in the studio, I knew it had to be the first single. I can't wait for everyone to hear it."

The forthcoming single marks the first new music from the rocker since his last two singles, "Love Me Bad" and "Stand Up", were released in 2011. "Love Me Bad" cracked the Top 30 at Hot AC/Top 40 radio while the anthemic NFL rock single "Stand Up" landed in the Top 20. more on this story





Singled Out: Robert Dahlqvist (ex-Hellacopters)
Today former Hellacopters guitarist Robert Dahlqvist tells us about the song "Det Tog En Lång Tid" which comes from his aptly titled new solo album "Solo". Here is the story:

"Det Tog En Lång Tid" was the first song I wrote and recorded for "SOLO". It wasn't meant to be a full album, actually. I had a few songs I wanted to record and I called Björn Olsson up and asked if it was okay to pay him a visit and record some songs.

He was up to it and I took the train to him and recorded "Det Tog En Lång Tid" and "Inte en Dag"..

It took me about a day. I didn't know Björn that much before, we've had only talked through the phone a few times and but that's pretty much it, we became really good friends and decided to record a whole album !

I'm so satisfied with " Det Tog En Lång Tid" and I still think that it's the best track on the album.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself here or preview all the songs from the album right here!





Megadeth's Dave Mustaine Featured On Wikimetal
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was the featured guest on the latest episode of Wikimetal as the podcast celebrated its 150th episode. The show sent over these details:

The great Dave Mustaine spoke about his composition process, the aggressiveness in his life and music and what's it like to be considered one of the best guitarists in the world.

Mustaine also shared the highlights of his career and his future projects. You can listen to the full episode here or skip directly to the interview here.





Sammy Hagar Premieres Beach Bar Run Commercial
(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar has released a new commercial for his Beach Bar Rum. Hagar reportedly took some time out during his recent 2013 Birthday Bash shows in Cabo to shoot the new ad.

Sammy's Beach Bar Rum was launched in Hawaii in the fall of 2011 and was introduced Stateside in early 2012. Sammy turned 66th last month during his annual Cabo Birthday Bash concert series in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The event, which ran October 7-13 at the Cabo Wabo Cantina, was filmed for a broadcast special that recently aired on AXS TV. The Red Rocker is currently touring in support of his new album, "Sammy Hagar & Friends." more on this story





I Am I Premiere New Video
(Classic Rock) I Am I, fronted by former Dragonforce vocalist ZP Theart, have released a new music video for See You Again, the first single featuring their new lineup.

Theart, guitarist Jacob Ziemba and bassist Neil Salmon have been joined by guitarist Andy Midgley and drummer Rich Smith, both formerly of Power Qwest.

The singer says of the new track: "See You Again is our take on something that's been missing from the scene for some considerable time now: a proper rock ballad.

"Since the dawn of mankind we have longed for a lost loved one once they left this consciousness, knowing after life we will all meet up again in some way. The intent of this song is to take the edge off the waiting game.
"You may be gone, but while I'm here I'll remember you, and when it's time, I will see you again." Watch the video here.





Pedaljets Release 'Terra Nova' Video
(Classic Rock) Classic Rock have premiered Pedaljets new music video for the song "Terra Nova," which is the opening track from the group's first new album in 23 years.

It appears on their third record, What's In Between, the result of the 1980s garage rock outfit's reunion in 2006 (with Paul Malinowski, who also recorded and engineered the album, in place of unavailable original guitarist Phil Wade).

The Kansas band have been described in the past as "the missing link between the Replacements and Nirvana". In the 1980s they toured alongside the Mats, Husker Du, the Flaming Lips and others, releasing debut LP Today Today in 1988 and a self-titled follow-up in 1989.

They split in 1990 then regrouped seven years ago, and released a refreshed version of their second album in 2006. Check out the new video here.




KISS Release Video of Roadies Jamming AC/DC Classic
(hennemusic) KISS have released video of their drum and guitar techs playing the AC/DC classic, "TNT", at soundcheck before the band's first show at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo on October 23.

Fran, Jason, Michael and Paul performed the track before the first of two back-to-back shows in Tokyo as part of the KISS Monster Japan tour last month.

Following the trek, KISS played KISS Kruise II, which ran October 28 - November 1, 2013 on board The Norwegian Pearl sailing from Miami, Florida to Key West, Florida and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Watch the video here.




Hex Release 'Voodoo Girl' Video
(Classic Rock) Swedish rockers Hex, who are signed to the splendidly named logic(il)logic Records label, released their self-titled debut album this past spring and have released a video for the song Voodoo Girl.

The band was formed in October 2011 by Jonas Hygren on vocals, Jerker Johansson on bass, Micke Backelin (ex-Lord Belial) on drums and Jörgen Svärd on lead guitar. In March 2012 the line-up was fine-tuned with Jerker switching to rhythm guitar and handing over bass duties to new recruit Timo Hagström.

Hex describe their music style as "some kind of mix of metal, hard rock with a little touch of industrial elements in the forms of samples and keyboards". The Scandi combo are also thanking child actress Lisa Chenevier for her "outstanding portrayal of the Voodoo Girl" in the video – and we think you'll agree she is indeed spookily good. Watch the video here.




Sky Architect Release New Album and 'Tides' Video
(Prog) Sky Architect released their third album, A Billion Years Of Solitude, in the UK this week and have also released a new music video for the album's lead track "Tides."

The Dutch outfit's follow-up to 2011′s A Dying Man's Hymn is inspired by vintage science fiction and explores themes of space travel, wormholes, supernovae and more.

They describe the work as "heavier, more daring and inventive" and add that they've "challenged themselves more than ever before". The result, they say, is "a stunning outburst of creativity featuring surprising changes, crazy rhythmic devices, polyphonic arrangements and complex song structures".

The young five-piece, all qualified architects, are inspired by bands including the Flower Kings, Pain Of Salvation, Opeth, Pink Floyd, Genesis and King Crimson. And they suggest fans of Gentle Giant and Rage Against The Machine might find it rewarding to give them a spin.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Motley Crue Pick Jackass Director For The Dirt Movie
(hennemusic) Motley Crue have hired "Jackass" movie series and "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa' director Jeff Tremaine to direct the film adaptation of their 2001 biography, "The Dirt: Confessions Of The World's Most Notorious Rock Band."
"I've been careful to make this a natural progression," Tremain tells Deadline. "I've been offered a lot of scripts but Dirt is something I pursued with everything I had. I've wanted to make this going back to 2001, when we were just planning the first Jackass movie and I found out that David Gale at MTV Films had just optioned the book.

"First of all, I had no idea how to make Jackass into a movie, but I said to him, let me direct that movie, too. He said, yeah, of course! He was being sarcastic, because he had the same level of confidence in me as a director as I did at that time.

"Luckily for me, the movie never got made, and when this project became available, I put everything I had into chasing it and convincing everyone that I am the right guy for it. I really feel I am." more on this story




Foo Fighters End Hiatus With Announcement Of Live Return
(hennemusic) Foo Fighters have released a new video to announce their return from a self-imposed hiatus with a December 13 concert in Mexico City. The band will play the 55,000 capacity Foro Sol Stadium with openers The National.

Last October, Dave Grohl announced that the Foos were going on hiatus following an extensive world tour in support of 2011's "Wasting Light" album.

"I'm not sure when the Foo Fighters are going to play again," he wrote on Facebook, leading many to think the band was finished while Grohl worked on his Sound City film project.

But guitarist Chris Shiflett told Rolling Stone in August that the band had begun work on a new album. more on this story





Janis Joplin Walk of Fame Induction To Be Streamed Online
(Musicians Institute) Janis Joplin will be posthumously awarded with the 2,510th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording today, November 4, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. PDT.

The ceremony, taking place directly in front of the entrance to Musicians Institute, will be open to the public and live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Special guests on hand to celebrate this occasion will include several people who were close to Joplin during her life and career: Joplin's siblings, Michael and Laura Joplin; friend and fellow singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who will perform a special acoustic version of Joplin's #1 hit "Me and Bobby McGee"; and producer/label executive Clive Davis.

Also in attendance will be Musicians Institute's Vocal Program Chair, Debra Byrd--best known for her work on The Voice and American Idol. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Leron Gubler will emcee the event. Stream will take place here.




Love/Hate Guitarist Threatens To Sue Singer
(Classic Rock) Founding Love/Hate guitarist Jon E Love has threatened to sue singer Jizzy Pearl over a new album that planned for release under the band name but with only one original member.

The axeman is furious that the new album "Crucified," set for launch in January, has been recorded without involvement from any original member other than Pearl.

Love says via Facebook: "This is not a Love/Hate record. Jizzy has taken it upon himself to release his solo sh*t and call it Love/Hate. None of the original members are on it. How do I know this? Because the idiot insulted me when asking me to perform on it.

"Any true Love/Hate fan will immediately know it's not the real band. Stay tuned – more to follow as I proceed to sue him." more on this story





Bobby Parker 'Only Musician The Beatles Admitted To Stealing From' Dies
(Classic Rock) Blues rock guitarist Bobby Parker, best known for his 1961 track Watch Your Step and credited as "the only musician the Beatles admitted to stealing from" has died at the age of 76, it's been reported.

Bassist Anthony B Rucker, who often collaborated often with the pioneering artist, confirmed the news, saying: "It is with a heavy heart I thank you, Bobby, for all that you have done for me. I'm so glad I had one last chance to play with you a couple of weeks ago. See ya on the other side."

Born in Louisiana and raised in Los Angeles, Robert Lee Parker's first professional gig was with Otis Williams and the Charms in the 1950s, followed by stints with Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry and Little Richard.

Watch Your Step inspired the Beatles' song I Feel Fine, with John Lennon once saying they'd used the riff "in various forms" throughout their career. Led Zeppelin made use of it in Moby Dick. The track was also covered by the Spencer Davis Group, Dr Feelgood and Carlos Santana, who once said: "Bobby inspired me to play guitar – he's one of the few remaining guitarists who can pierce your heart and soothe your soul." A lot more.




Fu Manchu Return With First New Song In Three Years
(Classic Rock) California hard rock legends Fu Manchu have premiered their first new song in three years, titled Robotic Invasion, off the band's upcoming split 7-inch with LA doomsters MOAB.

Limited to 1,000 copies, the new release will be available through the band's website, Fu-Manchu.com, and at upcoming live shows. In addition, the song is also available as a free download for a limited.

Fu Manchu are currently planning the release of their new full-length album out spring 2014. Watch the lyric video for Robotic Invasion and grab the free download link here.




Lou Reed Died Looking At Trees While Doing Tai Chi
(Classic Rock) Lou Reed's widow Laurie Anderson has told how he died while looking at the trees in his garden as he performed tai chi. The 71-year-old passed away after doctors treating him for liver failure told him that nothing more could be done to save him. He decided to spend his final days outside hospital.

In a touching obituary in the East Hampton Star, she writes: "To our neighbours: What a beautiful fall! Everything shimmering and golden and all that incredible soft light. Water surrounding us. Lou and I have spent a lot of time here in the past few years, and even though we're city people this is our spiritual home.

"Last week I promised Lou to get him out of the hospital and come home to Springs. And we made it!," she continues. "Lou was a tai chi master and spent his last days here being happy and dazzled by the beauty and power and softness of nature. He died on Sunday morning looking at the trees and doing the famous 21 form of tai chi with just his musician hands moving through the air." She had more to say.





KISS Perform Love Gun Classic Live For The Very First Time
(hennemusic) KISS have released videos of performances of some rare tracks during KISS Kruise III including the band's live performance of a Love Gun classic for the very first time.

During the band's first indoor concert on Tuesday, KISS played "Almost Human", from 1977's "Love Gun" album for the first time ever, as well as several rarely-performed songs, including "The Oath" (from 1981's "Music From The Elder") and "Mainline" from 1974's "Hotter Than Hell" – a track originally sung by former drummer Peter Criss.

KISS Kruise III ran October 28 - November 1, 2013 on board The Norwegian Pearl sailing from Miami, Florida to Key West, Florida and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Check out the video here.




Rick Wakeman Expands Journey To The Centre Of The Earth Tour Plans
(Classic Rock) Rick Wakeman has doubled the length of his Journey To The Centre Of The Earth tour in 2014. He'll hit the road in April to mark the 40th anniversary of the original album's release – which happens to tie in with the 150th anniversary of the Jules Verne novel that inspired it.

Wakeman says: "This is the start of a new Journey. The original score for the album had been lost for so many years, making any new performances impossible. But after it turned up without warning, we managed to restore it and add previously missing music.

"It's taken another half-decade to develop it into this tour, but I can't wait to take Verne's magnificent story on tour again." Each concert will be split into two parts. The first will see the keyboard icon appear on stage alone to talk about the making of Journey in his inimitable fashion – based on his successful Edinburgh Festival show on the same theme.

Then the New World Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir and the English Rock Ensemble will perform the full piece in a brand-new set designed by Roger Dean. more on this story




Zakk Wylde Explains Why He Unplugged
(Gibson) Gibson guitar maestro and Black Label Society mainman, Zakk Wylde performed an acoustic track on EMGtv last week. Wylde is playing more acoustic these days to support new Black Label Society album Unblackened, which is out now. Zakk's TV performance was sponsored by Epiphone.

Wylde recently explained his acoustic muse. "It' like with with Zeppelin - as much as I love "Black Dog" I want to listen to "Going to California." We had the two previous DVDs and our Black Label family it was just like, "Would you guys consider doing a show with the mellow stuff," and thinking about it we were like, "Let's just do that.

"A lot of these songs never see the light of day and I don't know why, we're happy with the way they came out on the record. That was probably the last time we played them, when they were recorded. Especially with the [Pride & Glory] stuff which was '94 and the 'Book of Shadows' in '96, it's been a while and it was definitely fun re-visiting them."

Here, Zakk plays "Lovin' Woman" from his Pride And Glory Days. Wylde is promising the next Black Label Society album will be a return to heavy electric riffs. Watch the performance here.






Avenged Sevenfold Say They Have Eerie Similarities To Metallica
(Radio.com) Avenged Sevenfold don't crave Miley or Gaga's popularity. When singer M. Shadows and bassist Johnny Christ sat down with Radio.com, they confessed they have no desire to be a household name. "It's metal. It's rock 'n' roll. It's dangerous," Shadows said between swigs of a stiff drink. "Everyone's not going to like it. That's what's cool about it."

Although they're not striving for world domination, Shadows does admit it's time metal had a voice in pop culture. After all, their new album, Hail to the King, did debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and rose to the top of the U.K. Albums charts faster than Miley or Gaga shed clothing. "It's exciting for us to take over for a little bit," Shadows said of the No. 1s.

The Huntington Beach, Calif. band knows that the key to longevity means balancing the past with the present. "We've had such a great fan base from day one, and we have such a solid thing going on that you don't want to mess that up," Shadows said. "But at the same time, we're human beings that want to create a progressive record and write what we feel in our hearts."

Despite critics having accused the band of stealing riffs from Metallica for their latest album, A7X sees it another way. They prefer to draw comparisons between their similar circumstances. "We have so many eerie similarities to Metallica, it's like ridiculous," Shadows said. "We lost a member during one of our most important times," referring to the 2009 death of drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan. "We have an album that's being compared to the Black Album. For us, we kneel to the throne; we're big fans of Metallica. But at the same time we're doing our own thing, trying to make our own legacy."

But that's just the stuff on the outer edge. The band's keeping their eye on what really matters to them. See what that is.




Climax Blues Band's Pete Haycock Dead at 62
(Classic Rock) Pete Haycock, founding guitarist of the Climax Blues Band, has died from a suspected heart attack. He was 62. Haycock formed the Climax Blues Band in 1967 along with vocalist Colin Cooper. They'd previously worked together in The Gospel Truth. Cooper died in 2008.

The Climax Chicago Blues Band's original line-up was Stafford-born Haycock (lead guitar), Derek Holt (piano/guitar), Cooper (vocals/harmonica), Richard Jones (bass) and George Newsome (drums).

They went on to score a Top 10 hit in 1976 with Couldn't Get it Right. The band split in 1988, although a new incarnation continues operating today, with no founding members on board. more on this story




Sebastian Bach Almost Finished With New Album
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach is in the studio working on a new album and the rocker has posted an update on the project, reporting that he is almost done make the new album.

"I am just resting my body and soul after singing all day every day for this past week for the new record," wrote Bach. "Once again producer Bob Marlette has outdone himself and this is the perfect follow-up to kicking and screaming I am extremely excited for you all to hear it!

"I have been putting in long hours every single day making sure that it is kicking your ass in every way possible and it is sounding great! Bach to work on Monday the album is almost done!" more on this story




Avenged Sevenfold and Rob Zombie Confirmed for Download Fest
(Classic Rock) Avenged Sevenfold have been confirmed as the first of three headline acts for next year's Download festival. And Rob Zombie has also been confirmed for the main stage first-night bill.

The Donington Park extravaganza takes place on June 13-15, 2014, with the usual litany of hundreds of big-name rock and metal acts, rising stars and other attractions besides.

A7X, who recently released sixth album Hail To The King, will round off proceedings on Friday, June 13 – and it's their first-ever UK festival headline appearance. more on this story





Public Service Broadcasting Release 'Night Mail' Video
(Prog) Public Service Broadcasting will release their track "Night Mail" as a single today (November 4) in the UK. It's taken from the duo's acclaimed debut album Inform – Educate – Entertain, which was launched in May. It sees them reworking the fondly remembered General Post Office promotional film from 1936, which featured WH Auden's poem of the same name.

J Willgoose Esq and colleague Wrigglesworth are best-known for being inspired by British public information clips of the mid-20th century – but they've gone a little further afield for creative input for their latest tracks, Elfstedentocht Parts 1 and 2, also available below.

They explain: "In April we were approached by the organisers of the Explore The North festival in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. They asked if we would use some footage of the Elfstedentocht – Eleven Cities Tour – the world's biggest ice skating race – and write some songs around it. So we did." Watch the video for the new single here.




Ian Siegal Not Complaining About Music Business Woes
(The Blues Ian Siegal admits it's a challenging time for professional musicians but he believes he has nothing to complain about. The award-winning bluesman is nearing the end of a UK solo tour, after which he'll hit the road again with his band the Mississippi Mudbloods, followed by a round of dates with his European cronies in the Siegal Electric Band. He also has an American collective to work with when he's on the far side of the Atlantic.

Siegal tells WSCountyTimes: "It has been difficult for a very long time. For a jobbing musician the problem is that your fees have not gone up – gigs are still paying what they were paying 10 or 20 years ago.

"It's even worse in the States: top-class professionals are having to get a day job," he continues. "But I'm not complaining. I've never had to have a job. Going out solo is a blessing for me; it's good to have that option." more on this story



James Montgomery Almost Took The Wrong Trip
(The Blues Blues harpist James Montgomery talks in a new interview about a moment in his early career when he nearly abandoned the blues as a result of taking LSD.

He was at school in the 1960s when he was inspired to start playing harmonica and joined the Milk River Jug Band – but they were older than him and the outfit split when his colleagues left for college.

"I started the Montgomery-Miller Band. We played Chicago and Detroit style blues and we were pretty successful," Montgomery tells MetroWest. "Then in my junior year of high school I took some LSD. The next morning I changed the name of the band to The Great Cosmic Expanding!" Fortunately the experimental direction proved to be just that.





Iron Maiden Release Sixth Vintage Of Their Eddie's Evil Brew Wine
(hennemusic) Iron Maiden have released the sixth vintage of their Eddie's Evil Brew wine to fans across Europe. Exclusive the band's website shop, the product is described as "a lovely Merlot made from grapes picked by the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son! Eat, drink and BE EVIL!"

The band also states the following for fans outside of Europe that may want to order the wine: "Due to customs regulations in some countries we are only able to send this product successfully to European Union countries.

"Therefore if you live outside the European Union and still place an order, we will ship the wine but your order might be held at customs and will possibly incur a duty payment or even be confiscated. Please be aware that this is your responsibility." more on this story




Singled Out: Vertical Horizon's 'Broken Over You'
Today Matt Scannell from Vertical Horizon tells us about the song "'Broken Over You' " from their brand new album "Echoes From The Underground", which features a guest appearance from Rush's Neil Peart on two tracks. Here is the story:

"'Broken Over You' is a song about losing that initial magical connection with someone you love. When you can't read their mind anymore the doubts start creeping in. Originally I wrote it as a ballad, with a slow tempo and a more laid-back, introspective feel. But when I looked at the collection of songs on the record as a whole I realized I needed some more uptempo material – so just as an experiment I started messing around with turning 'Broken' into a rock song. Oddly enough, it instantly seemed to work better.

Now when I listen to it I'm so glad I pushed and shoved it around for a while until it was 'just right.' The song came together for me in the bridge with the lyric 'Broken over you/How do I get from broken to over you' – every once in a while the simplest idea in the world becomes the deepest and most powerful. Writing those lyrics was a 'Eureka!' moment for me.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself with a free download and learn more about the album right here!




Rob Zombie Performs Two Songs On Jimmy Kimmel
(hennemusic) Rob Zombie performed two songs from his latest album, "Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor", during the Halloween episode of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Zombie played his new single, a cover of the Grand Funk Railroad classic, "We're An American Band", before launching into the project's lead single, "Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown."

This weekend Zombie kicked off his coheadlining tour with Korn. The Night Of The Living Dreads Tour launched on Sunday in Reno, Nevada. Check out video of the Kimmel performances here.




Neil Young Release Live At The Cellar Door Video Trailer
(hennemusic) Neil Young has posted a video trailer for "Live At The Cellar Door", the latest in his Archives Performance Series, which will be released on December 10.

The album collects recordings made during Young's intimate six-show solo stand at The Cellar Door in Washington D.C. between November 30th and December 2nd, 1970, a few months after the release of his classic third solo album, "After The Gold Rush."

The album, which features Young performing on acoustic guitar and piano, includes a mix of solo and Buffalo Springfield tracks. It also includes early, raw performances of songs that wouldn't appear until subsequent Young albums, including the rarity "Bad Fog Of Loneliness" (which appears on Live At Massey Hall '71 – released in 2007- but was previously unreleased until the studio band version was included on Archives Vol. 1 1963-1972), "Old Man" (released two years later on 1972's Harvest album), and "Down By The River" from "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere." Check out the video here.




White Moth Black Butterfly Release Omen Video
(Prog) Prog premiered the latest video from White Moth Black Butterfly. The video is for the song "Omen," the latest single from the band formed by ex-Tesseract frontman Dan Tompkins and his Skyharbour collaborator Keshav Dhar, and it's taken from their debut album One Thousand Wings, to be released on November 11.

The duo cite Massive Attack, Enigma and Sigur Ros as influences and describe their album as "cinematic, electronic and dramatic, taking the aural sense to new dimensions".

WMBB play London Upstairs @ The Garage on November 7, Guildford The Star 8, and Mansfield The Intake 9. Support comes from Shadowboxer, and more dates will be announced. Watch the video here.




The People The Poet Release 'Stabilisers (I Will Be)' Video
(Classic Rock) The People The Poet, the band formerly known as Tiger Please, have completed work on their debut album, The Narrator, and have released a video for the song "Stabilisers (I Will Be)".

Cardiff-based Tiger Please – whose sound was a mix of U2, Sigur Rós, Kings Of Leon, John Mayer and Counting Crows – were responsible for two critically acclaimed releases, namely 2009 full-length They Don't Change Under Moonlight and 2010's Seasons EP. They toured throughout the UK (including Download and Sonisphere festivals) and garnered Radio One airplay.

There's an intriguing story behind the name-change from Tiger Please to The People The Poet – as vocalist Leon Stanford explains: "It's sad to part with a name which we've seen so much success with, but we hope you will understand why we felt it was the right time for the change. This is more than just a simple change of a name – it is a tribute to the people who have trusted us with their stories, our fans."

The Narrator is written entirely around personal life stories sent in to the band by their fans. These stories cover a wide spectrum of experiences and emotions, through the joy of fatherhood – Stabilisers (I Will Be) – to the pain of losing a parent – Nobody Else Like You, featuring a guest vocal from Francis Dunnery – via the emotive two-part tribute to two fans' experiences of the fight against cancer – Pink Ribbon and Lives Of Your Lovers. Read more and watch the video here.




Giuda Release 'Wild Tiger Woman' Video
(Classic Rock) Giuda (pronounced JEW-DA) are an Italian five-piece band from Rome, born from the ashes of European punk rockers Taxi, and they have released a brand new video for the song "Wild Tiger Woman".

Giuda released their debut album Racy Roller last year and now they're back with their mix of anthemic 70s glam hooks and the punchy delivery of early UK punk with their second album, Let's Do It Again, due out on December 9.

The band's influences include early 70s glitter giants such as Slade, The Sweet and T.Rex; semi-obscure junkshop glam acts such as Hector and Jook; Vanda and Young's pre-AC/DC Aussie rock; and Slaughter & The Dogs' and Eddie & The Hot Rods' pub rock/punk.

This Week's Top Rock News Stories!

This Week's Top Stories


Lou Reed Dead at 71
(Classic Rock) Lou Reed has died at the age of 71, it's been confirmed. The Velvet Underground icon, who'd been active over six decades, is thought to have passed away after suffering complications from a liver transplant which took place in April.

No official statement has been made public, although his UK spokesman confirmed the news to Classic Rock. In June Reed revealed he'd had his liver replaced in an emergency operation two months earlier and said: "I am a triumph of modern medicine, physics and chemistry.

"I am bigger and stronger than stronger than ever. I look forward to being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future." - more on this story



Fleetwood Mac's John McVie Diagnosed With Cancer
(hennemusic) Fleetwood Mac have cancelled their upcoming 14 date tour of Australia and New Zealand following news that bassist John McVie has been diagnosed with cancer.

One of the co-founding and original members of Fleetwood Mac along with Mick Fleetwood, McVie is now scheduled to be in treatment for cancer during that period of time.

"We are sorry to not be able to play these Australian and New Zealand dates," posted the group. "We hope our Australian and New Zealand fans as well as Fleetwood Mac fans everywhere will join us in wishing John and his family all the best." - more on this story




Motley Crue's Vince Neil Addresses Celebrity Apprentice Rumor
(hennemusic) Motley Crue singer Vince Neil is denying rumors that he that has been cast to appear on the next season of NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, but did confirm that he has spoken to the show about it.

"Been off for awhile," tweeted Neil. "New phone password didn't work! The rumor about apprentice was started by a loser wannabe reporter Norm Clark who I haven't seen or talked to in over 2 years! I've talked to the show but that's it! But if I got the offer I'd do it!! Sounds fun!!"

Last week, Norm Clarke at the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Neil has been telling friends he's heading for Donald Trump's boardroom on the show's upcoming season. - more on this story





Black Flag Releasing Their First New Album in 28 Years
(Radio.com) After nearly three decades, Black Flag have announced they're releasing a new album called What The…. But this isn't the same Black Flag from nearly three decades ago.

This new album–due out November 5–will feature the band's co-founding guitarist Greg Gin, singer Ron Reyes and drummer Gregory Moore. The 22-track album will be the Los Angeles hardcore punk band's first since the 1985 full-length, In My Head.

This new inception of Black Flag, which was founded in January 2013, should not to be confused with FLAG, which features ex-members Keith Morris and Chuck Dukowski. Ginn has filed a trademark suit against members of FLAG accusing the band of infringing on Black Flag's name and logo.

After Black Flag released the live album Who's Got the 10½? in 1986, Ginn broke up the band. Although Ginn recorded two albums with the more experimental band Gone, his focus was on running Long Beach, CA's SST Records, which distributed other acts such as Bad Brains, The Minutemen, and the Descendents. - more on this story




Pearl Jam Take On Van Halen Classics
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam performed a pair of Van Halen classics during their concert at Hartford, Connecticut's XL Center on Friday, and video from the show has surfaced.

On the road in support of their new No. 1 album, "Lightning Bolt", the Seattle band's return to Hartford brought a déjà vu vibe to frontman Eddie Vedder.

"The last time we played here, in 2010, we played a song and we said it was the only time we would ever play this song," Vedder told the crowd. "And it was the only time we ever played this song. But as soon as we walked into the back room tonight…I was like, 'This is where we played that song! And, for some reason, I just really need to play that song again!' But before we play that song, he's (points to lead guitarist Mike McCready) going to play this song."

McCready launched into Eddie Van Halen's classic solo, "Eruption", before Pearl Jam went into "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", both tracks featured on Van Halen's 1978 self-titled debut album. - Check out the video here.




Slayer Going Old School On New Tour
Slayer announced that they are going old school on their new North American tour and proved it at the kick off date in Las Vegas on Friday night.

Slayer had been planning to perform an "Old School" show in Los Angeles but the band decided to adopt the set for the full tour. Kerry King explains, "We're having such a great time rehearsing this 'Old School' set, we've decided to play it on every one of our upcoming tour dates."

"The final set list is still coming together," added Araya, "but we're going to give the fans what amounts to 'decades of aggression.' It's going to be a great night of music and moshing for everyone."

You can see the set list for the kick off show to see some of the old school songs that they did end up including - here.





Kings of Leon Announce North American Tour Dates
(Radio.com) Kings of Leon have announced the first string of dates for their upcoming world tour by releasing the details of their The Mechanical Bull North American Tour.

The band kicks thing off in Atlanta, GA on February 5 before making stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston and New York City with blues guitarist Gary Clark, Jr as the opening act.

In a statement, the band says these first 16 dates they've announced are only the first leg of the tour with more dates to be announced soon. Tickets for the already announced dates go on sale November 1.

Check out the dates and video of their appearance on Kimmel from last week - here.




Def Leppard Planning Return To The Recording Studio
(Gibson) Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has spoken to Atlantic City's WZXL radio station about the band's new Viva! Hysteria live DVD. The show was recorded during the band's Las Vegas residency of March 2013, and is out now.

Campbell says: "We had dinner last night – Rick Allen [drums], Phil Collen [guitars] and myself – and we agreed we're kind of embarrassed about how long it's been since Def Leppard had new music out. We have been writing, but we've now set a date. We're going to get together in January [2014] and crank out something. So next time we go on tour, we'll have at least one new song to play."

Phil Collen tells Rolling Stone the plan is agreed. "We've got a sh*tload of new songs," Collen explains. "it's just implement them and then, 'What direction are we going take? Who are we going get to produce it? Are we going do it ourselves? Are we gonna do multiple stuff?'

"An album would obviously take too long, so we're going to do about four or five songs, get those out and then next year have an album come out, so it'll be an EP and an album." - more on this story





Paul McCartney Still Has 'A Conversation' with John Lennon
(Gibson) Speaking in the new edition of Rolling Stone magazine (out 25 October), Paul McCartney says he still has "a conversation" with John Lennon if he is struggling to get a song right.

"If I'm at a point where I go, 'I'm not sure about this,' I'll throw it across the room to John," McCartney tells Rolling Stone. "He'll say, 'You can't go there, man.' And I'll say, 'You're quite right. How about this?' 'Yeah, that's better.' We'll have a conversation. I don't want to lose that."

McCartney's New album is aided by a host of younger production talent - Adele collaborator Paul Epworth, Amy Winehouse producer Mark Ronson, Giles Martin (son of Beatles producer George) and frequent Kings of Leon partner Ethan Johns.

In the interview, McCartney also says that his sometimes-bitter relationship with Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, is now good. Describing Ono as a "badass," McCartney says he's moved on from any bad blood. "I thought, 'If John loved her, there's got to be something. He's not stupid.'"

"It's like, what are you going to do? Are you going to hold a grudge you never really had?" His also takes wisdom from the words of another late Beatle, George Harrison. "George would say to me, 'You don't want stuff like that hanging around in your life.'"

McCartney debuted his new video October 24. The piano-led "Queenie Eye" features a host of A-list acting celebs, including Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Jude Law, Sean Penn, Alice Eve, plus designer Tom Ford and U.K. supermodels Kate Moss and Lily Cole. The video was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. - Watch the video here.





Queen DVD Box Set Coming Soon
(hennemusic) Queen will release a limited edition 6 DVD box set on November 19 that features four concerts, including "Live At Wembley Stadium – 25th Anniversary Edition", "Queen Rock Montreal", "On Fire: Live At The Bowl", and "Live In Rio."

Exclusive to this special box set package, "Live In Rio" features the band performing at the "Rock In Rio" festival in January 1985 in front of 250,000 fans.

"Live at Wembley Stadium – 25th Anniversary Edition" was originally released as a separate DVD in the US in March of this year, and features two sell-out shows at London's famed Wembley Arena in 1986. This DVD includes the bonus film "The Magic Tour," which features interviews with Brian May and Roger Taylor filmed in 2011, where the members reflect on this 1986 tour. - more on this story





Deep Purple Releasing NOW What?! Live Tapes
(hennemusic) Deep Purple will issue the "NOW What?! Live Tapes" at the end of November as part of a European re-release of the band's latest studio album, "NOW What?!"

The "NOW What?! Live Tapes" is a collection of 12 live songs that have been recorded in Rome, Milan, Gaevle and Aalborg on the band's current tour.

Fans who have purchased "NOW What?!" will have the chance to buy the double pack, paying less than a newly released live album. Fans of vinyl will have the chance to purchase the live album as a limited heavy vinyl double LP. - more on this story





Pantera Wanted To Destroy Glam Rock Club Scene
(Classic Rock) Former Pantera and Downmain man Philip Anselmo says he set out with the intention of tearing down the popular glam rock culture in the club scene when Pantera began.

Speaking to Radio.com he recalled setting out on the road with band in their early days when the landscape of the rock world was very different. He says: "We are guys from the underground despite my success with Pantera, but my heart has always lay with the underground of heavy metal and extreme music. That's where I shout well.

"My whole mission was to destroy the whole club scene in Texas, the thought and the entire protocol of the entire club scene. We started incorporating heavier music and more and more people starting coming along and I wasn't just the new guy any more. People were buying into it and the clubs were packed and I started saying 'I don't like glam music and I don't like popular rock'n'roll.'

"Eventually when we were packing out these clubs I said I am never going to wear a pair of spandex again in my life. We are packing the clubs. What are they going to do? Turn us down? All they want is a packed house." - more on this story




Pink Floyd's David Gilmour In Concert Apple App Released
(hennemusic) Pink Floyd have announced that the David Gilmour In Concert App is now available for iPhone and iPad in the Apple App Store, following its prior release for Android devices.

In 2001 and 2002, Pink Floyd's singer and guitarist David Gilmour performed some solo dates, originally as part of Robert Wyatt's Meltdown Festival at London's Royal Festival Hall, returning to the venue in the subsequent year.

Playing in a solo context, Gilmour performs some tracks with just voice and guitar, and others with a mostly acoustic group including piano, double bass, guitar, cello, drums and a large vocal choir.

The first 13 songs (Shine On through to Hushabye Mountain) were shot in HD, with the remainder of the concert footage and the extras shot in standard definition. - more on this story





Book About AC/DC's Young Brothers Set For Release
(hennemusic) A new AC/DC book, "The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC", will be published this Friday, November 1 in Australia (a North American date is TBA).

Billed as less a biography and more a critical appreciation, the book tells the story of the Young brothers – Angus, Malcolm and George – through 11 classic songs and reveals some of the personal and creative secrets that went into their making.

Written by Jesse Fink, "The Youngs" sees important figures from AC/DC's long way to the top open up for the very first time, while unsung heroes behind the band's success are given the credit they are due. - more on this story





David Bowie Channel on SiriusXM Launching This Week
(hennemusic) Satellite radio service SiriusXM is launching a David Bowie Channel for a two-week period on satellite via channel 111, starting this Wednesday, October 30 at 12:00 pm ET and running through Tuesday, November 12.

The David Bowie Channel will be available as a 24/7 channel online and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and mobile devices beginning Wednesday, October 30 for an extended period.

The limited-run channel will feature music from the vast body of artistry from Bowie's entire career, from his earliest recordings through 2013's "The Next Day". The channel will also exclusively premiere the five unheard songs from Bowie's "The Next Day Extra", the 3 disc collector's edition; the songs will only be heard on The David Bowie Channel until November 5, the day "The Next Day Extra" is released. - more on this story





The Arctic Monkeys Release ' One for the Road' Video
(Radio.com) It's funny how even the most nationalistic of British bands at some point succumb to the temptation of Americana and all its red, white and blue trappings. The Arctic Monkeys are the latest to follow suit.

But in their latest video for "One for the Road," Alex Turner and the gang give their take on Americana an ironic twist. In it the band get dressed to the nines in designer duds while hanging out on a farm. Guitarist Jamie Cook even cruises through the dusty fields atop a big-wheeled tractor wearing none other than a three-piece suit.

The black and white clip was directed by Focus Creeps, who's worked with the Arctic Monkeys in the past, coming up with the clip for their 2011 song, "Suck It and See."

The video cranks up the rock 'n' roll quotient considerably towards the song's climax, with the band taking to its instruments amidst a gaggle of leggy models, farm equipment and plumes of fireworks. - Watch the video here.





Boston Preview New Album Online
(hennemusic) Boston have posted audio samples of their first new album in more than a decade, "Life Love & Hope", due December 3. Fans can listen to the samples on the band's official website here.

The project includes lead vocals from Brad Delp, Tommy DeCarlo, Kimberley Dahme, David Victor and Tom Scholz, and features tracks with the classic Boston sound, as well as the latest in the evolution of Scholz' musical artistry.

"I intentionally stayed close to the early Boston style on some of the songs, even using the same amps and instruments," says Scholz, "on others I let my imagination run wild." - more on this story




Alter Bridge Release Behind The Scenes Video Of Tour Kick Off
(hennemusic) Alter Bridge launched their Fortress world tour in Orlando, Florida on October 4, and the band are now sharing behind the scenes footage of the event in the second episode of their Fortress Tour 2013 web series.

The video features behind the scenes material as the band prepared for their only US show of 2013 at the House Of Blues – check out fan-shot video from the show here.

Alter Bridge's new album, "Fortress", recently debuted at No. 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart following first week sales of 30,000. Alter Bridge are currently playing dates on a headlining tour of Europe. - Check out the new footage here.




Megadeth Release Costa Rica Video Footage
(hennemusic) Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the band's October 22 concert at National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica while on the Black Sabbath Latin American Tour.

The two bands wrap up their month-long trek with a show in Mexico City this weekend. Following the Sabbath dates, Megadeth play two concerts in the southwestern US in October before taking a short break, followed by the launch of a full Super Collider US tour on November 23 in St. Paul, MN.

Ellefson will also publish his autobiography, "My Life With Deth", on October 29 and will launch the project with a series of book signings. Check out the new video footage - here.



Pearl Jam Perform Lightning Bolt on Fallon
(hennemusic) Pearl Jam performed the title track to their new No. 1 album, "Lightning Bolt", and frontman Eddie Vedder was a interview guest on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Friday.

The appearance was the final night of Pearl Jam Week, as the program marks the release of the group's new album, which sold 166,000 copies in the U.S. to top the Billboard 200 album chart this week.

"Lightning Bolt" is the Seattle group's fifth No. 1 album, following "Backspacer" (2009), "No Code" (1996), "Vitalogy" (1994) and "Vs." (1993). - Watch video of the Fallon performance here.




The Last Vegas Release 'Come With Me' Video
(Classic Rock) Chicago rockers The Last Vegas have released a music video for their brand-new track Come With Me, which will appear on the band's upcoming full-length album Sweet Salvation, available in spring 2014.

Here's the Last Vegas telling the story of their new video: "We paired back up with our good buddy Whitewall Jones, who directed our video for Other Side. We started to explain what we were going for conceptually, and Whitewall finished the sentence for us. He got it right off the bat. Sixties, go-go, acid trip with some good old-fashion rock from the groin. Let's make it 'f*cked up'. That was the plan.

"So we packed up the van, and headed far east out of the city into a small Indiana town, literally in the middle of nowhere. A good friend lent us her barn and we set up shop with one camera. Stripped down, bare bones. Took a bunch of stuff laying around and created a barn-stage. We drove around in our van looking for scenes of good ol'-fashioned Midwest farm country. Back to the earth, back to the Midwest small towns in which we all grew up where the people are strong and with faith. Where the locals are nice enough to literally lend you their car for the day (see that rippin' purple Barracuda in the video? Yup, that dude owned the local general store, just happened to have it in the parking lot, and lent it to us for the afternoon). Come With Me, dude. Don't find that kind of hospitality in the big city.

"We filmed all day in old churches, old thrift shops, flea markets, dusty roads. Then at night we made a massive bonfire, filmed more, trying to just make it as messed up as we could. Screw perfection, let's capture imperfection. And may have guzzled some country moonshine, smashed and sacrificed a drum set to the epic fire in hopes the rock spirits would smile upon our efforts for the day. We think they did…" - Watch the video here.





Solstice Release Promo Video For New Album
(Prog) UK prog rockers Solstice will release their latest album, Prophecy, through Esteric Anetnna today October 28th in the UK and the band have released a promotional video for the album, the band's fifth.

Prophecy is a five-track album revolving around a central theme inspired by the Cree Native American prophecy Warriors Of The Rainbow. In addition the album will also feature three Steven Wilson remixes of tracks from the band's debut album Silent Dance, namely Earthsong, Find Yourself and Return Of Spring.

Solstice launch Prophecy with a live show at London's Borderline on Tuesday October 29. Support comes from fellow Esoteric artist Matt Stevens. - Check out the promo video here.




Michael Anthony Rates Wolfgang Van Halen As A Bassist
(hennemusic) Former Van Halen and current Chickenfoot bassist Michael Anthony sat down with For Bass Players Only's Jon Liebman recently for an interview to discuss several topics, including Anthony's thoughts on Wolfgang Van Halen, his replacement in his former band.

"I think he's a great kid," said Anthony. "I mean, obviously, I've known him since he was born. He's a great musician. He's a great bass player. He plays drums, guitar, bass and sings."

"His dad, Ed, wanted his son to play with him, so you know, that's, you know, totally great," he continued. "I mean, I found out that he was going to be playing bass [in Van Halen] with everybody else…when they did their press conference. I wished him luck in a couple interviews I did, and hopefully he read those."

The session also included a recap of how Anthony joined Van Halen, an update on the status of Chickenfoot and more. Watch it - here.




Mick Mars Denies Being Reason For Motley Crue Retirement
(Classic Rock) Mick Mars has shouted down Tommy Lee's suggestion that his illness is connected with Motley Crue's looming retirement. It's the second time the guitarist has denied suggestions from within his own camp that his lifelong struggle with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is forcing him off the road.

Frontman Vince Neil recently said one of the reasons Crue were aiming to bow out after one more album, a world tour and a movie was that Mars was too ill to deal with the trauma of constant travel.

The guitarist said that wasn't true – but now drummer Tommy Lee has repeated the suggestion, telling Dedmau5: "Mick has a spinal disease that's slowly fusing his vertebrae together. It's treatable but not curable. It's progressively getting worse and it's painful for him, so he doesn't want to tour much longer."

Mars responds via Twitter: "Once again, any rumours regarding a farewell tour due to me 'poor health' is BS. I am doing fine. My AS has never kept me from touring." - Read Lee's response.




Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell Won't Watch Band's New DVD
(Classic Rock) Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell won't watch the band's new live DVD Viva! Hysteria because he doesn't want to see how ill he looked during his cancer battle.

The band recorded two nights of this year's Las Vegas residency – during which they performed their classic album Hysteria in full – and released the results on October 21 following a series of cinema screenings.

But Campbell, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma just before the Vegas shows, would rather not see the movie. He tells Rolling Stone: "I don't like watching myself. I took that in consideration when I stood in front of the bedroom mirror pretending to be Marc Bolan.

"I was really, really sick when we filmed this. When I look at pictures I look very pale because I was anaemic and everything. So I'm not in a hurry to see myself on the big screen." - A lot more.




Slayer Not Ready To Quit
(TeamRock Radio) Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph has shouted down the suggestion that Slayer are reaching the end of their career. The band have endured a difficult year after firing original sticksman Dave Lombardo in February, then losing founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman when he died in May after ill-health had kept him off the road since 2011.

Frontman Tom Araya recently speculated that the thrash giants might not continue after their current tour, saying: "Kerry King and I are going to sit down and talk as far as how we want to move forward – if we want to move forward."

But Bostaph – who first replaced Lombardo between 1992 and 2001, and later played with Slayer's stand-in guitarist Gary Holt in Exodus – tells Metal Kaoz: "Every single one of us has put over 40 years into music and gone through a lot of crap to get to this point. You just don't look at your career and just pack it in." - more on this story





All Shall Perish Were Forced To Fire Frontman
(TeamRock Radio) All Shall Perish bassist Mike Tiner says the band was forced to fire vocalist Eddie Hermida after he joined Suicide Silence. Hermida was this month named as the replacement for late SS frontman Mitch Lucker, who died in a motorbike accident in 2012.

He'd originally planned to work with both outfits – but Tiner says the pressure applied by him and his new band's management made it impossible. Hermida has said he was "asked to step away" by All Shall Perish – but his former bandmate argues the situation isn't as simple as that.

"When Eddie first brought it up he made it seem as if he was only recording with them, but it became very clear he wanted to join Suicide Silence," Tiner tells Metal Injection. "Everyone in the room had the same reaction: 'How are you going to have time to do both?' Eddie reassured us that both bands would be able to coexist."

ASP decided to offer Hermida "the benefit of the doubt" and things seemed to work out at first. But then they were offered a handful of support shows with Death Angel, and although Hermida wanted to do them, he later told his bandmates that SS had blocked the plans. - Find out what happened next.




Neil Young's Entire Bridge School Benefit Concert Streaming Online
(Radio.com) Neil Young and co. put together a solid lineup of classic rock icons, chart-toppers and a jazz singer for this year's Bridge School Benefit concert, which took place this weekend in Mountainview, Calif. As usual, the artists on the bill all seemed enthused to be sharing the stage with Young, and judging by his on-stage visits, the feeling was mutual.

The main event was Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's headlining performance; the group hasn't toured together since 2006, but there's no word as to whether this is a one-off or if it will lead to another tour. The setlist reflected the fact that CSNY is as much a collective of songwriters as it is a band: of the nine songs they played, only two were actually from CSNY catalog.

Opening with Nash's CSN hit "Just A Song Before I Go," they also played Young's "Human Highway," "Don't Want Lies" (from Stills' other band, the Rides), the Young rarity "Singer Without A Song," and Crosby's solo "What Are Their Names," before getting into an actual CSNY song, "Deja Vu." The set also featured the Stills-Young Band's "Long May You Run," CSN's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," and CSNY's "Teach Your Children," on which they were joined by Jack Johnson, Jenny Lewis, and members of My Morning Jacket and Arcade Fire.

Young's presence was felt more than usual throughout the day. He's usually thanked by the other performers, but this year, his songs and the man himself popped up on stage often. He kicked off the day with a brief solo acoustic opening set, starting with his cover of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' In The Wind" (which is also how he started his recent solo set at Farm Aid). He also played "Heart Of Gold" from 1972′s Harvest, and "Comes A Time" from his 1978 album of the same name. But it was Harvest and its 1992 "sequel," Harvest Moon, that seemed to be on the minds of many of the artists on the bill: Diana Krall covered "A Man Needs a Maid," while Young joined Johnson for a take on "Out on the Weekend."

Arcade Fire got some quality time with Neil as well. Frontman Win Butler announced that he'd written a new song called "I Dreamed A Neil Young Song" in his sleep, on which Young sang harmony and played guitar and harmonica. It sounded like an After the Goldrush outtake.

As for the benefit's second day, Tom Waits stole the show, along with his band that included Primus' Les Claypool on bass and Los Lobos' David Hildago on guitar and accordion. As Waits has rarely performed live since the close of his 2008 tour, the performance was something of an event. As far as the setlist goes, however, it was mostly focused on his 2011 album, Bad As Me, with a few older songs thrown in, including rarity "Lucinda" and "Tom Traubert's Blues."

Also on the second night, Young joined Heart on stage for their cover of his "War of Man." And, paying tribute to Lou Reed, Young and Elvis Costello joined My Morning Jacket for a run through the Velvet Underground classic, "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'."

Watch the entire eight-and-a-half-hour webcast of the Bridge School Benefit's first day (day two wasn't webcast) — which also featured fun. and Queens of the Stone Age — until 11 p.m. PT October 30 - here.




KISS Full Budokan Show Streaming Online
(hennemusic) KISS' performance at Tokyo's legendary Budokan on October 24 was broadcast in Japan on pay-per-view, and now video of the full show has surfaced online.

The appearance was the second of two nights at the venue for the band, and one of four shows on a Japanese tour in support of their current album, "Monster."

KISS were among the nominees announced recently for the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Rolling Stone revealed the full list, which also includes Deep Purple, Yes, Nirvana, Hall & Oates, The Replacements, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Peter Gabriel, LL Cool J, N.W.A., Link Wray, the Meters, Linda Ronstadt, Cat Stevens, and the Zombies. - Watch the concert stream here.




Leslie West Release Track By Track Video For New Album
(Gibson) Mountain legend Leslie West has made two videos for his Mascot label where he talks track-by-track through his new album Still Climbing. The album follows 2011's acclaimed Unusual Suspects, on which Slash, Zakk Wylde, Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa guested.

Still Climbinga includes guest spots from Jonny Lang, Johnny Winter, Dee Snider and Mark Tremonti. Says West, "I played one of the early tracks we recorded for Slash, and he said, 'That is as heavy as it gets.'"

A diabetes-related illness saw West have most of his right leg amputated in 2011. "I'm lucky it wasn't one of my hands or I'd be screwed," he says. "It was a difficult struggle, and after the amputation I didn't know whether I'd ever want to or be able to perform again. But a month later I played at the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in New York City, and I heard my guitar on stage and that was it. I knew I had to keep going." - Watch the videos here.





Humble Pie Revisit Rockin' The Fillmore
(Gibson) Humble Pie's classic double live album Performance: Rockin' The Fillmore - The Complete Recordings was released in a new re-mastered version this week.

The release features all four of the concerts the band recorded at the Fillmore East on May 28-29, 1971, with the re-mastering overseen by band members Peter Frampton and Jerry Shirley.

"It's like a breath of fresh air after listening to one particular version," said Frampton about the reissue of the live album. "The beauty of it is that you get three completely different performances of most of the songs. It's great to hear Steve Marriott's banter from all of the shows. We've lived with 'It's really been a gas!' for 40-odd years, and now there's more." - more on this story




The Blackout Cancel Tour For Medical Reasons
(TeamRock Radio) The Blackout have been forced to cancel the remaining dates of their Final Party UK tour after frontman Gavin Butler suffered a repeat of his migraine problems.

The rare condition, which causes him to lose the ability to control his voice and movement, struck during the band's set in Manchester on Saturday. He was forced to leave the stage two songs before the end of the show.

The Blackout say in a statement: "Having consulted local medical advice, in addition to what Gavin was told in hospital when the issue occurred earlier this year, it's become clear that one of the key issues in helping Gav get better is rest.

"That has put us in a difficult position, and it's with great regret that we have to announce we will not be performing any of the remaining dates on the Final Party tour at this time." - more on this story




Mastodon Releasing Live At Brixton in December
Warner Bros. Records will be releasing a new digital live album and video from Mastodon on December 10th that will be entitled Mastodon Live At Brixton.

The release will be offered at major digital retailers as a stand-alone live album as well as in digital video format. The video version was directed by Ryan Mackfall.

Mastodon Live At Brixton was recorded at the London's O2 Academy in Brixton on February 11th, 2012 during the band's world tour in support of "The Hunter" album and both the audio and video versions will include the full 97 minute set. - more on this story





Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackberry Smoke Teaming For Record Store Day
(hennemusic) Lynyrd Skynyrd are teaming up with Atlanta rockers Blackberry Smoke to release a split, live vinyl EP on Black Friday, November 29th edition of Record Store Day.

Skynyrd are issuing three classic tunes – "What's Your Name", "That Smell" and "Simple Man" – from their June 2012 set at the Sweden Rock Festival.

Blackberry Smoke are releasing three live tracks that were recorded during an April 2013 concert in Winston-Salem, NC, North Carolina including 'Six Ways to Sunday', 'Pretty Little Lie' and 'Ain't Much Left Of Me'. - more on this story





Shelby Lynne Says Thanks With New EP
Shelby Lynne have announced that she will be releasing a new five-song EP, entitled "Thanks", digitally on November 19th which will be followed by a physical release on December 10th.

Lynne had this to say about the new release, "As a musician, these songs are a way to express my love and gratitude to the universe and to all of the music appreciating souls out there for the friendship and fellowship that music brings us…all in the name of love and sharing."

The EP was co-produced by Ben Peeler at the EVERSO Studio in Palm Desert, CA and features Maxine Waters on piano and vocals, Michael Jerome on drums/percussion and Ed Maxwell on upright and electric bass, Wurlitzer, Moog and background vocals. - more on this story




Motorhead's New Album Hits The Charts Across Europe
(hennemusic) Motorhead's new album, "Aftershock", has debuted on the album charts across Europe prior to its North American release on Tuesday. They made top 10 debuts in three countries.

The band's 21st album debuted in the top 10 in Germany (#5), Finland (#5), and Austria (#7). The album also landed on the charts in Belgium (#61) and Holland (#64).

The project was recorded at NRG Studios in North Hollywood with longtime producer Cameron Webb. Motorhead will launch a fall tour in support of "Aftershock" starting November 7 in Zurich, Switzerland. - Check out video here.





Rush Release 2112 From New Live Package
(hennemusic) Rush are premiering audio of a performance of "2112" from the band's forthcoming live package, "Clockwork Angels Tour", due on CD and DVD/Blu-ray November 19.

The project was filmed and recorded last November at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. The 11-month marathon world tour crossed North America twice and ventured overseas to Europe in support of the band's acclaimed 2012 studio release "Clockwork Angels."

In capturing the tour's three-hour set, "Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour" pairs Rush classics ('Tom Sawyer', 'The Spirit Of Radio', '2112'), with a nod to the '80s Rush era ('The Analog Kid', 'Territories', 'Subdivisions') alongside newly reworked arrangements specifically for the tour featuring the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble ('Headlong Flight', 'YYZ', 'Red Sector A'). The string section marks the first time the trio has brought additional musicians on the road with them. To showcase their latest studio release, the epic set list also features nine tracks off "Clockwork Angels." Other highlights include tracks rarely performed and never before recorded live ('The Body Electric', 'Middletown Dreams'), in addition to three separate drum solos by Neil Peart. - Watch the video here.




Boston Premiere New Song 'Heaven on Earth'
(hennemusic) Boston followed the full album clip preview of their forthcoming album, "Life Love & Hope" with the premiere of the album's lead single "Heaven On Earth".

Due December 3, the project is the band's first new album since 2002's "Corporate America." The project includes lead vocals from the late Brad Delp, Tommy DeCarlo, Kimberley Dahme, David Victor and Tom Scholz.

"I intentionally stayed close to the early Boston style on some of the songs, even using the same amps and instruments," says Scholz, "on others I let my imagination run wild."

"These are songs from the heart, each of them taking many months of effort to write, arrange, perform and record, always up to the demands of Boston's harshest critic, me," added Scholz. "They have all been meticulously recorded to analogue tape on the same machines and equipment used for Boston's hits for the past 35 years." - Check out the song here.




Korn's Jonathan Davis Remembers First Time Hearing Himself on Radio
(Radio.com) Radio.com speaks with Korn frontman Jonathan Davis about the first time he heard himself on the radio. The year was 1994. Davis hadn't the faintest idea that his life would never be the same.

"I was in Long Beach [California]. I was in my car coming home from practice and I heard it, and I just screamed all the way home. I opened the windows up. It was an amazing moment. I think it was on KNAC. I freaked out when they played it. I had a smile on my face for days."

Davis' elation was triggered by the now Internet-only hard rock station playing "Blind," the band's first breakout hit from their 1994 self-titled debut.

Who did Davis call first? Dad. "He was happy. He was so stoked. But he was in the music business for a while when I was really young and he was really concerned about me getting in a band. He wanted me to get a normal job with stability and all that fun stuff but I just went for it. When I heard it I called him, he was really proud and he's been really proud ever since." - more on this story




Sleeping With Sirens Have Some Fun With Pop
(TeamRock Radio) Sleeping With Sirens get into party mode before they hit the stage with a playlist packed with the likes of Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Celine Dion.

The American post-hardcore group also reveal they had to scrap a track of their last album which veered into Justin Bieber territory. In an interview with District MTV lead guitarist Jack Fowler says: "We listen to Lady Gaga 'Applause', Katy Perry 'Roar', Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' – twice – Greenday 'Know Your Enemy', Juicy J, and Celine Dion 'My Heart Will Go On',"

Bass guitarist Justin Hills then confirms Sleeping With Sirens scrapped a Bieber-esque track from their last album – although he says he is a fan of Bieber style pop as he laughs: "I'll probably like it. I like sh***y music." - more on this story




A Look At the Strokes' Room on Fire 10 Years Later
(Radio.com) In the latest Not Fade Away feature, Radio.com takes a look back at the Strokes' sophomore album, Room on Fire, and how its' fiercest competition came from the band's own catalog as the album celebrates its 10th anniversary.

It was late October of 2003 when the Strokes released the band's second album, Room on Fire. The album was recorded over the summer of that year, after two solid years on the road supporting their wildly received debut, Is This It.

With that 2001 debut, the Strokes had vaulted to the front of the indie rock nation, the band's denim and leather swagger all but personifying New York City cool at the dawn of the new millennium. The quintet's road-honed chops from the Is This It tour were not lost on the band's producer, Gordon Raphael.

"What was really awesome about [the Room on Fire sessions] was when they came in that first day, this was a band that had been on tour for two years straight, playing concert after concert," Raphael recalled during an interview from a Seattle studio during a break while recording the band Red Martian. "The level of ability, tightness and power that they gained from that tour was unbelievably noticeable when they came back. They were not this fun, basement-y band anymore. They sounded more like Led Zeppelin than the Velvet Underground. It was so huge sounding. They still had the attitude and having fun, but they sounded like incredibly powerful and accomplished musicians."

Raphael had a bird's eye view of the Strokes' rapid rise to indie rock notoriety, having produced the band's initial rush of releases, from their debut 3-song The Modern Age EP through the first two studio albums, Is This It and the follow-up, Room on Fire. His relationship with the band is enduring, as emerging outfits consistently enlist his services hoping for just a touch of what he brought to those hallowed recordings.

"The day I arrived in the studio, they played me Room on Fire in its entirety, like, 'here's what we're gonna do,' and just ran through every song live right there," the producer recalled. "So it wasn't like three months of wondering what the parts were going to be or developing ideas. The songs were done, the parts were done, and Julian [Casablancas, the band's singer] just wanted three months of making every tone and every performance perfect."

The recording got off to something of a rough start, with Raphael coming in to reprise his role manning the boards only after the band found itself unhappy with early sessions overseen by producer Nigel Godrich of Radiohead fame.

"There was no weirdness from anybody. I took over Is This It from another producer, too," Raphael laughed. "They started both records with different producers. We dealt with it in the moment, moved on and never thought about it again."

After recording Is This It in Raphael's modest personal studio, the album's success found them in TMF Studios for Room on Fire, a facility the producer had discovered working with Regina Spektor on her 2005 full-length, Soviet Kitsch. "They wanted to keep a lot of the identity they'd created on the first album in the small studio, but here we were in a very big room with a lot of gear at our disposal, and more time."

With a larger room, "The mood and they lyrics were considerably heavier [on Room on Fire]," Raphael mused. "Whatever caused that I can only speculate. There were personal things and romantic things going on with certain band members. The sheer joyous, party, happy, cut loose kind of thing that might have been on the first record was gone."

Led by first single, "12:51" (with a synthesized guitar melody that would've sounded right at home on the Cars' 1979 classic, Candy-O), Room on Fire did indeed come with denser and more muscular arrangements. Songs like "Reptilia" and "The End Has No End" brought new dynamics to the band's early catalog. - more on this story




Steel Panther Release NSFW 'Party' Video
(hennemusic) Steel Panther have released an NSFW version of the video for their new single, "Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World", the lead track from the band's third album, "All You Can Eat", which is due early next year.

The new album was recorded in part in Sherman Oaks, California with producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour). "All You Can Eat" is the follow-up to 2011's "Balls Out" release, which debuted at #40 on the Billboard 200 with opening week sales of 12,000 copies.

Steel Panther will tour Australia in December with Buckcherry on the Spreading The Disease Tour, before playing a series of dates across North America. The band will launch a European tour on February 4 in Groningen, Holland. - Watch the new video here.




Megadeth's David Ellefson Releases Autobiography Unboxing Video
(hennemusic) Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is sharing video clip of the unboxing of his new autobiography, "My Life With Deth", which will be published today.

The memoir chronicles the story of Ellefson's fall into addiction during the band's early years, followed by his subsequent recovery and the return to faith which championed the band's rise to fame over the past several decades.

Megadeth just completed a month-long Latin American tour with Black Sabbath. The group will now play two concerts in the southwestern US this week before launching a full Super Collider US tour on November 23 in St. Paul, MN.