Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Hinder Singer Leaves Band
Hinder announced yesterday that frontman Austin Winkler has officially left the band following the singer sitting out of touring with the group earlier this year for "personal reasons."
The band has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Winkler but did recruit Saving Abel frontman Jared Weeks to take over vocal duties on the road earlier this year.

"I'm really proud of what we accomplished over the years," says Hinder drummer Cody Hanson. "We hold no animosity towards Austin, and wish him the best. Although it was a difficult decision, it was the best thing for everyone involved and time for us to move on.

"This summer/fall tour was a tough one. We want to thank the fans for all their overwhelming support. We couldn't have made it through everything without you. We are very excited about the future of Hinder and can't wait to share the next chapter with all of you!" Band's website.



Bon Jovi Named Highest-Paid Rock Musicians of 2013
(Classic Rock) Bon Jovi are back at the top of one chart: Forbes Magazine's highest earners chart for the year June 2012 to June 2013. Jon Bon Jovi and co may be going through the wars with an unresolved feud sending guitarist Richie Sambora home from their Because We Can world tour, and drummer Tico Torres enduring two hospital dashes over the summer.

But that didn't stop them bringing in $79m in the twelve-month period – less only than pop stars Madonna and Lady Gaga, who made $125m and $80m respectively. It's a significant increase from last year's figure, when Bon Jovi made $60m, putting them in overall sixth position. In 2011 they were second only to U2, bringing in $125m.

Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, last year's top earner Roger Waters, Muse and the Red Hot Chili Peppers were all paid more than $40m, says the respected magazine. And although the Rolling Stones generated "just" $39m, they did it over just 19 shows. more on this story





Rush Concert Film Coming To TV
(hennemusic) Rush's newly-released concert film, "Clockwork Angels Tour", is coming to television, it will premiere on VH1 Classic on Sunday, December 1 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Available on DVD/Blu-ray and CD, "Clockwork Angels Tour" features Rush filmed and recorded in concert 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."

This week, guitarist Alex Lifeson revealed the Canadian band's plans for 2014. "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." more on this story





Metallica Plan Special Black Friday Release
(Gibson) Metallica have announced that they will be releasing a special, vinyl edition of their Through the Never Soundtrack on November 29th, limited to just 4,000 copies.

The release is in conjunction with Record Store Day's "Back to Black Friday" releases, which arrive on Black Friday exclusively at local record shops.

"Since its inception we have always been very proud to be a regular part of Record Store Day, including kicking off the very first one with an autograph signing at the Bay Area's own Rasputin Music in April of 2008," the band said in a statement.

"So we're psyched to confirm that on Nov. 29 (yes, that's Black Friday!) your favorite North American independent music retailer and the Metallica.com Store will have the Through The Never soundtrack available in all its vinyl glory as a limited edition deluxe four LP set, 45 RPM on 180 gram vinyl. Only 4,000 of the special box sets will be made and they will all be numbered." more on this story






Jake E. Lee Returns and Previews New Song Feature Cheap Trick Singer
(Classic Rock) Jake E Lee is back with his new band Red Dragon Cartel and has released a lyric video for debut track Feeder, featuring Cheap Trick's Robin Zander on vocals.

The new song is taken from the band's self-titled album – which is Lee's first in two decades, due for release on January 27th in the UK, 28th in North America via Frontiers Records.

The former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, who went on to form Badlands, gathered a stack of big names for his recording sessions: Paul Di'Anno (ex Iron Maiden), Rex Brown (Kill Devil Hill, ex Pantera), Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz (Slash), Scott Reeder (ex Kyuss), Maria Brink (In This Moment), Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch), Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick) and Sass Jordan (SUN).

The core band consists of vocalist DJ Smith, bassist Ronnie Mancuso and drummer Jonas Fairley. They got together after Mancuso asked Lee to appear in a video for his band Beggars And Thieves.

"I was shocked he agreed," Mancuso admits. "When it premiered there was this kind of outpouring of love for him. Everybody wanted new music – that's when the idea was born."

Check out the new song and read more details here.




Rolling Stones' Hyde Park Tops the DVD Chart
(Kayos) The Rolling Stones new home video release "Sweet Summer Sun – Hyde Park Live" has reached No. 1 on the Soundscan Music DVD chart in the US and Canada.

Eagle Rock Entertainment President of Operations North America Mike Carden states, "All of us at Eagle Rock North America are extremely proud to release Sweet Summer Sun in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

"We feel that with the several configurations including the deluxe book set that contains the iconic 1969 Hyde Park show, exclusive to this deluxe set, as well as the 2013 show on DVD, Blu-Ray and CD/digital audio, there is a configuration for every fan"

Released on November 11, Sweet Summer Sun chronicles The Rolling Stones' historic return to London's Hyde Park this past summer. Filmed over two spectacular outdoor concerts before 100,000 fans, this two-hour, packed with hits DVD includes not only the live performances, but also new and unseen backstage footage. "Start Me Up," "Sympathy For The Devil," "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll," "Miss You," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Gimme Shelter," and many more are brilliantly brought to life via DTS Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1, and Dolby Digital Stereo.





New Animated Video Shows When Ozzy Met Trujillo
(TeamRock Radio) Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo has recalled his first meetings with Ozzy Osbourne – and how one incident looked as if their friendship was at an end before it had truly started.

In a Classic Tales animated video, Trujillo recalls how he was working in a studio with Mike Muir on their first Infectious Grooves album while the Prince of Darkness was in the room next door.

"One night we heard this loud, English growl," he explains. "All I see is Ozzy's cowboy boots dangling in the hallway. He'd tackled the bass player's girlfriend and he'd bit into her cowboy boot, and she was pissed.

"I thought, 'This is my hero, tackling woman, biting through their boot... how rock'n'roll is that?'" Trujillo asked Osbourne to record guest vocals on Infectious Grooves track Therapy. He eventually agreed, and even created his own dance routine for the song. Then he invited the Grooves on tour with him.

After they'd played their support slot, the bassist remembers, "We were creeping around backstage in the dark. I wound up tripping over a mound of cable and I knocked out the power. We get up and ran to catering.

"The tour manager pulls me aside and said, 'Did you do that?' I said, 'Yes, sir – and I understand I might be going home.' He was like, 'Don't worry about this… Ozzy thinks there was a power outage in the state of Texas.'" Watch the video here.




Testament Member Drops Off Tour
(TeamRock Radio) Testament bassist Greg Christian is the latest musician to drop off a US tour also featuring Lamb Of God and Killswitch Engage. Christian reports he's had to bow out for "personal reasons."

He's been replaced by Exodus man Jack Gibson – whose bandmate Gary Holt remains the stand-in for late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman. Gibson tells Blabbermouth:

"It's an honor to be filling in for Greg. I've always thought he was one of the best metal bass players alive. Testament is already family: Gene Hoglan is a god. This should be a lot of fun." more on this story




Scott Stapp Announce North American Tour Dates
Creed frontman Scott Stapp has announced that he will be hitting the road early next year for the first leg of his North American tour of intimate venues.

Stapp revealed the dates this week for the tour leg that is scheduled to kick off on March 19th in Dallas at the House of Blues and wrap up on April 9th in 09 Atlanta, GA at Center Stage.

He will be launching the tour in support of his new solo album, "Proof of Life" which was released last week and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Rock Chart. more on this story




The String Cheese Incident Announce Initial 20th Anniversary Shows
The String Cheese Incident have announced that they will play a string of New Year's shows that will also be the launch of the band's 20th anniversary celebration.

The band will be playing at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, CO. for three-nights on December 28, 29 and the New Year's Eve show on December 31st.

Boosty Collins will be joining the band for the December 28th show and The Flaming Lips will be on hand the next night. Karl Denson & Chris Littlefield (Tiny Universe Horns) will be joining the group for both nights.

The band has yet to announce their special guests for the New Year's Eve show but promising "more surprise guests from the band's past" will be announced.




Blink-182's Tom DeLonge Releasing Children's Book
Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves frontman Tom DeLonge has announced the release of his first children's book 'The Lonely Astronaut On Christmas Eve' as well as some children's charity auctions to tie in with the book release.

Scoop Marketing sent over these details: This book, written by DeLonge, is a wistful story for the young and the young-at-heart alike. Wonderfully illustrated by Mike Henry, The Lonely Astronaut On Christmas Eve, is a tale of a rocketeer alone on the moon on a cold Christmas night, and the gift he receives from a few unexpected (and extraterrestrial) friends. To celebrate the spirit of the holiday season, DeLonge and Henry are proud to announce a charity auction to benefit San Diego's Rady Children's Hospital at CharityBuzz.com.

With a pre-sale set for Mon., Nov. 25, The Lonely Astronaut On Christmas Eve, will be available exclusively as a special, limited-edition "Lonely Astronaut Christmas Package" at AngelsAndAirwaves.com. Available for $50 to the first 1000 customers, the package contains: a hardcover, first edition of the book, including a certificate of authenticity signed by DeLonge; one digital version of the book for iPad, Nook or Kindle (delivered on release date); one "Lonely Astronaut" clear acrylic etched ornament; and a limited-edition t-shirt. Premium shipping available to guarantee delivery by Dec. 25.

Additionally, DeLonge and Henry are proud to announce a charity auction to benefit San Diego's Rady Children's Hospital Foundation. Beginning Mon., Nov. 25, fans can visit www.CharityBuzz.com to bid on a package containing: The complete 22 pages of signed original art from the book, a DeLonge signed guitar, and a meet and greet with DeLonge in his San Diego studio (travel/hotel not included, alternate plans can be arranged for those unable to travel to San Diego). The auction will close on Fri., Dec. 13.




Of Mice & Men Announce Tour With Bring Me The Horizon
Of Mice & Men have announced that they will be hitting the road early next year with Bring Me The Horizon for 'The American Dream Tour of North America.

The tour is set to kick off on February 3rd in Orlando, FL with a show at The Plaza 'Live' Theater and will conclude on March 28th in San Diego, CA at Soma.

Of Mice & Men will be launching the tour in support of their forthcoming studio album. The band recently completed the recording of mixing of the new album and will be releasing the effort, their third studio album, early next year. more on this story




John Mellencamp Celebrates Uh-Huh's 30th Anniversary In The Studio
Syndicated Rock radio show InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands this week celebrates the 30th anniversary of John Mellencamp's hit album "Uh-Huh".

The show sent over these details: "Johnny Cougar", as he was originally promoted, had started his career with a minor hit "I Need A Lover" off his second album only to find himself struggling commercially. It wasn't until 1982's American Fool album that John would see his first real success with the ditties "Jack And Diane" and "Hurt So Good". Armed with a # 1 single under his belt, John incorporated his real name Mellencamp into his professional identity and launched himself into Rock superstardom with Uh-Huh and the Top 10 hits "Pink Houses", "Crumblin' Down" and "The Authority Song".

John tells InTheStudio host Redbeard that the album was an important turning point for him creatively. "I think Uh-Huh was a lot better record than American Fool, simply because it was the beginning of me becoming focused on what I think I now do. That was really the beginning of me as a songwriter. All the rest of the records were me trying to figure out what the hell was going on. It took me a long time didn't it? (chuckles). Took like five albums." Stream the episode here.



ELP's Brain Salad Surgery Gets Ultimate Expansion
(Prog) Emerson, Lake & Palmer classic album Brain Salad Surgery will be re-released as an extended Super Deluxe edition on April 7 next year, it's been confirmed.

The "ultimate expansion" treatment has been announced on the 40th anniversary of its original appearance in November 1973. Packaged in the famous artwork by HR Giger, the new edition will include 5.1 mixes, previously unreleased material and more.

ELP say: "We are amazed that after 40 years, so much of the original recordings, photos and artwork are still usable. Some of it has never been released before, but it's fascinating to hear how the recordings progressed. We are delighted that this new version will reveal some of these transitions." more on this story





Video From Black Sabbath European Tour Kick Goes Online
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath launched their fall European tour at the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki on Wednesday, and video from the event is available to view online.

Opening with the 1970 track, "War Pigs", Sabbath ran through a set of classics and material from their current album, "13". Sabbath play Stockholm, Sweden on Friday and Oslo, Norway on Sunday; the fall swing wraps up in the band's hometown of Birmingham, England on December 22.

On November 26, the band will release a live DVD entitled "Black Sabbath - Gathered In Their Masses." The group was recorded over two shows – April 29 and May 1 – in Melbourne, Australia during the early stages of the group's current world tour. Check out the video here.




Sammy Hagar Appears On Rachael Ray Show
(hennemusic) Sammy Hagar was among the guests on The Rachael Ray Show on Wednesday, and video of his appearance is available online. On hand to promote his Beach Bar Rum brand, Hagar made a PMS cocktail.

Ray also quizzed Sammy for stories behind a selection of songs from his career, including solo tracks and Van Halen's "Right Now." Stream video here.

Hagar recently released a new album, "Sammy Hagar & Friends." The project marks the Red Rocker's first solo release in five years and sees him team up with a variety of artists, including Kid Rock, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn), Neal Schon (Journey, HSAS), Chickenfoot pals Chad Smith, Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani; Montrose bandmates Bill Church and Denny Carmassi, his solo band The Wabos and more. more on this story




Black Crowes' Rich Robinson Releasing New Solo Album
(hennemusic) Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson has signed a new record deal and he plans to release his third solo album, entitled "The Ceaseless Light", next spring.

Robinson has signed with Brooklyn indie label The End Records for the project, and plans to tour in support of it in 2014, reports Billboard. "(The End founder) Andreas Katsambas is a long time music fan and has some very forward ideas on how to get music out there," says Robinson, "but more importantly for me, how to allow the artist to create pure music without the inevitable commercial vs art clash that comes from a more traditional approach. All of Andreas' team shares these qualities. It's going to be great."

Other artists on The End Records roster include Anvil, Badly Drawn Boy, Fatboy Slim and Juliette Lewis. Robinson has two solo studio albums to his credit to date, including 2004's "Paper" and 2011's "Through A Crooked Sun." more on this story




Distorted Harmony Call On Fans To Help Fund New Album
(Prog) Distorted Harmony has launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the release of their second album. The Israeli outfit were nominated for a Prog Award this year in the Limelight category following the launch of debut record Utopia in 2012.

And with all tracks written for the follow-up, they're hoping to secure funds via Indiegogo. They say in a statement: "This album is going to be heavier, with songwriting that is a lot more focused, mature and coherent. The band as a whole has gotten tighter and the variant music influences of each member have been carefully balanced and woven into the compositions.

"Making an album costs money. We are taking every gig we can and working long hours to make sure it will all happen. We don't want to compromise on the quality, or on what we have decided is the best way to create and present our music." More including video




Bullet For My Valentine Stream New Song 'Raising Hell'
(TeamRock Radio) Bullet For My Valentine have released an official stream of new single Raising Hell. And the band believe it's a step up from fourth album Temper Temper, which received mixed reviews when it dropped last year.

Frontman Matt Tuck recently said of the new track: "Words cannot express how excited I am – we haven't just raised the bar. We've sent it into f**king orbit."

See BFMV on tour across the UK next month with Asking Alexandria and Young Guns. The Welsh outfit have promised: "it's going to be louder and crazier, and we'll be bringing more pyro than ever." Check out the song here.





Gibson Celebrates Duane Allman's Birthday
(Gibson) Gibson SG and Les Paul legend Duane Allman is among the more mysterious of the profoundly influential six-stringers from the electric guitar's most sonically formative decade.

Allman died young and until this year his recorded legacy had remained scattered; not repacked, unearthed and repeatedly rediscovered via reissues and compilations of nuggets panned from record label, studio and live recording vaults, like the still growing Jimi Hendrix catalog.

If not for his accidental death, Allman would have turned 67 on Wednesday, November 20. This year a superb memorial to Duane surfaced: a treasure trove of his studio recordings as well as very good examples of his playing with the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton and others, packaged as the 129-track box Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective.

Combing through this definitive sonic study reveals much about his growth and development as a player as it lets listeners hear Allman's evolution from derivative teenage picker to capable sideman to musical visionary. It's remarkable how quickly he progressed. In 1965 Duane's initial recordings with the Escorts, the earliest band he shared with his brother Gregg, creak with rote R&B and surf licks. Two years later in their successive group the Hour Glass, he traces the same sonic terrain as fellow fuzztoned fretmen in era-bridled outfits like the Seeds and the Electric Prunes. But in mid-1968's Clarence Carter hit "The Road of Love" Duane's slide guitar debuts like a muscular thoroughbred in its first race, rippling with the same hyper-amplified grace as this set's performances of "One Way Out" and "You Don't Love Me" by the Allman Brothers at Fillmore East.

Let's take a look at tracks that most fans of Allman don't associate with his legendary canon: • "Twice A Man," Barry Goldberg Blues Band: This 1968 recording, cut mostly in Los Angles with Allman overdubbing his guitar in Muscle Shoals, didn't propel the Bay Area bluesman with a penchant for the genre's hard-core Chicago style into the same rarified air as Big Brother & the Holding Company, but it did give Allman a change to practice his slide chops. What's surprising is how thin and weak his tone was at this point, given the boldness of his soon-to-emerge signature voice on slide.

• "Hey Jude," Wilson Pickett: At a late 1968 session with "Wicked" Pickett, Allman proved his mettle as an apt foil for one of the most powerful vocalists of the day. Performing with the famed Muscle Shoals rhythm section, Allman played call and response with the singer, creating a frenetic, vibrant solo to match the intensity of Pickett's howl. Check out 8 more tracks.






Love/Hate Streaming New Song 'Hanging You Out To Dry'
(Classic Rock) Love/Hate have released a stream of brand-new track Hanging You Out To Dry. The band will also tour the UK in March, including an appearance at Hard Rock Hell in Pwllheli, North Wales.

Frontman Jizzy Pearl is the only remaining member of the band who enjoyed a stack of hits at the beginning of the 1990s. He's back with new album Crucified on January 13, of which he says: "I got to stretch out a bit and do some cool things musically.

"The vibe is simple. I tried to get back to the start – a bunch of young kids banging out loud musical joy in a little room, and the singer in the middle with one microphone, testifying to the world." Listen to the new song here.




Queen's Roger Taylor Releases Sunny Day Video
(hennemusic) Queen drummer Roger Taylor has released the new music video for the song "Sunny Day", the lead single from his newly-released solo album, "Fun On Earth."

Recorded at Priory Studios in Surrey, the project marks Taylor's first new solo album in 15 years. In addition to the solo album, Roger has also released "The Lot" - the complete collection of his back catalog of solo work and material from The Cross.

The material is available in limited collector's editions and digital formats. "The Lot" comprises Roger's solo albums "Fun In Space" (1981), "Strange Frontier" (1984), "Happiness?" (1994), "Electric Fire" (1998) and "Fun On Earth", as well as the three albums by his band The Cross – "Shove It" (1988), "Mad, Bad And Dangerous To Know" (1990) and "Blue Rock" (1991). Watch the new video here.




The Virginmarys Release 'Portrait Of Red' Live Video
(Classic Rock) Classic Rock has premiered the new live video from The Virginmarys. The clip is for the song "Portrait Of Red" which was filmed at the Snowgoose Live, Macclesfield, in June, months before the three-piece won the Breakthrough Award at this year's Classic Rock Roll of Honour, held in London last week.

Ally Dickaty, Danny Dolan and Matt Rose were in attendance to be handed their gongs by Ginger Wildheart, who described them as a prime example of musicians staying true to their art in the face of industry pressure. Bassist Rose said afterwards: "Ginger said some amazing sh*t that absolutely epitomised what we're about, you know."

Guitarist Dickaty agreed, adding: "People need to play stuff that comes from the heart rather than putting out stuff they think will be popular. When music comes from the heart it gets your attention straight away and you think, 'What's that?' I think more bands need to be doing that." Watch the video here.




Living Sacrifice Singled Out Week: Ghost Thief
Living Sacrifice have released their new album "Ghost Thief" and to celebrate we asked Bruce Fitzhugh and Rocky Grayto to tell us about some of the new songs. Today they tell us about the title track. Here is the story:

Bruce: This is one of the last songs that we wrote for the record and it came out of a group writing session. Lance pulled the riffs from 2 different ideas and we started jamming them together. After a few hours, it came together.

Lyrically it became one of the main themes of the record and so we picked Ghost Thief for the title. It speaks of the quickness of this life and how death is inevitable reality. And then it speaks of the hope we have in God and an afterlife in heaven.
Rocky: I really like the 4 on the floor drums on the verses. This is a monster mash of riffs but it works.

Bruce: one thing I can add on this is the fade in drum/guitar intro. That was Jeremiah's idea and I freakin love how it came out. when everything comes in on that it is great, then we break into that trash intro riff. I agree with Rock, when Lance locks into that 4/4 beat on the verse, I cannot help myself but head bang. So fun to play.

Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Rolling Stones Announce First Tour Date For 2014
(hennemusic) The Rolling Stones have announced the first date of a 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand. The band will open the redeveloped Adelaide Oval on March 22, 2014.
"It's great to be invited to Adelaide to open the historic Oval," says Mick Jagger. "We're really looking forward to doing this gig, it will be the first time we've been to Adelaide in nearly 20 years, so see you there!"

"Hi everyone down in Adelaide, it's been a while since we were in your back yard," adds Keith Richards. "See you on March 22 when we'll take over your new stadium and make it our own, look forward to it."

The Rolling Stones will announce more Australia shows, and one in New Zealand, in the next few weeks; the band has confirmed that Mick Taylor will be joining them for the tour. more on this story




Aerosmith Announce New Tour
(Gibson) Aerosmith have announced a new leg for their Global Warming Tour. Starting with a show in Moscow on May 24, the band will make their way through Northern Europe for the next month before finishing off with a show in Milan, Italy on June 25.

For now, nine dates have been announced, but looking at the tour schedule there are several almost week-long gaps, so the addition of more shows is likely. Aerosmith will visit the Swedish capital Stockholm for the first time since 1999, having only played a couple of festival gigs in the country since then.

The tour also includes a stop at the Download Festival in Derby, UK on June 15. Aerosmith released their 15th studio album Music From Another Dimension! last year, but expect the setlist to focus around the band's older material from the seventies, and hit albums like Pump and Permanent Vacation.

In related news Rolling Stone magazine report that Rick Rubin might be producing Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler's solo album. Said Tyler to the magazine over the weekend: "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." Rubin was instrumental in getting Aerosmith's career back on track when he got Tyler and Joe Perry involved in Run-D.M.C.'s cover of "Walk This Way" in 1986. more on this story






Jimmy Page Shares Led Zeppelin and Notorious B.I.G. Mash-Up
(Gibson) Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page's website feature a random Zeppelin-related news flash every day. On Friday last week (November 15), Page's official Twitter wrote "On this day Biggie Smalls" with a link to a mash-up of Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On" and Notorious B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize."

Called "Ramblize," the mash-up has basically put B.I.G.'s rap over Page's acoustic "Ramble On" riff, backed by a drum beat. The resulting track features the rap fitting in perfectly with the music that was created more than two decades before "Hypnotize."

Jimmy Page is currently busy remastering the entire Led Zeppelin catalog, which is supposed to contain unreleased versions of classic Zeppelin songs as bonus tracks. Last year Page told Rolling Stone magazine that one of the goals with the remastering process is to improve the digital listening experience:

"Everything is being transferred from analog to a higher-resolution digital format. That's one of the problems with the Zeppelin stuff. It sounds ridiculous on MP3. You can't hear what's there properly." more on this story






Bob Dylan Delivers 'Like a Rolling Stone' Video
(Radio.com) Bob Dylan wrote the timeless "Like A Rolling Stone" in 1965, and despite its chart-topping success and legendary status, the song of the '60s never truly given its complete due as a single, until now.

The official music video for "Like A Rolling Stone" premiered today on Bob Dylan's website, part of the campaign for the release of Dylan's The Complete Album Collection Volume 1.

Although the song is just a little under 50 years old, the music video manages to put the track under a modern light by incorporating interactive components.

Viewers can use their arrow keys on the keyboard to flip through 16 television channels featuring actors, reporters, and cartoons lip-syncing to the iconic song. Although the connection between Pawn Stars and a Dora The Explorer rip-off cartoons to Bob Dylan might seem a bit strained, there's some humor and playfulness flipping between your cliche food and business channel hosts mouthing the lyrics to the song. The music video also includes a channel dedicated to a vintage live performance of Bob Dylan himself. more on this story




Five Finger Death Punch and Daughtry Lead This Week's New Releases
(Radio.com) Radio.com's Dan Weiss takes a look at this week's biggest new album releases including Daughtry's Baptized and his pick of the week, Five Finger Death Punch's The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Vol. 2.

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Five Finger Death Punch – The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Vol. 2 (Prospect Park): The only album this week that delivers what it promises—Five Finger Death Punch sound like a five-finger death punch. That is, an uncreative but reliable blunt force, with the occasional guitar harmony, impressive Chinese Democracy guitar solos, melody and lyrics that vary things up without distracting from the skull-cracking, Meshuggah-learned motor-propellor of the dual kick drum. And if Ivan Moody's melisma on the piano and strings-heavy tear-vehicle "Cold" has far too many James Hetfield-isms in it, Jeremy Spencer's hypnotizing stutter-rolls on "Matter of Time" make up for it by earning the "groove metal" tag more accurately than Pantera ever did.

Daughtry – Baptized (RCA): Chris Daughtry could win big in the long run — over Boston or even Back in Black. This is a guy who turned down an offer to join his favorite band Fuel after they lost a singer because he could make more on his own, and he was right: his debut album is the biggest-selling rock debut since Soundscan began. But we all know that's because it wasn't really his debut, and like Rick Springfield, he was a TV heartthrob with rock dreams. This includes joining his fellow D-heads Dokken, Dio and Danzig in a surname brand, er band, whose name has its own section on Wikipedia: "We could've come out with a really obscure name, but coming from the TV show and having name recognition, it was easier just to go with my last name."

There are the usual pros and cons to his Idol roots, with his clean and s4lick voice occasionally trailing off in interesting ribbons, over some of the least interesting music ever made. His too-big-to-fail stature keeps it from being wholly unlistenable, and since it's his fourth album, enough boredom has set in for him to Add Other Things. He challenges Katy Perry on the synthable "Waiting for Superman," (which you bet her label wishes was on the fast-sinking Prism) and Nashville on the only thing here you might actually remember in 2014, a "Long Live Rock and Roll" that claims he prefers bad-for-business David Lee Roth to corporate-penguin Sammy Hagar. Far more believable is when, on "Long Live Rock and Roll", the heartthrob can't possibly conceive that Courtney Love (a woman!) wrote her own songs. See who else made the list.




Trent Reznor FaceTimes Cancer-Stricken Photographer During NIN Show
(Radio.com) Typically a man of few (spoken) words on stage, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor delighted a Las Vegas audience this weekend with a surprising act of kindness.

During the middle of Saturday's show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Reznor dialed up OC Weekly's cancer-stricken photographer Andrew Youssef for a FaceTime session, then dedicated "In This Twilight" to the diehard Nine Inch Nails fan.

"I want to have a Bono moment and try to FaceTime him," Reznor said to the crowd before calling Youssef. "Listen, I just wanted to tell you that I miss you man. I wish you were here," said Reznor over the 'Andrew' chants coming from the crowd.

Youssef, formerly a pharmacist by day and concert photographer by night, has stage four colon cancer, and has chronicled his experiences in his OC Weekly column, Last Shot. more on this story




U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday Video From US Festival DVD Released
(hennemusic) U2 are among the acts featured on the upcoming DVD release, "US Festival 1983: Days 1-3", due December 3 and a preview video of their performance and a video trailer for the release have been posted online.

Held on Memorial Day of 1983, the US Festival (US is an acronym for "Unite Us In Song") was a massive three-day celebration of music and culture sponsored by Steve Wozniak, formerly of Apple Computer. Wozniak financed the follow-up to the 1982 inaugural event himself, to the tune of approximately 10 million dollars.

A pre-cursor to festivals held today, the US Festivals were intended to be the celebration of evolving technologies, including a marriage of music, computers, television and people.

"Us Festival 1983: Days 1 – 3" includes the 3 days of New Wave, Heavy Metal and Rock in 1983 with performances from U2, The Clash, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Stevie Nicks, INXS, Men At Work, Stray Cats, Triumph, Missing Persons and more.

The DVD includes the legendary U2 performance of "Sunday Bloody Sunday", The Clash's final performance with Mick Jones, a seminal performance for INXS in the US, and many other landmark moments in music history.

Watch the Sunday Bloody Sunday Performance here.





Flaw Reunite
Flaw has announced that their original lineup has reunited and the group has scheduled their first live appearance and they are also working on new music with an eye toward a release next year.

The lineup features Chris Volz (Vocals), Jason Daunt (Guitar), Lance Arny (Guitar), Ryan Jurhs (Bass / Backing Vocals) and Chris Ballinger (Drums). Daunt had this to say about the reunion:

"After several years apart to work out personal issues we have reunited. The time apart has given us clear heads and a new appreciation for the music we are capable of creating together. We are currently writing new material which is a modern throwback to our original Flaw material. We are stoked about our renewed musical relationship and can't wait to share it with the world."

Volz adds, "I am extremely excited and recharged to have the original lineup back in Flaw. I've conquered many demons and am ready to share my strength and hard fought battles with the world. We're back!!"

Flaw's first live appearance since the reunion will feature the band as headliners of WTFX 93.1 The Fox's annual Gobblestock on November 28 in Louisville, KY. The station has a long history with the band offering support during their early days, according to SKH.




New Bruce Springsteen Single Leaks
(hennemusic) While it isn't due for release until next Monday, Bruce Springsteen's new single, "High Hopes", was leaked online Tuesday, according to Rolling Stone.

The track was recorded during Springsteen's Australian tour in March. "We've never had a recording session during a tour in our lives," revealed Springsteen of the Sydney studio visit.

"We did a couple of things that I wanted to put down. So that was very exciting. And being with Tommy was exciting. The band – Steven, Nils [Lofgren], all those guys – continues to be a source of inspiration for me."

Originally recorded by Los Angeles band The Havalinas, a version of the song appeared on Springsteen's 1996 documentary and EP, "Blood Brothers." The track also features a special guest.




Slayer's Kerry King Feels Bad For Dave Lombardo
(TeamRock Radio) Slayer guitarist Kerry King says he feels sorry for dropped drummer Dave Lombardo. And he's vowed that the band will keep going until either he or frontman Tom Araya want to stop.

The thrash giants have endured a difficult year after dropping founding member Lombardo in February when he called for changes to his contract. In May they lost co-founder Jeff Hanneman, who died after a two-year illness.

But the band are back in action with drummer Paul Bostaph confirmed as Lombardo's full-time replacement, and Exodus axeman Gary Holt remaining in place as stand-in for Hanneman.

"I feel bad for Dave to this day. I really feel bad for him because he shot himself in the foot," King tells The Steve Austin Show (via Blabbermouth). "He got some bad advice and gave us an ultimatum ten days before we went to Australia. I said, 'I can't have this over my head' and before I got home I knew exactly what I was going to do for Australia." more on this story




Rush Stamps Get Special Limited Edition Autographed Covers
(hennemusic) Toronto's First Post Office has created its own day-of-issue covers for the Rush stamp released by Canada Post earlier this year. There are, and will only ever be, ten of these envelopes in existence and each is personally autographed by all three members of the band.

Originally printed in an edition of 100, all unsigned copies of the first-day covers have been destroyed as per an agreement with the band's management.

Each 4" x 7 ½" cover is printed on 100% cotton paper and shows the band in an earlier era with the "star man" logo as a watermark. Each is numbered out of ten and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by both the band's management and the museum's curator. The text on the back celebrates Rush's induction, in April of this year, into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame:

"On April 18, 2013, the Canadian band Rush was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. To celebrate that event, and to coincide with the release of a Rush stamp by Canada Post on July 19, 2013, Toronto's First Post Office has created a limited number of these commemorative covers. Toronto's First Post Office is a National Historic Site and museum operated by the Town of York Historical Society." more on this story




Soundgarden's Sub Pop Reissues Streaming Online
(hennemusic) The forthcoming November 26 reissue of Soundgarden's debut Sub Pop EPs, 1987's "Screaming Life" and 1988's "Fopp", are both now streaming online ahead of next week's release.

Remastered by producer Jack Endino, the reissue marks the first time these tracks will be available digitally, and their first appearance on vinyl since the original, late-80s pressings (notwithstanding a long-gone, late-'90s repress of "Screaming Life").

"Ah, Screaming Life, Soundgarden's debut, and one of the first real records I made for anyone outside my own band," said Endino. "I already knew Soundgarden pretty well, since they and Skin Yard had shared the stage many times in Seattle's tiny club scene circa 1985-1986."

"Soon after opening Reciprocal Recording in July 1986, there I was with Soundgarden, trying to make the most of our eight tracks," he continued. "Somehow, we found room for all of Matt Cameron's 'bonus tubs,' Hiro's primordial Fender bass, and a whopping four tracks to share between Kim Thayil's mad guitar psychedelia and Chris Cornell's still-expanding voice. 'Nothing To Say' was the song that made us all look at each other and go, 'uh, holy crap, how did we do this?'" Check out the streams here.




Sebastian Bach's New Album 'In Final Stages'
(hennemusic) Sebastian Bach has issued an update on his new album project, working alongside producer Bob Marlette. "Mix time!!," writes Bach. "We are in the final stages of the new album. We are mixing all the ingredients with precision & care in pursuit of the ultimate tasty treat for your precious earhole!"

"Trying to deliver a classic sounding record in the age of MP3s & compression is a challenge because all the records I love were records long before iTunes, Spotify , & the like," he adds. "My album is designed for big ass speakers on the living room floor on a hot summer night with the windows open cranking the tunes with your friends or the one you love ... do y'all do that anymore?"

The follow-up to 2011's "Kicking & Screaming" will feature guest appearances by Duff McKagan, John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie) and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) on the project, along with new guitarist Devin Bronson and longtime drummer Bobby Jarzombek. more on this story





Grand Magus Reveal New Album Details
(TeamRock Radio) Grand Magus have confirmed that their seventh album will be called Triumph And Power, and it's set for release in January via Nuclear Blast Records.

They say: "It's a metal triumph of Viking power! This is our strongest album yet. It has the northern feel, it has the power and the melody that has become our mark of excellence. Fans of true metal will take this album to their hearts."

The Swedish outfit say Anthony Roberts' cover art "perfectly captures the work on this album and Grand Magus as a band." Check out the artwork and tracklist here.




Iron Maiden's Trooper Ale Gets Expanded Distribution
(hennemusic) British beer maker Robinsons Brewery has expanded the distribution of Iron Maiden's Trooper ale to nearly 300 Sainsbury's stores across the UK.

Drinks Business Review reports the latest move by the brewery follows its milestone of reaching one million pints of Trooper exports globally. "Establishing a new beer in the UK alone is a long and difficult process," says Robinsons Brewery beer division managing director Oliver Robinson.

"But we feel that with two national listings in two of Britain's favourite supermarkets, and export orders with over 30 countries worldwide, in just six months, we are off to a great start." more on this story




Acoda Kicking Off Headline Tour
Alternative metallers Acoda will be kicking off their UK headline tour tonight (November 20th) in Northampton. The tour will feature support from Vera Cruz.

The group is launching the tour in support of their debut album, 'Yours To Defend', which was released on October 28th and was produced by Dan Lancaster (Lower Than Atlantis, Don Broco, Mallory Knox). The band has also just released a music video for the song 'The Ludovico Technique'. Check it out here.

"We're on a mission to connect with music lovers who want to bang their heads and scream their hearts out, the same way we do!" says singer and guitarist, Damon Tang.

He had this to say about the album, "Lyrically, the record's a bit of a social commentary. I feel very lucky and I don't want to feel sorry for myself over small things."

He continues, "That said, I worry about the way the world seems to be going. There's violence caused by miscommunication, mistrust, ignorance and deceit. In some parts, I'm being sarcastic/satirical... indifferent even. Things look pretty bleak, but I still feel like I can make a difference, however naive it may seem." more on this story




Ben Poole Humbled By Praise From Guitar Legends
(The Blues Rising-star young bluesman Ben Poole is determined to ignore the distractions of media attention and remain focused on making good music.

The 25-year old has been receiving acclaim, not only from the press, but from big-name musicians including Richie Kotzen, Bernie Torme and Guthrie Govan.

"I try not to think about it, to be honest, and just do my thing," Poole tells Your Local Guardian. "I personally don't think my guitar playing is particularly virtuosic. I think what comes across is the passion and soulfulness of what I play and sing, rather than technical ability."

But he allows: "I can pull out some fast runs if needed. I try to play to the song, try not to overplay too much – although as a guitar player I'm guilty of that sometimes." more on this story




Johnny Winter Shares His Golden Rule
(The Blues Johnny Winter may have been hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time but the 69-year-old doesn't believe he's educated himself a great deal since he was a teenager.

He tells the Journal Gazette: "I don't know if I can say I've learned much. I still play the same way I did when I was 15." He says he'd been happy playing ukulele before picking up guitar, but had to make the change when the rock'n'roll revolution came and he couldn't make the new music sound right on a uke.

Asides from that, it's been business as usual – although there's one golden rule he's established from early on. "It's no fun playing with guys that aren't any good," he reflects. "I've always worked with good musicians." more on this story




Soundgarden Add More Tour Dates For Spring Tour
(hennemusic) Soundgarden have announced three more live dates for 2014 in support of their latest album, "King Animal." The Seattle band will play two shows in the Netherlands and one in Luxembourg next June.

The news follows recently-revealed dates opening for Black Sabbath in Germany, as well as three Lollapalooza shows in South America in the spring.

The concerts will not feature drummer Matt Cameron, who will be touring throughout the year with Pearl Jam; Soundgarden have yet to announce a replacement for Cameron. more on this story





Boston Streaming Life Love & Hope Online
(hennemusic) Boston are premiering the title track from their forthcoming album, "Life Love & Hope", due December 3. The song follows the release of the project's lead single, "Heaven On Earth".

"Life Love & Hope" includes lead vocals from the late 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 probably would have kept going," Scholz tells Billboard. "But it was getting a little long. It was very, very hard work. All of these songs, they're basically done when I don't think I can express myself any better with the music for whatever I was trying to say.

"That might be because I'm so burnt on it that I don't think I can do any better or because I think it would be really dangerous to try to change it any more - that I just might make it worse or lose something. So I stop when I don't think I can do any better, and it was the same with this album. I stopped when I thought it was as good as it's going to get." Listen to the song here.




Video of Black Sabbath's Iommi Receiving Honorary Degree Goes Online
(hennemusic) Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Coventry University on Tuesday and video of the event has been posted online.

The BBC reports Iommi was on hand for the ceremony, saying "It's brilliant. I couldn't believe it." The university announced the degree has been awarded "in recognition of his contribution to the world of popular music; in particular being recognised as one of the founders of heavy metal music and one of the greatest and most influential musicians of all time".

Iommi headed straight from the graduation ceremony to join Black Sabbath in Helsinki for the start of their latest European tour, which begins Wednesday. Check out the video here.




Living Sacrifice Singled Out Week: Screwtape (Featuring Ryan Clark)
Living Sacrifice have released their new album "Ghost Thief" and to celebrate we asked Bruce Fitzhugh and Rocky Grayto tell us about some of the new songs. Today they tell us about "Screwtape" which features a guest appearance from Ryan Clark. Here is the story:

Bruce: The lyrics for this song came about with the idea of temptation and the thought processes that we allow to take us down that path. The proverbial "devil on your shoulder". I did not have the lyrics for this until after the song was recorded. We had discussed having Ryan Clark guest on a song for the record early on because we are friends and I did a guest vocal on the Demon Hunter song "Sixteen". As "Screwtape" came together and I started writing the lyrics for it, I felt it was the perfect song for Ryan to sing on.

For the intro to the song, I wanted to do something cool because it had that epic sounding guitar intro and I did not want to just fade those in. boring. so we tried a low rumbling organ with some reverse guitar stuff for effect. All of that came out cool and then the producer, Jeremiah, added the piano and acoustic guitar to it for more layers.

Rocky: Like most of the songs on the record this one has several influences in the riffs. You've got some Metallica and In Flames with some hints of Down. This is the third song I started writing for this record (the first one being "Sudden"). I'm just going for it. No rules.

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.