Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Today's Top Stories Ritchie Blackmore 'Banned' From Deep Purple's Rock Hall Induction?(Classic Rock) Ritchie Bl...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Today's Top Stories

Ritchie Blackmore 'Banned' From Deep Purple's Rock Hall Induction?(Classic Rock)


Ritchie Blackmore has been banned from attending Deep Purple's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction, he's said. In a statement, the co-founder reports that the band's current manager has refused permission for him to take part in the ceremony in Brooklyn in April.
Purple were finally confirmed for induction for this year - although frontman Ian Gillan slammed organizers for leaving current members Steve Morse and Don Airey out of the lineup to be listed.

Blackmore's statement says: "Ritchie was honored by the offer of induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was discussing the possibility of attending, until we received correspondence from the President of the Rock Hall of Fame, who said that Bruce Payne, management for the current Deep Purple Touring Band, had said 'No'..........!!!!!

"Therefore Ritchie will not be attending the ceremony. He sincerely thanks all the fans that voted for him for their support." here.




Why Sammy Hagar Reached Out To Eddie Van Halen On Twitter(Radio.com)

Last month, Sammy Hagar raised eyebrows when he wished Eddie Van Halen a happy birthday on Twitter. Their lengthy feud was seemingly, momentarily, put to rest through the genuine show of goodwill.
Ultimate Classic Rock reports that the deaths of rock legends David Bowie and Glenn Frey helped motivate Hagar to reach out. "It just makes you stop and think that, you know, with my relationship with Eddie Van Halen and stuff that's always been in the toilet, it makes you say, 'I don't want to be buried with any regrets or bad vibes like that,'" said Hagar. 'It makes you want to be just friends with everybody and say, 'Hey look, forget it.'"

Despite the public display, Hagar dismissed the idea that a reunion will necessarily happen as a result. 'Even if you don't want to be in a band together, just let's be friends," he said. 'No more enemies for me. You don't want to go to your grave with enemies." Read more here.




David Bowie Turned Down Dave Grohl Collaboration(Radio.com)

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl reveals in a new interview segment for Playboy that he approached David Bowie to join a film song project he worked on in the 90s, but the legendary star politely turned him down.
Bowie declined--stating after he watch the film, that is was not "his thing." Grohl remembered a night around 1997 when he played a 50th birthday celebration for Bowie at Madison Square Garden.

"About two years ago, I got approached by this movie to do a song for the movie, so I thought, 'Maybe I'll have someone else sing, I'll do the music and then have another vocalist.' And then I thought, "Maybe I'll ask and see if David would want to do it.'

"So the next day I get an email and it says, 'David, I watched the movie and I got to be honest, it's not my thing.' He said, 'I'm not made for these times.'" Watch the video segment to find out the funny way Bowie signed off on the conversation here.



Bring Me The Horizon Frontman Gets Revenge On Coldplay

Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes appears to have taken his revenge on Coldplay during the NME Awards in Austin this week. Sykes had previously called out the British pop band for the similarities in the artwork for one of their releases and Coldplay's latest effort.
During the awards show, Sykes jumped up on Coldplay's table and kicked over glasses and bottles, according to Lambgoat. They report that Sykes actions prompted Coldplay's Jonny Buckland from his seat.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin reportedly claimed to NME afterwards that he had never heard of Bring Me The Horizon before but said of the incident, "it was great... very rock n roll." Watch video of Sykes table dance here.





Eric Clapton Announces New Album 'I Still Do'(hennemusic)

Eric Clapton has announced that he will be releasing his new studio album, "I Still Do", on May 20th. The project sees the guitarist reunite with "Slowhand" producer Glyn Johns.
"This was a long and overdue opportunity to work with Glyn Johns again," says Clapton, "and also, incidentally, the fortieth anniversary of 'Slowhand'!"

The follow-up to 2013's "Old Sock" mixes Clapton originals with covers and was recorded with many musicians who have worked alongside the guitarist throughout the years.

The album's artwork - a carefully-crafted illustration of Clapton - is the work of esteemed artist Sir Peter Blake, whose previous art includes the co-design of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album sleeve, as well as the Band Aid single "Do They Know It's Christmas?,"Paul Weller's "Stanley Road" and The Who's "Face Dances." Read more including the tracklist and see the cover art here.




Dillinger Escape Plan Recording New Album(Prog)

The Dillinger Escape Plan have begun recording their latest album. Guitarist and songwriter Ben Weinman posted a photo of sticksman Billy Rymer tracking drums for their next album on Instagram.
He adds: "Deep deep in it. @billyrymer is laying down history. But we are in the now. 'We live in perilous times and at crossroads. On the one hand, we risk our extinction and that of our planet because of the devastating combination of ancient tribal habits and modern technologies that have the ability to obliterate every living being on the planet several times over.'"

The band confirmed they were writing songs for the follow-up to 2013's One Of Us Is The Killer last year, adding they were eyeing a 2016 release for their sixth record. Read more and see the photo here.




After The Burial Release Full Stream Of Their New Album 'Dig Deep'(TeamRock Radio)

After The Burial have made their latest album Dig Deep available to stream in full. It's due out on February 19, and is the first release since the death of guitarist Justin Lowe last July. Some tracks feature the late axeman's guitar from when they began recording the record last year.
After The Burial vowed to continue after Lowe's passing. They said: "Everybody deals with tragedy in their own way, and at their own pace. The common goal is to get back to living a normal life.

"A normal life to us is being on the road, meeting our fans, and sharing our music with the world." After The Burial are currently touring the US with Sumerian labelmates Born Of Osiris and Veil Of Maya. Check out the dates and stream the album here.




Killswitch Engage Release 'Cut Me Loose' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Killswitch Engage have released a video for their track Cut Me Loose. The song comes from their seventh album, Incarnate, due out on March 11 via Roadrunner. It follows the release of their Hate By Design video last month.
Frontman Jesse Leach says: "This song is about finding wisdom and understanding through suffering. The past is a story we tell ourselves, and often that story can be difficult to recount. The burdens we carry can act as a noose, inhibiting our growth and progression.

"There comes a time when we must release the bondage of our burdens and makie peace with the demons and darkness of the past - setting the albatross of regret free and moving on in life, if you will."

Killswitch tour the US starting in March. See the dates and watch the new video here.




Def Leppard Won't Take As Long For Next Album(Classic Rock)

Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell says fans shouldn't have to wait another seven years for the band's next release. They launched their self-titled 11th album last year - their first full-length effort since 2008's Songs From The Sparkle Lounge.
But Campbell reports that with so many creative ideas within the group, a studio return shouldn't take quite so long in the future. He tells Billboard: "I do think it's encouraged us a lot to the extent I think we'll see another record a hell of a lot sooner than the time between this one and the last one. There's always stuff around - there's always ideas. Everyone in the band is reasonably prolific.

"It's never the question of not having enough songs - it's a question of what kind of songs. Every Def Leppard album has to have all these different flavours and hit all these different marks. It's not a question of just showing up with a dozen rock songs. So that's what takes a lot of time." Read more here.




Korn's Brian 'Head' Welch Releasing New Book(TeamRock Radio)

Korn's Brian 'Head' Welch is to release a book focusing on the years he spent out of the band he co-founded. With My Eyes Wide Open: Miracles And Mistakes On My Way Back To Korn is said to give a "no-holds-barred" account of his departure from the group in 2005, and his subsequent struggles before rejoining Jonathan Davis and co in 2013.
The book, co-written with Carol Traver, describes Welch's "near decade-long trial by fire-from the perils of fathering a teen lost in depression and self-mutilation, to the harsh realities of playing solo and surviving financial ruin."

The follow-up to his autobiography Save Me From Myself is set for release in the US on May 17 and the Europe on June 24 via Thomas Nelson Publishing. Read more include pre-order bonus information and see the cover art here.



Big Boy Bloater Streaming Full New Album' Luxury Hobo'(The Blues)

Big Boy Bloater is streaming his latest album Luxury Hobo in full exclusively with TeamRock, ahead of its official released on February 26 via Provogue/Mascot label Group.
The album is described as "tougher, deeper and more expressive" than his previous material after the bluesman suffered a bout of depression in 2013. Bloater says: "I never felt I was prone to that kind of thing. I had a breakdown and the album centres around that we've got all these great things but are still pissed off and medicate ourselves to be normal.

"The basic idea of the title is we are all luxury hobos these days. We get to go here, there and everywhere - but no one has it the hard way now do they? We all have our luxuries. It's that juxtaposition. I think the whole album is about the modern day life and society." Stream the album here.




The Moth & The Flame Announce New Album and Tour

The Moth & The Flame have announced that they will released their new studio album, "Young & Unafraid," on February 26th and they will launch a North American tour in support of the effort a few days later.
"Young & Unafraid" was produced by Nate Pyfer (Fictionist, Parlor Hawk), Peter Katis (Interpol, The National, Sigur Ros), and Tony Hoffer (M83), and features arrangements from Rob Moose (Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens).

The band will be kicking off the tour, which will also feature Pop ETC and Banners, on February 29th in Minneapolis, MN at Triple Rock and wrapping up the trek on March 31st in San Diego, CA at the House of Blues. See the tour dates here.




Rob Reed's Kiama Announce Live Dates(Prog)

Kiama, the band featuring Magenta mastermind Rob Reed, have announced a handful of UK shows. The group also featuring Andy Edwards from Frost*, Luke Machin of Maschine and The Tangent and Dylan Thompson from Shadow Of The Sun will play an intimate show in Stourbridge on February 27 ahead of a pair of dates supporting Frost* in June.
The gigs have been set up in support of their Sign Of IV album, which was recently released Reed says: "We're really excited about performing the album live. We recorded Sign Of IV in the same room, so we know the songs work in a live set up.

"The album has only been out a few weeks but we've had a really positive reaction, so we're looking forward to taking Kiama live." Frost* vocalist and keyboardist Jem Godfrey has also remixed Kiama track Cold Black Heart from Sign Of IV. Check it out along with the dates and comments from Reed here.




Horror Icon John Carpenter Streams New Song 'Distant Dream'(Prog)

Horror icon John Carpenter has released a stream of his track Distant Dream. The song comes from his album Lost Themes II, which is set for release on April 15 via Sacred Bones Records.
The track by the film director, producer and composer, who created the theme to horror classic Halloween, is described as "one of Carpenter's creepiest works to date" and a "perfect sci-fi fever dream, built on swelling synthesiser and pulsing drum machine."

Carpenter will hit to the road in support of Lost Themes II later this year, and will take part in the ATP Halloween event Release The Bats in the UK in October. Stream the song here.

More John Carpenter News - John Carpenter Music, DVDs, Books and more - John Carpenter T-shirts and Posters
Samantha Fish Making An Acoustic Album(The Blues) Samantha Fish has started work on an acoustic album that she hopes will demonstrate she's capable of much more than the blues she's already known for.
And one of the reasons for stretching her own boundaries is that she doesn't believe the genre should remain static. Fish tells the Daily Record: "It's going to be something different for me. I think it's an honest evolution of where I'm at."

The undated release, featuring a selection of session musicians, follows third album Wild Heart, launched last year. "I felt that I was writing songs that I wanted to write," she says. "I didn't feel that I had to fit into a box. It's a raw, honest record." Read more here.



The Frisbys Release 'Waves' Video(Prog)

The Frisbys have released a new music video for their song Waves, which is a track from their brand new six-track EP The Cause that they released last month.
The band led by twin sisters Helen and Nicola Frisby say of the promo: "We were so lucky to have an amazingly talented dancer, Chloe Carey, and awesome cameraman, Kashman Harris, to work with on this shoot. Really hope that you enjoy it."

The sisters, who are joined in the lineup by Marc Robinson, Sam Keer, Will Cattermole, Tom Finigan and Sal Palekar, will play at London's Troubadour on February 26. Watch the video here.



Reef Release Cover Of Aretha Franklin Classic(Classic Rock)

Reef have released an online stream of their cover version of the gospel hymn How I Got Over, originally made famous by Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson.
The single is the follow-up to 2014's self-released Barking At Trees, and precedes a live album, Reef: Live At St Ives, which will be released on March 11.

The single was produced by long-term collaborator George Drakoulias, while the album was recorded last October during two shows at St Ives Guildhall.

The band have also added six dates to their forthcoming tour, which kicks off in March. See the tour dates and check out the stream of the new single here.



Trettioariga Kriget Announce New Album 'Seaside Air'(Prog)

Trettioariga Kriget have announced they'll release their latest album entitled Seaside Air next month. The follow-up to 2011's Efter Efter will launch on March 14 - and it's the first time the Swedish veterans have sung a full record in English.
Seaside Air was recorded last year in Stockholm and contains seven tracks which are said to be "strong, melodic and immediately accessible without losing the depth and complexity for which the band is so well known."

The album is available for pre-order from the band's website, with those purchasing ahead of release getting access to bonus track Twilight. Check out the cover art and track details here.



Singled Out: Inglorious' High Flying Gypsy

Inglorious released their self-titled debut album today (February 19th) and to celebrate we asked Nathan James to pick one of the songs from the album to tell us about. He selected the track "High Flying Gypsy". Here is the story:
The reason I chose this is because it's the most personal song to me on the record. It's a character I created that is inspired by a member of my family and the fact that actions they took and decisions they made in the past are not forgotten and not everyone can forgive. It's also a song I co wrote on the album with Al Pitrelli [Megadeth, Alice Cooper, TSO] backstage at an arena in the US whilst on tour with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. We were in Al's dressing room before a show and he said "this riff is great, very zeppelin" I loved it straight away and was humming out a verse instantly.

Its one of the only times on the album that my voice is low, which has always been a challenge for me. I much prefer to be in my upper register. But I think it adds unease to the performance and an almost sinister delivery. This is made easier because I'm singing about someone I don't really care for.

I am a new writer. This album is my writing debut and I wrote 98 percent of the lyrics on it. I was initially petrified by the idea of putting my feelings and emotions into words but what I found when I started was that I had a lot to say and talk about. 27 years on this planet and I had never written them down.

My lyrics are not hugely deep or difficult to understand but that's cos I wrote them. I don't claim to be a genius or even very intelligent. I just wanted to write songs I could sing honestly and really convey truthfully as I have spent my whole performing life so far singing the words of other writers. This can sometimes be very challenging.

I have never connected to anything as much as I do these songs and this one in particular.

The way we recorded the song as with our whole album was live. We wanted vibe, reality and truth and that's what this song does. There was no click track, auto tune and no overdubs. That is what happened in that room on that day and it will never be exactly the same again. That's how music to us should be. A series of moments that cannot be repeated. The only thing I will try and repeat is the emotion of each song and make sure the audience hears my stories.

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Today's Top Stories Metallica Expand Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning For Reissue Metallica fans helped the band expan...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Today's Top Stories

Metallica Expand Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning For Reissue

Metallica fans helped the band expand their first two album "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride The Lightning" for reissues that are set to be released on April 15th in CD, vinyl and limited edition deluxe box sets.
The band revealed the following details about the special reissues of the landmark albums, "A while back you may remember that we reached out to you for a little help as we began putting together reissues of both Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning. We are psyched to announce that the releases you've been helping us assemble will finally be hitting the streets on Friday, April 15 just in time for Record Store Day!

"Both albums have been remastered for the most advanced sound quality possible and will be available in three formats - CD, vinyl and a deluxe box set. The deluxe box sets include original source material from the band's personal collection with many never before heard or seen recordings along with books including rare photos and essays from those who were there.

"The deluxe numbered box set of Kill 'Em All includes four vinyl records, five CDs, one DVD, a hardcover book including rare photos and a patch while the deluxe numbered box set of Ride the Lightning includes four vinyl records, six CDs, one DVD, a hardcover book including more of those unseen photos, a mini-book of lyrics handwritten by James Hetfield and a set of three posters.

"The deluxe box sets are limited edition collectors' items, so get yours before they are gone! You may pre-order both deluxe box sets at the Met Store now and all six new items will, of course, also be available at your local record stores around the world on Friday, April 15th.

"We're excited to continue working our way through the catalog… this is just the beginning!" Check out the full tracklistings on Metallica's site here.


Paul McCartney and Foo Fighter Denied Entry Into Grammy Party(Classic Rock)

Beatles legend Paul McCartney was turned away from R&B star Tyga's Grammy afterparty, along with Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and singer Beck.
Paparazzi footage shows the all-star trio attempting to get into the Argyle club in LA after the awards ceremony - and they were rejected by door staff twice.

After being denied access again, 21-time Grammy winner McCartney says: "How VIP do we gotta get? We need another hit, guys! We need another hit," before he adds jokingly to Beck: "Work on it!"

It's been reported that the rock icon and co had gone to the Argyle bash by mistake. The group later went to the Republic Records party hosted by Mark Ronson at Hyde Sunset And Kitchen cocktail bar.

Tyga said on Twitter: "Why would I deny Paul McCartney? Stop it. He's a legend. I don't control the door. I had no knowledge Sir Paul was there. I just performed and left."

He later tells Jimmy Kimmel: "I wish I had known he was outside, I would have went out there with the mic and brought him in." Read more and watch the video footage here.




Megadeth's Dave Mustaine On Why He Thinks He's Hated(Classic Rock)

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine believes that those who rate him badly do so because of animosity from his split with Metallica in 1983 - and he believes they're misinformed.
He was fired by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield for his outlandish behaviour, and replaced by Kirk Hammett. He went on to form his own band, partly as an act of revenge at the time.

But they've long since settled their differences, although some bad feeling appears to remain in some parts of the metal world. Mustaine tells Westword: "I think a lot of it goes back to the breakup. There are people who have picked up that feud - and they don't even know why they're choosing sides.

"I have nothing against Metallica fans. I was in both bands. I like Lars and I like James. And contrary to what people say, I do think Kirk is a good guitar player."

He admits: "In the beginning, when I was bitter, there was sh*t going back and forth. They were justifying firing me, and I was telling them they were wrong. That's just been perpetuated over and over again. It's been put to bed. I've got no beef with those dudes. We're two totally different bands." Read more here.




Motley Crue's Vince Neil Sets Celebrity Apprentice Record(hennemusic)

Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil has reportedly set a fundraising record while filming an episode for the new season NBC-TV's reality competition show The Celebrity Apprentice.
The Las Vegas Sun reports Neil raised $200,000 for the charity Keep Memory Alive on Monday as part of a sales campaign challenge at his pop-up cupcakes and doughnut store at See's Candy on S. La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Neil has earmarked some of the funds for the late star chef Kerry Simon's Fight MSA Foundation at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Read more here.




Blues Hall Of Fame To Induct Elvin Bishop, John Mayall, More(The Blues)


Elvin Bishop, John Mayall, Eddy Clearwater, Jimmy Johnson and the Memphis Jug Band have been named as this year's inductees into the Blues Hall Of Fame.
They'll be recognized at a ceremony in Memphis, Tennessee on May 4 - the night before the 37th annual Blues Music Awards. The artists were voted in by a panel of "blues scholars and industry veterans." The Hall Of Fame say: "Each of these musicians has carved his place in blues history.

"Bishop's beginnings with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band to his more recent recognition for the 2015 Blues Music Awards Song of the Year have elevated him to the highest stature in blues music.

"Clearwater, Johnson, and Mayall each boast careers that have spanned more than a half century, and their talent has not waned as they each continue to produce music and to perform for devoted audiences. The Memphis Jug Band's music crossed the racial divides of the first half of the twentieth century and inspired many musicians to follow in their footsteps." Read more here.




Hypno5e Streaming New Album 'Shores Of The Abstract Line' Online(Prog)

Hypno5e have made their upcoming third album available to stream in its entirety with TeamRock. The French cinematic metal outfit release Shores Of The Abstract Line tomorrow, February, 19th via Pelagic Records.
They previously streamed the tracks North Shore: The Abstract Line and In Our Deaf Lands. Hypno5e tell TeamRock: "When we first started writing Shores Of The Abstract Line, we never thought that it would take so long to come out.

"We've had one hell of a ride getting to this point - a few ups like our hugely successful crowdfunding campaign - but a lot of downs like the never-ending studio delays that almost buried this record in a fresh grave.

"We are so happy that it's finally going to see the light of day. Every song has a price and every record has a sacrifice - this one is ours." Stream the album here.




Giraffe Tongue Orchestra Recruit Alice In Chains' William DuVall(Classic Rock)

Alice In Chains singer William DuVall has been revealed as the frontman for supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. The band created by The Dillinger Escape Plan's Ben Weinman and Mastodon's Brent Hinds have worked with a number of vocalists and last year announced Juliette Lewis had been guesting on some songs.
Now guitarist Weinman says DuVall is the man on the mic as the band work on their upcoming debut album. He tells Riffing With Christina (via Loudwire): "Juliette is actually not our main singer. She guested. But me and her have been working on songs, some of which are for Giraffe Tongue, some of which were just jams that we were working on. And she did some cool vocals on some of the GTO stuff. Actually, William from Alice In Chains is who has been singing with us."

On the writing process for the as-yet-untitled record, Weinman adds: "Most of the music was written before William got involved. But everybody is definitely in this band, it's a real democracy." Read more here.




The Church Announce Special North American Spring Tour

The Church have announced that they will be launching a special tour of North American this spring where they will be treating fans to two full sets of music.
The first set of the show will feature the band performing their classic sophomore album "The Blurred Crusade" in full and the second set will feature classic tracks along with songs from their latest album "Further/Deeper."

The tour is scheduled to kick off on April 8th in Dallas, TX at the Sons of Herman Hall and the trek will conclude with a two-night stand in Evanston, IL on April 25th and 26th at SPACE.

In addition to the headline dates, the band is also scheduled perform at this year's Maverick Festival on April 9th in San Antonio, TX. See the tour dates here.



Alice Cooper In The Studio For Love It To Death's 45th Anniversary(ITS)

The latest episode of the syndicated radio show In The Studio with Redbeard: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands catches up with Alice Cooper to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Cooper's breakthrough third album "Love It To Death". The show sent over the following details:
Detroit's blue-collar bars and cheap motels along Woodward Avenue may be less than 200 miles away from the steps of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, but it turned out to be a four decade odyssey for Alice Cooper. Only in Rock'n'Roll can a preacher's son named Vincent Furnier dress up in make-up, leather, and fishnet stockings while simulating his own execution by hanging, beheading, and electric chair as 10,000 mesmerized fans gladly pay for the macabre experience.

In 1969, five friends from Phoenix moved to Los Angeles as a band named Alice Cooper, but after recording two unsuccessful albums, Pretties for You and Easy Action on Frank Zappa's Straight Records label, Alice Cooper headed for Furnier's birthplace of Detroit in hopes of better luck. Inking a deal with Warner Brothers, they actually released two albums in 1971, Love It To Death and Killer , with both albums becoming instant successes because of hit songs "I'm Eighteen","Under My Wheels",and "Be My Lover".

With InTheStudio host Redbeard , Alice shares his fond memories of an early concert which illustrate the fact that the Alice Cooper band was unlike anything before.

He said, "We played at a thing called the Lenny Bruce's Birthday Party with The Doors, Paul Butterfield, Love, all of these great bands. Six to eight thousand people inside this place. Alice Cooper came on last. Within I would say four minutes we had cleared the place. They could not take it!... We were like everybody's Rock & Roll nightmare come true, and they sat there and their mouths were open, and then they ran for the door. It was the greatest reaction. There were four people left standing there, my manager Shep Gordon, Frank Zappa, and two of the GTOs." Stream the episode here.



Monuments Announce North American Headline Tour Dates

Monuments have expanded their North American tour plans, announcing that they have added new headline dates surrounding their upcoming tour with The Contortionist.
The new headline dates will be kicking off on March 12th in Columbus, OH at The Summit and include over a dozen stops before concluding on April 28th in Oklahoma City, OK at 89th Street Collective.

The Contortionist tour, which will also feature Entheos and sleepmakeswaves is set to begin on March 21st in Albuquerque, NM at the Launchpad and will wrap up on May 1st in Detroit, MI.

The band had the following to say, "We're stoked to be returning to the US with our friends in the Contortionist, Entheos and new friends Sleepmakeswaves. We've been non stop writing for the past few months, it will be great to break up this process to give us some perspective by playing for all you wonderful people out there.

"Hey you might even get to hear some new material and some old material we've never played in America if you come along! We also have some headliner shows on the run that you can check [the tour date listing] to see if we make your city!"

Monuments will also be performing at several European music festivals this summer including Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium, Copenhell in Denmark, and the German music festivals With Full Force, Rockaue and Wacken Open Air. See all of the tour dates here.




White Zombie Box Set To Be Released This Spring(TeamRock Radio)


White Zombie box set It Came From NYC box will be released on June 3. The package includes out-of-print EPs and LPs and a hardback book. The 39 tracks were remastered by former White Zombie bassist Sean Yseult.
Yseult previously said: "Jay, Rob and I have been working on a box set with Numero Group. It's coming out in spring or summer. We've been working on it for over a year. There's 50 pages of liner notes - they've been interviewing us for months. They've done a beautiful job on the booklet. It's going to be all vinyl, all the early records.

"Some of the extra tracks I didn't even remember. When we were in the studio usually we used everything we recorded, but we had a couple of extra songs here and there, so there's going to be a few surprises." Read more including track details here.




Of Mice & Men Release Preview Of Full Circle Story Documentary(TeamRock Radio)

Of Mice & Men have released a trailer for an upcoming documentary called The Full Circle Story. The film will be released in five parts through a "fan-driven community" that will offer behind-the-scenes and exclusive content. More details on the initiative will be unveiled in the coming days.
The band say: "Over the course of the last two-plus years, we have had our lives filmed with the intention of creating the most honest, exciting and real documentary, showing our fans our truest selves.

"This film has been a long time in the making. It will be released as a five-part documentary series that takes the audience through the making of our album Restoring Force and how this album and our fans changed our lives." Read more and watch the preview here.




Gus G Announce North American Headline Tour Dates


Ozzy Osbourne and Firewind guitarist Gus G has announced that he will be hitting the road this spring for select dates across North American in support of his solo album "Brand New Revolution".
The mini-tour is scheduled to kick off on April 15th in Rock Island, IL and will include stops in Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Canadian shows in Ottawa and Toroto.

He had the following to say about the trek "I'm very excited to play my first US and Canada shows in support of my new album Brand New Revolution! I purposely decided to do select, VERY exclusive and intimate shows for my die-hard followers. I know it's been long overdue and I hope to see you all there for some loud, hot and sweaty rocking nights.

"I will be playing mainly material from my two solo albums, but there will be some classic Firewind, Ozzy and Black Sabbath songs sprinkled into the set as well. These shows are not to be missed." See the tour dates here.




The Virginmarys Stream New Song 'Motherless Land'(Classic Rock)


The Virginmarys have made their track Motherless Land available to stream. the song comes from their upcoming album Divides, due out on May 6. The record is the follow-up to their 2013 debut King Of Conflict.
The band say: "Motherless Land is a song about escape and it's full of questions about what we're collectively doing in 2016. It's about striving for peace, love and truth.

"Divides is the best work we have done and we can't wait for you guys to hear it. We can't thank you enough for your love, support and patience and we're really looking forward to us all being united at the gigs. We have the best fans in the world." Stream the song here.




Graham Bonnet's Hometown Return In Documentary Series Episode(Classic Rock)

The latest episode of Graham Bonnet's tour documentary showcases his return to his hometown of Skegness. The former Rainbow man played The Suncastle in the English town on February 3 - and the third part of his All Day And All Night Long series features footage of his performance at the venue he last played at almost half a century ago.
Bonnet says: "I played here 49 years ago and it's really strange to be here - but it's kind of cool." The 18-minute documentary also shows the singer and his band touring the town, along with footage of his show in Glasgow, where Bonnet paid tribute to Scottish bassist Jimmy Bain who died last month.

He tells the Scottish crowd: "I would like to say something - you lost one of your fellow countrymen, Jimmy Bain. I would like to salute him - forever a member of Rainbow" Watch the episode here.




Todd Rundgren 13-Disc Box Set Announced(Prog)


Todd Rundgren is the subject of a 13-disc box set containing the records that he released between 1970 and 1982. The Complete Bearsville Albums Collection is set to be released on February 26.
The collection contains the work he did with the label following his split with The Nazz, including Runt, The Hermit Of Mink Hollow and A Wizard, A True Star.

Rhino Records say: "It was 1972's seminal Something/Anything? - on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts and acted as his own producer - that catapulted Rundgren into the superstar limelight.

"The Complete Bearsville Albums Collection houses 11 albums inside a 13CD clamshell box, showcasing the complete collection of Rundgren's finest work released on the exceptionally cool Bearsville label." Check out the track details and cover art here.




New Years Day Release 'I'm About To Break You' Video(TeamRock Radio)


New Years Day have released a new music video for their track I'm About To Break You. The song comes from the band's third album Malevolence, which was released last year.
Singer Ash Costello says: "This video was so much fun to make. We are big fans of Mad Max and have always wanted to make a post-apocalyptic style video so I'm glad we pulled it out for I'm About to Break You.

"The location we filmed at was a few hours away from Los Angeles and they put on a festival every year called Wasteland Weekend that is dedicated to the post-apocalyptic lifestyle.

"We had a blast making props and riding around in those amazing cars. Having fans and friends join us as extras made it the icing on the cake." Watch the video here.




Former Europe Guitarist Kee Marcello Making New Album(Classic Rock)


Former Europe guitarist Kee Marcello has signed a deal with Frontiers Music Srl. His last release with Europe was 1991's Prisoners In Paradise - and Marcello says he'll continue where that album left off, and draw upon demos he recorded with Joey Tempest and co between 1989-1990 under the Le Baron Boys banner.
Marcello says: "I'm really excited about this album. I'm making a new departure from the Le Baron Boys era, bringing it into the future. I've always felt that there was something magic about the material that Sony mysteriously refused to release on Prisoners In Paradise - and now the time has come to put things right. It's time to complete my unfinished symphony. This is the album that Europe never managed to record after Prisoners In Paradise."

The guitarist reports the material will have a "familiar ring" for fans of music from that era, and adds: "I've recorded two previously unreleased Le Baron Boys tracks on the album. With one foot in the past and one in the present I think this album will raise a lot of eyebrows." Read more here.




Heliopolis Ink Deal For New Live Album(Prog)

LA symphonic prog outfit Heliopolis have penned a deal with Bad Elephant Music ahead of the release of a live album. Epic At The Majestic: Heliopolis Live At Rosfest was captured during the band's appearance at last year's festival in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It's due for release this summer, with no firm date yet announced.
Bassist Kerry Chicoine says: "All of us are excited to be partnering with Bad Elephant Music for the release of our live album. For a relatively new label with an incredibly diverse and unquestionably talented roster, BEM have forged their own unique path and they're now at the forefront of the progressive rock music scene.

"We're hoping this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership." David Elliott of BEM adds: "I've been a Heliopolis fan since their debut album City Of The Sun. They're true paragons in their field." Read more here.




Yossi Sassi Reveals New Album Title and Details(Prog)

Yossi Sassi has confirmed his third album will be entitled Roots And Roads and released a preview video. It will be the first to be released under the banner of the Yossi Sassi Band.
The former Orphaned Land man has also promised a number of surprises, as pre-ordering begins to help fund the recording process. Sassi says: "This release hopefully includes more vocally-driven songs than before, featuring some guest vocalists that you haven't seen before in my project. Overall it really shows a nice evolution from the material I used to compose for Orphaned Land, and my solo work. I think you'll appreciate it."

Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal will contribute once again, while Sassi's daughter Danielle will make her studio debut on flute. Check out a preview video here.




Moon Safari Tap Peter Jones's Tiger Moth Tales For London Show(Prog)

Peter Jones's Tiger Moth Tales have been confirmed as Moon Safari's support for their upcoming London show. The gig is scheduled to take place at the city's Borderline on May 11 and comes ahead of his appearance with Camel on their tour of Japan later the same month.
Jones has also provided lead vocals on Red Bazar album Tales From The Bookcase, which is scheduled to be released on March 15 via White Knight Records.

A message on Red Bazar's Facebook page, which Jones shared, says: "As you're probably aware, Peter Jones is not one to sit around doing nothing all day. For the last year or so he's been working tirelessly with the guys from Red Bazar and they have produced something quite special." See the post and a preview video here.





Iron Maiden Stream Ed Force One Arrival In The UK(Classic Rock)

Iron Maiden will broadcast the arrival of Ed Force One in the UK live on Periscope tonight. The plane's arrival at Cardiff Airport in Wales will be shown via the video app, with Maiden sharing info as it happens on their social media channels.
The 747 jumbo was expected to land in Wales at 10pm tonight (Wednesday, February 17) but bad weather has delayed the flight by about two hours. It will be piloted on the world tour by frontman Bruce Dickinson.

Maiden say: "Ed Force One, our new 747 jumbo, is all branded-up, ready to go and Bruce has his shiny new 747 type rating so he can fly the plane. Ed Force One flies into the UK on Wednesday evening and IronMaiden.com will be at Cardiff Airport, stepladder and phone in hand, to bring you the first footage live on Periscope. Keep an eye on the website or our social media channels for details - we're @ironmaiden on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

"As we initially announced, we'll be using Ed Force One right around the world as usual but also including the first few shows in Europe this time, making this the first time EF1 has visited Europe on tour." Read more here.




Bring Me The Horizon Take Personal Trainer On The Road With Them(TeamRock Radio)

Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls says having a personal trainer on the road with the band has helped his live performances. The Sheffield metal heroes hired the personal trainer to keep them in shape on the road, and Nicholls says the effects have been impressive.
He tells Music Radar: "If I don't work out in the day and play a show I can feel groggy. If I work out it makes me feel good, my body feels ready. If I'm sat around all day doing nothing and I've eaten crap, I feel sluggish. Working out makes you feel energetic and positive, and you take that on stage with you."

The trainer is a friend of frontman Oli Sykes and he puts the band through their paces on a daily basis. Nicholls adds: "It's just general working out. When we first started touring we were kids and we were just like, 'Give me loads of beer, give me loads of food.'

"It's easy to get caught up in that, when you're on tour anyway it can be hard to eat good. I put on weight and started looking like sh*t to be honest with you." Read more here.




Phil Campbell's All-Starr Band, Witchsorrow Added To Bloodstock(TeamRock Radio)

Phil Campbell's All-Starr Band and Witchsorrow lead the latest additions for this year's Bloodstock Festival which will be taking place on August 11-14th in Derbyshire, UK.
Motohead guitarist Campbell and his All-Star Band will be heading to Catton Park to headline the Sophie Lancaster Stage on Thursday night, as a treat to all the early campers. He's also officially opening Lemmy's Bar at 5pm.

London doom merchants Witchsorrow are also heading to the Sophie stage for some serious riffs. ""It gives us no small amount of pleasure to once again rain doom down upon Bloodstock," says frontman Necroskull. "It is an incredibly special place for us, and we are incredibly proud to stand alongside Twisted Sister, Venom, Slayer, and Paradise Lost in bringing heavy metal madness to Catton Park. Doom forever. Forever doomed." Read more and see the lineup here.




Stone Temple Pilots And Chester Bennington Reuniting For One Show(hennemusic)


Stone Temple Pilots will reunite with singer Chester Bennington of Linkin Park for a one-off performance at From Bach To Rock, a charity concert to benefit public schools in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
The March 26 event at the Norris Theater and Pavilion mixes rockers with world-renowned classical musicians to take the audience on a journey from 17th century to today's modern hits, with proceeds to be donated to the Peninsula Education Foundation (PEF).

In addition to STP, other performers include Gary Wright ("Dream Weaver"), Yutong (Pacific Symphony, LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra), Chas West (Bonham, Foreigner), Marten Andersson (Lizzy Borden, George Lynch), Monte Pittman (Madonna, Solo Artist), Stan Sharp (Long Beach Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra) and Jane Lee (accomplished pianist). Read more here.



The Pixies, Blondie, More Added To Music Of David Bowie Events(Classic Rock)

The Pixies, Blondie, Cat Power and REM's Michael Stipe have been added to the bills for the upcoming David Bowie tribute shows in New York. The sold out Music Of David Bowie events are being held at Carnegie Hall on March 31 and Radio City Music Hall on April 1 in memory of the late star who died last month at the age of 69 after battle with cancer.
Also confirmed for the events are Mumford & Sons, Amanda Palmer, Jherek Bischoff, Anna Calvi, Nancy Wilson and the Donny McCaslin Group - featuring Mark Guiliana, Jason Lindner and Bowie producer Tony Visconti who will act as the band leader and musical director at the gigs.

The events had been planned before his death on January 10, with Roots, Laurie Anderson, the Mountain Goats, Bette Midler, Perry Farrell and others having signed up earlier.

Organizers say: "The unexpected death of David Bowie has turned this tribute, which we have worked on for the last seven months, into a poignant celebration of his music by his friends, peers and fans." Read more here.



Chantel McGregor Excited About New Guitar Designed For Women(The Blues)

Chantel McGregor is pleased that an electric guitar has finally been designed by a woman for women - because she's struggled with traditional instruments for years.
Art-rock musician St Vincent has partnered with MusicMan to create her signature STV six-string, describing it as "ergonomic, lightweight and sleek" - and adding: "There is room for a breast or two."

McGregor tells the Telegraph: "There are certain brands I can't use. They sound amazing but they have thick necks, and I have small hands. Not all girls have petite fingers, but many do, and it can make it a lot harder to play.

"Then there's the strap issue. I like to wear vest-tops, btu the fabric of the strap can cut into you. I have mine specially made in corduroy - but I really shouldn't have to.

"Breasts are a problem too. When you're sitting down you have to put your boobs on top of the instrument or they get squashed. Most of the time you don't even need to wear a bra, as you spend so much time with your breasts propped on the guitar." here.



Blink-182 'Trashed' 16 New Songs and Started Over(TeamRock Radio)


Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker says in a new interview the band scrapped a full album's worth of material as they were writing the follow-up to 2011's Neighborhoods.
Barker and Mark Hoppus split with Tom DeLonge last year and brought in Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba. And the sticksman says Skiba's input has been invaluable. He tells radio station KX 93.5: "I knew he was going to be a great fit - but I didn't know it was going to be this great. The writing has been amazing. We actually wrote 16 songs and we trashed everything. We got back in the studio and did everything over."

Barker reports the material is the best they've created in over a decade - and they're still on track for a release later this year. He continues: "We're probably about 70-80% finished with the album and I think it's the best Blink album since 2003 - and I think fans will agree once they hear it.

"I can honestly say I haven't been excited about a Blink album like this in a long time." Listen to the full interview here.



The Black Dahlia Murder Release 'Threat Level No. 3' VideoThe Black Dahlia Murder have released a new animated music video for the song, "Threat Level No. 3", which is a track from their recently released album, Abysmal.
The new "Threat Level No. 3" video was written, directed, and animated by Adam Avilla. He had the following to say, "It isn't often that a band that you have listened to for fifteen years approaches you and wants you to draw four minutes of sheer madness for their new record. It's insane. Such a great honor. And the song rips!"

Frontman Trevor Strnad adds "Adam has done an amazing job of bringing the fiendish character behind 'Threat Level No. 3' to life in all his despicable glory. This is by far the best video we've ever brought forth and the best part of all...You don't have to look at our ugly faces once!" Watch the video here.

The new video comes as The Black Dahlia Murder prepares to launch a U.S. tour in April where they will be playing their first full-length, Unhallowed (2003), in its entirety as they visit intimate venues that they have not played at since the release of their debut. Fallujah and Disentomb will be supporting the band on the trek. See the tour dates.




Hollywood Vampires Release New Song and Announce U.S. Live Date(hennemusic)


Following their performance at the Grammy Awards on Monday, supergroup The Hollywood Vampires have issued their new single, "As Bad As I Am" and the supergroup have also announced their first US concert of 2016.
The song is one of three bonus tracks featured on the just-released deluxe edition of the band's 2015 self-titled debut, which presented covers of classic tunes by T. Rex, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and more. "As Bad As I Am" is joined by covers of The Who's "I'm A Boy" and Love's "7 And 7 Is" on the expanded release.

Led by the trio of Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Aerosmith's Joe Perry, the group delivered the new single on the Grammys broadcast that also saw them pay tribute to late Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, who passed away at his Los Angeles home on December 28.

The band's live lineup includes Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Tommy Henriksen and Bruce Witkin. The group will play the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on May 24.

After the show, the group will head to Europe, where they will play Lisbon, Portugal's edition of the Rock In Rio festival on May 27, and a headlining appearance at Cadott, Wisconsin's Rock Fest in July. Read more and stream the new song here.




Crossfaith Release Video For 'Wildfire' Featuring Benji Webbe(TeamRock Radio)


Crossfaith have released a video for their track Wildfire - featuring Skindred frontman Benji Webbe. The song is taken from last year's album Xeno and the promo features live footage captured with guest Webbe onstage alongside the Japanese electro-metal outfit on their 2015 joint tour.
Crossfaith mainman Kenta Koie says: "Wildfire is the sound of Crossfaith live shows. It's crazy, heavy and a real party. And this collaboration with the legend Benji from our boys Skindred is a proper banger that we just love to play. So if you want the best night of your life, come see us on the Xeno world tour soon in the UK and Europe."

Crossfaith tour Europe from this month, with The Qemists onboard as support for some UK dates. Webbe was in Japan with Skindred at the weekend for a show in Koto. The singer is recovering after an incident in his hometown on Newport which left him needing 24 stitches in his neck and throat. Two women were arrested in connected with the alleged attack. Watch the video here.




Knifeworld Preview New Album and Announce Release Show(Prog)


Knifeworld have revealed the artwork for upcoming album Bottled Out Of Eden and announced a London launch show for the record as well as released a teaser video for the effort.
The follow-up to 2014's The Unravelling will be issued on April 22 via InsideOut Music. An album launch party will be held at London's Bush Hall on May 12, with tickets available via SeeTickets from 10am on February 17 (Wednesday).

Frontman Kavus Torabi says: "The beautiful artwork has been executed, once again, by Steve Mitchell at 57 Design. He's been responsible for all of our graphics since the beginning and, for me, his work really defines the look of Knifeworld."

The teaser video features footage shot during the recording of the album in a studio in Midi-Pyrenees in the south of France with Bob Drake. Check out the teaser video, the album art and track details here.




Metallica Release Super Bowl Show Behind-The-Scenes Video(Classic Rock)

Metallica have released a behind-the-scenes video based around their pre-Super Bowl show in San Francisco. They played a gig at AT&T Park in their hometown the night before the NFL showpiece game between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos earlier this month.
The 36-minute clip shows drummer Lars Ulrich meeting fans, the warm-up session prior to the band hitting the stage, their photoshoot with Ross Halfin and live footage from the band's first live performance of 2016, including their track Master Of Puppets.
Video screens at the side of the stage declared: "Metallica, too heavy for halftime" after Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Beyonce got the nod to appear at the game itself. And frontman James Hetfield acknowledged that chances of them ever appearing at the sporting event were slim.

He told ABC News: "I have a feeling that ship has passed. We're not a variety show. We're not pop. We're not sparkly, and all that kind of stuff that seems to be what's needed for that." Watch the video here.



Hacktivist Streaming New Collaboration With Jamie Graham(TeamRock Radio)


Hacktivist have released a stream of their collaboration with Jamie Graham. The Heart Of A Coward frontman guests on a new version of Hacktivist's single Deceive And Defy, the original of which was released in 2014.
The updated version will appear on the band's debut album Outside The Box, due out on March 4 via UNFD and Rise Records. Vocalist Ben Marvin says: "This song is about the illusion of success in mainstream music - how people can be loved one day then hated the next.

"There's nothing wrong with starting from the bottom and working to where you want to be. You're way more likely to last longer at the top and be remembered if you don't sell yourself out."

Guitarist Timfy James adds: "Deceive And Defy for me is an all-round impression of us as a band and what we stand for. You can't just buy your way into music - it takes blood, sweat and tears - something we know all about." Stream the song here.



Ihsahn Pushes Back Release Date For New Album 'Artkis'(TeamRock Radio) Ihsahn has pushed the release date of his upcoming solo album back by a month. Arktis was originally scheduled to be issued on March 4 via Candlelight Records, but the date has been changed to April 8.
The Emperor frontman worked with guests including Einar Solberg of Leprous, Matt Heafy of Trivium, Jorgen Munkeby of Shining, Tobias Ornes Andersen, also of Shining, and Norwegian author Hans Herbjornsrud on the album.

He previously said: "My focus for this album was to write within more traditional song structures and still give each song a strong individual identity, be that through a re-occurring melody, a chorus, sound design or the good, old guitar riff. I also wanted to explore this on the production side, blending organic rock sounds with more modern expressions."

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Guns N' Rose Add Another Reunion Concert(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses have added a second Mexico City show to their 2016 ...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Guns N' Rose Add Another Reunion Concert(hennemusic)


Guns N' Roses have added a second Mexico City show to their 2016 reunion tour. The band will perform at the Foro Sol on April 20 in addition to the previously-announced April 19 date.
Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan and unconfirmed others will kick off the reunion in April with two shows in Las Vegas followed by the dates in Mexico City - which land in the week between appearances at Coachella.

The 2016 shows will mark the first time the trio have performed together since a July 17, 1993 date at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. See the update list of reunion dates here.




Eagles, Jackson Browne To Tribute Glen Frey At Grammy Awards(hennemusic)

The Eagles, including cofounder Bernie Leadon, will be joined by Jackson Browne to perform a tribute to the late Glenn Frey at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this weekend.
Browne, Eagles co-founders Don Henley and Leadon will team with Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit for the one-time-only special tribute to Frey, who passed away January 18 at the age of 67 from a combination of rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and pneumonia.

"Glenn Frey's untimely passing was a huge loss for the entire creative community," says President/CEO of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow. "For more than 45 years, the Eagles have played a significant role in shaping our musical landscape. We are honored to welcome the band, along with Jackson Browne, to the Grammy stage in tribute to Glenn's tremendous legacy."

Frey sang lead vocals on Eagles classics like "Take It Easy", "Peaceful Easy Feeling", "Tequila Sunrise", "Already Gone", "Lyin' Eyes", "New Kid in Town", and "Heartache Tonight." Read more here.




Santana Calls Out NFL Over Super Bowl Halftime Show(hennemusic)

Carlos Santana is challenging the NFL to feature live music performances during the Super Bowl halftime show after six straight years of pop music acts accompanied by accusations of lip syncing.
The guitar icon - who was featured momentarily during Sunday's Super Bowl 50 broadcast - took to Facebook to thank the companies for his inclusion before suggesting a local Bay Area lineup could have delivered "real live" entertainment for fans on site and tuned in around the world.

"Dear NFL/CBS, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you both for including me as a part of your Super Bowl entertainment," Santana writes. "I do feel compelled to point out to you that the Halftime Show should have included some of the local iconic bands that the World would have loved to see perform. Bands like Metallica, Steve Miller, Journey and yours truly. We would have rocked the Half Time Show and done the SF Bay Area proud.

"This is just an invitation for you to consider iconic bands as part of your Half Time entertainment. Real live music, real live vocals, and give the audience real live chills."

"Thank You Carlos," added Journey, who shared the guitarist's note on their own Facebook page, "and yes we would have all Rocked it!" Read more here.



Slipknot's Corey Taylor Praises Metal Fans For Unity(TeamRock Radio)


Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor says no other genre can match metal when it comes to a sense of community and togetherness and he says that when one metal act makes it big, it's a win for the whole movement.
He tells the Guardian: "What I love the most about the metal community is the sense of community that comes along with it. Unlike other genres there's a support system and common sense of appreciation for what we are all striving to achieve.

"It feels like when one of us crosses over and wins, we all win. We are, collectively, kind of treated like bastard stepchildren by the rest of the music world, so any time we get to fly the flag in their faces, to me that means that more people are hearing what I consider real music.

"You get used to being a bastard stepchild, it goes hand in hand with the attitude, and the reactionary vibe of the music itself - which makes you feel something whether you want it to or not." Read more here.




Bullet For My Valentine Plan To Release Mobile App(TeamRock Radio)


Bullet For My Valentine have announced they'll launch their own app. No release date has been given but frontman Matt Tuck says it'll be in the hands of fans soon via Google Play and Apple's App Store.
He adds: "We're super excited to have a new platform to connect with our Army Of Noise across the world. We're gonna be saving some of the best bits of what we do for our subscribers and there's gonna be plenty for you all to get your teeth into.

"Make sure you become part of it and make this your first destination for all things Bullet For My Valentine. See you on the stage somewhere very soon."

The app will gives users access to the band's entire back catalogue, ticket pre-sales, live streams, merchandise and more. Earlier this week, the group released a video for their track Worthless, which is lifted from their latest album Venom. Watch it here.




Cage The Elephant Stream New Single 'Cry Baby'(The Blues)


Cage The Elephant have made their upcoming single Cry Baby available to stream. The song is taken from the band's fourth album Tell Me I'm Pretty, which was released late last year. The single Cry Baby is issued on March 25 via Columbia Records. Tell Me I'm Pretty was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Guitarist Brad Shultz previously said the partnership with Auerbach came about as a result of drunken bravado. He said: "I was probably a little too drunk in the dressing room and I was like, 'Man, let me show you some songs, dude. We gotta do some tracks together.' Typical stuff. I was really wasted."

Meanwhile, Cage The Elephant have had to upgrade the venues for their upcoming UK shows in Liverpool and Manchester due to high demand for tickets. The Liverpool gig on February 18 will now take place at the Academy 2, while the February 20 show will move to Manchester's Academy 2. Stream the single here.




Sick Puppies Reveal New Singer and Stream New Single(TeamRock Radio)


Sick Puppies have announced that singer-songwriter Bryan Scott has joined them as their new vocalist and shared a clip of upcoming single Stick To Your Guns.
Scott, who previously played with Glass Intrepid and Dev Electric, joins Emma Anzai and Mark Goodwin and has been brought in after the 2014 departure of Shimon Moore.

The band teased fans with a clip of a studio performance with their new vocalist back in December, keeping his identity hidden - but they introduced the new singer in a snippet of their next single.

Scott tells Loudwire: "As soon as I found out about the lineup change, my gut feeling told me to reach out to Emma and Mark, and we clicked right away. I knew this was a shot that could change the course of my life so I flew out to LA to audition the next morning.

Anzai and Goodwin add: "Before we met Bryan in person, we knew he'd be a great fit. His audition of Odd One and You're Going Down was on point and from there the music progressed naturally." Check out the new single here.



Lacuna Coil Recruit Black Lodge's Daniel Sahagun(TeamRock Radio)

Lacuna Coil have recruited Black Lodge guitarist Daniel Sahagun on a temporary basis following the departure of Marco Biazzi last month. Biazzi quit the band after 17 years last month to pursue a new music project.
Sahagun previously played bass for Lacuna Coil while Marco 'Maki' Coti-Zelati was unable to tour with the group in 2014. He made his live debut with the band during the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise last weekend.

Vocalist Cristina Scabbia says: "Daniel came on the cruise to play with us, but he is not the new member of Lacuna Coil. He's still part of the family, though." Read more here.




Peter Frampton Previews Songs From Acoustic Classics Album(hennemusic)

Peter Frampton has released preview streams of "Baby, I Love Your Way" and "Do You Feel Like I Do" from his upcoming album "Acoustic Classics." Due February 26, the project sees the guitarist deliver reinvented, unplugged versions of many of his best-known songs and one brand new one - "All Down To Me."
"The approach I took on this was that each song came across as if you are the first person to hear this song after I wrote it," says Frampton. "I had to reverse engineer each song in order to get this result, which I feel I achieved."

Frampton will support the release of "Acoustic Classics" with the launch of a new leg of his Raw unplugged tour in Tucson, AZ on March 9. Read more and check out the preview streams here.



Beardfish Singer Rikard Sjoblom Streaming New Solo Album Online(Prog)

Beardfish singer Rikard Sjoblom has made his solo album available to stream in full. The Unbendable Sleep was released Wednesday (February 10) and features Beardfish bassist Robert Hansen.
Sjoblom says: "I have been meaning to make The Unbendable Sleep for quite some time now so, when I finally had the opportunity, I had a great time recording it. It's probably one of the most down-to-earth and honest albums I've ever done.

"I found myself singing about mirrors quite a lot and that's also referring to just that - looking into the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back at you."

Sjoblom will promote the release on a mini UK tour with prog rock band Anima Mundi. Stream the album here.




Michael Monroe Releases Goin' Down With The Ship Video(hennemusic)

Former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe has released the video for "Goin' Down With The Ship", the latest single from his 10th album, "Blackout States."
"The song is not necessarily about sailing or seamanship as such," explains Monroe. "It's basically about us getting on the tour bus and hitting the road with our band. Ville Juurikkala, who shot the videos for 'Ballad of the Lower East Side,' 'Stained Glass Heart,' and 'Old King's Road' has done this new one, too.

"It was pretty easy to make and includes some footage shot by the band while we were on tour. I think the video has a good vibe and we're all happy with the way it turned out. Hope you enjoy it!"

Monroe recorded the follow-up to 2013's "Horns And Halos" with his touring band - bassist Sami Yaffa (ex-Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls), guitarist Steve Conte (ex-New York Dolls/Company Of Wolves), guitarist Rich Jones (ex-Black Halos/Amen) and drummer Karl Rockfist (ex-Chelsea Smiles/Danzig). Watch the new video here.




Sammy Hagar Preview The Circle Episode Of His TV Series(hennemusic)


Sammy Hagar has released a preview of the next episode of his new AXS TV series, "Rock & Roll Road Trip", which features a look at his latest supergroup The Circle.
The band - which features bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham and guitarist Vic Johnson - released their first live DVD, "At Your Service", in December.

In concert, the group present the Red Rocker's musical history and Bonham's legacy by performing tunes by Hagar, Van Halen, Montrose and Led Zeppelin.

Airing Sunday nights on AXS TV, "Rock & Roll Road Trip" sees Hagar drive across the country to jam with some of rock's biggest names, including Chickenfoot bandmate Michael Anthony, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Alice Cooper, Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, and Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell.

"Something that's always bugged me is that fans get to see us either onstage in concert or in interviews, and that's about it," says Hagar. "There's so much cool, history-making stuff that happens off stage that fans have never really had access to, but I do. And that's where this show takes viewers! I'm hookin' them up with a real backstage pass. Watch the preview video here.



Hawkwind Announce New Concept Album 'The Machine Stops'(Classic Rock)

Hawkwind are to release The Machine Stops on April 15. The follow-up to 2015's Revolution is a concept album based on E.M Forster's dystopian sci-fi novel, also named The Machine Stops.
The album is described as "an atmospheric, musical interpretation beginning in tunnels deep beneath the earth, where every need is controlled and catered for by the machine."

Label Cherry Red Records adds: "The struggle to escape and find a way to reach the outer surface is a utopian dream, which could prove to be the most deadly dream of all." Read more here.




Graham Bonnet Looks Back In New Online Tour Documentary(Classic Rock)

Graham Bonnet visits the Cozy Powell memorial in Cirencester and recalls the moment his haircut upset former Rainbow bandmate Ritchie Blackmore in part two of his tour documentary.
The second instalment of All Day And All Night Long shows Bonnet and co on the road across the UK, playing the Giants Of Rock Festival and heading off to their Skegness hometown show.

Bonnet also visits the recently unveiled Cozy Powell plaque at the Corn Hall, Cirencester, and says he was invited to the ceremony, but couldn't make it.

He points at the plaque which reads, 'World famous rock drummer' and says: "This is an understatement." He adds: "My friend, forever. This is the town where he lived, where he's from and where his adoptive mum brought him up. He was given the name of Colin Powell. He never really knew his real parents - and never knew his real name! But he was Cozy Powell."

Bonnet is also asked whether Ritchie Blackmore's claim in his own documentary that he once fled out of the hotel fire escape to get a haircut while on tour with Rainbow is true.

He replies: "That never happened. It was untidy so I decided one afternoon in Edinburgh that I would go for a walk in the city and I'd go for a haircut.

"There was no guard on the door. I didn't go out the bathroom window. But I can't understand why Ritchie is still talking about it. I would never do anything to sabotage the show or upset him in any way." Watch the video here.




The Struts Release 'Kiss This' Video(Classic Rock)


The Struts have released a video for Kiss This, taken from their debut album Everybody Wants. The release is to coincide with the band's US tour, which kicks off at the Air + Style Festival in Los Angeles on February 20.
Everybody Wants is released on March 4. "When putting the album together we have approached it with the mindset that when listening, you are taken on a journey," says frontman Luke Spiller.

"I think anyone who listens to this album will hear our journey and feel our ambition. We truly have put our hearts and souls into it and I hope you love it as much as we do." Watch the new video here.




Purson Go Back To Their Roots On New Album(Classic Rock)

Purson frontwoman Rosalie Cunningham says she's gone back to her roots for upcoming album Desire's Magic Theatre. It's due for release on April 29 after its original March launch was pushed back last month. And the singer says their second album is a step forward from their 2013 debut The Circle And The Blue Door as she's been more focused in her every day life.
Cunningham tells Louder Than War: "I'm a lot happier these days, I wasn't that happy with the first album but I'm three years older now and have learned how to do it better.

"With the new album, I wrote all of it and play most of the instruments as well. George Hudson plays a couple of lead guitar parts and Raph Mura plays drums, so it's virtually a solo album."

Cunningham reports that Small Faces' 1968 album Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake has been instrumental in shaping the sound of her new material. She continues: "It was a huge influence in the way that it is very early progressive and that it's a concept album with a storyline." Read more here.



Mike Portnoy 'Never Closed The Door' On Dream Theater Return(Classic Rock)

Mike Portnoy says he'd "welcome" a Dream Theater return if the opportunity ever arose. The drummer quit the band in 2010, leading to a public war of words, and an attempt to rejoin, and was eventually replaced by Mike Mangini.
He's gone on to appear in several projects since the split, including Flying Colors, Metal Allegiance, and his band The Winery Dogs. But he says he'd be open to some sort of reconciliation in the future.

He tells Gigs And Festivals: " Jordan Rudess and John Petrucci, we've stayed in touch. I've never closed the door on doing something with them. It's not like I'm waiting for it - it's not like I'm planning it, it's not like it's in my career plan, but certainly if the invitation, or if the opportunity arose, I would surely welcome it.

"It's just because I don't hold grudges, and I like to have an open heart and always cherish the people in my life and in my past. That was 25 years of my life." Read more here.



The Haunted Launch Tour and Will Wrap Up New Album This Year(TeamRock Radio)


The Haunted say they'll wrap up recording their ninth album later this year. The band are also scheduled to play a run of headline shows and festivals in the US and Europe in addition to their US tour with label mates At The Gates.
The Haunted say: "Next to playing a US tour and a bunch of dates in Europe, we are hard at work for the follow-up album to Exit Wounds. The material we are currently looking at is both super-heavy and dynamic, so we are excited to be recording the new tracks later in the year. Stay tuned."

The thrash outfit previously slated the album's release for August or September 2015. Exit Wounds was vocalist Marco Aro's first album in his second stint with The Haunted, after he returned to the band in 2013. He replaced Peter Dolving in 1999, after himself being replaced by Dolving in 2003. See the tour dates here.




Abbath Excited About New Drummer(TeamRock Radio)

Abbath says his band's new drummer Gabe Seeber is among the best two sticksmen on the planet - alongside the man he replaced. Former Immortal man Olve 'Abbath' Eikemo's self-titled group sees him backed by a drummer taking the name Creature. The original Creature was Kevin Foley, who was later replaced by Seeber.
And Abbath couldn't be happier with how things worked out. He tells Metal Wani: "From Creature Kevin to Creature Gabe, they are pretty much the same drummers. It's like changing lane, but the speed and determination is still there. I would say they are the best drummers in the world."

Abbath's debut, self-titled, album was released last month and the mainman says the songs were written for what would have been Immortal's ninth album. Instead, they ended up on his new project's debut, although he admits he couldn't have done it without Creature and bass player King ov Hell.

Abbath adds: "It didn't become an Immortal album, which it was supposed to be, It became an Abbath album and I could never have done it without King and Creature." Read more and watch the full interview here.




Yellowcard and Cancer Bats Lead Additions For Slam Dunk 2016(TeamRock Radio)

Yellowcard, Northlane and Cancer Bats are among eight bands to be announced for this year's Slam Dunk festival. The lineup also includes headliners Panic! At The Disco, along with artists including Of Mice & Men, New Found Glory and Mallory Knox.
Hacktivist, Mayday Parade, Hit The Lights, ROAM and Norma Jean have also been added to the bill for the event which will take place in Leeds, Birmingham and Hatfield from May 28-30.

The 10th anniversary of the festival will see Yellowcard play their 2003 album Ocean Avenue in full. Slam Dunk founder and director Ben Ray said: "I had no idea back then what I thought would be a one-off event would still be going now, let alone continue to grow to the size it has become." See the lineup here.



Broken Witt Rebels Stream New Song 'Low'(Classic Rock)

Broken Witt Rebels have made their track Low available to stream with TeamRock. It's the opening song on the Birmingham, UK, band's upcoming Georgia Pine EP, which will be released on April 15.
Bass player Luke Davis says: "The next EP is a massive progression from where we are. I don't think we've changed, because what we do is what we do. But it's definitely a massive progression. The sound is bigger. Everything has moved forward."

Georgia Pine was engineered and produced by Tom Gittins, who has previously worked with Robert Plant. The EP can be pre-ordered from the band's website.

Broken Witt Rebels join Brantley Gilbert on his upcoming UK tour, before which they play three headline shows - in London, Birmingham and Sheffield. Stream the song here.




Trapped Under Ice To Headline Outbreak Fest(TeamRock Radio)

Trapped Under Ice are making an exclusive UK comeback as the headliner for hardcore festival Outbreak on May 3. The Baltimore hardcore band went on a lengthy hiatus in 2013 to focus on their side projects, Angel Dust and Turnstile - but frontman Justice Tripp announced they would be back for US shows last year.
Brighton hardcore five-piece Dead Swans will also reform for the all-day event after teasing the reunion back in January, while London band Dirty Money are scheduled to perform together for the first time since 2010.

Hardcore veterans Terror will headline on April 30 with support from Dead Swans and Incendiary. Trapped Under Ice perform on May 3 with Dirty Money and Higher Power.

Tripp says the Outbreak set will be their only show, adding: "Outbreak is one of the coolest hardcore punk festivals in the world. Read more here.



David Bowie's Expecting His First Child(hennemusic)

David Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, is expecting his first child. Jones and wife Rodene shared the news via Twitter on Tuesday, writing "1 month since dad died today. Made this card for him at Christmas. Due in June. Circle of life. Love you, granddad."
The announcement included a hand-drawn cartoon of a baby with an umbilical cord protruding from its stomach and a speech bubble with the words "I'm waiting."

Bowie's Facebook team added: "Congratulations to Duncan and Rodene Jones with the posting of their happy news on Twitter." The 44-year-old film director (2009's "Moon", 2011's "Source Code") is the only child from the 10-year marriage of Bowie and first wife Angie. Read more here.



Singled Out: Artifas's Inhuman and Blood For Blood

Artifas just released their new album "Inhuman" and to celebrate we asked frontman Scottie Somerville to tell us about a couple of tracks from the effort including the title song and "Blood For Blood." Here are the stories:
Inhuman: Inhuman is a song about letting the bullies of this world know that you won't be held down. It's about having strength in yourself, and standing up for what you believe in. We are all different in our own ways, and we have all fought many battles in this lifetime. It's about picking yourself up, and realizing that it's not the end. We all have hard times. We all have struggles. We all have Scars!

Blood for Blood" We wrote this song, because we were tired of seeing people becoming so divided over issues that our media outlets were just jamming down peoples throats. Whether it be race, sexuality, gender, etc. it seems that all they ever do is separate us more and drive more problems between us.

Blood for Blood is a song about not buying into everything you see on the news. It's about coming together and not letting them tear us apart! We shouldn't be broken down by the color of our skin or who we fall in love with. It's time for everyone to stand up for themselves, to quit buying in to all the BS we see on TV. This is a fight we have to fight together!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!

Tim Abrigg Jr.'s Rock and Roll News Of The Day!: Today's Day In Rock News!: Stone Temple Pilots Reveal New Lead Singer Open Auditions(Radio.com) Stone Temple Pilots have announced that they will be holdi...

Today's Day In Rock News!

Stone Temple Pilots Reveal New Lead Singer Open Auditions(Radio.com)



Stone Temple Pilots have announced that they will be holding open auditions to find a new lead singer. The move comes after Linkin Park's Chester Bennington left the band in November.
Bennington had been performing as lead singer following STP's decision two years prior to replace lead singer Scott Weiland, who has since passed. The band's website is currently under maintenance and promises to launch soon, but according to Alternative Nation it once contained the following message, inviting any interested singers to audition by submitting a video online.

"2016 marks a new year for Stone Temple Pilots: A year of hope, optimism, and most importantly, new music! We are immensely proud of all that we have been able to share with you over the years. Music, music, music. We very much want to continue doing that, but that's going to take a little help from all of you.

"As you know, prior to the untimely passing of our brother in arms, Scott, we had been working with the incomparable Chester Bennington. What you also likely know is that having Chester front two bands of this size and scope was too much for one man to be able to do and so regretfully we had to move onto a new chapter together. This is where you come in'

"We are officially announcing that we are seeking a new vocalist to front Stone Temple Pilots." Read more here.




Dan Hicks Dead At 74 From Cancer(Classic Rock)

Dan Hicks has died at the age of 74 after a two-year battle with cancer. The founder of Dan Hicks And The Hot Licks was diagnosed with throat and liver cancer in 2014.
His wife Clare released the following statement: "My darling darling husband left this earth early this morning. He was true blue, one of a kind, and did it all his own way always.

"To all who loved him, know that he will live forever in the words, songs, and art that he spent his life creating. He worked so hard on each and every detail - they are all pure Dan." Read more here.




Anthrax Hit With Lawsuit Over Ugly Sweater(Classic Rock)

Anthrax have been hit with a $1 million copyright infringement lawsuit over the band's Ugly Hanukkah Sweater. Detroit artist Aaron Cummins claims he created the original design for the seasonal product in 2012, filed copyright papers on it in 2013, and has been selling it through his company Wet House.
Anthrax launched a limited edition of their Ugly Hanukkah Sweater last November through online retailer Rockabilia.com, who are also being sued. Frankie Blydenburgh, a Minnesota-based buyer for Rockabilia.com, tells the Detroit Free Press:

"This is the first I've heard that there's any issue with it. It's up to the merchandising companies we buy from to get the items cleared and make sure there's no copyright issues."

Blydenburgh adds Rockabilia bought the Anthrax Hanukkah sweatshirts from a company called Global Merchandising Services, which is also a defendant in the Detroit lawsuit. Read more and see the sweater here.




Slash Documentary Released on DVD(Classic Rock)

The documentary Slash: Raised On The Sunset Strip has been released on Blu-ray and DVD in North America. Initially launched in 2014, Raised On The Sunset Strip focuses on the guitarist's childhood in England and his later life in California as part of bands Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver and his solo work with Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators. It also includes new and archival footage, as well as his own personal anecdotes.
The film includes interviews with band members past and present, including Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, along with Lemmy, Dave Grohl, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper and Nikki Sixx.

Last month it was confirmed that Slash, Axl Rose and Duff McKagan would play together again under the Guns N' Roses banner at this year's Coachella in California - with two headline shows in Las Vegas dates and a Mexico City date later added. Read more here.




Lamb Of God's Gear Damaged In Tour Truck Crash(TeamRock Radio)

Lamb Of God's US tour has been disrupted by a road crash that caused damage to much of the band's equipment. An 18-wheeler truck carrying the group's gear crashed on the night the band were scheduled to perform at the Concrete Street Pavilion in Corpus Christi, Texas, according to guitarist Mark Morton.
Nobody was hurt in the incident. Morton says via Twitter: "This is our truck that carries all our gear. Very happy to report that our driver is conscious and alert. Nobody hurt. Lots of gear is damaged."

The tour, which sees LOG supported by Anthrax, Deafhaven and Power Trip, reaches Austin, Texas, tonight (Monday). See Morton's posts including the photos here.




Lemmy Statue Coming To Rainbow Bar & Grill(TeamRock Radio)

Los Angeles artists Travis Moore has been commissioned to create a cast bronze statue of Lemmy to be erected outside the city's Rainbow Bar & Grill.
The late Motorhead frontman was a regular at The Rainbow and a memorial was held at the venue on the day of Lemmy's funeral on January 9. A mural was painted on the bar's wall as a mark of respect.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched last month to help pay for a permanent tribute to the singer and bass player and now Moore has been told to get to work on the project.

The life-size cast bronze statue will stand at just over 6 foot tall and will be situated in a special shrine that's currently being constructed in the patio bar area. Read more here.




Zakk Wylde Sets Release For 'Book Of Shadows II'(TeamRock Radio)


Zakk Wylde has confirmed his solo album Book Of Shadows II will be released on April 8. The record - which marks the 20th anniversary of the first Book Of Shadows release - will be issued via Spinefarm Records.
Wylde took part in a discussion about the album with Brad Tolinski for AOL. The former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist says: "I've always loved, especially during the drinking days with Oz, when I'd be touring with the boss, after we got done doing a show we'd jump in the submarine and roll on to the next town.

"I'd sit up the front with whoever was driving and we'd all meet up there and drink cocktails, listening to The Eagles, Neil Young, Creedence - solving the problems of the world, talking about everything. I've always loved the mellow stuff." Watch the AOL video here.




Amoral Release 'Rude Awakening' Video(TeamRock Radio)

Amoral have released a video for their track Rude Awakening. It features on the Finnish band's seventh album In Sequence, just-released via Imperial Cassette.
The follow-up to 2014's Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows sees the return of original singer Niko Kalliojarvi, who will handle extra guitar duties and growling vocals alongside his replacement, Ari Koivunen.

Guitarist Ben Varon says: "We went into making the seventh album with an Yngwie Malmsteen state of mind - more is more. Once we got our original singer Niko Kalliojarvi back in the band - expanding the group into a six-headed monster, with two vocalists and three guitar players - it was time to start the writing process, which was one of the most inspiring ones for me so far. More guitar parts, more keyboards, more back and forth between clean and growling vocals."

Varon sees the project as the next natural step in Amoral's sonic evolution. He explains: "To me, In Sequence is the logical follow-up to Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows, on which we took our love for grandieuse prog to new hights. In Sequence continues on that path, though the return of Niko gives the new material some of that old school Amoral vibe And I think this one turned out a touch heavier as well, not least because of the real-life based concept of the album." Watch the video here.




Enter Shikari Expand UK Tour(TeamRock Radio)


Enter Shikari have added a date to their upcoming UK tour. They play Wrexham's Central Station, Wales, on February 24, with support from Welsh band Falls.
Enter Shikari added the gig to their list of arena dates after drummer Rob Rolfe put pressure on the band to schedule more shows. The band say in a statement: "Rob hates a day off. He thinks they're for the weak. The tour had too many days off in it, so he cracked the whip and now there's a 500 capacity show in Wrexham, nestled between two arena shows.

"It's not an 'intimate warm-up show', because the tour's already started by then. There's no purpose to it at all, other than giving the nice people of Wrexham a night out, seeing the awesome band Falls, and keeping Rob happy. This is Rolfy's world, we just live in it." Read more here.




Alice Cooper On Sammy Hagar's Rock & Roll Road Trip TV Show(Classic Rock)


Alice Cooper was a guest on the latest episode of Sammy Hagar's Rock & Roll Road Trip. Other artists that appear on the show include Tommy Lee, Bob Weir and Nancy Wilson. The latest episode aired in the US on February 7 (Sunday).
The six episode series on AXS TV follows the former Van Halen frontman as he drives across the US with his band The Circle, and sees him interview and play with names from the world of rock.

And Cooper is the latest star to feature as the Red Rocker arrives in Phoenix, Arizona. Cooper tells Hagar: "I came up with Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison. They were our big brothers, and you had to drink with them. You couldn't just sit there and have a Coke.

"I played in bars much longer than anybody thinks - and that's how you get good." Hagar said of the show: "Something that's always bugged me is that fans get to see us either onstage in concert or in interviews, and that's about it. There's so much cool, history-making stuff that happens off stage that fans have never really had access to, but I do. And that's where this show takes viewers." Check out the promo clip for the episode here.




Pepper Keenan Forgives Phil Anselmo For Outburst(Classic Rock)

Phil Anselmo's Down bandmate Pepper Keenan says he forgives the singer for his controversial outburst at last month's Dimebash event in honour of late Pantera guitarist Darrell Abbott. While strongly condemning his friend's actions, Keenan says in a lengthy statement on social media that he believes the vocalist can redeem himself.
Pepper's comments come as Down's scheduled show in their hometown of New Orleans' Civic Theatre on February 8 was pulled by organizers who say they "do not tolerate intolerant behavior, and there is no room for that in our venue or our city."

Guitarist Keenan says: "I am saddened and confused by the behaviour of Philip Anselmo last week. I do not condone what was gestured and said. This lapse in judgment of 'making a joke' was in terribly poor taste and unacceptable.

"That philosophy is the opposite of what I am about. My heart follows love and soul and my music has been inspired from people of all walks of life and musical styles. I view music as a gift that is universal and intended for all of humanity. As a proud New Orleanian, life is about celebrating diversity through music, it's about bringing people together, not tearing apart." Read more here.




New Tarantula Species Named After Johnny Cash(Classic Rock)

A new species of black tarantula discovered in Southern California has been named after the late Johnny Cash. Aphonopelma johnnycashi was discovered living in the wild near Folsom Prison, California - the jail which inspired a song by the iconic singer.
Cash also performed a series of concerts for inmates there during the 1960s, even recording live album At Folsom Prison in the facility.

The breed is one of 14 new types of tarantula discovered by biologists in the southern US. Dr Chris Hamilton tells the BBC: "It's found along the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada mountains, and one of the places that's there is Folsom Prison. It's a perfect name. It fits the spider - it's found around Folsom and the males are predominantly all black, so it fits his image.

"I have a Johnny Cash tattoo so I was very happy that it worked out that way." Read more here.




Handwritten Radiohead Lyrics To Be Auctioned(Classic Rock)


Lyrics to Radiohead's track Airbag handwritten by frontman Thom Yorke are being auctioned to raise money for charity. The vocalist penned the lyrics to the track on the inside cover of his copy of William Blake's Songs Of Innocence And Experience, which he donated to his local Oxfam shop in Oxford.
The book is being auctioned by Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions on March 18 at their London base, with proceeds going to help Oxfam's work to tackle poverty around the world.

A spokeswoman for Dreweatts says: "Throughout the book, Yorke underlines words and annotated the margins, especially to Nurse's Song, A Cradle Song and The Divine Image, with corrections and revisions. Read more and see a photo of the lyrics here.




The Winery Dogs Release 'Hot Streak' Video(Classic Rock)


The Winery Dogs have released a video for the title track from latest album Hot Streak. The promo sees the group in live action and also strolling through a casino. It was directed by Vicente Cordero.
Ahead of the release of Hot Streak, released last year, frontman Richie Kotzen said: "I feel we've taken the band to another level. The compositions are stronger on this album.

"I feel more connected lyrically and musically to what I did on this record than on the last one. We've widened the musical scope of the band on this record and moved it forward."

The Winery Dogs released a cover of David Bowie's Moonage Daydream in honor of the late star who died last month at the age of 69. Watch the video here.




Download Festival Announce Lemmy Stage and 36 More Bands(Classic Rock)


Another 36 bands have been added to the bill for this year's Download festival. Among the latest confirmed acts are Jane's Addiction, NOFX, Sixx:AM, Alien Ant Farm and Amon Amarth.
They'll join headliners Rammstein, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and many others at Donington Park on the weekend of June 10-12. The event has also revealed plans for a tribute to late Motorhead icon Lemmy Kilmister, who passed away at his Los Angeles home on December 28 just four days after his 70th birthday.

Organizers Live Nation say: "Whilst we're saddened to say Motorhead will no longer be performing at this year's Download Festival, we will honour a true rock'n'roll icon who inspired so many others on the bill, Lemmy Kilmister." Read more here.




Donovan Announces 70th Birthday Concert(Classic Rock)


Donovan will celebrate his 70th birthday with a show at The London Palladium on May 6. The 60s star says he'll treat fans to a best-of set featuring the likes of Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow, Hurdy Gurdy Man and Jennifer Juniper.
The show will see him perform on a stage set up in the mould of a 'Beat Cafe' with his band, bassist Danny Thompson, pianist John Cameron and drummer Gavin Harrison.

Donovan says: "With no hint of modesty, my muse Linda, Gypsy Dave and I succeeded in our mission back in 1963 to invade popular culture with The Bohemian Manifesto, and not only change the charts but enter the private creative lives of the most creative artists of pop.

"The Beatles, Stones and everyone in-between, we showed you how to break all the musical rules and enter your inner space. Sure we suffered for it. First to be busted and ridiculed, but hey, we three are invincible." Read more here.




The Struts Expand 'Everybody Wants' Album For Reissue(Classic Rock)

The Struts have announced the details of a new version of their debut album, Everybody Wants. It'll be released on March 4 via Polydor/Interscope, and features several new tracks, plus remasters and re-recording of songs from the 2014 original.
"Everybody Wants is a collection of songs for the disenchanted," says frontman Luke Spiller. "When putting the album together we have approached it with the mindset that when listening, you are taken on a journey. You can even hear the album title in the chorus of the opening track Roll Up. This song gives you the insight to a larger than life character that opens the door to the rest of the album.

"I think anyone who listens to this album will hear our journey and feel our ambition. We truly have put our hearts and souls into it and I hope you love it as much as we do." Read more including the tracklisting here.



Graham Bonnet Band Release All Day And All Night Long Doc Online(Classic Rock)

Graham Bonnet Band bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone says she met the former Rainbow singer for coffee after they discussed music, work and their kids over email.
Heavenstone admits in the first part of Bonnet Band documentary All Day And All Night Long that she "didn't know anything" about him before he got in touch via professional networking site LinkedIn.

She says: "I knew All Night Long and Since You Been Gone but I didn't know anything about his rich litany of work. His email said, 'I'm always looking for new bands to work with.' I thought, 'Oh, maybe he produces now.'

"Even though it was really casual for me, I was in two bands at the time and I sent him links to both, and he got back and said he liked it. We had a few back-and-forth exchanges. It was very pleasant and I liked the way he presented himself.

"In one of my emails I said, 'It's very difficult for me to find the time to do this. I'm a single mom with two children and one of them has autism.' He wrote back to me, saying one of his children had autism too. That piqued my curiosity and I wanted to get to know him too.

"After a few more exchanges, we agreed to meet for coffee and I instantly liked him and loved his self-deprecating humor. He was just a geek and a goofball." Read more and watch the documentary clip here.




Dave Grohl Believes Nirvana's Success Came Too Fast(Gibson)

Dave Grohl recently was the guest on photographer-director Sam Jones's interview series Off Camera, where he discussed Nirvana's quick rise to fame, the pitfalls involved and his transition from band drummer to frontman for Foo Fighters.
Grohl says, "Unfortunately, Nirvana became too big too quick. Bands are like families that go through uncomfortable growing pains, and if it happens all at once, it's just too much to handle."

Grohl also remembers how he felt immediately after Kurt Cobain died and how that led him to create Foo Fighters. He explains: "When Kurt died, I woke up the next day and thought, 'I'm lucky to be alive'… It was a profound revelation I had the day after he died and it changed everything. It honestly changed so much of my life that I felt the most important thing was just appreciating being alive, good day or bad day. But after Kurt died, I really felt that way, like, 'Okay, I'm gonna try this. What do I have to lose? I'm gonna start this band and then I'm gonna be the singer.'" Read more here.





Toundra Announce Spring Tour(Prog)

Toundra will play a string of dates in the UK and mainland Europe in May. The Madrid band will play 19 shows in total, with three scheduled in England and Wales, on the back of their latest release, IV.
They say: "After a very intense year, we head back to the European roads before we lock ourselves in to start walking the long and intense road of composing a new album.

"This is our fourth Euro tour and on this occasion we will be visiting some of the cities where Toundra have grown bigger, like Berlin, London and Paris. But we are also very excited about visiting places where our music has never been before, like Hungary, Slovenia or Slovakia. See you all there." See the tour dates here.




Nad Sylvan Releases 'Where The Martyr Carved His Name' Video(Prog)


Nad Sylvan has released a video for his track Where The Martyr Carved His Name. It features on the Steve Hackett collaborator's solo album Courting The Widow, launched last year via Century Media.
Sylvan says: "The most interesting aspect of prog-rock, is that you're never safe - not musically or lyrically. This is where funk, soul, rock, symphony and musical get new life in the prog melting pot."

The singer is joined on the album by a variety of artists including Hackett, Nick Beggs, Roger King, Roine Stolt and Jonas Reingold. Last month, the singer revealed his 'Vampirate' stage persona came about as the result of an off-the-cuff remark from a friend. Watch the video here.




Knifeworld Reveal 'Bottled Out Of Eden' Album Details(Prog)


Knifeworld have released the tracklist for their upcoming album Bottled Out Of Eden. The follow-up to 2014's The Unravelling will be issued on April 22 via InsideOut Music.
Frontman Kavus Torabi says: "One aspect of Bottled Out Of Eden is the idea of a self-made heaven or a self-imposed hell, that agony or ecstasy are often a choice.

"I look back on the 25 years of making the kind of music I do, particularly the last six with Knifeworld and just feel so fortunate for the friendships, experiences and absolute joy it has brought.

"I wanted the album to be as much about that, a celebration of this all too fleeting life, as it is a reflection on death and its impact on those left behind in its wake." Check out the tracklisting here.




Charles Bradley Streams New Song 'Change For The World'(The Blues)

Charles Bradley has made his single Change For The World available to stream. The track is taken from upcoming album Changes, released on April 1 via Daptone/Dunham. The record's title track is a cover version of the Black Sabbath song.
On Change For The World, Bradley says: "This world is in turmoil. Guns, violence - people are feeling like they have no way out. Young people don't know which way to turn.

"This song is about opening up our minds to understand, talk with the young people, hear what they have to say. We've got to change for the better of our souls. We've got to change our love. Get back to the golden rule and people's sense of humanity." Stream the song here.



Treetop Flyers Release '31 Years' Video(The Blues)

Treetop Flyers have released a video for their track 31 Years. It features on the London outfit's second album Palomino. The follow-up to their 2013 debut The Mountain Moves will launch on March 11.
The record is said to have been inspired by "the grief for lost parents, broken marriages, the near-death of a close friend, the departure of long-time bassist Matthew Starritt and the loss of numerous behind-the-scenes personnel."

Vocalist and guitarist Reid Morrison adds: "Coming together to make this record was very therapeutic for us, in a sense. It brought us closer and allowed us to let go of a lot of the bullsh*t that we'd had to endure and negotiate in the past."