Today's Day in Rock
Megadeth Address Newsted Feud Reports
(TeamRock Radio) Dave Mustaine has shouted down a rumor that he's fallen out with former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted. Megadeth and Newsted toured across the US together last year and the bandleaders even shared the stage for a rendition of early Metallica track Phantom Lord.
But this week it was announced that the bands wouldn't appear together on Australian touring festival Soundwave's two side shows - and organisers said the decision had been down to Mustaine.
A brief statement reported: "At the request of Megadeth, Newsted will not be playing the Sidewaves, and instead will be replaced by Whitechapel." Boss AJ Maddah followed up Twitter queries by stating the addition of Whitechapel was "Dave's choice," and speculated: "Maybe there is a problem between managers or agents. Something has certainly gone down, although we have no details."
But responding to angry comments on Facebook last night, Mustaine said: "Look, I'm disappointed too. I explained to Jason Newsted this morning. We didn't put him on the show and we didn't kick him off the show. He understands, why don't you?" He had more to say.
Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham Form New Band
(Classic Rock) Former Black Country Communion stars, singer-bassist Glenn Hughes and drummer Jason Bonham, have announced the formation of a new band: California Breed.
Apart from Hughes and Bonham, the band features 23-year-old singer-guitarist Andrew Watt, and their first album has been produced by Dave Cobb, (Rival Sons). "It's proper rock," says Hughes, "but at the same time it's very now. Andrew is as influenced by Mick Ronson as he is Jimmy Page."
"I grew up listening to all the grunge bands," says Watt, "but my dad always played me The Who, the Stones and Led Zeppelin so that became my music too.
"This kid is amazing," says Bonham. "The first time we met I thought he looked like the white Jimi Hendrix. And he plays in the studio likes he's onstage!"
The three-man line-up got together as California Breed for the first time last year after Hughes was introduced to the newcomer from New York by their mutual friend Julian Lennon. Find out what happened next.
Axl Rose Brings Humor To Chili Peppers Super Bowl Controversy
(hennemusic) Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has written an op-ed piece for Billboard regarding the controversy over the Red Hot Chili Peppers' mimed performance during the Super Bowl 48 halftime show in New Jersey on Sunday.
Rose wrote, 'In The Name Of Science. In regard to the internet's "no wireless" controversy regarding the Red Hot Chili Peppers Superbowl performance as reported on ESPN...
'I enjoyed the show and I've no idea what the real story is nor would I want to suggest or imply anyone wasn't actually performing or that what they were playing wasn't what we actually heard. That said I feel it's important to always look on the positive side of things and to give the benefit of doubt.
'So consider that maybe sometime before their actual performance that rather than use a guitar cord or standard wireless, that in the name of science and for all mankind Flea courageously had a newly invented breakthrough in microchip technology installed in his a** that picked up the frequencies of his ba** and transmitted them to his amplifier.
'Maybe they all had microchips installed in their a**es and not only pick up the frequencies of their instruments but get Direct TV and the internet too! Like Google Glass... Google A**! They could be "Scientific Pioneers!" Like Buzz Aldrin and sh*t! True (pardon the pun)A**-tro-nots! Or like Superbowl crash test dummies for bands kinda like those cars that drive themselves!
'And besides... If the band wasn't really playing or wireless or whatever and Anthony was really singing they may have set a new world record for the largest karaoke audience ever! Awesome!' Read the rest here and see a video of the performance.
B.B. King's Birthplace Memorial Stolen
(The Blues The Mississippi Blues Commission memorial sign that marks B.B. King's birthplace has been stolen. The large aluminium plate has gone missing from its location near Berclair in Leflore County - and manufacturer Alan Hammons says there's no way it happened by accident.
Hammons had this to say: "It clearly points out the interest some people have in our musical heritage; but we'd obviously prefer they leave the marker in place."
The blue sign, one of over 120 on the Mississippi Blues Trail, reads: "The long and remarkable life of B.B. King began near this site, where he was born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925. His parents, Albert and Nora Ella King, were sharecroppers who lived in a simple home southeast of here along Bear Creek. After his parents separated when he was four, King lived in Kilmichael and Lexington before moving as a teen to Indianola, which he referred to as his hometown." But there is good news.
Famed Black Sabbath Producer Tsangarides Recovering From Coma
(Classic Rock) Grammy-nominated British record producer Chris Tsangarides is now recovering from a medically induced coma in a Kent hospital, his family has confirmed.
He was admitted two weeks ago suffering from symptoms which suggested pneumonia, but he was later diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, which he is thought to have contracted during a business trip.
Tsangarides, known for his work with Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore and The Quireboys, among many others, appeared in hit 2009 movie Anvil! The Story Of Anvil when he agreed to work on their album This Is Thirteen.
Specialists performed a lung bypass before moving him to a support unit in London. He has now been returned to Kent, where he's conscious and able to talk, although he remains in intensive care. Read what his wife had to say here.
Foreigner, Styx and Don Felder Teaming Up For Tour
Foreigner, Styx, and former Eagles star Don Felder have announced that will be teaming up for a North American trek this summer which they have dubbed "The Soundtrack of Summer".
The tour is set to launch on May 16 in Oklahoma City, OK at the Zoo Amphitheatre and will conclude on July 27th in 27 Santa Barbara, CA. Styx and Foreigner will be switching for the closing spot from night to night.
"As longtime friends, we're happy to join Styx and Don Felder for the ultimate soundtrack of summer," says Foreigner founding member and lead guitarist Mick Jones. "Our combined songs are some of America's favorite summer anthems, and we're excited to be bringing them to our fans across the country."
"This tour will have the best vocalists and guitarists on the road today," exclaims Don Felder. "The sheer volume of our combined catalogs is massive and should satisfy any rock & roll fan, and rock them until they can't walk out of the place."
"The addition of Don Felder to 'The Soundtrack of Summer' tour means that the combined album sales of all 3 acts, as well as all the bands they were once members of, is well north of 200 million worldwide," declares Styx guitarist/singer James "JY" Young. "Certainly by this yardstick, 'The Soundtrack of Summer' has got to easily be in the Top Ten three-act concert tours to ever hit the road. 'Renegade' 'Juke Box Heroes' partying at the 'Hotel California' will be your slammin' soundtrack of a rockin' hot summer!!! What more could you ask for after this crazy cold winter we are having???" more on this story
Ginger Baker Calls On Fans to Help With Anthology and Book
(Classic Rock) Cream legend Ginger Baker has launched a Pledge campaign to fund the release of a career-spanning double-disc anthology and an exclusive photo book.
The Cream icon and his family aim to mark his 75th birthday this year with the launch of A Drummer's Tale, with pledge points starting at £8 and running up to £95, and offers including signed books, drumsticks and VIP access to a London concert.
Baker says on his Pledge page: "Stand by your beds everyone! It's been over thirty years since the RSO launched The Best Of Ginger Baker anthology - without consulting me about the content!
"This time I'm in charge, with no label. I'm ready to release A Drummer's Tale and there will also be a book full of very rare, family-owned photos and memorabilia." More details.
Curved Air Releasing Album With First New Music Since 1976
(Prog) Curved Air will release their first album to feature new music since 1976 when their new effort North Star goes on sale next month. (March 17th in Europe).
The 14-track record features seven fresh tracks alongside a collection of re-recordings and covers. The digital single Colder Than A Rose In Snow was released last year and another, Stay Human, is coming soon.
Original members Sonja Kristina and Florian Pilkington-Miksa were rejoined by Air Cut-era guitarist Kirby Gregory for studio sessions, alongside Paul Sax, Robert Norton and Chris Harris. more on this story
Scorpion Child Dismiss Two Members
(Classic Rock) Scorpion Child have dismissed two members of the band and will continue as a four-piece, with former Job For A Cowboy drummer Jon 'Charn' Rice joining the line-up. He takes over from Shawn Alvear, while rhythm guitarist Tom Frank won't be replaced.
Bassist Shaun Avants has thanked the outgoing pair for their work as members of the rising-star Texan band, saying (via Blabbermouth): "It should be noted that their contributions were not without their merits."
He explains: "As with any team or group, decisions must be made that are vital to the overall attitude, creativity, quality and lifespan of a shared and common goal. Any decision we make will be for the betterment and advancement of this band.
"We have decided to move forward as a four-piece, at least for now, as we say goodbye to our friends Tom and Shawn Alvear. We wish them the very best in any and all of their future endeavours." more on this story
Rolling Stones Star Would Be 'Quite Happy' To End Touring
(Classic Rock) Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has admitted that he would be "quite happy" if the legendary band's upcoming dates for their Australian tour are their last.
The 72-year-old also says there's a reason behind their recent spate or short runs rather than the extensive treks they used to undertake. Watts tells The Australian: "This is short compared to what we've done before - but it needs to be, I think, at our tender age.
"The thought of doing fifty shows, which was normal at one time for us to sign off on, that's quite daunting. Now we're doing that in little bits." He adds, "If we don't do any more I'll be quite happy with that." more on this story
Asia Set Release of New Album 'Gravitas'
(hennemusic) British supergroup Asia will release a new album, "Gravitas", next month. Produced and written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes, the project introduces Asia's new guitarist, Sam Coulson, who replaced Steve Howe last year following his return to the Yes lineup.
"With the addition of Sam it allowed us to take the band in a slightly different, and perhaps tougher, direction." says drummer Carl Palmer. "He brings a different feel to Asia with his guitar work. As a band we have been able to grow, while at the same time, remain true to the classic Asia sound that our fans know and love."
Scheduled for release on March 5th (Japan), March 21st (Europe). and March 25th (North America), "Gravitas" will be available in two configurations: a standard CD and a Deluxe Edition, that will include two bonus tracks and a DVD containing the "Valkyrie" music video, a promotional film, and footage of classic live Asia tracks such as "Heat Of The Moment", recorded with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra in Bulgaria. more on this story
Sting Rocks Beatles Classic on Letterman
(hennemusic) Sting performed "Drive My Car" on The Late Show with David Letterman Tuesday as part of the second night of Beatles week on the program, as the show pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' debut on the "Ed Sullivan Show."
Sting was joined by guests Ivy Levan and Mike Einziger and backed by Letterman's house band led by Paul Shaffer. The Late Show is filmed at the Ed Sullivan Theater, site of the Fab Four's iconic U.S. debut on February 9, 1964.
The Beatles' first "Ed Sullivan Show" appearance is hailed by many historians and critics to be one of the most important moments in music and television.
Watch Sting's performance here.
Halestorm Release 'Mz Hyde' Video
(TeamRock Radio) Halestorm have released a video for their track Mz Hyde. Frontwoman Lzzy Hale wrote the song from recent album The Strange Case Of... in an attempt to capture her own good and bad sides.
She said in 2013: "Growing up, I was a very shy and introverted, so I more or less had to invent Mz. Hyde in order to be the rock star I wanted to be onstage.
"I brought this to the guys, and all three of them said, 'Oh my God, that's it - Lzzy, you are Mz. Hyde! Once we put this song on the record, everything else makes sense because we have the soft side of you and then the harder side of you.
"I was like, 'Well, okay, I'm glad we were able to work that out - basically at my expense.'" Watch the video here.
Nightwish's Tuomas Holopainen Reveals First Track From Solo Album
(TeamRock Radio) Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen has released "A Lifetime Of Adventure," the first track from his upcoming concept album Music Inspired By The Life And Times Of Scrooge.
He was originally inspired by the comic book character Scrooge McDuck 14 years ago, but it's taken until now to turn his ambition into a reality. The video includes shots from recording sessions along with scenes of original illustrator Don Rosa working on the album artwork.
Holopainen admits the idea of having someone dress up as McDuck "felt just a tad corny" but continues: "The hero of the video is Don Rosa himself. His presence and facial expressions always put a big smile on my face. I hope you will enjoy this adventure as much as we did." Check out the song here.
H.E.A.T Announce New Album Release
(Classic Rock) Swedish AOR outfit H.E.A.T release their fourth album, Tearing Down The Walls, on April 14 via earMusic. It's preceded by a four-track EP featuring lead single A Shot At Redemption, out on February 14.
In the video trailer, guitarist Eric Rivers explains: "It's an album about breaking free - break down the walls and try new stuff. That's what we've tried to accomplish."
Classic Rock said of H.E.A.T's 2012 record Address The Nation: "If you don't like these energetic Swedes you must be dead inside - they've shown the UK crowd how to be the most complete band on the planet." Watch the trailer here.
Pulled Apart By Horses Plan First UK Tour In Two Years
(TeamRock Radio) Pulled Apart By Horses will tour the UK during April and May for the first time in two years, the band have confirmed. The follow-up to 2012's Tough Love is expected this year, although no release date has been confirmed.
They say: "The horses have bolted the stable! After spending most of 2013 writing the new album, we are now so close to finishing it that we can't wait a moment longer to get sweaty with you guys.
"So we're excited to announce an intimate little UK warm-up tour. Think of it as some much-needed exercise." Check out the upcoming UK tour dates here.
Gwyn Ashton Reveals UK Tour Dates
(The Blues Australian bluesman Gwyn Ashton has released the first dates of a UK tour planned for May. It follows a series of previously-announce shows in Wales next month, followed by a run across Europe which keeps him busy until the end of April.
Ashton last year released an EP entitled Fistful Of Blues, which followed well-received sixth LP Radiogram. He said of the album: "I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel - I want to carry on the guitar-playing tradition in the style of the people I've admired for decades, and be as close as possible to the form, whilst carving my own personal notch in it.
"The honesty and integrity of the music is first and foremost. I really work hard on my songs, vocals and guitar tones, and I push myself to release recordings that I hope might stand the test of time." more on this story
Metallica Release Grammy Rehearsal Video
(hennemusic) Metallica have released video footage of their Grammy Awards rehearsals with Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang. The pairing teamed up to perform Metallica's 1988 track, "One", at the 56th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on January 26.
"One" was the third and final single from Metallica's fourth album, 1989's "...And Justice for All." The song was the band's first music video, and went on to become their first US Top 40 hit, reaching No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Metallica's "Through The Never" soundtrack was also nominated for a Grammy in the Best Recording Package category; it was beaten out by "Long Night Moon" by Austin, Texas based Americana/Texas Country band Reckless Kelly. Watch the video here.
The Broken Bells Kick Off Beatles Week On Letterman
(hennemusic) The Broken Bells kicked off Beatles week on The Late Show with David Letterman Monday night, as the show pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' groundbreaking first appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show."
Broken Bells - the duo comprised of The Shins' James Mercer and producer Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) - performed The Beatles' classic "And I Love Her", complete with the added visual of drummer Ringo Starr playing along via video displayed on a vintage television set.
The Late Show is filmed at the Ed Sullivan Theater, site of the Fab Four's iconic U.S. debut on February 9, 1964. The Beatles' first "Ed Sullivan Show" appearance is hailed by many historians and critics to be one of the most important moments in music and television.
Watch the performance here.
Green Day Look Back At Stoned Dookie Creation
(TeamRock Radio) Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong admits many of the key decisions that led to their breakthrough 20 years ago were made while they were high.
The band's third album Dookie was released in February 1994 and propelled them from underground outfit to world-class act in a matter of months. They were the subject of a bidding war between labels before deciding to sign with Reprise - but Armstrong tells Rolling Stone: "We were probably stoned. I've got to say that; we were always high. It was this foggy process of elimination."
Naming the album after toilet-droppings was another drug-induced choice. "It was a stoner thing, it really was," Armstrong says. "... 'Hey man, wouldn't it be funny if...'"
That carried on to commissioning artist Richie Bucher to create the artwork. "We gave the title to Richie, he was like, 'Okay.' We get it back and it's dogs exploding sh*t all over Berkeley. It was one of those impulsive moments - and we were like, 'F*** it!'"
The Virginmarys Release 'Just A Ride' Video
(Classic Rock) The Virginmarys have released a new video for their track Just A Ride. It's taken from their debut album King Of Conflict, which was released last year.
The band are currently working on the follow-up, with drummer Danny Dolan recently reporting they'd written 20 tracks and had completed demos of the first three.
The Virginmarys play this year's Sonisphere festival in July, headlined by Iron Maiden, Metallica and The Prodigy. Watch the new music video here.
Sabbath Assembly Release New Music Video
(Prog) Sabbath Assembly have released a video for their track Jehovah On Death. It's taken from their upcoming third album, Quaternity, set for launch in March.
The six-track work features vocalist Jamie Myers and percussionist Dave 'Xtian' Nuss with guests Daron Beck (Pinkish Black), Kevin Hufnagel (Gorguts), Mat McNerney and Marja Kontinned (Hexvessel), Jessika Kinney (Sunn O))), Wolves In The Throne Room) and others.
The duo recently explained: "Quaternity is primarily acoustic in format, with an array of classical percussion and strings creating an entirely new sound for the band. Unlike its predecessors, it offers a majority of original material with inspiration from the Process found primarily in the lyrics." Watch the video here.
Singled Out: Nelo Share The Story Behind 'Hometown'
Today Matt Ragland from Nelo tells us about their song "Hometown" from their brand new self-titled album, which was released this week. Here is the story:
Do you know those moments when everything you're seeing, feeling, smelling, thinking seems to all work together to form one beautiful, complete picture? When all of your senses seem to be in harmony? That feeling of contentment that follows… That quiet comfort that reassures you and the razor-sharp focus and clarity of mind that makes you feel so very in touch with yourself? The subtle awareness that you enjoy your own thoughts and the moment-to-moment experience of just being alive? I find myself in this state of being from time to time, and it overwhelms me… in a good way. If when it happens I happen to have an instrument close by, I almost always write a song. "Hometown" pays tribute to that special state or "in-touch" world, where I can just "be." That world feels like my own kind of "internal hometown," if you will. And when I'm there, I realize that I really live for those moments.
I grew up in Dallas, TX and have a few very close friends that still live there. Sometimes when I walk up the steps to the house that I grew up in, or sit down in my parents' kitchen, or just walk around my old neighborhood passing my elementary school or some old building that as far as I know has just always been there, the memories flood my mind. And I am instantly thrown into my "internal hometown." It's almost as if life is just one big movie in my mind. So the song talks about that special, crazy, beautifully cinematic world where just being is easy and songs are made as well as my actual hometown where many of my memories were born. It's not surprising that those two worlds so often collide and then mesh to become one. "Hometown" is a celebration of when that collision occurs. It's a celebration of when the movie reel that is my life seems to play without interruption. The song asks you to be strong, bold, and to transcend the things that bring you down.
Read more at http://www.antimusic.com/dayinrock/#8Z62Itp556yle4Vm.99
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