Today's Day in Rock News!

Today's Day in Rock


Joe Cocker Dead At 70
(Classic Rock) Joe Cocker has died at the age of 70 after a battle against lung cancer. The vocalist is best known for his 1969 version of the Beatles' track With A Little Help From My Friends, featuring Jimmy Page on guitar, from his debut album of the same name.

He notched up another 21 records, the last of which was 2012's Fire It Up. In 1999 he was named as one of the top 100 singers of all time by Mojo, then in 2008 was given a similar accolade by Rolling Stone.

Cocker won a Grammy for Up Where We Belong, a duet with Jennifer Warnes used in the 1982 movie An Office And A Gentleman. He was given an OBE in 2007. Read more here.





Police Close Scott Stapp Investigation
(TeamRock Radio) Police investigating Scott Stapp's theft claim have closed the case because they can't get in touch with the wayward singer. He filed a criminal complaint in which he alleged $26,000 had been removed from his bank account without his permission, and said his password had been changed so he couldn't gain access himself.

He mentioned the claim in a video posted then removed last month, in which he said he was under attack and that he was living in his van. He then launched a crowdfunding campaign for $480,000, which also disappeared at short notice. He's since lost custody of his kids after his wife, filing for divorce, cited his heavy drugs use, aggressive behaviour and an attempted suicide in her paperwork.

Now GossipExtra report that Boca Raton police, who'd received Stapp's bank account complain, have closed the case. They'd failed to make contact with him after five attempts at calling him on the number he'd given. As a result, they say they have no information to pursue the investigation. Read more here.




Slipknot Release 'The Devil In I' Knotfest Video
(TeamRock Radio) Slipknot have released a live video shot during their Knotfest event in California in October. It features their performance of The Devil In I, the lead single from long-awaited album .5: The Gray Chapter - yesterday revealed as Metal Hammer readers' album of the year.

Guitarist Jim Root recently told how he believed late bassist Paul Gray had helped him write material for the record, saying: "I was exploring the fretboard, trying different places to play. Then I realised - that's the way Paul would work. It dawned on me that he was helping me through it.

"I'm not hugely spiritual or religious, but that made me think: people do live on through you. He's always going to be involved in everything we do." Check out the video here.




Mike Myers Resurrects Dr. Evil, Targets North Korea and Sony Pictures
(Radio.com) Dr. Evil (Mike Myers) delighted the Saturday Night Live audience this weekend as he interrupted Sam Smith's (Taran Killam) Very Somber Christmas special to address North Korea and Sony Pictures directly about their massive computer hack.

Stroking a fake version of his bald feline Mr. Bigglesworth, Myers as Dr. Evil expressed his disappointment at North Korea and Sony Pictures "have both given evil organizations a bad name."

"It's just so pathetic to see you two fight over a silly comedy," continued Myers. "It's like watching two bald men fight over a comb." Speaking to whom the U.S. government now believe is the center of the hacking, Myers fired off, "Let's start with you North Korea, you're one of the most evil countries in the world and your act of war is to kill a movie? It's easy to kill a movie. Just move it to January."

Myers is likely attempting to bring the character back into public consciousness. In August HitFix confirmed that the actor/director "closed the deal" and will once again return to the dual roles of Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, making it the fourth Austin Powers film.




The Safety Fire Lose A Co-Founding Member
(Prog) The Safety Fire have split with co-founding bassist Lori Peri - and say they may not replace him. He started the band with guitarist Dez Nagle before they completed their five-man lineup in 2006. Now he's bowed out as they begin work on their third album.

Peri says in a statement: "I would never have thought all those years ago that we'd go on to release two albums and play hundreds of shows to tens of thousands of people across the world.

"What's more important is how lucky I am to have met so many amazing people, some I'll call friends for the rest of my life. The band was started through friendship, and that's what I'm lucky enough to take away from it."

He thanks fans for their support, and says he's looking forward to becoming a fan of the band himself. He adds: "It's been the most amazing experience of my life - but everything must come to and end, and this was the right time for me to take a different path." Read the band's comments here.




Ozzy Osbourne To Appear On Debut Of The Talk After Dark
(hennemusic) Ozzy Osbourne will guest on the debut "after-dark edition" of the CBS daytime show The Talk, a series co-hosted by Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon and several others.

Ozzy will also perform on the Monday, January 12 program, which will air as a late night broadcast on CBS during the time slot previously held by The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which just wrapped up production this past week after a 10-year run.

Last month, Sharon announced that the reality series, The Osbournes, will be returning to TV. "Ozzy has decided that he wants to do another few episodes, not a whole season, about eight episodes, of 'The Osbournes'," she revealed on the UK show, "Loose Women." "He said that for the whole three years that we did it he was drunk the whole time. But he would like to do one where he's completely sober, as he is now."

Read more here.





Def Leppard's New Album To Include Experimental Songs
(hennemusic) Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott shared an update on the band's next album during a recent interview with Metal Express Radio. On hand to promote his side project, Down N' Outz - who were in the middle of a UK tour at the time - Elliott was asked how Leppard's new project is coming along.

"We've got lyrics to write for about four or five songs," explains Elliott, "which I should be getting back to work on as soon as I get done with this tour, I will be straight back in that mode."

"We've got about fifteen songs going. Seven or eight of 'em are written. The other seven are musically written that need melodies. I will get straight back to in January."

Elliott attempted to explain the musical direction of the band's follow-up to 2008's "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge." "I don't know. It's a good question," he says. "It sounds like Leppard. It sounds like what Leppard should be doing at our age as well. It's a bit more… I don't wanna say 'mature'; that's the worst word you could ever say. But it's certainly not a childish record."

"I mean, there's a couple of songs on there that absolutely are typical Leppard anthemic things. But there's a lot of cool stuff which is a lot more musical, if you like, and a lot more experimental, if you want, without being jazz or anything like that."





Savatage Reunion May Continue Past Upcoming Festival Appearance
(TeamRock Radio) Guitarist Chris Caffery says Savatage could continue playing together following their scheduled reunion at next year's Wacken Open Air festival in Germany.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra man will hook up with his old bandmates for the performance. And he says there could be more to come from the outfit who split in 2002 shortly after the release of 12th album Poets And Madmen.

He tells Vanyaland: "For 12, 13 years I've been waiting for my band to play again - now we're playing again. I don't know what's going to happen after that, but there were people that were putting a fork in it, and we're getting up and not just running a marathon, we're running in the Olympics with this festival.

"I'm not going to make any predictions, but let's just say there's a possibility that something more will happen after Wacken - that's all I can say. And nothing would make me happier." Read more here.



Nightwish Reveal More Details About Their New Album
(Prog) Nightwish have confirmed their eighth album will be entitled Endless Forms Most Beautiful, and it's set for release on March 30. And mainman Tuomas Holopainen says the entire work was inspired by a quote from Charles Darwin, who spearheaded the theory of evolution.

The follow-up to 2011's Imaginaerum is the band's first with vocalist Floor Jansen, and with Troy Donockley as a full-time member. Drummer Jukka Nevalainen sat out recording sessions over health issues - he was replaced by Wintersun's Kai Hahto. The record also features a guest appearance by evolutionary biologist and writer Professor Richard Dawkins.

Holopainen cites Darwin's words in his groundbreaking paper The Origin Of Species: "There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved." here.



Pissing Razors Reunite For New Music and Concerts In 2015
(TeamRock Radio) US rockers Pissing Razors have reunited and hope to tour and release fresh material next year. The band split in 2004 shortly after the release of sixth album Evolution.

Now the original lineup of Eddy Garcia, Danny Garcia, Joe Rodriguez and Matt Lynch are back together. A post on Robbs Metal Works' Facebook page says:

"Big announcement - original Pissing Razors have reunited. New music and shows in 2015. Welcome back… the fans have missed you. See you next year."





Grateful Dead Manager Rock Scully Dead At 73
(TeamRock Radio) Former Grateful Dead manager Rock Scully has died aged 73. His brother Dicken Scully, who previously worked for the band as their merchandise manager, told the New York Times he died in hospital in Monterey, California after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

Scully hooked up with the band in 1965 just after they changed their name from the Warlocks and was instrumental in their rise. He organised their original record deals, planned their early tours and famously demanded that Woodstock organisers pay the group up front ahead of their 1969 performance. In 1968 he masterminded a plan to smuggle the group through a group of striking students who had shut down the Columbia University campus for a show.

He was fired from his position by the band in 1984 because of his addiction to morphine and cocaine but returned to the fold in 1985. Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir paid tribute to Scully saying he was a huge part of their success and stated that together they "made history."




Marty Friedman Takes Fans To Japan With Undertow Video
Former Megadeth star Marty Friedman has release a new music video for the song "Undertow," which is a track that comes from his latest solo album "Inferno".

Friedman had this to say about the clip, "'Undertow' gives you a look at the Japan not usually seen by the typical Japanese exports like crazy TV shows, ultra-cute singers and anime. It shows a day in the life of Japan as the Japanese see it, not the stereotypical Western 'Japanophile' view of it."

He goes on to explain the concept for the video, "the 'Undertow' video attempts to show that when you see a thing of beauty, there is often an undercurrent of true sadness and hardship behind the scenes which creates the motivation to do something extraordinary."




Soto Give Fans A Taste Of 'Pissed Off' New Album
(TeamRock Radio) Former Journey singer Jeff Scott Soto has revealed details of his upcoming album Inside The Vertigo, to be launched under the band name Soto and they've launched a lyric video for their track The Fall.

It's set to appear on January 29 via earMusic, and features guests including Gus G, Joel Hoekstra, Mike Orlando and others. The label say the music includes "a neurotic blend of power metal, prog, groove-laden guitars, hooks and production."

Soto says: "The past five or more years have propelled me to a plethora of anger and frustration. I'm actually pissed off about a lot of things - this is my outlet to release the pent-up emotion.

"We realise there are a lot of folks, young and old, who may be sharing these thoughts. So this is especially for them. We're not reinventing the wheel here - we're just creating an outlet for where our hearts are. I'm just not in a 'touch your golden hair' mood right now." Read more and watch the lyric video here.


Warren Haynes Emotional About Allman Brothers Band Ending
(The Blues Warren Haynes admits he finds it difficult the Allman Brothers Band is at an end - but he still believes it was the right move. Mainman Gregg Allman confirmed earlier this year that the band's 45-year career would come to a close after Haynes and fellow guitarist Derek Trucks decided to leave. They bowed out after a final New York residency last month.

He tells UCR: "It's a very emotional time right now because it was such a huge part of my life. Especially when I was in the band, but even prior to that.

"That music means more to me than anyone could imagine. Being on the inside of it and helping keep it alive was an unbelievable experience. I hate to see it end but I think it's the right decision."

He adds: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience for me. The Allman Brothers were and are one of my favourite bands. To have the opportunity to be involved for 25 years - I have nothing but positive emotions about that." Read more here.



Cancer Bats, Kylesa and Ulver Lead Black Sabbath Tribute Album
(TeamRock Radio) Cancer Bats, Kylesa and Ulver are among the bands who will be appearing on a new Black Sabbath tribute album. The completed work is expected next year.

The project is under production via Cleopatra Records. It was revealed by Kylesa, who posted the planned playlist online, saying: "It's finally happening - Kylesa is interpreting Black Sabbath."

They'll cover Paranoid, while Cancer Bats are to tackle Into The Void and Ulver will take on Solitude. Of the 14 tracks on the unnamed album, six are from 1970, one each from 1971 and 1976, two each from 1972 and 1975, and one is from 1980.




Karnataka Reveal Details For New Album 'Secrets Of Angels'
(Prog) Karnataka will launch fifth album 'Secrets Of Angels' in March, they've confirmed. The follow-up to 'The Gathering Light' features eight tracks including the 21-minute title piece, and it's available to pre-order on CD, CD/DVD, vinyl and digital formats.

Guest musicians include Nightwish's Troy Donockley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's Seana Davey, Rachel van der Tang and Clive Howard, who supply uilleann pipes and whistles, harp, cello and viola respectively.

Secrets Of Angels was recorded in Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in Wiltshire, and at Quadra Studios in London. Check out the cover art and their upcoming tour dates here.



Papa Roach Frontman Talks New Album F.E.A.R
(TeamRock Radio) Papa Roach say they wouldn't be alive today if they had recorded in Las Vegas a decade ago. They headed to Sin City to lay down tracks for upcoming album F.E.A.R (Face Everything And Rise) which launches on January 27 via Eleven Seven Music - the follow-up to 2012's The Connection.

Frontman Jacoby Shaddix previously stated he was apprehensive about visiting Vegas because of his history with drugs and alcohol and feared he wouldn't be able to stay focused. And while he now says the experience was positive, he reckons they wouldn't be alive today if they had chosen to record material there when they were younger.

Shaddix tells Artisan News: "It was a very cool place to make a record. We all went there consciously knowing that we just want to focus on the music. I think if we made that record in Vegas 10 years ago, I don't know if we would have made it out alive. So I think we went there at the right time."

The frontman, who recently guested on Glamour Of The Kill track Out Of Control, also credits producers Kevin Churko and his son Kane for challenging them on the new album. Read more here.




Paul McCartney Pays Tribute To Joe Cocker
(TeamRock Radio) Paul McCartney has paid tribute to the late Joe Cocker by saying he'll be "forever grateful" to the singer for turning Beatles track With A Little Help From My Friends into a "soul anthem."

The Sheffield-born vocalist died last night at the age of 70 after a battle against lung cancer. While he scored a string of hits and a number of accolades in his career, he remains well-known for the 1968 rendition of the Fab Four song, which features Jimmy Page on guitar, BJ Wilson of Procol Harum on drums Tommy Eyre on organ.

McCartney says: "Joe was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot, and like many people, I loved his singing. I was especially pleased when he decided to cover With A Little Help From My Friends. I remember him and Denny Cordell coming round to the studio and Saville Row and playing me what they recorded. It was just mind-blowing. He totally turned the song into a soul anthem, and I was forever grateful to him for doing that."

A number of other stars have also paid tribute to Cocker.




Heavy Metal Truants Charity Ride Returning For 3rd Event
(Prog) The next ride of the Heavy Metal Truants, a charity bicycle ride founded by Metal Hammer and TeamRock editor-in-chief Alexander Milas and Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, is officially go. The ride, which benefits Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins, and Childline has raised a grand total of £167,000 to date, and everyone can join.

"This is about the rock and metal community uniting around a common cause and getting help to the people who need it most," says Milas. "The great thing about it is that it's also an awesome way to get fit, and anyone can join. And if I can do it, anyone can!"

The TeamRock-sponsored Heavy Metal Truants ride departs London on Wednesday, June 10th for a 161-mile bicycle journey through the English countryside, finishing at Download festival at midday on Friday June 12th. Read more here.






John Lennon or Paul McCartney? 550 Celebs Make Their Choice
(Radio.com) From dorm rooms to family reunions, crowded bars to podcasts, the question of John Lennon vs. Paul McCartney has been debated countless times, with only one thing for sure: Ringo Starr is probably the wrong answer (and George Harrison is maybe the most interesting take) when the subject of the best songwriter in the Beatles is broached.

Sacred Goose has produced a video with 550 celebrities weighing in on the topic over the past 10 years. For 30+ minutes, you can watch your favorite musicians, actors, and directors lay down their pick. Some answer quickly, some give explanations, some, like The Wallflowers' Jakob Dylan, simply say "nope."

Coming in on Team Lennon: The Fray, Aaron Eckhart, Jimmy Eat World, Childish Gambino, Aaron Paul, Adam Lambert, Charli XCX, Frightened Rabbit, and Gary Oldman.

And Team Macca? Aerosmith, Counting Crows, fun., Shirley Manson, Jason Priestly, and JJ Abrams.





Bernie Torme Terrified By Crowdfunding Success For New Album
(The Blues Bernie Torme admits the success of his crowdfunding campaign gave him a sense of terror at first. He asked fans to support the production of solo album Flowers And Dirt, his first studio project in 15 years.

But to his surprise, he secured the total he was looking for within a matter of days, and went on to bring in over four times what he'd originally asked for. Torme tells Sleazegrinder: "It became a double album, and I was thinking, 'Well - this is terrifying!' Because I really didn't expect to get the money at all.

"It was, 'You have to complete it.' That was great because it was just like the old days: it had to be finished. I found that really helpful because it was almost like having a gun being held to my head." Read more here.




Crazy Horse Guitarist Wants Band To Play Farewell Tour
(TeamRock Radio) Crazy Horse guitarist Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro would love Neil Young and Crazy Horse to play a farewell tour - but he doesn't think he can talk Young into it.

He's looking forward to retirement and says he's not worried about his life ending. But he accepts his colleague is a completely different type of person. Sampedro, 65, tells Uncut: "He's speeding up while the rest of us are slowing down. I feel as if I could walk out in front of my house and put up a sign that says 'mission accomplished.' But he doesn't feel that way.

"Here's the difference: Neil is ready to live until he's 100-and-something years old, and I think I'm going to die when I'm 73. I'm happy with it - I've abused myself so bad. It's cool; I've lived a great life."

The guitarist admits he doesn't know if any Crazy Horse activity is in the pipeline. But he says: "I certainly hope so. My hope is that Neil writes a bunch of songs and in January, February, we start recording, and we go on a big tour." Read more here.




21st Century Blues Documentary Released
(Classic Rock) Big Boy Bloater has put together an hour-long documentary for TeamRock Radio which investigates the blues scene. Produced by Pete Bailey, 21st Century Blues is available on demand now at TeamRock.com.

In the show, Big Boy Bloater takes an inside look at the blues scene today, how it got here, and why it's still relevant. The documentary features interviews from John Mayall, Jimmy Thomas and Mud Morganfield - the sons of Muddy Waters.

There are also appearances from the new breed of players like Joe Bonamassa, Marcus Bonfanti and Joanne Shaw Taylor - as well as a host of other stars form the blues world.

The documentary is a reflection of where the blues is at today, it's potential future, and why, after 100 years, people keep coming back to it. Read more here.




Foreigner Release Juke Box Hero Live Video
(Classic Rock) Foreigner have released a live version of the classic Juke Box Hero. Taken from the band's new collection The Best of Foreigner 4 & More, the original appeared on Foreigner 4, which sold nine million copies worldwide and spent more weeks on top of the Billboard charts than any artist in the history of Atlantic Records.

"Our music has touched a lot of people worldwide," says guitarist Mick Jones. "Unwittingly, we've weaved our music into the fabric of people's lives."

Singer Kelly Hansen says, "The idea for this recording came from the anniversary of the release as a way to celebrate. There are some tracks that were never previously performed live in this format, and it's great to be in a group with people who really 'get it' and understand how fortunate we are to be playing and performing such great material."