Today's Top Stories
Cream's Ginger Baker Has 'Serious Heart Problems'
Cream legend Ginger Baker has been forced to cancel his upcoming live performances due to "serious heart problems," according to an announcement from his team via social media.
Team Baker posted the following message on Facebook, "To all fans; it is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of all shows. Ginger's doctor's have insisted that he have complete rest due to diagnosis of serious heart problems. We hope you will all join with his family in wishing him well. God bless Ginger Baker. "
Baker had planned to launch a short UK tour in April with shows in Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and London. He had also booked U.S. shows in May including stops in Massachusetts, Maryland, Indiana, and Tennessee.
The cancelations also include Baker's scheduled appearance at this year's Ramblin' Man Fair in Kent (UK) which will be taking place in late July.
Jimmy Page Defends Himself In 'Stairway To Heaven' Lawsuit(Classic Rock)
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has defended himself against the claim that he based Stairway To Heaven on Spirit track Taurus by saying he first heard the other band's piece in 2014.
And although he's admitted to finding a copy of the 1968 record in his collection, he insists that he'd never listened to it. Spirit released Taurus three years before Led Zep launched Stairway, after the bands had toured the US together. Spirit bassist Mark Andes launched legal action two years ago, saying he wanted recognition for the work of late guitarist Randy California.
Page said in a California court declaration last week: "Prior to hearing a recording of Taurus in 2014 in connection with this matter, I have never heard Taurus or even heard of it. I am very good at remembering music and am absolutely certain that I never heard Taurus' until 2014."
He admitted to having a copy of the record, but added: "I had not previously seen it in my collection and do not know how or when it got there. It may well have been left by a guest. I doubt it was there for long, since I never noticed it before. But, again, I know I did not hear Taurus until 2014." Read more here.
David Bowie's 'InstaMiniSeries' Premieres Online(Radio.com)
Before he released his final album Blackstar, David Bowie made the music available to a creative team at Instagram so they could use it for their burgeoning video series InstaMiniSeries. Now the first episode of UNBOUND: A … InstaMiniSeries. is available, and you can watch it via the platform's channel @instaminiseries.
Per the platform's video limitations, the episode is only 15 seconds long. The camera tracks across a darkly-lit library, revealing a cast of characters: A man gets a book off the shelf, a woman stirs her tea, a young boy plays with a toy truck and a woman in red completes a needlepoint, among other persons in the room.
The series is meant to visually narrate Bowie's album, rather than present a linear, more traditional narrative. To that end, the first episode's dark, brooding feel but communal spirit sets an interesting tone. Watch the first episode here.
Former Deep Purple Singer Speaks Out About Rock Hall Drama(hennemusic)
Former Deep Purple lead singer Joe Lynn Turner says that the band's upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has become a circus show.
Turner has some rare insight into the situation given his work with both Deep Purple - he recorded 1990's "Slaves And Masters" with the group during his three-year tenure with the band - and his years with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow.
The vocalist is sharing his thoughts on the April 8 event at New York's Barclays Center that sees Deep Purple's current lineup refusing to perform with former members including Blackmore - who has now decided not to attend.
"If he comes, Ian Gillan and the rest of the band won't come," Turner tells Rock Overdose. "If you ask me, they're acting like children and it's a mess and a shameful situation. It's terrible that it happened. For me, it shows you exactly what is happening over there. That these people don't know how to grow up and be friends. Just stop the bullsh*t. It's a shame and it makes a circus out of the whole thing.
"I made a statement on my Facebook that describes how I feel about the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame, as I call it. They have no idea who is who, what is what. It's a Hollywood event, and it really has not much to do with Rock and Roll anymore. It's more of a celebrity event."
"In the early days it was a true rock and roll organization. But now, it is turning into a circus show," Turner adds. "It's more like Grammys or something stupid like that. It took them how long to put Deep Purple into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? It should have been in the Hall Of Fame 25 years ago." Read more here.
Rare Beatles Record Set To Be Auctioned(Classic Rock)
A rare Beatles 10-inch record is to go under the hammer after it was discovered in a loft. The vinyl featuring the tracks Till There Was You and Hello Little Girl has been in the possession of Gerry And The Pacemakers pianist Les Maguire for over 50 years after The Fab Four's manager Brian Epstein gave him the disc in 1963.
It was made at London's HMV store on Oxford Street and given to producer George Martin at EMI in a bid to secure a record deal for the band in the early 60s. It features Epstein's handwriting, with Maguire reporting it was the disc "that sparked the Beatles' success."
Maguire tells the BBC: "I've never been a big fan of memorabilia, but people seem to like it. It's no good to me so I've given it to my granddaughter, who is hoping to buy a house after passing her accountancy exams." Read more here.
Corey Taylor Reassures Fans He Is Not Quitting Slipknot(TeamRock Radio)
Corey Taylor has moved to clarify comments he made regarding his future with Slipknot. The vocalist told BBC Radio 1's Daniel P Carter that he "might step away from Slipknot at some point, just because the way the music is, that energy, I don't know if I could do that into my 50s.
"I would never want the band to feel like I was holding them back because I couldn't physically do it. I wouldn't completely quit music - I'd probably just step away from Slipknot."
But after his comments were reported, he issued a statement on Twitter reassuring fans that he wasn't going anywhere. He says: "I'm not quitting Slipknot. Listen to and read interviews - in context not out. I talk about time off. This is why I dislike 'cut n' paste' journos." Read more here.
Dream Theater Announce 'The Astonishing' Video Game(Classic Rock)
Dream Theater will release video game based on 13th album The Astonishing in April, they've confirmed. It's been created in conjunction with Turbo Tape Games and it'll be available on PC, Mac, iOS and Android platforms.
The download is to be free, with a one-off charge to play beyond the first two levels. Turbo Tape say: "The Astonishing game is based on the album's story, setting, and characters, giving players an opportunity to further experience the world of Ravenskill and the GNEAm while battling Empirical forces and securing man-made artistry's place in the futuristic world. Tactical gameplay and a storyline that progresses with the player make this a can't-miss experience for gamers and music fans alike."
The Astonishing was released on January 29. Dream Theater are currently touring Europe, playing the album in full, with North American dates to follow. See the dates here.
Rob Zombie Streaming New 'UFO' Song (Classic Rock)
Rob Zombie has released an lyric video for his track Well, Everybody's F***ing In A UFO. It features on his upcoming sixth album The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser - out on April 29.
Zombie said of the follow-up to Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor: "This album is the best thing we've done to date, and we can't wait to share it with you. We mean it. It's the most f***ed-up thing we've ever done.
"We spent so much time putting this monster together and it's been worth it because this thing is about to explode. And if you don't believe how f***ed up this album is, take a look at the tracklist. Sh*t gets weird." Check out the song here.
Black Veil Brides and Asking Alexandra Stars In American Satan Film(TeamRock Radio)
Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack and Asking Alexandra's Ben Bruce have landed starring roles in an upcoming movie, American Satan. The film focuses on a young rock band who quit college and relocate to the bright lights of the Sunset Strip to follow their dreams.
The film synospis explains: "Caught in the middle of a Faustian deal, their music and controversial altercations end up influencing society beyond anything this century has seen, but can they take back control of their destiny before it's too late?"
American Satan is written by Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen along with producer Matty Beckerman, and is currently in pre-production. Read more here.
Filter Streaming New Song 'Mother E'(Classic Rock)
Filter have released an online stream of their new song Mother E. The comes from their forthcoming seventh album Crazy Eyes, which will be released on April 8.
Singer and guitarist Richard Patrick said of Crazy Eyes: "This record is more experimental and crazy. It's where I am today. I wanted to go to some scary, weird places instead of doing that big-ass guitar sound again.
"I feel so strongly about having it be weird and intense and authentic and bizarre, because we've done 'perfect.' This is a new era for me because it's the first time I've totally produced the record - and I made it raw and real the way I wanted it." Stream the song here.
Brian Fallon Releases 'Nobody Wins' Video(Classic Rock)
The Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon has released his latest music video for the track Nobody Wins. The song will be featured on the singer's debut solo record, Painkillers, which is due out on March 11.
Fallon tells Entertainment Weekly: "I don't think I could have written this song in my twenties or teens. When I finished the words to this song I felt a great sense of relief and peace about how the lyrics communicated the subject in a direct way.
"It's not complex, but it's a hard thing, acceptance is. This song is for the joyous failures of life that shape who we become." Fallon recorded Painkillers after the Gaslight Anthem went on hiatus at the end of their 2015 European summer tour. Watch the video and read more here.
Mushroomhead Release Preview Videos For Vol. III DVD(TeamRock Radio)
Mushroomhead have released a series of teaser videos for their upcoming DVD compilation Vol. III. The project is the third in a series of video collections following 2005's Vol. I and 2008's Vol. II, both of which featured a mix of behind the scenes and live concert footage.
Further details on Vol. III - including a tracklist and release date - have yet to be announced. Mushroomhead split with singer Waylon Reavis in October over what the vocalist described as "irreconcilable differences with band ownership" after 11 years with the group.
Reavis said: "My time in Mushroomhead had run its course. I have 11 years of wonderful memories, but I'm ready for something else in my life. I'm ready for a change. I've lived the same monotony for too long.
"I just didn't agree with a lot of the decisions and where we were going, and that's fine - that's part of life. You don't have to agree with everything. I wish them the best of luck." Watch the videos here.
Black Stone Cherry Release 'The Rambler' Video(Classic Rock)
Black Stone Cherry have released a video for The Rambler. Written with former Shinedown guitarist Jasin Todd, it's taken from the band's forthcoming Kentucky album, the follow-up to 2014's Magic Mountain. The band have also released a behind-the-scenes video explaining the song's inception and eventual recording.
"There's just something about that song," says frontman Chris Robertson. "I remember being in the studio and I was singing it and trying to keep back from crying the whole time, thinking about my grandpa and just being away from my kid and wife and stuff and I got to the last chorus and just had to stop.
"I've never had anything like that happen to me before. But it was definitely happening, and it was real. I can't really describe it, but it got me." Watch the video here.
Candlemass Announce 30th Anniversary EP 'Death Thy Lover'(TeamRock Radio)
Candlemass will release their 30th anniversary EP Death Thy Lover on June 3. The band announced last year that they'd issue material to celebrate the landmark occasion. It'll feature their singer Mats Leven, who replaced Robert Lowe in the lineup in 2012.
Leven said: "20 years ago, Leif Edling invited me to the project Abstrakt Algebra. Ten years ago, I started helping Candlemass with their demos. Today, I'm happy to say that I'm the new singer of Candlemass. I truly believe that 2016 will be one of the best years in a long time for Candlemass."
Bassist Edling sat out the band's 2015 live dates due to undisclosed health issues, but is back in the studio for the upcoming record. See the EP cover and tracklisting, as well as the band's upcoming tour dates here.
Video Of Megadeth's Live Premiere Of 'Dystopia' Goes Online(hennemusic)
Megadeth performed the live debut of the title track to their latest album, "Dystopia", at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 26.
The group delivered an instrumental version of the song for its first performance and video of the performance has been posted online. "My question is, 'Are you cool if we play this song and I don't sing it'", frontman Dave Mustaine asked the crowd.
"I like the song, it's just that we're not quite there yet for the singing part but I want to play it for you cuz I love the song and I love you guys. So here we go - this is Dystopia for the first time ever - we're playing it for you… before Phoenix, before Los Angles, before New York."
Megadeth launched the North American leg of the Dystopia world tour in Dallas on February 20. The 6-week trek sees the band joined by Suicidal Tendencies, Children Of Bodom and Havok. Watch the video here.
Peter Frampton To Rock Conan's Late Night TV Show Tonight(hennemusic)
Peter Frampton will perform as the musical guest on TBS' late night talk show Conan on Monday, February 29. The guitarist is promoting his just-released album "Acoustic Classics", which sees him deliver reinvented, unplugged versions of many of his best-known songs and one brand new tune, "All Down To Me."
On the record, fans will hear stripped-down takes on Frampton classics like "Show Me The Way", "Wind Of Change", "Do You Feel Like I Do" and "Baby, I Love Your Way."
"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 project with a new leg of his Raw unplugged tour when it kicks off in Tucson, AZ on March 9. Read more here.
Headspace Release 'The Science Within Us' Video(Prog)
Headspace have released a video for their track The Science Within Us. It comes from their latest album All That You Fear Is Gone, which was released last Friday (February 26) via InsideOut.
Guitarist Pete Rinaldi says of the track: "When it came time to choose a track to make a video for, we felt that the world might not be ready for a 14 minute video for The Science Within Us.
"Then on reflection we realized we were totally wrong and edited the track down to five minutes. But for the more aurally inspired, the rest of the music can be found on All That You Fear Is Gone."
Rinaldi adds: "This album picks up where I Am Anonymous finishes. The process of each of us adding their creativity to the tracks has made this something we are really proud of.
"All That You Fear Is Gone features the debut of my good friend Adam Falkner on drums who has done a fantastic job making his mark on this record, we are all looking forward to bringing it to live audiences." Watch the video here.
Anvil's Lips Doesn't Regret Turning Down Motorhead(Classic Rock)
Steve "Lips" Kudlow has spoken about the time he was asked to tour with Motorhead in 1983. He recalls Anvil got their first gig opening for Motorhead in 1981 - and says that he and frontman Lemmy instantly clicked when they first met.
He tells Iron City Rocks: "We hit it off as people really well, and Lemmy was impressed with me." Lips says Motorhead's management approached him to replace Eddie Clark on tour in 1982. But he turned down the offer, saying the band were in the middle of writing Forged In Fire and were under contract to finish the album.
He adds: "I couldn't be in two places at once. It wasn't possible to do it. I don't regret the decision and at the end of the day, Lemmy really respected the fact that I stuck to my guns, which was his main philosophy. He just thought, 'You'd fit in with me no problem, because we're from the same tree, the same branch.'" Read more here.
DevilDriver Preview New Album 'Trust No One'(TeamRock Radio)
DevilDriver have released a teaser clip from seventh album Trust No One. The follow-up to 2013's Winter Kills is to be launched on May 13 and supported with tour dates in the US, Europe and the UK.
Mainman Dez Fafara recently said of the work: "Trust No One is filled with killer riffs, groove after groove and massive hooks. It's rightly named – there will be no explanation needed regarding what the title means."
The band announced the preview video with the following: "Pay attention to the video. You may hear a pleasant surprise! Tickets are NOW ON SALE for our headlining tour with special guests Holy Grail (Official Page), INCITE, and Hemlock! Get your tickets and get ready to rock!" See the dates and check out the teaser video here.
Raging Speedhorn Announce New Album 'Lost Ritual'(TeamRock Radio)
Raging Speedhorn will release their latest album Lost Ritual in July. The follow-up to Before The Sea Was Built will be widely released on July 15, while fans who donated towards the crowdfunding campaign will receive it a week in advance on July 8.
Guitarist Jim Palmer says: "This album seems like a true reflection of everyone's input, a slice of all of us. It has those typical Speedhorn, pumping rock'n'roll moments, and some much darker ones too.
"Sound-wise, it's got all the feedback, distortion, bad attitude and in-your-face antics you'd expect with a sound that should be more familiar to Speedhorn fans, but with a twist." Read more and see the cover art here.
Muse To Headline Glastonbury Festival(Classic Rock)
Muse have been named as headline act on the Friday night of this year's Glastonbury festival. Muse marked the announcement by releasing video clips of their previous Glastonbury sets, commenting: "Playing a little show at home."
They'll appear on the Pyramid Stage on June 24, making them the first band to have made headline appearances on all three nights of the main event. They'd previously played the Sunday of 2004 and the Saturday of 2010.
The band this month won a Best Rock Album Grammy for seventh album Drones. They launch a European tour in France tonight (February 29) with UK dates to follow in April. See the tour dates and watch the video here.
Ex-California Breed Star Andrew Watt Releases 'High' Video(Classic Rock)
Former California Breed guitarist Andrew Watt has released a video for his track High. The live clip is the latest tune issued from Watt's debut solo EP, 2015's Ghost In My Head. He previously shared a clip for the project's title track.
Produced by Alain Johannes, the EP features drum contributions from Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ex-Queens Of The Stone Age sticksman Joey Castillo.
The guitarist, who launched the record late last year with a series of live dates across North America opening for The Struts, says he loves bringing his music to the fans.
Watt tells Red Bull: "It can be grueling in the early days, but every night we get on stage makes it all worth it. I live to connect with fans of real rock music and seeing them sing my lyrics means more to me than anything." Watch the video here.
Midnight Mob Release 'Swing On' Video(Classic Rock)
Midnight Mob have released a video for their song Swing On. It's taken from the band's new EP, Honest Brutal Glorious, the follow-up to 2014's full-length album These Days.
The band describe themselves as existing at the "the intersection of punk, metal, blues, and soul," and feature Blackey Deathproof on vocals, guitarist Mickey Squeeze, bassist Carly Quinn, and drummer Beatz.
"Swing On is about braving the process of dropping all your vices and false beliefs you have about yourself to become the person you're meant to be," says Blackey. "The director, Jarett Bellucci, wanted to express that idea through telling a story about "me" trying to physically write the song.
"I start off checking into the hotel on a snowy night with nothing but frantic frustration and a heavy heart. I know I have to let go of something. I know I have to break down walls to get where I need to be and ultimately step into my purpose.
"Jarett decided to depict this through having Midnight Mob rocking out next door to the version of me that's trying desperately to get out what I need to get out on paper. I eventually get into the motel room next door and see myself rocking out... here I find my purpose and step up to take my place at the mic." Watch the video here.
Big Boy Bloater Streaming New Song 'Robot Girlfriend'(The Blues)
Big Boy Bloater has released a lyric video for his track Robot Girlfriend exclusively with The Blues Magazine. It features on his latest album Luxury Hobo which came out last Friday (February 26) via Provogue/Mascot label Group.
Bloater says of the track: "This is a song about being thankful for what you've got and not taking stuff for granted. We have so many things these days and we're so lucky to have nice, comfortable lives but it could all so easily go wrong. And once those sparks start flying it's too late."
He'll will play a show at London's 100 Club on May 15 in support of Luxury Hobo. Big Boy Bloater features in the latest issue of The Blues Magazine, out now in print, digital and via TeamRock+. Check out the new song here.
ArcTanGent Festival Announces 19 More Bands(Prog)
The bill for this year's ArcTanGent festival has been extended with the addition of 19 bands. La Dispute, the reunited Meet Me In St Louis, Nordic Giants and Errors are among those confirmed to appear at Fernhill Farm near Bristol on the weekend of August 18-20.
American Football, Sikth and Toe are amongst the acts previously announced, with a total of 70 bands performing across four stages to a strictly-limited crowd of 5000. The event is sponsored by Prog.
Booker James Scarlett says: "We've got some amazing exclusives. American Football and Toe will be playing their only UK shows of 2016. And when I heard that Meet Me In St Louis were reforming I was determined to bring them along to the party." Read more here.
Unitopia Offshoot Southern Empire Announce Debut Album(Prog)
Southern Empire have announced their self-titled debut album will be released next month. The Australian outfit were formed by vocalist, keyboardist and saxophonist Sean Timms following the breakup of his old band Unitopia. The record will launch on March 18 via GEP.
Timms tells Prog: "I'm absolutely over the moon that our album is being released by GEP next month. It has been a long road to get to this point, but it has definitely been worth the effort.
"This is how I've always imagined the music would sound. The songs sound amazing with powerfully emotional vocals, brilliant and tasteful musicianship - everything a composer could ever wish for." Read more here.
Circus Maximus Streaming New Song 'Pages'(Prog)
Circus Maximus have released an online stream of their song "Pages," which is a track that comes from their forthcoming studio album Havoc, due out on March 18.
Guitarist and producer Mats Haugen says: "The theme on this new album is about moments and experiences in life that lead to love and hate. Metaphorically, it's about succumbing to fire and striving to cope with the aftermath of decisions when overshadowed by the love we have for others and ourselves."
Circus Maximus will play a run of Europe dates in March, with a show at Atlanta's Center Stage Theater in the US scheduled in September. See the dates and stream the song here.
Singled Out: Kinky Rhino's Garage Roque (Blue Man Group)
Jeff Wright of Kinky Rhino (the 'dirty rock n' roll side project' from members of the Blue Man Group) tells us about their new single, "Garage Roque," from their self-titled EP (out April 29th). Here is the story:
"Garage Roque" is Kinky Rhino's first single from our upcoming debut EP. Furthermore, it is the first song I have written that has ever been released to the public, and I have been dreaming of doing this for nearly 20 years. I remember watching classmates of mine cover Nirvana's Aneurysm when I was in 6th or 7th grade, and I have wanted to do nothing but play rock music ever since. I have no idea where those kids learned to play, or how in the hell they were cool enough to play Nirvana at that age, but we were not cut of the same cloth, I needed serious help. I enrolled in my school's music program, but it offered no guitar instruction so it made sense that I became engulfed in the world of percussion. Throughout school I played drums in rock bands, symphonic bands, jazz ensembles, drum corps, and every other scenario I possibly could, eventually leading to my current gig with Blue Man Group.
I've been working for BMG for nearly ten years now and it's been an amazing experience, but all this time I've still just wanted what those kids had in middle school: pure rock and roll. So, last year, while on a break from touring, I set out to start writing music that the rest of the touring BMG band and I could play at clubs after work. I immediately became completely engulfed in this project. I spent every waking hour slaving over the songs. I was blowing off friends I hadn't seen for months and spending two days at a time locked in a rented rehearsal space because I could not stop, I had to get it done before it was time to hit the road again or I would never forgive myself.
The result is a 5-song self-titled EP on which I played every instrument and sang every word. After so many years of being someone else's drummer, I was finally realizing my dream. I had spent years thinking that I didn't have "the gift" or something. I thought I was a drummer and that was that, but I knew deep down that I wanted to create something on my own, I did not want to play other people's music forever. Drumming is fun, it is rewarding, and I'm not trying to put it down in anyway, it is the foundation of who I am, especially as a musician; but I've needed to start this band since I was 12, and I have finally done it.
At it's core, Kinky Rhino is my solo project, and it will remain that way for the time being. I would eventually like to find a solid lineup, but that's tough to even consider while knowing that the tour I am on with Blue Man is going to end and that the current lineup will have to go our separate ways. There are major upsides though… The situation I have found myself in gives me complete control of the band. Obviously, I defer to the other guys about things that affect us on a day to day basis, but in the big picture I am the boss. I can make decisions without having to call a band meeting, I can write this blog without having to get their approval on what I'm rambling about, and I can write the songs that I want to write. This newf-ound strength, and the life changes I have gone through making this debut EP, are what the first single is all about.
The lyrics in the chorus of "Garage Roque" basically state that I don't know where I'm going, but I do know that I'm never coming back. This is exactly how I feel, and this is exactly why I chose it to be the first single. I have never played guitar in a band, and I've never been a lead singer, but I like it and I'm going to keep going, I am changed. I spent way too long doubting myself, to a point where I may be too old to find any success outside of playing drums, but this is how it's going to be from now on, I'm just going to keep going. "Garage Roque" is a song that was written about the process of breaking free that was needed in order to create it in the first place. It's a song about itself.
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