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ROCK NEWS FOR 02/03/12

 

IS ADAM LAMBERT ACTUALLY GOING TO SING FOR QUEEN?

According to the British tabloid the Daily Star he will on tour this summer with Brain May and Roger Taylor.

"The intention is to pay tribute to Freddie and the band by singing some f---ing great songs," he said. "It's to keep the music alive for the fans and give it an energy that Freddie would have been proud of."

He performed with them in Movember at the MTV Europe Awards.

"After the EMAs, I heard faint little slithers of a backlash from people saying: 'You can't replace Freddie Mercury.' But I already knew that," he said. "There's no intention in my mind of replacing Freddie. That's impossible. The way I'm choosing to view it is that it's a great honour and one I'm in no way going to shirk ... Being asked to front Queen is the best thing that can possibly happen."

No confirmation has been given by Queen or Lambert if this is true.

DAVID BYRON - THE EARLY SESSIONS 1968-1970　

David Byron rose to fame in the early '70s as lead singer for the British band Uriah Heep, singing on so many classics - such as Easy Livin, Stealin, July Morning and Gypsy [the latter 2, which he also co-wrote] . What many rock fans and historians are unaware of is Byron's session work starting in the mid '60s until 1971. Covering literally hundreds of hits of the day during this time for Avenue Records, which would then be released on budget priced LPs in shops in the UK for those who'd want an LP of the Top 20.

For many years Uriah Heep fans, familiar with David Byron's Avenue Records work would circulate poor copies of some of these tracks, or pay outrageous prices to unscrupulous dealers at record fairs and flea markets scratched 40 year old vinyl pressings.

Many people thought that these master tapes had long been lost forever - now thanks to Artistry Recordings they have been dusted off and carefully re-mastered to digital format.
　
This official release of these tracks is a 20 song compilation from Artistry Records of David Byron's early recording sessions with Avenue Records between 1968 and 1970. These archive studio master recordings in full stereo have now been compiled for CD and now all true fans of David Byron can hear these 40 year old gems as they were intended.

This CD has been compiled to commemorate what would have been David's 65th birthday on 29th January 2012.　 He was truly a superb vocalist - sadly taken from us at the age of 38 in February 1985.

Tracklisting: Soul Deep, Come and Get It [originally by Badfinger], Yellow River, Bad Moon Rising [originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival], Viva Bobbie Joe, Behind A Painted Smile, Let’s Work Together, Rainbow, Mony Mony, I’m Gonna’ Make You Mine, Give Peace A Chance, Long As I Can See The Light, Cold Turkey [originally by John Lennon], American Woman [originally by The Guess Who], Urban Spaceman, Reflections of My Life, Melting Pot, Good Moring Freedom, Soul Sister Brown Sugar and Something is Happening.

All 20 tracks are taken from the original 1" tapes with vocal assistance from artists such as Peter Lee Stirling (Daniel Boone), Reg Dwight (Elton John) and Dana Gillespie. This is a goldmine of music for any follower or fan interested in the early years of the original　lead vocalist with Uriah Heep.

Currently the release is being sold on eBay and eBid but other options are being considered by the label for proper distribution.
For more info check out the brand new site www.davidbyron.net
 

DAVE MUSTAINE AND MEGADETH KICK OFF ‘GIGANTOUR’ ON EAST COAST WITH MOTÖRHEAD, VOLBEAT AND LACUNA COIL

THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN CONCERT SOLD OUT

DAVE MUSTAINE of iconic multi-platinum metal group MEGADETH has launched his critically acclaimed touring festival GIGANTOUR to a roaring and acclaimed start in the northeast U.S. Sharing the stage every night with the headlining MEGADETH are MOTÖRHEAD, VOLBEAT and LACUNA COIL on the trek which kicked off January 26 in Camden, NJ at the Susquehanna Bank Center and has already been highlighted by a sold out January 28 show at New York City’s Theater at Madison Square Garden. GIGANTOUR is set to hit Los Angeles’ Gibson Amphitheatre Friday, February 24 and wraps Saturday, March 3 in Austin, TX. See tour dates and press quotes later in this press release.

In other MEGADETH news, they have received their tenth Grammy nomination for their latest effort. The group--singer/guitarist DAVE MUSTAINE, drummer SHAWN DROVER, guitarist CHRIS BRODERICK and bassist DAVID ELLEFSON--earned a “Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Performance” nomination for their new single “Public Enemy #1” off their latest album Th1rt3en (Roadrunner Records). The “Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Performance” category is, eerily, category #13.

Check out the video for “Public Enemy #1” here or their Halloween eve performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” here. “Public Enemy #1” actually marks the second Grammy nomination for music from Th1rt3en, as the song “Sudden Death” was first unveiled in the 2010 video game “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” and received a “Best Metal Performance” nod.

The band’s 13th album, the appropriately titled Th1rt3en, was released November 1 and debuted #11 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock chart. The album also landed on international charts including Top 10 placements in Argentina, Finland, Korea and Japan.

www.megadeth.com
www.gigantour.com
http://www.facebook.com/Megadeth
http://twitter.com/Megadeth
www.roadrunnerrecords.com/


NEW AND IMPROVED OFFICIAL DIO WEB STORE NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Check out the new and improved Official Dio Web Store: http://www.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/

Smart phone? take a test drive on our new Mobile Dio Store. Built friendly for the on the go Dio shopper: http://officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/mobile/

Now pay with ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS, PayPal, Checks or Money Orders.

Multiple shipping options, rates are calculated real time by USPS and FedEx web apps. You decide if you want to receive your order fast or slow, it's up to you! We even offer normal postal mail to save you money. If you're not in a rush, this is a good option.

Browse the new Dio Store Blog. Find information about new products, releases, related videos and stories : http://www.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/blog.asp

Log in to your account for complete shopping history. View, track and manage your orders. Address book, wish list and more.

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New products and features are being added everyday. We just added lots of new shirts for both men and women, hats, beanies, wristbands, CD's, DVD's, Blu-ray and more!!!!

We have a brand new Ronnie James Dio Memorial Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund Shirt that 100% of the proceeds go to the Fund and you get a cool shirt modeled after the "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" LP:

http://www.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com/Ronnie-James-Dio-Long-Live-Rock-N-Roll-Memorial-T-Shirt_p_60.html>

The Memorial shirt comes in sizes Medium, Large, XL, XXL, XXXL and XXXXL


PAUL McCARTNEY TO GET A STAR
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Paul McCartney is the only Beatle without a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but that’s all about to change. On February 9th, the singer will be honored with a star of his own outside of the Capitol Records building. Paul was nominated for a star in 1993 but scheduling difficulties have kept him from a dedication ceremony. However, in 2010, he was on hand when Ringo Starr got a star and in 2009, he attended the dedication ceremony for George Harrison’s star. Paul will be in town for the GRAMMYS on the 12th, where he will perform, and to be honored as MusiCares’ Person of the Year on the 10th.

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION GET LIVE OVER EUROPE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Later this month, Black Country Communion will release their first concert CD. It’s called Live Over Europe and is the companion to the DVD of the same name that came out in October. The two-disc CD set features Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian’s performances in Hamburg, Munich and Berlin, Germany during the supergroup’s debut tour last summer. There are 17 tracks on the album including songs from the band’s self-titled 2010 debut and their sophomore release from last year, 2. You can pick it up on February 28th.

ALICE COOPER DOESN’T THINK OF THE “R WORD”
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Alice Cooper turns 64 years old. So as the shock rocker approaches becoming a senior citizen, does he think about retiring?

“The ‘R word’ has never come up. We are already thinking about what the next album and the next tour is after that so we don’t even consider retiring.”

Alice is indeed thinking ahead. He’s already scheduled festival dates for July and August and later this year, he is expected to tour behind his latest album, Welcome 2 My Nightmare. Keep an eye on his website, AliceCooper.com, for the latest news.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUFF McKAGAN!
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Sunday marks Duff McKagan’s 48th birthday. He is best known as the former bass guitarist for Guns N’ Roses and current member of Loaded and Velvet Revolver, but in recent years, Duff has taken to writing and even has a column at SeattleWeekly.com. Duff and the rest of Guns N’ Roses are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14th. No word as to whether the band plans on reuniting for the occasion, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

DAVE DAVIES THINKS CREATIVITY IS LIKE SEX
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Kinks guitarist Dave Davies turns 65 years old today (2/3), but if you think that age is affecting his creativity, think again. The rocker set the record straight for us.

“Creativity doesn’t just stop when you get to the age of 30. I mean in some cases, you know, I think it intensifies, much like sex in a way.”
It seems Dave truly believes this because, according to his website, he has a new album coming out soon. Learn more at DaveDavies.com.

WOOD AND EDGE HELPING WITH NEW APP
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood is working on a project with U2 guitarist The Edge, but it isn’t new music. According to U-K trade magazine Music Week, the pair is helping to create a new app that lets musicians share music globally online. It’s called WholeWorldBand and the rockers plan to submit performances for the app. It will be available on the iPhone 4 and 4s as well as the iPad 2 next March through iTunes. Read more at MusicWeek.com.

BRUCE DICKINSON GOES UNDER
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson might like to spend time flying planes, but this week, he wasn’t in the sky – he was underwater. According to the Helensburgh Advertiser, the rocker spent three nights on board the nuclear submarine HMS Victorious at a naval base in Scotland. The vessel’s captain invited Bruce to hop aboard and see what life is like on a sub. Crew members said it was surreal to have an international rock star on board but that Bruce was “down to earth” and hung around, answering questions about his life.

IS DEE SNIDER AN AGING DRAG QUEEN?
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Dee Snider was in full Twisted Sister regalia in Florida yesterday filming a commercial, but you won’t ever see the ad on TV in America. It’s for a Norwegian company and on Twitter, Dee told fans that in it, he reenacts the famous “We’re Not Gonna Take It” spin where the boy turns into him. No word what the commercial is promoting, but the rocker posted a picture of himself in costume, writing, “I may look like an aging drag queen… but I’ve always looked like an aging drag queen!” Read more at Twitter.com/DeeSnider.
 

ROCK NEWS FOR 02/02/12

Bill Ward of Black Sabbath announces that unless presented with a fair agreement, he will not be able to continue with the Black Sabbath album and tour.

Dear Sabbath Fans, Fellow Musicians and Interested Parties,

At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a "signable" contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another “unsignable” contract was handed to me.

Let me say that although this has put me in some kind of holding pattern, I am packed and ready to leave the U.S. for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath.

Since the news of Tony's illness, and the understanding that the band would move production to the U.K., I've spent everyday getting to or living in a place of readiness to leave. That involves something of a task, and as I've tried to find out what's going on with the U.K. sessions, I've realized that I've been getting "the cold shoulder" (and, I might add, not for the first time). Feeling somewhat ostracized, my guess is as of today, I will know nothing of what's happening unless I sign "the unsignable contract."

The place I'm in feels lousy and lonely because as much as I want to play and participate, I also have to stand for something and not sign on. If I sign as-is, I stand to lose my rights, dignity and respectability as a rock musician. I believe in freedom and freedom of speech. I grew up in a hard rock/metal band. We stood for something then, and we played from the heart with honesty and sincerity. I am in the spirit of integrity, far from the corporate malady, I am real and honest, fair and compassionate.

If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath lineup as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact.

So here I am. I lay my truth down before you. I'm good to go IF I get a “signable” contract. I don't want to let anyone down, especially Black Sabbath and all the Sabbath fans. You know I love you. It would be a sad day in Rock if this current situation fell to the desires of a few.

My position is not greed-driven. I'm not holding out for a "big piece" of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal. I’d like something that recognizes and is reflective of my contributions to the band, including the reunions that started fourteen years ago. After the last tour I vowed to never again sign on to an unreasonable contract. I want a contract that shows some respect to me and my family, a contract that will honor all that I've brought to Black Sabbath since its beginning.

That's the story so far.

Stay safe and stay strong.

I love every single one of you.

--Bill Ward

JETHRO TULL'S IAN ANDERSON TO RELEASE 'THICK AS A BRICK 2'

Anderson Announces 40th Anniversary Sequel to the Hugely Successful, Groundbreaking 1972 Album

London, England - February 1, 2012 - Following the recent announcement of a 19-date tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Thick As A Brick,' on April 2nd (April 3rd in North America) Ian Anderson will release a sequel to the original album.

In 1972, Ian Anderson wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album 'Thick As A Brick.' The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.

So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock - aged fifty in 2012 - be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary “part two” album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.

Ian Anderson says of the album, “As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional 'what-if' moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?” Adding, “And those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn.....”

To coincide with this groundbreaking release, for the first time since 1972, Anderson and fellow musicians John O'Hara (keyboards), David Goodier (bass), Florian Opahle (guitar) and Scott Hammond (drums) - as well as some guest performers - will take to the road to perform the album in its entirety and, it can now exclusively be revealed that, in addition, there will be a second part to the show where Anderson and the band will also perform the sequel.

Thick As A Brick 2 ('TAAB2') tracklist [CD, digital]
1. From A Pebble Thrown
2. Pebbles Instrumental
3. Might-have-beens
4. Upper Sixth Loan Shark
5. Banker Bets, Banker Wins
6. Swing It Far
7. Adrift And Dumfounded
8. Old School Song
9. Wootton Bassett Town
10. Power And Spirit
11. Give Till It Hurts
12. Cosy Corner
13. Shunt And Shuffle
14. A Change Of Horses
15. Confessional
16. Kismet In Suburbia
17. What-ifs, Maybes And Might-have-beens

'Thick As A Brick 2' will be released as a standard jewel case CD and digital download, and in a Special Edition 2-disc package with DVD featuring 5.1 stereo mixes, 24-bit stereo mix, video of the making of the album, interviews with the musicians and Ian Anderson reading the lyrics in various locations.

After 44 years of leading Tull to 54 countries worldwide and over 60 million albums sold, Ian Anderson celebrates a true progressive rock classic with old and new fans across the UK for a whole three weeks. Anderson is known as the flute and voice of the legendary Jethro Tull, formed in the North of England in 1968 from the amalgamation of blues-based John Evan Band and McGregor's Engine. Since their first performance at London's famous Marquee Club in 1968, the band has released 30 studio and live albums and earned a prominent place in rock history.

Confirmed tour dates at http://www.jethrotull.com


TAAB2
Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock?
by Ian Anderson

In 1972, I wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album Thick As A Brick. The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.

We then, somewhat dutifully, took the quaintly theatrical show on the road in the UK, USA and a few other countries. Since 1972, the album has never been performed in its entirety although a few minutes of the material have been a regular repertoire staple in both Tull and Ian Anderson solo shows over the years.

Now, scheduled for performance again in 2012, I will take the original album and this follow-up recording, TAAB2, to a theatre near you.

So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock - aged fifty in 2012 - be doing today? What might have befallen him?

The theme of this anniversary “part two” album is to examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life and to create alter-ego characters whose song-section identities illustrate the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.

In the development of the piece, the divergences of life's infinitely forked roads finally give way to an almost gravitational pull which results in convergence to, perhaps, a pre-ordained, karma-like conclusion.

As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional “what-if” moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?

And those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn.....

Odd chap, life.....

If someone had suggested that I might release a Prog concept album in the year 2012, I would have thought him seriously, dangerously even, off his trolley. But that is precisely what happened. A few years ago, Mike Andrews and Royston Eldridge, two ex-Chrysalis Records gents pressed me to consider a follow-up to Thick As A Brick. I gave it some dutiful deliberation - for a couple of minutes - and politely declined. Nice idea, nice chaps but, after reflection, no-oooooo.

Then, in 2010, a re-aquaintance with seventies Prog Rock vocalist-turned-record exec Derek Shulman - yes, he of Gentle Giant fame - restarted the old refrain. Yes, but.... no, but, and finally - OK, I'll give it some more dutiful deliberation (four and a half minutes, this time) eventually produced, in February of 2011, the synopsis of the idea. Derek's enthusiasm and gauntlet-challenge plus two weeks of dedicated, fast and furious music and lyric writing combined to produce a flurry of material. And - blow me down with a Dodo's tail-feather - the whole thing was completed ready for scoring and arranging by the beginning of March. There were a couple of pieces prepared earlier which were bent into new shape and fitted into the scheme of things, so they too were popped into the bubbling saucepan.

It was a little daunting to consider the impact - or perhaps lack of - which this release might have on old and new fans alike but I eventually decided that I would embark on this for my own benefit and enjoyment rather than trying to please anyone else at all. To find the balance of interesting musicality and more accessible content too was not the main issue. The conceptual and heavily lyrical nature of the beast, however, might be out of place in the attention span-deficit world which we seem to occupy these days. But, having toured in 2010 and 2011 in Italy, Latin America, Australia and other countries where passions run high, I decided that maybe the world - or our little corners of it - was, in fact, ready for a bit of more substantial and weightier fare.

The era of professional media Prog-bashing seems to have given way to a more appreciative appraisal of the genre and newer bands such as Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Spock's Beard have possibly prompted a new and younger audience to re-examine the seventies originators' seminal albums too.

So, it's not such a cold and lonely place after all. The elements of Folk, Classical and Jazz Music are still to be found in today's more Rock-oriented Progressive Rock. You will certainly find them subtly present in TAAB2 but along with a rather more acoustic feel than many of our peers, past and present. Not the only flute in town but......

Actually, I played much more acoustic guitar than usual on this record having written most of the music on that instrument. But there are still sections conceived on the flute and sometimes - quite often, in fact - the lyric writing preceded all the melodies and harmonic structures. Starting with lyrics and then thinking of the music is not normally the way I work but it was here. A title, a few words or a verse or two and then the acoustic guitar was immediately to hand to conjure up a full song section out of the growing lyrics. Having a plan was important. Stories to tell made it all easier. The imagination-filled process of thinking how things might have turned out for the young and older Gerald kept me fascinated. Maybe you will be too. And maybe not.

Ah, well - you can always go and watch The X Factor and the Eurovision Song Contest.

Ian Anderson January 2012
 

THE DARKNESS: DEBUT NEW SONG “NOTHIN’S GONNA STOP US” TODAY, FEBRUARY 1 ON WWW.ROLLINGSTONE.COM

THE DARKNESS--original members JUSTIN HAWKINS (vocals/guitars), DAN HAWKINS (guitars/backing vocals), FRANKIE POULLAIN (bass) and ED GRAHAM (drums)--have premiered the video for “Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us,” the band’s first new song in six years, on RollingStone.com. To watch the video, click here: http://www.rollingstone.com/videos/new-and-hot/the-darkness-nothins-gonna-stop-us-20120201.

“Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us” was recorded and produced by the band and Nick Brine in Norfolk, England and mixed in Austin, TX by Chris “Frenchie Smith.” The video for the song was created by artist Thom Lessner and director Ted Passon. As a “thank you” for all who’ve supported the band with sold-out tours on both sides of the Atlantic, an mp3 of the song will be available for free. The song as well as the video will be available on the band’s official site: www.theactualdarkness.com.

THE DARKNESS will kick-off their first North American tour since 2004 to a sold-out crowd in Toronto tonight. The tour will wrap up February 25 in Seattle. Check out the full itinerary here: http://www.msopr.com/n/client-roster/the-darkness/?cmd=tours.

www.theactualdarkness.com
www.facebook.com/thedarknessofficial
www.twitter.com/darknessactual

ROGER HODGSON LEGENDARY VOICE OF SUPERTRAMP BREAKFAST IN AMERICA TOUR

Los Angeles (February 1, 2012) – Roger Hodgson, the legendary voice of Supertramp, will embark on his Breakfast in America Tour next month, kicking off with two sold out shows at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA.

Fans the world over have been thrilled with Hodgson’s unforgettable songs such as “Breakfast in America,” “The Logical Song,” “Dreamer,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “School.” Hodgson and his band will perform these timeless songs, as they take you on a magical musical journey.

Universally recognized as one of the most gifted composers and songwriters to have ever put pen to paper, Hodgson helped define a generation of progressive rock. Founding Supertramp in 1969, Hodgson’s dulcet tones and beautifully crafted lyrics helped the band sell in excess of 60 million albums, transforming them into a worldwide phenomenon. Although he departed the band in 1983, he is still regarded as the spiritual and creative force behind Supertramp.

For a taste of the live Hodgson experience, Take the Long Way Home – Live in Montreal, is available on DVD from Eagle Rock Entertainment. Click to view songs from the DVD: “Take the Long Way Home,“ “Breakfast in America” and “Give a Little Bit.”

Reflecting on his tour and DVD, Roger said "I love performing these songs, which continue to resound for me as a performer and for the fans. My songs come from a very personal place inside me and they carry my beliefs and my dreams and my philosophy of life. I understand the deep connection that fans have with my songs that have been a part of so many peoples’ lives around the world."

Roger Hodgson will perform at the following venues:
February 24 and 25 Temecula, California, Pechanga Resort Casino
February 26 Chandler, AZ, Wild Horse Pass Casino
February 28 Tulsa, OK, Hard Rock Casino - The Joint
March 2 Hinckley, MN, Grand Casino Hinckley
March 3 and 4 Milwaukee, WI, Potawatomi Casino / Northern Lights Theater
March 7 Hollywood, FL, Hard Rock Live
March 8 Ft. Pierce, FL, Sunrise Theatre
August 17 Lincoln, RI, Twin River Casino Event Center


More dates to be announced in the coming weeks! For details: http://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/tour.html
 

HARRISON’S “HERE COMES THE SUN” SOLO UNEARTHED
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Don’t you love George Harrison’s solo on “Here Comes the Sun?” Oh that’s right, it was cut from the 1969 single! However, the late guitarist’s son, Dhani (Pron: Dhanny), along with Beatles producer George Martin and his son, Giles, recently unearthed it at Abbey Road Studios. According to NME.com, the trio was listening to the original multi-track recordings for the song when they happened upon the electric solo. George said he had forgotten about it. Check out video of them hearing it for the first time at NME.com.

BIG NAMES SET TO HONOR McCARTNEY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

On February 10th, just two days before the GRAMMYs, a huge group of diverse musicians will gather in L-A to pay tribute to the one and only Paul McCartney as he is honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year. The event will see performances by Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Tony Bennett, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Norah Jones, Katy Perry and more. And of course, Paul will perform as well. Comedian Eddie Izzard will host the show, which recognizes Paul for his artistic achievements and philanthropic work. The event is sold-out and proceeds from it will go towards emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs for musicians.

SCORPIONS TO STING FOR YEARS TO COME
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

The Scorpions might be on their final tour ever, but it won’t be the last you hear from them. Fresh off the release of Comeblack, an album with re-recorded versions of their hits and some cover songs, guitarist Rudolf Schenker is saying that fans can expect to see a bunch of “special” releases once they finish up the trek early next year. The rocker told Billboard.com that they have a library of old songs and hundreds of hours of film material. Rudolf added, “Of course we want to give this material to the fans. It would be terrible for this material to be hanging in our warehouse and not get out.” Read more at Billboard.com.

BRIAN JOHNSON HIGH VOLTAGE RACE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Since AC/DC aren’t touring or making music right now, Brian Johnson is keeping busy with one of his favorite hobbies – racing cars. The rocker took part in last weekend’s Rolex 24 race at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. It’s a 24 hour race and Brian shared driving duties with four other guys. After completing 672 laps in their BMW, the team finished 32nd out of 59 competitors. During the endurance race, the singer raised funds for families affected by pediatric cancer.

DOWNLOAD U2’S DOC NOW!
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Fans of U2 can now download the band’s 2011 documentary From the Sky Down. The film, which was directed by Davis Guggenheim, follows the making of the band’s influential 1991 album, Achtung Baby. Singer Bono recently reflected on the album, which featured their hit songs “One” and “Mysterious Ways” (See Related Cut #4). The movie is available now on iTunes. U2 are currently taking a break from the road, but are will possibly begin work on a new album later this year.


GRAHAM NASH LOVES LIFE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s a big day for Graham Nash. The singing legend turns 70 years old today. If you’ve seen him perform recently, you know that he looks and sounds great. So how does he do it? Graham filled us in on his secret.

“I think I love life. I think I love being here on this planet. I know it’s going to be over in a few years, I mean, seriously, how long can you live? But I love what I do. I’m excited about what I do. I’m always creating and I’m living on this vibrational level that is shaking me constantly and I have no time for any of the negative stuff. I have to deal with it, we all do, you know that, but I have to deal with it the best way possible because quite frankly, if my health is good and Susan’s good and my kids are good, the rest is a joke. And that, with my passion for creation, is what keeps me alive.”

Crosby, Stills and Nash kick off a tour in Australia and New Zealand later next month. Stay up to date with Graham at GrahamNash.com.

NEIL YOUNG THINKS STEVE JOBS WOULD HAVE HELPED IMPROVE SOUND QUALITY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Neil Young says he is trying to preserve the sound quality of rock music. According to Rolling Stone, Young said at the D: Dive Into Media conference this week, “My goal is to try and rescue the art form that I’ve been practicing for the last 50 years.” Young feels late Apple founder Steve Jobs would have been an ally in his quest to improve digital music saying, “When he went home, he listened to vinyl. And you’ve got to believe that if he’d lived long enough, he would have done what I’m trying to do.” It seems Neil doesn’t have a problem with file sharing though, saying, “Piracy is the new radio. That’s how music gets around.”           

BUY A PERSONALIZED, SIGNED PAIR OF MATT SORUM’S DRUMSTICKS
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Ever want Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum’s autograph on some drumsticks?  Well now you can have it!  The rocker is selling Zildjian sticks signed by him and personalized to a name of your choice for 75 bucks.  To get your set, head to MattSorum.com.

ROCK NEWS FOR 02/01/12

“Best New Band in the Last Decade” To Release Live Double CD

Black Country Communion to Release Rip-Roaring Double Concert CD “Live Over Europe” on February 28, 2012

BCC to go back into the studio for third record this Summer


Black Country Communion, the English-American rock band featuring the talents of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), will release their first concert CD Live Over Europe on February 28, 2012 on the J&R Adventures imprint. This 2-disc CD follows up the October 2011 release of the 2-disc DVD by the same name. The album is available for pre-order at: www.bccommunion.com. Get your free download of the single “Cold” from the live album at: http://bitly.com/BCCPRERORDER.

Recently named by Eddie Trunk and co-hosts as “Best New Band of the Last 10 Years” on VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show, BCC taped Live Over Europe during its debut tour in the summer of 2011. On the album, the band blazes through 17 tracks, recorded in surround over three nights, playing to packed venues in Hamburg, Munich and Berlin. The set list includes songs from both of BCC’s albums – 2010’s self-titled debut and 2011’s sophomore release 2 - including “Black Country,” “One Last Soul,” “Save Me,” “Man In The Middle,” “Cold,” and “Song of Yesterday.” Also included in the mix is “The Ballad Of John Henry,” from Bonamassa’s 2009 solo album and the Deep Purple classic “Burn.”

Producer Kevin Shirley explains, “We saw that this live act could be an awesome force of nature to behold; one that promised legendary performances like those of our heroes of Classic Rock. The plan was to get them out there for the entire world to hear. Records allow a certain musical finesse, but live performance promises so much in the very transient nature of a gig; chances are taken, boundaries are crossed and the most exciting performances explode. Two studio albums built a repertoire big enough for a full concert which allowed us to unleash the monster for all the world to see and feel.”

Guitar World named BCC’s 2 as #12 in their Top 50 Albums of 2011. In November, BCC scooped up the Breakthrough Award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards. ClassicRockRevisited.com called BCC the “Great Last Hope for Classic Hard Rock.”

BCC debut tour took the band around the world, playing to cities in North America and Europe. On June 10, at Anaheim, CA’s Grove of Anaheim, The Orange County Register exclaimed, “The four members of BCC truly recast the heavy rock of the '60s and '70s and yank it into the 21st century as well as anyone in recent memory.”

Live Over Europe Track List:

Disc 1

1. Revolution of the Machine
2. Black Country
3. One Last Soul
4. Crossfire
5. Save Me
6. The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall
7. Beggarman
8. Faithless
9. Song of Yesterday
10. I Can See Your Spirit

Disc 2

11. Cold
12. The Ballad of John Henry
13. The Outsider
14. The Great Divide
15. Sista Jane
16. Man In The Middle
17. Burn

Essential Links:
www.bccommunion.com
www.facebook.com/bccommunion
http://twitter.com/bccommunion
www.myspace.com/bccommunion
www.youtube.com/bccommunion

NEWT GINGRICH WANTS TO BE A SURVIVOR
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s been a little while since a musician sued a politician for using their music without permission, but now Survivor has filed a lawsuit against Newt Gingrich’s campaign for the unauthorized use of their hit, “Eye of the Tiger.” The suit was filed by the band’s guitarist and co-author of the tune, Frank Sullivan, who accuses the Republican candidate of using the song at events without permission, claiming that it is a violation of the song’s copyright. According to TMZ, Sullivan wants Newt to stop using the song and to pay unspecified damages.

HAGAR: CHICKENFOOT>VAN HALEN
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

With Van Halen’s latest album, A Different Kind of Truth, out on Tuesday, former singer Sammy Hagar is comparing his old group with his new one, Chickenfoot. The Red Rocker told Classic Rock Magazine that his new band is better explaining, “I’ve been in both bands, I can tell you right now. Take the new albums and compare them track by track and then tell me.” However, if his old bandmates asked Chickenfoot to open for them, would Sammy do it? He answered, “Are you kidding? Right now, for free. They wouldn’t even have to pay me.” Read more at ClassicRockMagazine.com.

SEE AND HEAR HOW VAN HALEN “STAY FROSTY”
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

In less than a week, Van Halen will release their new album, A Different Kind of Truth, and now, you can check out the handwritten lyrics and a clip of another track off the record. Unofficial VH website the Van Halen News Desk has posted the lyrics David Lee Roth penned for “Stay Frosty” and a 90 second taste of the song. Head to VHND.com now to see it and hear it.

HEAR McCARTNEY’S KISSES ON THE BOTTOM NOW
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Paul McCartney’s new album, Kisses on the Bottom, isn’t out until Tuesday, but you don’t have to wait that long to hear it. The record, which includes two new songs plus covers of tunes Paul grew up listening to, is currently streaming at NPR.org. The disc includes McCartney’s versions of “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” “The Inch Worm,” “Bye Bye Blackbird” and more, plus the new tracks “My Valentine” and “Only Our Hearts.”

SIXX TWEETS SMACKDOWN FOR GODSMACK SINGER
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

On Friday, Motley Crue kick off their residency at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel and they’re still getting everything together. In fact, bassist Nikki Sixx recently tweeted, “We’re looking for an angry midget for our Vegas shows.” The rocker then joked that he “was thinking of using the singer from Godsmack.” It’s another chapter to Nikki’s war of words with Godsmack’s Sully Erna, who reportedly wrote the song “Cryin’ Like a Bitch” about Nikki after the two clashed during the 2009 Crue Fest tour. Back then, Nikki said that everyone but Sully was happy during the trek. Erna implied that folks in the Crue camp treated people poorly and had big egos. Stay up to date with Nikki by following him at Twitter.com/NikkiSixx.

DENSMORE GIVES HIGH MARKS TO MR. MOJO RISING
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of The Doors’ classic album, L-A Woman, a new documentary was just released. It’s called Mr. Mojo Risin’ and drummer John Densmore told us about it.

 “We’ve got this documentary, the making of L-A Woman, Mr. Mojo Risin’. I think it turned out real interesting. I didn’t know it was gonna be that good.”

So does John feel at all awkward watching himself in documentaries?

“If I look bad and say stupid things (laughs).”

The doc includes rare footage of the band on stage and in the studio and also features interviews with John as well as his former bandmates, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger, and others. Pick it up today and learn more at TheDoors.com.

BLACK SABBATH DAY ON THE WAY?
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

The original line-up of Black Sabbath has reunited and are working on their first album in over 30 years and now, their hometown of Birmingham, England is considering honoring the group. According to the Birmingham Post, a city council member is urging town officials to create a Black Sabbath Day, highlighting the rockers’ contributions to music. The day would include events across the city. Read more at BirminghamPost.net.

AMAZING GUITARISTS REMEMBER ONE OF THEIR OWN
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

On December 4th, blues legend Hubert Sumlin passed away at the age of 80 and later this month, some big names in music who he influenced will pay tribute to him at a memorial concert in New York. The show, which takes place on February 24th at the historic Apollo Theater, will include performances by Eric Clapton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Derek Trucks and Dr. John, and there are rumors that Keith Richards, Robert Randolph, Buddy Guy and other amazing talents will surprise the audience with sets as well. The event raises money for the Jazz Foundation of America and you can learn more at ApolloTheater.org.


ROLLING STONES URINALS CAUSE TROUBLE IN GERMANY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Those famed mouth shaped urinals in a German Rolling Stones memorabilia museum are causing controversy. Several women have complained that the urinals at the museum are demeaning to women and asked for their removal. TMZ.com reports that the urinals have been stirring issues for years after Virgin Airlines scrapped plans to place a pair at JFK Airport in New York back in 2004. The owner of the museum refuses to remove them saying, “They were damned expensive and they’re staying where they are…That’s final.”

ELTON JOHN WANTS THE PATRIOTS TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Speaking to Good Morning America, Elton John, who will appear in a Pepsi Super Bowl ad this Sunday, knows who he is rooting for to win. John said, “I’m hoping for a Patriots win, because (owner) Robert Kraft is my dear friend and he lost his lovely wife Myra this year and I would love the Patriots to win for her.” Elton also said that his son is beginning to like sports, explaining, “He’s a little young but he does like soccer already. He kicks the ball and he loves it.”



ROCK NEWS FOR 01/31/12

ROTH TALKS ABOUT VAN HALEN’S NEW OLD MUSIC
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Van Halen fans have been talking about how the music on the band’s upcoming album, A Different Kind of Truth, is old, and now, singer David Lee Roth is explaining where the guys got the tunes from. The rocker told the L-A Times that some of the music on the record is indeed stuff he and guitarist Eddie Van Halen “generated, literally, in 1975, 1976 and 1977.” Roth added, “Usually fellas in our weight division will kind of gamely – or ironically, wink, wink – try to hail back to it [but] keep a safe, mature distance from it.” Hear it all when A Different Kind of Truth comes out on February 7th.

NEIL YOUNG POSTS JAM WITH CRAZY HORSE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Neil Young posted something on his website that will make his fans very excited. It’s a video of a 37-minute jam session with Crazy Horse. Of course, the video is just equipment in a studio, but the music is clearly the guys performing bits of songs before transitioning into an epic version of “Cortez the Killer.” According to RollingStone.com, experts think that the jam is newly recorded and if you look closely in the video, you can spot names of previously unknown songs like “Love + Wall,” “Ontario” and “Gallows Tree.” Check out the clip at NeilYoung.com.

THINGS STAY THE SAME FOR RINGO
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Ringo Starr released his latest solo album, Ringo 2012. It’s the legendary drummer’s 17th solo record so we asked him if anything has changed with songwriting for him over the years.

 “I don’t think it’s any different now. You know, you have an idea, you have something you need to express and you find a melody and you put it down. I mean, that’s how it is for me.”

Be sure to pick up Ringo 2012 today.

PERRY: AEROSMITH’S NEW MUSIC FEELS LIKE THE EARLY STUFF
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Aerosmith are still working on their latest album and guitarist Joe Perry is talking about how it’s going. The rocker told Canada’s London Free Press that the new music “has a feel like some of the early stuff.” He went on to explain why, saying, “We were all in the room when we were pulling these songs tighter and recording them. Every way that we used to make our records, that’s what we did to get this where it is.” Joe said that singer Steven Tyler is just finishing up the lyrics then they’ll put the final touches on the record and have it out later this year. Read more at LFPress.com.

Steven previously said of the album, “What I’ve listened to so far just knocked me out. I know a good song, I know what’s gonna get played on the radio, I’m not that pretentious to say I think we’ve got hits, but I think we’ve got something, and that’s all that matters.”

METALLICA GO BEYOND MAGNETIC
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Last month, Metallica released a four-song EP called Beyond Magnetic, except it was only available digitally. However today (1/31), you can get the physical CD of the set, which includes previously unheard tracks that were recorded during the sessions for the group’s 2008 album, Death Magnetic, but didn’t make the cut. Back when Death Magnetic first came out, drummer Lars Ulrich told us what the music on the album was like.

 “You know, back to the roots. It certainly is very hard. It’s got a lot of energy and it’s got some very long songs.”

The songs that didn’t make it onto Death Magnetic but are on Beyond Magnetic are “Hate Train,” “Just a Bullet Away,” “Hell and Back” and “Rebel of Babylon.” Learn more at Metallica.com.

SHORT IRON MAIDEN TOUR THIS YEAR
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

If you’ve been waiting to see Iron Maiden live, you’re in luck, kind of. According to Blabbermouth.net, drummer Nicko McBrain has revealed that the group will hit the road this year, but just for a “little tour – short run.” Nicko didn’t have any details as to where and when it will be, but did know it would not be extensive. However, he went on to say that there could be a world tour next year.

VELVET REUNION? NOT JUST YET.
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Earlier this month at a benefit show, Velvet Revolver performed with former singer Scott Weiland for the first time in 2008. It was a one-off gig but members of the group seemed open to a reunion after the show. Now, drummer Matt Sorum is talking more about it. According to Blabbermouth.net, the rocker revealed playing with Scott “was like riding a bike.” He went on to explain, “Me and Scott worked out some stuff backstage and had talked, and that was nice. He came up to me and he was real humble and really cool.” As for future shows with Scott, Matt said that it hasn’t been discussed but added, “We’ll see what happens.” Stay up to date at VelvetRevolver.com.

CELEBRATE RUSH ON 2-1-12
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s 2012, which means we are only a hundred years away from 2112, which of course, is the title one of Rush’s greatest albums. In fact, according to BraveWords.com, February 1st, 2012, also known as 2-1-12, will celebrate the band and the album. It’s being called Intergalactic Prog Metal Day and on it, expect events and plenty of Rush music. Learn more at Facebook.com/MeanDeviation.


DEF LEPPARD TO TOUR SOME SUGAR ON AMERICA
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Def Leppard sure like touring! After spending much of 2011 on the road, the band will be heading out on another trek later this year. Guitarist Vivian Campbell revealed the news and according to Blabbermouth.net, he said that the guys will be out again this summer but they don’t have the details worked out yet. Guitarist Phil Collen previously told Noisecreep.com that their next tour would coincide with the release of the film Rock of Ages, which includes their music and some other classic rockers, who will also be on tour with the band. Phil said Poison will likely be on the bill too.


THE WHITE ZONE IS FOR JERRY CANTRELL ONLY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

The next time you find yourself at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you might hear a voice you recognize. That’s because Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell has recorded a public service announcement for the airport, reminding travelers of the no-smoking police. In the PSA, Jerry introduces himself and says, “Smoking is allowed on the lower drive outside the building and only in designated areas… Bummer, dude.” Head to Seattle to hear it.

MOTLEY CRUE KEEPING IT FRESH
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

On Friday, Motley Crue kick off their residency at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas and bassist Nikki Sixx is talking about how the 12 shows they’re doing over the next month will be. In a new online posting, the rocker wrote that the “band is tight” and that “the mix of vintage Crue and hits is really cool to play while keeping it fresh for all Crueheads.” Sixx went on to say how excited he is for opening night. Stay up to date by following Nikki at Twitter.com/NikkiSixx.

WHY McCARTNEY LIKES KISSES ON THE BOTTOM
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Paul McCartney named his latest album Kisses on the Bottom, which of course, is an interesting title for a record. The singer previously said it was a lyric from the 1935 Fats Waller hit “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” which he covers on the album. That might be the case, but Paul is explaining his decision more, telling London’s Sunday Times, “I like mischief. It’s good for the soul, it’s always a good idea – if only because people think it’s a bad idea.” Get the album, which includes two new tracks and covers of songs Paul listened to as a child, when it hits shelves on February 7th.

JOHNNY ROTTEN JUST A GUY WHO USES THE TOILET BADLY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Johnny Rotten turns 56 years old today (1/31). The Sex Pistols singer has had quite a career and many refer to him as a legend. So does John ever think of himself that way?

“No, I don’t take any of that stuff serious. How could you wake up every morning patting yourself on the back and going, ‘Oh, I’m a legend.’ (laughs) It’s nonsense. I’m a spotty-arsed sod like everybody else out there. I do use the toilet badly and I do make a mess in the kitchen. I am imperfect.”

John plans to tour with his group Public Image Ltd. this year. Stay up to date with him at JohnLydon.com.

ROCK NEWS FOR 01/30/12

ROGER HODGSON  LEGENDARY - VOICE OF SUPERTRAMP
BREAKFAST IN AMERICA TOUR

 

New York, NY (January 30, 2012)--Roger Hodgson, the legendary voice of Supertramp, will embark on his Breakfast in America Tour next month, kicking off with two sold out shows at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA.

 

Fans the world over have been thrilled with Hodgson's unforgettable songs such as "Breakfast in America," "The Logical Song," "Dreamer," "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home," and "School." Hodgson and his band will perform these timeless songs, as they take you on a magical musical journey.  

 

Universally recognized as one of the most gifted composers and songwriters to have ever put pen to paper, Hodgson helped define a generation of progressive rock. Founding Supertramp in 1969, Hodgson's dulcet tones and beautifully crafted lyrics helped the band sell in excess of 60 million albums, transforming them into a worldwide phenomenon. Although he departed the band in 1983, he is still regarded as the spiritual and creative force behind Supertramp. 

 

For a taste of the live Hodgson experience, Take the Long Way Home - Live in Montreal, is available on DVD from Eagle Rock Entertainment.  Click to view songs from the DVD: "Take the Long Way Home," "Breakfast in America" and "Give a Little Bit."

 

Reflecting on his tour and DVD, Roger said "I love performing these songs, which continue to resound for me as a performer and for the fans.  My songs come from a very personal place inside me and they carry my beliefs and my dreams and my philosophy of life.  I understand the deep connection that fans have with my songs that have been a part of so many peoples' lives around the world."

 

Roger Hodgson will perform at the following venues:

 

February 24 and 25 Temecula, California, Pechanga Resort Casino
February 26 Chandler, AZ, Wild Horse Pass Casino

February 28 Tulsa, OK, Hard Rock Casino - The Joint

March 2 Hinckley, MN, Grand Casino Hinckley

March 3 and 4 Milwaukee, WI, Potawatomi Casino / Northern Lights Theater

March 7 Hollywood, FL, Hard Rock Live

March 8 Ft. Pierce, FL, Sunrise Theatre

August 17 Lincoln, RI, Twin River Casino Event Center

 

 

More dates to be announced in the coming weeks!  For details: http://www.rogerhodgson.com/documents/tour.html

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CLASSIC ROCK REVISITED.COM EDITOR JEB WRIGHT UNLEASHES 'ROCK ICONS & METAL GODS' TO THE CLASSIC ROCK COMMUNITY VIA ROCK N ROLL BOOKS

 

COVER DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHS BY ICONIC ROCK PHOTOGRAPHER MARK WEISS

 

FORWARDS TO ROCK ICONS & METAL GODS WRITTEN BY FOGHAT FOUNDING MEMBER

ROGER EARL AND ROCK JOURNALIST MARTIN POPOFF

 

BOOK INCLUDES A RARE INTERVIEW WITH THE LATE RONNIE JAMES DIO AS WELL AS A NEVER BEFORE IN PRINT INTERVIEW WITH OZZY OSBOURNE

 

1/30/2012 - Arkansas City, Kansas - Classic Rock Revisited.com has become the ultimate online destination for fans of classic hard rock music. Since opening their virtual doors in 1999, CRR has published hundreds of interviews with platinum selling rock stars all the while keeping the average rock fan up to date with CD, DVD and Concert Reviews and daily rock news.

 

Founder, CEO and Editor Jeb Wright has now cracked open the doors to his interview vault and blown the dust off of his favorite interviews of all time and put them in one collection.

 

There are some real gems that can only be found in Rock Icons & Metal Gods. The book features three never before in print interviews with Ozzy Osbourne, Jon Anderson of Yes fame and Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. In addition to these highlights are several pages from Boston mastermind Tom Scholz that are exclusive to Rock Icons & Metal Gods in which Scholz discusses Boston’s greatest hits.

 

The rest of the interviews represent a look back through the history of Classic Rock Revisited and feature interviews with the pantheon of Rock Icons & Metal Gods.

 

The Rock Icons in the book consist of interviews with Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony of Chickenfoot, Steve Perry of Journey, Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers of Free, Bad Company and The Firm, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, Tom Scholz of Boston, George Thorogood, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, Alan Parsons and Jon Anderson of Yes.

 

The Metal Gods contained in the book are Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, Bob Daisley of Ozzy and Rainbow fame, Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, Jason Bonham, Ex-Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, the late Ronnie James Dio, Blackie Lawless of WASP, Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, Marc Storace of Krokus and Lita Ford.

 

Photographs for Rock Icons & Metal Gods, as well as the cover design, were done by legendary rock n’ roll photographer Mark Weiss of Circus Magazine fame. Prints of Mark’s work can be purchased at www.weissguygallery.com

 

Rock Icons & Metal Gods is such a great book that it includes two forwards! One by world renowned rock journalist Martin Popoff and the other by Wrights’ friends in rock, and his first ever interview, Roger Earl of Foghat.

 

Here is what others are saying about Rock Icons & Metal Gods author Jeb Wright:

 

“I always enjoy talking to a fellow lover of all things classic rock, and someone who shares such a passion for music. Jeb and Classic Rock Revisited.com have always been supportive of my projects and I enjoy the site as a great resource for much of the music I love.” - Eddie Trunk, Host/Co-Producer “That Metal Show” VH1 Classic

 

“The treasure trove this book offers rock and metal fans the chance to mine is solid gold, from the stars to the substance contained within his interviews, we were proud to publish this collection of material I know will be a hit with music fans everywhere!” - Jake Brown, Publisher Rock N Roll Books

 

"I've known Jeb Wright for a while now and have enjoyed our conversations over the years.  His questions, although sometimes piercing, are extremely insightful and bring out the very best in an interview.” - Bill Ward, Black Sabbath

"At a time when the genre was almost universally panned by journalists all over the country, Jeb's web site was the lone bastion of support for our music. At first I wasn't sure. Who was this vintage rebel? But as time passed and we talked a bit, and hung out backstage a few times, I got it. This Jeb dude and his Classic Rock Revisited were the genuine deal. At this point Jeb is part of the REO extended family, and he got there the old school way, just like the bands he loves, by hard work, persistence, and belief in his mission."

- Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon 

 

To set up an interview with Jeb Wright please email classicrockrevisited@yahoo.com

 

Rock Icons & Metal Gods can be purchased online at Amazon.com here:

http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Rock-Revisited-Presents-Vol/dp/0983471606/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326474357&sr=8-1

 

FOGHAT TO REISSUE 'LAST TRAIN HOME' AS LIMITED EDITION, DOUBLE VINYL LP ON FEBRUARY 7TH, 2012

 

When it comes to paying tribute to the blues greats, few classic rock acts have done as much as Foghat over the years.

 

Case in point, their first hit single was a classic cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” and they organized a 1977 star-studded NYC concert that benefited the start of the Blues Archive at the New York Public Library. Foghat was the ‘house band’ backing their special guests including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Winter, Paul Butterfield, Honeyboy Edwards, Eddie Kirkland and many others).

 

The group continues to pay homage to blues masters, as evidenced by their latest release, 2010's 'Last Train Home.' which contains covers of several blues classics such as “So Many Roads, So Many Trains” and “Shake Your Money Maker,” and a few new originals.

 

And now, LP collectors will get an opportunity to add this killer album to their collection, as it will be issued in a limited edition of 1,000 copies, as a blue vinyl/double album with gatefold sleeve (including plenty of photos, and liner notes by Classic Rock Revisited founder Jeb Wright). “Last Train Home” is the culmination of a dream shared by Roger Earl and Lonesome Dave Peverett who passed away in 2000. The album will be issued on February 7th, which will mark the 12 year anniversary of his passing.

 

‘Last Train Home’ sees Foghat’s line-up - Roger Earl (drums), Charlie Huhn (vocals/rhythm & lead guitar), and Bryan Bassett (lead & slide guitar) - joined by several special guests, including harmonica player Lefty Lefkowitz, Earl’s brother, Colin, on piano, and Eddie ‘Bluesman’ Kirkland (who we sadly lost in a car accident last February).  Due to a prior commitment for the band’s bassist, Craig MacGregor, Jeff Howell, formerly of  Foghat ,  Savoy  Brown and the Outlaws filled in for the recording.

 

One of classic rock's most enduring acts will soon be revisiting the format that originally made them stars, with a beautifully assembled vinyl version of 'Last Train Home.'

 

Complete track list for ‘Last Train Home’:

 

Born for the Road – Earl, Bassett, Huhn, Howell

Needle & Spoon – Chris Youlden

So Many Roads, So Many Trains – Otis Rush

Last Train Home – Huhn, Bassett, Earl, Howell

Shake Your Money Maker – Elmore James

It Hurts Me Too – Elmore James

Feel So Bad – Chuck Willis

Louisiana Blues – Muddy Waters

495 Boogie – Earl, Earl, Bassett, Howell, Huhn, Lefkowitz

Rollin’ & Tumblin’ / You Need Love – CC/Willie  Dixon

In My Dreams – Eddie Kirkland

Good Good Day – Eddie Kirkland

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

 

www.foghat.net
www.facebook.com/foghat

 

 

GUNS N’ ROSES PLAN NEW YORK TAKEOVER WITH HISTORIC RETURN TO THE RITZ

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 30, 2012) – Seminal rock icons, Guns N’ Roses, are set to invade New York during fashion week with a series of intimate shows then continue with additional stops through the northeast, announced today.  Six shows confirmed so far including the h is toric return to The Ritz (now Webster Hall), 24 years after the filming of their heralded “Live At The Ritz” – the MTV concert continues to be one of the most sought after trades in bootleg circles.  For the Webster Hall date, GN’R will celebrate their return by reclaiming the venue as The Ritz with signage and the name appearing on the marquee.  The New York takeover in February marks the first time the band will appear at Roseland and Terminal 5, beginning on February 10, 2012.  Full l is t of dates below.

 

Ticket presale is set for Tuesday, January 31 at 10:00am ET for the NY run, public on-sale is Wednesday, February 1.  Chicago , Silver Spring and Atlantic City presale is Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00am EST, with public on-sale Friday, February 3. Tickets and VIP packages for all six dates will be available at gunsnroses.com.

 

Guns N’ Roses have just come off their sold-out global 2011 arena tour, with more than 30 shows in the US, v is its to Latin America and multiple festivals, having played to millions of fans around the globe.

 

Celebrated worldwide as one of the most important rock acts in musical h is tory, Guns N’ Roses are Axl Rose, DJ Ashba (guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Tommy Stinson (bass), Richard Fortus (guitar), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar), Chr is Pitman (keyboards) and Frank Ferrer (drums).  Founder Axl Rose started Guns N’ Roses over 25 years ago and since that time, they have become one of the biggest bands in music h is tory, selling more than 100 million albums worldwide.  GN’R’s major-label debut, “Appetite For Destruction,” has sold over 28 million albums in the United States alone.  The ground-breaking album changed the course of music with such classic hits as “Welcome The Jungle,” “ Parad is e City ,” and the chart-topping single, “Sweet Child of Mine.”   The band’s third studio release, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, was the first double album release in h is tory to nab both the top spots on the Billboard chart and went on to remain on the charts for more than 108 weeks while the band spent more than 2 years on the road to support. The ‘Illusion’ releases found the band charting new territory in the video arena with the theatrical trilogy, “November Rain,” “Don’t Cry” and “Estranged.”  The band’s most recent release, Chinese Democracy (Black Frog/Geffen Records), released in November 2008 and debuted #1 on the charts in thirteen countries, going platinum in 15 countries!

 

 

 

Tour Dates:

 

February 10  Roseland Ballroom            New York , NY
February 12  Terminal 6                       New York , NY

February 15  The Ritz (Webster Hall)      New York , NY

February 19  House of Blues                 Chicago , IL

February 23  The Fillmore                     Silver Spring , MD

February 24  House of Blues                 Atlantic City , NJ

 

DENSMORE HAPPY TO BE OPENING DOORS FOR FANS

THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

 

Last week, The Doors released the 40th anniversary edition of their iconic album, L-A Woman.  Along with the original record, the re-issue includes a second disc of bonus footage including the newly discovered track “She Smells So Nice” plus eight never-before-heard versions of songs from the album.  So what did drummer John Densmore think when he was asked about releasing alternate versions?  He let us know.

 

“Outtakes are supposed to be outtakes, what the hell is going on here?  But I’m a jazz buff and I have a Coltrane album with six takes of one song and it’s real interesting to me to hear how they led up to the master or overshot it or whatever.  And so, I sort of, alright, you know, if some people want to hear this stuff then they can.”

 

John and the rest of the band worked with producer Bruce Botnick to put out the anniversary edition and it seems Densmore is pleased with the final product.

 

“Now that Bruce has put it together and he’s got all that wonderful chatter in between – I’m talking about the alternate takes – you can feel that we were really having fun making this record and, I don’t know, the outtakes are good.”

 

Pick up the 40th anniversary edition of L-A Woman today and learn more at TheDoors.com.

 

CATCH SATCHURATED IN THEATERS

THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

 

On December 12th, 2010, Joe Satriani played at Montreal’s Metropolis as part of his Wormhole Tour and now, that show is coming to the silver screen.  Satchurated, a 3D theatrical concert film from the gig, will hit select theaters on March 1st.  A shorter version will air on TV soon after and the soundtrack to the flick hits shelves on April 10th.  Check out a trailer for Satchurated at Satriani.com.

 

HULK HOGAN ALMOST PLAYED BASS FOR METALLICA?

THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Did Hulk Hogan almost join Metallica? According to U-K tabloid The Sun, the wrestler used to be a session musician and drummer Lars Ulrich once asked him to play bass in the band in the early days. Hogan says it didn’t work out in the end but that he remains a fan of the band.

 

THE COUNTDOWN STILL GOING FOR EUROPE

THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

 

It’s been nearly three years since Europe released a new album but later this year, that’s all about to change.  The guys plan to put out their latest effort, Bag of Bones, in April or May.  Producer Kevin Shirley has been tweeting about the progress of the set and recently revealed that they are in the middle of mixing it.  The band will hit the road this summer to support the disc.  Stay up to date at EuropeTheBand.com.

 

PHIL COLLINS KNOWS YOU CAN’T HURRY DRUMMING

THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

 

Today (1/30), Phil Collins turns 61 years old.  The drummer-turned singer knew at an early age he loved being behind the kit, but he also understood that he couldn’t be in a band as a teen, so he turned to acting, including a role in a London production of Oliver.  Phil told us about how that all came about.

 

“I was playing drums when I was five so I really didn’t want to do anything other than that. But of course, back then, you couldn’t do that kind of thing, you couldn’t be a professional musician until you’ve been through college and been through school, so I had to do something.  My mother, coincidentally, around when I was 14, she started to work with a dance school that wanted to start an agency and that’s when I started getting sent for jobs.  I got the ‘Artful Dodger’ and then I changed schools because I had to do that to do the job and I went to drama school and then I did lots of other things.  But as soon as I could possibly get out of that, I did.”

 

 

Perhaps Phil will return to acting now that health issues caused him to retire from music last March.  You can stay up to date with the latest on Phil at PhilCollins.com.

 

MOTORHEAD’S MOTOR-BAG

THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

 

Are you a Motorhead fan looking for a unique piece of merchandise?  Well then listen up!  The band is now offering what they’re calling The Motor-bag.  It’s a Motorhead-themed messenger bag and in it are two exclusive double LPs of performances recorded in New York and Manchester, as well as a laminate pass and a piece of the band’s 2010/2011 The World Is Yours tour stage backdrop that’s mounted and numbered.  Only four-thousand bags have been made and you can get yours now at MerchDirect.com/Motorhead.

 

ROCK NEWS FOR 01/27/12

ALLEGED LOVIN’ TOUCHIN’ SQUEEZIN’ LANDS JOURNEY DRUMMER IN JAIL
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Journey drummer Deen Castronovo was arrested on Saturday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. According to TMZ, Deen was booked into an Oregon jail for coercion, assault, harassment, criminal mischief and interfering with making a report. Sources told the site that it all stems from an altercation that occurred after Deen’s girlfriend ran out of the house to call her dad and the rocker allegedly grabbed the phone out of her hand and didn’t let her make the call. A rep for Deen says the incident was “a misunderstanding that should not have been escalated to such a level in the first place.” Deen was released after posting over 52-thousand dollars in bail.

VAN HALEN’S “BLOOD AND FIRE” RISING FROM ASHES?
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Ever since fans started hearing Van Halen’s new music from their upcoming album A Different Kind of Truth, they’ve been claiming the music isn’t new at all and now that a clip of another song, “Blood and Fire,” has come out, it’s only adding fuel to the fire. Apparently, that track sounds very much like “Ripley,” an instrumental piece guitarist Eddie Van Halen wrote and performed for the 1984 straight-to-VHS movie The Wild Life. Fans have already pointed out how other songs on the new Van Halen album seem to be variations of tunes the group played years ago, including one on their 1976 demo. You can hear clips from A Different Kind of Truth at VHND.com and get the entire album when it comes out on February 7th.

The late Chris Penn starred in The Wild Life, which was directed by Cameron Crowe. “Ripley” didn’t make the soundtrack but can be heard throughout the movie. You can find the track online.

Former singer Sammy Hagar previously told Rolling Stone, “I heard this record is old outtakes from the old days. I mean, stuff from before I even joined the band… They aren’t working with new material. Ed and Dave didn’t actually write new songs.”

A SKID ROW ASKS SEBASTIAN BACH TO SING FOR THEM
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Skid Row has reached out to Sebastian Bach to sing for them… kind of. Brendan “Brush” Shiels, a founding member of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s Irish blues-rock act Skid Row posted a video online inviting Bas, who of course formerly fronted the American band Skid Row, to sing on his upcoming album, which will be released under the Skid Row name. In the clip, Shiels called Bach “one of the greatest frontmen in American rock of all time” and adds, “if you were singing my songs, we couldn’t fail.” Brendan offers to split everything 50/50 with Sebastian and invites him to meet up this weekend in New York. No word yet on what Bach will do.

MOTLEY CRUE SHOUT AT THE KIA
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

What’s the Super Bowl without some amazing commercials and this year’s event will be no different. In fact, one of the ads will feature Motley Crue. The 60-second commercial for automaker Kia is supposed to be about a man’s ultimate dream and also features supermodel Adriana Lima and MMA fighter Chuck Liddell. It’s called Drive the Dream and highlights the Kia Optima Limited. Check it out when the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl 46 when it airs on February 5th on NBC.

BACHMAN & TURNER TAKIN’ CARE OF THE FILM BUSINESS
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Randy Bachman and Fred Turner reunited in 2010 for a new album and tour and now, the pair will appear in an upcoming movie. The guys will be in Dog Fight, which stars Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell as North Carolina congressional candidates battling for the same seat. According to the Winnipeg Free Press, the rockers show up to play their classic song “Takin’ Care of Business” at the winner’s celebration rally. The movie also stars John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd and Dylan McDermott and will be in theaters later this year.

NICK MASON COMFORTABLY NUMB BEHIND THE WHEEL
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Today (1/27), Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason turns 68 years old.  The rocker made some amazing music with the legendary band, but is that always what he wanted to do?  He filled us in on his early aspirations. 

“I was sort of involved in cars, my dad was involved in cars and motor racing before rock and roll was really invented so that came first, but then I think when rock and roll was invented I thought, ‘Ah yes, this is what I’ve been waiting for.’  It actually took a long time to get there because I ended up training to be an architect initially, but that was part of it because that was where I met Roger and Rick.”

You can hear what came from that fateful meeting by checking out the newly re-released immersion and experience packages of Pink Floyd albums that include tons of bonus material.  The immersion and experience editions of The Wall hits shelves next month.  Learn more at WhyPinkFloyd.com.

TOMMY RAMONE MADE LIFE WORTH LIVING
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

On Sunday, Tommy Ramone turns 60 years old. The rocker is the only surviving member of the iconic punk band The Ramones and when he looks back on his work with them, he is pretty proud, as he told us.

 “One of the most rewarding things that have happened to us was the constant affirmation of ‘you guys changed my life,’ ‘you guys saved my life,’ ‘you guys made life worth living.’ We have heard this through the years and it’s always gratifying to hear that because it makes it seem like all the hardships we went through – and we did go through hardships, we did – was worthwhile.”

More recently, Tommy was part of the bluegrass group Uncle Monk, but they haven’t released an album since 2006.

METALLICA’S …AND HAPPINESS FOR ALL
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Are you feeling down?  Well if so, try listening to some Metallica!  According to the new book, Your Playlist Can Change Your Life, the band’s music can chase the blues away.  The book, which is written by a psychiatrist, explains how listening to songs with a certain number of beats per minute can trigger specific mental states.  The book is out now. 

The full title of the book is Your Playlist Can Change Your Life: 10 Proven Ways Your Favorite Music Can Revolutionize Your Health, Memory, Organization, Alertness and More.

EBONY AND IVORY TOGETHER AGAIN
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s been 30 years since Paul McCartney teamed up with Stevie Wonder on “Ebony and Ivory” and the recently singers reunited for the song “Only Our Hearts” on Paul’s new album, Kisses on the Bottom. On his website, Paul spoke about working with Stevie on the song, explaining that “he listened to the track for about ten minutes and he totally got it. He just went to the mic and within 20 minutes had nailed this dynamite solo.” McCartney added, “When you listen you just think, ‘How do you come up with that?’ But it’s just because he is a genius, that’s why.” Hear that song and 13 others when Kisses on the Bottom comes out on February 7th.

GOD BLESS AMERICA
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

America have been making music for 40 years and Hollywood will honor them next month. On February 6th, band members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell will be on hand when America is recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. John Stamos and Billy Bob Thronton will speak at the ceremony, which takes place in front of The Musicians Institute. The next day, America will perform at L-A’s GRAMMY Museum and have a Q&A session with the audience. Stay up to date with the guys at VenturaHighway.com.

 
NOTHIN’ BUT A GOOD TIME AT GRAMMY EVENT
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Each year, the GRAMMY Foundation hosts an event that benefits their Music Preservation Project and this year it will definitely rock. It’s called One Night Only: A Celebration of the Live Music Experience and features a performance by Bret Michaels. Guitarist Steve Vai and Sharon Osbourne will co-host the show, which will explore the history and evolution of live concert performances and celebrate their contribution to American culture. Tickets are 25 dollars per person and you can get them at GrammyFoundation.org.
 

ROCK NEWS FOR 01/26/12

NO REPLACING CLARENCE CLEMONS
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

This week, Bruce Springsteen announced his upcoming tour dates with the E Street Band, but what will they do with the void left by saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who passed away last June? Well according to the official list of E Street Band members that was just released – nothing. It seems the group no longer has a saxophonist. No word yet on how Clarence’s parts on songs like “10th Avenue Freeze Out” and “Jungleland” will be handled. Get all the band’s dates at BruceSpringsteen.net.

SABBATH GO FULL CIRCLE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

The reunited original line-up of Black Sabbath have updated fans on how songwriting sessions for their upcoming album are going. The guys posted a note on their Facebook page explaining that, as expected, they’ve moved the work to Birmingham, England, where guitarist Tony Iommi is undergoing treatment for cancer. The post says, “Sabbath has gone back to where it all started and it’s been just amazing… Funny how it all goes full circle sometimes.” Learn more at Facebook.com/BlackSabbath.

PERRY SHOWS SWEET EMOTION TOWARD TYLER
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

People are still discussing what they thought of Steven Tyler’s rendition of the National Anthem at Sunday’s AFC Championship game and now, the singer’s Aerosmith bandmate, Joe Perry, is chiming in. The guitarist told the National Post that the “Star-Spangled Banner” is “a bitch,” adding, “They should just get one guy, like an opera singer, who delives the song exactly the same way… so no one messes with it. Why can’t somebody interpret it the way that they want?” Joe went on to explain that Tyler flew to Massachusetts from L-A, after attending two funerals, to sing the National Anthem before the game. Read more at Arts.NationalPost.com.

CSI INVESTIGATES VAN HALEN
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

If you caught last night’s episode of CSI then you heard some songs from Van Halen’s upcoming album, A Different Kind of Truth. Clips of the previously unheard “Stay Frosty” and the group’s new single, “Tattoo,” were both on the episode. You can hear the tracks, along with 11 others, when the album comes out on February 7th. Check out the episode of CSI at CBS.com.

FROM HIGHWAY TO HELL TO THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s been nearly four years since AC/DC released their last album, Black Ice, so when can fans expect to get a new one? Singer Brian Johnson recently said on a radio show that the health issues of a member of the group have put any work on a new album on hold. Brian explained, “One of the boys is a little sick and I can’t say anything, but he’s getting better. He’s doing wonderful. Full recovery expected.” No word on who he’s talking about or what’s wrong, but he went on to say that he hopes to see the band back in the studio later this year.

VAN HALEN’S MUSIC CAN WAKE YOU FROM A COMA
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Today (1/26), Eddie Van Halen turns 57 years old.  During his career, the guitarist has created some of the most iconic rock songs to date and affected millions of people with his music.  Eddie’s brother and bandmate, drummer Alex Van Halen, told us about one amazing story in particular. 

“As far as a legacy, if you will, well, there was a woman who wrote us a letter about her son who had been in a coma for about a year and a half and the doctors were getting ready to pull the plug because there was no way of either paying for it or that he was going to come out of it and they found out that he was a big Van Halen fan so as a last ditch effort, they got him a walkman with some headphones and they played some Van Halen music and he came out of it.” 

The band’s latest album, A Different Kind of Truth, comes out next month and who knows what incredible things the new music on it will do.  You can hear it all yourself on February 7th.

THIS YEAR’S RECORD STORE DAY WILL POP
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Record Store Day, when independent record stores release exclusives and host special shows, takes place on April 21st and the annual event has named their 2012 ambassador. This year, Iggy Pop will take on the role and he is pretty excited about it. He said in a statement, “I feel like a representative from some exotic jungle full of life and death and sex and anger, called upon to wear a leopard skin and translate joy to the world of the dead.” As ambassador, Iggy will tout the wonders of independent record stores, which is fitting since he used to work at one. Learn more at RecordStoreDay.com.

ROCK NEWS FOR 01/25/12

ROBIN TROWER FARTHER UP THE ROAD: THE CHRYSALIS YEARS 1977 - 1983
RELEASE DATE: 27TH FEBRUARY 2012

Following hot on the heels of last year’s ‘A Tale Untold: The Chrysalis Years 1973-1976’ (Robin Trower’s first anthology of the albums produced for Chrysalis Records), comes the companion collection, Farther On Up The Road: The Chrysalis Years 1977-1983.

Featuring a further six whole albums, this second volume collects together the remaining releases Robin recorded for the label, including two LP made with Cream’s legendary bassist and vocalist, Jack Bruce. This 3CD set kicks off with 1977’s In City Dreams, which now features the 7” single edit of Bluebird, available on CD for the first time, followed Caravan To Midnight from 1978. Next up is 1979’s Victims Of The Fury, which now includes the rare b-side ‘One In A Million’. B.L.T., the first of two albums to feature Jack Bruce, was released in 1981, which was swiftly followed the following year by the album Truce.

The set is completed by Back It Up, the sixth album on this release (as well as his eleventh and last LP for Chrysalis) was originally released in 1983, and sees the return of Robin’s long term collaborator Jimmy Dewar, on bass and vocals.

Disc One

In City Dreams (Chrysalis CHR-1148 1977)
1. Somebody Calling
2. Sweet Wine Of Love
3. Bluebird
4. Falling Star
5. Farther On Up The Road
6. Smile
7. Little Girl
8. Love's Gonna Bring You Round
9. In City Dreams

BONUS TRACK

10. Bluebird (7" Edit) (Dewar/ Trower) Chrysalis Music Ltd. Item No: C10146 Barcode: AB 0206411


Caravan To Midnight (Chrysalis CHR-1189 1978)

11. My Love (Burning Love)
12. Caravan To Midnight
13. I'm Out To Get You
14. Lost In Love
15. Fool
16. It's For You
17. Birthday Boy
18. King Of The Dance
19. Sail On

Disc Two

Victims Of The Fury (Chrysalis CHR-1215 1979)

1. Jack And Jill
2. Roads To Freedom

3. Victims Of The Fury
4. The Ring
5. Only Time
6. Into The Flame
7. The Shout
8. Mad House
9. Ready For The Taking
10. Fly Low
11. One In A Million (b-side) Item No: C08345 Barcode: AB 0206473

B.L.T. - featuring Jack Bruce (CHR 1324 - 1981)

13. Into Money
14. What It Is
15. Won't Let You Down
16. No Island Lost
17. It's Too Late
18. Life On Earth 3:42
19. Once The Bird Has Flown 4:00
20. Carmen 3:39
21. Feel The Heat 2:51
22. End Game 5:13

Disc Three

Truce - featuring Jack Bruce (Chrysalis CHR 1352 - 1982)

1. Gonna Shut You Down 3:03
2. Gone Too Far 3:48
3. Thin Ice 3:40
4. Last Train To The Stars 3:21
5. Take Good Care Of Yourself 4:45
6. Fall In Love 2:40
7. Fat Gut 3:22
8. Shadows Touching 4:29
9. Little Boy Lost 3:33

Back It Up (Chrysalis CHR-1420 1983)

10. Back It Up 3:54
11. River 3:52
12. Black To Red 2:57
13. Benny Dancer 8:53
14. Time Is Short 3:40
15. Islands 4:04
16. None But The Brave 2:37
17. Captain Midnight 3:10
18. Settling The Score 5:16

GIRLSCHOOL TO RELEASE HIT AND RUN – REVISITED

There is a very limited number of rock albums which have stood the test of time, only true masterpieces continuing to sound fresh and exciting even years after their release. The reason for their cult status: the songs are timeless and the album’s sound has captured the magic of the moment perfectly. Girlschool’s second album, Hit And Run, out in 1981, was such a classic. For the British all-girl group surrounding singer/guitarist Kim McAuliffe, the successor to their debut, Demolition, marked their international breakthrough. To this day, a number of tracks off Hit And Run feature on the live tracklist of the band which still consists of the original line-up – with the exception of the late Kelly Johnson, who sadly passed away in 2007 (she was replaced by guitarist Jackie Chambers in 2000). The news that Girlschool are about to present a re-recorded version of Hit And Run, complemented by two awesome bonus tracks, will delight media and fans from all age groups alike. “I’m just amazed that people still love it, even young people come up at our gigs now with copies that they found on the Internet or in shops or something,” comments McAuliffe. Hit And Run – Revisited will be released in three versions: the first edition of the album will be available as a CD Digipak, followed by a regular jewel case CD and a vinyl LP with gatefold sleeve.

For McAuliffe and her three colleagues Chambers, bassist Enid Williams and drummer Denise Dufort, these re-recordings are much more than a journey back in time to the beginnings of their career: Hit And Run – Revisited documents the songs’ great sustainability, recorded all over again in spring 2011 with a modern sound and contemporary studio equipment. Back then, in March 1981 at the Jackson’s Studios, the conditions were almost archaic: “This studio, which was almost like a shack in the middle of nowhere in Rickmansworth, was so old-fashioned,” McAuliffe remembers, “you used to have to kick things to make them work. It was that sort of studio. It was just the four of us and Vic, as simple as that.” But the spark was ignited as soon as producer Vic Maille recognised the quality of the material and Girlschool started to have an idea what kind of gem they were about to hold in their hands. “We weren’t sure,” McAuliffe confesses, “I mean we were surprised and obviously delighted at the success of Demolition, so we were hoping that this one would do well. But we weren’t quite sure how well it would do.”

Fact is: following its release, the album instantly hit it big. Hit And Run climbed the charts fast in America and Canada (even making the gold mark!), made no. 5 in the UK and opened the doors to major venues for Girlschool. As a result, the musicians led a real jet set life and were flown around the globe by Jerry Bron, the owner of their record company Bronze Records. McAuliffe: “Jerry had his own little airline. And we’d be zipping off in these little planes all over the place. One minute we’d be in Germany doing an interview or a TV show, and the next minute we’d be back in Newcastle. On the same day, you know. We thought ‘Blimey, this is incredible. This must be what it’s like to be rock stars.’ We zipped off everywhere in these little planes. So it was quite an amazing time, really.”

A life full of highlights began, including the amenities of the dolce vita in the true sense of the word: “That was the first time that we could have everything we wanted on the rider. You know, you hear these things about how you could just have whatever you want, so we used to love these things from Marks & Spencer’s. There were these little chocolates with cream on top. Sort of desserts. We had them every night on our rider.”

Naturally, re-recording their classic under ideal studio conditions brought back memories for Girlschool of days gone by. At the same time, the musicians took the artistic liberty of updating a number of arrangements. McAuliffe: “We’ve made quite a few changes. But I’m not gonna say anything about them because we’re hoping that our fans will notice for themselves, just to see how well they know the original ones. But of course it’s a different sound, we have Jackie play now, obviously, instead of Kelly, and also again, studio-wise it’s just a completely different experience because the technology now is incredible compared to what we had in those days.”

So Hit And Run – Revisited sees Girlschool come full circle: all eleven numbers from the original now sparkle in amazing and dynamic versions, with small changes to a number of details and two fantastic bonus tracks: Girlschool have re-recorded ‘Demolition Boys’, the opener from their debut album, plus a haunting duet with Germany’s no. 1 rock vocalist, Doro, on the title track ‘Hit And Run’. In addition, this year’s tour will see them play the same setlist as they performed in the early Eighties plus a number of tracks from their 2008 release, Legacy. An appearance at the 2011 Wacken Open Air has already been confirmed (McAuliffe: “Every rock act wants to play Wacken. And we’ll be there for the third time, following our gigs in 1999 and 2008. A dream-come-true!”). In other words: present and past will be combined by one of the most successful all-girl bands in the history of rock music!

TRACKS
1. C`Mon Let`s Go (K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson) – 3:37
2. The Hunter (K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson) – 3:15
3. (I`m Your) Victim (K. Mcauliffe, D. Dufort) – 2:42
4. Kick It Down (K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson) – 3:03
5. Following The Crowd (E. Williams, K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson) – 3:08
6. Tush (B. Gibbons, D. Hill, F. Beard) – 2:16
7. Hit And Run (K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson) – 3:08
8. Watch Your Step (E. Williams, K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson) – 3:22
9. Back To Start (K. Johnson, E. Willams) – 3:32
10. Yeah Right (K. Mcauliffe, K. Johnson, D. Dufort) – 3:21
11. Future Flash (K. Johnson, K. Mcauliffe) – 4:27

BONUS
12. Demolition Boys (K. McAuliffe, K. Johnson)
13. Hit And Run (with Doro)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
<http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7010805874&ref=ts>
www.girlschool.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/girlschool1

JANE’S ADDICTION TO PREMIERE THE VIDEO FOR “UNDERGROUND” ON VEVO TODAY, JANUARY 25

THE EXPLICIT VERSION OF ‘UNDERGROUND” TO DEBUT THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 AT PLAYBOY.COM

BAND’S UPCOMING INTIMATE AND “IMMERSIVE” THEATRE TOUR "THEATRE OF THE ESCAPISTS" IS PROVING TO BE A HOT TICKET

As JANE’S ADDICTION gear up for their much-anticipated "Theatre of the Escapists" tour launching February 22 in classic theatres, they will premiere their new video for “Underground” today, January 25, on Vevo.com at 9:00 AM PST (http://vevo.ly/xBHpbv). The song, which is the opener of their acclaimed album THE GREAT ESCAPE ARTIST (Capitol Records), takes on an alluringly dark dimension in the video, for which the band joined forces with esteemed director Robert Hales. An explicit version of the video will debut at Playboy.com this Friday, January 27 at 10:00 AM EST.
Shot in Los Angeles at the club Fais Do-Do, originally a speakeasy from the 1920's with a New Orleans ambience, the video shows frontman Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins, along with Chris Chaney on bass performing while a cast of vaudevillian characters lurk around the dark, smoky setting.
As Farrell described the video to AOL’s Spinner: "There are Siamese Gargoyles, séances, card games and a man in a white fedora who was also on the cover of In Through the Out Door (a Led Zeppelin album). People get made love to and murdered in the backrooms while the band plays on.” Director Robert Hales (Nine Inch Nails) said he set out to create “a video that really immerses itself in what the band is all about–that off-kilter vibe, kinky imagery, and ‘lust for life’ spirit that’s embedded in their music.”
The now-buzzing-at-radio track “Underground” surges and soars, with Farrell singing the provocative lines “I try and get some love from up high/There just ain't enough to go around” as the band lifts the song into the stratosphere. As Jim Fusilli wrote about the album and “Underground” in the Wall Street Journal: “Dave Navarro issues several searing guitar solos, but some of his best work is in his flat-picking, giving the sound its high, glittery tones. In the opening track, "Underground," he excels with terse fills long before he solos at the song's fade. As always, Stephen Perkins proves to be one of rock's great drummers, and his interplay with Mr. Navarro, his high-school marching-band buddy, is one of the disc's savory treats” (October 11, 2011).

Meanwhile, JANE'S ADDICTION’s upcoming North American tour of classic theatres has instantly become a hot ticket, with several shows already sold out in anticipation of a chance to see the pioneering alternative rockers in intimate venues. JANE'S ADDICTION are poised to deliver an “immersive” theatrical experience as only they can. “We chose to play as many of the great theatres that we could find because we wanted to immerse the audience in a unique experience unlike any they have ever seen at a rock show,” says FARRELL. “Expect an orgy of musical and visual delights. We like orgies, and hope you do too.”
www.janesaddiction.com
www.facebook.com/janesaddiction
www.twitter.com/janesaddiction
Follow the band on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/perryfarrell
http://twitter.com/davenavarro6767
http://twitter.com/stephenperkins

UDIO FIDELITY KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH 24-KARAT GOLD REISSUES OF
TWO CAREER-CHANGING ALBUMS OF THE EARLY '80S
Dio's Holy Diver and Bryan Adams' Cuts Like a Knife Rock Anew on
Limited-Edition Audiophile Compact Discs Arriving January 31st

Marshall Blonstein, president of Audio Fidelity, has set January 31st as the release date for the audiophile label's Gold CD reissues of Dio's HOLY DIVER and Bryan Adams' CUTS LIKE A KNIFE. Both albums will be issued as numbered, limited editions that will be available through both online and brick-and-mortar retailers and will be retired after they have reached 5000 units in sales.

The two albums hail from 1983, a year when rock was reasserting its place on a music landscape then dominated by dance and pop records. Long acknowledged as classic entries in each artist's catalog, HOLY DIVER and CUTS LIKE A KNIFE represented key turns in the careers of Ronnie James Dio and Bryan Adams. The albums enjoyed the longest tenure of any Dio or Adams set on Billboard's chart, with HOLY DIVER logging 38 weeks and CUTS LIKE A KNIFE notching 89.

Ronnie James Dio had already achieved star status as the lead singer of Elf, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow and Black Sabbath by the time he released HOLY DIVER, the first record of what would be a long and fruitful solo career. Joined by alumni of his former bands-drummer Vinnie Appice (Black Sabbath) and bassist Jimmy Bain (Rainbow)-and teenaged discovery, guitarist Vivian Campbell, Dio crafted a searing debut that won widespread pop acceptance without compromising an ounce of its power or heavy-metal principles. The group-composed "Rainbow in the Dark," as well as the Dio-penned title track, became mainstream-rock radio hits, and the Bain-Dio cuts "Straight Through the Heart" and "Stand Up and Shout" grew into fan favorites-the latter featuring impressive, breakneck-speed soloing from Campbell.

HOLY DIVER peaked at No. 56 on Billboard's album chart (and reached 13 in the U.K.) and was certified Gold a year after its release and Platinum in 1989. The song "Holy Diver" retains considerable popularity almost three decades after it was first recorded, having been featured on TV's South Park and in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. "Rainbow in the Dark" was featured in Rock Band 3. Dio himself appears in the opening musical performance of the 2006 comedy Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny starring Jack Black.

Audio Fidelity's reissue of HOLY DIVER includes a two-page spread reproducing the original vinyl LP's photo montage of images from Dio's time with Black Sabbath and Rainbow.

Following two solid solo albums, Canada's Bryan Adams broke through with CUTS LIKE A KNIFE, which was a Top 10 entry on both the American and Canadian charts. The set initiated Adams' run of five such acclaimed credits, sold some four million copies internationally and launched the raspy-voiced singer-writer as a major pop music figure, one who's garnered 15 Grammy® nominations. Adams wrote or co-wrote (mostly with longtime writing partner Jim Vallance) the album's ten songs-among them three solid Top 30 hits: the stirring piano ballad and signature piece "Straight From the Heart," the brisk rocker "This Time" and the troubled-relationship title track. "Straight From the Heart" was covered by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, and the album-closer, "The Best Was Yet to Come," was recorded by Laura Branigan.

Bryan Adams coverRecorded in 1982 and originally issued on January of 1983, CUTS LIKE A KNIFE was produced by Adams with frequent associate Bob Clearmountain, whose engineering and mixing credits include Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. and recordings by the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi. Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm contributes backing vocals on CUTS LIKE A KNIFE.

Founded in 2002 by music industry veteran Marshall Blonstein, Audio Fidelity specializes in deluxe reissues of classic popular-music recordings for the audiophile and collector markets The Camarillo, California-based label is best known for its 24-Karat Gold CDs and its 180-gram virgin-vinyl album editions, as well as a line of popular DVD titles. Audio Fidelity emerged out of the pioneering DCC Compact Classics label that Blonstein started in 1986, following stints as president of Island Records and co-founder of Ode Records (where he helped make Carole King's Tapestry one of the best-selling albums of all time and built the cult-film franchises The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke).

Visit: www.audiofidelity.net

RINGO STARR TO RELEASE RINGO 2012 ON JANUARY 31ST IN THE UNITED STATES (INTERNATIONALLY, JANUARY 30TH)

Ringo Starr’s 17th solo studio record, and his second on Hip-O/Ume will be released on January 31, 2012 in the United States (Internationally, January 30, 2012.)

Titled simply “Ringo 2012” and produced by Ringo, it was recorded in LA and mixed in England by Ringo and Bruce Sugar, and features 9 songs.

Of the 9 tracks two are covers, “Think It Over,” and “Rock Island Line” and two are new versions of his own songs, “Wings” and “Step Lightly.”

The track listing is as follows:
Anthem (Richard Starkey/Glen Ballard)
Wings (Richard Starkey/Vince Poncia)
Think It Over (Buddy Holly/Norman Perry)
Samba (Richard Starkey/Van Dyke Parks)
Rock Island Line (Arrangement by Richard Starkey)
Step Lightly (Richard Starkey)
Wonderful (Richard Starkey/Gary Nicholson)
In Liverpool (Richard Starkey/Dave Stewart)
Slow Down (Richard Starkey/Joe Walsh)

Joining Ringo in the studio for Ringo 2012 were musicians (in alphabetical order): Michael Bradford, Ann Marie Calhoun, Matt Cartsonis, Steve Dudas, Charlie Haden, Amy Keys, Kelly Moneymaker, Richard Page, Van Dyke parks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dave Stewart, Bruce Sugar, Benmont Tench, Joe Walsh , Don Was, Edgar Winter.

“Ringo 2012” will be released digitally, on CD and vinyl.

NEIL YOUNG GETTING BACK UP ON THE CRAZY HORSE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s been nearly nine years since Neil Young released an album with Crazy Horse, but that’s all about to change. Rolling Stone reports that the singer is working with the band on the follow-up to their 2003 effort, Greendale. Neil shared the news at the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah this weekend before showing his new Jonathan Demme-directed film Journeys. There is word of a spring release for the album, but nothing has been confirmed. Read more at RollingStone.com.

BROWNE, HARRY, ONO OCCUPY AN ALBUM
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Some big names in music have gotten together to support the Occupy Wall Street movement. Jackson Browne, Debbie Harry, Yoko Ono, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Tom Morello and many others have all contributed songs to a compilation called Occupy This Album. The multi-CD set will come out in the spring with all proceeds going to the Occupy movement.

GET UNDER THE COVERS WITH THE SCORPIONS
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

This week, the Scorpions released Comeblack, an album with re-recorded versions of their hit songs plus some rock covers, and now, you can hear the entire album online. Among the covers on it are tracks by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks and singer Klaus Meine told us about those originals and what it was like performing them.

“You’re talking about legendary bands, legendary compositions and there’s no way, whatever you do, to top any of those songs. The only thing you can do is come up with your own interpretation and really give it a shot and that’s what we tried to do.”

Hear the entire album now at Music.AOL.com or pick up the record. You can also get the latest news on the band at The-Scorpions.com.

FILMMAKER WANTS TO BRING KISS’ THE ELDER TO THE BIG SCREEN
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

A British author and filmmaker plans to make Kiss’ 1981 album Music From The Elder into a movie. According to Classic Rock Magazine, Seb Hunter wants to turn the record into a “post-apocalyptic road movie” using the characters and narrative from the album. He’s already written to the band with hope that they give him their blessing. They have not yet responded. Read more at ClassicRockMagazine.com.

DOWNING WANTS TO PUT UP A HOTEL
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing left the band last April, so what has he been up to? Well the rocker spoke to the Shropshire Star and revealed his plans to build a multi-million dollar hotel and leisure complex on the grounds of his Shropshire, England estate. Downing said he in talks with corporations about investments to push through the development of a 63-room hotel, a spa, a restaurant and an indoor pool. Read more at ShropshireStar.com.

POUR SOME SPLENDA ON PHIL COLLEN
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

2012 is a pretty momentous year for Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. It will mark his 30th anniversary of joining the band, the 25th anniversary of their hit album Hysteria and the 20th anniversary of their classic record Adrenalize. During those three decades, Phil has stayed in shape and is happy to share with people how they can do it. He plans to do just that on Saturday at the L-A Fitness Expo. He made an appearance at the event last year and back then, told us what he planned to do there.
“Me and actually the band’s trainer, Jean Carrillo, who’s a former muay thai kickboxing champion and also world champion coach and everything, who trains the band, we’re actually doing this thing, bringing the whole thing about obesity in the children at the moment. It’s like totally out of hand so we’re just going to be down there demonstrating, doing a lot of stuff and just talking about educating about food and nutrition and exercise and stuff.”
At this year’s Expo, Phil and Jean will be showing off their training program, Physical Mechanics, which focus on fitness regimens ranging from first time workouts to extreme physical muay thai training. A DVD and book with those exercises will be out soon.

EDDIE VEDDER HITS THE ROAD THIS SPRING
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Eddie Vedder is set to head out on a solo tour this spring. The Pearl Jam singer will kick off the 13-date trek on April 11th in Las Vegas. He’ll also be working on a new Pearl Jam album this year and touring with the band. Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard says they are all still grateful to be in a band together (See Related Cut #5). Tickets for the Eddie Vedder solo tour go on sale on February 3rd.
 

ROCK NEWS FOR 01/23/12

ANOTHER SHADE OF DEEP PURPLE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

It’s been nearly seven years since Deep Purple released their latest album, Rapture of the Deep, and when singer Ian Gillan was asked last year when that would change, he said the band is too busy touring to “feel the drive” to write. However, Ian has had a change of heart. The band will tour in Canada next month and then take time to work on a new album. They then will hit the road again at the end of the year before heading out on a worldwide trek in 2013 to promote their latest record, which is also due out next year. Stay up to date with the latest at Deep-Purple.com.

SLASH’S SLASHER FILM GETS PICKED UP
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

A couple of years ago, Slash formed a horror film production company aptly called Slasher Films and now, one of their movies has been picked up by Anchor Bay Entertainment. The flick is titled Nothing to Fear and is based on an actual town in Kansas which, according to legend, is one of the seven gateways to hell. Anthony Leonardi, III, who was a creature artist and storyboard artist on Rango, will direct the movie. It begins filming next month in Louisiana.

STEVEN TYLER READY TO TEACH AT ROCK CAMP
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Three years ago, campers at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp got to jam with and learn from Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and in a few months, they’ll get to do it again. The rocker has signed on to take part in the latest camp, which happens from May 2nd to the 6th. Back in 2009, Steven told us why he was so excited to do the camp and impart his wisdom on the campers.

 “I love this. I love Fantasy Camp. It’s not just BS. I get a chance to tell them what it’s like to write a song. What it’s like to be so f***ing big headed to think that you might even know what a hit single is or that should I dare run it up a flag pole… tree… and see if it even flies or am I jinxing the premise of writing a song to begin with.”

Along with learning from Steven, rockers will get to perform live on stage at the Playboy Mansion and record an original song produced by Led Zeppelin and Beatles producer Eddie Kramer. Learn more or book your spot at RockCamp.com.

STEVEN TYLER CRYIN’ OVER HIS “STAR-SPANGLED BANNER?”
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Steven Tyler is taking a lot of flak for his performance of the National Anthem before the Patriots-Ravens AFC Championship game on Sunday.  If his fellow American Idol judge, Randy Jackson, were talking about it, he might call it “pitchy.”  The Aerosmith singer’s rendition was by no means awful, but he did strain a bit through it and was torn apart by many Twitter users.  Check out video of Steven singing on YouTube.

GET DEEPER UNDER THE SKIN OF VAN HALEN’S “TATTOO”
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

By now, you’re hearing Van Halen’s new single, “Tattoo,” a lot, but what does the song mean? Well in a new video, singer David Lee Roth took some time to explain the lyrics of the tune and how he came up with them. Learn all about the track by watching the clip at VHND.com. The song is off the band’s new album, A Different Kind of Truth, which is out on February 7th.

SCORPIONS TO PLAY COVERS LIVE?
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Today (1/24), the Scorpions released Comeblack, an album that features re-recorded versions of their classic tunes as well as covers of songs like The Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” The Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” and Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love.” So with the band continuing their final tour ever this year, can we expect to hear them play some of the covers live? Singer Klaus Meine filled us in.

 “You know, we might, so far we just played ‘Tainted Love’ here and there because it works very well in the set. We might pick something else, we’ll see. But at the same time, it’s the fans who, in a way, dictate, through the Internet, and go, ‘Aw, come on, we want to hear your songs, we want to hear your classics and if you do something else, please go back to the ‘70s and play some of those songs we don’t hear too much in your regular set list.’ So, yeah, we might throw some of those in as well and ‘Tainted Love’ works live very well.”

See all of the band’s upcoming dates at The-Scorpions.com and pick up Comeblack today.

MOODY BLUES HAPPY TO TOUR MORE
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

This year, The Moody Blues will mark the 45th anniversary of their classic album, Days of Future Passed, and to celebrate the occasion, they’ll embark on a 32-city tour.  The trek is titled The Moody Blues: The Voyage Continues – Highway 45 and begins on March 11th in Florida, running through April 21st.  Get all the band’s dates at MoodyBluesToday.com.

NEW CRUE COMING TO YOU?
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Are Motley Crue working on a new record?  Guitarist Mick Mars set the record straight recently when he spoke to ClassicRockRevisited.com.  The rocker explained that they “have a lot of things in the works” and “want to do things like Crue Fest” but that “the music business is really tweaking out and getting weird.”  Mick went on to say that he is writing a lot of new material, as is bassist Nikki Sixx and even with the craziness of the industry, he hopes the band will have a new album out by 2013.  Read more at ClassicRockRevisited.com.

NEIL YOUNG SUED FOR ALLEGED HEART OF FIERY GOLD
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Back in late 2010, there was a fire at the San Francisco warehouse where Neil Young stored music equipment, vintage cars and memorabilia, causing over a million dollars in damage to his property.  However now, the singer is being sued by an insurance company because they claim he is at fault for the fire.  According to the San Jose Mercury News, Unigard Insurance paid the warehouse’s owner 500-thousand dollars to fix the building and they are seeking to recoup that amount from Neil since they assert his 1959 Lincoln Continental, which he converted to run on electricity, caused the blaze.  Neil had previously said that the LincVolt, as he calls it, was recharging unattended at the time of the fire.  He is yet to comment on the situation.        

MEGADETH PHOTO BOOK ON ITS WAY
THIS NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VH1’S DAVE BASNER

Over Megadeth’s nearly 30-year long history, there have been some great photos taken of them and in a couple months, many of those shots will be compiled in a new book titled Megadeth: Another Time, A Different Place.  The book promises to give readers a front-row seat into the early days and meteoric rise of the legendary metal band.  It’s the group’s first photography book and only the second book ever documenting their rise to fame.  You can see the many photos, including rarer and never-before-seen ones, when the book hits shelves on March 13th.

ROCK NEWS FOR 01/22/12

DEF LEPPARD LEAD GUITARIST - PHIL COLLEN CELEBRATES CAREER MILESTONES IN 2012
MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF JOINING BAND, RELEASING HISTORICAL ALBUMS
TO APPEAR AT THIS YEAR’S LOS ANGELES FIT EXPO – JANUARY 28
MANRAZE – READY NEW SONG FOR ‘I, SUPERBIKER’ SEQUEL

(Los Angeles, CA)-2012 looks to be quite a year for Def Leppard lead guitarist and Manraze founder/vocalist/guitarist PHIL COLLEN. This year marks a number of anniversaries for the prolific axe man namely the 30th anniversary of COLLEN joining Def Leppard as lead guitarist and helping to complete the partially recorded 10x platinum album Pyromania. In addition this year marks the 25th anniversary for the 20x platinum album Hysteria as well as the 20th anniversary of its follow-up Adrenalize.

Last year’s Mirrorball Tour garnered Def Leppard a No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Hot Tours list. Based on ticket totals which grossed over $19 million in ticket sales in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the UK Def Leppard powered across the globe with Heart as a featured act then ending the tour with Motley Crue and Steel Panther for it’s fans in the UK. The band has now sold over 100 million albums worldwide achieving diamond status twice in their career, one of six bands to ever do so.

June 6th, 2012 will bring the much anticipated Broadway hit musical turned box office blockbuster, Rock of Ages, a star-studded fiesta directed by Adam Shankman and starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti and Mary J. Blige. The 80’s heyday tribute to the L.A.’s Sunset Strip named after one of Def Leppard’s hit tunes will include 3 Def Leppard hits-“Pour Some Sugar On Me”, “Bringing On The Heartbreak”, and the title track “Rock Of Ages”.

Manraze, Phil Collen’s alternative groove side project now being hailed as a “supergroup” features bassist Simon Laffy of Phil’s former group Girl and legendary Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. The three have released PUNKFUNKROOTSROCK, a gritty rock-n-dub stew now available via Rocket Science Ventures/RED. Their critically acclaimed first single “Over My Dead Body” is available for free download at www.soundcloud.com.

Originally released as a limited Holiday download to the Manraze and Def Leppard social media outlets, “Over My Dead Body” reached the download limit within 10 minutes and within 24 hours was streamed over 4500 times. Manraze’s cover tribute of Phil’s favorite guitarist Jimi Hendrix’s classic tune “Fire” has been no less explosive tearing up internet radio stations worldwide and currently #1 on the IHEARTRADIO.COM Rock on Demand chart. Both tracks are set to be released to terrestrial Rock radio in the Spring.

Manraze also recently completed a new single and video titled “Take on the World” featuring newcomer Debbi Blackwell-Cook and written for the 2011 British Superbike racing champion Tommy Hill. The high energy hard rock/dance single, available on iTunes-February 7, is the theme for 2011’s ‘I, Superbiker’ sequel ‘The Showdown: I, Superbiker II’ which will chronicle Tommy’s rise to the 2011 British Superbike championship. The film directed by Mark Sloper is set to be released to 135 theatres in the UK February 21st, 2012.

Following his other passion in life, physical fitness, PHIL COLLEN will be returning by popular demand to the L.A. Fitness Expo on January 28th, 2012 to meet and sign autographs with the public. He will be accompanied by his longtime trainer, Muay Thai martial arts champion and world champion coach Jean Carrillo. Collen and Carrillo together have started a training program ‘Physical Mechanics’ which will focus on fitness regimens that range from first time workouts to extreme physical muay thai training. A fitness dvd and book are soon to follow.

Norman Greenbaum's Spirit In The Sky Still Popular In 2012

1/23/2012 - Santa Rosa, CA - After 40 years, one of music's greatest gospel-rock hits 'Spirit In The Sky', penned by Norman Greenbaum, remains as popular today in 2012 as it did in 1970 when it rocketed to number #1 in the US and UK. While being named song of the year by Cashbox magazine, the track would go on to sell two million copies in 1970 and through the next 4 decades would be featured in 47 movies and dozens of commerical ads and TV series. In addition, two British cover versions of “Spirit In The Sky” also made it to number one on the charts, making the song a three-time number one hit!

So the question remains, why does 'Spirit In The Sky' still resonate with the music listener today? Norman explains, “A few reasons: It's just a great song, with a terrific production that has stood the test of time, still sounding as vibrant today as 40 years ago. It also sounds great in the car, yep, car radio. When we mixed it, we made sure it sounded as great on car stereos as it did on home systems. It has an unforgettable opening musical riff, at times referred to as 'the heavy duty industrial fuzz tone'. It gives people chills listening to it. Plus, when it was included on Rock Band 2 it brought a new generation into the mix. Now that the song is aging in years, but not excellence, many fans have aged with it and now recognize it not only as a great song that reminds them of their life back then, such as taking their first date to my concert, 'Spirit' being the first album they ever bought, their parents screaming to turn the volume down, love making in the back seat to it and my favorite, naming their car 'the green-bomb', and as a song to take with them as we near the time to go up to the Spirit In The Sky. Because I answer my own e-mail, many people relate to me the circumstances of a loved one passing and how my song has brought them solace and each time they hear my song, either on the radio, in a movie or on TV, they are reminded that their loved ones are OK and looking down on them."

The story behind the song “Spirit In The Sky” is an interesting one. The original idea for the song came from Norman watching a performance on TV one night by country legend Porter Wagoner, who was singing about a preacher. This inspired Greenbaum to write a religious rock song. Although many have believed through the years that Norman, born of Jewish heritage, was a 'born again Christian', in truth, this is not the case. He made the decision to challenge himself to writing a gospel lyric, hoping he wouldn't flub it and meticulously crafted music that went on to surpass everyone's expectations. The guitar riff to 'Spirit In The Sky' undoubtedly is just as important to the song's success as the words and music. “My riff is a take on old blues riffs, common in the '20s and '30s,” Norman explains. “Although a few other songs have similar riffs, my riff really stands out, as I infused a few original notes and changes the others do not have. Plus, the fuzz just ripples your mind. It is a sound that has never been reproduced, another reason the song stands so well.”