News   Interviews   Reviews   Concert Reports   Giveaways   Community  T-shirts   Crossword   About Us   Contact Us   Links   Mailing List   Home

 

NEWS

 

November 03, 2009

DREAM THEATER

EARN “SPIRIT OF PROG" ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT THE 2009 CLASSIC ROCK AWARDS LAST NIGHT IN LONDON 

DREAM THEATER was honored with the "Spirit Of Prog" achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards last night in London (November 2) 

The award was presented to DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy by Prog legend Rick Wakeman of Yes who added that he couldn't have been happier for it to go to such a worthy recipient (and joked that he was jealous he wasn't getting it!).

DREAM THEATER--James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar, vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums, percussion, vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards, Continuum--also was nominated in the "Album Of The Year" category for their latest album BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS.  

Says Portnoy: “Apparently I gave a great acceptance speech, although I was so stunned I have no recollection of what I said as I was unprepared and was basically improvising. Afterwards, Jimmy Page even told me he loved my speech!! (uh, wow...).” 

The star-studded event was attended by such legends as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Pete Townshend of The Who, Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones, Brian May of Queen, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Iggy Pop, Slash, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Ginger Baker of Cream, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and Carl Palmer of ELP, plus members of Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Anvil, Marillion, ZZ Top, Uriah Heep and Mott The Hoople.    

Here's an initial report of the winners:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/iggy-pop-awarded-living-legend-at-classic-rock-roll-of-honour-2009/

2009 continues to be a watermark year for DREAM THEATER as a recording act and touring powerhouse. Having achieved a #1 debut on the Billboard European chart and 12 Top Ten album chart debuts around the world including the U.S. with BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS (Roadrunner)their 10th studio release and a highlight of their 25-year career—the legendary progressive metal masters just wrapped their second European tour this year.

The band took their “Progressive Nation” tour to 15 countries including the U.K. where they performed in October at London’s Wembley Arena. Next, they launch their Down Under trek December 1. This will encompass seven shows in New Zealand and Australia, wrapping December 12 in Perth.  Special guests Pain of Salvation will join the band on all dates except in New Zealand.   Look for the band to head to South America in the winter-spring, followed by another U.S. leg also in the spring.  

To read a story about progressive rock in which Dream Theater figure prominently, go here: 

http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/News/Default.aspx?newsID=3593

www.dreamtheater.net
www.myspace.com/dreamtheater
http://www.progressivenation2009.com/


NEW OLD GROUP FEATURES KROKUS LEAD SINGER MARC STORACE
TEA never left and yet they are back ! 

Founded in 1971, they played their last of around 250 concerts in 1977.

Having released 3 studio- as well as one "Best of" album and 3 singles they disappeared from the scene but in fact TEA never split .

On Friday, November 13th, 2009, TEA RELOADED will be released on CD (www.cede.ch) and available for download on i-Tunes. It is a compilation with songs of the first three studio albums, that are considered rarities these days. Included are the two songs from the first Single „Good Times/Judy“, which have never been released on an album or CD before.

JUDY    3:08                                                                                                                              BREAKDOWN 7:13
SURFER 6:00                                                                                                                        CRYSTAL RIVERS 2:47
HAZY COLOURS 6:33                                                                                                        
LET’S PLAY THE MUSIC 4:07
GOOD TIMES 3:15                                                                                                               EVERYTHING 2:49
LADY 7:03                             
GILDED CAGE 4:21                                                                                                
HATRED OR LOVE 3:37                     
ALEXANDRA 3:38  
THE SHIP 6:48                                                                                                          

After all these years TEA will play a showcase in the famous Mascotte Bellevue Club in Zurich.  It is not a comback show or a reunion gig. The „boys“ just long to play again live in front of an audience and they are open to more gigs in the future .......

TEA are pleased to invite you and company to join the showcase on December 1.  The concert starts at 20:30 hours. Your name is on the guestlist, and therefore you have priority entry before 19:30 hours. After that a „first come - first serve“ system applies.

Danorama Promotions GmbH www.myspace.com/teaonline

TEA 2009: Armand Volker (guitar), Marc Storace (vocals), Roli Eggli (drums),
Chris Egger (keys),  Dan Allenspach (bass)


 

CHICKENFOOT NAMED BEST NEW BAND AT CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE AWARDS

 

Classic Rock Magazine last night named "Chickenfoot" as 2009's 'Best New Band' at their annual awards ceremony that took place at London's Park Lane Hotel. While unable to attend the London ceremony, the band recorded a personalized video acceptance speech which played out to rapturous applause.

The star studded event was attended by such legends as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Pete Townshend of The Who, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones,  Brian May of Queen, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Iggy Pop, Slash of Guns N' Roses, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Joey Tempest of Europe, Ginger Baker of Cream, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Carl Palmer of ELP and members of Iron Maiden,  Anthrax, Anvil, Marillion, ZZ Top, Uriah Heep and Mott the Hoople.

The prestigious award follows a successful year for the band, including sold out concerts and their debut album going Gold in America. The band will also release a new Deluxe Edition of their eponymous debut album in the UK on Monday November 9th, available through the earMUSIC label.

Comprised of drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani and vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen), Chickenfoot have been hailed as one of the most exciting rock and roll bands in recent years and this limited edition 2-Disc Deluxe set will include a bonus DVD disc featuring over 60 minutes of exclusive live footage, behind the scenes interviews and the official promotional videos for the singles 'Oh Yeah' and 'Soap On A Rope'.

Read the full official online Chickenfoot Deluxe Edition announcement here -
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/earmusic/chickenfoot.htm
 


Guitar Guru GARY HOEY Embarks On The Annual HO! HO! HOEY TOUR 2009

 

Tour Starts November 20th in Detroit, MI

 

HOLLYWOOD (November 3, 2009) –Ax-slinger Gary Hoey is the brains behind the annual HO! HO! HOEY ROCKIN HOLIDAY TOUR. Along with a series of Christmas CDs Gary Hoey’s on-air station visits have become a staple at hundreds of radio stations nationwide.  His live rock and roll Christmas show continues to grow new fans each year.  This tour has become so trademark to Hoey that Hallmark’s musical greeting cards features two Ho Ho Hoey classics.

 

TOUR DATES

 

11/20/2009                   DETROIT, MI                              BLONDIES

11/21/2009                   SCHAUMBURG, IL                     CITY LIMITS

11/22/2009                   MILWAUKEE, WI                       VNUKS

11/27/2009                   DES MOINES, IA                       PRAIRIE MEADOWS CASINO

11/29/2009                   KANSAS CITY, MO                    KNUCKLEHEADS

12/2/2009                     COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA                 WHISKEY                                   

12/3/2009                     MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO          HARRAH’S VOODOO LOUNGE

12/05/2009                   MANCHESTER, NH                     ROCK 101 CHRISTMAS SHOW

12/8/2009                     SELLERSVILLE, PA                      SELLERSVILLE THEATER

12/11/2009                   ARCADIA, CA                           ARCADIA BLUES CLUB

12/12/2009                   RIVERSIDE, CA                         VOODOO LOUNGE

12/15/2009                   EXETER, CA                              ORANGE BLOSSOM JUNCTION

12/16/2009                   SOLANA BEACH, CA                  BELLY UP

12/17/2009                   BAKERSFIELD, CA                     FISHLIPS

12/19/2009                   SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA   THE COACH HOUSE

 

The HO HO HOEY TOUR is more than a Christmas Tour – Hoey has been raising funds for many charities along the way of his Holiday travels. Hoey has brought joy to charities such as the

Connecticut Children's Hospital Metal Health Concerts (2006, 2007 & 2008) as well as auctioning himself off for private guitar lessons to support the New Hampshire Food Bank's "Lend A Helping Can" food drive four years in a row raising over $5,000 for families in need, Toys for Tots with the Marine Corps and his guitar auctions for the Boys & Girls Club in Visalia, CA for 2007 & 2008 has raised over $25,000.

 

In 1993 Hoey launched his career and since built a collection of 16 albums and five (5) top 20 Billboard hits. It is no wonder Hoey is listed in the top 100 greatest guitar players of all time. Whether it’s rock, blues, surf or Christmas, Hoey’s command of each style makes his live show one of the most exciting on the circuit today.


RUSH TO BRAINSTORM
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

According to Rush drummer Neil Peart, the guys from the band are set to have a pow-wow where they plan to discuss “another kind of ‘reinvention.’”  The rocker revealed on his Web site that with the shape of the music industry, the group wants to brainstorm on what exactly they should do next.  Neil said they don’t have any ideas yet but will meet this month in L-A and figure out their future.  Among the possibilities are releasing just a couple of songs, doing a rhythmic concept record, recording with an orchestra or even working on film-and-music projects.  We won’t know for a bit what Rush decide to do but you can read all about Neil’s thoughts on the upcoming meeting at NeilPeart.net


VAN HALENS GET AUDIS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Not only do Eddie and Alex Van Halen play in the same band, they now drive the same car.  According to TMZ, the pair of rockers went to an Audi dealer last Friday.  Each purchased a silver Audi R8 for 120-thousand dollars a piece.  For more info on the car, head to AudiUSA.com


STILLS ROOTING FOR A HOLLIES ROCK HALL INDUCTION
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner


David Crosby
and Stephen Stills each have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – Crosby for The Byrds, Stills for Buffalo Springfield and both for Crosby, Stills & Nash.  Meanwhile, their CSN bandmate, Graham Nash, only has the one induction with the group.  However, that may soon change as Nash’s other band, The Hollies, are nominated for induction in 2010.  So what does Stephen think of that? He told us at last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary celebration concert.   

“It’s about time.  I’ve been lobbying [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame co-founder] Jann [Wenner] for a long time.  I’ve really thought it should’ve happened.  I just think they so deserve it and I feel so good for Allan Clarke, Clarke is a great singer.  And besides, with me and David having two, we were never going to hear the end of it. So it’s about time. I’m very, very happy for him and I’ve been stuffing ballots for a month.” 

500 voters are currently sending in their ballots, deciding who will be the ones inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Those names will be announced in January.  The induction takes place in New York on March 15th


ROCKERS WIN AT ROLL OF HONOR AWARDS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Classic Rock
magazine held their annual Roll of Honor Awards this week, and some big names in rock were there to celebrate.  Iggy Pop, Ronnie Wood and Tony Iommi were among the attendees watching the event and they all went home with a trophy too.  Iggy was honored as a Living Legend while Ronnie won Outstanding Contribution and Tony accepted Best Reissue on behalf of Black Sabbath.  Other big winners include Chickenfoot for Best New Band, AC/DC for Album of the Year for Black Ice, and Iron Maiden for Band of the Year ClassicRockMagazine.com has all the winners. 


THE STOOGES REHEARSING FOR TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Next year, The Stooges are set to tour with guitarist James Williamson filling in for the late Ron Asheton.  It will mark the first time in nearly 20 years that the group has played with James as their axeman.  Singer Iggy Pop spoke to the BBC about the upcoming trek saying, “The band have been rehearsing more without me than with me because I’ve been doing other things this year.  But we have been rehearsing all together more recently.”  The guys have a one-off show in Brazil in a few weeks before kicking off the real touring in 2010.  Read more at News.BBC.co.uk.    


BILLY F. GIBBONS LIKES THE SUBWAY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

ZZ Top
played in England last week and guitarist Billy Gibbons had a not-so-rockstar way of getting to the concert at Wembley Stadium – he took the subway.  The rocker told the BBC News that he is ultimately just a tourist and wanted to ride the Tube, which is actually one of the fastest ways to get around London.  No word yet on how Billy will arrive at the band’s next show.  That takes place on Tuesday in Milwaukee. 


BUY “GIVE PEACE A CHANCE” FOR A GOOD CAUSE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

The Plastic Ono Band’s anthem “Give Peace a Chance” is celebrating its 40th anniversary and to mark the occasion, proceeds from a commemorative single will be donated to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.  The anniversary version of the song, which came out yesterday, is only available on iTunes and the donation will be made if you get the track between now and December 31stYoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Julian Lennon and EMI Music are all responsible


 

November 2, 2009

 

THIN LIZZY: ARE YOU READY RELEASED ON DVD THIS MONTH


 
New York, NY (November 2, 2009)—Like American Bandstand or Top Of The Pops, German Television’s Rockpalast series has played a pivotal role in showcasing many classic bands. On November 10, Eagle Rock Entertainment will a release phenomenal performance from Thin Lizzy [MSRP $11.98]
 
Paving the way for countless hard rock bands, Thin Lizzy is one of Ireland’s most legendary exports. Led by the late Phil Lynott, and rounded out by guitarists Scott Gorham and Snowy White, keyboardist Darren Wharton, and drummer Brian Downey, this collective’s use of heavy guitar licks and catchy sing-a-longs were a perfect fit for Rockpalast. They hit the stage in 1981, rousing the crowds with barroom anthems such as “Don’t Believe A Word,” “Jailbreak,” and “The Boys Are Back In Town.” This DVD, Are You Ready, follows another 2009 Thin Lizzy release, as VH1 Classic Records released the live CD Still Dangerous in March.
 
This release continues Eagle’s growing collection of Rockpalast Concert DVDs, which includes recent releases Little Feat’s Skin It Back: Live In Germany (released September 22, 2009), ZZ Top’s Double Down Live (released October 20, 2009), and the upcoming Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell: The Original Tour DVD, to be released November 10 as well.
 
 
Links to Clips Of Performance:

Thin Lizzy :
Waiting For An Alibi - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oayeRmQPQTU <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oayeRmQPQTU>


REPRISE RECORDS ANNOUNCES NEXT PERFORMANCE SERIES RELEASE FROM NEIL YOUNG WILL BE DREAMIN’ MAN LIVE ’92, DUE DECEMBER 8, 2009
ALBUM FEATURES INTIMATE SOLO ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCES OF ALL TRACKS FROM YOUNG’S 1992 ALBUM HARVEST MOON

Neil Young Declared MusiCares 2010 Person of the Year



Burbank, CA – As part of its ongoing Archives Performance Series with legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young, Reprise Records will release Dreamin’ Man Live ’92, on December 8, 2009, on CD, while the vinyl pressing will be released on January 12, 2010. The album is a complete live performance of Young’s album Harvest Moon drawn from various solo acoustic shows he performed in 1992 before the actual release of the Harvest studio recording, which makes this performance even more unique.

Dreamin’ Man Live ’92 revisits Harvest Moon 17 years after its release by pulling together a series of intimate solo acoustic performances Young did at the time. The album was produced by Young and John Hanlon and recorded and mixed by Tim Mulligan.

The track-listing for Dreamin’ Man Live ’92 is as follows:

“Dreamin’ Man”
“Such A Woman”
“One Of These Days”
“Harvest Moon”
“You And Me”
“Hank To Hendrix”
“Unknown Legend”
“Old King”
“Natural Beauty”
“War Of Man”

In other news, Neil Young has been declared MusiCares “Person of the Year” for 2010. Neil Young is known almost as well for his charity and philanthropy work as he is for his music. The Farm Aid co-founder who also raises millions of dollars annually for physically and mentally impaired children via Bridge School Concerts will be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year for 2010.

"Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism," Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Recording Academy and the MusiCares Foundation said in a statement.

Young will receive the award at a reception in LA on January 29th, right before the Grammy Awards. Proceeds from the annual GRAMMY Week gala dinner and concert honoring Young will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.


About MusiCares: MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Dreamin’ Man Live ’92 is the latest release in the line of new as well as Archive-related recordings that includes his studio album Fork in the Road in April, the eight-CD Archives Volume 1 1963-1972 series, and CD reissues of the first four of Young’s classic solo albums, 1969’s Neil Young and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere, 1970’s After the Gold Rush, and 1972’s Harvest.
 


ROB ZOMBIE UNEXPECTEDLY SWITCHES LABELS

 

MOVES TO ROADRUNNER RECORDS’

LOUD & PROUD IMPRINT TO RELEASE HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 IN EARLY 2010

 

HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 28, 2009)  – In a sudden and unexpected move, multi-platinum hard rock artist Rob Zombie has inked a new worldwide deal with leading rock label Roadrunner Records through its Loud & Proud imprint.

 

This shocking announcement comes as Zombie exits his former label and of eighteen years, where he sold fifteen million records as a solo artist and with his former band White Zombie.  Zombie’s new album, Hellbilly Deluxe 2, previously set for release on 11/17 will now be released by Roadrunner / Loud & Proud Records in early 2010. 

 

“It certainly wasn’t an easy decision to make after all this time, but it had to be done,” states Zombie. “I love this new record and wanted to surround myself with an excited new group of people who can reignite my enthusiasm for working within a hard rock record label. Roadrunner seems to be the perfect place.”

 

“Roadrunner is thrilled to be involved with Rob Zombie on a worldwide basis as he is a multiple-threat artist whom we’ve admired for many years,” said Roadrunner president Jonas Nachsin

 

Tom Lipsky, founder and president of Loud & Proud echoed Nachsin’s sentiment, “Rob Zombie hits hard on Hellbilly Deluxe 2 and the fans expect nothing less. We are excited about the monster mayhem that he is certain to create!”

 

The first single from the new album, “What?” recently launched at all rock radio formats and is quickly climbing the charts.  This latest album marks the follow-up to 1998’s triple platinum Hellbilly Deluxe.

 

The track listing is as follows:

 

1. Jesus Frankenstein

2. Sick Bubblegum

3. What?

4. Mars Needs Women

5. Werewolf, Baby!

6. Virgin Witch

7. Death and Destiny Inside The Dream Factory

8. Burn

9. Cease to Exist

10. Werewolf Women of the SS

11. The Man Who Laughs

 

In support of this release Zombie, will kick off his first headline tour since 2007 in Phoenix, AZ on October 29th.  Shows in Las Vegas, NV on the 30th, and a very special Halloween event on October 31st in Hollywood, CA are set to follow.  Zombie will be accompanied by his longtime band mates - guitarist John 5, bassist Piggy D and drummer Tommy Clufetos. 

 

Visit www.RobZombie.com for Hellbilly Deluxe 2 World Tour updates, including the official blog, Twitter feed, photos, and videos directly from the road. Hellbilly Deluxe 2 World Tour tickets are on sale now; tour dates are as follows:

 

TOUR DATES:


Oct 29             Dodge Theater                                                 Phoenix, Arizona
Oct 30             The Pearl - Palms Concert Theater        Las Vegas, Nevada
Oct 31             Hollywood Palladium                                       Los Angeles, California

 

Nov 1             The Grove                                                         Anaheim, California

Nov 3             San Jose Events Center                          San Jose, California
Nov 5             The Great Salt Air                                  Magna, Utah
Nov 6             The Fillmore Auditorium                       Denver, Colorado
Nov 8             The Brady Theater                                  Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nov 10           Austin Music Hall                                    Austin, Texas
Nov 11           Verizon Wireless Theater                         Houston, Texas
Nov 13           Palladium Ballroom                               Dallas, Texas
Nov 14           Uptown Theatre                                     Kansas City, Missouri
Nov 15           The Pageant                                          St. Louis, Missouri
Nov 16           Murat Theater                                        Indianapolis, Indiana
Nov 17           Akron Civic Center                                           Akron, Ohio
Nov 19           Eagles Ballroom                                                Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nov 20           Roy Wilkins Auditorium                          St. Paul, Minnesota
Nov 21           Val Air Ballroom                                    Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 22           Aragon Ballroom                                              Chicago, Illinois
Nov 24           Broadbent Arena                                              Louisville, Kentucky
Nov 25           The LC Pavilion                                      Columbus, Ohio
Nov 27           The Fillmore Detroit                                Detroit, Michigan
Nov 28           The Sound Academy                             Toronto, Ontario
Nov 29           Metropolis                                             Montreal, Quebec

 

Dec 1             Hammerstein Ballroom                           New York, New York
Dec 2              House Of Blues                                      Boston, Massachusetts
Dec 3              Mohegan Sun Arena                           Uncasville, Connecticut
Dec 4              Electric Factory                                      Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dec 5              9:30 Club                                                          Washington, DC

 

In addition to his illustrious recording career, Zombie has also written and directed five feature length films.  Most recently was the animated cult favorite The Haunted World Of El Superbeasto based on his successful comic series.  This season’s Halloween 2 (August 2009) followed up Zombie’s record breaking blockbuster re-imagining of Halloween in 2007. In 2005, Zombie assaulted the film world with the critically-acclaimed The Devil’s Rejects (Lionsgate), the follow-up to his already cult classic House of 1000 Corpses (Lionsgate 2004).

 

 

For more information visit www.robzombie.com or www.myspace.com/robzombie.


ELTON JOHN IS SICK
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Elton John
has had to postpone some upcoming shows because he is sick.  According to his Web site, the Rocket Man has “a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and influenza.”  Yikes.  The affected shows are part of Elton’s Face 2 Face trek with Billy Joel.  Shows tomorrow, Saturday and on the 10th have been postponed.  Read more at EltonJohn.com


JOE ELLIOT’S NEW PROJECT WORKING ON ALBUM
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Last month, Def Leppard singer Joe Elliot opened for the reunited Mott the Hoople during a gig in London.  For the concert, Joe brought along his backing band, which consisted of members of The Quireboys, and they called themselves Down ‘N’ Outz.  Now, according to Classic Rock Magazine, Down ‘N’ Outz are creating an album of the songs they performed at the show.  No word on when the disc will come out but you can see footage of Down ‘N’ Outz performing on YouTube


SLAYER POSTPONE TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Slayer
have had to postpone their Canadian Carnage tour with Megadeth as well as tomorrow night’s gig on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.  According to a press release, singer Tom Araya needs to have immediate surgery on his back today.  Guitarist Kerry King said that while the band is disappointed, “the most important thing is Tom’s health.”  Slayer’s tour was supposed to kick off on Monday.  The band’s latest album, World Painted Blood, is out today.  Stay up to date by heading to Slayer.net


U2 BREAK THEIR OWN ATTENDANCE RECORD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

U2
has officially broken their own attendance record for best-attended single concert performance at a U-S venue by one act. On October 20th, 97,014 people went to their show at the Rose Bowl in California. According to Billboard, the Irish band set the old record back in 1987 when U2 played John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia and just over 86-thousand attended. U2 take the top three spots on the list of the five highest single concert attendances on record.


MOTORHEAD READY TO WORK ON NEW MUSIC
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Motorhead
are getting ready to work on some new music.  Singer Lemmy Kilmister told Abort Magazine that in February, the band will head to the studio to “rehearse, write and record” their next album.  Read more at AbortMag.com


JETHRO TULL’S TIME APART KEEPS THEM TOGETHER
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner


Jethro Tull
’s Ian Anderson is currently on a solo tour, but don’t think that means that things with the band are over.  In fact, Ian explained that the time the band members spend away from one another help the group stay together.   

“Part of the reason Jethro Tull has remained a viable unit is that we’re all very different people.  We live in different places thousands of miles apart.  And we have very different interests in our different activities outside the band and that’s what keeps it a good and healthy family relationship.  We’re not breathing down each other’s necks all the time or sharing exactly the same interests in life.  We all have our separate activities and that’s good but it’s sometimes bad in the sense that people are perhaps never quite where you want them to be if you need to do a quick rehearsal or work out a new song.” 

Ian plays in Phoenix tonight.  For all his dates, head to JethroTull.com


SCORPIONS’ AMAZON SHOWS ON DVD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Two years ago, the Scorpions went deep into the Brazilian jungle to perform a sold out show in front of 40-thousand fans in Manaus, a city along the Amazon River.  The band had such a good time, they returned last year.  Now, those concerts are coming to DVD.  The disc is called Amazonia – Live in the Jungle and along with the music, the DVD also includes footage of the band seeing the destruction of the rain forest first hand.  Royalties from DVDs sold in Brazil and Mexico will go towards Greenpeace.  You can pick up the disc on the 20th.   


STEVE MILLER HARMONICA PLAYER DIES
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Norton Buffalo, who spent the last 32 years playing harmonica in the Steve Miller Band, has died at the age of 58.  According to PlanetRock.com, the musician was diagnosed with lung cancer in September after feeling ill following a concert.  He learned the cancer had spread to his brain.  Buffalo also played with the Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Cash.


ALICE IN CHAINS RECRUIT PROJECT RUNWAY MODEL
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Alice In Chains
have turned to a model from Project Runway to appear in their new video.  The band recruited season three model Amanda Fields to star in the clip for their song “Your Decision.”  Fields wrote about the experience online saying, “It was so much fun and I felt like I was dreaming.”  The video was shot in Santa Monica and Malibu and according to Amanda, the band members wore “crisp, expertly tailored suits” plus there was a string quartet in white dresses and black lace blindfolds.  Read more at BloggingProjectRunway.Blogspot.com


AC/DC FAN GETS ARRESTED FOR DEFENDING BAND
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

How far would you go to defend your favorite band?  Well one man in Winnipeg, Canada is in jail thanks to his fondness for AC/DC.  According to the Winnipeg Sun, James Ivison was in a lodging house listening to the Australian rockers when another resident came by for some beer.  That man commented on the music and questioned Ivison’s sexual preference.  James got mad and attacked the man.  He’s since been sentenced to four years in prison but will only have to serve two due to time-served.  Read more at WinnipegSun.com.  


NICKO McBRAIN’S RESTAURANT
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain opened up a new restaurant.  The eatery is called Rock ‘N’ Roll Ribs and promises to mix both music and tasty Southern cooking.  You can learn more about the Florida restaurant by checking out their Web site, RockNRollRibs.com


SPEEDWAGON’S KEVIN CRONIN ON DEALING WITH LIFE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

With the economy still not doing great, many people are troubled these days.  REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin has had his share of difficulties but the singer feels they only made him stronger.  He told us his thoughts on the matter.   

“Life has its challenges.  If you run from those challenges, then you get nowhere, then you learn nothing and then just stay in the same rut you’re in.  If you take a look at it and face it and go for it, well then, then, then life is going to be great and then you’re going to look back on it as, ‘Okay, little rough spot there,’ but you get through it and you feel better.” 

Speedwagon fans will no doubt feel better by picking up the band’s new holiday album, Not So Silent Night… Christmas with REO Speedwagon.  The set boasts the group’s takes on some yuletide classics.  The record came out today and the band plays in Richmond, Virginia tonight.  Speedwagon.com has all the details.  


CSN GIVE COVERS ALBUM UPDATE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

For some time now, Crosby, Stills & Nash have been working on a covers album.  When the trio played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary concerts last week, we asked them if the project was still happening.  Here’s what Graham Nash told us. 

“Yes sir.  The thing about the covers is this – when you record a James Taylor song, you don’t want to copy what James did.  We need to make every single one of those songs our own.  We have to make them CSN songs so that you think, ‘Wow! And they wrote that too?’  That’s how we wanted to do it.  We wanted to turn them into CSN songs and I think we did that.”

So what songs can we expect to see on the album?  Graham filled us in.

“We’ve done ‘Close Your Eyes’ by James Taylor. We’ve done ‘Girl from the North Country’ by Bob Dylan. We have done ‘Last Thing on My Mind’ by Tom Paxton, ‘A Reason to Believe’ by Tim Hardin, ‘Ruby Tuesday’ by The Rolling Stones, strangely enough, and the weirdest one of all… ‘Uncle John’s Band.’”

In the meantime, you can see CSN’s performance from last week with special guests James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt on November 29th.  That day, HBO will air footage from the concerts. 


WILL SIMON AND GARFUNKEL TOUR AGAIN SOON
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Last week, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel performed together at the concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  So does the legendary duo have any plans to tour the U-S again?  Maybe!  Here’s what a seemingly secretive Art had to say. 

“Well, it’s always sort of floating around.  These days it is floating around, yeah, but we have no such plans yet.  Er, forget the word ‘yet.’” 

For the time being, you’ll have to wait until November 29th to see Art and Paul perform together.  That day, HBO will air a special with footage from last week’s concerts. 


SEBASTIAN BACH TALKS GN’R TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Last week, it was rumored that Sebastian Bach would be hitting the road with Guns N’ Roses.  Now, the rocker has made it official.  On his Web site, Bas wrote,
As I type this, I just cannot believe that I am announcing to all of you that yes, we will be going on the road with Guns N’ f***ing Roses in my hometown country of Canada in January and February of 2010!!!!”  The trek kicks off on January 13th in Winnipeg.  Read more and see the dates at SebastianBach.com


EDDIE VAN HALEN UPDATES FANS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Eddie Van Halen has updated his fans on what’s new with him.  The rocker revealed he took a short break and went to Vegas with his family.  Now, he is busy planning for his wife’s birthday and working on some stuff in the studio.  Eddie exclaimed, “Life is good and I am happy and healthy!”  Read it all and see a picture of Eddie with magician Criss Angel at MySpace.com/EddieVanHalen


BRIAN JOHNSON’S AUTOMOTIVE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

AC/DC
singer Brian Johnson is not only a rocker, he is a car enthusiast.  Now, thanks to a new book, you can learn all about that side of the rock star.  Brian wrote Rockers and Rollers, a book he’s calling an “automotive autobiography.”  In it, he talks about the roots of his passion for cars and relays many a fun and funny anecdote about his history with autos.  Order your copy of Rockers and Rollers today at Amazon.com.  
 


SLASH PLAYS WITH ALICE COOPER
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Alice Cooper welcomed a special guest to the stage when he played in L-A last Wednesday – Slash.  The former Guns N’ Roses guitarist joined the shock rocker on Alice’s classic anthem “School’s Out.”  According to Examiner.com, Slash performed the tune using his red sunburst Les Paul while Cooper strutted the stage in a glittering suit and matching top hat.  Check out photos at Examiner.com


SLASH AND GEORGE LOPEZ SEEING A LOT OF EACH OTHER
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Comedian George Lopez is hosting a benefit show for Slash on November 22nd and the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist plans to repay the favor by appearing on George’s new show.  Slash wrote on his Twitter page that he’ll be appearing on Lopez’s upcoming TBS talk show on November 16th.  The concert George is hosting boasts performers like Ozzy Osbourne and Perry Farrell and benefits the Los Angeles Youth Network.  Learn more by following Slash at Twitter.com/SlashHudson.   


VINCE NEIL SOLO SHOWS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Vince Neil has announced a handful of solo dates.  The Motley Crue singer will play seven shows before the end of the year, starting on the 14th in Walker, Minnesota and wrapping up on December 4th in Snoqualmie, Washington.  See all the dates at VinceNeil.net.   


SEE TOMMY LEE’S STUDIO
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee is hard at work on the next album from his side project, Methods of Mayhem, and now you can see where all the magic happens.  Lee posted a video of his recording studio, which is called The AtriumThe Atrium is actually the entire lower floor of the rocker’s Calabasas, California home.  Check out the facility at TheAtriumStudio.com


RUMORED COLLABORATORS ON PETER GABRIEL’S ALBUM
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

We reported yesterday that Peter Gabriel is working on a new album called Scratch My Back.  The set will feature of orchestral covers with many big name collaborators and is due out next year.  The singer has not yet revealed anyone he’s working with on the project however, according to NME.com, a Japanese distributor has released a rumored tracklisting.  David Bowie, Radiohead, Magnetic Fields, Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, The Kinks and Neil Young are all unofficially planning to work with Peter on one of their tunes.  The cover of Paul Simon’s “Boy in the Bubble” is the only confirmed track, the rest are all conjecture.


ROD WANTS TO BE A FACE AGAIN
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Last week, The Faces reunited without Rod Stewart for a show in London.  Now, the singer says he still wants to be part of the reformed group.  Rod told CNN that he couldn’t make it to last week’s gig because he was promoting his new album, Soulbook.  Stewart then said, “Hopefully, I’ll get me old job back.  It’s on the cards.  I’ll do it eventually.”  The Faces split up in 1975. 


KISS VISIT VETS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Some veterans weren’t able to see Kiss when the band performed in Atlanta on Monday, so Kiss came to them.  According to the Augusta Chronicle, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer visited the Augusta V.A. Medical Center to meet with and express gratitude to soldiers who were injured overseas.  Paul told the paper, “We want everyone home safely and to urge everyone to give these people the respect they deserve.”  See some videos of the visit at KissOnline.com

  • Gene Simmons couldn’t make it to the hospital due to a previous engagement.


SEE AN AC/DC PHOTO SHOOT
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Last year, AC/DC took part in a photo shoot for promotions for their Black Ice album.  Now, you can see behind-the-scenes footage of that shoot with German music photographer Guido Karp. Find it on YouTube by searching for “AC/DC Guido Karp.” 

  • DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hszYlwYc0o


TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT’S MUSICAL TASTES HAVE A LIMIT
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Today, Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles turns 62.  Over the years, Timothy’s musical tastes have grown and the musician told us that while he keeps an open mind, he doesn’t love everything.   

“I have a son, he’s 19 years old, he’s a musician.  He pretty much likes all kinds of music.  He’s always saying, ‘Dad, listen to this,’ and he’ll put on a Lil’ Wayne song or something.  And I can appreciate it to a point and after a while, I have to tell him, ‘Okay, I don’t need to hear the third track.  I’m done with that.’ It’s just not my thing, which is fine, I try and keep an open mind.”  

You won’t need an open mind to enjoy Timothy’s new solo album.  It’s called Expando and it’s out now.  Learn more at TimothyBSchmit.com


ROGER WATERS PLAYS GALA
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Pink Floyd
’s Roger Waters entertained the crowd at a black-tie gala in New York on Tuesday.  The event was to benefit Alzheimer’s research and there, the rocker performed songs like “Wish You Were Here.”  The New York Post reports celebrities who attended included Harvey Keitel, Dan Aykroyd, Brooke Shields, Art Garfunkel, Regis Philbin and John McEnroe.   


BEATLES’ ARREST PAPERS UP FOR AUCTION
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Back in the ‘60s, John Lennon and George Harrison were arrested for drugs and now, their arrest papers have gone under the gavel.  The first set of documents stems from 1968 when police found cannabis resin at Lennon’s apartment.  The other papers come from 1969, when authorities raided Harrison’s home while he was at Paul and Linda McCartney’s wedding.  According to NME.com, the auction was yesterday but there’s no word yet on how much the papers went for.     


BID ON STEVEN TYLER’S STUFF
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Ever want to own something of Steven Tyler’s?  Well now is your chance.  The Aerosmith frontman is auctioning off clothing and memorabilia and it is all for a great cause.  Proceeds from the auction, which takes place at the New York’s Hard Rock Café on November 21st, will benefit MusiCares and the Musicians Assistance Program.  Also up for bids: a signed guitar from U2, a signed bass from Paul McCartney and an autographed guitar from Ron Wood.  Learn more at JuliensLive.com


October 27, 2009

BON JOVI TALK THE CIRCLE, PLAYING FULL ALBUM LIVE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

On November 10th, Bon Jovi will release their 11th studio album.  It’s called The Circle and Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora explained that title to us. 

“(Jon Bon Jovi) To me, the title can mean different things to different people but for me, The Circle is never-ending and being very Jersey about it, it’s hard to get in and harder to get out.  That encapsulizes who we are at this time.  (Richie Sambora) Yeah, it’s about family too, you know what I mean, it’s also the circle between the band and our fans, also, which is very, very important.  It seems that our fans are very, very loyal, they defend us to the death, it’s fantastic, so they’re a part of The Circle too.”

The band recently announced a world tour in support of The Circle.  They’ll play 135 shows in 30 countries during the trek, so is there any chance they might perform the album in its entirety at one of those gigs?  The guys filled us in. 

“(Jon Bon Jovi) It would be a natural thing to do.  We feel that excited about this record.  The ability to do it is certainly there so, yeah, you can rest assured that that will happen.  (Richie Sambora) Yeah, especially when you’re doing multiple nights in places and things like that, obviously it’s a good opportunity to actually do that.”

Bon Jovi’s world tour kicks off on February 19th in Seattle.  For all the dates, head to BonJovi.com


JOE PERRY PROJECT TO TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

The Joe Perry Project has announced a tour in support of Joe Perry’s new solo CD, Have Guitar, Will Travel.  The trek will kick off on November 10th in New York City and runs through the 25th, when it winds down in San Francisco.  Along the way, Joe and company will play in cities like L-A, Chicago, Boston and many others.  Get all the dates at JoePerry.com


NEW THEM CROOKED VULTURES SONG
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Yesterday, Them Crooked Vultures released their first single, “New Fang.”  If you haven’t yet heard the track from the supergroup, you can check it out now on their YouTube page.  Head to YouTube.com/User/ThemCrookedVultures


GET SPRINGSTEEN’S NEW SONG
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

When Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played their final gigs at New Jersey’s Giants Stadium, they debuted a new song called “Wrecking Ball.”  That track is now available on iTunes.  According to BruceSpringsteen.net, the tune is bundled with a live video shot during the concerts. 


RATT TO RELEASE INFESTATION
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Call an exterminator because Ratt have announced the name of their upcoming album – and it’s going to be called Infestation.  The band revealed the news on their MySpace page, adding that the effort will come out in March.  It’s their first studio album since 1999’s self-titled effort.  Read more at MySpace.com/TheRattPack


METALLICA DONATE $50-GRAND TO HELP FIND MISSING FAN
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Metallica has added 50-thousand dollars to the 100-thousand dollar reward to help find one of their fans. Morgan Harrington went missing after a Metallica show last week and is yet to be found. The 20-year-old Virginia Tech student has been missing since she attended the October 17th concert. Rockville Magazine reports that singer James Hetfield also called Morgan’s father offering the band’s support. Details on Morgan Harrington can be found at FindMorgan.com


U2 PRODUCERS TALK UNFORGETTABLE FIRE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

This week, U2 will release a remastered version of their classic 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire. Unforgettable to the making of that record are producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who helped create the band’s undeniable sound. The pair spoke at length to Pitchfork about the creating the album, how they met U2 and more and hardcore fans can read the piece now at Pitchfork.com. The Unforgettable Fire remastered edition comes out tomorrow. <SH>

·         RELATED AUDIO: Bono on U2’s music being played around the world:

 

 “The idea that you can be working in a little rehearsal room in the docklands of Dublin and then six months later a song is on the radio in Memphis or Tokyo or London or Paris. That’s our drug of choice, actually.”

 


PLANT TO PLAY GLASTONBURY?
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Robert Plant might play at the U-K’s Glastonbury Festival next year.  BBC News caught up with the Led Zeppelin singer, who told them he’s been in touch with festival organizers adding, “There’s a place for me there, but I have no idea who with.”  Plant said there is “a chance” he’d play the event but when asked if he’d do it alone, the rocker only joked, “Oh yeah…I’m good at card tricks.”  Read more at News.BBC.co.uk


GET METAL THIS CHRISTMAS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit early this year, Eagle Rock Entertainment can help.  They’re releasing a digital-only four-song EP as part of their We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year music. Among the headbanging yuletide classics on the EP are “Frosty the Snowman” as sung by Anvil’s Steve “Lips” Kudlow plus Doro Pesch and Michael Schenker’s rendition of “O Christmas Tree.”  Get the Metal Xmas album when it comes out on November 24th


THEM CROOKED VULTURES DEBUT ALBUM TRACK LIST
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
 

The track list for the self-titled debut album from Them Crooked Vultures has been released.  The band, which includes Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stoneage, will release the effort on November 17th.  According to Billboard.com, song titles include “Dead End Friends,” “Elephants,” “Reptiles,” “Spinning in Daffodils” and “Mind Eraser, No Chaser.”  The first single from the effort, “New Fang,” came out today. 

FULL TRACK LISTING FOR THEM CROOKED VULTURES

 

 “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I”
 “Mind Eraser, No Chaser”
 “New Fang”
 “Dead End Friends”
 “Elephants”
 “Scumbag Blues”
 “Bandoliers”
 “Reptiles”
 “Interlude with Ludes”
 “Warsaw or the first Breath You Take After You Give Up”
 “Caligulove”
 “Gunman”
 “Spinning in Daffodils”
 


 

SCHMIT GIVES UPDATE ON EAGLES, SOLO ALBUM
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
 

Timothy B. Schmit from the Eagles has ventured out on his own with his new solo album, Expando.  The 11-track set features guest appearances by a wide range of people including Graham Nash, Kid Rock, Dwight Yoakam and The Blind Boys of Alabama.  Timothy told us he is pretty pleased with the final result. 


“The great thing is that after all these years of doing this and being in this business and having the ups and downs – mostly ups I have to say but there were some periods – but after all of these years, I’ve got something new going on.  New and exciting.  And that’s the cool thing.  It’s like I’m not just doing oldies, I’m not just doing this or that.  I’m actually doing something new and it’s like a new adventure for me.  It’s really great.”

 

So with his focus on his solo career, does that mean the Eagles are done?  Thankfully, no, as Timothy explained. 

 “We took a break.  We were working roughly every other month for quite a long time and we decided to just take a little break.  It happens to be good timing for the release of my album because I could spend some time doing that, but it is just a break and some time next year, there’s talk about the spring but I’m not certain, but we’re going to be up and running again.  We are not finished yet.”

 

However, just because the Eagles aren’t finished, doesn’t mean fans should expect a new album.  Schmit elaborated. 


"The new album thing it takes so much work and so much time and energy, I don’t know if we’ll ever do a new album but I’ve learned not to predict those kinds of things because I have no idea, anything can happen.  So there is no album planned, but there is general touring plans, I just haven’t got any dates yet or anything.”

 

Pick up Timothy’s solo album, Expando, which is in stores now.  Learn more at TimothyBSchmit.com


HALFORD’S WINTER SONGS PUSHED BACK
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Halford fans looking forward to picking up the band’s holiday album – listen up.  While it was expected to come out tomorrow, the record, called Halford III – Winter Songs, is now due out on November 3rd.  The effort includes Judas Priest singer Rob Halford’s take on some yuletide classics.  You can order it now at MetalGodShop.com



DIO TO PERFORM SONG

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner


Want to hear a new song from Ronnie James Dio’s group Dio?  Then you’ll have to head overseas.  The rocker told Classic Rock magazine that when Dio tour Europe next month, they’ll play a new song called “Electra.”  The track will also come out as a limited-edition single.  While the group will also perform some Rainbow tunes, don’t expect to hear any Sabbath – Ronnie plays those hits with his other group, Heaven and Hell.  Read more at ClassicRockMagazine.com


 

 

TONY IOMMI GOT STEM CELLS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Lately, Heaven & Hell guitarist Tony Iommi has been having some hand problems and the rocker recently spoke about the issue with BBC Radio.  Iommi explained that the cartilage between his joints has been worn out, so the bones are rubbing against each other causing pain.  To fix the problem, Tony has had a stem cell treatment on his hand to try to rebuild the tissue.  No word yet on if it’s working but you can hear all of what Iommi has to say on the matter at BBC.co.uk

·         DIRECT LINK TO INTERVIEW:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00n9y39

 



ALICE COOPER GETS ROCKERS FOR HIS PUDDING
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
 

Every year, Alice Cooper holds an event to raise money for a recreation center for teenagers.  The show is called Christmas Pudding and its in its ninth year.  When the event takes place on December 18th in Phoenix, some big names will join the shock rocker.  Dee Snider, Lita Ford, Warrant and many others are all set to take the stage.  Learn more at AlicePudding.com

 


BON JOVI TO PLAY NEW MEADOWLANDS STADIUM
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Yesterday, Bon Jovi announced that they will be the first musical act to perform in New Jersey’s nearly completed new Meadowlands Stadium.  Following the announcement, the band performed in front of five-thousand lucky contest winners, fan club members and construction workers currently constructing the venue.   The rockers played “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” “You Give Love A Bad Name,” “It’s My Life,” “Living on a Prayer” and “We Weren’t Born to Follow,” the new single off their upcoming record, The Circle, which comes out November 10th.  Bon Jovi will play the new Meadowlands Stadium on May 26th and 27th.  Watch their performance from yesterday at BonJovi.com.   


ANVIL WILL ROB YOU
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Anvil star in a new video on FunnyOrDie.com.  In the clip, an aspiring drummer hooks himself up to a device that helps him play like he’s a member of Anvil.  However, when he can’t turn off the device and thus, can’t stop drumming, he gets robbed by, who else – Anvil.  Check out the comedy now at FunnyOrDie.com

  • DIRECT LINK:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/3135320cd0/anvi


ACE FREHLEY WOULD BE AT ROCK HALL WITH KISS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Kiss are on the short list of nominees up for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  So if the band is inducted, will former guitarist Ace Frehley show up?  The rocker told the Artisan New Service that not only would he show up, he’d be happy to.  Ace explained there is no bad blood between him and the guys because he let all the negative energy go years ago.  We’ll know if Kiss will be inducted when the names of those being honored are announced in January. 


PETER CRISS ON HIS CANCER
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Former Kiss drummer Peter Criss has opened up about his recent bout with breast cancer.  The rocker spoke to CNN about how he felt when he learned about his diagnosis and why he wanted to spread the word about how men can get breast cancer.  Criss has since fully recovered.  Check out the video at CNN.com


TRUJILLO HAPPY TO BE IN METALLICA
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
 

Today, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo turns 45.  The rocker has been part of the band for just over six years and still is grateful for the opportunity.  Before he was part of the group, Trujillo was in Suicidal Tendencies and even toured with Metallica in the early ‘90s.  He told us what it is like to reflect back on those days now. 


“I remember seeing this band, larger than life, on a daily basis and just thinking, ‘Wow, it’s amazing that a band can take it to this level.’  And now to be a part of that, it’s all very surreal for me.  It’s a very special place to be for me, to be a part of this sort of next wave of Metallica.”

 

Trujillo along with the rest of the next wave of Metallica will head to Toronto on Monday.  Get all the band’s dates at Metallica.com


RAY DAVIES TO PLAY WITH METALLICA
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

It seems like everyone wants to play with Metallica when the group performs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary celebration concert.  We reported yesterday that Ozzy Osbourne would join the band for the October 30th gig and now, Ray Davies of The Kinks is also set to collaborate onstage with the rockers.  Also performing at the event – U2, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends and many, many others.  Learn more at RockHall25.com


NEW THEM CROOKED VULTURES ON RADIO SOON
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

If you’re waiting to hear some Them Crooked Vultures music on the radio, you won’t have to wait much longer.  FMQB reports that the supergroup will release their first single, “New Fang,” to radio stations on Monday.  The self-titled debut album from the band, which consists of Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Josh Homme of the Queens of the Stone Age, hits shelves on November 17th


HELP FREE RONNIE JAMES DIO’S WIFE FROM A CAGE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Ronnie James Dio’s wife is going to be locked in a cage and he’ll need your help to get her out.  Don’t worry though, it’s all for charity.  Wendy Dio will spend a day in a kennel to help raise money for the Brittany Foundation’s adoptable dogs.  Freedom from the cage for breaks and food can only be taken when time has been purchased for that individual.  To help, the Heaven & Hell singer will be on site, charging money for handshakes, autographs and photos with all the proceeds benefitting the charity.  Help out by heading to the Brittany Foundation in Agua Dulce, California between 3 and 5 PM on November 7th.  If you can’t make it, you can still donate through PayPal or with a check.  Learn more at BrittanyFoundation.com


CHICKENFOOT’S NEW VIDEO
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Chickenfoot have released a new video.  The black and white clip is for their song “Sexy Little Thing” and features live footage of the supergroup interspersed with shots of a hot woman and cars.  See it all for yourself at Chickenfoot.us


JON ANDERSON’S POSITIVE VIEW OF THE WORLD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner


On Sunday, Yes singer Jon Anderson turns 65.  When some people turn that age, they reflect on the world and think of how much better things were when they were young.  Jon isn’t one of those people though.  He filled us in on his opinion of the world today.

 

“People say we’re living in such a dark world.  I don’t see that, sorry. I think it’s an amazing world.  The more I travel, the more I see a lot of people having a good life and having an amazing time.  You know, watching sports, watching art, theater, music, all those kinds of things.” 

 

Jon will be traveling to Canada soon to give his fans there an amazing time.  The singer will perform solo in Winnipeg on November 3rd.  Keep up to date with Jon at JonAnderson.com


SEE TOMMY LEE’S NEW MUSIC
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Tommy Lee has been working on new music with his side project Methods of Mayhem.  The Motley Crue drummer has uploaded footage of himself in the studio, laying down tracks for a new Methods album.  That effort, which is called Public Mayhem, is due out in 2010.  To check out the video and to learn about how you can be a part of the album, head to ThePublicRecord.com


McCARTNEY TO TOUR EUROPE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Paul McCartney has announced his Good Evening Europe tour, the former Beatle’s first European trek in five years.  The tour kicks off on December 2nd in Hamburg, Germany – where The Beatles honed their craft.  According to the Associated Press, Paul will play a total of seven dates during the jaunt, including shows in Berlin, Paris, Dublin and London. 


EARLY JERRY GARCIA BAND PERFORMANCE ON DVD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Back in November 1975, the Jerry Garcia Band played in Berkeley, California.  Now, that rare, early performance from the group is coming to DVD.  The double-disc collection is called Let It Rock and boasts covers of Chuck Berry, Little Milton and Jimmy Cliff tunes.  You can get it on November 10th at Dead.net


GENTLE GIANT ALBUMS TO SEE DIGITAL RELEASE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Seven of the best known albums from prog rockers
Gentle Giant will be available digitally next month.  November 3rd will see the release on all digital channels of In a Glass House, The Power & The Glory, Freehand, Interview, Playing the Fool – The Official Live, The Missing Piece and Giant for a Day.  The releases will also include previously unheard bonus tracks and artwork


 

THE BEST STORY LEMMY’S EVER HEARD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
 

Motorhead singer Lemmy Kilmister has seen and heard a lot in his time.  So what is the best story he’s ever been told?  In a new video, the rocker reveals what it is and it turns out that the tale involves a ferry to Iceland and a naked Ritchie Blackmore, the famed guitarist from Deep Purple and Rainbow.  Check out the clip now on YouTube by searching for “Lemmy on Ritchie Blackmore.” 

·         DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQW_DFADO6I|
 


 

October 19, 2009

DEF LEPPARD CANCEL TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Def Leppard
have canceled the third leg of their tour with Cheap Trick.  The trek was set to kick off on Thursday but had to be scrapped due to “unforeseen personal matters.”  A statement on Def Leppard’s Web site says that the band “agonized over this decision” but “life’s commitments need to be the priority.”  Read more at DefLeppard.com    


GUNS N’ ROSES TO TOUR CANADA
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

According to Rolling Stone, Guns N’ Roses have set up a 13-date tour of Canada which kicks off on the 13th in Winnipeg and runs through February 4th when it winds down in Halifax.  A statement was sent to the outlet, making the dates official and revealing that the trek has been dubbed the Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy World Tour.  Live Nation and Ticketmaster are showing some of the dates and the earliest pre-sale begins tomorrow. 


LYNYRD SKYNYRD MARK SAD OCCASION
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Twenty-nine years ago today, a plane carrying Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Mississippi, killing singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines as well as four others.  So how will the band mark the sad anniversary?  Ronnie’s brother, current singer Johnny Van Zant, filled us in. 

“That’ll be a day of just us remembering and trying not to remember, if I should say.  I mean, that was a hard time for Skynyrd and the families of Skynyrd but hey, they’re gone on to better places, those who are not here with us but they’re here in spirit with us and we believe that from the bottom of our hearts.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd are currently out on tour.  They play in Estero, Florida on Thursday.  Get all the band’s dates at LynyrdSkynyrd.com


TOM PETTY IS NOT BITTER
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Today, Tom Petty turns 59.  In his nearly six decades, he’s said some things that may make him seem as though he is bothered by various issues, but that is not the case.  The singer told us he always tries to be an optimist.   

“The things I’ve said, I’ve tried to say them with some humor and I’m not bitter about anything. I’m really not.  I’m hopeful. I want to be hopeful because I don’t think being bitter or angry is going to accomplish anything.”

Petty is also hopeful that his fans will head out and buy his Live Anthology.  The multi-disc, career-spanning collection hits shelves on November 22nd.  Learn more at TomPetty.com


PRESLEY’S HAIR SELLS FOR $18,300
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Elvis Presley
’s hair has sold for 18,300 dollars.  The clump of locks, which was up for auction last week, was believed to have been cut from The King’s head when he joined the Army in 1958.  BBC News reports other items that sold in the auction included a set of handkerchiefs Elvis used in live shows, which went for 732 dollars, and one of Presley’s shirts, which sold for 52-thousand bucks. 


JOURNEY DVD SEES HUGE SALES
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Nearly 30-thousand people went to see Journey when they played in the Philippines earlier this year, but it seems there were plenty of other fans out there that wished they could be there.  For those folks, the band released the concert on DVD and 800-thousand Journey fans went out to buy that disc.  Live in Manila not only debuted at number one on the music DVD chart, but it actually had the second best DVD debut sales week of the year.  Learn more about the disc and the band at JourneyMusic.com


QUEEN TRACKS ON ROCK BAND
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Queen have created some of the best rock songs in history, and now you can get them all together on Rock Band.  The group has released a ten-pack of songs including hits like “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Somebody to Love” and “Under Pressure.”  The tracks can be purchased now for Xbox and Wii and will be available on PlayStation 3 on Thursday.  RockBand.com has all the info. 


October 18, 2009

GRATEFUL DEAD TO BE HONORED OCTOBER 19 IN NEW YORK CITY WITH SPECIAL LIGHTING OF EMPIRE STATE BUILDING IN TIE-DYE COLORS; BOB WEIR AND PHIL LESH IN MANHATTAN FOR NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUNDRAISER OCTOBER 21

The GRATEFUL DEAD will be honored in New York City this Monday, October 19 when the Empire State Building is lit up with special tie-dye colors celebrating the group’s appearance in the city later that week.  The color scheme will represent the group’s iconic imagery and psychedelic influences. 

On Wednesday, October 21, founding DEAD members BOB WEIR and PHIL LESH will attend a fundraiser at the New York Historical Society as part of an exhibit celebrating the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band.  The Grateful Dead: Now Playing at the New York Historical Society traces the career and achievements of a band that became one of the significant cultural forces in 20th century America. Through a wealth of original artwork and documents including concert and recording posters, album art, large-scale marionettes and other stage props, banners and decorated fan mail, the exhibition will explore the musical creativity and influence of the Grateful Dead from 1965 to 1995, the sociological phenomenon of the Deadheads (the band’s network of devoted fans) and the enduring impact of the Dead’s pioneering approach to the music business. Materials in the exhibition will be drawn almost exclusively from the extraordinary holdings of the Grateful Dead Archive at the University of California Santa Cruz, established in 2008.   

For more information on the DEAD, visit www.dead.net.  For more information on the NYHS exhibition, or to purchase tickets go to https://www.nyhistory.org/web/dead_tickets.
 



SPRINGSTEEN’S GOAL WITH HIS SONGS

This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Most people who head out to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in concert leave pretty pleased.  So what is it about The Boss’ music that strikes his fans so vividly?  Springsteen spoke to us about what he strives to do with his songs. 

“The thing that makes it explosive, that brings you down when you hear it – that’s what you’re always moving towards in a song. What is that thing that is going to make this explode inside of somebody and somebody’s going to go, ‘Oh my God, that’s me.’”
Folks in Philadelphia will no doubt be exploding inside tonight.  Springsteen and the E Street Band are playing in the City of Brotherly Love this evening.  For all of The Boss’ dates, head to BruceSpringsteen.net. 
 



ALICE IN CHAINS’ ALBUM GOING STRONG
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner


Alice In Chains’ new album, Black Gives Way to Blue, has sold nearly 163-thousand copies since it came out two weeks ago.  Drummer Sean Kinney told us he is pretty grateful for all the folks who helped with the album. 

“Kind of like all through the process we’ve had amazing people to work with you know making the records and our management company. The label is really cool and we are really excited about what’s about to happen here.”

The band will continue to promote the effort with a performance on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on October 30th.  They’ll also be touring behind the record starting on Thursday in San Antonio, Texas.  For all the dates, head to AliceInChains.com. 
 



THEM CROOKED VULTURES RELEASE DATE?
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
 

Them Crooked Vultures may be releasing their debut album next month.  Amazon.com is currently advertising the band will release the effort in the U-K on November 23rd.  This has not yet been officially confirmed.  The band featuring John Paul Jones, Josh Homme and Dave Grohl, will be touring the U-K in December. 
 



BRIAN MAY HELPS REDISCOVER ENGLISH VILLAGE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner


According to the U-K Telegraph, Queen guitarist Brian May has rediscovered an English village that was lost.  May has a passion for photography, or more specifically, stereoscopic imagery, which is the art of creating 3-D pictures by viewing dual images through special spectacles.  Together with art conservator Elena Vidal, he has co-authored A Village Lost And Found, a book telling the tale of 19th-century photographer TR Williams.  They rediscovered an English village that was the object of many of Williams’ photographs. 

TIDBIT: The book is in stores now, for more head to: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/6336330/Brian-May-rediscovers-lost-village.html
 



October 15, 2009

STATUS QUO: PICTURES LIVE AT MONTREUX 2009

On DVD October 27, 2009


New York, NY (October 15, 2009)—On October 27, Eagle Rock Entertainment will add another gem to its stunning Montreux collection when Status Quo’s Pictures: Live At Montreux 2009 is released on DVD [pre-book order date October 7, MSRP $14.98].  

Status Quo’s album Pictures (released in November 2008) celebrated 40 years of the band filling the UK charts with hit after hit. The album was an instant success, charting at #8 and selling over a quarter of a million copies in the UK alone. In July 2009, the Pictures live tour landed at Montreux in Switzerland as part of the world famous festival.  
 
When Status Quo hit the stage, the usually reserved Swiss crowd knew they were in for a treat. Led as always by the twin telecasters of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, they deliver a blistering set of hits and classic tracks from across their career including no less than 18 UK Top 20 hits. This Pictures tour set list has been hailed by many as the band’s best ever. Commemorating the 40-year celebration of the band, huge screens behind the stage illustrated high points from Quo’s career. Exclusive interviews filmed backstage at Montreux with the always entertaining Rossi and Parfitt are included as bonus features.

Status Quo is one of Britain’s most cherished and influential bands.  With this DVD coming hot on the heels of their new CD In Search Of The Fourth Chord (released stateside via Eagle Rock on September 15, 2009), Pictures: Live At Montreux is live and loud and serves as a timely reminder of what the Quo legacy is built on.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audiovisual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices based in London, New York, Germany, France & Toronto.

For more information regarding this and other Eagle Rock Entertainment releases, contact Carol Kaye at Carol@Kayosproductions.com.

Track Listing:
1.) Caroline
2.) The Wanderer
3.) Rain
4.) Don’t Drive My Car
5.) Mean Girl / Softer Ride
6.) Beginning Of The End
7.) Is There A Better Way
8.) Proposing Medley: What You’re Proposing / Down The Dustpipe / Little Lady / Red Sky / Dear John / Big Fat Mama
9.) Pictures Of Matchstick Men / Ice In The Sun
10.) The Oriental
11.) Creepin’ Up
12.) In My Chair
13.) Living On An Island
14.) In The Army Now
15.) The Killer
16.) Roll Over Lay Down
17.) Down Down
18.) Whatever You Want
19.) Rockin’ All Over The World
20.) Junior’s Wailing
21.) Rock ‘N’ Roll Music / Bye Bye Johnny


 

CARL VERHEYEN RELEASE NEW ALBUM WITH GUESTS

 

Carl Verheyen has released his new rock masterpiece on Cranktone Entertainment via www.theconneXtion.com. Trading 8s is Verheyen’s tenth studio album to date and is an impressive musical collection that showcases his endless talents. His collaborations on this album are “Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa, Rick Vito, Scott Henderson, Robben Ford and Albert Lee.”

He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 25 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows.

Trading 8s is a true rock record fused with the blues, as in the song “New Year’s Day” with Robben Ford. Some jazz fusion tones can be felt in “Highway 27” featuring Joe Bonamassa. The CD also includes a ripping version of The Beatles’ hit song “Taxman” as you’ve never heard it before. The Carl Verheyen Band is a highly-regarded group of top players including bassist Dave Marotta and drummer Walfredo Reyes, Jr.

 


ASCAP HONORS AC/DC, DEF LEPPARD, McCARTNEY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers held their annual London awards ceremony this week and Def Leppard, Brian Johnson and Paul McCartney all left winners.  According to Billboard.biz, Def Lep, along with producer Mutt Lange, were honored for writing “Pour Some Sugar on Me” while Johnson was recognized for penning AC/DC classics like “Back in Black” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.”  McCartney took home the big trophy though, and was named Songwriter of the Year


BRIAN MAY TO ATTEND MERCURY TRIBUTE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Next month, late Queen singer Freddie Mercury will be honored by the town he lived in for ten years in the ‘60s and ‘70s.  Feltham, England will pay tribute to the rocker by unveiling a Hollywood-style star at the town’s center.  According to the Hounslow Chronicle, Freddie’s former bandmate, guitarist Brian May, will be on hand at the ceremony. 

·         Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. 


HARD ROCK HEROES COMIC COVER REVEALED
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Bluewater Productions plans to re-publish a series of graphic novels called Rock N’ Roll Comics and MTV News has found the cover of the first volume, which is called Hard Rock Heroes.  The artwork features illustrations of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Angus Young, Slash and Ozzy.  The comics will each be biographical and will feature hundreds of pages of comic book art.  Hard Rock Heroes comes out in February but check out the cover art now at MTV.com

·         DIRECT LINK:

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/10/14/exclusive-check-out-the-hard-rock-heroes-cover-featuring-ozzy-osbourne-slash-and-more/

·         The comics were originally released in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s and brought on various lawsuits by bands.


GILMOUR TO GET HONORARY DEGREE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

David Gilmour will receive an honorary degree next month from England’s Anglia Ruskin University.  According to NME.com, the Pink Floyd guitarist will get a Doctor of Arts from the school. 


CHANGES IN THE REACTIONS TO BENATAR’S SONGS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

For 35 years, Pat Benatar has been performing music.  While the songs stay the same, it turns out that the reactions to them change.  The singer explained to us what happens to the tunes and why she thinks it does.   

“Songwriting and performing have many different facets to them.  It’s not always about you personally, it isn’t.  I mean, lots of the times it has to do so much with them – the audience, the listener or whatever, it depends on how they’re feeling that day.  I’m always surprised, you’ll be doing a song for 20 years and they’ve always responded in one spot and then all of the sudden, they go as a group and they start responding to another line, and they all do it together and you’re just like, ‘Wow, that’s crazy, they never did that before!’  So a lot of it depends on them and that depends on what happens in the universe.”

Pat can see how the crowd in Agoura Hills, California reacts to her music when she plays there tonight.  For more details, head to BenatarFanClub.com


MUSTAINE: MEGADETH’S CD IS BETTER THAN METALLCA’S
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

In the September issue of the U-K’s Terrorizer magazine, Megadeth singer Dave Mustaine was asked if he thought his band’s new album, Endgame, is better than Metallica’s latest effort, Death Magnetic.  Not surprisingly, the rocker said yes, explaining that “one sounds like a record, the other sounds like a jam.”  Mustaine went on to say that his group has two lead guitarists while his former bandmates only have one, Kirk Hammett.  Mustaine then added, “And he ripped me off anyway.”  Read more at Terrorizer.com


STEPHEN STILLS IS BUSY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Stephen Stills has been pretty busy lately.  The singer told Billboard he’s working on a few new projects.  First up is Stills’ CD/DVD Live at Shepherd’s Bush, which hits shelves on the 27th.  After that, Stephen will put together a Manassas archival box set and work with the Experience Hendrix company to release a pair of demos he recorded with Jimi Hendrix in the late ‘60s.  Those might come out on a sessions album.  Meanwhile, Stills is working with David Crosby and Graham Nash on a covers album and after all that, he wants to release a solo album as well, playing some of those tunes live before putting out the CD.  Read more at Billboard.com


PHIL COLLEN PULLING DOUBLE DUTY ON TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Later this month, Def Leppard is hitting the road with Cheap Trick and Man Raze. Man Raze is the band that is fronted by Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen and includes Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook.  So is Phil nervous about playing double duty?  He filled us in.  

“It’s just a bit different, like different styles of music and me being the lead singer of that band [Man Raze] and the guitar player in Def Leppard, that’s the weird thing.”

Does that mean that fans will see a difference between the Phil Collen in Man Raze and Def Leppard’s Phil Collen? 

“I think mainly by the virtue of the fact that I’m stuck to a microphone stand because if I’m not playing guitar then I‘m singing lead vocal.  That’s a little frustrating for me ‘cause in Def Leppard, although I sing a lot in Def Leppard, I still get a bit of freedom to run around the stage.”

See how Phil does with both his projects by catching Man Raze, Def Leppard and Cheap Trick on tour, starting on Thursday in Reno.  For all the dates, head to DefLeppard.com


October 14, 2009

PAPER ZOO RELEASE SELF-TITLED EP VIA CUSTARD KICK OFF FALL TOUR OPENING FOR ROGER DALTREY  

VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE SHOT IN LOS ANGELES; FREE MP3 OF SINGLE AVAILABLE

Los Angeles PAPER ZOO--a heavily melodic and tantalizingly avant garde four-piece--will release their self-titled EP via Custard this fall. The set will be released in conjunction with their first national tour which kicked off this past Saturday in Vancouver. The band will open for rock legend Roger Daltrey as part of his first headlining solo tour since 1985. Led by guitarist/lead singer Allister Izenberg, PAPER ZOO play with an approach that reflects eclectic tastes and surprisingly deep roots--from Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Queen to contemporary and even esoteric influences--that drive them to create a language all their own.  

After a chance meeting with multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and Custard label head Linda Perry at a Guitar Center at the age of 13, PAPER ZOO--then a power trio--started working to develop their sound with longtime Perry collaborator and Bigelf frontman Damon Fox. Their debut EP comes nearly six years and one new band member since that Guitar Center meeting. Produced by Damon and mixed by Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures), the EP is a creation of rough demos recorded over the span of several visits to Linda's Kung Fu Gardens. "I've been developing these kids since that day at Guitar Center. Every time I think about these guys or do anything with them, I get extremely excited. When I listen to their music, I feel like I go on a journey; they are so refreshing to me. They truly are the new generation," says Perry. 

PAPER ZOO is Allister, William Thomas Wesley II (bass), Monte Dyaami Najera (drums) and Martin Lopez (keys). Allister's soft spot for the heavy and the psychedelic emerges through his guitar stylings, while Billy's bass is supportive and lyrical and propelling it all is Monte's fluid feel for his drums. The latest addition to the Paper Zoo is keyboardist Martin Lopez who is universally adept at the organ, piano mellotron and synthesizer.  

Look for a new video for PAPER ZOO’s self-titled first single soon, shot this past weekend in Los Angeles. An free MP3 of the track is also available at: http://wearepaperzoo.com/download. For additional info on PAPER ZOO, visit: www.myspace.com/wearepaperzoo.  

PAPER ZOO EP Track Listing

  1. Paper Zoo

  2. Hollywood Recluse

  3. Laughing Legba

  4. Black Cat

  5. The Sun

 

 
 

Members

 Log In   ◊   Sign Up