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July 1, 2009

 

BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS DEBUTS AT #6, YIELDS BAND’S HIGHEST CHART POSITION AND FIRST WEEK SALES

New York, NY – Legendary progressive metal masters Dream Theater’s latest album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings has taken the band to new heights. The album debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, with first week sales totaling 40,285. Both numbers mark the highest ever first week figures for the band, who are enjoying the greatest success of their 25 year career. 12% of the week’s sales were digital, ranking Black Clouds & Silver Linings at #21 on the Digital Albums chart.

Drummer Mike Portnoy had this to say, “This is truly amazing. After almost 25 years together, Dream Theater is still growing and progressing and doing bigger and better than ever. I can't think of many bands that can claim that. We are truly thankful to have this incredible support from fans who believe in the band as a musical force.”

Such a monumental debut places Dream Theater, a band known for lengthy epics and the true “album” format, in the cozy Top 10 company of Jonas Brothers, Black Eyed Peas and Regina Spektor, a truly remarkable feat. Portnoy continues, “An album with four songs over 12 minutes in the US Top 10? Hell must've frozen over! This is one small leap for Dream Theater, and one giant leap for music in general.”

Black Clouds & Silver Linings is the band’s tenth studio album and follow up to the band’s 2007 Roadrunner Records debut, Systematic Chaos. In addition to the standard version CD, the album is also available on vinyl LP, as well as a three-disc Special Edition CD that includes the full album, a CD of instrumental mixes of the album and a CD of six cover songs. A limited deluxe collector’s edition boxed set is also available. “This is as smart and well played as metal and hard rock gets, an album just humming with live possibilities and headphone trips waiting to happen,” wrote Dennis Cook in is 6/23/2009 review at Jambase.com, while Shawn S. Lealos said in his 6/16/09 review at 411Mania.com: “Dream Theater has created their masterpiece.”

Dream Theater is currently breaking records in Europe, playing to festival crowds of over 80,000 adoring fans. The band made their debut appearance in Israel last month, rocking a crowd 10,000 strong to their knees. The band’s own Progressive Nation tour returns stateside on July 24 in Miami, and will feature Dream Theater as headliner, Zappa Plays Zappa, Bigelf and Scale The Summit. The tour—which marks the second incarnation of Progressive Nation—wraps on August 29th in Los Angeles.

As only the 10th Top 10 debut in Roadrunner’s 30-year history, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is landmark album for the label as well.

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


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
CHICKENFOOT DRUMMER CHAD SMITH INJURED

Chickenfoot had to cancel their show in Spain last night because drummer Chad Smith was injured.  According to a press release, Chad was playing in Paris last night when, during the show, he hurt his arm by tearing his small bicep.  The supergroup apologized to fans.  No word yet on if other shows have been affected. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
SINGER JOHN SYKES LEAVES THIN LIZZY

Singer John Sykes has parted ways with Thin Lizzy.  While there is no word as to why John left, with drummer Tommy Aldridge unable to play due to a recent injury, the group has decided to go their separate ways.  Guitarist Scott Gorham told Blabbermouth.net, “It’s been a very tough time of late for myself and the band.”  Scott added, “I can only apologize to everyone who has supported us over the years, but we will be back up to full speed soon.”  As for now, all previously announced Thin Lizzy shows have been cancelled or postponed until further notice. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
CANADIAN
TOWN LEADS IN KISS TOUR CONTEST

The polls have closed in Kiss’ quest to have the fans decide where the band should play on their upcoming tour.  According to TheStar.com, Oshawa, Ontario pulled in the most votes.  The town had a campaign to bring Kiss to the city, which was recently hit hard by the economy when the auto-plants there had massive layoffs.  The site says over 14-thousand people voted for Oshawa, with Winnipeg as the next most popular city for at 13-thousand votes.  No official word yet from the band on the winning cities. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
SLASH PLAYS WITH OZZY, RON WOOD

This week, Slash played the Quart festival in Norway and was joined onstage by the likes of Rolling Stone Ron Wood, Black Eyed Pea Fergie and Ozzy Osbourne.  Among the songs Slash and company played were “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy Train,” “Paradise City,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Immigrant Song,” “Highway to Hell” and Michael Jackson’s “Black or White.”  You can find fan filmed footage of the set on YouTube.

  • DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8MhXlwV2GQ

From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
TWISTED SISTER’S “30” VIDEO UP TODAY

This week, Twisted Sister released the 25th anniversary edition of their classic album Stay Hungry.  Along with the original, remastered effort and a disc of 15 previously unreleased recordings, the reissue boasts a new song called “30.”  All day today, you can see the video for that track at Yahoo Music.  Guitarist Jay Jay French let us know what to expect. 

“It’s an amazing video. I mean, it’s us without makeup. The song ‘30’ is about how we didn’t know, at the time when we were 30, that we could possibly be doing this today and it’s the irony of looking back and saying we’re kicking ass just as much today as we were back then. But we couldn’t possibly imagine 20 or 25 years ago we’d still be doing it.”

Check out the video at New.Yahoo.Music.com today.  Meanwhile, you can also pick up the 25th anniversary edition of Stay Hungry which is on shelves now.  <DB>


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
JUDAS PRIEST DISCUSS TRACKS ON BRITISH STEEL

Judas Priest kicked off their latest U-S tour this week.  During the trek, the group will play their classic album British Steel in its entirety to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the set.  But how did the nine tracks on that hit record come to be?  In a new interview with Billboard, Priest’s songwriters, singer Rob Halford and guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, spoke about each song on the effort.  Check it out now at Billboard.com to learn about how Rob got the name for “Metal Gods” by being a sci-fi fan and how K.K. thinks “United” was Priest’s way of taking on the world. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
SPINAL TAP CONTEST

Spinal Tap is holding a contest.  The group is asking fans to create a video for one of six songs and the creator of the best clip will score a Spinal Tap prize pack including autographed swag from the rockers.  The group’s YouTube channel has all the details so learn more at YouTube.com/User/TapBackFromTheDead


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
CHICAGO STILL EXCITED TO PLAY

The guys from Chicago usually spend the better part of the year on the road touring and this year is no different.  One would think playing shows day in and day out would get tiresome but saxophonist Walt Parazaider explained they still get excited before every gig. 

“It never gets old – the excitement and the apprehension and the expectation of playing that next best show and going on to the next town.  It can be a little tiring but you get over that with the rest that we get.”

The next town Chicago will be excited to play in is Houston, Texas.  The band performs there on the 10th alongside their current tourmates, Earth, Wind and Fire.  Check out all of Chicago’s dates at ChicagoTheBand.com


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
YOKO ONO WINS LAWSUIT

Yoko Ono has been declared the rightful copyright holder of rare, intimate footage of John Lennon and his family in London in 1970.  After World Wide Video LLC created a documentary using the footage, the company sued Ono for copyright infringement and wrongfully interfering with their personal property since she blocked the release of the film.  Ono countersued asserting she was the rightful owner.  A U-S District Court judge agreed with Yoko this week.  Ono plans to keep the footage private. 

  • Among the ten hours of footage is John hunched over a piano, smoking marijuana and joking about putting LSD in President Richard Nixon’s tea.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
ACE FREHLEY’S ANOMALY HAS RELEASE DATE

Ace Frehley has announced the release date for his new solo album, Anomaly.  The set will hit shelves on September 15th.  Ace described the tracks on the effort saying it has “a real cool instrumental, a hit single, some real heavy rockers – a nice variety of different genres of music.”  Learn more at AceFrehley.com.   


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
QUEENSRYCHE GUITARIST’S FASHION LINE

Queensryche guitarist Michael “Whip” Wilton isn’t just a musician, he’s a designer too, and later this year he’ll release a line of streetwear called Whipwear.  Wilton is offering some of his designs, along with his solo CD, Soulbender, some autographed photos, rare Queensryche guitar picks and more at RatPakRecordsAmerica.com/Whipwear.cfm.  <DB>


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
ERIC CLAPTON & STEVE WINWOOD WRAP TOUR IN HOLLYWOOD

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood wrapped their 14-date tour at the Hollywood Bowl Tuesday night to a sold-out crowd.  The show featured tunes from both artists’ catalogs as well as many songs from their Blind Faith collaboration back in 1969.  They took the stage shortly after 8 PM and opened with the Blind Faith tune “Had To Cry Today,” with both Winwood and Clapton playing guitar.  The two traded solos at the end of the track to the delight of the capacity crowd.  Winwood jumped behind the keyboards for most of the show, which also featured a few Traffic songs like “Glad” and “Pearly Queen,” as well as Steve’s “Split Decision,” off his 1986 solo album Back In The High Life.  They tore through few more Blind Faith songs including “Presence of the Lord,” “Sleeping in the Ground” and “Can’t Find My Way Home.”  Clapton shined on their cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile” and Winwood stole the spotlight when he played a solo version of the 1971 Traffic classic “The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys.”  The two ended with a raucous version of “Cocaine” and another Traffic number, “Dear Mr. Fantasy.”  


 

June 30, 2009

 

ALICE IN CHAINS ANNOUNCE U.S TOUR
BAND POSTS NEW SONG ONLINE
NEW ALBUM BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE IN STORES SEPTEMBER 29


Los Angeles, CA (June 30, 2009) – ALICE IN CHAINS are giving fans a sneak preview of their highly anticipated upcoming album BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE (Virgin/EMI) by posting a brand-new song online. The seven-minute-long track, titled “A Looking In View,” can be heard on www.aliceinchains.com. A companion video for the song is forthcoming and its trailer is available on the band’s site. “A Looking In View” will appear on BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE, in stores September 29th.


About “A Looking In View,” Alice In Chains vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrell says, “The song basically speaks to any number of things that keep you balled up inside. A cell of our own making with an unlocked door that we choose to remain in. Focusing our attention inward instead of reaching out to a much larger world. I think this is common to us all. It’s funny how hard we fight to hang on to a bone we can’t pull through a hole in the fence, or how difficult it is to put down the bag of bricks and move on.”

On July 18th, Alice In Chains will be sharing the stage with Kid Rock at Comerica Park in Detroit, to be followed by festival shows with Metallica overseas, including an August 1 date at Marlay Park in Dublin and an August 2 show at the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth. They’ll wrap up the international trip with a string of headlining dates, set to kick off August 4th with a sold-out performance at London’s Scala. On August 22, they’ll join Tool and Linkin Park for the first-ever Epicenter show at the Fairplex in Pomona, CA, to be followed by a headlining tour set to kick off September 4th at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. Tickets for the U.S. shows will be available Friday, July 10th. For information, please visit www.aliceinchains.com.

BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE is the band’s first new studio release in more than 10 years. The quartet (guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney, bassist Mike Inez and vocalist/guitarist William DuVall) recorded the album with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters) at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA and Henson Studios in Hollywood.

Over the course of their remarkable career, Alice In Chains has garnered multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 17 million albums worldwide, wrote and recorded 11 top 10 hit singles and stood atop Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart with two No. 1 records.

Tour dates are as follows (additional shows to be confirmed):

Date City Venue
July 18 Detroit, MI Comerica Park (with Kid Rock)
Aug 1 Dublin, IE Marlay Park
Aug 2 Stevenage, GB Knebworth House - Sonisphere
Aug 4 London, GB Scala
August 6 Cologne, DE Essigfabrik
August 8 Berlin, DE Columbia Club
August 10 Hamburg, DE Grunspan
August 12 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg
August 22 Pomona, CA Epicenter
Sept. 4 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Sept. 5 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
Sept. 7 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
Sept. 8 New York, NY The Fillmore
Sept. 15 Toronto, ON The Opera House
Sept. 16 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Sept. 19 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Sept. 20 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
Sept. 21 Minneapolis, MN First Ave
Sept. 26 Portland, OR Roseland Grill
Sept. 28 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore

www.aliceinchains.com
 


EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JESSE JAMES DUPREE DEVELOPS NEW TV SHOW, 'FULL THROTTLE SALOON'


Following the success of the Emmy-nominated hit MTV show, 'Two-A-Days,' executive producer Jesse James Dupree of Mighty Loud Entertainment, has partnered with Arnold Rifkin of Cheyenne (Die Hard, Armageddon) and A.Smith & Co (Hell's Kitchen, I Survived A Japanese Gameshow) and has just placed his next show with the Tru Television Network. Based on the world's largest biker bar in Sturgis, South Dakota, the show follows bar owner Mike Ballard through the rally, and what it takes to run the FULL THROTTLE SALOON. Ballard manages over 300 employees (100 of which are quite voluptuous bartenders) - all the while having only nine days to generate millions of dollars. Jesse describes the show as, "'The 'Deadliest Catch' meets 'Coyote Ugly' on steroids. Everyone should show up to the Full Throttle Saloon this year and be a part of our new show." 'Full Throttle Saloon' will air mid-summer.

In addition to Executive-producing cable television shows, JJD has produced three Pay-Per-Views and the Dirt Poor Comedy show. He also runs Mighty Loud, which is a full-service entertainment company, that produces television shows, band management, and a record label distributed through Universal / Fontana. Jesse is also the General Manager of Kiefer Sutherland and Jude Cole's label, Ironworks (Billy Boy On Poison, Rocco Deluca & The Burden, and honeyhoney). In 2008, Jesse James Beer was launched, which is currently available in Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota, while JJD released a solo album "Rev It Up And Go-Go," as Jesse James Dupree & Dixie Inc. In addition to all of the above, JJD remains the frontman of the rock group Jackyl, that continues to perform more than 50 shows a year headlining festivals across the country. Jackyl has sold more than 3-million albums and is currently planning on releasing a new album at the end of the summer. Jackyl holds the Guinness Wor
ld Record for 100 shows in 50 days. Jesse James Dupree is an executive producer, rock star, entrepreneur, record label exec, and all around hardest working man in show business.
 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
JON BON JOVI RECORDS SONG FOR IRAN

Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora have teamed up with exiled Iranian singer Andy Madadian on a version of Ben E. King’s song “Stand By Me.”  The bi-lingual video, which is up on YouTube, is meant to send “a musical message of worldwide solidarity” to the Iranian people dealing with their country’s recent controversial election.  Producer Don Was told Billboard that the Farsi and English recording of the song took place last week in L-A.  Madadian was going into the studio with Was and they saw Bon Jovi and Sambora, told them what they were up to and got them on board.  The track won’t be for sale and is only meant to spread across the world, sending a message of unity to Iranians. 

  • DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RASKaZFZtS8


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
JOE PERRY WORKED HARD ON HIS SOLO CD

It’s been four years since Joe Perry released a solo album but it’s not because of a lack of inspiration.  In fact, as Joe told us, once he started working on his latest solo record, he would work on the effort every day.

“The one thing that I believe in is you have to get down there and do it no matter whether you feel inspired or not because it’s in there, you just have to train yourself to cut through whatever excuses you’re giving yourself for not wanting to write and you start going.  Sometimes if I feel like I don’t got anything today, I’ll go down and cover a song, an old favorite, and inevitably that gets the gears rolling.”

Joe recently Twittered that the solo CD is mixed and ready to be released, but there is no release date yet.  He told The Morning Call newspaper that he’s hoping to tour behind the record, even if it is just a few dates, after the Aerosmith tour wraps up.  Joe plays with Aerosmith tonight in Cincinnati. 

  • Keep up with Joe by following his Twitter page at Twitter.com/AdmiralPerry.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
METALLICA DVD RELEASE DATE

Metallica plans to film their July 7th show in Nimes, France for a DVD and we now know when that disc will hit shelves.  The DVD is set to come out in French stores, online and at Metallica.com on October 19th.  Meanwhile, French company WorMee will provide ten concertgoers with cameras to help film the show.  Some of their footage will appear on the DVD.  WorMee will also stream the concert from July 10th to the 13th.  Head to Metallica.WorMee.com to register to see it, but to navigate the site, you might need some knowledge of the French language.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
NIKKI SIXX TALKS FASHION

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is a pretty fashionable guy and the rocker spoke about his style with England’s The Independent.  In the interview, Nikki revealed that he no longer has leather pants in his wardrobe.  What he does have are Chuck Taylors in brown and black leather and tons of ripped t-shirts.  Sixx states, “Style comes from the inside, you can’t just put it on in the morning.  I can’t stand people who try too hard.”  As for Nikki’s fashion advice?  “Stick to what you know, and don’t wear stuff just because you think you should.”  Read more at TheIndependent.co.uk.

From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
WHY DEBBIE HARRY DIDN’T HAVE KIDS

Today, Blondie singer Deborah Harry turns 64.  While Deborah has volumes of music to show for her lifetime, what she doesn’t have is kids.  The vocalist filled us in on why that is. 

“I never really had time when I was working with Blondie, you know, we were just constantly working all the time and I just thought, you know, I don’t think that I would be a good enough parent at this stage, you know, I can’t devote enough focus.  And I sort of wondered about that all these years, I sort of thought, ‘Oh god, maybe that was a mistake.  Maybe I should have had children. Maybe I should’ve raised a family.’” 

Debbie added that she feels better about her decision after having seen a documentary about Kelly Osbourne and other children of rock stars, who all say they wish their parents were around more.  Deborah next plays with Blondie July 18th in Oakville, California.  For all the band’s dates, head to Blondie.net


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
LITA FORD DESCRIBES HER WICKED WONDERLAND

Lita Ford is readying her latest album, Wicked Wonderland, and the rocker is talking about that title.  In a release, Lita said, “Everybody has their own Wicked Wonderland.  It’s a place where you can do whatever you want and get as freaky as you feel.”  Ford explains that the tracks on the record are her version of that and are about the parts of her life “when the kids are in bed and my husband and I get into the boudoir.”  Yowsa.  Check it out when Wicked Wonderland hits shelves this fall.  >


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
COLLECTIVE SOUL PREP RABBIT


Collective Soul
will release their new album titled Collective Soul (Rabbit) on August 25th.  The set was recorded at frontman Ed Roland’s Lake House studio and is self-produced.  The current single is “Staring Down” but the band will release a new single called “Welcome All Again,” on Monday.  The group is out on the road now and plays in Calgary, Alberta tonight. 

Collective Soul (Rabbit) Track Listing:

Welcome All Again
Fuzzy
Dig
You
My Days
Understanding
Staring Down
She Does
Lighten Up
Love

Hymn For My Father


 

June 29, 2009

From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
DUFF McKAGAN’S LOADED JOINS CRUE FEST 2

Crue Fest 2
kicks off in a couple of weeks and now, Motley Crue’s touring festival will have yet another band on the bill.  Blabbermouth.net reports Duff McKagan’s group Loaded has been confirmed to play the second stage during the event.  Other groups taking part in this year’s Crue Fest include Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman and Drowning Pool Crue Fest 2 begins on July 19th in Camden, New Jersey.  CrueFest2.com has all the dates. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
CHICKENFOOT, AC/DC UP FOR ROLL OF HONOUR AWARDS

Spinal Tap was on hand in London to announce the nominations for England’s 2009 Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards.  Chickenfoot is in the running for Best New Band while AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Faith No More and Kings of Leon will battle it out for Band of the Year.  AC/DC’s Black Ice and Metallica’s Death Magnetic are also up for Album of the Year, against the likes of Guns N’ RosesChinese Democracy and Heaven & Hell’s The Devil You Know.  Check out all the nominees at ClassicRockMagazine.com


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
STATION 
NIGHTCLUB OWNER OUT OF PRISON

The former owner of Rhode Island’s Station nightclub, where in 2003, 100 people died when a fire erupted during a Great White concert, has been released early from prison for good behavior.  Michael Derderian spent three years behind bars after pleading no contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter.  He was due out in the fall but was freed on Thursday.  The club fire was fueled by cheap foam used as soundproofing.  According to WBZTV.com, Derderian said in a statement that while his incarceration has ended, (quote) “remembering the loss of life and pain from family members and survivors is something that will never leave me.” 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
EDDIE VAN HALEN GETS HITCHED


Guitarist Eddie Van Halen is now a married man.  On Saturday, the rocker got hitched to his girlfriend, Janie, who walked down the aisle to a quartet’s rendition of Van Halen’s “When It’s Love.”  Eddie’s son, Van Halen bassist Wolfgang, was the best man while Eddie’s brother, Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen, who is also an ordained minister, officiated the ceremony.  According to People.com, among the 100 guests in attendance was Eddie’s ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli

  • Eddie and Valerie divorced in 2006 after 25 years of marriage.

  • Because of Eddie’s previous bouts with alcoholism, there was a non-alcoholic bar at the event.

  • Eddie and Janie plan to honeymoon in New York, Germany and the Netherlands, where Eddie was born.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
JON BON JOVI HANGS WITH THE OBAMAS

Jon Bon Jovi
has had a couple of busy weeks.  First, he spent some time with President Obama in the Oval Office and more recently, the rocker met with Michelle Obama to talk about her new volunteer initiative, United We Serve. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wife, Maria Shriver was also present. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
CHEAP TRICK’S SHORTER SONGS

Cheap Trick
just released a new album.  It’s called The Latest and it boasts some shorter songs.  The quicker tunes make it easier for the band to play them live.  At many shows, audiences don’t pay close attention to new music, preferring to rock out to classics.  However, according to guitarist Rick Nielsen, folks at their concerts don’t have time to leave when they play something new.  

“We play new songs – people walk out even if like The Who were playing, people will walk out like, ‘Here’s a new song,’ uh-oh, psssshh, everybody runs to the exits.  We say, ‘Here’s a new song,’ but our songs are so short that, unless they pee in their pants, they can’t even get to the bathroom before the song is over so people don’t even leave.  We tell them that in advance.  If we say we’re playing a new song, don’t leave because even if you hate it, which you probably will, it’s very short.”  

You can hear Cheap Trick’s new, shorter songs by picking up The Latest.  It can be ordered now at CheapTrick.com or Amazon.com.  Meanwhile, the group is currently touring with Def Leppard and Poison.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
WHAT’S NEXT FOR IRON MAIDEN?

Now that they’ve completed their massive Somewhere Back in Time World Tour, what’s next for Iron Maiden?  Singer Bruce Dickinson told RollingStone.com that the band is now “in daydreaming mode.”  The frontman explained they’re trying to get ideas and towards the end of the year the guys will get together to plan a new record.  As for another tour, Bruce stated, “That’s at least a year and a bit away.”  When they do eventually tour, Dickinson revealed they’ll probably play some new songs and some tracks from albums they don’t usually play from.  Read more at RollingStone.com


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
McCARTNEY HELPS OUT NEIL YOUNG ON STAGE

The audience at Neil Young’s concert at London’s Hyde Park on Saturday got a surprise – Paul McCartney showed up.  The former Beatle came onstage during Neil’s rendition of “A Day in the Life,” helping the singer out with a verse. Sir Paul even did an impromptu vibraphone solo after the song.  Footage of the duet is on YouTube.

  • McCartney and Young previously performed together at the Bridge School Benefit concert in 2004. 

  • DIRECT LINK TO VIDEO FROM THIS WEEKEND:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6SSR3YY-rc


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
MICK MARS’ FIRST SONG

When Motley Crue perform at Crue Fest 2 this summer, along with some of their hits, they plan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their classic album Dr. Feelgood by playing the record in its entirety.  Guitarist Mick Mars has been playing songs since long before that album came out.  He told us about what he remembers about the first tune he ever played. 

“Seeing as I was only seven years old when I first picked up a guitar, it was one of two songs, because I learned like a couple at a time so you can use either ‘Bonanza’ or, this is really going to hurt, ‘Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley.’  It was one of the first songs I learned.  I actually went to see the movie and I liked it so I learned how to play it.”

While Mick won’t be playing any songs that old at the upcoming Crue shows, he will be rocking through the group’s repertoire.  Crue Fest 2 kicks off on July 19th in Camden, New Jersey.  CrueFest2.com has all the dates


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
KISS FRANGRANCES

Kiss will be releasing a line of fragrances.  For women, there is Kiss Her which boasts the fine odors of wet fig leaves, crushed red peppercorns, exotic black orchid and vintage mahogany.  Then for men there is Kiss Him, which includes bergamot, white pepper, anise, black cumin, fir balsam, sandalwood and moss.  You can order a bottle of what bassist Gene Simmons calls “the smell of success” at ThePerfumeShop.com


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
AEROSMITH DRUMMER HOPES TO HELP PEOPLE

While touring this summer with Aerosmith, drummer Joey Kramer is also promoting his autobiography, Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top.  The book came out today and chronicles the rocker’s struggles with drugs, alcohol, depression and rocky relationships with his dad and bandmates.  According to Blabbermouth.net, Kramer said he hopes readers are not only entertained by the book, but that they learn from his experiences as well. 


 

June 26, 2009

From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
MUSTAINE: NEW ALBUM IS RECORD OF HIS CAREER

Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine is readying the band’s new album, Endgame, and he is pretty pleased with how it’s turned out.  The rocker told Sun Media, “I’ve made the record of my career…The record is the best Megadeth record I’ve ever done by far.”  Dave described the music as “aggressive” and fast and added that when he plays it to people, “everybody goes – ‘Whoo!’ or ‘F**k yeah!’”  Mustaine is playing one song live, “Headcrusher,” and you can hear it now by calling Dave’s Live Line number, 866-597-6342.  Endgame is tentatively due out in September. 

  • Live Line is a way for fans to interact with artists by calling a number and hearing a recording which changes to reflect news in the artist’s life. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
IT’S DEF LEPPARD DAY IN HAMBURG, NEW YORK

Today is a special day in Hamburg, New York – it’s Def Leppard Day!  According to the Buffalo News, the town board voted unanimously to honor the group, which plays tonight at the nearby Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.  Guitarist Phil Collen and bassist Rick Savage will be on hand to sign autographs.  Town officials hope the honor will have residents listening and enjoying the music of Def Leppard for years to come. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
CLASH’S MICK JONES WILL WORK FOR FOOD

Today, The Clash’s Mick Jones turns 54.  During his lifetime, the guitarist has made a lot of music and probably a lot of money too.  These days however, he is not as interested in cash while he works on his latest project, Carbon/Silicon.  Mick has given a lot of the group’s music away for free on their Web site and as he told us, he’s happy without getting paid, as long as he gets something. 

 “You know, you do get a little bit of recognition. Maybe, perhaps you get a trip to the luxury lounge instead. As long as the comping continues it should be fine. It’s that free bartering system that we love so much. You know, give us your potatoes. It doesn’t matter if you ain’t got the money, just give us your potatoes.” 

Learn more about Carbon/Silicon, which also features Generation X’s Tony James, by visiting the group’s Web site, CarbonSiliconInc.com


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
YES KEEPING HEALTHY BY TOURING

Yes kick off their summer tour today in Indio, California. Unfortunately, because he is still recovering from the respiratory infection that kept him off the road the last time the group toured, singer Jon Anderson will once again not be joining his bandmates. The 64-year-old Jon explained that it was better for him and the band that he stay home, even if touring has healing powers for him. 

 “You know, you go through different health things at this kind of age. When I’m on the road, you start worrying a little bit about your health but I think just being on the road in itself helps a lot.” 

Jon will get a little healing from the road this summer.  He’ll be performing a handful of solo shows all over Europe.  You can see those dates at JonAnderson.com.  Meanwhile, for their tour, Yes will be joined by Asia. Head over to YesWorld.com for more info and dates. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
ARE YOU COLLECTIVE SOUL’S BIGGEST FAN?

Collective Soul wants to know why you’re their biggest fan, and if you can prove it to them, you can win some pretty cool stuff.  Head to CollectiveSoul.com for details on how to upload a picture of yourself showing your love for the band.  If you’re selected, you’ll win tickets to a show of your choice, score an invite to a meet-and-greet with the guys and grab a T-shirt.  The contest is running now through September 17th.


BUCKCHERRY SCORES #1 MOST ADDED TRACK AT ACTIVE ROCK New Track To Be Added To BLACK BUTTERFLY By Eleven Seven Music With EMI Music As Distributor
New York, NY

 

(June 25, 2009) --- Eleven Seven Music has announced that BUCKCHERRY, dubbed the next great American rock band will now be distributed through EMI Music domestically and internationally through The Eleven Seven Music Group's new global deal. Eleven Seven Music was sole home to the band leading into their hit "Crazy Bitch" which, along with their smash hit "Sorry" spurred their album 15 to sell over a million copies.

Black Butterfly debuted at #8 on the Top 200 chart as the highest debuting rock album and has produced four multi-format hits.
 

 

June 24, 2009

 

AEROSMITH’S TOM HAMILTON AND JOEY KRAMER WELCOME TROOPS AT JUNE 21 VIRGINIA SHOW

Following the lead of bandmate JOEY KRAMER, AEROSMITH’s Tom Hamilton provided 20 tickets to military personnel--matching the same number provided by KRAMER--at Sunday’s show (June 21) at the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA, near Washington, D.C. Forty Marines and Sailors from the National Naval Medical Center--who are currently receiving treatment/therapy for their injuries sustained in Iraq or Afghanistan--were on hand for the show.

“Joey and I had the privilege of meeting a group of soldiers called Wounded Warriors Sunday night at the Nissan Pavilion show in Virginia,” TOM says. “Most of them were wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. I found myself wanting to ask each of them how and where they were injured. But their wounds are not who they are and especially not Sunday night. That night was about joining the band and the fans and rocking out. We hope those guys had a great night and we appreciate their sacrifice.”

For more information about the organization, visit www.usometro.org to learn about the programs and services offered. AEROSMITH are currently on a massive North American tour with their special guests ZZ Top that wraps September 16 in Detroit, MI.
 


EAGLE ROCK AND ZZ TOP LAND ONE YEAR MARK ON CANADIAN MUSIC DVD CHARTS!

Toronto, ON (June 24, 2009) -- Today, Eagle Rock Entertainment celebrates a 52-week ride on the Canadian Music DVD SoundScan charts for ZZ Top's Live From Texas (#5 this week on the Top 50 Music DVD charts, and closing in on 5x platinum in Canada).

Originally released on June 24, 2008, Live From Texas is the first-ever live concert on DVD and Blu-ray from ZZ Top. A compendium of the entire ZZ career, Live From Texas features 17 of the bands most beloved tracks, including "Tush" "Legs" and "Sharp Dressed Man." This DVD not only features 2 hours of the Southern-fried sizzle ZZ Top is world-famous for, but bonus footage of the band discussing their evolution over a poker game.

Look for ZZ Top on tour with Aerosmith this summer in Canada!

8/7/09 - Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Inns Stadium
8/9/09 - Regina, SK @ Mosaic Field
8/11/09 - Edmonton, AB @ Commonwealth Pavillion
8/13/09 - Calgary, AB @ McMahon Stadium
8/15/09 - Vancouver, BC @ BC Place
9/3/09 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
9/5/09 - Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place

Eagle Rock Entertainment also celebrates another huge achievement this week as the company holds a 24% share of the Top 50 Canadian Music DVD SoundScan charts, with 12 releases in the Top 50.

Current Eagle Rock DVD chart-toppers include Diana Krall's Live in Rio (May 26, 2009), Jeff Beck's Performing This Week...Live at Ronnie Scott's (March 31, 2009), Deep Purple's History, Hits & Highlights (June 2, 2009), Moody Blues Live at the Isle of Wight (May 26, 2009), and Black Label Society's Skullage DVD/CD set (April 21, 2009).

Eagle Rock will continue this tradition of spectacular live concert DVDs, with upcoming releases from Quincy Jones, The Black Crowes, Jethro Tull, Jason Aldean, and Willie Nelson.


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.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
SPRINGSTEEN, AC/DC AMONG TOP-EARNING MUSICIANS

Forbes has released their list of the Top-Earning Musicians and classic rockers yet again made the cut.  Bruce Springsteen took fourth, raking in 70-million, while AC/DC came in 6th with 60 mil.  The Eagles made 55-million dollars, enough for the nine spot, followed by Bon Jovi in 11th with 50 million and the Dave Matthews Band in 12th with 45 mil.  The top spots all went to female singers – Madonna, Celine Dion and Beyonce


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
WOODSTOCK
EXHIBIT AT ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME


There are many different celebrations this year to mark the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and the latest one to be announced will take place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  The museum plans to put on a huge exhibit that tells the story of the festival using all kinds of artifacts from the event.  Expect to see original stage plans, posters, contracts and even clothes worn by the likes of Stephen Stills.  The exhibit opens on July 3rd and runs through late November.  Learn more at RockHall.com


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
THE WORLD LOVES “HIGHWAY TO HELL”

It seems that the world loves Australian rockers AC/DC.  According to Gibson.com, at the annual Australasian Performing Right Association Awards, the band won the Most Played Australian Work Overseas award for their hit “Highway to Hell.” 

On Wikipedia, it says the group came up with the song title after guitarist Angus Young responded to a question about what life is like on tour by saying it’s “a f***ing highway to hell.” 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
THE KINKS TO GET A MOVIE


According to The Independent, there will soon be a feature-length film about The Kinks, though there is no word yet on if it is going to be a documentary or a biopic.  Singer Ray Davies also revealed that while he, his brother Dave and drummer Mick Avory have gotten back together to perform, an official Kinks reunion might never happen.  He said that the issue is Dave, who suffered a stroke in 2004.  While Dave is improving, Ray says he is not ready psychologically to reunite.  However, the vocalist did state that he’ll work with Dave and (quote) “whatever he can play we’ll create something around it together.”  The Kinks film will be directed by Julien Temple, who previously directed some of the Kinks’ music videos as well as the 2007 doc Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten.


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
TWISTED SISTER’S STAY HUNGRY REISSUE STREAMING


The 25th anniversary edition of Twisted Sister’s hit album Stay Hungry doesn’t come out until Tuesday, but you can hear the entire record right now.  All the tracks, including the band’s new song “30,” are currently streaming at Vh1.com

From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
A POSSIBLE SECRET TO CHICKENFOOT’S SUCCESS

For the third week in a row, Chickenfoot’s self-titled debut album is in the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart.  The band sold another 46-thousand copies last week, enough for the seven spot on the chart. Perhaps the secret to the supergroup’s success is that each member comes with something different, yet they all have something in common, as guitarist Joe Satriani explained.   

“They are really an amazing group of musicians and each of them are very specialized in their own way but where they come together is that they’re all writers, they’re all great improvisers, they’re all great entertainers and yet they’re all different.  But there are some things that we share in our roots – old rock and roll, blues, R&B, heavy rock – lots of stuff in our roots has brought us together.” 

Chickenfoot, which is comprised of Satriani along with Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith and ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, is currently touring in Europe.  They kick off a North American trek on August 2nd in Nova Scotia, Canada.  See all the group’s dates at Chickenfoot.us


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
THIN LIZZY CANCEL GIGS WITH AC/DC


Thin Lizzy
has had to cancel more shows due to drummer Tommy Aldridge’s recent collar bone injury.  The rocker was hurt in an accident and is still recovering.  The group will now no longer be opening for AC/DC next week in London, Dublin and Glasgow.  They previously had to cancel a festival appearance and two U-K shows. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave BasnerFrom
BON SCOTT’S LYRIC NOTEBOOKS SELL FOR 35K

A pair of late AC/DC singer Bon Scott’s notebooks filled with handwritten lyrics went up for auction this week.  The books, which Bon used during his time with the band from 1974 to 1980, contain 25 song lyrics including the words to “High Voltage” and “T.N.T.”  There are also drawings and humorous notes in the books, which, according to Reuters, sold for 35-thousand dollars. 


From VH1 Radio's Dave Basner
METALLICA IN LEGO FORM


Someone has taken the time to turn Metallica into Lego figures and create a video.  The creative person has made a clip of the Lego version of the band performing “Whiplash.”  You can check it out now by searching YouTube for “Metallica in Lego.” 

  • DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Y9zWjCzuM


 

June 23, 2009

 

BOSTON'S TOM SCHOLZ TO GRANT IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW TO ON WWW.LOST45.COM

 

CBS radio host of the popular Sunday night show, The Lost 45s’ Barry Scott has secured a rare interview with the musical genius Tom Scholz of the band BOSTON! The program is set to be broadcast on Sunday July 5th from 7-midnight EST on Oldies 103.3/Boston and streaming internationally on www.lost45.com

Don’t miss this rare interview with Tom Scholz when he sets the record straight about the songs, the lawsuits, the death of Brad Delp, and the heretofore unspoken truth: “There was never an actual band BOSTON recording the demo.” Tom also covers topics like the BOSTON logo, Top 40 radio, the re-mastered Greatest Hits CD and the band’s name!

“Like a great Scholz penned rock song, this interview has taken years to secure but was so worth the wait!” says Barry Scott. “I hope that I’ve asked every question the BOSTON fans and classic rock listeners want to know. This is truly a highlight for The Lost 45s and I hope everyone will spend a little bit of the July 4th holiday weekend with me on Oldies 103.3 and www.lost45.com

Fun fact Barry Scott reveals: Did you know Epic Records considered putting a head of Boston Lettuce, a pot of Boston baked beans or a Boston cream pie on the first BOSTON album cover?

More about BOSTON at www.bandboston.com

“The Lost 45s with Barry Scott” special interview with Tom Scholz airs Sunday, July 5th from 7 to midnight Eastern! Hear a preview now at his web site www.lost45.com and for more about BOSTON at www.bandboston.com



LEGACY LAUNCHES THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE : 40th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIONS BEGIN WITH FIVE CLASSIC 1969 ALBUMS BY WOODSTOCK HEADLINERS JEFFERSON AIRPLANE, JANIS JOPLIN, SANTANA, SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, AND JOHNNY WINTER

SOLD SEPARATELY AT $19.98 (SUGGESTED RETAIL)

ORIGINAL ALBUMS COUPLED FOR FIRST TIME WITH COMPLETE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES, PROVIDING PERFECT SNAPSHOT OF THE ARTIST IN THE PIVOTAL YEAR 1969


Newly-designed eco-friendly 2-CD packages contain mini-LP sleeves with inner paper sleeves, inside slipcase jacket, plus two-sided 16x20-inch fold-out poster

Sony Music Entertainment teams with Woodstock Ventures to launch Woodstock.com

, broad-based interactive social networking website

THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE titles available at both physical and digital retail outlets starting June 30, 2009

The spirit of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair of 1969 resonates 40 summers later, as if it were just yesterday.

In 1969, five acts recorded albums for the Columbia, Epic, and RCA labels (divisions of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT) and brought their music to Max Yasgur’s farm that summer. For the first time, THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE couples those albums with music from the festival, providing a pocket portrait of what each artist and band was experiencing during 1969. Available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting June 30th – in newly-designed eco-friendly 2CD packages.

Each THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE disc will be packaged inside a mini-LP cover with inner paper sleeves: CD-one replicating the front and back covers of the original LP, and CD-two featuring iconic photography of the artist performing at the festival. These mini-LPs will be housed in a paper-board slipcase sharing continuity of design recognition across all five packages. The slipcase will also contain a two-sided 16x20-inch fold-out poster, with one side displaying iconic photography of the artist performing at the festival, and the other side displaying a classic crowd shot of the audience.

The upcoming 40th anniversary celebration includes such highly-anticipated projects as Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee’s Ta