February 9, 2010

DAVE MUSTAINE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF FOUNDING BASSIST DAVID ELLEFSON TO MEGADETH LINE-UP

Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced the return of original bassist David Ellefson (1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group. This reunion is appropriately timed to Megadeth’s upcoming historic month-long Rust In Peace 20th anniversary tour which launches March 1 in Spokane, WA. At these incredibly special shows, Megadeth will play their landmark, genre-defining 1990 album Rust In Peace in its entirety, in addition to other Megadeth favorites.

"This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness,” Mustaine says. “David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked...HARD!"

David Ellefson concurs: "This is a huge moment for all of us, band and fans alike. It is a great celebration of the music from one of the biggest landmark albums of our career."

Ellefson will join Mustaine and Megadeth band members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar) on tour in support of the group’s current CD Endgame, which has received some of the highest critical accolades of the band’s career.

"We'd like to thank James LoMenzo for several years of loyal service on the bass, and wish him the very best," Mustaine adds.

For more information on Megadeth, go to: www.megadeth.com

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DREAM THEATER RETURN TO SOUTH AMERICA AND MEXICO 11 SHOWS IN SIX COUNTRIES WILL RUN FROM MARCH 5-24 WITH FIRST-TIME VISITS TO LIMA, PERU AND PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL

Progressive rock titans DREAM THEATER--James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar, vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums, percussion, vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards, Continuum)--continue their global assault with a March 5-24 tour of South America and Mexico. The trek will encompass 11 shows in six countries, with first-time visits to Lima, Peru and Porto Alegre, Brazil.

In an interview below with Mike Portnoy, the drummer discusses the band’s deep admiration for their fans in Mexico and South America. In Santiago, Chile in 2006, DREAM THEATER played to their largest audience ever (20,000) as a headlining act, a show that was released as a DVD on Portnoy’s YtseJam Records (www.ytsejamrecords.com).

The concerts in South America and Mexico--to be opened by Bigelf--will follow a monumental year of touring for the band in connection with their 10th studio release BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS (Roadrunner), for which they achieved a #1 debut on the Billboard European chart and 12 Top Ten album chart debuts around the world including the U.S.

In 2009, the legendary progressive metal masters--who’ve sold in excess of 10,000,000 records and DVD's worldwide--broke records in Europe, playing to festival crowds of over 80,000 fans and made their debut appearance in Israel in front of 10,000 fans. Next came their headlining North American “Progressive Nation” headlining tour, followed by their overseas September/October 2009 “Progressive Nation” headlining trek reaching 15 countries. They finished the year with a December down under swing with seven shows in Australia and New Zealand.

2009 was also a watermark year for DREAM THEATER as a recording act. Beyond the aforementioned worldwide chart debuts, BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS--a highlight of their 25-year career--was praised by Mojo magazine’s Paul Elliott in a July 2009 review: “…their lofty ideals remain intact. By modern criteria, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is as highbrow as The Mars Volta, as grandiose as Muse and as heavy as Metallica.” A video of the album’s “Wither” was shot in 2009 on location in the U.K. (London, Manchester), France (Paris, Lille) and Netherlands (Rotterdam):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpMDEQSwXjw&feature=player_embedded. DREAM THEATER were also honored with the "Spirit Of Prog" achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards in London (November 2).

Q&A with Mike Portnoy about the March 2010 shows in South America and Mexico

Dream Theater has an upcoming headline tour of South America and Mexico where the band has built a fan base from previous gigs and sold many records. Can you talk about an experience of playing there before--and the bond that exists with your fans there?

“Our South American audience has become one of the biggest and most passionate for Dream Theater on the planet! We first experienced the intense love affair when we played Brazil for the first times in 1997 and 1998...when we finally returned in 2005, we were able to visit Argentina, Venezuela and Chile as well as Brazil and were overwhelmed by the incredible responses. Our first show in Santiago Chile still remains the biggest headlining show the band has done to date with over 20,000 insane fans showing up for a three -hour "Evening With" Dream Theater.”

The Mexico City show is about ¾ sold already and it’s an 8,000 capacity venue. That has to be amping up Dream Theater.

“This will be our fifth time playing National Auditorium in Mexico City (having previously sold the venue out in 2000, 2002, 2006 & 2008)....it is always a highlight for us....you can never go wrong with 10,000 intense, passionate Mexican fans!!”

The upcoming trek will mark your first shows in Lima, Peru and Porto Alegre, Brazil…which underlines the band’s growing popularity. It’s very notable that the band will perform in South American venues with capacities ranging from 6,000 to 15,000. Can you talk about how the global market keeps expanding for Dream Theater?

“We always look forward to playing new cities and countries for the first time....after almost 20 years on the road, they are becoming far and few between for us...so it's always very special for us. There's nothing more rewarding than playing a song we've played over 1,000 times through the years but seeing the excitement on the faces of the audience that are hearing it in person for the very first time!”

You have invited Bigelf to open all these shows for you. What excites you about them?

“It's been my personal mission to help Bigelf get the exposure they've been waiting 15 years to receive. I fell in love with them within the first minute of hearing their sound. They are like all of my favorite classic bands wrapped in one: The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Queen, etc. I have taken them under my wings and brought them on tour with DT throughout North America and Europe and am now pleased to have them join us in South America. I hope our fans welcome them with open arms and open ears. They are not a technical band like DT, but anybody with good taste in music should be able to appreciate them and fall for them just as I have!”

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REO & BENATAR ADDED TO MOONDANCE JAM LINEUP

WALKER, MINNESOTA (February 4, 2010) – REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and Buckcherry have all been added to The Moondance Jam schedule for 2010, joining the previously-announced Lynyrd Skynyrd, who will headline the final night of this year’s festival. Now the country’s largest classic rock festival, this year’s event will take place July 14-17, 2010 in Walker, Minnesota.  Tickets are available now at www.moondancejam.com or by calling 1-877-MOONJAM.

REO Speedwagon returns to Walker as the 30th anniversary of its classic “Hi Infidelity” album approaches later this year. The band still plays many of the hits from that iconic record along with its other classics. Benatar, with husband Giraldo on guitar and original drummer Myron Grombacher now back in the band, has been playing steadily over the years with a greatest hits set that satisfies even the most ardent fans. Buckcherry makes its first Walker appearance with its brand of sleazy rock slotting perfectly with the classic rock stars from the 70’s and 80’s who usually appear here. 

Tickets are now available in a variety of packages. Concert goers can purchase Rockstar All Access, three-day VIP, three-day general admission, weekend packages and single day admission, as well as camping sites and parking passes by contacting the Jam office in Walker.

An official announcement concerning the entire festival line-up is due sometime later this month. Expect 15 bands to pack the main stage over three days and many more side stage acts to be added in the coming months. 

The Moondance Jam has been held at the same location in Walker since 1992. This year marks the 19^th edition of the festival, which was started by resident Bill Bieloh. The Moondance Jam and its sister festival, Moondance Jamming Country Fest, help bring thousands of music fans to the Walker area every summer. Its bucolic location, situated near a huge lake on a site located three hours northwest of Minneapolis, houses thousands of camping sites during the festivals, and has been cited by many as to why they return year after year to Walker for the shows.

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JOE PERRY GIVES STATUS UPDATE ON AEROSMITH
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

When we last heard about Aerosmith, Steven Tyler was considering suing the band to stop them from seeking a new singer, but now, guitarist Joe Perry is saying Tyler will always be part of the band.  Joe told England’s Classic Rock Magazine that Tyler hasn’t quit and hasn’t been fired.  The guys are just acting as though Steven is “on a vacation from Aerosmith.”  Since they want to keep playing live, they will temporarily bring a new singer on board.  Perry says the guys aren’t “daft enough to think” they can replace Steven and don’t intend to.  They just don’t want to stop performing.  Joe goes on to say he expects Tyler to be singing with the group again way sooner than the two years Steven thinks he’ll be gone for.  Joe stated, “It may end up that we only do 10 shows with the new person!”  Read more at ClassicRockMagazine.com. 

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OZZY BOOK AT TWO SPOT ON NYT BEST SELLER LIST
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Ozzy Osbourne is on the charts again, but this time it’s his book that’s successful.  The Prince of Darkness’ new autobiography, I Am Ozzy, debuted at number two on the New York Times Hardcover Non-fiction Best Seller List.  However, as Ozzy told us, he had some help in writing the book.

 “I didn’t actually put pen to paper but the guy who was doing the book with me, he was good at getting… he’d say, ‘Okay, tell me about your life at that time,’ and I’d start talking about different parts of my life and he’d say, ‘Oh that’s pretty interesting, can you embellish on that?’  So it was kind of therapeutic in a way, you know.”

Buy your copy of I Am Ozzy today!  
•       The number one book is Game Change, which gives away secrets from the 2008 Presidential campaign. 

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GET THE “MY GENERATION” REMIX WITH SLASH
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

During the Super Bowl, you may have caught an ad featuring a remix of The Who’s “My Generation.”  Well that commercial for Flo TV, which includes some thrashing from Slash, can now be watched on YouTube.  You can also buy the track at Amazon.com and the proceeds from sales will benefit the Haiti relief efforts. 

•       DIRECT LINK TO VIDEO OF COMMERCIAL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKUUfPG8vx8

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RUSH WORKING ON NEW SONGS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Rush drummer Neil Peart has updated fans on what the band is up to.  In a recent interview with the Toronto Sun, the rocker revealed the group is working on new material.  He said that this year, the guys not only hope to write and record a new album, but even tour a bit.  He went on to say that because we are living in the days of iTunes, when full albums don’t matter as much and individual tracks can be downloaded, Rush might just put out a handful of new songs and forgo an album.  Peart explained the band’s theme for the year is “Research and Development.”  Learn more at TorontoSun.com.   

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WHAT’S UP WITH MUSTAINE’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY’S TITLE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

There have been some rumors lately that Megadeth singer Dave Mustaine has changed the title of his autobiography.  The book was set to be called Hello Me… Meet the Real Me, but on sites like Borders.com, the title is listed as Wake Up Dead: A Heavy Metal Memoir.  According to Blabbermouth.net, publisher HarperCollins says that the title has not changed but as yet, there is no word as to why the online stores are posting the wrong name.  Whatever it’s called, the autobiography is due out on April 13th. 

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SCORPIONS REVEAL STING IN THE TAIL TRACK LIST
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

The Scorpions’ next record, Sting in the Tail, will be their last and the German rockers have just announced the track list to the album.  Song titles include “Raised on Rock,” “Turn You On,” “Let’s Rock,” “Spirit of Rock” and “The Best is Yet to Come.”  Grab your copy of the final Scorpions record ever when it hits shelves on March 23rd. 

Sting in the Tail Track List:

1. “Raised On Rock”
2. “Sting In The Tail”
3. “Slave Me”
4. “The Good Die Young” (feat. Tarja Turunen)
5. “No Limit”
6. “Rock Zone”
7. “Lorelei”
8. “Turn You On”
9. “Let's Rock”
10. “SLY”
11. “Spirit Of Rock”
12. “The Best Is Yet To Come”

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GET KISS’ SONIC BOOM ON VINYL
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

You can now get Kiss’ latest album, Sonic Boom, on 180-gram vinyl.  The LP will be packaged in a full-color gatefold jacket and include a poster plus lyrics on the inner sleeve.  The records will come in five colors, purple, red, green, blue and black, with only one-thousand units of each color getting pressed.  You can pre-order the limited-edition vinyl now at KissOnline.com. 

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JEFF BECK REVEALS TOUR DATES
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

On April 13th, Jeff Beck will release Emotion & Commotion, his first album in seven years.  Three days later, the famed guitarist will kick off the first leg of his U-S tour and Jeff has just released all the dates for that trek.  It’ll kick off in San Francisco and run through May 1st, hitting up 10 major cities before winding down at the New Orleans Jazz Festival.  To see all of Jeff’s dates, head to JeffBeck.com. 

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FANS GET FRISKY AT CANADIAN CRUE SHOW
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

A lot of people like to rock out to Motley Crue’s music but at a recent show in Winnipeg, Canada, a couple decided to do a lot more than that.  According to the Winnipeg Sun, a blonde concertgoer was giving a very raunchy lap dance to her male companion, and possibly another female as well.  While witnesses weren’t sure if there was more going on than just a lap dance, one had the foresight to videotape it for the world to see.  The risqué Crue fans were kicked out of the venue but the video of them is now available at WinnipegSun.com. 

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VINCE NEIL FEELS GOOD AT 49TH B-DAY PARTY
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Vince Neil turned the big 4-9 over the weekend and he spent his birthday at his Las Vegas bar, Feelgood’s.  There, the Motley Crue singer treated the crowd to a concert.  After the performance, Vince’s son presented him with a Feelgood-themed cake.  Check out a photo of the festivities at MotleyCrueStore.com. 

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RINGO TALKS ABOUT GETTING THE BEATLES MUSIC ONLINE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Forty-six years ago today, The Beatles made their first-ever appearance on American television, performing on The Ed Sullivan Show.  It’s been almost five decades since that day and the band is still incredibly successful.  Most recently, they released hugely popular re-mastered versions of all their albums.  The one threshold the Fab Four hasn’t passed yet though is getting their music online.  However, drummer Ringo Starr, a downloader himself, told us that they want it to happen, it’s the suits who are holding it up. 

 “Well the downloading, it’s a problem we have with the company we’re with, nothing to do with us.  But you know, now you’ve got them all on CDs, downloading would be great.  But I download, I’m a member of iTunes, I listen to stuff.  Oh wow.  I usually try to listen to new bands and what’s happening but then I buy something and it’s always The Drifters (laughs).”

You can hear Ringo’s latest album, Y Not, by picking it up today.  It’s on shelves now.  

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LITA FORD, WARRANT TO ROCK SOUTH DAKOTA
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

If you’ve never been to South Dakota, some rockers are giving you a good reason to take a trip there.  Lita Ford, Warrant and Vince Neil have all signed on to the Dakota Rock Fest.  The event takes place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on July 22nd, 23rd and 24th and you can learn more about it or buy tickets now at DakotaRockFest.com. 

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BAD COMPANY DVD OUT TODAY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Back on August 8th, 2008, Bad Company played their first show together in nearly a decade at Florida’s Hard Rock Live and now, that concert is available as a two-disc CD/DVD set.  It’s appropriately titled Bad Company Hard Rock Live and includes 17 hit songs like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Rock N Roll Fantasy.”  Meanwhile, the group will be touring through the U-K this April.  Learn more at BadCompany.com.  

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February 3, 2010

SLASH ANNOUNCES TRACK LIST TO SOLO ALBUM
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Slash has announced the track list for his upcoming album, Slash.  The disc, which comes out April 6^th, includes songs titled “Ghost,” “Beautiful Dangerous,” “Crucify the Dead” and “Saint is a Sinner Too.”  The CD also boasts amazing guest vocalists like Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, Iggy Pop, Ian Astbury, Kid Rock and more.  Slash talked to us at the GRAMMY Forum last week about working with some of the famous singers.  Meanwhile, Ultimate-Guitar.com has the album’s artwork, which features a skull and bones wearing a top hat.  :

Slash track listing (guest vocalist listed in parenthesis):

1. “Ghost” (Ian Astbury f/ Izzy Stradlin)
2. “Beautiful Dangerous” (Fergie)
3. “Nothing To Say” (M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold)
4. “Crucify The Dead” (Ozzy Osbourne)
5. “Promise” (Chris Cornell)
6. “By The Sword” (Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother)
7. “Doctor Alibi” (Lemmy Kilmister)
8. “Saint Is A Sinner Too” (Rocco De Luca)
9. “Watch This” (Dave Grohl/Duff McKagan)
10. “I Hold On” (Kid Rock)
11. “Gotten” (Adam Levine)
12. “We're All Gonna Die” (Iggy Pop)
13. “Starlight” (Myles Kennedy)

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WIN A CHANCE TO RECORD WITH SLASH
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Guitar Center has launched a new contest with an amazing grand prize – the chance to record an LP with Slash.  Unsigned bands will write, record and perform with the famed former Guns N’ Roses guitarist.  All they have to do is submit music at YourNextRecord.com for a chance to win.  Head there now for details. 

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WIN A CHANCE TO LEARN FROM SLASH
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Are you a guitarist wanting to learn from the best?  Well, listen up because 20 lucky axemen will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend a private class with Slash.  To get in, you just have to buy some Ernie Ball electric guitar string sets.  Hidden inside select packs are colored picks, with each color corresponding to a prize.  Gold gets you the master class, silver gives you a custom Ernie Ball Music Man instrument, red gets you a Guitar Center shopping spree, black earns you a signed copy of Slash’s new solo album and white wins you some free Ernie Ball strings.  Get all the details at ErnieBall.com/Slash. 

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ALL-STARS SING “EVERYBODY HURTS” FOR HAITI
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Simon Cowell recently brought together some big names to perform R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” and the charity single premiered yesterday on U-K radio.  The track, which features the likes of Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Susan Boyle and Miley Cyrus, will be available for download on Sunday and all proceeds will benefit the Haitian relief efforts.  You can hear the tune now on YouTube. 

• DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2FEDNAqmmI

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McCARTNEY SNUBBED BY OSCARS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

The nominees for the 2010 Academy Awards were announced yesterday and no classic rockers made the cut.  While Paul McCartney’s song “(I Want to) Come Home” from the Robert De Niro film Everybody’s Fine was nominated for a Golden Globe, the Oscars snubbed the former Beatle.  However, famed producer and Golden Globe winner T Bone Burnett scored a Best Original Song nod with Ryan Bingham for their tune “The Weary Kind” from Crazy Heart.  See if they win when the Academy Awards air on March 7^th. 

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KULICK ON WORKING WITH SIMMONS AGAIN
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

This week, Bruce Kulick released BK3, his first solo album in seven years.  The set boasts many special guests, including Bruce’s former Kiss bandmate Gene Simmons, who adds his voice to the track “Ain’t Gonna Die.”  Kulick told us what it was like working with Gene again. 

“Well, a big case of déjà vu, how could you not have that?  Gene was really creative in the studio.  We didn’t have all the lyrics yet but I had some ideas and he had some ideas but within an hour, we walked out of there with ‘Ain’t Gonna Die’ being done.” 

BK3 also features appearances from Kiss drummer Eric Singer, Toto frontman Steve Lukather and Gene’s son, Nick Simmons.  The album is in stores now. 

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ROBERT PLANT SCHEDULES CHARITY CONCERT
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Robert Plant has scheduled a charity concert for this month to help the Cancer Research U-K organization.  The gig will take place at Abbey Road on February 25^th as part of the Sound & Vision event.  The Led Zeppelin singer will be joined by singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman and the London Oriana Choir.  Plant described his upcoming performance saying, “My set is quite different from anything I’ve done before, as I’ll be performing with Beth and a full choir on stage.”  Bid on special tickets and memorabilia and learn more at SoundAndVisionEbay.com. 

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February 2, 2010

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TYLER TO SUE AEROSMITH?
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Aerosmith is looking for a singer to replace Steven Tyler while the rocker recovers from his various ailments.  However, Steven’s lawyer has sent a letter to the band’s manager, demanding they stop looking for a replacement.  According to Billboard, Tyler and his attorney will sue to stop the group from looking for someone to fill his shoes, stating in the letter, “Can you imagine the manager of the Rolling Stones calling for the replacement of Mick Jagger?  Steven is Aerosmith, along with the others.  He’s the guy the public knows.”  The singer’s attorney went on to say that Steven has called a meeting of Aerosmith’s “shareholders” to discuss their future plans, including recording a new album and touring in Europe and South America.  That meeting is scheduled for February 9^th.  Read more at Billboard.com. 

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HEAR RATT’S NEW SINGLE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Ratt are working on their new album, Infestation, and they’ve just released the first single from the set.  It’s called “Best of Me” and you can buy it now or listen to it over at Amazon.com.  Infestation hits shelves on April 20^th. 

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MEGADETH, SLAYER RESCHEDULE TOUR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Megadeth and Slayer have rescheduled their American Carnage tour.  The North American trek was supposed to happen last month but due to Slayer singer Tom Araya’s ongoing back treatments, the jaunt had to be delayed.  It will now kick off on August 11^th in Albany, New York and run through September 4^th, when it winds down in Portland, Oregon.  Testament will also appear at all shows.  While gigs in a handful of cities couldn’t be rescheduled, new stops have been added to the tour.  See all the dates at Megadeth.com. 

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OZZY ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Time magazine recently asked fans of Ozzy Osbourne to submit their questions for the rocker and in a new interview, the publication posed ten of those inquiries to the Prince of Darkness.  Check out the question-and-answer session now on YouTube by searching for “Time Interviews Ozzy.” 

• DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHxx-e62zVI

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JUDAS PRIEST WIN A GRAMMY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

At the GRAMMYs this weekend, Judas Priest finally won after being nominated five times.  The band took home the trophy for Best Metal Performance for their song “Dissident Aggressor” off of their 2009 album A Touch of Evil – Live.  Singer Rob Halford told us they were shocked by just the nomination.

“Complete surprise to me, well it was to all of us.  Priest has been trundling along, this big metal monster, this giant has been making metal as the world knows for well over three decades now and you’re not aware of everything that’s going on around you.  It’s certainly the case that more recently, these wonderful opportunities have been coming to the band in different types of awards and forms of recognition.”

Halford went on to say why winning for “Dissident Aggressor” is so significant. 

“To get it for a song from this type of display is tremendous and the song itself, ‘Dissident Aggressor,’ which I think came from Sin After Sin.  We wrote that song in the ‘70s.  It’s an old song, but there again you see, how long has Priest been saying that our music has stood the test of time.”

Head to YouTube to watch footage of Rob and drummer Scott Travis accepting their GRAMMY Award. 

• DIRECT LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1ljqxHrcW8

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AC/DC SCORE GRAMMY GOLD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

AC/DC was honored with a trophy at last weekend’s 52^nd annual GRAMMY Awards.  The Australian rockers took home the gold for Best Hard Rock Performance for their track “War Machine” off their 2008 album Black Ice.  Guitarist Angus Young filled us in on the secret to the band’s successful music. 

“We’ve always stuck to that hard edge thing and we’ve kept it that all the way through, we haven’t sort of drifted off into different things like the disco, we haven’t sort of tried to weave and take on what’s the latest thing.”

None of the band members were able to accept their GRAMMY because they’re currently touring throughout New Zealand.  To see all their dates, head to ACDC.com. 

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RINGO TO PLAY NYC ON HIS BIRTHDAY
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Ringo Starr has announced what he plans to do on his 70^th birthday.  The Beatles drummer will spend the night performing with his All Starr Band at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.  Ringo will play some of his classics as well as new tunes from his latest album, Y Not.  Tickets for the July 7^th show go on sale this Friday at 9 AM Eastern at Ticketmaster.com. 

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JOE PERRY TALKS ABOUT TYLER’S BEHAVIOR
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

ClassicRockRevisited.com spoke to Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and asked the famed guitarist what he thinks of Steven Tyler’s recent behavior, including singing on the P-A system at a California Home Depot and showing up at a karaoke bar.  In response, Joe said, “Anybody that’s willing to go out there with a red ball on their nose, usually tends to get the attention and that’s what he chooses to do.  That’s not what I would do, if it were me, I’d be doing everything I can to keep my band together…I just look at it and I go, ‘What the f**k is he doing?’”  Hear more from Joe at ClassicRockRevisited.com. 

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GUNS N’ ROSES START SHOW LATE, SURPRISE CROWD
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Guns N’ Roses played in Toronto last Thursday, but Axl Rose made fans wait two hours before he took the stage.  According to Spinner.com, at 11:30 PM, the rocker came out in a wheelchair, apologizing to the audience for the delay and explaining, “I got carried away jumping off s**t last night.”  But then, Axl leaped out of the wheelchair and the band performed “Chinese Democracy.”  During their two-and-a-half-hour set, Rose dedicated the song “Catcher in the Rye,” off of Chinese Democracy, to author J.D. Salinger, who passed away last week and wrote the classic novel of the same name. 

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SURVIVOR PENS BOOK ON STATION NIGHTCLUB FIRE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

It’s been nearly seven years since 100 people died in the Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island.  The tragedy, which happened during a Great White show at the venue, is the fourth deadliest fire in U-S history.  Gina Russo survived the inferno but, when she awoke from her coma, she learned her fiancé did not.  In a new book called From the Ashes, Gina talks about what happened on February 20^th, 2003 and everything that followed.  Learn more at BuyBooksOnTheWeb.com. 

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ALICE IN CHAINS DON’T WANT TO SUCK
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Alice in Chains stopped and chatted with Vh1 Radio at the GRAMMY red carpet this past Sunday. The band told the outlet that when they went in to make Black Gives Way to Blue, their first studio album in almost 14 years, their main goal was simply “not to suck.” They also admitted they’re not working on any new material right now because they’re focusing on their world tour. Alice plays Vancouver tonight.

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February 1, 2010

JOE PERRY TALKS NEW SOLO ALBUM, STEVEN TYLER & WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR AEROSMITH IN NEW AUDIO INTERVIEW

Joe Perry of Aerosmith recently did an interview with Jeb Wright of Classic Rock Revisited for the radio show Decades of Distortion.  Joe has released, and is on the road promoting a new album titled "Have Guitar Will Travel."  Joe discusses the new album in detail and how his wife discovered his new singer, a German named Hagen. 

During the chat, Jeb point blank asks Joe about Steven Tyler's odd behavior of singing at Karaoke bars and Home Depot retail outlets.  Jeb even asks Joe if Aerosmith would consider a woman to fill in for Steven Tyler.  Joe's answers may surprise even his biggest fans. 

Check it all out here: http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/interviewJoePerry.htm 

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AEROSMITH CONSIDERED BILLY IDOL AS SINGER
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Last week, we reported that Aerosmith had reached out to Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers to front the group while Steven Tyler recovers from his recent ailments, however, it turns out that Paul isn’t the only one who’s been considered.  Classic Rock Magazine says at a recent gig, guitarist Joe Perry was planning to speak to Billy Idol about filling in for Tyler.  However, Billy got sick and didn’t make it out to see The Joe Perry Project perform.  There’s been no word if Perry contacted him another way and if so, what Idol had to say.  Read more at ClassicRockMagazine.com.   

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DUFF McKAGAN HELPING OUT JANE’S ADDICITON?
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan is already in two bands, Velvet Revolver and Loaded, but he’s taking some time to help out Jane’s Addiction.  According to Jane’s Addiction fan site Xiola.org, Duff is writing and recording with the band to give them a hand after original member, Eric Avery’s, recent departure from the group.  Jane’s hasn’t officially announced that they’re working with Duff but singer Perry Farrell did recently say he’s collaborating with a new “writing partner.” 

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UNEARTHED HENDRIX SONG NOW ONLINE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

“Valley of Neptune,” one of Jimi Hendrix’s final recordings before he died in 1970, is now streaming at Spinner.com.  The tune has never been officially released but tomorrow, you’ll be able to download it.  The song is the title track and lead single off a compilation album due out March 9^th.  That set boasts 12 unearthed recordings and features artwork that includes paintings Jimi created when he was in high school. 

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HOW WILL AC/DC MARK ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTT’S DEATH
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Next month will mark the 30^th anniversary of the death of original AC/DC singer Bon Scott, and current vocalist Brian Johnson is talking about how the band will commemorate the occasion.  Johnson told a New Zealand radio station that the guys are trying to think of something “that’s not morbid”  However, Brian went on to explain that they hate it when people use anniversaries as “a sensation seeking thing” and said they want to be respectful.  No word yet on what the Australian rockers might do.  Scott died on February 19^th, 1980. 

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BRET’S SINGLE NOW OUT TOMORROW
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Good news for fans of Bret Micheals – you won’t have to wait as long to download the Poison singer’s new solo single, “Nothing to Lose.”  The track, which was due to come out on February 16^th, will now be available at all digital media outlets tomorrow.  You can hear a demo version of the song now at BretMichaels.com. 

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BRIAN MAY MAKES A DREAM COME TRUE
This news is brought to you by VH1 Radio's Dave Basner

Brian May helped make a sick boy’s dream come true last week.  The Queen guitarist invited 13-year-old Connor Walker to his home for a tour and jam session.  Connor, who is a huge fan of Queen, suffers from a genetic disorder that causes his nerve tissue to grow tumors and has undergone over 18 operations.  The get-together was made possible by England’s Make-A-Wish Foundation and it was a success.  Connor said, “The day I met Brian was the best day of my life.”  Read more at PlanetRock.com.