Latest News
Welcome to Rock Over America Magazine,
Here is the news for May, 2012. Thank you for all of your support!!
Bill Haley's Comets Rock And Roll Hall of Fame
From Marshall Lytle - I was chosen to speak for The Comets. I had to Thank a few people who made it all possible in a very brief amount of time. HBO will be showing The Hall of Fame Induction program on May 5,2012.
This moment was the Highlight for me to remember forever, on April 14,2012 I am still on cloud 9. There were about 8,000 people in the Hall and How many Millions around The world will will be seeing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Program.
Many Thanks to Terry Stewart and All The Others that made it Possible.
We are All, "Still Rockin' Around The Clock".
Marshall Lytle
West Of Hell News
Vancouver, BC natives WEST OF HELL's new full-length album, Spiral Empire, hits stores today. Bassist Jordan Kemp states, "In this band, we all write, contributing to each other's ideas and hashing out riffs. Hell, we'll re-write something three or four times until we're all satisfied its 100 percent killer! That's why there's not a dull moment on this record. It sounds unique yet classic. Makes me wanna drink beer and party! Play it fuckin' LOUD!"
"This is an album that has surpassed expectation. Fuelled by beer and anger, this record is an answer to the castrated state of popular music. It is truly an exercise in dragging tradition and force into a soulless, dying music industry," states vocalist Chris "The Heathen" Valagao.
"Listening to this album from start to finish, I'm totally stoked with the whole thing," adds Kemp. "It's not like one of those albums that all the songs start sounding too alike. When you put it on, you'll be banging your head right through till it's done!"
Spiral Empire was recorded at The Factory Studios in Vancouver and is produced by Juno Award winning engineer Rob Shallcross (Strapping Young Lad, GWAR, Zimmers Hole, Fear Factory).
Buddy Guy Appearances
Book Signings
June 4 @ noon in Chicago
Barbara's Bookstore at State St. Macy's
June 7 @ 7 p.m. in Ridgewood, NJ
Bookends
June 13 @ 6 p.m. in New York City
B&N Tribecca
Radio
SiriusXM Radio tour, 6/7/12
- 9:00-9:55 - Bill Wax (Bluesville)
- 10:00-10:20 - Busted Halo (The Catholic Channel)
- 10:25-10:45 - Mark Thompson (Left)
- 10:50-11:10 - Sway (Shade 45)
- 11:15-11:35 - Freewheelin' (Road Dog)
- 11:40-noon - Ron & Fez (The Opie & Anthony Channel)
"Lenny Lopate Show," WNYC Radio (New York City NPR), live, 12:30-1:00 p.m. EDT, 6/7/12
NPR's "Talk of the Nation," live, 3 p.m. EST, 6/5/12
"Air Talk," KPCC Radio (Los Angeles NPR), live, 11:40 a.m.-noon PDT, 5/21/12
TV
"Kathleen Dunn Show," Wisconsin Public Radio, live, 10-11 a.m. CDT, 5/24/12
MSNBC TV's "NewsNation with Tamron Hall," live, 2:30 p.m. EDT, 6/6/12
CBS TV's "Late Show with David Letterman," 11:30 p.m. EDT, 7/10/12
Paul Thorn Blues News
Paul Thorn will celebrate his new album What the Hell Is Goin' On? (Perpetual Obscurity/Thirty Tigers, May 8) with a live webcast on StageIt.com on Tuesday, May 8 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. During the event, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter will discuss and play tracks off his new album from Watson's Icehouse in Tupelo, Miss. All proceeds from the webcast, which allows fans to donate whatever they feel is a fair amount, will be given by Thorn to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis.
Music industry pundit Bob Lefsetz recently raved about the Elvin Bishop-penned title track: "You've got to check this out . . . It's about the groove, the feel. And this track is so in the pocket it's like you've just swallowed a jumping bean, you can't help but get up from your seat and start flailing your limbs like Gumby. To paraphrase our forebear Ahmet Ertegun, this is the kind of cut that you hear on the radio that makes you jump out of bed and go to the all-night record store in your pajamas to buy. You won't hear this on Top Forty radio. Paul Thorn is never going to be on American Idol, never mind Elvin Bishop, but this is the essence, this is what this wonderful business was built upon. SOUND!!!"
Thorn has completed a video for the title track "What the Hell Is Goin' On?"
Paul Thorn took an unexpected detour on the road to recording a follow-up to his most successful release, 2010's Pimps and Preachers. After writing many discs of semi-autobiographical tunes that have drawn comparisons to John Hiatt and John Prine, Thorn - once hailed as the "Mark Twain of Americana" - decided to record an album of covers. "I wanted to take a break from myself," he reveals, "do something different, and just have fun."
No slouch as a songwriter himself, Paul chose songs from some of America's greatest: Buddy Miller, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Elvin Bishop, Lindsey Buckingham, Rick Danko & Bobby Charles, Big Al Anderson, Foy Vance, Donnie Fritts and Eli "Paperboy" Reed among them. Delbert McClinton (singing on Wild Bill & Martha Emerson's "Bull Mountain Bridge") and Elvin Bishop (singing and playing guitar on his own "What the Hell Is Goin' On?") appear as guest performers on the album as well.
The idea for a covers album grew as Thorn encountered tunes that meant something important to him. "I would hear them in the tour van or I'd be at a festival and see someone perform them live," Thorn says, "and I'd say, 'That's a great song, I wish I had written it!'" One thing all the writers have in common, according to Thorn, is that they are true artists. "They don't just write songs in an effort to become popular or follow trends," he explains. "At the risk of sounding corny, they write with their hearts. None of these songs are cookie-cutter tunes like you hear on the radio today. They all have real depth, which is very appealing to me."
Anthrax News
LOS ANGELES, CA - (Tuesday, May 8, 2012) - When Anthrax was given the choice of playing this summer's Mayhem Main Stage or the festival's Jagermeister Stage, the band opted to headline the latter, and to do something special for the crowd.
Explained Anthrax's Charlie Benante, "We decided to pattern the Mayhem set on the kind of shows The Ramones used to do: a high-energy, non-stop barrage of hit, hit, hit, hit, hit. No lulls, no filler, totally in your face. We're going to be playing a supersonic-paced set loaded with the best of our best."
"We really like the idea of not 'playing to seats,'" added Scott Ian, "and we want our crowd to have the freedom to move around, to go crazy with us. Plus, we've been on the road together now for about two years, so we're tighter as a band than we've ever been. Our Mayhem set will be a fun, fast and furious 45-minutes, so they'd better have the EMTs on hand."
Since vocalist Joey Belladonna rejoined the Anthrax line up a little more than a year ago, Anthrax - Belladonna/vocals, Charlie Benante/drums, Scott Ian/guitar, Rob Caggiano/guitar, and Frank Bello/bass - has made one of the most impressive comebacks in rock'n'roll. As one of The Big Four, the original architects of speed and thrash-metal, Anthrax joined Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth during the summer of 2010 on a series of Big Four shows in ten European cities, followed by a Big Four show outside of Los Angeles at the Coachella site (April 2011), and the big "homecoming" event for the New York-born-and-bred band members at Yankee Stadium last September.
The band released Worship Music on September 13, 2011, its first new album in eight years and the first with Belladonna on vocals in twenty years. Worship Music debuted at #12 Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart, received stellar reviews that included being named one of the best albums of the year in media outlets such as Revolver, Guitar World, SPIN, Metal Assault, Metal Sucks, the UK's Classic Rock and Metal Hammer, Canada's Lithium, Lou Brutus' HardDrive, Eddie Trunk/VH1's "That Metal Show," and SiriusXM's Jose Mangin.
Vindictiv News
Swedish melodic/progressive metaller VINDICTIV, formed and led by Swedish guitar sensation Stefan Lindholm have inked a worldwide management deal with Germany's ROCK N GROWL.
VINDICTIV are currently in the studio recording the brand new third album "Cage Of Infinity". Lindholm says: "We have some exiting guests on the new album, all we can say is that the new album are going to kick ass!"
Vindictiv's line-up features:
Stefan Lindholm - Guitars (Raven Lord, Firecracker, Phenomena), Csaba Zvekan - Vocals (Raven Lord, Exorcism, Killing Machine), Pontus Larsson - Keyboards (Raven Lord, Exorcism, Firecracker), Marco Minnemann - Drums (Tony MacAlpine, George Bellas, Bryan Beller) and Nalley Pahlsson - Bass (Therion, Zan Clan, Treat).
Stefan Lindholm was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1973 and picked up the guitar at the age of 15 after his father bought him his first electric guitar, which incidentally was the well known and highly appreciated: "Emperador Strat" from the Kasuga Factory in Japan, which he played through a Squire 15-watt amplifier to his neighbourghs cheerful delight. After two years of intensive playing, he took private tutoring from guitarist Mike Wead, known for his involvement with bands such as: "Candlemass", "The Haunted", "King Diamond", "Momento Mori" and "Hexenhaus".
The first band Stefan ever started, was with the aid of singer Pier Krentzel in 1995, and the constellation was soon named: "Endless Circle". Additional bandmembers where Mikael Kvist, who would later join forces with danish band: "Fate". Relatively soon, extra guitarist Mikael Bergenmalm was added to the band and lastly, bassplayer Dagna Plebanek. At this time they decided to changed the bandname to: "Globan Dreams" for further appeal.
In the coming years, Global Dreams parted ways with Krentezel which gave singer Jonny Berntsson chance to join the lineup. Due to musical difficulties, Stefan decided to dissolve the band, which later on sprung to become: "Elsephere" without his involvement. Between 1998 and 2002, Stefan took four years of absence to pursue other interests. At the end of some fruitful endeavours, the time was right to compose music for the first demo of what was to become: "Vindictiv".
Vindictiv as a band, started in early 2004, when Stefan got in touch with keyboard player Pontus Larsson to work and record some songs. They recorded a demo with current "Seventh Wonder" singer Tommy Karevik which was received with great enthusiasm and got good reviews, amongst them, high praise in the best hard-rock mag in Scandinavia: "Sweden Rock Magazine". Stefan would go on and contact one of swedens finest vocalists, Göran Edman (Madison, John Norum, Yngwie Malmsteen, Docker's Guild and many more) - for future collaborations. Edman really liked what he heard, so next up was to recruit was Nalle Påhlsson (Zan-Clan, Treat) and also drummer Mikael Wikman.
Vindictiv would go on to release two albums, the self-titled debut in 2008 and "Ground Zero" in 2009 (a new album is in the making). Apart from his main band, Stefan has been a successful soloist on a number of albums, amongst them in record producer Tom Galleys international project: "Phenomena" and: "Soulspell" (Jon Oliva, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Roland Grapow) - to name a few. Other great vocalists Stefan has worked with include: Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Oliver Hartmann (At Vance, Avantasia) and Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire).
Stefan Lindholm is endorsed by "Manne Guitars" and "Hughes & Kettner AMPS"
Discography Vindictiv/Stefan Lindholm
2012 Vindictiv - Cage Of Infinity
2012 Raven Lord - t.b.a.
2010 Firecracker - Born Of Fire
2010 Phenomena - Blind Faith
2010 Soulspell - Labyrinth Of Truths
2009 Vindictiv - Ground Zero
2008 Vindictiv - S/T
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Release New Album, THE NEXT WORLD through Digital Nations/D-Zone Entertainment, May 24
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius' new album, THE NEXT WORLD is being released on May 24 through Steve Vai's Digital Nations and Joe's imprint D-Zone Entertainment. The band's acclaimed sound is a melodic mixture of progressive hard rock with jam band, funk, jazz, and Gypsy influences. The unique merging of these sounds can be heard on the album's fiery "Gods," the energetic power clash in "The Missing Link" and the glorious intro, "Release." The album's wide ranging instrumentals are the superfast "Road Rage" and the soulful "Ballad for Ding Bang," and the post-apocolyptic "Fleshbot." Joe & his band bend genres in the electronic/ska-inspired "Tech Support," the country rock ballad "Climbing," and the bluesy "The House Always Wins."
THE NEXT WORLD is chockful of dynamic musicianship, and creative energies of bandmates--leader Joe Deninzon on electric violin and lead vocals, French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (The Syn, Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore (praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her "Deep grooves and serious fusion chops."
The album is dedicated to the memory of Bob Bowen, the bassist in both Stratospheerius and the Joe Deninzon Trio. Bob was killed in a bicycle accident in Manhattan in 2010. Bob's bass playing can be heard on "The House Always Wins." He was also a talented visual artist and drew the cover artwork for the album.
Stratospheerius has played at colleges, festivals, and clubs throughout the US. The New York-based group has opened for Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, The Slip, Ekoostik Hookah, and John Scofield. The group was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, won the Online People's Choice Awards in the Cornucopia Festival, and was named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas Independent Music Awards.
Joe Deninzon is the music world's expert on alternative violin techniques and has been called the "Jimi Hendrix of the electric Violin." His song "Scarlett's Waltz" is in the soundtrack of the Will Ferrell-produced movie, VIRGINITY HIT. This year Mel Bay books published his "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist." A musician who transcends many genres, he has recorded and performed with a variety of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Matthis, Les Paul, Phoebe Snow, Jane Monheit, and Robert Bonfiglio among others.
Joe has appeared in Lincoln Center's Meet the Artist program, as a soloist with the New York City Ballet, has performed on MTV and at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and has played for former President Clinton. His music has been featured on CMT, VH1, ABC, Comedy Central, the Travel Channel, History Channel, Food Network, and National Geographic. An active clinician, Joe has taught at Mark O'Connor's renowned String Camp and Mark Wood's Rock Orchestra Camp.
Kofi Baker's Cream Experience North American Tour To Begin Spring 2012
Son of drum legend Ginger Baker brings to the stage the closest live experience to the legendary Cream possible!
5/7/2012 - Los Angeles, CA - Fans of the legendary power trio Cream rejoice with the announcement of Kofi Baker's Cream Experience North American tour commencing May 31st. Kofi Baker, following in the family tradition, displays a mastery of drum technique and groove that rivals that of his father, drum legend Ginger Baker. After seeing the historic Cream reunion in 2005, Kofi was inspired to start his own band - he wanted to continue where Cream, and his father, left off. Kofi's band is the ultimate Cream tribute: combining Cream's innovative and experimental style with virtuoso talent. The trio capture the mood and energy of the late '60s and early '70s; adding their own distinctive styles.
"My son, Kofi, he's playing amazingly," says legendary drummer Ginger Baker. "I was at the Frankfurt Fair (music trade show) a few years ago and one of the Zildjian people said to me, 'Man, have you heard your son play? He's amazing!' It's great to get feedback from people in the business on how well he's playing."
Featuring:
Kofi Baker - drums
Tony Spinner (TOTO) - guitar, vocals
Ric Fierabracci (Chick Corea) - bass
Kofi's upcoming tour comes off the heels of his whirlwind trip to SXSW in Austin, TX where he was promoting the award winning documentary 'Beware of Mr. Baker', a film about his famous father Ginger Baker, which received the prestigious Grand Jury prize for its category. Kofi, who's first stage appearance was with his father at the age of six when they performed together on the BBC TV show 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' in 1975, was also interviewed for the 'Beware of Mr. Baker' documentary. Over the years Kofi Baker has become a well-respected drummer in his own right having tour with artists such as legendary Steve Marriott of Humble Pie, John Ethridge of Soft Machine and Steve Waller of Manfred Mann, as well as touring Europe with his father during the early '80s playing drum duets of complex African polyrhythms. In the '90s Kofi teamed up with Jonas Hellborg and Shawn Lane to record the album 'Abstract Logic'. Along with working on a new solo album, Kofi in recent years has been recording and touring with the band OHM, fronted by Chris Poland, former guitarist with Megadeth. Kofi has also recently become Head of the Drum Department at the Artisthead New Music Academy.
JEREMY SISTO ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE AND PREMIERES NEW MUSIC VIDEO "JUST CUZ" ON YOUTUBE
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 7, 2012) - Acclaimed actor Jeremy Sisto (Suburgatory, Law & Order, Six Feet Under) has announced the release of his solo debut album, Escape Tailor -available May 8 on iTunes. Sisto has also premiered the lead video "Just Cuz" on Youtube.
For Sisto, music has been "something I've always loved and performed in my own time," and the character of Escape Tailor is something of an alter ego that evolved after he started playing for small audiences in New York. "He's someone who lives wholly in the present, unburdened of social norms and deeply tethered to his own flawed humanity," says Sisto. With his wild hair and blanched face, the character seems equal parts street musician and homeless clown, a ghost "that people look through, like a lot of people on the fringes of society."
The songs, many of which written and recorded in his home studio, are largely contemplative and downbeat, reminiscent of Jeff Bridges' down-and-out balladry in Crazy Heart, fueled by Sisto's expressive baritone, which frequently rises to a tenor howl. Its themes - alienation and attachment, hardship and faith, transgression and redemption - come alive with Sisto's facile acoustic guitar work, incorporating threads of folk, country, R&B and blues.
In the first music video, "Just Cuz," Sisto's Escape Tailor wanders the streets in a white suit with his guitar: the world seemingly moving backward as he flails ahead, some onlookers recoiling at his appearance, most simply ignoring him. Along with the biblically imbued "Our Daily Bread," the album's songs limn scenes of personal hardship and sundered love. From the acquiescence of "The Dream Is Dead" to the solitary "Cold Moon" and "To Be Too," the album also offers upbeat tracks like "Charlie Ballerina," with its driving guitar and ethereal background vocals. Most of its stories, however, focus on relationships: the paradox of "Free Love," the angst of "Sad and In Your Arms" which opens with the happy screams of a child, the devotional promise of "Right By My Side," the recrimination and ranting of "Oxygen." The album culminates in a message of hope with "I'm In True," a pledge of a reformed soul ready "to come home again."
Best known for playing the bipolar Billy Chenowith on five seasons of Alan Ball's HBO series "Six Feet Under," Jeremy Sisto recently wrapped a three-year run on NBC's "Law & Order" as Det. Cyrus Lupo following the short-lived yet critically acclaimed NBC series "Kidnapped" and titular roles in the Emmy-nominated miniseries "Jesus" and "Julius Caesar," among other work.
He is currently featured as George Altman in "Suburgatory," the single-camera ABC series nominated for a 2012 People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy.
Sisto's film credits are eclectic and include Grand Canyon, Clueless, Hideaway, Moonlight and Valentino, White Squall, Without Limits, Suicide Kings, Thirteen, Wrong Turn and Waitress. Forthcoming are two feature projects: As Cool as I Am with Claire Danes and James Marsden, and Robot and Frank with Frank Langella, James Marsden and Liv Tyler.
Among his theater credits are those in Los Angeles - Take Me Out, which earned Sisto an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award, Sidney Kingsley's Dead End and the one-man show Sanguine - and in New York: from his Broadway debut in Festen to an adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg's film The Celebration to the recently completed run of Beau Willimon's Spirit Control.
LOVE & DEATH FEATURING FORMER KORN GUITARIST BRIAN HEAD WELCH TO APPEAR ON ROCK LINE NEXT MONDAY, MAY 14TH
MAY 7th, 2012 - Love & Death, the new band led by former Korn guitarist Brian Head Welch, will be appearing live on the syndicated radio show Rockline on Monday, May 14th. The show airs at 8:30 PM PST and listeners can call in to speak to Love And Death, toll free, at 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). To find a station broadcasting the show, fans can go to RocklineRadio.com; the show will also be streaming there for two weeks, beginning the afternoon after the original airing.
The band's new video for the current single and title track to their new EP "Chemicals" premiered today on Vevo.
Over the weekend on Saturday May 5th, Welch rejoined his former band Korn on stage at the Carolina Rebellion festival at the legendary Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina to perform the band's classic song "Blind". This marked the first time in seven years that Welch and Korn played together.
"It was so amazing Saturday night playin' with Korn" states Welch. "Reconciling w/family is always good. So much love on stage & from Korn fans. Many tears shed. God is love."
In addition to Welch, Love & Death features Michael Valentine, Dan Johnson, and J.R. Bareis. "We have toured around the world playing a lot of killer shows, but we've also had some heart shattering difficulties along the way as well" states Welch. "To us, the name Love and Death symbolizes everything we've been through as a band over the last few years. We love this band so much and we'll go through hell to connect with our fans. We've proven that to ourselves over and over again."
Love & Death formed when Welch decided to have open auditions on YouTube in 2009. "I picked the guys and then had a jam session in Phoenix" says Welch. "Over the last couple of years, there have been a few line up changes as we went through normal growing pains. The current band has been together and touring for a while now and they are a big part of the new music and the future of Love & Death."
CANDLELIGHT RED SECURES SPOT ON 2012 ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK UPROAR FESTIVAL!
It seems like Candlelight Red are refusing to take a rest from their breakneck 2012 schedule - in addition to recently issuing their debut full-length disc, 'The Wreckage' (and single, "She's Got the Look"), the band has secured a spot on the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival - which they will start a month after wrapping up tours with Lacuna Coil and Crossfade.
The group will be rocking on one of two "Festival Stages," which will also include POD, Deuce, Fozzy, Redlight King, Mindset Evolution, In This Moment, and Thousand Foot Krutch. And on the "Main Stage" will be Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach, and Adelitas Way.
Live Nation is the national tour promoter for the Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival, and the tour will play more than 30 shows throughout North America during August and September. "We're really excited about this year's awesome lineup," say tour producers John Oakes and John Reese. "It's incredible to have so many of the biggest bands in rock together with some newer bands that are blowing up. By adding a second stage to the festival area and including even more great talent, we're stepping things up a notch for the UPROAR fans."
"Being on UPROAR is a huge honor. To be playing on a tour with some of the biggest bands in rock today is very humbling!" -Jeremy Edge
"This is a tremendous opportunity, a sign of many good things to come for Candlelight Red" -Brian Dugan
Look for tour dates, venues and ticket on-sale information to be announced in the coming weeks.
Hailing from Central PA, Candlelight Red (which includes vocalist Ryan Hoke, guitarist Jeremy Edge, bassist Jamie Morral, and drummer Brian Dugan), has been scoring big on radio and in the hard rock press, as evidenced by a review on welovemetal.com, which raved "CANDLELIGHT RED might be the one great hope: a band that can play to the rock fans and head bang the metal fans."
Candlelight Red has been steadily expanding their fan base after inking their record deal with Imagen Records in late 2010. The band is already road warriors, as evidenced by recently completed nationwide tours with Sevendust, 10 Years, Saving Abel and Egypt Central. And with their just-announced spot on this year's UPROAR Festival, Candlelight Red is just about ready to hit the big time.
FIRST ASYLUM WORLDWIDE EVENT IS NOW UP AND RUNNING
(Las Vegas, NV - 4 April 2012) After a couple of technical glitches and the growing pains that every "new baby" experiences, the first in a series of Asylum Worldwide Events shows is up and running now through 12 midnight Monday morning PST at theasylumworldwide.com.
The 4 band bill, featuring Los Angeles bands Ruthless and Scarred as well as Las Vegas' own Seventh Calling and Vile Child, was taped on April 21 at the famed Las Vegas nightclub Count's Vamp'd and is to be the first in an ongoing series of hard rock / heavy metal shows to be presented by Asylum Worldwide and VM Entertainment.
"The show is up and running! Whew!," VM Entertainment's Steve Handel says with a sigh of relief. "Our team has done plenty of test runs to make sure that everything is working properly. VM does apologize for the delay of a week, but ultimately, we ended up having to change out camera crews at the last second, therefore messing up our time frame for the edit process, but we still got it done, even if being a bit late. This of course being something that you never want to have happen, but JRev Productions came in and did a great job for us. We are very happy with the product, and we hope that all of you come to the show's site at theasylumworldwide.com and check out the quality for yourself," he concludes.
The next VM concert is tentatively set for June 23rd, Saturday. Dubbed the "Assault on Area 51 Open Air" concert, it will take place in Rachel, Nevada, outside the Little Ale Inn and will feature a full service restaurant/bar. Handel says, "The Little Ale Inn has a great staff and we can't wait to get this one underway. We had a great time with this event last year and we are ready to roll again." Right now, we're negotiating with a few bands and will make announcements soon."
Also, Sat. July 14th is the date set for the inaugural Ed Fest 1 event, a celebration of music to a career of one of the greatest and most influential groups of all time - IRON MAIDEN. Bands are being confirmed now, and famed Iron Maiden artist, Derek Riggs will be the special guest on the day.
PLATINUM SELLING AWARD-WINNING PERFORMER/SONGWRITER/COMPOSER
TREVOR RABIN RELEASES JACARANDA
(Hollywood, CA) - Trevor Rabin releases Jacaranda (Varese Vintage Records), his first new solo album in two decades since Can't Look Away. The extremely versatile Rabin covers a wide range of styles on the new album, including rock, jazz, and classical. Trevor Rabin plays all of the instruments himself, with the exception of drums on the tracks, for which he brought in noted jazz/rock drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa), longtime Rabin drummer Lou Molino III, and Rabin's son Ryan Rabin (Grouplove). He also brought in noted bass guitarist Tal Wilkenfeld (Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock) who plays on the track "Anerley Road." Vocalist Liz Constintine is featured on the track "Rescue," inspired by the film The Guardian.
Trevor Rabin is regarded as one of the finest guitarists in the world. His collaborations include working with Seal, Michael Jackson, Manfred Mann, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan and Paul Rodgers. He is also one of the most sought-after film composers in the business. He has created music that crosses barriers and genres that have made him one of the premier composers of contemporary music. As a guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, producer or recording engineer, he has established himself as a leader in the modern music field. As a film composer his credits include: Armageddon, Remember the Titans, National Treasure, Race to Witch Mountain, The Guardian and The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
Trevor Rabin has received numerous awards including a Grammy, numerous Film and TV Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award (Los Angeles Music Awards), a Career Achievement Award (Temecula International Film Festival), and Gold Medal for Excellence in Film Music Award (Park City Film Festival).
Track List:
1 Spider Boogie
2 Market Street
3 Anerley Road
4 Through The Tunnel
5 The Branch Office
6 Rescue
7 Killarney 1 & 2
8 Storks Bill Geranium Waltz
9 Me And My Boy
10 Freethought
11 Zoo Lake
12 Gazania
VIRGIN STEELE Life Among The Ruins Reissue to be released by SPV/Steamhammer This Summer
SPV / Steamhammer is proud to re-release Virgin Steele´s "Life Among The Ruins". This 2 CD digipak re-release comes with massive bonus tracks and a huge booklet with new liner notes and unseen photos by David DeFeis.
Release Date Europe: June 18th, 2012
Release Date: Germany: June 15th, 2012
Release Date USA/Canada: July 17th, 2012
Life Among the Ruins was the fifth full length studio album by US heavy metal band Virgin Steele. It was originally released in 1993 and it's the first album with bassist Rob DeMartino, who replaced Joe O'Reilly, retired from the scene.
David DeFeis comments on the re-release:
"We will shortly be re-releasing our LIFE AMONG THE RUINS album. This 2012 version will be in digi-pak form and contain not one...but 2 discs with a large amount of extra ingredients. On the first disc we include 5 rare & unvarnished acoustic recordings, plus a full band bonus track. On disc #2 we have included 20 tracks. These tracks consist of a large amount of newly recorded material completed just this week, as well as alternate mixes of some of the album's original tracks. And in addition we have also included a never released track from somewhere around that period of time. All the material has been re-mastered, and the package will feature copious liner notes, photos and unique packaging....!"
TRACKLISTING:
- Double digipak incl. new booklet with rare photos and new liner notes by David DeFeis -
CD#1: "LIFE AMONG THE RUINS"
1. SEX RELIGION MACHINE
2. LOVE IS PAIN
3. JET BLACK
4. INVITATION
5. I DRESS IN BLACK (WOMAN WITH NO SHADOW)
6. CROWN OF THORNS
7. CAGE OF ANGELS
8. NEVER BELIEVED IN GOODBYE
9. TOO HOT TO HANDLE
10. LOVE'S GONE
11. SNAKESKIN VOODOO MAN full electric version-bonus track
12. WILDFIRE WOMAN
13. HAUNTING THE LAST HOURS
14. LAST ROSE OF SUMMER
Additional Bonus Tracks:
15. SNAKESKIN VOODOO MAN-Live Acoustic Rehearsal Version
16. JET BLACK-Live Acoustic Rehearsal Version
17. PURPLE RAIN-Live Acoustic Rehearsal Version
18. WILDFIRE WOMAN-Live Acoustic Rehearsal Version
19. EYES WITHOUT A FACE-Live Acoustic Rehearsal Version
CD #2: "MY MOURNING CLOTHES"
1.WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS-new bonus track
2. SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL-new bonus track
3. MY MOURNING CLOTHES-new bonus track
4. MAMBO SUN-new bonus track
5. BALLROOMS OF MARS -new bonus track
"The Vertical Soul Suite":
6. WILD THING-new bonus track
7. THE MOONRISE IN YOUR SKIN-new bonus track
8. WILD THING "Reprise"-new bonus track
9. THE MAGICK IN YOUR SIN-new bonus track
10.SEX RELIGION MACHINE-never released New York Mix
11.JET BLACK-never released New York Mix
12.CROWN OF THORNS-never released New York Mix
13.CAGE OF ANGELS-never released New York Mix
14.NEVER BELIEVED IN GOODBYE-never released New York Mix
15.LOVE IS PAIN-USA-never released New York Mix
16.INVITATION-never released New York Mix
17.I DRESS IN BLACK (WOMAN WITH NO SHADOW)-never released NY Mix
18.TOO HOT TO HANDLE-never released New York Mix
19.LOVE'S GONE-never released New York Mix
20.FLESH & BLOOD-never released bonus track
EONE MUSIC & GOOD FIGHT MUSIC
SIGN LABEL PARTNERSHIP DEAL
(New York, NY) - eOne Music has announced an exclusive worldwide partnership with Good Fight Music that will bring their growing roster of bands into the diverse eOne family of hard rock and metal. "As I've navigated the changing landscape of the music industry I've always maintained the same goal; to grow the label as aggressively as possible," says founder and president Carl Severson.
Severson founded and ran Ferret Music successfully from it's inception in 1996 until his departure 2009. During his time there he developed acts such as Kilswitch Engage, The Devil Wears Prada, Every Time I Die and From Autumn To Ashes. Severson continues, "I've always loved finding young talent and helping it thrive. I've been lucky enough to have had a great deal of success with that over the years with Ferret and now Good Fight Music by taking artists to previously unreached levels. Bringing the record label side of Good Fight Music to eOne will allow me to pursue my goals more aggressively than ever and align the Good Fight Music roster with a brand new wealth of resources and talent. It's exciting!"
eOne Music's VP of Rock and Metal, Scott Givens adds "We are thrilled to have Good Fight and their amazing stable of acts join the eOne Music family. Carl's track record at discovering and breaking new talent speaks for itself and both Carl, myself and the whole eOne team are looking forward bringing forth many new releases in 2012." The first handful of releases in 2012 will include: The Contortionist, The Chariot and Conditions.
GWAR News
Fresh off the latest six-week orgy of blood, booze, and missing children that was the second half of GWAR's "Return of the World Maggot/Farewell, Flattus Maximus" North American tour, the members of rock and roll's hardest working band have returned to the vastness of their Antarctica fortress to begin work on "a shitload of projects, all destined to rule...", said lead-singer Oderus Urungus. It all adds up to a summer of debauched excess for GWAR fans.
The band capped off the latest tour in grand fashion as they stuck to the four-piece line-up that was thrust upon our plucky barbarian overlords after the tragic exodus of guitarist FLATTUS MAXIMUS' from this mudball planet to the eternity of the cosmos, which occurred in November of last year as the band was just getting rolling on their huge two-part tour of North America. The band elected to stick it out not just for the remainder of the fall tour, but retain the line-up with Balsac, the Jaws of Death, as sole guitar player. Every night the band would end the set with a special tribute to Cory Smoot, a musician whose talent was so immense that no one could ever fill his giant rubber feet, thus compelling GWAR to officially retire the character of Flattus Maximus. Faced with the daunting task of finding a new Scumdog who can match the standard of excellence the band demands, GWAR has activated certain contingency plans, and the process that will hopefully lead to a new and hellish alignment with some kind of hideous creature, one capable of slaying thousands with JUST ONE NOTE. Needless to say, auditions are not "open". GWAR is also writing material for their new album, which could be out as early as several thousand years from now. Look for updates at Oderus' twitter feed, @therealoderus...NOW!
Despite being in an intense studio phase, GWAR will appear for some very special events of supreme carnage this spring and summer. First up, GWAR will be playing at the "New York Zombie Prom", a special event put on by Abracadabra NYC , Zombies Can't Love and Zombies Worldwide for the undead of New York City, to be held at Irving Plaza on Saturday June 9. Then GWAR travels to Montreal on June 16 to take part in the D-Tox Rock Fest, along with other heavyweights As I Lay Dying, Bad Religion and Voivod to name a few. But undoubtedly the social event for bohabs world-wide will be the third annual GWAR-B-Q, to be held in Richmond, Va., Aug. 18, 2012.
"We are not announcing any details regarding the GWAR-B-Q until we are 110% sure they are firmly grounded in reality", said Slave Pit spokesman Dave Brockie, "but the GWAR-B-Q is definitely ON, it's gonna be on Saturday, August 18th, and GWAR will headline. It's going to be everything we hoped it would be last year and much, MUCH more. We have amazing support acts and an incredible venue that we will be announcing very soon...it's going to be the greatest GWAR-B-Q ever!"
So get ready for more music, murder, and MAYHEM from our Lords and Masters, the mighty GWAR!!!!
Destruction News
GERMANY - Iconic German thrash trio, Destruction, will kick off its North American 30th Year Anniversary Tour this weekend with shared direct supportfrom Vital Remains and Warbringer (who will be alternating each night) plus Pathology.
Commented Destruction frontman and bassist, Schmier, "A killer package for old-school thrash and death metal freaks! This may be the best set list we've ever had - the essence of thrash metal history united with our new anthems. We'll have more classics than ever in the set, more from the first records for sure. Can't wait to hit the road again!!! Some North American cities have a great audience for this old school sound again, and it wasn't always like that. The main intention for this second North American tour within a year is that wecould not play all markets that we wanted to book last time. Now, we'll play some new places and return to those cities that gave us a great welcome last year like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Montreal. Warbringer are a perfect match to a Destruction bill. They are one of the best new thrash bands and keep our '80s spirit alive. It will be great to have them with us! We've played with Vital Remains before; awesome guys and a brutal band. They bring a good variety into the billing. Thrash/death metal is always the best mix, that's why Pathology complete the show!"
Destruction is touring in support of its 11th studio release, Day Of Reckoning (Nuclear Blast) - the first album to feature new drummer, Vaaver (Indukti, ex-Unsun) - which debuted at #54 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #58 on the New Artist/Heatseekers Album chart, and #143 on the Independent Current Albums chart the week following its release in March 2011. The album entered Germany's Media Control chart at #95.
San Francisco Bay Area's Ian Franklin Readies Debut Full-Length CD 'Breaking Grounds'
An epic musical journey featuring many flavors and some name brand players as well
May 2, 2012 - San Francisco, CA - Singer/songwriter Ian Franklin is proud to announce the release of his debut album, 'Breaking Grounds'. This new full length album is being released on the heels of his successful 'Step By Step EP' which was released in May of 2011. This release, for the Santa Rosa native, comes as a career high at the end of a near-decade of non-stop, whirlwind and frenetic coast-to-coast musical endeavors and evolution that have both educated and matured the young artist into a multi-faceted musical road warriorepreneur.
The epic journey, from graduating the Berklee College of Music with Bachelor Degrees in both Music Therapy and Songwriting; forming, recording and performing with the lauded Boston-based jazz-funk/groove-rock band Infinite Frequency; touring the United States and California several times over and then establishing his San Francisco-based Music Therapy practice, 'Breaking Grounds' is truly Ian's masterpiece. 'Breaking Grounds' features a cast of talented San Francisco musicians, and in true Bay Area spirit, there is no shying away from letting loose and jamming. The album takes the listener on a trip through psychedelic wailing guitar solos, horns pops (Adam Theis and Mike Olmos of Jazz Mafia, and Mark Growden), keyboard odysseys (Eric Levy of Garaj Mahal and Night Ranger), and more. The highly melodic and tight rhythmic interplay on this recording will harken the listener back to a time when musicianship, not just style, played an essential role in rock & roll. This album was produced by Ian Franklin and Ben Bernstein, who has produced many well-known projects, and played in a few different well known bands including New Monsoon.
The diversity of 'Breaking Grounds' carries over from Ian's previous project, winners of the Boston Regional Global Battle Of The Bands; Infinite Frequency. Infinite Frequency, who went on to compete in the national Global Battle of the Bands Finals at the Key Club in Los Angeles, was described by WhisperinandHollerin.com s "fusing modern rock with jazz, funk, and '70s soul" while displaying "melodicism and top-notch playing... (that) will have people having flashbacks when musicianship, not just style, played an essential ingredient in rock & roll." And regarding lead singer Ian Franklin himself, he "owns a solid voice of his own, high and filled with life."
The Santa Barbara News-Press recently described Ian as, "... a rare petal - his group songs rock, led by guitar riffs that show the influence of both the Police and Tool. And his high voice can be reminiscent of Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze."
High praise indeed and with 'Breaking Grounds', Ian hopes to generate much more of the same enthusiasm. Franklin's songs pull from his creative imagination, are often fueled by personal experiences and promote awareness about issues that he believes deserve attention or they simply provide joy and help relieve the stress of daily life. Promising diversely-inspired tunes influenced by a fusion of roots-rock, funk, jazz, blues and folk into a new genre he refers to as "Eclectic Pop-Rock," 'Breaking Grounds' is the clear and defining next chapter in the musical growth and maturity of this exceptionally gifted singer/songwriter.
'Breaking Grounds' was recorded by Ben Bernstein at Spliggityfidge Studios, Emeryville, and Petting Zoo Studio, Oakland with final mixing being completed at Petting Zoo Studio in early 2012. Petting Zoo Records out of Oakland, CA will release Franklin's new album June of 2012.
Throughout the 90's, Ian performed with many award-winning Sonoma County-based bands, honing his skills in the fusion rock-funk/hip-hop; Gollum, the Zappa-meets-Faith No More-infused; Cory's Slug, and the instrumental ambient/tribal-rock outfit; Wish. His first-ever recorded solo project was in 2001 when Ian teamed up Frank 'Side-Burns' Sanders to record his live acoustic EP, Finley Swims.
Constantly performing and creating, Ian, being the son of a Reichian therapist, and coming from a family of healers, is a private practice Board-Certified Music Therapist and Music Teacher who specializes in Geriatrics, Special Needs, Mental Health and Pediatrics. He maintains offices in Santa Rosa, San Francisco, the East Bay, and he works with clients throughout the Bay Area, as far south as San Jose.
About his passion for being a Music Therapist, Ian stated in the Santa Barbara News-Press, "It takes music to a whole new level... it's selfless. Usually music is all about your art, but in music therapy, it's all to do with the client. All my expectations go out the window."
Ian Franklin 'Breaking Grounds' CD/Digital release - June 5, 2012
Teen Rock Pop Star DIMANATE Scores Four Wins at Indie Music Channel Awards 2012 15 Year-Old Rocker Sweeps the Night with Six Nominations
Los Angeles, CA - Teen rocker, DIAMANTE, is taking over the indie scene and beyond with six nominations at the Indie Music Channel Awards last weekend. DIAMANTE attended and performed at the awards ceremony at the House of Blues on April 29 where she took home four awards. Upon the arrival of her recently released single "Panic!" her achievement could not have come at a better time. The fireball performer is proving to be a star in her own right with fans all over the country and music industry insiders.
The 15 year-old east coast-native burned the brightest in the four categories including Best Young Artist, Best Teen Pop Music Video with "Impossible," Best Rock Recording with "Impossible," and Teen Artist of The Year. "It was such an honor to be part of the Indie Music Channel Awards. It was the most amazing night of my life! Especially when I heard my name come up as winner for Best Young Rock Artist, and Teen Artist of the Year, I was ecstatic! Teen Artist of the Year was a big surprise; it was a special award I did not know about until my name came up, just magical!" DIAMANTE expressed.
The starlet, whose name means diamond in Spanish, has been working hard this past year rolling out a whirlwind of performances and dropping her first EP, Age of Rebellion and its lead single "Impossible." The album received significant recognition from fans and critics alike reaching Top 40 Charts across the country. She's rocked audiences at venues such as the Avalon, Whisky A Go Go, ROXY Theatre, and the Knitting Factory. Unlike most of her peers, DIAMANTE portrays wisdom in poppy lyrics capturing hearts and ears of old and young. With over 6,000 Facebook fans, the powerhouse is wooing the nation with her soulful edgy voice. Her current single "Panic!" is a public love letter about trying to save a dying relationship. The radio-ready hit boasts electric guitar harmonies and a passionate guitar solo paired with stellar vocals and rhythmic drums. DIAMANTE's music is steadily making an impact on music-lovers everywhere.
JOHN TAGLIERI'S "LUCK" JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER - ALL THE WAY TO #1
(Hanson, MA - 2 May 2012) Singer / songwriter John Taglieri has been releasing albums for over a decade now and they've all done well, selling over 16,000 units to date. He must have done something right when he titled his newest effort, Lucky #9, though, because that's exactly what it's proven to be. On the day after it's release, the Ep shot straight into the Adult Alternative charts landing at #2 in the Hot New Release charts and #20 on the sites overall AA Chart.
Well, now the momentum just keeps on rolling as the single "Make Me Believe" has hit the top of the AA Hot New Releases, taking over the #1 position on the singles chart, as well as the #13 spot on AA Overall Best Seller charts, alongside Matchbox 20, The Fray, John Mayer, Sara Bareilles, Ray LaMontagne & Ingrid Michaelson. Not only that, but the track "Dying Alive" is currently sitting at #3 on the AA Hot New Releases chart as well.
Taglieri is astounded, "It's been an amazing two weeks so far! I cant believe that the CD and the singles are still having SO much success....its flattering and amazing to me!! After 12 years and nine releases, it feels really good to see this kind of success. Thanks to all who have bought and downloaded the Ep!!!"
Music Legend Tommy Roe Featured In 'The Beatles Lost Concert' Film
5/1/2012 - Hollywood, CA - International '60s music legend and pop pioneer Tommy Roe will be featured in a new film about The Beatles legendary 1964 concert in Washington, DC called 'The Beatles The Lost Concert'. This new documentary on the birth of Beatlemania in America will have its premiere at New York's world-famous Ziegfeld Theater on May 6, 2012 and will have a limited US theater engagement March 17 & 22, 2012. The Beatles opened for Tommy Roe on the famed UK tour of 1963, in return the fab four asked Tommy to be on the bill with them at their first ever US concert in Washington, DC. The whole story is related through new interviews with celebrities, historically important people, journalists and DJs, photographers, historians and original concert goers, along with plenty archival footage. Also, unseen on the big screen for over four decades, the original concert footage has been restored and remastered. On February 11, 1964, two days after their legendary appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles performed at the Washington Coliseum. After performances by The Caravelles, The Chiffons and Tommy Roe, The Beatles played a 12-song half hour show to an ecstatic audience. The concert was professionally filmed and mixed on location, and then one month later broadcast via closed-circuit to movie theaters across America. The concert has been hidden away in the vaults for over 45 years! In celebration of the new Beatles documentary, Tommy Roe will be featured on the nationally syndicated SiriusXM radio show 'Breakfast With The Beatles' on April 29, 2012.
In other news, Tommy Roe will be releasing his first new album in many years in the Fall 2012! In support of his new CD release Tommy will be performing several select dates in the US and Canada. A bona fide international star, Tommy Roe wrote and recorded 6 "Top 10" hits between 1962-69, more than any other solo American artist. To his credits he has 11 US Top 40 hits, 6 Top 10s, 4 Certified Gold singles, and 2 #1 Hits. He is a member of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame, The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. On September 2, 2012 Tommy Roe will be inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association (IRRMA) Hall of Fame. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Tommy began writing songs at the age of fourteen, and his first recording effort yielded the international #1 hit "Sheila".
"I will most likely call the new CD 'Devils Soul Pile', after a song I have written and included in the line up," explains Tommy. "The song is a departure from my normal and expected style, and one that tells the story of dysfunctional families, and the effect it has on our youth and our neighborhoods. Lyrically, this song is a bit serious, and was inspired by the everyday news of violence in our neighborhoods and cities. But a song that ends in hope." Other new songs include "LA I Belong To You", "It's For You I'm Me" and "Water Underneath My Burning Bridge" as well as a re-recorded version of "Kick Me Charlie" from Tommy's 1965's 'Sweet Pea' album.
"Get Ready to party...Tommy Roe sounds better than ever!" LARRY KLEIN-Executive Producer: Dick Clark Productions
AN EVENING WITH TOMMY ROE is a new show featuring all his hits, plus less familiar tunes, and new material as well. The show features full band, unplugged and solo segments.The band is led by veteran guitarist/music director Rick Levy (Herman's Hermits, Bo Diddley, Jay & the Techniques, Freddy Cannon, etc). Rick plays Epiphone guitars exclusively on tour with Tommy Roe. "I am really excited about my new show," says Tommy. "I will be featuring some of the new songs I have written, along with some obscure material I have recorded through the years, and get many requests to do. Of course I will highlight the hits, like 'Sheila', 'Everybody', 'Hooray For Hazel', 'Sweet Pea', 'Jam Up and Jelly Tight' and 'Dizzy', along with some of my favorite covers. I will also do a Q&A session in the middle of the show while the stage is being set for my acoustic set with band leader and lead guitarist Rick Levy. This is a new addition to our show, and something I really enjoy. It gives me a chance to get up close and intimate with our audience, kind of like I do at home with family and friends."
SAXON "HEAVY METAL THUNDER - LIVE - EAGLES OVER WACKEN"
RELEASE DATE : USA: Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Some things just go together...heavy metal and thunder...denim and leather ...Saxon and Wacken. They've been old friends for many years now, their harmony collecting an army of thousands upon thousands who view Saxon live as a pilgrimage to the heart of metal music. And when that pilgrimage takes you, repeatedly, to the largest heavy metal festival in the world, Wacken Open Air in Germany, the results will always be electric. "When we first played Wacken, it was a small festival with a small stage in a small field, driven by nothing more than raw enthusiasm, which appealed very much to us!" says Biff Byford, Saxon's venerable frontman, "it started as fans putting on a festival for fans, and now it's fair to say that it is to Heavy Metal what the Donington Festival used to be. That was the iconic heavy metal festival of the 80's, and Wacken is the iconic heavy metal festival of now."
Now you can feel that electricity for yourselves thanks to Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken the no-fat-no-bullshit-100%-pure CD/DVD featuring DVD highlights from Saxon's Wacken shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009 comprising THIRTY songs, plus a live CD from Glasgow in 2011. Each set captures the Barnsley-bred British heavy metal legends delivering classic after classic, from "Denim & Leather" to "Metalhead" to "Heavy Metal Thunder" to "Princess Of The Night" to "Crusader" in front of 75,000+ loyal, ravenous fans, who have come to expect (and receive) the levels of performance Saxon have been delivering for 32 years. "And when the eagle comes down at Wacken, when it opens up over the audience, it is always an electric moment for those there," says Biff emphatically of the famous Saxon eagle, a ton or so of steel and lights, rescued from a storage space in the British home counties where it had lain dormant gathering rust. In many ways, the eagle's rebirth and Wacken's ascent are partners on the journey, as it was Wacken's organizers who offered to restore the mighty metal bird so as it could become a live centerpiece of both Wacken and Saxon's history.
And when it comes to heavy metal, Saxon's history is, indeed, rich.
Rightly seen as one of the premier vanguards of Heavy Metal alongside the likes of Iron Maiden, Saxon were a major influence behind platinum-coated stars such as Metallica and Megadeth. Formed as Son of A Bitch in 1976 (and becoming Saxon in 1978) they enjoyed tremendous commercial success in the UK during the '80s, with 8 UK top 40 albums, and have sold over 13 millions albums worldwide, while albums such as Wheels Of Steel, Strong Arm Of The Law, Denim & Leather and The Power & The Glory have become legendary staples of any self-respecting metal fan's collection. But it has always arguably been on stage where Saxon have excelled the most. There's no hiding once you hit the boards, and whether playing to 20000 people in Buenos Aires or 2000 people in Bolton, Byford, Carter, Glockler, Quinn and Scarratt source the same high-voltage energy reserves and deliver the same high-octane, blood and sweat-soaked show that makes Saxon a perennial touring favorite. "We've consistently tried to write, and perform songs which both us and our audience enjoy," says Biff, „and we've worked very hard to maintain that link with our audience, because if you don't have that connection it can be very dangerous. We need them, and we need to be ready to deliver for them at every show, that's the challenge and it's one we gratefully accept and enjoy. If the audience are prepared to get crazy, then it's always going to be a strong show, and Wacken always delivers us a fantastic connection. You cannot fake that electricity, everyone wants that ‚charged' atmosphere and it is absolutely priceless..."
If you've never had the chance to experience Saxon, start here and start now! If you've had the chance and yearned to capture the energy, the moment and the memory of it all, then put your hands together for Saxon "Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" and be grateful to know that despite everything going on in our increasingly confused world, your escapist musical prayers have been answered.
"Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is available in a variety of formats, including the ‚Golden Ticket' D2C/Direct To Consumer Box. Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the "Best Of Wacken" DVD, plus the full and complete Saxon W:O:A performances from 2004/2007/2009 each on a separate DVD, plus a Saxon flag. The real surprise is that 10 ‚Golden Tickets' are randomly included in the box sets, which will allow the lucky winners to visit any Saxon concert in any city around the world (excluding festival appearances). 'Silver Tickets' giving access to special online content are for the remaining boxes so there are no losers - only winners.
DIO'S FINAL STUDIO ALBUM, 'MASTER OF THE MOON,' TO GET PICTURE DISC MAKEOVER!
Ronnie James Dio's stellar musical career was matched by very few, and what turned out to be the last-ever studio album released by his solo band, Dio, will be issued as a picture disc on June 5th. 'Master of the Moon' will be released via the Niji Entertainment Group, and is the first time the album has been issued as a picture disc in the U.S.
Featuring the stellar line-up of Ronnie James Dio - vocals, Craig Goldy - guitar/keyboards, Jeff Pilson - bass, Scott Warren - keyboards, and Simon Wright - drums, 'Master of the Moon' features such Dio classics as "One More for the Road" and the title track. Also included is "The Eyes," which the late singer once noted was one of his all-time favorite tracks recorded by the Dio band.
The tenth Dio studio album overall, 'Master of the Moon' was the perfect way to close the solo career of one of hard rock/heavy metal's all-time great vocalists. Featuring artwork by horror/science fiction artist Marc Sasso, this striking picture disc is a must-have for Dio collectors. And soon, fans will get the opportunity to rediscover and experience this classic album like they never have before!
'MASTER OF THE MOON' TRACKLIST:
"One More for the Road" - 3:18
"Master of the Moon" - 4:19
"The End of the World" - 4:39
"Shivers" - 4:15
"The Man Who Would Be King" - 4:58
"The Eyes" - 6:27
"Living the Lie" - 4:25
"I Am" - 5:00
"Death by Love" - 4:21
"In Dreams" - 4:26
CLASSIC ROCK LEGENDS WISHBONE ASH SET US SPRING TOUR, CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF 'ELEGANT STEALTH'
4/30/2012 - DANBURY, CT-Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, kicks off the American leg of their tour on April 24, 2012.
The tour, which began in Europe early this year, celebrates the release of Elegant Stealth, the group's latest studio album.
Elegant Stealth represents a benchmark in the evolution of Wishbone Ash. Signature twin-lead melodies and a powerhouse rhythm section frame 11 new tracks that reflect a diverse realm of styles and moods.
Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland's guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 14-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain's new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.
The band demonstrates its versatility on Elegant Stealth, from the pop/rocker "Reason to Believe" to the gentler vibe of "Give it Up" to tunes like "Warm Tears" and "Big Issues," where the band gets to stretch out and flex its musical muscles.
Classic Rock Revisited ranked Elegant Stealth No. 8 in its Top 40 New Releases of 2011, and Classic Rock Revisited's Jeb Wright called it "one of the best albums in Wishbone Ash's 42 year career."
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck of MuzikReviews.com said, "This band is like a fine wine that just keeps getting better with age and this is one of their strongest studio releases in years."
"The songs are catchy, very technical, but there is a soul in what Wishbone Ash is doing!" said Mark Kadzielawa of 69 Faces of Rock.
Citing Wishbone Ash as an influence on their style, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Southern Rock outfits like Lynyrd Skynyrd and, more recently, heavyweights like Opeth and some of the guitar-based Indie/Alternative bands, have all taken a little something from the legendary twin-guitar approach of Wishbone Ash. Truly, there is no other rock band on the planet that has done more with the twin guitar concept than the Ash.
Lita Ford News
Legendary female guitar icon LITA FORD's new album Living Like A Runaway will be released June 19 in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. The album will be available in four configurations: a double LP, limited edition CD, standard CD and digital download. Today the artwork for the album created by famed rock photographer Mark Weiss has been unveiled, as well as the track listing for all four versions of Living Like A Runaway. Details can be viewed below:
Standard Jewel Case Version:
1. Branded
2. Hate
3. The Mask
4. Living Like A Runaway
5. Relentless
6. Mother
7. Devil In My Head
8. Asylum
9. Love 2 Hate U
10. A Song To Slit Your Wrists By
Limited Edition Digipak Version:
1. Branded
2. Hate
3. The Mask
4. Living Like A Runaway
5. Relentless
6. Mother
7. Devil In My Head
8. Asylum
9. Love 2 Hate U
10. A Song To Slit Your Wrists By
BONUS TRACKS:
11. Bad Neighborhood
12. The Bitch Is Back
Exclusive iTunes Version:
1. Branded
2. Hate
3. The Mask
4. Living Like A Runaway
5. Relentless
6. Mother
7. Devil In My Head
8. Asylum
9. Love 2 Hate U
10. A Song To Slit Your Wrists By
EXCLUSIVE iTunes Bonus Track:
11. Boiling Point
Double Gatefold LP Version:
LP SIDE 1:
1. Branded
2. Hate
3. The Mask
LP SIDE 2:
1. Relentless
2. Devil In My Head
3. Asylum
LP SIDE 3:
1. Living Like A Runaway
2. Mother
3. A Song To Slit Your Wrists By
LP SIDE 4:
1. Love 2 Hate You
BONUS TRACKS:
2. Bad Neighborhood
3. The Bitch Is Back
LITA FORD has teamed up with producer Gary Hoey and lyricist Michael Dan Ehmig to work on Living Like a Runaway. Together the team invested a lot of time and effort into this kick ass project: "We worked on the lyrics intensively to really give the songs a lot of meaning and that special emotional depth. I think that these are some of the best lyrics ever, period. FORD is referring to numbers such as 'Devil In My Head,' 'Hate,' and 'The Asylum' which see her bare her soul in a way which she has never done before.
Unlike many albums today, Living Like a Runawayis an album that truly must be heard in its entirety from start to finish. "Listeners shouldn't pick out individual tracks but listen to the full album," says FORD. "It's a fascinating musical journey, inspired by Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. I had seen a documentary about Dark Side of the Moon and it really motivated me to focus on Living Like a Runawayas a whole journey rather just an individual song.
Coinciding with the album's release, LITA is hitting the road this summer with Def Leppard and Poison on the "Rock of Ages Tour". The dates for the first leg of the tour have been announced and are listed below. More dates are expected to be announced soon.
Following the demise of the Runaways, LITA FORD concentrated on her own career and now looks back on many memorable hits including: the chart topping duet with Ozzy Osbourne "Close Your Eyes Forever" "What Do You Know About Love", "Shot Of Poison", "Larger Than Life" and "Kiss Me Deadly". With the release of Living Like A Runaway, expect many more songs to be added to the list of hits.
ASIA News
ASIA, featuring the original line-up of Geoff Downes (keyboards), Steve Howe (guitar), Carl Palmer (drums) and John Wetton (bass, lead vocals) will release a new studio album entitled "XXX" on Monday July 2. The new album dovetails the news of the band's upcoming 30 Anniversary World Tour and the collectors' edition of their eponymous debut album.
Planet Rock will launch an exclusive 48-hour ticket pre-sale for ASIA's UK-leg of the 30 Anniversary tour at 9am on Wednesday April 25. Fans can order their tickets from planetrock.com. From Friday April 27, tickets will go on sale to the general public from the 24 Hour Ticket Hotline: 0844 478 0898,
ASIA will play the following UK concerts in December 2012:
Tavistock The Wharf Saturday 15
December
Holmfirth Picturedrome Sunday 16 December
Edinburgh Queen's Hall Monday 17 December
Salisbury City Hall Wednesday 19 December
Birmingham Town Hall Thursday 20 December
Manchester Royal Northern College of Music Friday 21
December
London o2 Shepherds Bush Empire Saturday 22 December
Thirty years after its eponymous debut album, ASIA ascended to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart (where the album remained No.1 for nine consecutive weeks). The new album, "XXX", is produced by Mike Paxman, and features a stunning front cover illustration by the legendary Roger Dean. "XXX" has been hailed as ASIA's best album since their classic early 80s releases. The album will be released on CD, collector's edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on a limited edition vinyl.
The first single taken from the new album is entitled Face On The Bridge, will be released digitally worldwide on Monday May 14. "We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album," says ASIA's guitarist, Steve Howe. "ASIA has always been about great songs, fantastic musicianship and I am sure fans of the first album, will fall in love with XXX."
VENREZ TO SUPPORT THE LEGENDARY ALICE COOPER IN JUNE
One of rock's top true living legends, Alice Cooper, has invited one of rock's top young bands, Venrez, to open a string of tour dates in June. The eight-date Venrez/Alice trek begins on June 11th in Charleston, South Carolina, and will conclude on June 22nd in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Comprised of singer Steven Berez (whose last syllables of his first and last name serve as the group's nom de plum), guitarists Jason Womack and Alex Kane, bassist Michael Bradford, and drummer Ed Davis, the Los Angeles-based group recently issued their debut full-length, 'Sell the Lie,' via Monarch Music Group, LLC (distributed through Megaforce/RED/Sony) on February 28th, 2012, and are fresh off a month's worth of dates opening for Fuel.
The Hard Rock Haven website has raved about the new disc, comparing specific songs to the likes of the Beatles, Alice in Chains, and Zakk Wylde, before concluding, "Overall, 'Sell The Lie' by Venrez has a huge classic guitar sound that is infectious." Additionally, BlogCritics offered further praise - "This is a band that rocks. It's a debut album that ought to get them quite a bit of attention."
Lastly, Berez offers fans a hint of what to expect from the band on these upcoming Alice Cooper dates. "Venrez live is a very special rock show. All the members are amazing players and showmen. We go on feel a lot, and every live show is slightly different than the other - much like a Rolling Stones or Aerosmith concert. It's big, in your face, captivating, and sexy as f*@k!"