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MUSIC NEWS |
MAY 2008 |
05/08/08 DISTURBED will be performing to a global audience on May 29 at 7 p.m. ET when they play an online show as part of the Pepsi Free Concert Series. Fans will be able to interact and communicate with the nü-metal act during the gig, which won't cost anything but will require a ticket that can be acquired here. Disturbed will release their fourth album, Indestructible, on July 3.
Disturbed -- Official Site
05/08/08 Kid Rock and Southern rockers LYNYRD SKYNYRD have unveiled dates for a joint North American summer tour. The Rock and Rebels trek will kick off Aug. 8 in Oklahoma City and is mapped out through an Aug. 31 stop in Hartford, Conn. A third, as-yet-unnamed act will serve as the jaunt's opener. SKYNYRD also will be among the special guests at Rock's May 15 concert at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Kid Rock -- Official Site
05/08/08 Tunes by STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, NINE INCH NAILS and the SMASHING PUMPKINS are among the 20 songs featured in an upcoming accessory package for the Rock Band video game. Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1, which will be available for the Wii and PlayStation2 systems, hits stores July 15. Other artists contributing tunes to the booster pack include WOLFMOTHER, FAITH NO MORE, KISS, THE RAMONES, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and WEEZER.
PR Newswire
05/02/08 Gary Graff of Billboard.com reports: BOSTON leader Tom Scholz tells Billboard.com he hopes to finish recording the band's next studio album after its summer tour and have it out "just after the first of the year."
Scholz says the album — BOSTON's first since 2002's "Corporate America" — is a mix of "really straightforward rock 'n' roll songs and some things that are pretty esoteric.
"When I first started," he continues, "I was doing music that had pretty simple themes. Then as I got into 'Third Stage' and 'Walk On' I got a little more technical and a little more involved, more complicated. In this one I'm trying to do both."
Read the entire article at Billboard.com.
05/02/08 MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx will be among the honorees at Covenant House California's ninth annual Awards Gala, scheduled for May 9 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sixx is being recognized in part for helping to launch Running Wild in the Night, a fundraising initiative for the youth homelessness charity. Meanwhile, the release date of the Crüe's upcoming album, Saints of Los Angeles reportedly has been pushed back from June 17 to June 24.
Blabbermouth.net
05/02/08 Billy Idol's upcoming hits compilation is due out June 24. "The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself" will feature 18 tracks, including two new songs, and will be available as a standard CD, a digital download and a deluxe set packaged with a DVD offering 13 music videos. Idol will perform on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! the night of Idolize Yourself's irelease. He also has announced that kicks off June 22 in San Diego. dates for a summer tour
PR Newswire
05/02/08 Scott Weiland has revealed that his previously announced sophomore solo effort will be a double album that's slated to arrive in November. "It's gonna be awesome," the STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer writes. "[It will feature] many different musical influences like rock, punk [and] R&B, as well as an eclectic blend that we've come up with over the years." In addition, Weiland reports that the autobiography he's been writing also is due out later this year.
MySpace: Scott Weiland
APRIL 2008 |
04/22/08 STAIND front man Aaron Lewis says the band's upcoming album is tentatively titled The Illusion of Progress, and is likely to come out around July. The singer also confirms that STAIND will be touring with 3 DOORS DOWN this summer. "We're good friends with them," he says of 3DD. "And it'll be fun." Meanwhile, Lewis is planning to release an acoustic-based solo disc once STAIND finish touring in support of their album.
Blabbermouth.net
04/22/08 AC/DC front man Brian Johnson announced in an interview Tuesday that the band is done recording its upcoming studio effort, which is expected out in late 2008. He also reports that the group's sibling guitarists, Malcolm and Angus Young, currently are mixing the album in Vancouver, Canada, with producer Brendan O'Brien and engineer Mike Fraser. The disc will be the follow-up to AC/DC's 2000 release, Stiff Upper Lip.
AC/DC -- Official Site
04/22/08 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' Robert DeLeo says the band's upcoming reunion trek will help prepare the members for recording a possible new album. "After this tour finishes, I think we're gonna be in a position where we've gotten to know each other again," explains the bassist. "And I think it's gonna be time to hit the studio." Meanwhile, STP plan to release a DVD documenting the private comeback show they played April 7 in Los Angeles.
Billboard.com
04/22/08 METALLICA members revealed some details about their forthcoming ninth studio album Saturday during their Record Store Day appearance at the Rasputin Music shop in Mountain View, Calif. Bassist Robert Trujillo says the disc will be out "this fall," while front man James Hetfield reveals that U.S. tour dates are planned for September. View pictures from the event here. Meanwhile, METALLICA have launched a new website that apparently will allow fans to preview the album.
RollingStone.com
04/22/08 VAN HALEN performed Saturday in Las Vegas at Tiger Woods' annual Tiger Jam charity event, which raised around $1.5 million. "I cannot play golf for s**t," quipped front man David Lee Roth from the stage. "But I can ruin my knee with the pros." The benefit gig followed a VH show Thursday in Reno, Nev., that marked the rockers' return to live action after Eddie Van Halen's unspecified medical problems forced a month-plus hiatus from touring.
RollingStone.com
04/19/08 FOO FIGHTERS and LED ZEPPELIN front man Robert Plant (with collaborative partner Alison Krauss) are among the acts set to perform at the 2008 Austin City Limits Music Festival, scheduled for Sept. 26-28 in the Texas capital. The three-day event's lineup also features Beck, THE RACONTEURS, BLUES TRAVELER,FLYLEAF and dozens of other acts. Tickets for the extravaganza are available here.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
04/19/08 JUDAS PRIEST will issue their much-anticipated concept album, Nostradamus, on June 17. The 23-track collection will feature eight instrumental interludes, and finds the band incorporating orchestration and a choir into its music. Three versions of the release will be available -- a standard two-CD set, a deluxe hardbound edition and a special package that will include three vinyl discs. In other news, PRIEST have announced a handful of July dates for their upcoming North American tour.
Billboard.com
04/19/08 GODSMACK'S Sully Erna has mapped out a four-gig solo acoustic tour scheduled from a May 1 stop in Niagara Falls, N.Y., through a May 30 show in Albany, N.Y. More concerts may be added to the trek, which will feature the singer playing 'SMACK tunes and his own new compositions. "My goal doing these shows is that fans get to experience me as I see myself," explains Erna. "Not filtered through the fame and the hype."
Godsmack -- Official Site
04/19/08 CANDLEBOXis scheduled to release its new studio album, "Into the Sun", mid-July via the independent music label Silent Majority Group, headed by Jeff Hanson, who has managed groups such as CREED and SEVENDUST. The group's new single, "Stand", will go for radio ads in mid-to-late May.
Silent Majority Group offered CANDLEBOX a 50/50 deal, which vocalist Kevin Martin said means the band gets equal say on its music and input on album production and artwork.
Fan-filmed video footage of CANDLEBOX performing one of the new songs during the band's March 25, 2008 concert at The Roxy in West Hollywood, California can be viewed here.
Rhino Records in May 2006 released "The Best of Candlebox", featuring all of the single releases from CANDLEBOX's previous three albums as well as a few additional album tracks and the song "Glowing Soul", which was featured on the soundtrack for the movie "The Waterboy".
04/13/08
Revelation Generation Music Festival Announces All-Star Lineup and Ticket Availability
Pre-Sales Discounted Tickets Now Available at www.iTickets.com for Labor Day Weekend Concert featuring NEWSBOYS, SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, TOBYMAC, AS I LAY DYING, FLYLEAF, NORMA JEAN, and More
FRENCHTOWN, NJ – April 11, 2008 –4 (www.revelationgeneration.org), the annual outdoor Labor Day Weekend music festival at Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, NJ, today announced a powerhouse lineup for the fourth consecutive year of the concert, taking place August 29-30, 2008. This year’s acts span a host of genres including rock, pop, hip hop, alternative, and acoustic. Revelation Generation 2008 will feature three stages named for cities that have produced countless musical talents: the New York Stage which perennial fan-favorite, NEWSBOYS, returns to headline; the Philadelphia Stage headlined by metalcore juggernaut AS I LAY DYING; and the newly-named Nashville Stage featuring Bethany Dillon. Steeply-discounted pre-sale tickets are also now available to fans at www.iTickets.com
Revelation Generation kicks off on Friday night, August 29, with a trio of impressive acts including singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin, progressive rock band LEELAND, and former American Idol finalist, Mandisa. To top off that lineup, NEWSBOYS front man, Paul Coleman, will emcee opening night.
The music continues all day on Saturday, August 30. Joining NEWSBOYS on the New York Stage will be the captivating Grammy-nominated stage performer TobyMac, bringing his trademark brand of rock, funk, and hip hop; award-winning band SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER who is reuniting and re-entering the pop music scene with a new album and tour; singer-songwriter Matt Wertz whose latest album, "Everything In Between", has received shining reviews; KUTLESS, the Portland, Oregon-based band whose blend of rock and praise have led to hits like “Sea of Faces” and “Strong Tower”; and the ROBBIE SEAY BAND who brings a raw, edgy sound as heard on their most recent release, "Give Yourself Away".
Performing with AS I LAY DYING on the Philadelphia Stage will be the powerfully infectious FLYLEAF; gnarly rock quintet NORMA JEAN; MTV2’s Breakout contest champions, THE MYRIAD; the metal-rock blend sound of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA; the talented-beyond-their-years AUGUST BURNS RED; and the fan-favorite, genre-fusing SKILLET returns for a second-straight year.
The new tented Nashville Stage will feature some of the Music City’s finest acoustic group and solo acts as well as local bands and performers in an intimate, club-like setting. Eighteen-year-old Bethany Dillon will showcase her acoustic roots rock talents, pulling songs from all three of her albums, including her latest, Waking Up. Singer-songwriter Shawn MacDonald will captivate Nashville Stage audiences with his mesmerizing blend of folk and soul, and returning for a second year, Phil Keaggy will delight young and old with his mastery of the guitar. With this new stage, concert-goers will experience up-close-and-personal performances by their favorite artists, allowing for totally unique concert experience.
The three stages – spread over 140-plus acres – will aim to provide festival attendees with a variety of fun and exciting experiences – not to mention one of the hottest lineups of musical acts to anchor the summer concert season.
“We are thrilled to have such talented, high-profile musical performers on this year’s Revelation Generation bill,” said Robert Grom, co-founder of Revelation Generation with wife Kim Grom. “Showcasing artists that bring a positive message to fans through their music truly helps us spread the mission of Revelation Generation – and that is something we can all find inspiring.”
About Revelation Generation
Revelation Generation is an annual music festival which takes place on Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, N.J., a 140-plus acre property owned by Robert and Kim Grom – original founders of the Christian non-profit organization who have dedicated their farm to many youth events and to raising money for youth-oriented charities. Revelation Generation is a first-rate entertainment event that calls today’s youth to live positive lifestyles—free of depression, peer pressure, and addiction—by using their influence and talents to serve others. Revelation Generation brings together a unique mix of emerging and award-winning musical artists spanning rock, pop, alternative, and punk, along with inspiring speakers, demonstrations, activities, and games that the whole family can enjoy. For more information, visit www.revelationgeneration.org.
04/08/08Brand new clip of 3 DOORS DOWN at the NCAA FINAL FOUR Championship pre-game show. The video features the new single, "Its Not My Time" from their upcoming self-titled album out MAY 20TH 2008!
Check out the clip here:
04/01/08 Tom Morello will embark on a seven-show trek under his Nightwatchman alias. The RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist's Justice Tour will kick off April 15 in Los Angeles and is scheduled through a May 1 date in Chicago. Each gig will focus on a different social cause, such as homelessness, affordable housing and veterans care. Guests on the jaunt will include Slash, Perry Farrell, ALICE IN CHAINS' Jerry Cantrell, TOOL's Maynard James Keenan and INCUBUS' Mike Einziger.
MySpace: Tom Morello
04/01/08 Ex-Bush front man Gavin Rossdale is set to release his debut solo album, WanderLust, on June 3. The disc's first single, "Love Remains the Same," is available now at iTunes and other digital outlets. A dramatic video teaser trailer for WanderLust has been posted here. Meanwhile, Rossdale will perform a benefit show Thursday in Orlando, Fla., for the nonprofit organization Musicians on Call.
Gavin Rossdale -- Official Site | iTunes
04/01/08 Chris Cornell says he's perplexed by the American Idol judges' reaction to contestant David Cook's recent performance of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," which he based on the ex-SOUNDGARDEN/AUDIOSLAVE singer's own rendition. "I came up with this arrangement and reinvented the song," maintains Cornell. "You can clearly see that the judges are giving this guy credit for it on national television." Despite host Ryan Seacrest introducing the tune as Cornell's version, the judges still praised Cook for his originality.
Billboard.com
04/01/08 VAN HALEN will be back in action two days earlier than initially announced. The rockers, who recently postponed a series of concerts because guitarist Eddie Van Halen needed to undergo unspecified medical tests, now will return to the road with a newly scheduled April 17 show in Reno, Nev. -- the band's first gig in the city since 1992. Meanwhile, Eddie's son, VH bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, says, "Don't listen to the rumors -- [my father is] doing great -- seriously."
Van Halen -- Official Site
04/01/08 AVENGED SEVENFOLD will film its April 10 concert at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California on the current Taste of Chaos tour for a live CD/DVD package the band expects to make available by Christmas. Singer M. Shadows recently told The Pulse of Radio that the combined audio-video package will also include some of the band's B-sides. In addition, the group will be utilizing the live footage shot at the Long Beach concert to put together a video for the song "Dear God"
The Taste of Chaos tour also includes BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and ATREYU, and others. The tour will continue until April 15, when it wraps up in Seattle.
04/01/08 Des Moines, Iowa-based metal giants SLIPKNOT have offered the first glimpse (sort of) at the new series of masks which the band will don on the upcoming Rockstar Energy Mayhem festival, set to kick off July 9 at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle.
Check out the new "shadowy" photo on the splash page of the band's official web site.
When asked if the oversized, Easter Island–looking masks were in fact an April Fools' Day joke, an unnamed executive at the band's record label, Roadrunner Records, assured BLABBERMOUTH.NET that it is "100% real."
According to HMV.co.uk, Roadrunner Records has set an August 11 UK release date (one day later in the U.S.) for the much-anticipated new SLIPKNOT album. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2004's "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)" is being recorded with producer Dave Fortman, who has previously worked with MUDVAYNE and EVANESCENCE.
04/01/08 Rhino Records will release the new DOKKEN studio album, "Lightning Strikes Again", in the U.S. on May 13. Anyone who pre-orders the CD from Rhino will receive a free poster signed by Don Dokken.
In addition to the regular European version of "Lightning Strikes Again", Frontiers Records will release a special limited edition of the CD on April 11 in a glossy slipcase. The limited-edition version will include an exclusive bonus track for Europe, entitled "Sunset Superstar".
"Lightning Strikes Again" is DOKKEN's tenth studio album and it "marks a true and definite return" to the band's classic sound, according to a press release. 'We have been more focused on this project than any we've done in years," says Don Dokken. "Yes, it has taken a long time but in the end the fans will have a DOKKEN CD that is as good as any we did in the '80s. Our goal is to deliver a CD that will shake up the rock world... and so far everyone says it is the best DOKKEN CD since '86. It's time that a band from our era did something special and prove that our brand of music is still valid. And I think we're close. If it does not have success, it won't be because we didn't give it a thousand percent effort."
04/01/08 After much speculation, VELVET REVOLVER has officially parted ways with singer Scott Weiland. "This band is all about its fans and its music and Scott Weiland isn't 100 percent committed to either," says guitarist Slash in a statement. "Among other things, his increasingly erratic onstage behavior and personal problems have forced us to move on." Meanwhile, Weiland's regrouped STONE TEMPLE PILOTS are expected to announce details of an extensive tour on Monday.
Business Wire |
MARCH 2008 |
03/27/08 PEARL JAM's Eddie Vedder played two surprise gigs, on Monday and Tuesday, at Seattle's Kenyon Hall. The lucky attendees had thought they purchased tickets to a screening of Into the Wild, the recent film for which Vedder provided the soundtrack. The singer played a few PEARL JAM tunes along with solo material and songs by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Vedder officially kicks off his http://pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Artist&Content=EDDVED&PSKey=Y> solo tour April 2 in Vancouver, Canada.
Billboard.com
03/27/08 BON JOVI guitarist Richie Sambora was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence late Tuesday in Laguna Beach, Calif. According to reports, the axe man was pulled over after being observed maneuvering a black Hummer erratically and subsequently failed a number of field sobriety tests. Three passengers reportedly also were in the vehicle, including the rocker's 10-year-old daughter, Ava. Sambora was released from custody early Wednesday, and has a court appearance scheduled for May 7.
TMZ.com
03/27/08 VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash is refuting recent statements by front man Scott Weiland that appear to suggest the band is about to call it quits. "Let's put it this way, this is not VELVET REVOLVER's last tour," says the axe man. Slash also is downplaying rumors that VR will be a support act on an as-yet-unconfirmed LED ZEPPELIN reunion trek. "We've got another record to do and we're not even thinking about that," he maintains.
BBC News
03/27/08 SLAYER guitarist Kerry King will hold an exclusive clinic on Saturday, March 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the West L.A. Music Amphitheater (11345 Santa Monica Blvd.) in Los Angeles, California. A press release states: "Come see Kerry give a special live demonstration of his amazing guitar, showcasing his brand new signature Marshall 2203KK all-tube head and MG10KK. You could also win a Kerry King signature amp!"
For more information, click here.
03/15/08 Hollywood's legendary Eclectic/Avant Garde/Black Metal Miscreants WILLOW WISP? discomforts and confuses in a special 5 PM showcase at the Murder Fest Version 4.0!!! Contact toekneefcorpse for tickets!!! (818)377-4571 or email toekneefcorpse@mail.com
03/15/08 Actress Valerie Bertinelli insists that ex-husband Eddie Van Halen has not relapsed in his struggle against substance abuse. "The reports about him being in rehab are wrong. Eddie is sober," Bertinelli said at a New York luncheon Wednesday. "He's being proactive about his illness." VAN HALEN's namesake band recently postponed a series of tour dates because the guitarist reportedly needed treatment for an unidentified ailment. The group is scheduled to return to the road April 19.
People
03/15/08 A CD featuring solo recordings made by late singer Bon Scott during his pre-AC/DC days is scheduled for a July 8 release. Bon Scott -- The Early Years includes three previously unreleased tracks recorded by the rocker a month before he was hired by the legendary Australian band in 1974. Also on the 10-tune disc are a handful of songs by FRATERNITY, the band Scott performed with from 1970 through 1973.
MVD Entertainment Group
03/15/08 LINKIN PARK has launched an interesting new remix contest. After choosing from a selection of two LP tracks paired together, entrants can use an online program to separate the tunes into their component parts and mash them up into a new creation. All individual participants are eligible for a $4,000 grand prize, while a winning college student will be awarded a LINKIN PARK gig at his or her school's campus in the fall.
MySpace: Linkin Park
03/15/08 A website has been launched where fans can buy or listen to live BLACK CROWES performances. LiveBlackCrowes.com will sell CDs and digital recordings of all the gigs on the group's 2008 tour, while many previous CROWES concerts already are available. In addition, free streams of select individual tracks are offered. Also, the first 10,000 people to register at the site will receive free MP3s of tunes from the CROWES' current dates showcasing new album Warpaint.
Black Crowes -- Official Site | iTunes
03/14/08 OUTWORLD: LOOKING FOR NEW SINGER and SECOND GUITARIST.
Keyboardist Bobby Williamson of the Texas metal band OUTWORLD has issued the following update:
"Due to overwhelming and stressful tasks that I took on, rehearsal schedule problems, sleep deprivation and damage to my hearing (tinnitus), I have made the decision to leave OUTWORLD. This was a hard decision to make, but I feel it’s best for me.
"Rusty Cooley[guitar] and I, the founding members of this band, began OUTWORLD years ago with the vision of putting together an amazing metal band that could measure up with the quality of bands like SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER, etc., and I think we conquered that vision to a degree. However, things have changed for me, it became not fun anymore and too hard to persevere with little positive return.
"But I’m not done with music! And I look forward to writing music of my own...not sure which direction I will take yet as far as a project or a band.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those devoted fans we have gathered over the years that truly believed in us. You helped us win the Famecast video competition, an amazing and glorious accomplishment that each of us will never forget. Cheers to you!
Carlos is leaving because of family issues back home.
A note from Rusty:
Matt, Shawn and I will continue with a second guitarist no more keys we are going for a much heavier sound. We are also going for a different style singer we are not looking to replace Kelly or Carlos we are just looking for a badass metal voice and that could be a lot of things.
We will let you all know what’s up when more details arise.
03/08/08 "2008 ROCKLAHOMA LINEUP ANNOUNCED
HOLLYWOOD, CA - The line up for 2008’s Rocklahoma was announced by Catch the Fever Music Festivals at a press conference held at the historic Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood.
Hosted by nationally syndicated DJ and VJ Eddie Trunk, the press conference was attended by Bret Michaels, front man of POISON, all of WARRANTfeaturing Jani Lane, along with members of CINDERELLA, LA GUNS, ENUF Z NUFF, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, XYZ, PRETTY BOY FLOYD, VAIN, and LYNCH MOB. Trunk, who is heard nationally and on XM Satellite Radio’s channel 41 The Boneyard and is seen as the VH on VH-1 Classic, invited rock fans worldwide to attend Rocklahoma, July 10-13, 2008, at the Catch the Fever Festival grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma. The press conference was broadcasted live on XM’s Boneyard Channel 41, as well as streamed on Wyldside Radio.
Over 80 bands will be performing on three giant stages over July 10 through July 13th. As announced, Rocklahoma’s initial lineup on the main stage is:
Thursday
(Pre Party for those who have bought three day tickets) Bret Michaels, LA GUNS featuring Tracii Guns, ENUF Z NUFF, VAIN, HOUSE OF LORDS andJET BOY.
Friday:
XYZ, ARMORED SAINT, KINGDOM COME, NIGHT RANGER, EXTREME, TRIUMPH and TBA.
Saturday:
PRETTY BOY FLOYD, EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE, TORA TORA, BLACK N BLUE, TRIXTER, KIX, WARRANT FEATURING Janie Lane and CINDERELLA.
Sunday:
AXE, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, ZEBRA, LYNCH MOB, TBA, TESLA and TBA.
Additional bands on the main stage will be added in the upcoming weeks. The initial lineup and bands are subject to change as bands are added and the exact schedule is arranged.
Two side stages adjacent to the main stage feature over twenty-eight regional artists on each stage.
The Retrospect Records stage includes the following bands: JESTER, SIDEKIXX, PAIR-A-DICE, FRONT RUNNER, TOMMY HAD A VISION, VALOR, GYPSY BLUE, WHITEFOXX, BLUE TIGER, WILD AUGUST, MESSANG, PAUL SHORTINO, MARIAH, WARRYOR, BAD CANDY, LORRAINE, NASTY NASTY, REAL STEEL, CUTTLASS, VYPER, MASS, BAD CANDY, ONEY, STRIKEFORCE, HERAZZ, RECKLESS, HEARTLESS, RON KEEL, WARRYOR and ALIBI.
On the Tri-Label Group stage has TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, KARNEVIL FEATURING DARIO LORINA, DIRTY PENNY, CROOKED X, GYPSY PISTOLEROS, SWEET FA, BANSHEE, GODS OF KANSAS, LIPSTICK MAGAZINE, POWND, SHADOWSIDE, MINDFLOW, WARMACHINE, ASPHALT VALENTINE, KRUCIBLE FEATURING LANCE KING, and DEATH RIDERS.
Rocklahoma is the world’s largest Rock Festival of its type featuring bands from the eighties. Attendance is expected from all fifty states, every Province in Canada and every country in Europe.
03/06/08
KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer has unveiled details about a new side-project band called FEAR AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. The group's lineup also includes ex-LIMP BIZKIT axe man Wes Borland, former Faith No More bassist Billy Gould and BAD RELIGION DRUMMER Brooks Wackerman. The super group is working on its as-yet-untitled debut album in Los Angeles. The disc is slated for an Aug. 8 release on Shaffer's own Emotional Syphon Recordings imprint.
Fear and the Nervous System -- Official Site
03/06/08 AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry is in need of knee surgery and has canceled his scheduled April 5, gig at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, N.Y. The operation reportedly is forcing the rocker to nix other as-yet-unspecified dates, as well. Meanwhile, click here to check out a recent TV interview conducted with Perry and his sons Tony and Adrian from the group TAB THE BAND.
Blabbermouth.net
03/06/08 Kid Roc will interact with customers and sign autographs Tuesday at a Waffle House restaurant in Duluth, Ga., to raise money for the local Nicholas House homeless shelter. The singer is facing a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an October altercation at an Atlanta branch of the food chain. In other news, Rock will perform April 4 at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., as part of the Gridiron Bash spring football event.
Kid Rock -- Official Site
03/06/08 Scott Weiland exited a rehab facility Monday after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed substance problem. The STONE TEMPLE PILOTS/VELVET REVOLVER singer is due in court Wednesday in connection with his November arrest for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs. Meanwhile, STP recently added several dates to their upcoming reunion tour, including a May 23 performance in Indianapolis as part of festivities leading up to this year's Indianapolis 500.
TMZ.com
03/06/08 EVERCLEAR have recorded an album of 14 eclectic covers titled The Vegas Years. Hits by Tom Petty, THIN LIZZY and Hall and Oates are among the tunes tackled by Art Alexaki and his band on the disc, which drops April 15. Check out EVERCLEAR‘s current live itinerary here. Meanwhile, fellow Pacific Northwest rockers CANDLEBOX will release a live disc titled Alive in Seattle on April 1.
PR Newswire
03/06/08 LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia joined MEGADETH on stage in her hometown of Milan, Italy earlier tonight (Tuesday, March 4) for a rendition of the song "A Tout Le Monde ". Watch fan-filmed footage of the performance below (courtesy of the Italian news blog Musica Metal). Photos of the concert can be found at this location. More pictures are available at Long Live Rock N Roll.
03/06/08 According to Kansas.com, ALICE COOPER, POISON and STYX are among the confirmed artists that will perform at this year's Kansas State Fair.
The details are as follows:STYX - Friday, September 5
POISON - Sunday, September 7
ALICE COOPER - Friday, September 12
The annual Kansas State Fair is held annually beginning the Friday following Labor Day and lasts for 10 days at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The largest single event in the State, the Fair annually attracts approximately 350,000 people from all 105 Kansas counties and several other states.
03/06/08 SEPULTURA founding members and current CAVALERA CONSPIRACY collaborators Max Cavalera (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavalera (drums) will take part in a signing session on Monday, March 17 at Zia Records in Phoenix, Arizona. Pre-order the album from Zia Records today and get a wristband (while they last) that gives you front of the line privileges.
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Where:
Zia Records
2510 W. Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Store Phone: 602-866-7867
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY is the new project featuring Max and Igor alongside vocalist Joe Duplantier (bass) of the French progressive death metallers GOJIRA and SOULFLY guitarist Marc Rizzo.
03/06/08 MTV.com reports that the reunited VAN HALEN have been forced to postpone four upcoming dates of their U.S. tour due to an unspecified medical condition affecting guitarist Eddie Van Halen. A statement issued by tour promoter Live Nation on Monday afternoon (March 3) explained that concerts in Dallas, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Raleigh, North Carolina, have been postponed and rescheduled for April.
"According to Eddie Van Halen‘s physician, he is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures," read the release.
The March 3 show at American Airlines Arena in Dallas has been rescheduled for April 24; the March 5 show at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati has been moved to April 22; the March 7 show at RBC Center in Raleigh was shifted to April 13 and the March 9 show at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore will now take place April 15, according to Pollstar.
Fans should retain their tickets as they will be honored at the rescheduled concerts or ticket refunds will be issued at the original point of purchase.
The Live Nation spokesperson said the tour is expected to pick up the previously scheduled dates beginning on March 11 in Charlottesville, Virginia, and, for now, no other dates have been affected.
03/05/08 FIREFEST 2008 is coming!
We think it's our strongest bill to date and a conscious effort was made to try to balance the bands that people wanted to see again with some surprises that few could possibly expect. As our core audience seem to be mostly AOR/melodic hard rock fans we've tried to cater specifically for them, and despite some of the bigger names in the genre we approached being out of our price range, we think we've put together a line-up that's strong from top to bottom.
So without further ado, here are the details of the 20 artists appearing…
Venues -
Firefest V will take place in Nottingham on the weekend of Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October. Five bands will play at the Trent University Students Union on Friday 24th, with seven bands in the main room at Rock City on both Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th.
Friday 24th (Top to bottom)
VALENTINE
One of the stars of last year’s event, New York AOR heroes VALENTINE enjoyed it so much that they've asked us if they can play again. Hugo, Adam, Gerard, Craig and Joe will headline the Friday night and promise a different set list to the one they played at Firefest IV. Expect a very large helping of their self-titled debut and another classy performance to go down in Firefest history.
PAUL LAINE
Making his first solo appearance in the UK since THE GODS in 1993, Paul will be playing material from his debut album 'Stick It In Your Ear' exclusively, including some of the bonus tracks from the re-issue. The Bruce Fairbairn- produced melodic rock gem has become a cult classic and songs like 'Step Over The Line' and the ultra-catchy 'Dorianna' will surely bring the house down. For his set Vancouver-based Paul will be joined by his DANGER DANGER buddies Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello.
DAVID READMAN
Better known as the voice of PINK CREAM 69, UK-born David Readman will be making his first solo appearance playing songs from last year’s well received solo album. David will be putting together an all-German band to start rehearsals for the first of his two vocal master classes over the weekend.
BURN
The UK melodic rockers returned to duty last year after too long in the wilderness. Their long-awaited third album, 'Global Warning', has been met with ecstatic reviews the world over and the band should make quite a few converts with their classy material.
DREAMLAND
Probably a new name to some, DREAMLAND are a Swedish melodic metal band with an E.P. and two great albums to their name. The band has some catchy songs in their repertoire so make sure you get there early and check them out.
CRIMES OF PASSION
The hardest working band in the UK are working even harder this year. With an excellent new album produced by It Bites/Arena guitarist John Mitchell to promote, the Yorkshire lads, complete with a new bass player, will open proceedings in the own inimitable way.
Saturday 25th October (Top to Bottom)
TYKETTO
As most will already know, TYKETTO had already decided that last year's Firefest appearance and mini-tour was going to be their last. However, the band enjoyed playing and hanging out together more than they had for many, many years. The reception they got at Rock City reminded them why they got into music in the first place, and after a little bit of arm-twisting from drummer Michael Clayton the original line-up have decided to continue. Not content to do things in a half-assed manner it's hoped that there will be an all new TYKES album to promote by the time Firefest comes around. The band's set will be filmed for a DVD.
PINK CREAM 69
Not really a surprise this one (Thanks David!), but PC 69 caused a major stir with their inaugural Firefest appearance and have appeared on many a message board wanted list. One of the most consistent live and recording bands of the last decade, the multi-national German-based band never fail to deliver. With producer/mixer/bassist extraordinaire Dennis Ward, singer David Readman, guitarists Alfred Koffler & Uwe Reitenauer and drummer Kosta Zafiriou in the ranks, they have all bases covered.
JEFF SCOTT SOTO
Another no-brainer when trying to put together an entertaining line-up is the one and only Mr. Jeff Scott Soto. With his multi-talented band of Howie Simon, Gary Schutt and Dave Dzaliak in tow, the former Malmsteen, EYES, TALISMAN and JOURNEY singer is sometimes at his best being the underdog. By the time Firefest comes around Jeff will be another artist with a new album to promote.
TONY HARNELL
The legendary ex-TNT singer makes a welcome return to the UK to play one of his very first solo shows. Tony will be bringing an all Swedish solo band and his set list will contain a mixture of TNT, WESTWORLD, STARBREAKER and MORNING WOOD. The Firefest crew are very happy to add another vocal giant to the line-up and special thanks go out to Tony for making an immediate commitment to the festival and making this announcement possible.
MITCH MALLOY
No stranger to UK stages, US singer songwriter Mitch Malloy is a proven talent. On this occasion Mitch will play a full electric set with a UK based band that will include former DARE/ASIA/TEN guitarist Vinny Burns and DANGER DANGER bassist Bruno Ravel. With a set that features his classic debut album in its entirety, this is another performance not to be missed.
LOUD & CLEAR
One of our biggest surprises, L.A. rockers Loud & Clear were one of Kieran Dargan's pie-in-the-sky fanboy choices that we never expected to get. Somehow, he pulled it off and original members Jess Harnell (vocals), Chuck Duran (guitars) and Mark Allardyce (bass) will take the stage with latter-day drummer Alex Track to play songs from their amazing self-titled demo release and the 2002 comeback album 'Disc-Connected'.
TALON
TALON is back in business with a new deal with Kivel Records and will have a new album to promote by October. Featuring the same line-up that recorded their much underrated debut back in 2002, Firefest are proud to host the UK re-launch of an L.A. band that we think deserve another shot at success.
Sunday 26th October (Top to Bottom)
FIREHOUSE
A perennial favorite, US rockers Firehouse will return to the Firefest stage for a timely reminder of their show-stopping set at the first Firefest in Bradford. C.J. Snare, Bill Leverty, Michael Foster and Allen McKenzie are certified crowd pleasers and their brand of catchy multi-platinum selling pop-metal also has many fans in Europe. The Firefest team looks forward to working again with one of the nicest and most professional outfits around.
DANGER DANGER
In terms of sheer enjoyment and melody DANGER DANGER are the perfect soundtrack to any melodic rock festival. As much as they've been no strangers to the UK in the last few years, this will be their first show in many years to showcase songs from a brand new D2 album. Ted, Bruno, Steve and Rob are another proven party on eight legs and always a highlight wherever they appear.
TALL STORIES
The surprises just keep on coming, none more than TALL STORIES – the legendary US troupe that marked the recording debut of ex-Journey singer Steve Augeri. Steve will be joined by fellow founder members Jack Morer (guitars) and Kevin Totoian (bass) to play songs from their superb 1991 debut as well as new songs from their soon to be released second album.
PRETTY MAIDS
When putting together a wants list for the festival, Denmark's premier hard rockers PRETTY MAIDS have always secured a few votes. A much-travelled band with an impressive back catalogue and a reputation for being a tight and powerful live act, the MAIDS haven't played in the UK for quite some time. Ronnie Atkins, Ken Hammer and company intend to put that right and show everyone just what they've been missing.
WHITE SISTER
Pulling off one of our biggest coups, convincing WHITE SISTER to come over and play is a dream come true for all fans of pompy hard rock. Despite the tragic death recently of drummer Richard Wright, band mates Rick Chaddock (guitars) and Dennis Churchill-Dries (vocals/bass) have re-united with original keyboard player and vocalist Garri Brandon, and intend to deliver an hour’s worth of material from their two classic albums. The trio are currently looking for a new drummer and maybe a second guitarist and also plan to record a new album.
ROX DIAMOND
ROX DIAMOND's self-titled debut album is a bit of a closet classic in the AOR world. Interest in the band was renewed by a re-issue of the album and a second album of outtakes and live tracks. Anyone who's seen their 'Live In Japan' laserdisc can attest to their abilities as a live band, and the Firefest team are proud to welcome the original line up of Paul Danniels (vocals/keys), Kevin Bach (guitars), Ricky Falco (bass) and ex-KEEL drummer Dwain Miller. We think ROX DIAMOND will be a band not to be missed.
EDEN'S CURSE
While many complain about the lack of quality melodic rock in the current scene, EDEN'S CURSE bucked the trend with a classy and powerful album that was one of the success stories of 2007. Another multi-national act brought together by the internet, EC are one band that everybody is curious to see.
Tickets & Prices
We've tried to keep ticket prices as low as we can but a show which is made up almost completely of international bands isn't cheap to put on. The ticket prices are as follows:
Friday 24th - £25
Saturday 25th - £49
Saturday 26th - £49
Because we're using two different venues the Friday is a standalone show with no special price, however if you attend both Saturday and Sunday you get a saving of £4 per day and get both for £90. Tickets will be available direct from Monday 3rd March, but please allow 28 days for the tickets to arrive!
Payments Accepted: Cash (at sender's risk), postal order, or bank draft in Pounds Sterling made payable to:
Bruce Mee c/o Fireworks Magazine
10 Dunnock Close
Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5XD, England.
Payment can also be made through Paypal to fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com. Please be sure to include your name and address in the message box.
A full list of other tickets agents will be made available shortly.
Other quick mentions -
Firefest V is an age 14 and over show.
A press and guest list accreditation system will be implemented soon at our website – www.thefirefest.com – could anyone wishing to apply please refrain from contacting any member of the Firefest team about accreditation at this time. Instructions will be given in a future update.
All that's left to say is that we'd like to see as many of you there as possible and we hope that you're looking forward to seeing this great line-up as much as we are.
See you all in October – Kieran, Bruce and the Firefest team.
03/03/08 A life size bronze statue of Bon Scott was unveiled in Perth this past weekend. Scott was just 33 when found dead in February 1980 from acute alcohol poisoning after a night out in London.
Bon Scott Fan Club president pushed for almost a decade to have a permanent tribute to the Scottish-born hard rock hero.
BonScott.com
03/03/08
Oakland, California-based band HIGH ON FIRE (Relapse Records) invited the film crew of the new music social networking site Woozyfly.com to film their Europa Night Club show in Brooklyn, NY.
Watching their show you will see why HIGH ON FIRE puts the "power" in power trio with the distinctive guitar playing and throaty war cry of Matt Pike, Des Kensel's massive drumming and George Rice's thundering bass lines. This is a must see concert.
You can enjoy the concert on Woozyfly.com by clicking on the following link.
Watch The Entire GREAT KAT music video for “The Flight of the Bubble Bee” on BLENDER.COM VIDEOS
03/01/08 Australian hard rock icons AC/DC are getting closer to ending an eight-year drought of new music. "God, I'm ready," bassist Cliff Williams, who was in L.A. to participate at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, tells Spinner. To that end, the group will hit the studio March 1.
Almost as long as the wait for new music is the band's absence from the stage. Tour plans, however, aren't as firm. "If we go out again or when we go out again," Williams said. "You just never know. We've been around a long time, so we're going to get together and get in the studio and I fully expect we will [tour.]. I don't mean to be so negative about that. [When] the last tour ended in early '01, you'd see kids on their dads' shoulders. And these kids were like 10, 12 years old. It will be tremendous to see that again. And it's very cool -- younger kids getting into older music."
Williams admits that he doesn't listen to his own stuff very often, but on hand at the Rock Camp, the bassist did get a new perspective on some of the band's classics. And what's standing out for him lately? "'Down Payment Blues,' 'Live Wire' -- I dig a lot of the old stuff," he says. "It's amazing. We look back on old albums -- look at tracks -- and I don't remember the tracks from the title. But those two songs I would love to play."
FEBRUARY 2008 |
02/25/08 MÖTLEY CRÜE'S ninth studio album, The Dirt, reportedly is slated for a July 8 release. The rockers also are rumored to be plotting a world tour that would kick off in June or July to promote the disc, which is named for the CRÜE'S infamous 2001 biography. A lead single is expected to hit radio airwaves in early May. In other news, CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has booked another handful of DJing gigs.
Blabbermouth.net
02/25/08 The complete track listing has been revealed for the companion album to the recent Body of War documentary. The two-CD set will feature songs by PEARL JAM, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and Roger Waters, in addition to tracks from previously announced contributors including PJ's Eddie Vedder, SYSTEM'S Serj Tankian and RAGE'S Tom Morello. Proceeds from the album, which is due March 18, will benefit Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Marketwire
02/25/08 RADIOHEAD have signed on to headline the http://www.apwfestival.com/event/lineup>first two nights of the inaugural All Points West Music & Arts Festival, scheduled for Aug. 8-10 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. Single-day and three-day tickets will go on sale Feb. 29. In other news, RADIOHEAD are among the high-profile acts that reportedly will perform at the new Outside Lands Festival, which is expected to take place Aug. 22-24 at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
All Points West Music & Arts Festival
02/25/08 The first two shows of VAN HALEN's 2008 U.S. tour leg have been postponed. The gigs -- which were to have taken place Friday in Charlottesville, Va., and Monday in Duluth, Ga. -- will be rescheduled soon. The trek now will launch March 3 in Dallas. VH also have added two late-April gigs to their itinerary. Meanwhile, guitarist Eddie Van Halen's ex-wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli, will discuss their troubled marriage Monday on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Blabbermouth.net
02/25/08 A biopic about late ALICE IN CHAINS singer Layne Staley titled Get Born Again is in the works. The flick, which is based on the Adriana Rubio-penned biography of the same name, will feature actor Lathan McKay in the starring role. "Lathan is very passionate about portraying Layne as the beautiful, talented soul that he was," Rubio writes of McKay, who is a dead ringer for Staley. "He is . . . definitely the man for the part."
MySpace: Get Born Again
02/25/08 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith reports that his band is on temporary hiatus. "We worked really hard on [2006's Stadium Arcadium album] and we toured for a year and a half," explains the drummer. "In September [of 2007 we decided,] 'We all kinda need a break . . . let's reconvene in one year.'" Smith currently is working with all-star group CHICKENFOOT, which features ex-VAN HALEN members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony plus guitarist Joe Satriani.
Billboard.com
02/25/08 KISS bassist-singer Gene Simmons has commented about a pornographic video in which he allegedly "stars" that's being sold online. The flick purportedly features Simmons and a promotional model for an energy drink he once endorsed having sex. "You may have heard or seen garbage that has sprung up from my past," the rocker writes in an Internet post. "Rest assured the proper legal team is looking at all ramifications and options."
Gene Simmons -- Official Site
02/25/08 A two-year prison sentence was handed down Wednesday to Devon Townsend, a New Mexican woman who had pleaded guilty to stalking and harassing LINKIN PARK'S Chester Bennington and his wife. Townsend used her work computer to obtain personal information about the couple, and even traveled to Arizona to track down the singer. She was arrested in November 2006. In other news, LINKIN PARK played a surprise gig Wednesday night at an Apple Store in New York.
AP/MSNBC
02/20/08 AEROSMITH will be the stars of an upcoming version of the popular Guitar Hero video game franchise. Scheduled for release in June, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith will be the first edition in the series centered on a single band. "We've put a lot of ideas into the game so that fans can have fun interacting with our music, getting inside our body of work and learning about the band's history," says axe man Joe Perry.
Aero Force One
02/20/08 The follow-up to 3 DOORS DOWN's platinum-certified 2005 album, “Seventeen Days”, is due to be issued on May 6. The Mississippi rockers' fourth studio effort will be self-titled, and will be preceded by the single "It's Not My Time." Click here to listen to the track, which will officially be released to radio Tuesday. 3DD front man Brad Arnold reports that the group is planning to support the disc with a world tour this summer.
Business Wire/Yahoo!
02/20/08 PEARL JAM singer Eddie Vedder will embark on a brief solo trek in April to promote the Into the Wild soundtrack. The tour, which consists of seven West Coast appearances, is scheduled from an April 2 show in Vancouver, Canada, through an April 15 concert in San Diego. Special ticket packages for each gig will be auctioned Feb. 22 online to raise money for the defense of the incarcerated men involved in the West Memphis Three case.
Pearl Jam -- Official Site iTunes
02/20/08 WHITESNAKE'S upcoming studio album, “Good To Be Bad”, will get its U.S. release on April 22. "[The disc has] all the ingredients that I enjoy about Whitesnake , says front man David Coverdale. "It's a very solid, muscular, melodic rock record with a couple of fine ballads." A limited-edition, two-disc version of the set including a four-track bonus CD of alternate takes, a poster, a sticker and other extras also will be available.
Whitesnake -- Official Site
02/20/08 TOOL front man Maynard James Keenan gave an update about his group's plans for a fifth studio album while attending the Grammy Awards last Sunday. "We're going to start writing the new Tool record right away," reveals the singer. He also discussed Tool's creative process, explaining that the band members "all get in a room, shut out all the extra noises from the other people . . . and just focus on the four of us."
MTV.com
02/20/08 VAN HALEN will perform at golf superstar Tiger Woods' Tiger Jam XI benefit event, which will take place April 19 in Las Vegas. The bash raises money for the Tiger Woods Foundation -- which provides scholarships and funds for youth education -- and various Vegas-area charities. "VAN HALEN is one of my favorite bands, and I can't wait to see them perform on the Tiger Jam stage," says Woods.
Van Halen -- Official Site
02/19/08 ROCKLAHOMA 2008 TO ANNOUNCE LINEUP AT PRESS CONFERENCE
PRYOR, OKLA—Catch the Fever Music Festivals will host a press conference Tuesday, March 4th, in Hollywood, California, to announce the official lineup of artists for the Second Annual Rocklahoma, July 10-13, 2008.
The press conference will take place at 1:00 p.m. P.S.T. at the historical Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Whisky A Go-Go, located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. Artists will be available at the press conference to discuss this historic event. .
Master of Ceremonies of the Press Conference and the event itself will be Host of VH-1 Classic, Eddie Trunk, who can also be heard on XM Satellite’s Boneyard and is syndicated across the nation. .
Rocklahoma 2007 was the largest Rock Festival of its type featuring bands from the eighties. Attendance came from all fifty states, every Province in Canada, every country in Europe. A total of thirty-two different countries from throughout the world representing every continent with the exception of Antarctica. .
Located four miles north of Pryor, OK, off Highway 69, the Catch the Fever facilities include over 6,200 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 50,000 people. The grounds also feature over 4,000 campsites, on-site parking, bathroom facilities, a convenience store, and overnight security provided by Mayes County Sheriff’s Department. Rocklahoma also has a Picture Alley that allows anyone in attendance to approach the stage during any performance and take photographs of a favorite artist at close range. .
There are a limited amount of V.I.P. tickets available to Rocklahoma, which includes free beer and food for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a special pre-party on Thursday July 10th for all three day and V.I.P. ticket holders at no extra cost. Through February 29th, prices for V.I.P. tickets are $325 and three day general admission tickets for just $110. They can be purchased by calling toll free 866-310-2288 or by going online at www.rockfeverfest.
02/09/08 Hardlyweird’s Eclectic/Avant Garde/Black Metal Miscreant's WILLOW WISP? shall be interviewed Live on Saturday February 16, 2008 at 10 pm EST 9 pm CST 8 pm MST 7 pm PST on www.wflmradio.com Listen in to hear the band expouse their twisted philosophies and dark idealism......Oh, and talk shit about their new music too LOL!!
www.myspace.com/willowwispband
02/09/08 Guitarist Ace Frehley, who got sober after leaving KISSagain in 2002, is in the midst of recording his first solo album since 1990, with a planned April release, he tells Billboard.com.
Frehley, who is recording the as-yet-untitled album at his home studio in Westchester, N.Y., aims to have it finished by Feb. 20, when he starts a North American concert tour. He reports he is currently negotiating with "two or three record labels" to put it out but says he'll release it first through his official web site, which is currently being revamped, and perhaps also via iTunes.
"Basically, I'm trying to get back into the mindset I was in when I did my first solo record [1978's 'Ace Frehley']," Frehley says. "That record seemed to have all the elements everybody liked -- a real cool instrumental, a hit single, some real heavy rockers, a nice variety of different genres of music."
Among his favorite new tracks are "A Little Below the Angels," hard rocking "Pain in the Neck," and an instrumental called "Fractured Quantum" which is a follow-up to his previous instrumentals "Fractured Mirror," "Fractured Too" and "Fractured III." Another favorite is "groove song" titled "Genghis Khan," which he likens in tone to LED ZEPPELIN'S "Kashmir." Don't expect to hear any of the new songs at his concerts, however.
"Every show's on YouTube, every song," explains Frehley, who used 12-step programs and a personal physician and therapist care to clean up after he left KISS for a second time in 2002. "I don't want to play any of the new songs 'cause I don't want to give away anything. I want that magic and mystique of hearing something for the first time when you're supposed to, so I don't think I'm going to play any of [the new songs] until the CD's released."
Instead, Frehley will play a set filled with KISS favorites he wrote, plus material from his previous solo releases. He admits some ambivalence about doing "Cold Gin," " 'cause I don't drink anymore and I don't promote it. But it's such a kick-ass song... I think that me talking about the fact I'm clean and sober and I'm not a party animal anymore is plenty. I can still get away with playing it."
02/03/08 Fifteen orchestral musicians have been chosen via the My Grammy Moment contest to perform onstage with FOO FIGHTERS during Feb. 10's 50th annual Grammy Awards. Beginning Monday, three of the musicians will compete to be showcased as a featured performer during the Grammys gig. For information on how to vote for the featured musician, click here:
CBS Press Express
02/03/08 A full lineup has been revealed for the inaugural Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival summer tour, set to kick off July 9 in Auburn, Wash. previously announced headliners DISTURBED and SLIPKNOT will be joined on the main stage by DRAGONFORCE and MASTODON, while two separate second stages will feature SEVENDUST, AIRBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, MACHINE HEAD and others. "It's a great lineup," says DISTURBED singer David Draiman. An unconfirmed 30-city itinerary has been posted here.
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival
02/03/08 Former SPREAD EAGLE front man Ray West has launched his new band HOSTEL INC. Rounded out with members from two of New Jersey's more popular bands — guitarist Ladd, bassist Chigger (both formerly of SMOKE STAR) and drummer Jeff Hardee (formerly of SYNDROME 8) — the group has a clear intention of making a massive impact in 2008.
With an East and West Coast tour already under its belts in 2007, HOSTEL INC. has already started out strong in 2008 with dates supporting GREAT WHITE and JOE LYNN TURNER. The next live date for HOSTEL INC. is February 22nd at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ.
HOSTEL INC. has three un-mastered songs posted on its official MySpace profile.
02/03/08 Former VAN HALEN singer Sammy Hagar and guitar legend Pat Travers are the first two confirmed artists the Rock The Park festival, set to take place July 24-26 at Harris Park in London, Ontario, Canada. More acts will be announced soon.
Rock the Park is an annual classic rock music festival that is currently in its fifth year. Its primary sponsor is classic rock radio station 103.9 The Hawk.
The purpose of the event is to raise money for Bethanys Hope Foundation for MLD research.
The first Rock the Park was held July 22-24, 2004.
For more information, visit www.rockthepark.ca.
02/03/08 British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN kicked off their Somewhere Back In Time - World Tour '08 with a headlining performance Friday night (February 1) in front of nearly 100,000 fans at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, India. The group's set list was as follows:
- Intro - Churchill's Speech
- Aces High
- 2 Minutes to Midnight
- Revelations
- The Trooper
- Wasted Years
- The Number of the Beast
- Run to the Hills
- Rime of the Ancient Mariner
- Powerslave
- Heaven Can Wait
- Can I Play With Madness?
- Fear of the Dark
- Iron Maiden
-----------------------------
- Moonchild
- The Clairvoyant
- Hallowed Be Thy Name
IRON MAIDEN's Somewhere Back In Time - World Tour '08 trek revisits the band's incredible history by focusing almost entirely on the '80s in both choice of songs played and the stage set, which is based around the legendary Egyptian production of the 1984-85 Powerslave tour. This is arguably be the most elaborate and spectacular show the band have ever presented, and includes some key elements of their Somewhere In Time tour of 1986/7, such as the Cyborg Eddie.
02/03/08 According to HardDrive Radio, the reunited STONE TEMPLE PILOTS will perform at the Rock on the Range on May 17 in Columbus, Ohio.
VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash recently confirmed to Billboard.com that VELVET singer Scott Weiland will reunite with his previous band, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, for a short series of shows this summer. Slash did not offer any other details and there has yet to be official word from STONE TEMPLE PILOTS themselves. Weiland broke the news last month at a benefit in Florida, telling the Miami Herald to watch out for an STP reunion in the months ahead. VELVET REVOLVER is touring now in support of last year's "Libertad" album and plans to begin work on its third record this spring.
Although STONE TEMPLE PILOTS broke up in 2002 under less than friendly circumstances, both Weiland and guitarist Dean DeLeo have said that the band members are all on good terms now. Weiland even told The Pulse of Radio he could envision making another STP album. "We were never a band that felt like we needed to lean too hard onto our muscle," he said. "We always felt like we had enough beauty and enough finesse in our music, you know, while we were together, that could carry us into a long career. So for us to make a record at an older age doesn't seem like a stretch, you know, 'cause we were never all about brawn."
The last STP album, "Shangri-La-Dee-Da", came out in 2001. The band's initial success in the early and mid-'90s was derailed in the latter part of the decade by Weiland's well-documented drug problems and arrests.
JANUARY 2008 |
01/25/08 GREEN DAY front man Billie Joe Armstrong will hit the stage with his long-running side band Pinhead Gunpowder for two California club shows next month. The gigs are set for Feb. 3 in Anaheim and Feb. 4 in Los Angeles. PINHEAD GUNPOWDER is a San Francisco-area punk quartet that also features Cometbus zine editor Aaron Cometbus, as well as GREEN DAY guitar tech Bill Schneider and touring guitarist Jason White.
Green Day -- Official Site
01/25/08 AEROSMITH bassist Tom Hamilton will visit the Hard Rock Cafe Boston on Jan. 31 to donate a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and other memorabilia to the eatery. In return, the Hard Rock Company will present $30,000 to Massachusetts General Hospital's http://www.massgeneral.org/youthcare/ >YouthCare behavioral-therapy program, which the rocker and his wife support. "We've wanted to use the bike to raise funds for the program, and we're excited and grateful [for] such a fat check," says Hamilton.
Aero Force One
01/25/08 Dave Navarro says he would be open to a JANE'S ADDICTIONM reunion despite the internal rifts that have doomed the group on multiple occasions. "My love for the music outweighs any old baggage that might have been," the guitarist writes in an online post. "If VAN HALEN and the EAGLES can get over their issues, I don't see why we can't." Navarro says he can envision doing "simply a month or two of theater tour dates to celebrate the music."
6767.com
01/25/08 Fuego Entertainment, the company that announced it recently had secured North American rights to rare Jimi Hendrix live material, has responded to accusations that the recordings are of "inferior quality" and that it's not entitled to sell them. Fuego insists that, contrary to claims made by Experience Hendrix -- the corporation that oversees usage of the late axe man's back catalog -- it has legal documentation proving its right to market the 200-plus Hendrix concert tracks, which it describes as "historic and wonderful."
Marketwire
01/25/08 Greg Prato of Billboard.com reports: The recently reborn BLIND MELON will release its first studio album in 13 years this spring. "For My Friends" is due April 22 via Adrenaline and introduces new singer Travis Warren as a replacement for late front man Shannon Hoon, who died in 1995.
Warren joins original members Rogers Stevens (guitar), Christopher Thorn (guitar), Brad Smith (bass) and Glen Graham (drums). "This record's a great rock 'n' roll record," Warren tells Billboard.com. "It's kind of like [1995's] 'Soup' — the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you."
Read the entire interview at Billboard.com.
01/20/08 Atlanta, GA based melodic thrashers A LOWER DEEP has inked a recording contract with Turkey Vulture Records. TVR who has struck an association with Nuclear Blast Records is owned and run by Jason Zarnowski. Note: Due to contractual commitments A LOWER DEEP will not be releasing "Black Marys" to wide distribution as previously planned at this time.
01/20/08 NATIONAL PRODUCT, named one of the 'TOP 100 BANDS TO WATCH IN 2008' in an upcoming issue of Alternative Press Magazine, will hit the road next month with JUST SURRENDER and LORENE DRIVE. Dates for the two-week tour, kicking off February 7, will be announced shortly.
Platinum recording artist WINGER is releasing their first double live album and live DVD from their successful 2007 world tour for “Winger IV.”
01/20/08 RADIOHEAD had to nix plans to play a free gig at London's Rough Trade East record shop Wednesday night after 1,500 fans turned up at the 250-capacity space. Instead, the concert was moved to a nearby club, where the band performed In Rainbows in its entirety. "It's been a very strange day so it's possible I might have to have a drink at the end of this," front man Thom Yorke quipped from the stage. Watch video of the whole show here.
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