VAN HALEN BOX SET NOT ON LABEL SCHEDULE:
The big question Van Halen fans are asking is whether 2006 will see any action from the band. That remains very doubtful, but there was a little hope held by some that a long touted Box Set might finally find it's way into store shelves. No so says a rep for the band's record label. I spoke this week with someone at Rhino Records - the subsidiary of Warner Bros. that handles all catalogue re-issues and even some new release titles such as the current Chicago album.
This is the very same rep I previously spoke to in 2004 when the Best of Both Worlds compilation was released.
He stated that planning for a Box Set had indeed been on and off schedule for the label, but at this point in time remains very definitely off schedule. Disappointingly, there are no current or foreseeable plans for any box set or Hagar-era remasters coming our way.
The main issue for the box set is apparently the reluctance of the principle band members to work on one. Rhino have no unreleased material on hand and would only consider a release if access to such material was available and full co-operation from the band could be agreed upon. So for now, a box set remains a no go.
DEF LEPPARD EXCLUSIVE FOR WALMART SHOPPERS:
Def Leppard have signed a deal with US mass retailer Wal Mart to offer an exclusive EP release to accompany the Yeah! album. Both releases are due out May 23 and are sold separately. The Yeah! album remains comprised of the 14 tracks previously stated, but the exclusive EP - also titled Yeah! - features the following tracks:
1. American Girl 2. Backstage Interview #1 3. Search & Destroy 4. Backstage Interview #2 5. Space Oddity 6. Backstage Interview #3 7. Dear Friends 8. Heartbeat.
These extra tracks are the ones the band spoke of after the original set of 14 songs were revealed right here. The original recording artists are:
American Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Heartbeat (Jobriath), So Dear Friends (Queen), Search & Destroy (Iggy & The Stooges), Space Oddity (David Bowie).
WebLink to the EP: www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4965390.
In related news, lead singer Joe Elliott has used the occasion of an interview in Sweden Rock Magazine to comment further on his distain for my early 2005 preview comments on the Yeah! album. Joe calls me: "a certain kind of person... who doesn't deserve the privilege to even call himself a reporter..." (I liked that bit!) and goes on to say: "...he decided to review a half finished album...a review of the album which we thought was miss judging to our fans..."
Joe will be happy to know a full final review of the album will be online late next week. I hope he likes this one a little better (but I doubt it...).
Def Leppard continue to hit the press trail with a full feature article in the latest Entertainment Weekly Magazine. Highlights from the feature include:
Vivian Campbell commenting: "It's so weird, man. I meet people and they're all like, 'Dude, Holy Diver, metal! And I hate metal music. It's true that in the 80s I wanted to play like [metal fret-meisters] Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert and all those cats. But that stuff does not endure. It's really impressive for the first 20 seconds. But I can still go back and listen to [David Bowie's late guitarist] Mick Ronson and be totally blown away every time."
The other band members have kidded that Joe Elliott has wanted to do this album for decades - or maybe they weren't f-f-f-foolin'. "It's no exaggeration at all, actually," the singer insists. "We've jokingly said I was probably wanting to do one of these ever since I went out and bought Bowie's Pin Ups, which was five years before I joined the band." (That landmark 1973 album was analogous to this one, with Bowie remaking the '60s tunes that most influenced him.) "We've talked about it for years. I've said 'One day, we need to put the world to right. If we make a record that says where we come from, maybe people will listen a little better.' Because no matter how many times we told everybody we were getting labeled a certain way we didn't think was fitting, the next time we did interviews, they were just re-labeling us the 'new wave of British heavy metal.' Then it moved on to '80s hair metal' and all this stuff. But if you took Lemmy and Ozzy and stuck 'em in a room with Scott Ian from Anthrax and Steve Harris of Iron Maiden and said, 'Def Leppard - heavy metal" Discuss,' they'd all burst out laughing. Even if you listen to our first album [1980's On Through the Night], it was full of harmonies that were more Queen and Beach Boys than just the obligatory vocals over a riff."
"We felt that we made slightly the wrong album with [1992's] Adrenalize," says Savage. It was a hit, selling 3 million, but "it should have been less polished and just a little more aware of the year it was competing in," the bassist reckons. By 1996, they were well aware of the Seattle-based competition and may have overcompensated for the previous album's slickness with Slang, their most controversial album, which stripped away pop flourishes for something uncharacteristically dark. (Think Leppard in Chains.) "Sonically it's a great-sounding record," says Campbell, "but I think we lost the plot with regard to songwriting on that, and I don't think we should have jettisoned that high standard in favor of just trying to capture a vibe."
But as Elliott says, "we could have released Sgt. Pepper in 1996 and it would have died, because it was our time to suck in everybody's eyes – the media's, and the new bands coming through that wanted to kill us. But of all those new bands, only Pearl Jam survived. We're still standing, and I think we gained some respect for that – not necessarily musical respect, but at least for hanging in there."
"I personally think X is the second-best album we've ever made," says Elliott, ranking it high among their nine studio albums, "but it didn't work commercially because the record label was in such a tizzy and changing staff like you and me change our underpants. And when the new crowd came in, they came from an R&B environment. The classic comment came from one guy at the label: 'Why do I need Def Leppard when I've got Bon Jovi?' He couldn't tell the difference between one white rock band and another. But that guy is gone and there's a new crowd in."
...But they freely admit that some of the other interpretations are faithful enough to be called "karaoke versions" (Collen's term) or "forgeries" (that cheeky Elliott). "I daresay that some people will think, 'Well, what's the point? It just sounds like the original," says Elliott. "But I think there's enough of an update on most of them to sound like Def Leppard, and our intention was to nail our flag on the mast as to what we truly are."
If you would like to read the full article, check out the magazine out now. Thanks to Dan Clavadetscher for the transcription!
REB BEACH AND KIP WINGER TALK OF THE NEW WINGER ALBUM:
Reb Beach has spoke of the new Winger album via a post to his website message board. Says Reb: "Yes, we made a Winger record a few months ago, and I felt terrible that I couldn't tell you all about it, as with past records. I remember reading on the forum when one person said "Reb always tells us what's up" and I was like "Gulp." We were asked by our lawyer not to say anything on the internet until the contracts were signed, which took some time. I am getting letters already asking if I am leaving Whitesnake. I am sure most of you know that " no" is the answer to that question. If Winger tours it will only be for a few weeks here and there when all of our schedules permit it. Winger is not the type of band that goes out for a long time, because we all do other things. Like The Mob, we will also have to see if it sells well enough for someone to sponsor a tour.
It was great to go back to the drawing board after 13 years. This time, Kip really had a vision, and I felt honored to help him realize it. Some of the stuff is just insane, and way beyond my ability as a writer. I love how my guitar playing and his voice just sound like Winger all of the sudden. I am usually there to give my input on the melodies, so I am anxious to hear what he comes up with. I'll post more when I can."
WebLink: www.network54.com/Forum/52579/thread/1147414775/last-1147536742/Winger.
In related news, check out Kip Winger's MySpace page for a new solo demo clip for a song titled Touch The Ground.
Kip also uses that page to comment on the new Winger album, adding: "A few people have asked about Paul [Taylor - keyboards] not doing the record.. Paul's got alot of things going on and wasn't able to join up with us...he's always with us in spirit...
Winger members have always remained good friends no matter what any one of us is doing at the time. Reb kicked ass as well as Rod and John...Cenk's the newest member and he's kicking ass on a lot of cool tracks on the record...
There are 11 new songs...It's the continuation of the Pull sound...I'm very happy with how it's coming out...I'm on the final stretch of lead vocals....kind of writing as I go...."
ROCK CANDY LINES UP MAY RELEASES:
UK re-issue label Rock Candy Records has revealed details of it's planned May 29 releases. Label partner Derek Oliver had this to add: "I'm particularly excited about the Storm album - like 1994 this has been a real labour of love for us and to have found the band (via a private detective no less!) and for them to have been so helpful providing photos and the bonus tracks it's turned out great. The band's second album is being re-issued by us in July also."
The details are as follows:
Storm - Storm - The late seventies were a veritable playground for female fronted hard rock (Heart, Pat Benatar, 1994 and the Runaways being just a few examples) and critics faves Storm were, no exception. Originating from Orange County, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, acclaimed singer Jeanette Chase led a band rich in both melody and muscle honing and refining their biggest, mainly British, influences including Queen, Led Zeppelin and the Sweet. Earnestly working the live circuit, the bands dedication and originality paid off when, in 1977, they signed a record deal with ABC-Dunhill only to find their new label collapsing around their ears. Absorbed by the giant MCA Corporation, they eventually unleashed their debut album to enormous critical acclaim in 1979 but, sadly, for reasons not of their own making, the album sank without trace leaving the band to retrench and rethink before relaunching in the eighties on Capitol Records. Feted, at the time, by those who heard its content, Storm's debut is now regarded as a hard rock classic laced with both class and precision. Issued on CD for the first time. Fully remastered, repackaged and includes 5 unreleased bonus tracks.
Track Listing: I Want You . Tell Me That You Love Me . What Do You Like . Game's Over . You Pity Me . Ain't That The Way . Wake Up . Young Young . Shoot On Sight . Hyperdrive . Machine Gun. Bonus Tracks: I Want You (demo) . What Do You Like (demo) . Ordinary Dreamer (non LP demo) . Dyin' Breed (non LP demo) . Half Lover (non LP demo).
Autograph - Loud And Clear - Appearing in 1984, seemingly from out of nowhere, Autograph, unsigned at the time, were hand picked by Van Halen to open a mammoth North American concert trek – an accomplishment that quickly led to their inking with industry giant RCA Records and an ensuing hit single, the energetic and infectious, 'Turn Up The Radio' which made the US top 30.
Feted and championed by the hard rock cognoscenti (supporters included Motley Crue and Ozzy Osbourne) this Los Angeles based quintet made all the right noises to further enhance their career by packing both melody and muscle into their music. Recording a string of highly successful albums the band peaked with this, their third album, unleashing a beast of significant fire power and songs that would stand not only the test of time but would also improve with age. Produced by Brit legend Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Humble Pie, Cinderella) the album exudes Class-A hard rock all the way…one of the all time great yet largely overlooked albums of the 80's LA scene.
Track Listing: Loud And Clear . Dance All Night . She Never Looked That Good For Me . Bad Boy . Everytime I Dream . She's A Tease . Just Got Back From Heaven . Down 'N Dirty . More Than A Million Times . When The Sun Goes Down.
Armored Saint - March Of The Saint - Formed in Los Angeles during the early eighties, Armored Saint rubbed shoulders with an impressive array of other local hard rock talent including such well-known names as Dokken, Malice, Ratt, Quiet Riot, Motley Crue (Tommy Lee being very nearly an early member of AS) and, perhaps their biggest rivals, Metallica. In fact, Metallica were so enamoured by their ability to deliver, they even attempted, on more than one occasion, to purloin vocalist John Bush and bassist Joey Vera for their own designs.
Signed to major label Chrysalis Records in 1984, the Saint knuckled down to the task of recording their debut album with producer Michael James Jackson who'd previously tackled the knobs for Kiss, amongst others. The resultant 'March Of The Saint' album is regarded, by those who know such things, as one of the era's best examples of no-frills power metal. Subsequent tours with both W.A.S.P. and Metallica further enhanced their reputation as one of the best live bands on the scene. Fully remastered, repackaged and benefitting from the inclusion of 3 bonus tracks.
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A STATEMENT FROM TONY MILLS REGARDING TNT:
Shy vocalist Tony Mills has issued the following statement: "Having been in discussions with the members of TNT in Norway over the last few weeks, I have decided to take the band up on an offer to front them throughout their forthcoming work in Europe. This may well include co-writing a new album for the band and touring in both Norway and the UK later in the year. Obviously, it's all new to everyone and we have to see how we work together, but the initial meeting in Berlin was very amiable and I think you could safely say that we 'hit it off' real well. I have to master The Andersson Mills Project and finish up some writing with Eric Ragno / Michael Riesenbeck and the China Blue project before I depart for Norway mid June. Shy are supporting TNT at the Polar Festival on June 30 in Storsteinnes, Norway. This in itself is an unbelievable coincidence, but my priority was to sing this concert with Shy as I was already contracted to do so before any conversations took place with TNT.
This concert for TNT will be fronted by the ex-vocalist Tony Harnell as a farewell show for him.
Personally, I play a solo concert on July 1 with Ian Richardson and the members of Winterstrain in musical support. This show will consist of some Siam material and some songs from Cruiser. Also, Shy will join me to play some acoustic material as well."
And this from TNT:
TNT are still alive and kickin' - and are proud to introduce the new man behind the mic; Singer Tony Mills from Birmingham, England. Tony is one of Europe's most respected hard rock singers, mostly known for his work with UK Melodic Rock act Shy and his solo artiste releases of recent years. Tony has worked along side such names as Cinderella, Dokken, Cozy Powell, Meatloaf, The Sweet and many more and will add a new and exciting dimension to TNT as the band enter a new era.
The band have confirmed their appearance at Z Rock 06 on September 24, JB's Dudley, England: www.myspace.com/zrockfest.
Line-up: Firehouse [US], TNT [N /UK], Toby Jepson [Ex-Little Angels] [UK], Bob Catley [UK], Snakeryder [US], Lost Weekend [UK], Dante Fox [UK], Eden [UK].
Credit card hotlines: Tel 01782 522370, 01323 833049, 01489 603549. For postal applications e-mail zrock06@zrecords.net for details.
Tickets also on sale at X Records Bolton and JB's Dudley now!
UNITED FORCES OF ROCK 2 CONFIRMED:
United Forces Of Rock 2 will be held at Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg (near Stuttgart), Germany on October 1st, 2006.
The bands for this year's event are: House Of Lords . Talisman . Mad Max . Danny Vaughn . Kip Winger (acoustic) . Gary Barden . Bloodbound . Prayer.
Tickets will go on sale shortly. For more infos and regular updates, please visit www.united-forces-of-rock.de.
GLENN HUGHES ON WORKING HOLIDAY TO AUSTRALIA:
More Glenn Hughes news! This time courtesy of Shirean Harrison at www.ghpg.net.
Radio Australia interviewed Glenn yesterday and an audio MP3 is available from their site....he was interviewed by Phil Kafcaloudes, presenter of The Breakfast Club, a Radio Australia broadcast. Phil tells us, "It was great fun, and he reveals all about his hopes for an Australian tour next month." Link: radioaustralia.net.au/breakfastclub.
Glenn is actually undertaking a working visit to collaborate on songwriting with Jimmy Barnes. He still hopes to fit in a show or two if it's at all possible, but the main purpose is to work with Jimmy.
Additionally, the second edition of the Glenn Hughes Coast To Coast Podcast is also now available which features another audio interview with Glenn in which he gives a track-by-track rundown on each song from his soon to be released album, Music For The Divine. Snippets of each song are interspersed to give the listener a good feel and understanding of the album.
The Podcasts can be downloaded in a couple of different ways: www.ghpg.net/ctc/podcast/ghctcpodcastno2.mp3 (23MB) or if you have Apple's iTunes installed, you'll find us in their Podcast Directory at phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=147757011&s=143441.
And finally - Glenn has also just opened up his official space over at MySpace - www.myspace.com/glennhughesonline.
WHITE LION ANTHOLOGY GATHERS DEMO TRACKS:
You might have seen a new White Lion release advertised around the web. Due for release June 27 via Deadline, Anthology '83-'89 is a 2CD set of material previously released on Mike's own indie Box Set release of 2004. The track listing for this set is as follows:
CD1: Hungry . Lady Of The Valley . Wait . All Join Our Hands . Tell Me . Say Goodbye . When The Children Cry . Little Fighter . If My Mind Is Evil . Living On The Edge . Cherokee . Cry For Freedom . How Does It Feel . The Road To Valhalla . Early Warning.
CD2: Lights And Thunder . Back On The Streets . Love Don't Come Easy . Out With The Boys . It's Over . You're All I Need . Broken Heart . Till Death Do Us 'Part . Farewell To You . Deep In Love With You * . Two People * . Rock You Tonight * . Evil Angels * . Ride Through The Storm . We Rock All Night.
All songs by Vito Bratta & Mike Tramp, Except * by Mike Tramp.
ASIA ANNOUNCE THEIR FIRST 2006 TOUR DATES:
The following is long-awaited news for fans of the classic Asia line-up. From: www.theasiawebsite.com.
Tour Dates - The Four Original Members of Asia - Geoffrey Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, John Wetton. The Four Original Members of Asia are delighted to announce the following dates have been confirmed for their September 2006 US tour.
Fri, Sep 1, 2006 Jim Thorpe, PA - (Penns Peak)
Sat, Sep 2, 2006 Atlantic City, NJ - (Trump Marina Casino)
Sun, Sep 3, 2006 Mashatucket, CT - (Foxwood Casino)
Thu, Sep 7, 2006 Boston, MA - (Avalon Ballroom)
Fri, Sep 8, 2006 New York, NY - (Nokia Theater)
Sat, Sep 9, 2006 New York, NY - (Nokia Theater)
Sun, Sep 10, 2006 Norwalk, CT - (Oyster Festival)
Tue, Sep 12, 2006 Red Bank, NJ - (Count Basie Theater)
Wed, Sep 13, 2006 Philadelphia, PA - (Keswick Theater)
Fri, Sep 15, 2006 Cleveland, OH - (House of Blues)
Sat, Sep 16, 2006 Chicago, IL - (Park West)
Sun, Sep 17, 2006 Milwaukee, WI - (Pabst Theater)
Wed, Sep 20, 2006 Long Beach, CA - (The Vault)
Thu, Sep 21, 2006 Las Vegas, NV - (House of Blues)
Fri, Sep 22, 2006 Fountain Hills, AZ - (Radisson Casino)
Sat, Sep 23, 2006 Agoura Hills, LA - (Canyon Club)
Sun, Sep 24, 2006 Palm Desert, CA - (McCallum Theater)
PLENTY FOR MICHAEL BORMANN FANS TO ANTICIPATE:
Vocalist Michael Bormann (Rain, ex-Jaded Heart) has updated fans with the following good news:
"The recordings to my forthcoming [solo] record are finished. The title will be Conspiracy. I am in the mixing-mode at the moment. The release date will be the 11th of August . Twighliht will be the distributor for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. NL Distribution will cover the rest of Europe. The CD will also be available on my website. It will be the first release on my new label RMB-Records."
The tracklist will probably be: Conspiracy . It´s Only Physical . Stand Up . It Takes Two . No Regrets . Devil´s Son . Ain´t Just A Bit . How Am I Suppose . Living Just A Lie . One Man One Soul . So This Could Be You . Amazing . Samirangel.
WebLink: www.michaelbormannpage.de.
The Bormann fronted Rain have finally secured a deal for their long awaited second release. The band's guitarist Lars informs me that "the album is signed by JVC/Victor in Japan and planned to be released in July/August. The European release (MTM) is planned for September."
Bormann is also working on records with Redrum and Zeno for release this year.
JEFF NORTHRUP CHECKS IN:
News in from guitarist and producer Jeff Northrup. Jeff says: "I have been quite busy with my new production company Alien Productions at www.alien1111.com. I've been producing, mixing and mastering a number of artists..." [including a very fine mastering job on both MelodicRock.com CDs!]
"I've also began my "Alien Records" page on the www.jknorthrup.com site. I am selling all of my past CDs (for less than what others selling them for) from there and have a few sample MP3s from my upcoming album (title TBA). I will also be adding new artists to the label.
The new album also features vocals by Terry Ilous and there are a few other surprises! It is definitely ROCK music, but I must say that it will please fans new and old!"
VH1 BREAKS OUT THE BIG GUNS:
Press Release / While Ozzfest may prosper and Motley Crue shows sell out, the kingdom of hard rock, still waits for a powerful force to regain dominion over the power chords cut by crunk, pop-punk, and indie rock. Fortunately, VH1 has assembled some of the heaviest rock icons, who stand ready to thrash a new trail of carnage and excess and to lead the hard rock world as their new gods of thunder.
VH1's SuperGroup Ted Nugent, Scott Ian, Sebastian Bach, Evan Seinfeld and Jason Bonham, are poised to re-conquer the rock world (and hopefully spread a little debauchery in the process) in the ultimate musical experiment. Premiering Sunday May 21 at 1000 p.m., SuperGroup will bring together these five hard rocking icons and present them with the opportunity to create the heaviest SuperGroup. Ultimately viewers will see whether or not the band will come together as hard rock's saviors or simply implode.
Over a of period two weeks in Las Vegas, legendary rock manager, Doc McGhee, will shepard the group towards their fate as hard rock heroes. As an iconic rock manager, he automatically commands the respect of the band members and is not afraid to crack the whip. He s a taskmaster with a two-week deadline that can t be missed. On day one, Doc will clearly lay out the stakes, goals, and the limited time that the SuperGroup truly has to revitalize and rule hard rock.
Their quest will culminate with a massive concert at The Empire Ballroom in Vegas. Yet the question remains, hard rock is ready to be saved but is the SuperGroup ready to save hard rock?
For more information on SuperGroup, please log on to www.vh1.com. For additional show content, log onto VSpot (vspot.vh1.com), VH1's broadband network.
RELEASE BRIEFS:
Voivod's new studio album is due out in Japan June 21. The band has reunited for their latest release, this time featuring former Metallica bassist Jason Newstead.
It has been announced that Final Frontier will issue their 4th studio album in Japan on June 21 as will Slamer - the band featuring guitarist Mike Slamer and vocalist Terry Brock. However - I am lead to believe that both these release dates are inaccurate and any release of these albums is still some months off. Confirmed details when available.
Violent Storm features Blackmore's Night and Yngwie Malmsteen bassist Mick Cervino returning with their second metal album Storm Warning, due also on June 21. Executive produced by K.K. Downing, the debut album has a bonus track for the Japanese edition.
Nuno Bettencourt's band Dramagods are set to re-issue their debut only months after it's original Japanese release. Love will be released June 28 in conjunction with the band's upcoming performance at the Udo Music Festival, 2006. The Japan-tour edition includes bonus DVD with the music videos for the songs Megaton, Something About You and Interface.
Return To The Dark Side Of The Moon is a second Tribute To Pink Floyd by the team that bought you the Back Against The Wall tribute release last year.
This tribute album to Pink Floyd's legendary Dark Side of the Moon album features a number of famous musicians doing their renditions of their songs on the album. All tracks are featured in the original order, for a unique take on an unparalleled classic.
Guests include: Rick Wakeman, Adrian Belew, Steve Howe, John Wetton, Tony Levin and Tommy Shaw amongst others.
Swedish progressive hard rock outfit A.C.T are set to release their full-length album. Silence is due to be released in Japan June 21.
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MELODIC BRIEFS:
More details are at hand for the Sugarcreek Reunion Show: July 9, 8:00pm. Featuring Tim Clark, Rick Lee, Jerry West, & Robbie Hegler.
The Attic doors open at 8:00pm, concert at 9:00pm, $20 general admission ticket; tickets on sale May 15th, call 843-444-3207, must be 21 or older. www.mbpavilion.com/attic.html.
Long time reader and occasional news contributor Reggie Boyle reports catching up with Whitesnake's Timothy & Uriah in LA recently. Says Reggie: "...both raved about the 4 new Whitesnake songs to be included in the Live Greatest Hits CD to be released later in the year. The boys were all excited to go out on the road & it looks like ticket sales are doing great & they might not be home for quite a while."
A new Glam/Sleaze/Punk zine called Rock 'N' Roll Damnation has hit the streets. This 64 page magazine features interviews with The Supersuckers, Joker Five Speed, CJ Wildheart of The Wildhearts, The Last Vegas, Boozed & Ironhead. Issue 1 also has over 100 CD/DVD/Bootleg reviews. More info can be found at www.myspace.com/broadstreetbully.
Details of A Tribute To Rainbow concert taking place in Japan on August 4, 2006 featuring Joe Lynn Turner can be found at: launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/joe_lynn_turner and www.ne.jp.asahi/jltfan/japan.
Push have some unreleased tracks available via their new Push MySpace page at: www.myspace.com/pushmusicrocks.
Michael Thompson, John Robinson and Mark Williamson joined their talents to record an album under the name TRW. John Robinson says they have finished their first CD which will be titled Rattle My Chain and that: "So far it's the best rock band I have ever been in and this CD will take the world by fire."
Wig Wam will appear in Thessaloniki, Greece on the 18th of May. Support Acts Jelly Cats, Roxy Bitch. Venue Ksiloyrgio Mylos. Tickets €20 available in Reptile Music's Store, Al.Svolou31, Thessaloniki, Greece reptilem@otenet.gr tel. +30 2310 221 333.
Ralph Saenz, vocalist for the Atomic Punks and Metal-Skool and former LA Guns lead singer, now has his own official website located at: www.ralphsaenz.com.
Pearl Jam has confirmed an Australian tour with support from Kings Of Leon. At deadline the trek will visit Sydney (Nov. 7), Brisbane (Nov. 10), Melbourne (Nov. 13) and Adelaide (Nov. 21). Pearl Jam has not visited Australia since the spring of 2003.
Former frontman Ray West of Spread Eagle is back after a long hiatus and has returned to the spotlight. Ray graciously has given his very first interview in countless years to David Felix senior writer for Rockeyez, come read the full extensive interview on www.rockeyez.com.
VANDEN PLAS FRONTMAN SPEAKS:
Lead singer Andy Kuntz from Vanden Plas checked in with Hardrock Haven to discuss their stellar new release, Christ O, possible upcoming tour plans in the United States, why they decided to conceptualize their new release, and a myriad of other topics. Christ O will end up being one of the Top 10 releases of 2006, so tune in to hear with Andy has to say about their incredible new CD. Click on this link to hear the interview: www.hardrockhaven.net/interviews2006/vandenplas06.php.
EDENBRIDGE GIVEAWAY NEW SINGLE:
To celebrate the release of the new single and album, Edenbridge are giving away 3 signed singles, just click here to go to the official fanclub site and answer a few simple questions to be in with a chance of winning one. Plus there are still a few days left to pre-order a signed copy of the new album in a limited edition digibook with expanded booklet and bonus track, offer ends on the release date 19th May, so be quick!
GARY MOORE GOES OLD AND NEW:
Gary Moore's new album is Old New Ballads Blues. Gary's website states that the album (out now in Europe) features 5 new original songs, including the up tempo Ain't Nobody, the poignant ballad Gonna Rain Today, the country influenced No Reason To Cry and the driving instrumental Cut It Out.
Also included are re-recorded versions of the classic Midnight Blues, which originally appeared on Gary's multi million selling, 1990 album Still Got The Blues. Otis Rush's All Your Love, which was the song that turned Gary onto the blues, when he first heard it on the Bluesbreakers "Beano" album, in 1966, and blistering covers of Willie Dixon's You know my love and Elmore James's Done Somebody Wrong.
LAPD CELEBRITY GOLF THIS SATURDAY:
The Los Angeles Police Department hold their 35th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament at Rancho Park Golf Course in West Los Angeles on Saturday, May 20th and this year will feature hour long sets from 5 rock bands during the course of the day. The event starts at 9.00am and runs till 4.00pm and is only $5.00 admission. There will be displays from the LAPD SWAT Teams, CSI Labs, Mounted Units as well as many other attractions including the celebrities.
The bands kick off at 11.00am with Melt, followed by BB Chung King, The Stoney Curtis Band, Led Zepland and will finish off with The Hollywood Allstarz featuring, Carlos Cavarzo (Quiet Riot), Jimmy Bain (Rainbow/Dio), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath/Dio/Ozzy), Krigger (Ike & Tina Turner/Guiffria) and Chas West (Bonham/Lynch Mob).
The celebrities playing golf that day include Mark Wahlberg, Bruce Jenner, Joe Mantegna, C. Thomas Howell, Joe Pesci, Chris O'Donnell, Tommy Lee, (Motley Crue), Stuart Smith, (Heaven & Earth), David Paich, (Toto), Don Felder, (The Eagles), Brian Phelps, (Mark & Brian Show) and many others.
WebLink: www.lapmf.org/golf.htm.
PLUGGING JANI LANE IN CONCERT:
I've been asked to give a special plug to an upcoming Jani Lane show, which I am more thna happy to do. The details are:
Jani Lane In Concert - July 2nd at The Rhythm House Cafe (rhythmhousecafe.com). The Rock-N-Roll Circus begins at 5pm: 7 bands-tattoo artists-drink specials served by "The Beer Girls"
$20 general admission tickets $50 VIP tickets (entered to win an autographed guitar by Jani & can be paid at PayPal.com to Lhhetzerjr@aol.com or by phone to 412-537-4158).
A web-poster can be viewed by clicking here.
ROCK OF AGES CONTINUES TO IMPRESS:
More good press for the Rock Of Ages musical, now on in Las Vegas:
'80s-rock musical 'Rock of Ages' is stuffing the Flamingo full of power ballads - By Mike Weatherford, Review-Journal Las Vegas.
"For us it all started with Journey," says Matt Weaver. Not a journey, mind you, but the Don't Stop Believin' Journey. "We thought, this song is so theatrical, it's not far from songs you might hear on Broadway," says Weaver, co-producer of "Rock of Ages -- The Musical," an ode to fist-pumping '80s rock that's getting a trial run at the Flamingo through May 20.
The new musical enjoyed a 25-day run in Hollywood, but "we designed the show for Vegas," says co-producer Carl Levin. "We've had tunnel vision about Vegas from the start."
And why not? Along with its common-man tastes and revolving tourist count, the city was the only one in the U.S. to host "We Will Rock You." The Queen musical showed how easily "You're My Best Friend" could transform into show-tuney love song.
Being a Queen musical, however, meant that not everyone knew "Seven Seas of Rhye" as well as they did the title song. "Rock of Ages" isn't exclusive to one group, and the song list sounds like a typical FM drive-time shift of the era Everything from REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling" to Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again."
And if you forgot your disposable lighter, it's OK Every patron is issued one at the door.
"The great thing about this music in the '80s, it was emotional, it wore its heart on its sleeve and it was really fun," Weaver says. "That's why we looked at that music and said it's perfect for theater."
Weaver and business partner Carl Levin usually pitch motion picture and TV ideas through their Los Angeles-based Prospect Pictures. When one of their ideas for an '80s movie musical called "Time After Time" was optioned by Universal, the two decided they should get an '80s show onstage before someone else beat them to it.
While "Rock" didn't beat "The Wedding Singer" to Broadway -- where that show just opened -- Weaver says a big difference is, "We do not make fun of the '80s, not at all. I guarantee you'll see no Rubik's Cube and no parachute pants."
Instead, he says, "We're celebrating the '80s and we're putting this music on a pedestal. ... Do you know how proud I am that I got Whitesnake into a musical?" Many of the performers and songwriters of the day, from Bon Jovi to Poison, signed over song rights.
And the star of the Flamingo test run is none other than Jack Blades of Night Ranger, who gets to sing his own Sister Christian in the show. "I went to the play twice and I liked it so much I'm in it now," says Blades.
The play's fast track to Vegas is explained by a series of calls and recommendations. Blades was initially skeptical and opted to send his son to the first workshop reading of the musical. When his son came back with a thumb's up, Blades granted song rights and checked out the fully produced version himself.
The first time, he want with his Damn Yankees bandmate (and longtime Styx guitarist) Tommy Shaw. "We were completely blown away by it," he says. The second time, he took Journey guitarist Neal Schon.
The two of them called Don Marrandino, whom Harrah's Entertainment had tapped to run Harrah's Las Vegas and the Flamingo, with an eye toward giving the Flamingo a makeover to draw a younger demographic.
"They were calling me up, 'Man, you gotta see this,' " Marrandino says. "I would never go to a (conventional) musical," but this one "just knocked me out."
If the show returns for a permanent run, Marrandiono pictures rotating headliners such as Shaw or Las Vegas-based Quiet Riot frontman Kevin DuBrow.
Blades plays the owner of a Sunset Strip rock club that's in danger of being taken over by a German conglomerate. Kyle Gass, Jack Black's partner in Tenacious D, first played the role in Hollywood.
In their fight to save the music and their club, the musical's theme emerges "The dreams you come to Hollywood looking for are not necessarily the dreams you wind up with," Weaver says.
Blades says it helps to be surrounded by theater professionals for his first attempt at acting beyond a music video. "I'm OK with being up onstage, because I've done that my entire adult life," he says. "Memorizing lines, maybe it comes a little bit easier because I memorize lyrics. But it's still a lot to think about."
"I'm enough of a rock 'n' roller that I do not want to suck," he adds with a laugh. He's also enough of a rocker that he hasn't considered the ramifications of what would happen if the show does dig in for a long run, and he signed on to perform right across the street from Celine Dion. "That's a horrifying thought."
SUNCITY RECORDS UPDATES FANS:
Suncity Records have sent me the following update to print. Says the label's David Moors:
"It's double signing time people. Suncity Records are proud to announce a very special signing in Sunset Strip legends Pretty Vacant. You want Glitz? You want Glam? You want Attitude? You want extremely good song writing? Well look no further than Pretty Vacant.
Pretty Vacant are very special to me mainly because they were one of the sole reasons why I started up this record label. When I first had the pleasure of listening to the unreleased material by Pretty Vacant, I was quite frankly blown away, thinking to myself; I have to do something about this criminally overlooked band!!
Still today, the boys are playing their kind of Motley Crue/Alleycat Scratch/Skid Row type of hard rock to sold out shows throughout Hollywood Ca. Not only have Pretty Vacant written some of the best sleazy hard rock songs ever, but also everyone must check out the amazing ballad in Shine.
Pretty Vacant are one hell of a professional unit, each band member a master of their own instrument in their own right and most importantly they had the chemistry to match. Combining all those elements, I still haven't mentioned the key ingredient in the lead vocalist "Kenny Vacant". Kenny is exactly what hard rock has been missing for the last decade!!!! What can I say about him?? He is a born front man and has all the attributes that is needed the make a brilliant all-round band!!
Pretty Vacant never released a official CD, only a cassette/LP release in 1988 Called ...And We Don't Care that remains a very sort over collectors piece.
That's not where the fun stops ladies and gentlemen. We have also signed Cleveland, Ohio's very own, the great Fatal Charm.
Many might not have heard of Fatal Charm before as they didn't venture to Hollywood like most another Sleaze/Glam bands in the search of a record deal, but let me tell you they out did most Hollywood glam bands at there own game. Fatal charm were most active between 1986 - 1995, but still are playing the one off show every now and again to sold out audiences.
Mixing elements between the best of Trixter, Mr. Nasty, Southgang and a funky-less Ugly Kid Joe. These guys had a great song writing prowess with tones of attitude and a great rockin' vibe. Having said that, Fatal Charm also had just enough unquieness to distinguish them from the others.
Frontman Joey D describes the music "I think the greatest selling point for Fatal Charm is that we were so before our time, I mean our look was dead on 1988 and so on, but our music was comparable to The Black Crowes, L.A. Guns, The Cult, Poison, even The Ramones and Cheap Trick. I think that's why we were always the most interesting band to come see, we just had something for everyone. It was just great honest rock with all the trimmings of the big band sleeze rock days. One of the songs we recorded is even going to be featured on Ted Poley of Danger Dangers new CD."
A little update on the rest of our up-coming releases:
1. South Station - is in the final stages of mixing the tracks and let me add that this CD
2. Heaven's Wish - are still in the studio recording their eagerly awaited follow up album
3. Dirty Rhythm - are almost finished, just going through all the bands archived music to see if there is anything else worth adding to the album. This album will feature the video to their first single off their debut album "Feel The Fire"
4. Sweet Teaze - are almost done also, just getting together a few more notes for the booklet.
5. Daniel MacMaster - are final stages of re-mastering, sound awesome, shouldn't be too much longer. My prediction is the Dirty Rhythm, Sweet Teaze & Daniel MacMaster will all come out at the same time.
6. ????? - A massive surprise due to be unveiled soon, I have kept this a secret for too long now but what I can say is that they will be our biggest signing yet! The CD is almost ready to be released. This beautifully packaged CD will probably be out the same time as the previous 3 CD's mentioned.
BENEDICTUM HEAD TO EUROPE:
Press Release / San Diego, CA metallers Benedictum, featuring bombshell vocalist Veronica Freeman, guitarist Pete Wells, bassist Jesse Wright, drummer Blackie Sanchez, and keyboardist Chris Morgan, have confirmed the first ever European shows in support of their highly acclaimed debut album, Uncreation.
Benedictum will kick things off on June 4th at the Gods Of Metal Festival in Milan, Italy, headlined by Guns N' Roses, Korn and the reunited Alice In Chains, before embarking on a short headline club tour which includes additional stops in Spain, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and England. "We are incredibly pumped to finally get in front of our European fans. The support we've been getting so far has been beyond our wildest dreams", said Freeman who has been hailed as "the vocal discovery of the year" by Classic Rock editor Geoff Barton, and "a female Dio with twice the power and bigger (figurative) balls" by Kerrang!'s Dom Lawson.
Benedictum's debut CD, released Statesside on March 14 via Locomotive/Ryko, was produced by Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner) and features guest appearances by Dio axeman Craig Goldy on the 9-minute epic, Valkyrie Rising, and bassist Jimmy Bain (ex-Rainbow, Dio) on the band's cover of the Black Sabbath classic, The Mob Rules. 3 songs from 'Uncreation' are currently in rotation on the group's My Space page at www.myspace.com/benedictum.
ROCK-N-ROLL BAD BOYS READY FOR NEW ALBUM RELEASE WITH BIG NAME PRODUCER:
Press Release / Maryland rockers, Funny Money, featuring Kix front man Steve Whiteman and drummer Jimmy Chalfant, have finished recording the tracks for their upcoming, as of yet untitled, CD which will contain thirteen tracks of their best music ever. The album will include the tunes 1,000 Thank-You's, By The Balls, Hot On Your Heels, Little By Little, Fool's Confession, and Crush. As an added bonus, the album will get a huge kick in the pants due to the presence of producer and longtime friend Beau Hill (Ratt, Alice Cooper, Winger, Warrant, Kix). This, coupled with the newly arranged line-up of Steve and Jimmy being joined by Kix/Centerfold bassist Mark Schenker and Centerfold guitarist RG will be the final punch that is needed to rekindle what has been missing from the Rock-N-Roll fire for a long time!
When asked about what the fans can expect from the current, four-piece Funny Money line-up, vocalist Steve Whiteman says, "Hopefully, the fans will share our spirit of adventure and join in the fun. All I can say is, 'Lay back and enjoy the ride, but don't forget to buckle your seatbelt cause this one's gonna last all night'!"
Funny Money continues to dominate the Northeast with weekly, sell-out shows and an international fan base who travel hundreds of miles just to catch a piece of the action. Head over to www.funnymoneyband.com for all the news on their upcoming album and for a complete show schedule.
6TH ANNUAL CRUEFEST ANNOUNCED:
The Sixth Annual CrueFest Hollywood July 15th 2006 Whisky A Go-Go Hollywood, CA
Music fans organized CrueFest - a music event to benefit charity. An event inspired by good-will and the uncensored energy that Motley Crue's music embodies. Since its inception in 2001, CrueFest has grown in audience attendance, musician participation, and dollars raised to benefit cancer research. CrueFest grows every year because of the dedication of organizers, sponsors, artists, and fans who plan, donate, and travel to make it happen.
Proceeds from this Sixth annual event go to the Skylar Neil Memorial Fund for Cancer Research. Skylar Neil is the daughter of Vince Neil (lead singer of Motley Crue) who's battle with cancer resulted in her death at age four. Event supporters share their money for a great cause at CrueFest, and artists donate their talent and time. We all share love for everyone one of us whose lives have been transformed by experiences with fatal illness, and the losses - and gains of perspective - that come with it.
Playing this year's event will be Motley Crue Tribute band True 2 Crue, Also playing are Trashlight Vision, Sabrina Korva, Kid Ego, Miss Crazy, The Lived (with Alan Vine from the Vince neil band), Dario with Cryus Zain, The Erotics, Homewrecker, Hollywood, Eleganty Wasted, Antidote, Daimond Lane, and Vains of Jenna.
Special guests to include adult film star Austyn Moore, Felicity, And The Glitter Kittens with more to be added.
Cruefest sponsors this year include Jagermeister, The Whisky a Go-Go, Pepsi~Cola, Sunset Strip Tattoo, Broad Promotions, Sugarbuzz Magazine, Starbucks, Glitter Gutter Magazine, Fetish Fiend Fashions, Roxx Productions, Forte Records, Circuit City, Metal Sludge, and Announcing Basson Sound. We look forward to adding more great sponsors to our growing list!
Free gifts, raffle, and auction items include A copy of The Dirt, European Tour Book from the band(extra goodie), A Carnival of Sins DVD and a Nikki Sixx hat all signed by the band, Plus artists' donations, shirts, stickers, Jagermeister gear, and much more...
Tickets are just $30.00! Visit www.cruefest.com to buy tickets, arrange travel plans, and get answers to all of your questions. We'll see you soon!
JR BLACKMORE CAUGHT BETWEEN DARKNESS AND LIGHT:
The new J.R. Blackmore CD, Between Darkness & Light, will be released on May 19 via Twilight-Vertrieb. The instrumental CD was recorded and mixed 2006 in Musikerei Studios in Quickborn, Germany by Jürgen Blackmore and Malte Rathke, the album features the following tracks 'Between Darkness & Light - Part 1', 'Nine Lives', 'Time Travelling', 'Recall The Past', 'Dreams', 'Invisible Touch', 'Sheet Lightning', 'Tears Of The Dragons', 'Total Eclipse', 'Between Darkness & Light - Part 2'.
A posting at Jürgen Blackmore's site reads as follows: "You have waited long enough! The time has come, our instrumental album Between Darkness And Light will hit the markets worldwide in May 2006. We had a really good time working on this album and it was a great pleasure to incorporate our emotions, ideas and changing moods into this work. The music from the new album is based on our philosophy of life and on pictures, that we had in our minds. It's not only a new album to us, it's something really special and we hope that you will notice this when you're listening to the music. We like to give away a little secret to you the album is somewhat "harder" than the four tracks from the previously released MC Recall The Past, which of course will be part of the new album. Recall The Past will be discontinued, so grab it while you can - it will be a special souvenir."
WebLink: www.jrblackmore.de.
UPDATES:
The planned MR-X update will have to slip over into tomorrow. A big news day here left time a little short and files are still uploading.
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