2005 News Archive


Friday, December 23, 2005

FRONTIERS RECORDS 2006 PREVIEW:
Toto - Frontiers Records is pleased to unveil the first music sample taken from Bottom Of Your Soul, the first single from the upcoming Toto album, Falling In Between.
The song, in the words of the band's keyboard player David Paich, is a prayer for peace lyrically inspired from the tragedy of the Sudan civil war victims. Paich explains: "The song started out from a 6/8 African groove I had in mind with Simon Phillips, and Steve Lukather later came up with the chorus chords."
Featured on lead vocals during the chorus is former Toto singer Joseph Williams, together with two other very special guests Jason Scheff (Chicago) and Shenkar (Peter Gabriel). Percussion work is courtesy of Simon Phillips and Lenny Castro.
Enjoy the 1 minute mp3 sample at the following link!
Bottom Of Your Soul will be launched on all European radios in the first half of January 2005. Other sound samples from the upcoming shall be posted right here, on the audio page on the www.frontiers.it and www.toto99.com websites.

Survivor - The band has finished recording 11 songs for the new studio album in the works. The entire album tracking is completed. After Christmas Frankie Sullivan is scheduled to record some missing guitar overdubs and then Jimi Jamison will add his vocals. The mix is planned during January for a release planned in the spring 2006.

Hardline - Recording of the third Hardline studio album entitled Just Add Water has been completed this month. Singer Johnny Gioeli is enthusiastic of the results. "I think this is extremely radio and melodic... Van Halen-ish, like Sammy Hagar meets Journey... with some GREAT Ballads... really a new twist for Hardline!"
The renewed lineup on Just Add Water includes Johnny Gioeli on vocals, Josh Ramos on guitars, Michael T. Ross on keyboards, Jamie Brown on bass and Atma Anur on drums.
Some of the song titles to be included on the record include My Heart, Hold On, Hole In My Head, Save Me, Falling Rain. Release is planned for late spring 2006.

Kelly Keagy - Night Ranger drummer / singer Kelly Keagy is busy working hard to complete his new studio album. Some of the songs he has been working on include Call In Another Day, In The Back of Your Mind, All In The Blink of An Eye, The World Before and After, When Nobody's Looking, I'm Alive, Where The Road Ends, One, A Life Worth Remembering, Stolen, You're Everything In A Woman.
Kelly has written many songs together with Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor, Pride Of Lions). The record will also feature Kelly's The Mob bandmate, Reb Beach on guitar while the mix will be handled by none other than Kip Winger.
Frontiers Records plans to release the new as yet untitled album in mid-2006.

Vertigo - Former Toto singer Joseph Williams is currently busy recording the vocals of the second Vertigo album. The songs which will be included on the record include in no particular order: Not Gonna Live Forever (written by Joseph together with Joey Carbone), Save It All Alone, All For You, Goodbye So Long, Part of Me, In The Blink of An Eye, There's A Reason, Picking Up The Pieces, Hold Me.
This time the lineup includes drummer extraordinaire Virgil Donati (Soul Sirkus, Ring Of Fire) and guitar virtuoso Alex Masi, with Fabrizio Grossi handling again bass and production duties.
The album is scheduled for release in mid 2006.

Stan Bush - The well-respected singer / songwriter is currently busy writing new songs together with his songwriting partner Holger Fath (who will also handle the production of the album) and Tommy Denander, who will also co-produce his album. "I am very excited because these are some of the best songs I've ever written, and I think this will be my best album ever!", says Stan. The artist is planning to start the recording during January 2006 with the label hoping to release his new record after the summer.

Genius - Daniele Liverani is completing the recording of the third and final chapter of his Rock Opera Genius entitled The Final Surprise. With the release of this final episode, the complete story and music of the trilogy can be finally enjoyed in its entirety. An incredible cast of singers and mix of different music styles from fast power metal to straight AOR and crazy progressive rock tunes will lead the listeners to the final events of Genius' amazing trip into the dreams world parallel reality.
Once again singers Mark Boals (Ring Of Fire; Ex Malmsteen) and Daniel Gildenlow (Pain Of Salvation) are taking the major roles (Genius and Twinspirit32 respectively).
The other amazing singers appearing include this time Eric Martin (ex-Mr.Big) as Mr. Niko, Jorn Lande (Masterplan) as Apikor, Andrea Datwyler (Lunatica) as Kokeshi, Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions) as Senator Jeramus. Oliver Hartmann will care once again about the choruses while the narrator role will be covered by Philip Bynoe as usual.
The album is going to be mixed in January 2006 for a release tentatively planned in the spring.

Hartmann - Oliver Hartmann shall perform a special show TONIGHT at the Colossaal in Aschaffenburg, Germany.
The set list will include the whole Out In The Cold album plus some new songs which shall be included in the forthcoming album to be released during 2006! Don t miss him!

Green - Following the good critical acclaim that blessed the release of the new album, Green's guitar player and singer Fabrizio Pieraccini gives an insight on Of Love And Soul:
Receive Me - The opening track clearly sets the new course of the Green sound. A huge riff made by almost NU metal guitars interacting with sampled drum grooves, opens what can be defined a modern rock song with an unforgettable chorus and a breathtaking final guitar solo.
Fight for Truth - A powerful mid-tempo. Changes the mood of the record towards a modern sounding power rock, with strong lyrics, a fantastic bridge and some serious guitar playing going on.
Do it Now - Melody was dominant in our previous record "Life". With this song goes up to a higher level with a refined arrangement of strings. The verse looks for a more intimate musical dimension while the chorus is full of energy, the lead voice is both harmonic and captivating. Definitely the softest song in the album.
Hate Me - The seventies hard rock background of the band emerges here. Mostly inspired by The Who, this song features a cutting guitar riff which plays with a dynamic bass line and is supported by a very Purplish Hammond organ sound. The 7/8 rhythm in the middle of the song brings out some Rush influence with a virtuoso-style guitar solo.
There's No Wind - The verse is in 5/4 with acoustic guitars and strings; this takes you to the elegant and relaxing chorus which explodes in a strong finale.
Freedom - Again a strings melody is supported by two guitars playing in harmony. Luscious vocal exercise and self-conscious lyrics emerge later in a typical rock'n'roll fashion.
No Return Journey - An intense and peculiar moment of the record. Listen to this song keeping a close eye to the lyrics and allow the ethereal keyboard atmospheres win you over.
Baby Tell Me Why - Again Marshall and Hammond here, but this hard rock song goes beyond classic 70 s Hard Rock adding a modern sounds and melodic effects.
One Day - A celestial atmosphere is introduced by the piano; the vocals have a big feeling here and the guitar scratches and comes out in an exciting solo with an atmosphere similar to the one in Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.
Of Love And Soul - The title track the ultimate manifesto of the new Green sound. It's undoubtedly a progressive tune a 9/8 riff followed by a complex verse like Yes; when you think everything is set then& you get a metal oriented keyboards fugue chasing guitars and vice versa; a kaleidoscopic progressive whirlwind a là Dream Theatre, but not so complicated. Emotions build up in a breathless crescendo ending with the two guitarists playing some pretty impressive solos.

Season Greetings - Frontiers Records would like to wish to all partners, artists, journalists and fans a Merry Christmas and a successful and happy new year 2006! We thank each and everyone for the faith and the support showed during this year and we look forward to a stronger and better year! Cheers to everyone.

SHADOWMAN PROVIDE SOME DIFFERENT ANGLES:
Shadowman's new studio album Different Angles will be released by Escape Music March 10, 2006. The new CD - available as a limited edition beautifully packaged CD in ecolbook - will feature the following songs: Learn to Live Without You / Take Me Home / Cry Wolf / When Its Gone / The Way of the World / In The Shadows / Did It For Love / Chains / Dreams Die Hard / Runaway Girl / Satellite / Shine On.
Album Details: All songs by Steve Overland and Steve Morris. Line-up: Steve Overland (FM) – Lead Vocals; Steve Morris (Heartland) - Guitars; Chris Childs (Thunder) – Bass; Harry James (Thunder) – Drums.
Produced by Steve Morris for T.O.M Productions. Mixed by Pete "Peewee" Coleman. Recorded at Ocean Reach Studio, Warington UK and Jelly Jam, Runcorn, UK.
Bio: It is some two years since the debut album by Shadowman was released (Land of the Living ESM098). The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock. As you would expect Shadowman had elements of both Heartland and FM deeply embedded in its grooves, yet it was highly original and was often touted as the best British melodic release of 2004.
Two years later and we have an eagerly awaited follow up called Different Angles, an important album for this quartet that also includes both Harry James and Chris Childs of Thunder. A few chords into the song Learn to live without you and it is fairly obvious that we are in for a real treat. That unmistakable guitar trademark sound of Steve Morris and the vocals of Steve Overland shine through at a very early stage. Somehow they make their music sound effortless; the driving riff throughout "In the Shadows" is testament to this making it such a classic song.
As we all very well know Steve Overland has a remarkable vocal range, not only does it suit the classic melodic rock genre but he has a very bluesy side to his talent. Try listening to such songs like Cry Wolf and Did It For Love; the latter being a perfect ballad in every sense of the word. Shadowman certainly know how to captivate their audience, make no mistake. Hard rocking songs like Chains and Shine on are solid melodic rock tunes that will delight any audience, whilst Runaway Girl has a chorus that will have you singing along to in a very short space of time.
Shadowman is all about great rock music that will win you over with its charm. Quality rock music is so hard to find these days and it is reassuring to know that it hasn't lost its way. It is always hard to follow on from a near perfect album like Land of the Living, but these guys have done just that, this is an essential piece of British melodic rock music.
WebLink: www.Escape-Music.com.

xx

UNITED FORCES OF ROCK 2005 - FESTIVAL REVIEW:
United-Forces-Of-Rock Festival Ludwigsburg, Germany Oct. 29, 2005...By Sven Horlemann, on location on behalf of MelodicRock.com.

An extraordinary festival for melodic rock. Fans from all over Europe came to see some of the best melodic rock bands available –
Hartmann (German newcomer)
Pump (German newcomer)
Blanc Faces (melodic rock highlight from US)
Casanova (veteran German melodic rockers come back)
Jaded Heart (veteran German band with new singer)
Legs Diamond (US heavy rock legend)
Seventh Key (featuring Billy Greer of Kansas, Mike Slamer & Terry Brock)
Wetton/Downes (founding members of Asia)
Pride Of Lions (Survivor successor featuring Jim Peterik)

A full review of the show is now online. My apologies for the delay in getting this formatted and uploaded and thanks to Sven for covering the event in my absence. There are several interviews Sven conducted on the day still to feature. I'll add those on my return after the holiday break, along with a few pictures from the festival.
For now - Read The Live Review.

TOTO "FALLING IN BETWEEN" RELEASE PARTY:
On February 10th 2006, the legendary American rock formation Toto will release their brand new album Falling in Between.
In order to celebrate this memorable event, Fanclub Toto Headlines organizes a huge release party! This event will take place on February 9th at De Boerderij in Zoetermeer, Holland. It's going to be a totally Toto–evening!
Because the band unfortunately won't be able to make it over in the flesh we've arranged really sparkling replacement by a live performance of the Toto cover band Toto Touch. But of course there will be (even) more for the real Toto fan:
The CD Falling in Between will already be on sale that evening! Also on sales, among others wonderful Toto merchandise and pictures of Toto in all sorts and sizes. There will also be the opportunity to swap things from your personal Toto collection (so don't forget to bring your own stuff along!) And we will hold a lottery with some stunning Toto prizes!
Besides that we have another big surprise in store but we can't yet spill much about that at this point.
Tickets for this event cost €5 and are available via www.totoheadlines.com and in the Boudisque CD/DVD stores in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Nijmegen. (Ticketsales through Boudisque starts at beginning of January). Doors open at 19.00 pm, event starts at 19.30 pm.
For more info and changes www.totoheadlines.com or www.boerderij.org.

NEW SCHON INTERVIEW ONLINE:
Greek melodic music site Rockpages recently added a new interview with Neal Schon from Journey. Check it out at: www.rockpages.gr/interviews/journey2005-eng.htm.

IT'S A BOY!:
It is with great pride that Cathy and I announce the arrival of our second son!
Zackary John McNeice was born on Thursday December 22; 7:17am local time. Jnr #2 is doing extremely well, as is his mum :)
Pictured is Nicholas with his new baby brother…


I promised one last news update before the holiday break – so here it is. I did also say that I would have one last MR-X update, but I simply ran out of time. There will be no MR-X updates while I am on holiday, but as many are away from their computers or high-speed connections, I am sure the majority will be content with my promise of a massive all-new update first week back. All recent uploads are still online, so take this opportunity to grab whatever you have not yet had a chance to download. The section remains open for new members to join on at any time.
I do have to announce the winner of the Mega-Pack competition. That is Cory Manferd. Congrats Cory – e-mail coming your way.

There's a lot going on for everyone at this time of year. Let me stop to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday break (and a warm one for those north of the equator!). Have a great new year's eve and I hope Santa delivers some suitably tasteful melodic rock CDs and no nasty tartan socks, or the like...
I'd also like to conclude the 2005 year with a heartfelt thanks to all those that have supported this site over the course of the year. All MR-X Members, all site sponsors, all artists that have kept in contact and everyone that logs on for their daily dose of news.
2005 was a challenging year and man, have I got a lot to talk about in my end of year wrap up contained in the upcoming MelRock Awards.

What to do while I am away dealing with the messy business that is babies? You can post on either of the message boards – the Noticeboard or The Forums.
You can read all of the 2005 CD Reviews, starting here and add your own comments here. There is also the Feature Interviews area and the shorter e-Interviews section. Or, just browse back through the news of the past year.

So, to conclude – the next site update (unless something amazing happens...) will be Monday January 10. From that point it will be business as usual…well, as much as normal can be with a new born around!
I'll keep an eye on the message boards and e-mail, so drop me a line should any need arise. All e-mail sent between now and then that isn't dealt with, will be done so during that first week back.

So cheers for now and once again, have a great holiday season wherever you are!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

LUKATHER SPEAKS & THANKS FANS FOR FEEDBACK TO DATE:
After reading through the fan reaction to the debut of the first clips from Toto's February 10 released album Falling In Between, guitarist Steve Lukather penned this open letter for me to post. For the record - the fan response has been amazingly positive!
Over to Steve - "Well, thanks for all the great press but I am afraid of all the hype as NO ONE lives up to huge hype! We have done the best I think we could do at this time in our lives and it was a labor of love and to prove to ourselves and whomever likes the band that we still have something left to offer besides the old hits, hey, they have been very good to us but I am more sick of them than ANY of you could EVER be! hahaha
I dig this site a lot [thanks Steve!] and I certainly don't expect everyone to like me or Toto or agree on music in general.
It's hard as most of us "old guys" make our $$ on the road and therefore taking the TIME it takes to make a GREAT record (very subjective I might add) is difficult. This time Toto had the TIME to make what WE wanted to make and took the 10 months, on and off, and used it, and said we were not gonna put it out till WE thought it was good enough.
I just would like it if you actually heard the WHOLE thing before making an opinion either way. If you like what LITTLE you have heard then you are gonna love the rest of it. For those riding the fence, please give it a shot.
I just want to thank everyone who has been so kind and patient and even thank those that hate us, at least we got SOME reaction. We ain't curing cancer here fellas...it's just music. There is plenty of different styles and players from ALL eras to go around!!
God Bless and Happy Holidays...Lukather."

QUIET RIOT THROW OPEN DOORS FOR NEW BASSIST:
Press Release / Quiet Riot will be holding a one day only audition for a bass player that is based out of the general Los Angeles area. If you are interested but not in the area, please do not apply.
The basic requirements are for a bass player that is well versed and rooted in British late 60's and 70's music. John Paul Jones, Andy Fraser, the style of music such as Led Zeppelin, Free, Humble Pie, The Baby's, etc.
We are looking for a finger player that is also musically knowledgeable of funk roots. The new material has a lot of these influences as a basis, but applicants would also be required to perform the Quiet Riot songs that are expected from the band.
If interested and qualified, please e-mail quietriotbass@aol.com.
Include all your contact information, bio, images etc. Quiet Riot will begin recording the new CD in late January and into February 2006.

DANTE FOX BREAK DOWN NEW SONG:
Dante Fox's Tim Manford dropped me this little note and update: "There is live footage on www.dantefox.com of the band recording the first song for the third album. The song is called Breakin Me Down and features our new harder style. It was premiered on the Steve Price show on ARFM on Saturday and Sunday last week.I'm Steve will play it again if anyone out there would like to tune in.
We will be playing with Shy on 26th January @ Limelight Club in Crewe and will be doing the Z Rock fest again @ the Limelight on 2nd April.
Please say sorry to the fans who turned up expecting to see us with Vaughn as we had no hand in not appearing. Sorry again."

VANISHING POINT ANNOUNCE NEW BASSIST:
Australian progressive metal band Vanishing Point have announced the addition of bassist Steve Cox to the group's ranks. "Steve has fitted in with his new role quite nicely with his great sense of humour and professionalism towards Vanishing Point is most welcome," the band write on their web site.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who did try out but who were unfortunately unsuccessful. We wish all the very best for your future and know in whatever you chose to do you will be successful."
Vanishing Point's latest album, Embrace the Silence, was released in Europe this past May through Dockyard 1, the new German company/record label formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (Iron Savior). Embrace the Silence is available in Australia and New Zealand through Modern Invasion Music.

FOREIGNERS DUE IN THE UK IN 2006:
Foreigner will hit the UK in 2006 for 2 shows. They are: June 30th London Shepherds Bush and July 1st Manchester Carling Apollo. Further European dates are possible, so stay tuned.

HELLO FROM BRUCE KULICK:
Bruce Kulick has asked for the following to be posted and has a special deal for readers. Anyone who orders the new shortsleeve Union Chikara T-shirts from his site (kulick.net) and mentions that they saw it on melodicrock.com will receive TWO FREE Bruce guitar picks with the order.
A Message From Bruce Kulick - Happy Holidays to you all! I had a very exciting November and December, so here goes with a report on my travels to Europe with UNION and Mexico with Eric Singer.
We started in a town called Sion, Switzerland which is in a valley of the Swiss Alps where my friend and tour manager Nicolas lives. First time for John Corabi, Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums and Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper) and they were quite impressed. I have been there so many times it was great to show the guys around. We rehearsed courtesy of our opening act Crystal Dusk. It was very cool to get to hang out in the town, and the guys from Crystal Dusk helped show the guys around. After Sion, off on a regular touring schedule which is very hectic.
Off to Zurich for our show at Alpenrock, and we really had a great first show. I love that venue as it is quite unique with its "in the Alps look." Next day off to Germany for our two shows. We had a travel day on Thanksgiving, and a meal that was fit for a king when we finally arrived 6 hours later. Heike the promoter was very sweet to prepare such an amazing feast for us Americans long from home. That night we saw snow, and living in LA of course, I don't get to see it often. My hotel room had a heated water bed!! The next night in the city was show day, but Fred and I got to walk around a bit and see the beautiful German City of Babenhausen after sound check. Bought German pastries and pretzels. They rule!
Read the full message and view all the pictures from the tour at: www.kulick.net/message.

TODAY'S UPDATES:
Added to the site today is MP3 MiniBytes for new releases by Akira Kajiyama + Joe Lynn Turner, Last Autumn's Dream and Square One. Check them out.

CD Showcases have been updated for two MTM releases due in January. They are Faro and AOR. Check those out.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 :pm update

PREVIEWING TOTO'S BOTTOM OF YOUR SOUL & KING OF THE WORLD:
How about we kick the day off with two previews from the new Toto album Falling In Between? The single Bottom Of Your Soul is the track which will kick off the album at radio, so what better way to kick things off online than a snippet from the track which also features former vocalist Joseph Williams.
Download: Toto - Bottom Of Your Soul.
And here is another new sample - the rocking classic Toto sound of King Of The World. Download: Toto - King Of The World.

Speaking of Toto - the official websitehas had a neat overhall to coincide with the new album design and details. Log on at: www.toto99.com

LION MUSIC ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF SATYRIAN:
Lion Music are proud to announce the signing of Satyrian, an international gothic rock band, combining dark atmospheric lyrics with new wave, rock, classical orchestration elements for a truly unique sound.
The new album Eternitas consists of 12 songs covering a wide variety of musical styles. From pure dark rock to danceable industrial beats, folk elements to classical atmosphere, the album runs the gamut of musical tastes. Satyrian also display contrast between the two male and two female voices which define the band's sound. The guitar work varies from rock and metal riffing to melodic leads, often combined with piano. The lyrics are dark, atmospheric and offer a close look into deep personal emotions. It's an album about life and death, desire, fear, loss and eternity - the Eternitas.
Satyrian – Eternitas is scheduled for release in March 2006.
WebLinks: www.satryian.com and www.lionmusic.com.

xx

MELODIC BRIEFS:
The very cool session legend Phil Soussan has completed a new solo record, titled Vibrate. Readers here will recognize Phil's name from Beggars & Thieves, Vince Neil Band, John Waite and Ozzy Osbourne among many others. Guests on the album includes Steve & Trevor Lukather. Details at: www.philsoussan.com.

German Melodic Rock Online Magazine www.rock-avenue.de features new interviews (in German only) with Michael Bolton, Khymera, Philip Bardowell and Francis Buchholz (Ex-The Scorpions).

Butch Walker is playing a one-off acoustic solo show at The Barfly in London on January 31, 2006.

Log onto www.whiplash.net for a Best Of 2005 feature, with the contents gathered from 111 influential artists of the metal scene. Check it out at: www.whiplash.net/materias/melhores/026859.mv.

A new interview with the very groovy Jay Graydon can be found now at: www.toto99.com.

Guitarist/producer great Dann Huff is featured on a new episode of CMT's In The Moment - showcasing the debut album from American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. Dann co-produced the album.

Music writer for the Georgia Straight newspaper Lucas Aykroyd has published his 10 Best releases for the year. Some interesting titles make an appearance, including Philip Bardowell's In The Cut. Check it out at: straight.com/content.cfm?id=14816.

Shy have a new forum for fans online at: www.shyonline.co.uk/forum/default.asp.

Surrender's Kenny Hamberg is featured in a new interview at: www.rock-is-life.com/interviews/kennyhamberg.htm.

Last but not least for today - Phil Vincent has two new releases available via his website. Poetic Justice by Tragik and One by Circular Logik are now available for purchase at: www.philvincent.com. Just follow the simple instructions or send an e-mail with your request to dercole@cox.net to pay using PayPal.

BAREFOOT SERVANTS RETURN WITH A NEW CD:
News from the record label website for Jon Butcher - Jon Butcher and Ben Schultz are performing around the US & Canada in support of their new Barefoot Servants 2 CD. If you are able to catch a performance, you'll hear songs from the Jon Butcher Axis, the Jon Butcher solo arsenal, both Barefoot Servants records and a few choice cover tunes. An Acoustic Evening With Jon Butcher promises to be a special event. Dates are being booked frequently, so keep an eye on www.jonbutcher.com, for current listings. However, here are some shows already confirmed...
WebLinks: www.atomrecords.com and www.jonbutcher.com.


YNGWIE MALMSTEEN AUDIO INTERVIEW POSTED ONLINE:
StriglsMusicNews.com has posted episode 28 of their "Talking Metal" podcast. The episode, entitled Yngwie Malmsteen Special, features a ten minute interview co-host John Ostronomy conducted with legendary guitarist and musician, Yngwie Malmsteen. Topics include Yngwie's Concerto Suite album, his feelings on religion, and his participation in Metal festivals with Slayer, Hammerfall, Dio, and Zakk Wylde. Hosts Mark Strigl and Ostronomy also discuss topics including Yngwie's history, Mike Varney, Steeler, Johnny Cash, and King Kong. The episode also features an Yngwie Malmsteen multiple guitar pick giveaway. Pictures as well as the 30 minute podcast can be downloaded at this location (striglsmusicnews.com/podcasts/talkingmetal/index.htm). iTunes users can also subscribe to "Talking Metal" for free at this location (phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=78833595).

OLIVER WAKEMAN MAKES DEBUT ON PROGROCK RECORDS:
The Progrock Records debut by Oliver Wakeman Mothers Ruin is now available from the following and a lot of other on-line stores; www.progrockrecords.com, www.oliverwakeman.co.uk, www.hmv.co.uk, www.virgin.com/uk/entertainment/default.asp and www.amazon.com, .uk & .de.
Sound samples can be heard from either visiting the Progrock or Oliver's own site (where you can find out lots more about Oliver and his band).
The band are next due to perform on the 28th January 2006 at The Oakwood Centre, Rotherham alongside Damian Wilson supporting Arjen Lucassen's new band Stream Of Passion. Tickets can be purchased via The Classic Rock Society. Tickets are priced at £15. www.classicrocksociety.net.


TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY FEATURED:
Rob Wylde, Teenage Casket Company lead singer, hooked up with Hardrock Haven to talk about the band's ongoing efforts to open up for Bon Jovi (Punk Rock Bon Jovi Tour!), their first tour of the States, their month long U.K. tour coming up, heading into the studio in January, and a lot more. Head to: www.hardrockhaven.net/interviews/rwylde05.php to hear the entire interview! (You will need Windows Media Player to stream the interview.)

GRAND ENTERTAINMENT'S NAMM SHOW CONCERT ANNOUNCED:
Grand Entertainment's 2nd annual Namm Show Concert will be held at The Blue Café in Long Beach Ca. on January 21. This year will be another host of great players including Barry Sparks Acoustic (MSG, Dokken) and Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty, Eric Clapton) and His All-Star band. More special guests will be announced soon!
The Blue Café's information is at: www.thebluecafe.com or call the Promoter Dale Woodson at 818-645-4140, or email adale9@earthlink.net or visit: www.grandentertainment.info.
On Saturday Jan 7, Mike Campbell - Rock and Roll Hall of fame Guitarist from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, will make a rare club appearance at The Blue Café with The Dirty Knobs. Check out www.thedirtyknobs.com, Or call 562-983-7111 for tickets.

INDUSTRY FOCUS - SILENT NIGHT FOR MUSIC SALES:
Another good read for those interested in and following the issues surrounding the music industry.
Holiday Buyers Spurn Tunes As Industry Picture Worsens; 'Cesspool of Really Bad Bands' By Ethan Smith
Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal, December 16, 2005; Page B1
"The holiday season has traditionally been a time for the music industry to relax and watch the money roll in as big-name releases all but sell themselves. The stocking-stuffer effect is generally strong enough that the season generates 40% of the industry's annual revenue.
This year, though, there's little Christmas cheer to go around. During the crucial Thanksgiving week, for instance, the top 10 albums sold 40% fewer copies than the top 10 albums the same week in 2004. Album sales so far this year are down 7.8%, according to Nielsen SoundScan, compared with the same point a year ago. Sales of individual digital tracks on services like Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes Music Store have increased -- but not nearly enough to offset the slide in CD sales. According to an estimate from SoundScan, overall sales of recorded music are down about 4.5%, if one considers 10 individual tracks the equivalent of an album.
"It's sort of a bleak holiday season at the end of a bleak year," says Jim Urie, president of Universal Music Group's Universal Music & Video Distribution arm.
Retailers who specialize in music say that their outlook is worse than bleak. Music sales at Virgin Megastores' 20 North American locations are down nearly 20%, according to Simon Wright, chief executive of Virgin Entertainment Group. Other music retailers report similar numbers.
Things are so tough that Rob Roth, owner of the Vintage Vinyl music store in Fords, N.J., says that being able to simply keep pace with last year's sales puts him among the lucky few. His new motto: "Flat is the new up."
This season's slide is evidence that, despite a brief uptick in music sales at the end of last year, the music-industry meltdown that began more than five years ago is far from over. The long decline has been fed by a combination of factors -- including online piracy, CD burning, high prices and competition for consumer dollars from videogames and DVDs.
Lately, people in the music industry have said the same basic issues have been intensified by the growing popularity of pricey gadgets like Apple's iPod and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360, as well as the rising prices for games that go with the new platform.
In the near future, the introduction of next-generation DVDs, which carry high-definition TV signals, is likely to eat into the shrinking space retailers allot CDs. The arrival of Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3 videogame platform threatens to further erode music sales. And despite some heavy holiday discounting on CDs, many retailers say their customers believe they are still too expensive. Now, there is even competition for digital-music sales within the iTunes store itself from $1.99 episodes of network-television shows.
But many retailers and label executives alike point to a more fundamental problem this year: A lack of hit acts. Don VanCleave, president of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores, says blame lies with "an absolute, gigantic cesspool of really bad bands."
Consumers seem to agree. This year has seen more albums come and go from the No. 1 sales spot than any year since SoundScan began keeping score in 1991 -- a sign that few hits have staying power. This year's album charts have seen brief reigns, often followed by rapid tumbles, by more than two dozen artists, including Kenny Chesney, Hilary Duff and Rob Thomas.
The music industry hasn't connected broadly with fans since the late-1990s heyday of the teen pop performed by the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and Britney Spears. "It's almost like we need a new genre of music," says John Sullivan, chief financial officer of Trans World Entertainment Corp., which operates music stores under the FYE and Coconuts names, among others. "There hasn't been anything fresh to get consumers excited in a while." [Amen John!]
The biggest sellers during the current holiday season include Green Day and Mariah Carey, whose albums have been out for months. "These are not as big as the albums we had last year," Mr. Sullivan says. Last year's big sellers included new albums by U2, Eminem and Shania Twain.
None of the four global music companies has been immune to the slide. Vivendi Universal SA's Universal Music has managed to keep its dip to just 2%, but the company has seen disappointing releases by rap stars 50 Cent and Eminem, whose latest releases have done far less well than many retailers had hoped. Mr. Sullivan of Trans World says the soundtrack to 50 Cent's movie "Get Rich or Die Tryin' " was "a disappointment, no question." The disc sold just about 317,000 copies its first week in stores, compared with over 1 million copies in the first week for the rapper's previous album, "The Massacre."
.....Mike Dreese, co-owner of New England entertainment chain Newbury Comics Inc. and a board member of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, says that pricing remains a major problem for the music industry, especially compared with DVDs. "The new Harry Potter movie came out and they're offering $7 videos from the previous movies," he says. "You don't see any $7 Beatles albums."
Full Story: online.wsj.com.

And in keeping with depressing articles, here is Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 50 albums of 2005. Do I even need to make a comment about their list? Perhaps the work 'Yikes' sums it up...www.rollingstone.com.

SITE UPDATE:
A quick note - yes, no update yesterday, but we're still waiting for this baby to arrive here! It seems it is in no hurry :) Any minute now...
Before the new addition comes home, I will post one last update on the site before taking a holiday for a couple of weeks. I don't think much will be missed as just about everyone closes down over this holiday period, so there will be very few press releases or announcements made from the labels around.
There are already a stack of titles building up for reviewing come January and I will start those on my return. What I do want to mention is a few titles from 2005 that are still to be reviewed. Those will be added next - whenever that is. Those titles are: Retrograde, The Way, Frost, Dean Howard, Christian Tolle, Big Cock, Crimsonfire and Danny Tate. Just wanted to let those awaiting these reviews know that they are coming!
And of the early 2006 releases due, expect reviews for Toto, Bob Catley, Warrant, Ten, Ambition, Tony O'Hora, Faro, AOR, Speedy Gonzales, Lydian Sea, Mad Max and Phenomena all during January.
I continue work on the 2005 MelRock Awards....the last 2 years they have been published second week of February, but this time I very much hope that they will be online well before January ends! We shall see!
That's about it for now. A few new MiniBytes, a MR-X update and a CD Showcase or two to be added before I take off, so tune in over the next couple of days for these.

Friday, December 16, 2005


Pre-View: Toto - Falling In Between (Frontiers Records, February 10, 2006) - Toto is one of my all time favourite bands. I have every record and just about every one of the many side projects.
Despite being a massive fan, I have been pretty hard on the guys in my most recent reviews of Mindfields and Through The Looking Glass. Not this time. This is what it is all about folks. This is the exact reason I do this site - this is genius.
While offering a preview of the tracks that make up Falling In Between, I almost feel as if I'm writing the official review for the album. I'm not - a more detailed final review will follow soon...but at the same time, I find it impossible to edit down any of my current thoughts, as there is just so much music going on within this record at any given single minute, that it takes a description this long just to summarize it!
Again, without prefacing my final review - this is a stunning record. Already I would rate it as one of the very best records of the band's entire career. I have only had the full album a few days - it might just end up their best. I have spent a month with 6 tracks and a few days with the remaining four songs. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Falling In Between features a little of everything Toto have ever been and will, without doubt, appeal to every single fan the band has ever reached out to.
I'll make a number of additional observations in the final review, but a couple of particular points should be made now. This is a record with an amazing sound. The production is layer upon layer deep and the individual performances are some of the best I have heard from the guys.
The percussion on this record is second to none as far as Toto's history and the songs are just as diverse, yet perfectly cohesive in the scheme of the album's flow.
Something else which I am seriously in awe of, is the seamless way the different vocalists appear and work with each other through the record. There are 5 lead vocalists on this record and sometimes 3 or 4 in any given track! Yet never once does the record sound disjointed or a song appear out of place.
I have added this special feature because from time to time there is a record due that captures the attention of a lot of people. This 50 minute record has something for every Toto fan old and new and then something.

xx

Falling In Between (4:08)
With a grand Seventh One style instrumentation, the album begins it's journey before Lukather blows the song apart with one of the heaviest riffs I have ever heard from him. The song is very progressive and together with the hard crunch of the guitar and some amazing swirling keyboards, the song reminds me of the best from Dream Theater.
The band has really gone out of it's way to be different, yet in a way that is going to appeal to fans. Take this track - the heaviest of the album - when was the last time you heard an album title track that features two verses, two quick choruses and no further lead vocals past the 2 minute 20 mark! The last 2 minutes of the song is a mix of Luke's heavy riffing and layers of keyboard and orchestral/progressive instrumentation. Not only that, but Bobby Kimball sings the verse like I have never heard him power and new boy Greg sings the chorus.
Dying On My Feet (6:13)
The intro to this song gives absolutely nothing away - you have no idea where the song is going and if I wasn't sitting here listening to it myself, I'm not sure I could possibly believe the description! This is a stunning track that highlights the genius that is this album.
A laid back mid-tempo verse with a subtle riff and prominent piano riff doubles in pace for a bridge that features another heavy (and in your face) guitar rip before the song reverts back to it's original pace. This is a perfect contrast, but what I couldn't believe is the u-turn taken after the second chorus. From out of nowhere a massive orchestral break drives this song into the audio equivalent of cinematic widescreen. There are instruments and layers flying every which way and can only be described as glorious. Without warning the song reverts back to how it started, but now with a Lukather solo to accompany.
Ok, so we are back to chorus time, but there is still another u-turn awaiting. No, not to the first anthemic interlude, but rather an even more complex, progressive instrumental outro that lasts close to 2 minutes. Before you even realize, the song is bursting with heavy guitar riffs and then a massive horn section! On my count that's about 5 different vibes within a 6 minute song. I have never heard anything like it and suggest that fans of the oldest formation of Toto will really dig this track.
Bottom Of Your Soul (7:00)
This is the longest song of the album and the lead single. Easily the most commercial number, this will be the most familiar sound to fans of 80s Toto. This mid-tempo ballad reminds me of the moody I Will Remember from Tambu - certainly the vibe and the percussion is very reminiscent of this track. The kicker is the chorus. A mellow Lukather sung verse gives way to one of the biggest choruses of the record, but with none other than the masterful Joseph Williams up front. It's a definite return to Seventh One as Williams and Lukather duet through the rest of the track. It closes out with another long instrumental passage featuring some speaker shattering rhythms and a real tribal/African vibe - with Luke and Joseph adding sporadic vocal melodies alongside a very melodic, band supplied, chanting harmony vocal.
King Of The World (4:06)
This is another very commercial track. This is the most 80s sounding track of the album and again reminds me of the uptempo melodic rock moments from Seventh One and Isolation. David Paich features as lead vocalist during the verse and Lukather takes the bridge into the chorus, where Bobby Kimball takes over and supplies another short, but memorable powerhouse vocal. The very catchy and commercial chorus is everything anthem loving Toto fans will be hoping for!
For whatever reason, the track reminds me of the ultra high-tech feel and sound of Mr. Mister's Welcome To The Real World album - very 80s, but so high-tech that the sound appears timeless.
The instrumental break is again something that I have never heard before, yet it remains so recognizable to fans and true to the Toto legacy.
Hooked (4:38)
Very different this again...5 tracks in and 5 different individual styles, yet it gels together perfectly. That takes talent. This is a somewhat more stripped back track than some of the multi-layered orchestral parts of previous tracks. The song is a guitar driven slow-to-mid tempo groover, with a real swagger. But the chorus is once again bathed in multi-layered glory. Basically, this is very heavy come chorus time, but relatively organic and features a blazing guitar solo.


Simple Life (2:24)
Another change of pace...I asked Luke where the rest of the track was! He basically said he wanted people to want to play it again. That they will, as it is over way to soon! A Luke sung ballad, the song builds with subtle rhythms and a prominent piano part, then explodes into a single massive and passionate chorus and in a blink of an eye it is all over.
Taint Your World (4:03)
Wow, time for another guitar driven rocker, but this time it's played out at double speed, with this infectious little hard rocking boogie! Yes, Bobby Kimball suggests "you don't want to fuck with me" during the chorus! And who would argue with his statement at the end of the track?? (You'll have to wait for that!). One thing springs instantly to mind the second this track fires up - Van Halen! Yep, this is Lukather at his Eddie Van Halen best and man, he sounds good. This is Toto's Hot For Teacher. The chorus is fast and furious, the vocals are layers deep and again the band take a side trip for a curious instrumental break.
Let It Go (5:02)
Yet another track that offers something new in a familiar environment. Greg Phillinganes sings lead on this track, drawing in all of his soul/R&B influences with Stevie Wonder. He fits into the band perfectly. What is most enjoyable about the track is the fact it continues the pace of the last track, but runs mainly on a snappy rhythm section. The track takes several twists during its running time, but the heart of the song is a funky/jazzy rhythm that reminds me of Tambu in places and very early Toto in other areas. Lush instrumentation and multiple use of a pre-chorus bridge keeps things hopping around!
Spiritual Man (5:24)
Wow...where do I start with this one? This soulful and spiritual ballad is stunning...subtle at times and completely over the top towards the end. Greg, Bobby and David Paich all sing on this, each one taking a verse (there is no definitive chorus as such). This is the ultimate build-up song. Starting slowly, the vocals are hauntingly passionate and really capture the emotions of the listener. The bridge between the verses is multi-layered and is short, yet even more intense. With each passing minute, more layers of vocals and instruments are added to the song and when a simply stunning Bobby Kimball bursts through the speakers, every single hair on your body will be standing on end. The last minute of the song is so thick in vocals, sax and keyboards, you will need that 5.1 mix to work out where it is all coming from.
No End In Sight (6:15)
Another taste of something out of the ordinary. Steve Lukather sings the verse, while Bobby Kimball delivers the chorus. The transition is so smooth you'll have to go back to hear where one takes over from the other. The tempo starts slow, but builds and jumps around. The chorus and song itself takes a few listens to get into and getting a handle on the layered percussion takes another listen after that! Some of the instrumental passages remind me of Seventh One again...the CD definitely has the lush orchestral feel of that album.

So that's a look into the most anticipated release of 2006. I'll spend some further time with the album and deliver a more extensive full review in a few weeks time. As for soundbytes...stay tuned for details.


LATEST VAN HALEN RUMOURS PROVE TO BE JUST THAT:
E-Online are claiming Van Halen are again looking for a new lead singer. Their story is just not correct. More a commentary on the state of guitarist Eddie Van Halen's personal life, the piece incorrectly speculates that the band no longer features vocalist Sammy Hagar.
Not true and management have again confirmed that with this short statement delivered to me this afternoon: "Not looking for a new singer...no tv show...same old answers...seems like someone has too much time on their hands....ALL RUMOURS are FALSE."
Yes, all rumors are false as you need to be doing something to create rumors in the first place! There is no activity in the Van Halen camp, nor is there any planned activity for the foreseeable future.
In related news, Bass player Michael Anthony appeared on LA radio promoting his new hot sauce. Anthony stated that the band was on hiatus and that he hasn't talked to either of the Van Halen brothers for sometime. The very respected bassman will instead tour with Sammy Hagar's solo show in 2006.

QUIET RIOT THROW FANS A CURVEBALL WITH REVISED LINE-UP:
Quiet Riot vocalist Kevin DuBrow and drummer Frankie Banali are pleased to announce the group's line-up for 2006. Joining the group on guitar is axe slinger Tracii Guns, formerly of L. A. Guns and Brides of Destruction. A new bass player will be announced shortly.
The newly revamped Quiet Riot will enter the studio in January to record new songs for their next studio release, the first new material from the band since the release of Guilty Pleasures in 2001. Look for Quiet Riot on tour in 2006!
It may not even need to be said, but the future of Brides Of Destruction is in serious question.

MICHAEL THOMPSON SPEAKS ON NEW SOLO RELEASE:
Guitar genius Michael Thompson is back with a new instrumental solo album. MT Speaks is available now via his official website: www.michaelthompson.cc.
The introduction message from Michael delivers more good news: "Welcome to all of you that have been checking out the site and ordering the new album. I've got some cool stuff planned for the future. I'm planning to re-issue my last album The World According To M.T. with two new songs that were recorded for the new album but wouldn't fit on "Speaks". I'm also planning to re-release my album MTB How Long also containing two previously unreleased tracks plus a new song written by singer Moon Calhoun and myself. This long out of print CD has been spotted on E-Bay selling for over $100."


NOW DIGITAL SALES SAID TO BE IN DECLINE:
More signs of an industry in turmoil and still trying to figure out what it is doing! This lifted from Business Week Online. Full Story at: www.businessweek.com.
...As has been true since the start, iPod owners mostly fill up their players from their own CD collections or swipe tunes from file-sharing sites. Now legal downloads may be losing their luster. According to Nielsen SoundScan, average weekly download sales as of Nov. 27 fell 0.44% vs. the third quarter. Says independent media analyst Richard Greenfield: "We're not seeing the kind of dramatic growth we should given the surge in sales of iPods and other MP3 players."
Which brings us to a grand irony: Apple, which launched the digital music revolution, may now be holding it back. Critics say Apple's proprietary technology and its refusal to offer more ways to buy or to stray from its rigid 99 cents a song model is dampening legal sales of digital tunes. "The villain in the story is the iPod," says Chris Gorog, CEO of Napster Inc. (NAPS ), which sells both subscriptions and downloads. "You have this device consumers love, but they're being restricted from buying anything other than downloads from Apple. People are bored with that."

INTRODUCING POWER METALLERS BENEDICTUM:
Locomotive Records have announced a March 6 US release date for Uncreation, the debut album by San Diego, CA based power metal band Benedictum, featuring powerhouse vocalist Veronica Freeman, guitarist Pete Wells, drummer Blackie Sanchez, keyboardist Chris Morgan, and bassist Jesse Wright. The European release has been pushed back by one week and is now scheduled for January 27.
Produced by Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner) and mixed by Pilson and former Warlock bassist Tommy Henriksen under the ZuZu Recordings Ltd. banner, Uncreation features guest appearances by former Dio axeman Craig Goldy on the 9-minute epic, Valkyrie Rising, and bassist Jimmy Bain (ex-Rainbow, Dio, WWIII) on the band's cover of the Black Sabbath classic, The Mob Rules, set for inclusion on the limited edition first pressing of the album.
Benedictum will preview their album live when the band takes the stage in support of George Lynch at Brick By Brick in San Diego on Wednesday, December 21. 3 songs from Uncreation are currently in rotation on the group's My Space page at: www.myspace.com/benedictum.
Uncreation track listing: Uncreation . Benedictum . #4 . Misogyny . Ashes to Ashes . Wicca . Heaven and Hell . Them . Two Steps to The Sun . Valkyrie Rising . The Mob Rules (bonus track).
WebLink: www.benedictum.net.

MR-X UPDATED:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is a very special set of tunes: Acoustic Classics - Volume One and Volume Two. This 2CD set of songs features 38 tracks - all stripped back and delivered as organically as can be done! Fans of the Metal Mania releases will find a lot more cool stuff here, with some new, recent and rare unplugged tracks gathered into two collections - rockers & ballads. Among the artists featured are Night Ranger, Harem Scarem, Billy Idol, Takara, Eddie Money, MSG, Kip Winger, Firehouse, Eric Martin and Waltham.
New Videos have also been added. They are: XYZ - What Keeps Me Loving You, Billy Squier - Two Daze Gone and The Big Beat (both Live), John Waite - New York City Girl (VH1 Unplugged) and Steve Perry - I Stand Alone.
MR-X Membership Details.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

SUNCITY RECORDS ANNOUNCE TRIPLE SIGNING:
Suncity Records have announced three new singings for the new year. The details are as follows:
Canadian hard rock band Dirty Rhythm, best known for their excellent first full length CD released back in 1991 entitled Hard As A Rock. The yet to be titled Dirty Rhythm CD will be a five-track album with a bonus multimedia video. These are the five tracks that JRS Records left off the Hard As A Rock album to the bands dismay.
The label describes the tracks as "...sounding like they were left off Skid Row's first CD....obviously apparent that Skid Row were Dirty Rhythm's major inspiration but who else do they sound like you ask? Well Heaven's Edge, Cry Wolf, XYZ, Hardline and Dokken all come to mind."


The second new signing is Sweet Teaze. This band will deliver the never before released album Groovin' On The Backside. Recorded in January 1991 for Capital Records, this "is the CD Skid Row should released instead of Subhuman Race..."
In the label's words: "[Vocalist] Matt Mathews sounds very similar to Sebastian Bach, such a power house behind the mic. With perfect hooks and melodies to have these tunes in your head for weeks. Smokin' guitars, which is synonymous with all Suncity Records releases. What also really struck me with this material was the sensational late 80's, early 90's big stadium ballads which have to be heard to be believed. The sound can be describe as a cross between Sweet Teaze's Do It Till It Hurtz and Skid Row's Slave To The Grind, I can't speak highly enough of this release! Perfectly crafted hard rock."
To here what the label is raving about, click on the link to hear the first ballad in full off Groovin' On The Backside entitled Broken Heart.


The third signing is of Detroit's premiere Hard Rock band Heaven's Wish. Forming in 1984 as a five-piece, it was ten tough years of touring, writing and recording until these boys stuck it big time when they got signed to Universal Records USA. Again in the label's words: "Heaven's Wish were never given a real chance as 1994 was the break through year for Grunge. Over the first ten years as a band Heaven's Wish achieved some quite substantial highlights, which included picking up the 1990 best band award for 101.1 WIF beating over 1,500 bands. 1991 was another good year for the band as they won the 1991 best live band award once again for Michigan's top hard rock station 101.1 WIF.
In 1995 the band were getting ready for a tour of Hawaii when tragedy stuck. Jim, the bass guitarist committed suicide. After that fateful day the band never really recovered and the band really suffered having Heaven's Wish split up."
Lead singer Ronnie Vanlip describes the band's sound as a mix between Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue. The band currently does one-off shows in their hometown of Detroit and still getting great reviews everywhere they play. Gathering up tons of unreleased material over the years, It is now time for the boys to get back in the studio and belt them out on another full length album.
Heaven's Wish signed up for a two CD deal, which will please fans to no end. Some of the songs you can look forward to hearing are: Ridin' High, Stay The Night, Let's Dance, I Just Wanna Die, She's Hot, Just Lookin', Lonely Nights, Talk Talk, Something About You, plus many, many more.

Also with the label - things are moving along very nicely with South Station and you can expect a release date for their first album early in 2006.
More information on all these signings at the label's website: www.suncityrecords.com.

BLOODBOUND – NEW METAL SENSATION FROM SWEDEN TO RELEASE DEBUT:
Bloodbound was formed on midsummer's eve 2004 by Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk; Bass, Keyboards & Backing vocals) and Tomas Olsson (Lead & Rhythm Guitars). The pair had been blood brothers for many years and set aim to create the best and true metal music that had ever been created!
The line-up was completed by Urban Breed, the amazing singer and extraordinary frontman from the band Tad Morose and the young and extremely talented drummer Oskar Belin.
The debut album from Bloodbound called Nosferatu was recorded and produced by Tomas Olsson and Fredrik Bergh. This ambitious project took over one year to finish and not a single track on the album is less than one hundred channels! On Nosferatu the band is combining the musicality and the classical elements of bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Helloween!
Nosferatu will be released in Japan on December 16 through Marquee Inc./Avalon and on February 24 in Europe through Metal Heaven.
Nosferatu will feature the following tracks: Behind The Moon . Into The Dark . Nosferatu . Metal Monster . Crucified . Desdemonamelia . Fallen From Grace . Screams In The Night . For The King . Midnight Sun . On The Battlefield.
Visit Bloodbound online and leave a comment in the guestbook: www.bloodbound.se.

xx

NIGHTMARE RECORDS RELEASES LATEST TITLES:
American progressive-power metal record label Nightmare Records has announced the release of 3 CDs featuring vocalist Lance King (Ex-Balance Of Power) with the bands Avian, Shining Star and Pyramaze.

Avian is the American progressive-power metal band of guitarist Yan Leviathan and vocalist Lance King. Musically, Avian plays music that will appeal to al fans of Iron Maiden, Hammerfall and Edguy.
The band's debut CD From The Depths of Time has recently been released world-wide via Massacre Records (Europe, Australia, Canada), Hot Rockin' Records (Japan), and Nightmare Records (United States).
Avian is currently hard at work on the follow up to From The Depths Of Time which will be recorded in 2006 with famed producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween).
To download the new full MP3 song Single Blade of Vengeance from their new CD, go to the bands official website at the following location: www.avianband.com or the band's website on MySpace at the following location: www.myspace.com/avianband.

Shining Star is the Brazilian / American melodic heavy metal band of Legendary Brazilian guitar virtuoso Fabio Rocha and vocalist Lance King.
The band has previously released the internationally acclaimed CD Fatal Mistake via Megahard Records in Brazil.
Shining Star 'S brand new CD titled Enter Eternity is a super melodic and heavy record that will appeal to all metal music fans of bands such as Scorpions, TNT and Balance Of Power.
To download the new full MP3 song Insanity from their new CD, go to the bands official MySpace website at the following location: www.myspace.com/shiningstar7.

Pyramaze is the Danish / American progressive power metal group formed by Danish guitarist Michael Kammeyer (Ex-Damion); drummer Morten Gade; bassist Niels Kvist; keyboardist Jonah Weingarten, vocalist Lance King and Guitarist Toke Skjønnemand.
Having released their impressive 2004 debut CD Melancholy Beast, Pyramaze is now ready to unleashed on the world their follow-up CD Legend of the Bone Carver.
Pyramaze will appeal to all fans of Iced Earth; Kamelot, Angra and Symphony X.
Legend of the Bone Carver will be released in the United States via Nightmare Records on February 21, 2006; Japan via King Records on February 22, 2006; Korea and the rest of Asia via Melodic Heaven Records on February 22, 2006; Europe (Except France) via Massacre Records on February 27, 2006 and in France via Replica Records on February 27.
To download the new full MP3 song Souls in Pain from their upcoming CD, go to the bands official website at the following location: www.pyramaze.com or to the band's website on MySpace at the following location: www.myspace.com/pyramaze.

SCREAMING JETS ROCK ON TV:
The Screaming Jets have just finished a 5 week tour in support of their debut live DVD, Rock On. The band rocked it s way down the East Coast from Brisbane to Melbourne and along the south to Adelaide playing 25 shows in a taking it back to the fans tour breaking some new territory along the way. The initial limited edition double disk sold out pretty quickly and rumour has it that the disc has now gone gold. Jets live on Channel 10 - Now's your chance to see the Jets live on TV for the first time ever. Due to be shown Monday 26th December, the Jets Rock On Channel 10 for a half hour show on the Up Late Music Special. The Jets have also just set up a new myspace site: www.myspace.com/thescreamingjets. There are currently 4 tracks from Rock On on-line - Reputation, Living in England, October Grey and Better. So check 'em out!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

CELEBRATING LANA LANE'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A NEW DVD/CD:
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Lana Lane's brand new CD/DVD package celebrating her first 10 years of recording!
After 10 years of recording CDs, Lana Lane proudly releases her 10th Anniversary Concert DVD containing the full concert from her final show in Tokyo on the Lana Lane 10th Anniversary Tour.
Recorded on June 30, 2005, The 2-hour dual layer "DVD-9" disc contains all 19 songs from the concert along with a Video Tour Diary containing candid "behind-the-scenes" footage of the entire tour from Europe to the USA to Japan. Both stereo and the wonderful sounding DTS 5.1 surround audio tracks are offered. The DVD will be released worldwide in NTSC format in Region 0, to ensure maximum compatibility.
The 10th Anniversary Concert package also includes a bonus 78:54 audio CD that contains most of the concert. Due to the space limitations of the CD medium, the songs Astrology Prelude and Secrets of Astrology were cut from the audio CD. Producer Erik Norlander explains in the booklet's liner notes that he and Lana made this decision since live versions of these two songs already appear on the Return to Japan CD released in 2004.
The 10th Anniversary Concert is the perfect companion to Lana's Storybook DVD released in 2004 which was more of a documentary release. Since the 10th Anniversary Concert contains one complete concert performance, the two DVDs go hand in hand with no redundancy. Lana and husband / producer Erik Norlander chose the 10th Anniversary Tour set list carefully to add many new songs never before played live. With stellar vocal and musical performances along with brilliant visuals and production, this title is a must have release for all fans of Lana Lane!
DVD Tracks: 1. Astrology Prelude (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 2. Secrets of Astrology (Erik Norlander); 3. LIAA Overture (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 4. Into the Ether (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 5. Curious Goods Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 6. Emerald City (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander / Neil Citron); 7. Athena's Shadow (Lana Lane); 8. Nevermore (Lana Lane); 9. Garden of the Moon (Erik Norlander); 10. In the Hall of the Ocean Queen (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 11. Souls of the Mermaids (Lana Lane / Danelle Kern); 12. Romeo and Juliet (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 13. The Vision (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 14. Redemption Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 15. Tears of Babylon (Lana Lane / Mark McCrite); 16. Someone to Believe (Lana Lane / Neil Citron); 17. December Moon (Erik Norlander); 18. Destination Roswell (Erik Norlander); 19. Symphony of Angels (Erik Norlander / Neil Citron); 20. Terminus Pro Tempore (Erik Norlander) used in "Video Tour Diary"; 21. Avalon Reprise (Erik Norlander / Mark McCrite) used for end titles / credits; 22. Adrift on the Fire Seas of Orion's Shield (Erik Norlander) used as menu soundtrack.
CD Tracks: 1. LIAA Overture (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 2. Into the Ether (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 3. Curious Goods Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 4. Emerald City (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander / Neil Citron); 5. Athena's Shadow (Lana Lane); 6. Nevermore (Lana Lane); 7. Garden of the Moon (Erik Norlander); 8. In the Hall of the Ocean Queen (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 9. Souls of the Mermaids (Lana Lane / Danelle Kern); 10. Romeo and Juliet (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 11. The Vision (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 12. Redemption Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 13. Tears of Babylon (Lana Lane / Mark McCrite); 14. Someone to Believe (Lana Lane / Neil Citron); 15. December Moon (Erik Norlander); 16. Destination Roswell (Erik Norlander); 17. Symphony of Angels (Erik Norlander / Neil Citron).
Release shall happen in Europe on Frontiers Records in March 2006.
WebLinks: www.lanalane.com / www.thetank.com / www.frontiers.it.

xx

INTRODUCING TEOS:
New Jersey metallic rockers Teos today announce their new line up featuring vocalist Danny Knight. Danny brings a powerful melodic dimension to the Teos sound, as well as the longest hair. The band is currently writing material and recording demos for a forthcoming release. New tracks can be heard on their MySpace page, and photos are on the official website. Tour dates for January and February will be announced shortly.
WebLinks: www.teosband.com and www.myspace.com/teos.

NEWS FROM 707'S KEVIN RUSSELL:
News from Kevin Russell - the release of 707's The Bridge for the USA (Renaissance Records) is due January 2006. Also coming is 707's The Fourth Decade (Renaissance Records) due for release early spring of 2006 followed by a tour expected to run fro several months following the release...For further updates please visit www.kevinrussell.com.

INTRODUCING WALK THE SKY:
From the opening riff it s clear old-school melodic hard rock is what Walk The Sky is all about.
Founded by Rick Hunter-Martinez (Soldier, Regime), Jeff Lemas (The Infinite Why), Rob Bonstin (Press, Ruffians) and Tom Young (Marshall Coleman, 500 Hats), Walk The Sky makes no apologies about the kind of music they play. Lightning guitar riffs, bombastic drums, melodic vocal harmonies and driving bass abound on their debut CD. From the opening riff of Castles in the Sand, to the brilliant vocal harmonies on the cover of the Touch classic Don't You Know What Love Is , to the fading feedback of Love Comes Down , they never let up with the rich guitar tone and catchy melodies.
It began as the brainchild of Rick Hunter-Martinez from the ashes of Regime and Soldier, 80's bands that Rick felt the material was just too good to forget about. Rick decided some songs needed to be given the full studio treatment and recruited the drum duties of his good friend Jeff Lemas. With a few gems from his previous bands and many new tunes as well, Rick and Jeff began crafting what would become this new CD. They enlisted the help of Rick's old high school pal and studio virtuoso Tom Young, owner and president of Mohair Productions Studio. Tom says "Come on over guys and let's make a CD!" Rob Bonstin, fresh from recording the first Press CD at Mohair, was then recruited for vocal duties - "I was honored to be involved . I jumped at the chance to work with Tom again and work with Rick, who I knew in passing from his Soldier days." What followed can only be described as magic.
After several months of recording at Mohair, Rick and Jeff took on the dubious task of mixing these songs at Final Mix Studios with Don Budd (Strata). World renowned Mastering Engineer, Ken Lee (Queen, U2, Eric Clapton), was then brought in to put the finishing touches on this disc.
Heavy, melodic, bluesy and always catchy, the music is reminiscent of West Coast commercial hard rock bands of the 80's, with a hint of 70's. Rick's fast-as-lightning soloing highlights the tracks, while Tom and Jeff keep to heavy grooves and rock solid rhythms. Rob's vocals are extremely melodic with lots of background harmonies. Hooks abound in the songs that flow from heavy, shredding riffs to bluesy grooving with a few moments of clean, slow balladry.
Fans of fist-in-the air anthems and infectious melody will not be disappointed.
WebLink: www.walkthesky.com.

MINIBYTES UPDATED:
MiniBytes have been updated today with new preview MP3s from: 8084, Prey, Phantom X, Arthemis, Killer, Custard, Jasy Andrews, Glass Wolfe, New English and a new David Lee Roth tribute release. Check them out.

Coming up - a special report with interviews from the recent United Forces Of Rock Festival in Germany, thanks to Sven Horlemann who was my on location reporter for the day!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

PAUL STANLEY DECLARES SOLO RECORD FINISHED:
A lot of questions are being asked about the upcoming solo album from Kiss frontman Paul Stanley. The long delay in its release has partially been the fault of Sanctuary Records, who Paul signed a deal with. Sanctuary is in serious financial woes (see below story) and a number of projects have been delayed or have ground to a halt. For instance, the planned tour by Tony Iommi and Glenn Hughes, in support of the Iommi record never eventuated due to the label's woes.
Here's an update from BraveWords.com By journalist Martin Popoff - Special Report:
Paul Stanley: "I'm just looking and talking with various labels to see where it will wind up. I mean, it's done, mixed and ready to go, and according to everybody who's heard it, it's damn good."
"Modern is a scary word," opines Stanley, when asked for a characterization of the record. "I would certainly say that it is very much in keeping with my personality and keeps a very consistent viewpoint, but it sounds really big and the songs are great. The singing is great and the songs are great and the playing is great. You know, so far so good."
Quite diverse like Gene's album, or is it a fairly unified sound? "Well, it certainly? you know, not to be smart, but it's consistent in its diversity. There's enough divergence in terms of the songs, and yet they all sound like they belong on the same album. There's nothing that's experimental and there's nothing that is out of character, but after doing this as long as I have, I've covered enough bases that I think I've just brought them all home on this album."

SANCTUARY RECORDS FIGHTING OFF DEBTS:
Independent 4 December 2005 Sanctuary, the beleaguered music promoter, will announce a £100m emergency rights issue this month in a desperate bid to keep the group afloat.
The deeply indebted company, which on Friday's close had a market value of just over £12m, is expected to make the announcement in about a fortnight, probably reporting its annual results, usually delivered in January, at the same time. The issue will have to be deeply discounted and will almost wipe out shareholders' existing holdings.
Bankers said that it was unlikely that shareholders would subscribe to the issue. Unless a strategic buyer bought the shares - Sanctuary said in August it had terminated takeover talks - it is likely its banks would take control.
Sanctuary is also likely to announce a management reshuffle this month, promoting executives with financial rather than creative expertise. It could also recruit new non-executive directors with proven track records to reassure the City it can overcome its current difficulties. Sanctuary is already looking for a non-executive chairman after its executive chairman, Andy Taylor, agreed to split his roles.
Analysts also expect the company to announce a massive restatement of the income it has booked because the company is no longer expanding.
Sanctuary, the UK's largest independent record company, has a £135m loan and credit facility with HBOS which is believed to be almost used up. It also has a £30m convertible loan repayable in 2008.
Analysts blame Sanctuary's woes on over-ambitious global expansion, epitomised by the acquisition in 2003 of Music World Entertainment, the US urban music management company owned by Mathew Knowles, father of pop diva Beyonce. Sanctuary has traditionally signed rock acts such as Iron Maiden.
On Friday, Sanctuary announced an extraordinary shareholder meeting for 20 December, stating that it may have breached its borrowing limits.

TOMMY DENANDER LIKES WHAT HE HEARS:
Guitarist and producer Tommy Denander recently spent some time in LA and has written up an extensive diary of his trip. It makes for a great read, but I did enjoy this part especially: "Another of my favorite friends for many years is Bobby Kimball, lead singer in Toto. We spent a great half day together driving around the nice parts of Sunset Blvd, having lunch and listening to what i honestly believe is the greatest album I've heard in more than 15 years....the new Toto record!!!
I haven't been this floored by music in so long that I had forgotten how great that feeling is....OH MY SWEET ASS what a killer album they have done!!!!!!"
From what I have heard so far, I agree! I hope to hear the fully completed album Falling In Between this week, so stay tuned for that advance track by track commentary.

A LITTLE MORE WINTER FROM LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM:
A little more information is available for the new Last Autumn's Dream release Winter In Paradise. The line-up for this release is: Mikael Erlandsson Vocals; Andy Malecek Guitar; Marcel Jacob Bass and Jamie Borger Drums.
The track listing is: Love To Go . Don't Let Our Love Go Down . The Way You Smile . It's Alright . My Heart Keeps Stalling . Echoes From The Past . Winter In Paradise . I Don't Want To Hurt You . All I Want Is Rock N' Roll . If You're The One . 'Till The End Of Time (Bonus Track Japan).
The CD is out now in Japan, but there is yet to be any updates on a possible European release.

COMING UP IN EARLY 2006:
A note about a couple of upcoming releases:
Bloodbound - Nosferatu is released on Metal Heaven February 24. "A new Melodic Metal band with Urban Breed (Tad Morose) on vocals and Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk) on bass & keys!"
Platitude - Silence Speaks (Metal Heaven, February 24) - "Third album by one of Sweden's leading Melodic Metal bands."
Shadowman - Different Angles (Escape Music March 10) - Steve Overland (FM) - Steve Morris (Heartland) - Chris Childs (Thunder) - Harry James (Thunder) - "The British all-star band returns with their new album - the AOR highlight to watch out for in Spring!"
Altaria - The Fallen Empire (Metal Heaven, late March 2006) - Now with JP Alanen (ex-Celesty) on guitars.
Pump - Breakdown To Breakthrough (Metal Heaven, late March 2006) - New album by the band of ex-Brainstorm singer Marcus Jürgens.

TWO CANADIAN MELODIC ROCK LEGENDS UNITE FOR TOUR:
This in from Honeymoon Suite's guitarist Derry: "We have also just confirmed a mini-tour of Western Canada with our old friends Glass Tiger starting in Vancouver on January 20, 2006. We are all quite excited as both bands have recently celebrated 20th Anniversary's and this is the first time we have toured together in as many years! The show will be called "An Evening With Glass Tiger and Honeymoon Suite" and both bands plan to deliver power packed sets full of all the hits. You don't want to miss this one. For those of you in Eastern Canada, we hope to bring the tour your way later in '06.
We are also hard at work on the first ever HMS best of DVD, slated for release in early 2006 on Warner Music. It will contain all the video's, some classic live footage, interviews and more. Take care and have a great Christmas!"

DARKNESS FALLS ON THE DARKNESS:
Wow, they are already calling the new Darkness album a flop! This is one of a few articles I have seen this past week - From: www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/dec05/20051212_darkness.html. Darkness Go To Hell and Don't Come Back by Paul Cashmere December 12 2005.
The Darkness has been given a gigantic thumbs down by the record buying public with their second album One Way Ticket To Hell and Back.
In the UK, where the expectation was for a #1 debut, the album came in at #11 last week and fell to #34 this week. Ireland started at #20 and this week dropped to #37.
In the second week on the Australian chart, the album dropped from a lukewarm debut last week of #25 to an embarrassing #48 this week.
In the USA, One Way Ticket To Hell and Back didn't even debut in the top 50. It came in with a thud at #58. Canada did slightly better with a #43 debut.

CODE OF PERFECTION SIGNED TO LIMB MUSIC:
German-Japanese powerhouse high tech trio Code Of Perfection is proud to announce that they have signed to the well-known German record label Limb Music Products, a label of Diversity Media GmbH! The band consists of guitar virtuoso Thorsten Koehne (ex-Demon Drive), bass wizard Keisuke Nishimoto (Kelly Simonz, Hideous Sun Demons) and drum genius Frank Kraus (ex-Demon Drive/-Letter X). Their debut CD Last Exit For The Lost takes the listener on a journey back to the days of classic guitar heroes of bands such as Cacophony and Racer X. Last Exit For The Lost also features guest appearances by vocalist Carsten Lizard Schulz (Domain/Evidence One), guitarist Alex Beyrodt (Silent Force/Ex-Sinner), keyboard master Ferdy Doernberg (Axel Rudi Pell/Rough Silk) and the legendary shred-master himself Michael Angelo (ex-Nitro). Produced by Domain/Casanova bassman Jochen Mayer, the CD will be in store February/March 2006!
More info: www.codeofperfection.com.

GOTTHARD LINE UP 2006 PLANS:
News is filtering through that 2006 will see Gotthard release a live CD/DVD - recorded last week in fact in Zurich (Switzerland).
There are apparently also plans to release an Gotthard Anthology CD with rare tracks in autumn 2006 with the next studio album planned for early 2007.

NUNO TURNS TO DRAMAGODS:
Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has another new project about to be released. Dramagods will have their album released in Japan through Victor Entertainment on December 16.
The band also has a website under design at: www.dramagods.com (audio available).
Track listing: Megaton . Lockdown . Bury You . Broken . Pilots . Interface . Heavy . Something About You . Fearless Leader . Sometimes . S`ok . Replay . Nice To Meet You . Sky.


MELODIC BRIEFS:
UK rockers Cry Havoc have announced their two new members. They are Jimmy Johnstone and Simon Badham. Bio details are available now at the band's website: www.cry-havoc.co.uk.
Jimmy was the band's live guitarist and is now a permanent member and Simon is the new lead guitarist.

Eden the new band featuring Nick Workman (Kick) & Vince O'Regan (Alibi / Bob Catley) now have three MP3 soundbytes now online for you to listen too. Head over www.edentheband.co.uk to check out Love / Hate, Incomplete & Fools Parade.

The webstore Loud Metal is now an internet radio site. Check it out and tune in at: www.loudmetal.com/radio.

Both Sy Klopps Blues Band albums are now officially re-released and available from the Ross Valory online store. The line-up for this cult project is: Neal Schon, Kee Marcello, Prairie Prince, Ross Valory, Norton Buffalo and Gregg Rolie. WebLink: www.rossvalory.com.

Guitarist Randy Ellefson says: "If you enjoy instrumental guitar, check out www.randyellefson.com for free MP3s, concert videos, free guitar articles, tab, and other stuff."

Mitch Lafon has another new interview feature online - Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell. View at: www.bravewords.com/features/1000394.

The Prism webpage features a new interview with Al Harlow who announces that the band are working on a new album with the working title Full Circle. WebLink: www.prism.ca.

The Breakdown Room (www.breakdownroom.net) is the Queensryche Tour History Archive website. But it also has a discussion forum now open at: www.breakdownroom.net/forum. It is now open for all fans of Queensryche, and is completely free to use.

Chinese Whispers are a new young modern pop/rock outfit whose debut 7 track EP will feature material co-written and produced by the great Danny Wilde. More info at: www.chinesewhispersmusic.com.

Dennis DeYoung has updated his website with details from a recent appearance on Canadian TV and news of Canadian tour dates in early 2006. Check it out at: www.dennisdeyoung.com.

2006 MONTERREY METAL FEST DETAILS:
The 2006 Monterrey Metal Fest will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2005 at the Auditorio Coca Cola in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. 6 International metal bands will play on the Main Stage and approximately 10-12 International and Mexican metal bands will play on the 2nd Stage.
To view the new Monterrey Metal Fest webpage on My Space, go to the following link: www.myspace.com/monterreymetalfest.
To view the picture gallery from the 2005 Monterrey Metal Fest, go to the following link: www.dve.com.mx/gal_metalfest2.htm.

THE COLD HARD TRUTH DOWN ON McQUEEN STREET:
McQueen Street members Derek Welsh, Richard Hatcher, Pat Bailey and Kane Bowden have formed a new side project and will be performing select dates throughout the Southeast. The band is called The Cold Hard Truth and the first live performance will be in Montgomery on this Friday - December 16.
Details: Off The Wagon, 62 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, Located in downtown area. Phone (334)263-0102 www.thewagonrocks.com.
More information available at: www.mcqueenstreet.com.

MIND'S EYE REVEALS COVER ART AND A FULL MP3:
The new album from Mind's Eye is titled Walking on H2O and will be released in Europe on January 20 via Lion Music. At the band's official website, you can get more details plus a full length MP3 to preview the album with. The song The Nazca Lines can be downloaded via: www.roundrec.com/the-nazca-lines.mp3. The band's website is: www.roundrec.com.
Drummer / keyboard player Daniel Flores comments: "This is somehow the one song that shows most of all the great aspects appearing in the entire record, this is the closest we come to making the record of our dreams, enjoy!"
Check out the album medley too via: www.roundrec.com/walking-medley.mp3.


BRITNY FOX CLASSIC GETS US RE-ISSUE:
This update from Britny Fox's website: www.britnyfox.com:
"Hey everyone!! It's been a while since we updated the website. Not too much going on in the BF camp as of right now. We would like to inform everyone that Bite Down Hard is being reissued in the US on Wounded Bird Records in January 2006. Apparently Wounded Bird bought the rights to a slew of bands from Atlantic Records and is going to reissue them as straight reissues and will not be remastered. Unfortunately the members of the band have no input to this release whatsoever. At least it will be back in the stores though!!!! For more info check out: www.woundedbird.com.
The official release date is January 17, 2006. You can pre-order your copy at CD Universe for $9.79."

NEW MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO OPUS WITHOUT SHADOWS:
Guitar virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio (ex-Holland, N.I.T.R.O) has recently released his new solo effort entitled Hands Without Shadows which is a mix of covers and originals. He has been featured in many guitar/rock periodicals lately including the July 2005 issue of Guitar World, and the upcoming February 2006 issue of Guitar Player.
More information on Michael can be found at the following sites: www.angelo.com or www.midwestentertainers.net/html/michael_angelo_batio.html.

BILLY SHEEN CONTRIBUTES DLR LINER NOTES:
Amid his busy recording and touring schedule, Billy Sheehan took out time this past fall to contribute the liner notes to just released Just Like Paradise A Millennium Tribute to Diamond David Lee Roth. Among other things, Sheehan praised Dave for "changing my whole point of view on communicating to the audience from stage, of balance between showmanship and musicianship, and of the importance of living life like you mean it." Sheehan is presently touring with Steve Vai in support of the bassist's recently released solo album, Cosmic Troubadour.

NO LIFE TIL LEATHER – PRESS RELEASE:
Forget Santa, forget presents, forget egg nog, forget Christmas – this is serious. Sydney's original and best '80s glam metal night, No Life Til Leather, is here to kick off the holiday season with the biggest hair metal bang in history! And unlike Santa, we only care about the bad boys and girls. Actually, we mainly only care about the bad girls!
On December 23 at the Marquee, No Life Til Leather presents The Nightmare Before Christmas: One huge night of ass-shakin', beer guzzlin' '80s metal, with DJs Thunders, Colonel Knowledge and The Sultan Of Sin playing all the '80s metal hits, from Bon Jovi, Warrant, Vain, Ratt and the Crue to Testament, Dio, Slayer, Megadeth and much much more. Sydney rockers Torch le Monde will also be playing a set of glam metal classics, there'll be big screens playing '80s metal videos, and there'll be giveaways of the new Darkness album One Way Ticket To Hell And Back and the 25th anniversary editions of Mercyful Fate's Melissa and King Diamond's Abigail.
So lock in the 23rd, cos No Life Til Leather is bringing the biggest party of the year to the Marquee. You know it makes sense.
No Life Til Leather, Friday December 23, The Marquee (Cnr Bridge and Parramatta Rds, Camperdown), 9pm - late.

INDY COLTS OWNER DONATES TO FLORIDA HURRICANE RELIEF CONCERT:
Press Release / Ft. Myers, FLORIDA, December 9, 2005 - Jim Irsay, the owner of the NFL Indianapolis Colts, has donated $12,000 - $1000 for each of the Colts' 12 wins thus far in the season - to the Hurricane Relief Concert, to take place on December 15th in Ft Myers, Florida. The concert is to feature performances by many major rock stars. Mr. Irsay's donation, in addition to the funds raised through ticket sales, will be used to support the victims of Hurricane Wilma.
The December 15th concert will feature rock greats Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult, Robin Zander & Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick, Joe Lynn Turner of Deep Purple, Eddie Money, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad and the entire Loverboy band. Tickets are still available though Ticketmaster for $25, by calling 239/334-3309 or visiting Ticketmaster.com.
The concert will take place at The Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, Florida (by Ft Myers, FL). For additional info about the show and tickets, please visit JohnEntwistle.org.
Jim Irsay was 12 years old when his father, Chicago businessman Robert Irsay, acquired the Baltimore Colts. At 24, he became the general manager of the Colts and at 37, the youngest team owner in NFL history. Jim loves music and is often found quoting rock music lyrics, and has built a recording studio in his Indiana home.

"The Concert for Hurricane Relief" will benefit the people who are still homeless and hungry from the most recent round of devastating storms in Florida. It is sponsored by The John Entwistle Foundation.our foundation reached out to several artists and everyone that was available agreed to donate their services and perform without question.
Event Details: Germain Arena In Ft. Myers, Florida / Date/Time: Thursday, December 15, 2005 AT 5:30PM
PRICE $25.Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets & the Germain Arena box office.
Celebrities Scheduled To Perform
. AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson & bass guitarist Cliff Williams
. Cheap Trick lead singer Robin Zander & guitarist Rick Nielsen
. Eddie Money
. Loverboy (the entire band)
. Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad)
. Joe Lynn Turner (formerly of Deep Purple)
. Buck Dharma (of Blue Oyster Cult)
. Steve Luongo (drummer for the John Entwistle Band)
This show promises to be an evening of endless hits. For additional info about the event or the foundation, please visit JohnEntwistle.org.

THE DEATH OF THE CD?:
From the San Francisco Chronicle a week or so back - The End Of CDs? "They're overpriced, ugly and don't even make good rearview mirror ornaments. Now that we know they are also potentially poisonous to personal computers, thanks to Sony BMG's rogue copy-protection technology, there's really no reason to buy another compact disc ever again.
With sleek iPods rapidly becoming the hi-fi system of choice, satellite radio offering hundreds of specialty stations, and the Internet overflowing with all kinds of free and cheap legal digital music, suddenly the thought of owning an awkward polycarbonate plastic-coated disc that holds only an hour of tunes by just one artist seems positively prehistoric -- even if it comes with a hastily produced "bonus" DVD.
It's clearly time to move on. Think about it: No more nails-on-chalkboard-style skipping. No more secret tracks that scare the stuffing out of you 15 minutes after you think an album has stopped playing. No more fumbling around with those impossible-to-unwrap jewel cases. It was fun while it lasted. The music industry has declared war on its customers. Now it's time to fight back. Below we explain the 10 best ways to get the most out of the next musical revolution."
Full Story: sfgate.com.

LED ZEPPELIN TICKETS UP FOR GRABS:
Press Release / "Dazed and Confused" about what to get your friends and family this holiday season?
Well, as we all know, the holidays are rapidly approaching and we wanted to make you aware of a gift sure to please any rock fanatic! A Led Zeppelin ticket set from their last slated shows in 1980!
Just to make sure there's no "Communication Breakdown," Metro Pulse, Inc. has just announced a new toll-free phone number – 866-LED-ZEPP (866-533-9377) – whereby customers can order a Led Zeppelin ticket collector set featuring a single ticket or set of tickets from the Zepp's last scheduled concert appearances at Chicago Stadium in November of 1980.
Tell your "Friends" and don't get "Trampled Under Foot!" The tickets make for a fantastic and memorable gift and are only a phone call away!
866-LED-ZEPP! Last September marked the 25th anniversary of the passing of one of rock's greatest drummers, John Bonham.
On September 25th, 1980 (before the news hit the U.S.), Chicago radio stations announced that tickets for four November Led Zeppelin shows – November 10th, 12th, 13th and 15th -- were going on sale the following morning. The only way to get tickets was through a special order form that would run in the Chicago Tribune.
On the morning of the 25th, fans mobbed paper outlets across the city to get their chance to see Led Zeppelin. But later that same day, news broke from across the ocean that the Led Zeppelin drummer had died the night before.
The Led Zeppelin era was over and the concert appearances never happened. For six years, the unused tickets sat in the now demolished Chicago Stadium until Metro Pulse, Inc. acquired the entire quantity. The tickets were purchased and held until 1994 when a quantity was sold to collectors when the Chicago Stadium was torn down. Now, the remaining tickets are available to Led Zeppelin fans everywhere.
Metro Pulse, Inc. is now offering a variety of rare collector sets ranging from $34.95 to $799.00 (the super deluxe ticket set), all with certificates of authenticity, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the death of John Bonham and the slated performances at Chicago Stadium.
The first 41 super deluxe ticket sets sold feature the rarest ticket, which is the aisle box of the old stadium. Additionally, Metro Pulse, Inc. is creating a unique digital certificate for this release. Using variable-data printing technology, each certificate will display the seating section and performance night for the specific tickets that have been ordered.
These rare items are a tribute to the legend of Led Zeppelin and the frenzy they caused every time they came to the old Chicago Stadium.
No need to further "Ramble On." Share a "Whole Lotta Love" throughout the holidays! For more information, please call the new toll-free 866-LED-ZEPP line or view the official website at: www.ledzeppelintickets.com.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Feature Interview: Bruce Turgon
Bruce Turgon is yet another exceptional musician that has spent a lengthy career making other people look good, working with Lou Gramm and touring with Warrior, Billy Thorpe and eventually Foreigner - who he also recorded with. Finally he gets the chance to shine under his own name, with his debut solo album for Frontiers Records.
Outside Looking In is like a sequel to the cult Shadow King album, but it offers a lot to classic melodic rock fans. Bruce talks about the work behind the album and his long time partnership with the great Lou Gramm.
Bruce on Shadow King: "A band wasn't my personal druthers. If it had developed organically, it might have made more sense to me, but Shadow King was a completely manufactured situation.
I have great respect for Lou and his accomplishments and I really didn't feel that whatever success we had achieved to that point, needed to be watered down with a new band identity to promote - it was like starting over to me. However, because I had both a friendship and a business obligation to Lou, I tried to find a middle ground between our original vision and what was now expected, but with varying degrees of success."
Read the Interview.
Feature Interview: Steve Perry
No, I still haven't scored a much desired interview with former Journey great Steve Perry (still I live in hope...), but good bud Mitch Lafon did. Canadian journo Mitch talked to Steve late last week and with thanks to Mitch, I am presenting it here in full - right now!
Steve seems like he was in a chatty mood and talks about the new Journey archive DVD/CVD release Live In Houston 1981, among other topics.
Steve on Journey circa 1981: "When I joined them they were a band and when we replaced Ansley Dunbar with Steve Smith – it became a bigger band. When Jonathan Cain came along and I started writing with him... I had written all songs with Neal from 'Anyway You Want It' to whatever and that was one kind of band, but when Jonathan came along we turned another corner in the evolution of the band. This particular tour (Escape) was the first time Jonathan was onstage and it turned the corner. The work we had done previous had built a fan base and now that they were really showing up we were turning a corner musically and they just liked it. We didn't have any calculated things. There was nothing pre-calculated about the music ever..."
Read the Interview.

INTRODUCING DANNY PEYRONEL:
Press Release / In the history book of Rock 'n Roll Danny Peyronel has its place as the original keyboard player and background singer of UFO who also had the "privilege" to write songs for the 1976 album No Heavy Petting.
By this we are already talking about the songs of Danny's excellently produced first solo album, because after almost 30 years we can finally listen to the ultimate version of Highway Lady a Peyronel-song from No Heavy Petting that let's every biker feel the cool breeze in his hair. The song is a great showcase for the power of Danny's band, guitar player Luca Verde is playing some really rockin' riffs and a furious guitar solo, drummer Mario Zapparoli is setting the drum set on fire and it sounds like he would be auditioning for The Who while bass player Max Zaccaro is featured on the significant song intro.
Danny is left to be mentioned, he is beefing up the sound with his Hammond B-3 and naturally he also handles the lead vocals. Other songs with a similar Classic Rock sound with big riffs and catchy hooks are the opener Room For Noah with an additional cool Rock'n Roll piano, Never Been Cool, which is rocking forward like a great Cheap Trick tune, Happy and the title track. The power ballad department is represented by Ships In The Night and When I'm Dead, Affection, This Heart Is Broken and Bigger Than Love are some more songs in a slow or mid-tempo. 8.25 is a Rock'n Roll shuffle and the band seems to have fun playing it.
Then there are the two best known songs on the album and they are without a doubt also among its highlights, Lie For A Lie was a success in the 80s with Pink Floyd's David Gilmour on lead vocals. Danny's version rocks a little more and with its ultra catchy hookline it is destined for radio airplay. Every Rock fan knows Meatloaf's rendition of Midnight At The Lost And Found and it was about time that the world gets to hear the version of co-author Danny Peyronel. (Comments by Gregor Klee)
The album is now available through Target Records. Make The Monkey Dance is a breath-taking collection of thirteen new songs and Danny and his boys' own versions of the classics Lie For a Lie and Midnight at the Lost and Found, as well as the DEFINITIVE rendition of Highway Lady.
For all things Danny Peyronel, go to: www.dannypeyronel.com or www.heavymetalkids.com.


CD SHOWCASE UPDATE:
A big CD Showcase update today to round off the year for several labels! Click on the album pictures to visit the Showcase and preview the upcoming albums. If the pictures are not visible, chances are they are being blocked by an anti-virus program. Click on the links in this case.
The January 27 releases for Frontiers Records are represented by: Ambition, Bob Catley, Tony O'Hora and Ten.
The next Escape Music release is Phenomena's Psycho Fantasy, due February 10. There is one indie release - Italian rockers Pavic - check that one out and support indie artists. And AOR Heaven have two January releases due on the 13th - Mad Max and Speedy Gonzales.

bob catley-spirit of manxten-the essential collectionxambition
tonyohora-escapeintothesunxphenomena - psycho fantasyxmad max - night of white rock
speedy gonzales - electric stalkerxpavic - taste some liberty

Friday, December 09, 2005

WARRANT ARE BORN AGAIN THROUGH MTM MUSIC:
MTM Music is proud to welcome Warrant - one of the most popular and successful American rock bands of the late 80's and early 90's - to their roster of artists.

The band was formed in the mid-80's and its first official line-up featured vocalist Jani Lane, guitarist Erik Turner, guitarist Joey Allen, bass player Jerry Dixon and drummer Steven Sweet.
In 1989, the band released their classic debut Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, which immediately entered the charts and launched the hit singles Down Boys and the power ballads Sometimes She Cries and Heaven which climbed up to number two in the US charts. The band then started touring with other artists and bands such as Paul Stanley (Kiss), Cinderella, Poison, Queenryche and Mötley Crüe.
In the summer of 1990, their second album Cherry Pie, produced by the legendary Beau Hill, was released and featured popular guests such as members of Poison, Danger Danger and Fiona. The album turned out to be an even bigger success, featuring the Top Ten hits I Saw Red and the rock anthem Cherry Pie, which was receiving massive airplay on MTV.
With the arrival of grunge in the early 90's, Warrant turned to a harder edged sound and released their third album Dog Eat Dog in 1992. Although the album also went gold, the fans were confused about the new musical style.
Now, after some changes within the band's line-up and three more albums, Warrant is back to rock you again featuring all the original members from the first two platinum-selling albums except original singer Jani Lane, who is currently pursuing his solo career.
The album's title Born Again is perfectly describing the band's current state. With their new singer, Jaime St. James - best known for his role as vocalist of Black 'N Blue - and internationally acclaimed producer and engineer Pat Regan (Kiss, Deep Purple, Mr. Big, La Guns) at the mixing desk, Warrant have recorded an album that will surprise their old fans and definitely attract some new ones.
Born Again delivers classic 80's hard rock with the band's trademark touch, or as the band itself puts it: "It's the classic hard rockin' "Born Again" sound that we all want to hear - Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich and Cherry Pie with a new twist!"

xx

MTM Music managing director Mario Lehmann commented on the new high priority signing: "It was a German journalist who told me, Warrant had been working on a new album. So I managed to get in touch with Erik Turner, before waking up the sleeping dogs and interest somewhere else … When I called Erik for the first time, his wife picked up the phone, and it surprised me a lot, Mrs. Tuner talked to me in German fluently!
Talking to Eric, he realized that he just got in touch with the managing director of MTM Music, a devoted, long time fan of Warrant! After a few minutes, both parties agreed on releasing the new album in February 2006. Remembering all the great songs by the band, especially Uncle Tom's Cabin, I'm even more proud of the new co-operation!"
The final tracklist of Born Again is: Devils Juice (MP3) . Dirty Jack (MP3) . Bourbon County Line . Hell, CA. . Angels . Love Strikes Like Lightning . Glimmer . Roller Coaster . Down In Diamonds . Velvet Noose . Roxy . Good Times.
Line-Up: Lead Vocals - Jaime St. James; Lead Guitar - Joey Allen; Rhythm Guitar - Erik Turner; Bass Guitar - Jerry Dixon; Drums - Steven Sweet. Release Date: February 17.


MAJESTIC ROCK SIGN ANARION:
Majestic Rock are proud and privileged to be able to announce the signing of Melbourne, Australia's finest sons Anarion to a world wide recording contract that will see their first internationally released album Unbroken in stores in February 2006.
Majestic Rock A&R Director Geoff Gillespie says of Anarion: "This is a band for the here and now and the future. Anarion is the most exciting young band I've come across in twenty-five years in the business. The maturity of the bands music is staggering and those who have yet to hear what the band have to offer are in for a real treat. I think we can promise the metal community something a bit special!"
Anarion's guitarist and vocalist Riccardo Mecchi has this to add: "We are very exited about the signing of our new album, we know we are in good hands with Majestic Rock. We can't wait to get out on the road. Be prepared, we will be destroying your town next!!"
Unbroken is released by Majestic Rock in Europe and America on February 20th 2006 and Japan on February 22nd.

Majestic Rock have just released a new compilation by Black Rose titled Bright Lights Burnin` - The Anthology.
"Maybe third in line after Def Leppard and Heavy Pettin', Black Rose had the stadium riffs but never got the producer nor the studio time they needed to break radio big..." – Martin Popoff, 'The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Singles'
That says it all – Black Rose where a band that, given the breaks, could genuinely have been amongst the big boys. Sure, that may have been true of a lot of bands...but listen to this disc and tell me we're wrong here.
Covering their complete career and containing a number of rare tracks and previously unseen photos plus sleeve notes from respected NWOBHM scribe John Tucker, this goes some way towards redressing the balance and giving Black Rose the kudos they so richly deserve….
Track Listing: No Point Runnin' . Sucker For Your Love . Red Light Lady . We're Gonna Rock You . Boys Will Be Boys . Stand Your Ground . Fun & Games . Baby Believe Me . Party Animal . California U.S.A. . E.Z.L.Y. . Walk It How You Talk It . Wanted . Bright Lights Burnin' . I Want Your Love.

WISE WORDS FROM AN INDUSTRY VETEREN:
Many thanks to Kurt Torster for bringing this fabulously insightful article by American music Journalist Bob Lefsetz. He posted it at his blogspot, received via Bob's e-Newsletter. I have decided to re-print it in full here, as it is incredibly insightful and very true to point.
The music industry as we know it is in the toilet. The melodic music scene covered here is a slightly different beast, but this article remains relevant to us all due to the ever changing playing field we find ourselves in and the fact we are all music lovers. For the wider industry Bob speaks of - these are wise words and all should take away something from this. Read on....

"The complaint of the major labels is very real. Their business is evaporating. Last week's sales were off 12.9% from the comparable week in 2004. This on top of sales decreases for the past half decade. Which now seem to be ACCELERATING!
First explanation. Dearth of superstar product. Only one problem here. No one's figured out how to BUILD a superstar in 2005. Oh, the majors WANT ONE, they're praying for MANY, but the hits just don't keep coming. The formula was solid. Get the act on MTV. All over radio. And in every publication known to man. Unfortunately, no one's paying attention anymore. MTV gave up on videos. Radio's become so predictable that the younger generation has tuned out. There's no central place to break a record.
This is not a music business condition. It's an American business condition. It's the result of choice. Everybody's off in his own self-interest world. And, the barrage of hype from other worlds just rolls right off him. Think of the movie business. Have you noticed you stopped paying attention to the new releases? That you no longer watch "Ebert & Roeper", barely peruse the reviews? BECAUSE THERE'S JUST TOO MUCH DAMN PRODUCT! (Never mind that most of that product sucks.)
You don't read about this in "BusinessWeek". But the customer is fatigued. He's only got twenty four hours in a day. He just can't pay ATTENTION to all the marketing messages. I remember when new release day was a personal HOLIDAY! When I'd trudge down to the record shop and check out the new albums. Now, there isn't a single album I'm waiting to hear. I figure they're all crap. I wait for someone I trust to weed through the detritus and tell ME what's good. All the old filters? They're bought and paid for. Eliot Spitzer only confirmed what the public already knows. That big league infrastructure is a domain of publicists and hand-outs and people on the take. That there's no entertainment NEWS, just fabricated stories. And, if people truly want real news, they go online. To gawker.com. To awfulplasticsurgery.com. Where renegades not beholden to the system speak their truth.
But be clear, it's not just a disgust with business as usual. We live in a Tower of Babel society. The center no longer holds. There IS no center! Jessica Simpson is not the Carpenters, she's not even Olivia Newton-John. There are vast swaths of the public who don't know who she is and don't CARE that they're out of the loop. As for Lindsay Lohan singing...you can complain she's got no talent, but your protestations are cries in the desert. The ONLY people paying attention are prepubescent girls, everybody ELSE knows Lindsay's got no talent and doesn't give a @!#$ whether she had her boob implants removed or not.
Think about this. This is HELL if you're a major label. You're all about the machine. Ramping up records to TAKE OFF! But they can't take off. Let's just happen to say you get a record moving on Active Rock. That track ain't never gonna cross to Top Forty. There's no path anymore. That record begins and ENDS at Active Rock. The format's not a starting place, it's its own little BACKWATER! Budget accordingly. Don't plan to make a profit after one million, because you're never going to REACH one million. Not the way of the last twenty years, through ubiquitous exposure. That game, if not completely through, is completely MARGINALIZED!
Everybody knows a real musician plays. Nobody thinks all the so-called divas have any talent. And, they might want to buy rap music, but they certainly don't want to hear it performed. Then again, rap music has got a home. In da club. That's where they break acts today. It's like the rock road of thirty five years ago.
But what if you're not a rap act. What can you do? Either you've got to be satisfied selling a whole bunch fewer records, OR you've got to attack the market a different way. Everything's viral now. That doesn't mean you should hire a viral MARKETING team. What that means is word SPREADS, but slowly, from one trusted source to another. I tell you, you tell your friend, top down marketing is on the decline, because of the lack of trust. So, it comes down to quality. How can you reach one person who will tell everybody else. Reread "The Tipping Point" for instruction. BUT, major labels don't want to start a trend, they want an act to emerge FULLY-GROWN! Like Britney Spears. They want a new act to DEBUT at number one. What they call artist development is reaching platinum in a year. Whereas the old artist development, building something credible over time, is the only game that's left. But, it's a game the majors don't want to play and aren't prepared to play. Because revenue comes in VERY slowly and it takes A LOT of people to fuel the enterprise.
But it gets worse for the major label. Because their model is to sell recorded music. As an album. The album is dead. History. Oh, believe me, acts will still make more than a single. But, the music will be released constantly on the Web. This is the only way they'll be able to keep their fans' attention. But how will you acquire this music? How much will be charged? All we know for sure is everybody will have a lot of music and it will have a low aliquot per track price. That's DEFINITIVE! The buck a track iTunes pricing is as irrelevant and FALLACIOUS as the $100 videotape. Yup, that's right. Videotapes used to cost a C-note. Because studios didn't get a cut of rental revenue. But then, when formats changed and the price dropped, DVD became an OWNERSHIP format. But don't equate movies with music. They don't make a thousand movies a year, whereas that many music tracks are cut every day before lunch. Which brings us back to the original point, who's gonna wade through the @!#$? And, we all don't have the same taste, so you've got to be able to LISTEN to all the recommendations to decide what you want to keep.
Which brings us to piracy. Is piracy hurting the major labels? Sure, but less than they say. I'm not talking about PHYSICAL piracy, the counterfeiting of discs, I'm talking about P2P and burning. You see, a great percentage of the material traded is on a TRYOUT basis. The threshold of acquisition is so low that you might as well go through everything everybody recommends. This is good for music, but bad for the labels as they see the market. They've lost control. What's a track worth? How are they going to stop this? Even though it CAN'T be stopped.
Call it the iPod effect. There are now enough of the players out there. It's like broadband. Remember when the goal was to keep the site simple, because of 56k surfers? Now, @!#$ the slow surfers, if they can't afford a broadband line, they can't afford to buy your product ANYWAY! There was a tipping point. At about 25% broadband penetration. Now, at approximately 50% broadband penetration, we've got video ALL OVER the Web. It's even being SOLD! (Remember how long it used to take to DOWNLOAD a tiny clip back at 56k?)
People no longer want the CD. At ANY price. And, as we've seen above, a buck a track makes no sense. It doesn't fit their desire. To check out and own more music. Sure, there's rental, i.e. Rhapsody & Napster. But the dominant iPod is not rental and we're an ownership society. This battle cannot be won. So, the major labels are geared up to sell a product nobody wants in an ineffective manner. That's like driving a truck towards a cliff.
Sure, catalog will be worth something once the new paradigm is monetized. But how long will they leave the P2P money on the table. How long until they realize everybody ALREADY is acquiring a vast personal library far exceeding the size of all those previous? You know the major labels are off their game because they can't seem to generate stars anybody wants to see. Billy Joel can sell 50,000 seats at an indoor stadium in SYRACUSE and Eminem and every other hot rapper TOGETHER can't even sell out an arena in a metropolis. Wow!
Will we have stadium shows in the future? I'm not sure. I wouldn't bet on it. Then again, modern word of mouth is on steroids. Because of e-mail. You can reach more people very quickly. But, as stated above, the main criterion is quality. And, development is VERY slow. For once you push the button on something, you kill its credibility.
The game has changed forever. We're seeing the evidence now. With lousy CD and ticket sales. It's not just a matter of hanging in there. The days of yore are NEVER coming back. No matter how many people the RIAA sues. No matter HOW low you make the ticket prices on new acts. One must get down in the pit with the people. Where they live, on the Internet. And, you must KNOCK on their door, not beat it down with a battering ram. And ASK them whether they'll check out your new stuff. And, not bug them thereafter, hounding them to buy a remix album or the same album one more time with two new tracks. You're going to have to leave it in the consumer's hands. And, if the consumer likes it, if Mikey likes it, he'll tell everybody and will buy EVERYTHING you're selling. This is the majors' worst nightmare. Because they have very little control. But the dirty little secret is they've ALREADY lost control.

THIS WEEK ON YOUR CLASSIC METAL SHOW:
This week on your Classic Metal Show, we will once again visit the Black Sabbath camp. We've had tons of current and former members on the show this year - Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler - and now we'll have a 4th...Tony Martin. Many of you probably remember him from the later era Sabbath records like Forbidden or TYR. What you probably don't know is that he's a fantastic vocalist. Tony will be in to talk about his new album, Scream. We'll also feature the album in a new music listening party in between talking to Mr. Martin. As a recent inductee into the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame, he should have something good to say.
If you heard the show last week, you know Chris missed half of it while venturing out to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra live. Well, their ringleader Chris Caffery will be checking in on the show. Chris has a new solo album called W.A.R.P.E.D. We'll feature it on the show, and will welcome Mr. Caffery to the show to discuss it, touring, TSO and the current status of Savatage. It should be very interesting.
WebLink: www.theclassicmetalshow.com.

MR-X UPDATED:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is the first part of some popular Jimi Jamison demos from 1999/2000. Also online are two very cool live radio shows from - Warrant (Live Florida 1991) and LA Guns (Live California 1991).
Additionally, I have added the latest Crappy Covers compilation: Volume Four - Yabba Abba Do, featuring hard rock acts covering some of the great Abba songs around.
The new Videos added today are: King's X - King and It's Love; Freak Kitchen - Speak When Spoken To and Nobody's Laughing; plus a Dennis DeYoung 4-Play - Don't Wait For Heroes, Desert Moon, Call Me and Boomchild.
MR-X Membership Details.

IMPORTANT - ORIGINAL MEMBERSHIPS ARE DUE FOR RENEWAL TOMORROW!!
Those that changed credit card or personal Paypal details during the year would have received a subscription cancellation at the time of doing that. I know...Paypal suck. But, for those that did change details and who signed up during this initial week, will find their subscriptions expire. To get back in - you will have to sign up fresh and receive new username and password.
Thanks to all for your continued support of this site. Without the additional support of the MR-X concept, THERE WOULD BE NO SITE!

Thursday, December 08, 2005


TOTO'S FALLING IN BETWEEN TRACK LISTING REVEALED:
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce all details of highly anticipated Toto's brand new studio album entitled Falling In Between.
The record will include ten songs in the following track listing: Falling In Between . Dying On My Feet . Bottom Of Your Soul . King Of The World . Hooked . Simple Life . Taint Your World . Let It Go . Spiritual Man . No End In Sight.
Release date in the whole of Europe and Australia has been set on February the 10, 2006. Domestic releases have been finalized in Japan (on King Records), South Korea (on Pony Canyon Records) and Russia (on IronD Records) with more deals to be announced in Eastern Asia, South America and South Africa.
The line-up for Falling In Between is: Steve Lukather guitars and vocals; David Paich keyboards and vocals; Mike Porcaro bass guitar; Simon Phillips drums; Bobby Kimball lead vocals; Greg Phillinganes keyboards and vocals.
Special guests appearing on the album are: Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), the Chicago horn section with Jason Scheff, L. Shankar (Peter Gabriel), Lenny Castro, Tom Scott and former members Joseph Williams and Steve Porcaro.

xx

Toto will kick off on February 25, a 2 year long World Tour. Dates confirmed so far include:
25 February 2006 - Hammersmith Apollo, London (UK)
26 February 2006 -Zenith, Lille (France)
01 March 2006 - Icehall, Helsinki (Finland)
03 March 2006 - Ishallen, Stockholm (Sweden)
04 March 2006 - Spektrum, Oslo (Norway)
06 March 2006 - Lillebæltshallerne, Middelfart (Denmark)
07 March 2006 - Valbyhallen, Copenhagen (Denmark)
09 March 2006 - Ahoy, Rotterdam (Holland)
10 March 2006 - Grugahalle, Essen (Germany)
11 March 2006 - Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt (Germany)
12 March 2006 - Hallenstadion, Zurich (Switzerland)
14 March 2006 - Patiniore, Bordeaux (France)
15 March 2006 - Zenith, Toulouse (France)
17 March 2006 - Dome, Marseille (France)
18 March 2006 - Mazdapalace, Milan (Italy)
20 March 2006 - Zenith, Paris (France)
22 March 2006 - Forest National, Bruxelles (Belgium)

The album release will be anticipated during January 2006 by the launch to radio of the single Bottom Of Your Soul a song which - in the words of Toto guitarist Steve Lukather - "is total radio" and that features Joseph Williams (Toto singer on The Seventh One and Fahrenheit) singing in duet with Lukather himself.
WebLinks: www.toto99.com / www.stevelukather.net / www.simon-phillips.com / www.mike-porcaro.com / www.bobbykimball.com / www.frontiers.it.

Adding a little to this update - the Japanese label has this to say about the album: "This is their first release of new, original material in nearly seven years, and is set to show off the amazing skill and power of one of the longest living names in rock and roll. Set to be a masterpiece." Japanese edition also includes bonus track. [title: Reefer Man].

Steve Lukather previewed the album's title track Falling In Between on Rockline last night - quite a revelation wasn't it! Like nothing you have ever heard from Toto before, yet wrapped up in the familiarity of the band's classic, intense and multi-layered approach to music! I have previously mentioned that I will add pre-view comments for the album's track before a formal review. Rather than comment on the 6 rough mixes I have - I'll wait for the final master to arrive and comment on all tracks before adding a full extensive review in January.

On January 18, Sony Japan will release another Toto compilation - Best Ballads. The tracks featured are: A Secret Love . I`ll Be Over You . Africa . 99 . Mama . Somewhere Tonight . Takin` It Back . I Won`t Hold You Back (Album Version) . Anna . Georgy Porgy (Album Version) . Lea . It`s A Feeling . Rosanna (Album Version) . Angela . Only You . Out Of Love (Album Version) . 2 Hearts.

ANNOUNCING THE HAREM - THE OFFICIAL HAREM SCAREM FAN CLUB!:
Longtime fans of Harem Scarem might remember that the band had a fan club back in the early-mid1990's called The Harem. It was the typical fan club of the era - You'd send in your money and get a band bio, an autographed photo and a few newsletters. After a couple of years, it more or less faded away. But if you ever found yourself saying "Sometimes I Wish" there was a new Harem Scarem fan club, then your wish has been granted!! Change Comes Around and The Harem is back and has been updated for the 21st century and is better than ever!
There are two membership levels for The Harem fan club:
The BASIC level of membership to the Harem Scarem Fan Club gets you access to special Fan Club portions of the website, fan-club only forums, newsletters and breaking news e-mail alerts. But … This Ain't Over - there's also one other important perk to the BASIC membership – your very own copy of Harem Scarem - Live At FireFest (The Official Bootleg). Even better, the BASIC membership package is absolutely 100% FREE!!! Honestly, there's no reason not to sign up!
What will you get with the BASIC membership?
1. Live at FireFest 2005 (Official bootleg) in hi-res MP3 format with CD artwork in printable quality.
2. Fan Club announcements and newsletters.
3. Access to special fan-club only forums.
The second level of membership is the GOLD level. With a GOLD membership, you get everything in the BASIC membership, plus a lot more. These aren't just Empty Promises – you'll get an Overload of extras, advantages and exclusive content and events. You can sign up for a GOLD membership with a one-time payment of $50 (Believe us, you'll never pay anything more in the future, not even if the price increases for some reason).
What will you get with the GOLD membership?
1. Access to extra website features and EXCLUSIVE content!
2. Access to an extra forum area for GOLD Fan Club members.
3. An EXCLUSIVE Harem Scarem Fan Club T-Shirt!
4. Laminate Fan Club ID/backstage pass
5. Autographed band photograph
6. Huge discounts for future Harem Scarem Fan Club merchandise
7. Exclusive news and updates
(and of course …)
8. Live at FireFest 2005 (Official bootleg) in hi-res MP3 format with CD artwork in printable quality.
Sounds great, you say??? You want to sign up right now??? If you're going through Mood Swings trying to decide which level of membership is right for you, head over to www.haremscarem.net for all the details. Listen to the Voice Of Reason, and sign up now!! You can always sign up for the BASIC level now and upgrade in the future. BASIC memberships are available immediately, and GOLD level membership applications should be ready in January, 2006. Keep checking back at www.haremscarem.net and on the Harem Scarem Forums (forums.haremscarem.net) for any updated information as it becomes available. Be sure to sign up soon, so you can say that you were one of The Lucky Ones to be a member from the start!


RECAPTURING THE BIG DREAMS, CHORDS AND HAIRDO'S OF L.A.'S MUSICAL MECCA DURING THE 80s:
Press Release / World Premiere Musical Opens at Vanguard Hollywood in Late January Los Angeles (November 29, 2005) -
The rising nostalgia for the 1980s, the timeless songs of that era, and the classic "hair bands" whose sonic power filled the airwaves and the clubs on L.A.'s Sunset Strip have led to the creation of Rock of Ages; a rock musical that depicts Hollywood in 1986 as Guys and Dolls captured Times Square a half-century prior.
Set for an initial four-week run at The Vanguard in Hollywood beginning January 26, Rock of Ages is a Prospect Pictures World Premiere production directed by Kristin Hanggi (bare, Pussycat Dolls: Live at the Roxy) written by Chris D'Arienzo (Barry Munday). The producers are Matthew Weaver, Carl Levin and Marcos Siega (Pretty Persuasion); general manager is Michael Gill (Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, Phantom of the Opera); executive producers are Hillary Weaver and Janet Billig Rich; and the associate producer is Daniel A. Miles.
In the 1980s, Los Angeles was a Mecca for bands whose power ballads became a staple of sold-out arena rock tours across the country. Within five blocks on the legendary Sunset Strip, there were a multitude of clubs - among them the Whisky-A-Go-Go, The Roxy, Rainbow Bar and Grill and Gazzarri's - where acts like Guns 'n Roses and Night Ranger got their West Coast start. Rock of Ages weaves a fictitious story set against this musical backdrop, dominated by big dreams, big chords and big 'dos.
Rock of Ages features such recreated classic songs as "Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey), "Sister Christian" (Night Ranger), "Renegade" (Styx), "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" (Pat Benatar), "Can't Fight This Feeling" (REO Speedwagon), "I Wanna Rock" (Twisted Sister), "I Hate Myself for Loving You" (Joan Jett), "Here I Go Again" (Whitesnake), "Heat of the Moment" (Asia), "Harden My Heart" (Quarterflash), "Nothin' But A Good Time" (Poison), "High Enough" (Damn Yankees), and "Oh Sherrie" (Steve Perry).
"In revisiting the standards of the era, it quickly became clear that songs like 'Anyway You Want It' and 'Sister Christian,' with their soaring melodies and rich orchestrations, were ripe for dramatic interpretation," explains Matthew Weaver, producer of such feature films as this year's Sundance favorite Pretty Persuasion and the acclaimed documentary Searching For Debra Winger, as well as executive producer of the VH1 reality series "Rock The House."
"The music of the '80s is inherently theatrical and lends itself to a stage show such as Rock of Ages. We set out to develop a show that captured the essence of the Hollywood rock scene as it was in 1986. But we also wanted to make sure it was not simply a revue of '80s hits, rather a cohesive, character-driven story," says Carl Levin, a former talent manager who co-founded Prospect Pictures. "Toward this end we brought on board a brilliant librettist whose background was not in theater, but in film."
Executive producer Janet Billig Rich, a 15-year music industry veteran who managed such artists as Nirvana, Hole and The Breeders, also shepherding various stage shows and TV projects through her management and production company, affirms that Rock of Ages is created in the mold of successful Broadway musicals including Movin' Out, Mamma Mia!, and Hairspray. "It's a classic story about dreams: those that are fulfilled, those that are unfulfilled and those that evolve over time. It's a story about a girl who comes to the big city to pursue fame and fortune, discovering that the key lies in the persistence of the human heart; the lead characters learn a shared lesson - don't stop believing."
More information is available online at: www.RockofAgesMusical.com.

REVENGE, ROCK, REDEMPTION -- QUEENSRYCHE'S OPERATION MINDCRIME II:
Press Release / Los Angeles — Queensrÿche returned to the studio this summer to record the long-anticipated sequel to 1988's acclaimed concept album Operation Mindcrime. Praised by critics and certified platinum, the original remained on Billboard's album chart for more than a year and its dynamic music and powerful message still resonate today. Rhino Records helps unravel the mysteries of the original with Operation Mindcrime II. The album is available March 14 at regular physical and digital retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $18.98.
Operation Mindcrime II contains a 15-song story and is performed by the Seattle-based quintet ­ singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate; guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone; bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield.
Tate says the current political and social climate inspired him to revisit the storyline. "I left the original open-ended with the intent to come back with a sequel to finish the story up," he says. "Considering where we are today and how little things have changed, it was too ironic not to continue the story."
Operation Mindcrime's intriguing and complex plot revolves around Dr. X, a political puppet master who brainwashes Nikki, the story's main character, to assassinate corrupt public figures. The story also includes Nikki's lover, Sister Mary. A former teenage prostitute who becomes a nun, Sister Mary is murdered mysteriously, leaving the cliffhanger "Who Killed Sister Mary?"
Set 20 years after the original, Operation Mindcrime II explores Nikki's fate after being released from prison and reveals the identity of Mary's killer. "I tried to put myself in Nikki's shoes and imagine what it would be like for him to come back to society after spending 20 years in jail stewing about what happened to him," Tate says. "I became fascinated with the concept of revenge and what that would do to a person like Nikki. The story is ultimately about how Nikki wrestles with his conflicted emotions. On one side, his base instincts are pushing him to kill those who wronged him. On the other side, his conscience ­ represented by the spirit of Sister Mary ­ urges him to learn from his past mistakes and find salvation."
Earlier this year Queensrÿche launched a sold-out tour featuring the original Operation Mindcrime performed in its entirety with actors on stage portraying the characters alongside the band. Tate says the band plans to launch a tour in 2006 that will feature a stage performance of both Mindcrimes in their entirety. "The actors on stage with us add a new dimension to the music," he says. "It's different than your typical rock show, but the audiences really got into the Mindcrime I tour. It's exciting to have the opportunity to combine both albums into one show. It's going to be epic."
Since its formation in 1981 near Seattle, Queensrÿche has released nine studio albums. Empire, the 1990 follow-up to Operation Mindcrime, sold more than two million copies thanks in part to the enormous success of the hit, Silent Lucidity. Released in 1994, Promised Land was certified platinum and featured the hits I Am I and Bridge.
Operation Mindcrime II track listing - I'm American . One Foot In Hell . Hostage . The Hands . Speed Of Light . Signs Say Go (Will I Surrender?) . Re-Arrange You . The Chase . A Murderer . Circles . If I Could Change It All . An Intentional Confrontation . A Junkie's Blues (Everything Will Be Alright) . Fear City Slide . All The Promises.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Rock Cover artist Ioannis has just made available, a limited edition line of merchandise of his artwork, this includes t-shirts, 2006 Rock calendars, mugs, Mousepads and other products of his most popular cover artwork for such acts as Deep Purple, Styx, UFO, Quiet Riot, Boc, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers and many others.
To view and order click: www.cafepress.com/dangerousage.

The boys from Inxs have done well first week of release in the USA. The album Switch will debut at #17 with sales of 75,000 units.

A long rumoured guest appearance by Joe Lynn Turner on the new Blackmore's Night album Village Lanterne, has been confirmed. Joe will duet with Candice Knight on a remake of the classic rainbow track Street Of Dreams.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

STEVE LUKATHER ON ROCKLINE RADIO:
Press Release / Each year during the holiday's Rockline Radio (Playa Del Rey, California, USA) present a show based upon the songs of the season. This year the honor goes to Steve Lukather on December 7th (later today US time). Rockline: "SantaMental is a good glimpse into the mind of the stalwart guitarist with the wicked sense of humor and a killer Sammy Davis Jr. impression. Btw, Luke's cool if we play a couple of Toto rockers from the past and he'll also bring some new Toto music from their forthcoming album, Falling in between, due in February 2006 which he describes as "more Prog than Toto". No doubt Steve Vai will want to come along too. Mr. Lukather and Mr. Vai will go live at 8:30pm PT and wrap at 10pm PT." More info at the website of Rockline Radio.

And for the record - Toto completed the mixing and mastering of their hugely anticipated Falling In Between album today!

MORE FIREFEST - JAMES CHRISTIAN, FF GREECE & T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE:
More Firefest II feedback! I have no idea why, but I forgot to run this yesterday! So here it is - direct from House Of Lords vocalist James Christian:
"Dear Friends, I have just returned form Europe and the first thing I wanted to do was send out a thank you to all the great fans who attended the Firefest II show. The boys and I had an incredible time meeting and performing for you. Each band there displayed a sense of pride to the Melodic Music evening. I thought all the bands did a great job. I wanted to thank Kieran and Bruce for inviting us to this very special event.
Being onstage with the House Of Lords after 15 years was very emotional for me. As I stood backstage right before we went on, I literally went back in time and thought about all the great gigs we did together. Now we were doing it again and with only three rehearsals which we had in Nottingham. A truly great moment for me. I loved meeting up with Chuck, Lanny and Ken and catching up on all of our road stories. We laughed, we drank and we never stopped smiling while we were rehearsing. It all came back to us so quickly. It was as if we never stopped.
It never ceases to amaze me that the Melodic Rock audience in Europe has remained so dedicated. They deserve the best that we can give them, and I know we gave them our all. There were many obstacles in our way prior to this show but surely the biggest was my accident the day before I left for England. While putting up hurricane shutters on my two story house, I fell and broke a few ribs. The consensus from the physicians was to not do the shows as the amount if pain it would cause would not be pleasant.
I told the doctor that If I don't show up, the amount of pain I would feel from the fans would be worse. The breathing was very difficult, but with the aid of a few medications that evening I was able to go on. In closing let me say thank you again for all the support you have given us through the years. I plan on making as much music as the fans can handle.
Take Care, James Christian."

And this report just in from Stelios Basbayiannis, reporting on the Firefest Greece show in Athens!
"Near 400 people gathered, last Tuesday night to attend the festival. With some alterations to the line up, we had as opening act the Northern Greeks Red Rum, with the ex-Jaded Heart Michael Bormann on vocals. A straight hard rock band, tight and full of passion, at their first gig with their current line up, they were amazing. The small club and the stage let the crowd be in immediate contact with the bands, along with the well based fame that Greeks support melodic rock music, made the night an unforgettable experience.
Red Rum, played mostly songs from their forthcoming album. They close their set with a cover of Phil Collins, Easy Lover, interesting choice, I must add.
The second band Blue Tears, were warmly received, as they have acquired a cult following through the years. The band were professionals and didn't let people down, although in my and a lot of others opinion, were not well rehearsed. Still their Bon Jovi style music, was well received and the front rows went mad.
By the time Danger Danger went out the people were full of anticipation. The band with a new guitar player and a poor sound form the first two songs killed! They were fantastic - professionals, even in front of 400 people they played with the attitude and the experience of a hair metal legend. The songs choice Rock America, When She's Good, a semi acoustic version of I Still Think About You, Monkey Business, Bang Bang, Boys Will Be Boys was a real blaster.
The new guitar guy was playing beyond imagination and Bruno Ravel, although he had some problems with his bass, was the best PR man for the band along with the over energetic Ted Poley. By the end of their set we were wondering can HOL be better?
The answer was close...when the masters of professionalism came on stage The time was near 12.00 when Chuck Wright, James Christian, Lanny Cordolla and Ken Mary set foot on Greek stage.
This was a night to remember, having seen Steve Vai and The Breed one week before, I had the chance to compare the professional virtuosos and the virtuosos working in a song/band situation. The guys storm the house. Almost all their first album was played with the highlights of Love Don't Lie and Slip Of The Tongue showing to the audience who's the boss, along with a breathtaking drum solo from Ken Mary.
A few songs from Demons Down and the Power And The Myth's The Rapture complete the set, with only one encore with Can't Find My Way Home from Sahara.
The guys although the place and the sound could be better, were brilliant and made us cry, for not seeing them at their glory days. Still James Christian is a singer with big balls, for he continues performing at the highest level, beyond all personal problems. The only absence was the keyboards that were from tape, but Hurricane's cannot be beaten easily. All the bands were supportive of each other and the best thing they stayed and enjoy the others show, especially the guitar player of Danger Danger was near Lanny Cordolla, exchanging jokes and tips, maybe (?) during the whole HOL show.
For melodic rock fans at Greece this was a show to remember, and I think for the bands also. We have to thank Nikos Saroglou and Reptile Music for that."

For those that did not get them on the day, there is a limited number of Firefest 2 T-Shirts available. The purchase link is: friml.com/projects/firefest/index.php?view=merchandise&lang=en.
Details - T-shirts £10, Baseball tops £15.

xx

xx

ERIC RAGNO RETURNING TO AOR ROOTS:
It's been a busy year for keyboardist Eric Ragno. He's currently working on a new project with some AOR favourites, stating that "In the absence of a new Takara album I've been aching to get back to my melodic rock roots and it's been a real shot in the arm! I am writing my heart out and the guys are demo'ing their parts with every spare moment they can find!" Details on that project soon.
Eric continues: "This year has been amazing. I have written and recorded for the new Seven Witches album and live DVD, both due next year. I also did some recording and arrangements for the new Jack Frost solo album, including a killer version of Cold as Ice with Jack on guitar, Terry Illous (XYZ) on vocals, Mike Duda (WASP) on bass and Chuck White (Ion Vein) on drums that is just killer! This is out now on Mausoleum Records."
Rounding off, Eric also performed at this year's Prog Power festival with DC Cooper and has become the first endorsee of the new Keyboard Guitar!
In Eric's words: "it's a real guitar that just frets like a keyboard (for people like me that want to play real guitar sounds but can't handle frets on a guitar neck). There is no midi, only guitar electronics!" See it for yourself at www.keytarinc.com.
Keep up to date with Eric at: www.ericragno.com.

RELEASE UPDATES:
I sent out a few e-mails to get updates on a couple of different projects previously mentioned. The news is as follows -

Hardline - Johnny Gioeli reports: "All is well here...the album is almost finished...!!! Sounds awesome...some great radio tunes...I'm proud." I'm told mixing will start in January.

Von Groove - Malden reports: "Mike [Shotton] has been working hard on a record with Rik Emmet and I have been busy with a few projects of my own www.thebeautifulunknown.com and www.scarlettmusic.biz. As far as Von Groove goes, we will be back at the recording in the New Year."

Zion - I asked vocalist Freddy Curci how the project was shaping up and his reply: "Almost done!"

ROBBY VALENTINE GETS OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
I got word overnight that the 1st official Robby Valentine Website is now live and online. The address for all things Robby related is: www.robbyvalentine.com.
The website is run by two long time Valentine fans from Germany, with Robby's full support and co-operation. The site has lots of personal exclusive stuff from Robby after suggestions from the guys behind the site. This includes background stories to all his solo albums where he shares some personal memories and insights, plus lots of photos from his private collection.
Check it out at: www.robbyvalentine.com.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Another new review is online for the Balance II boys! Check it out at: www.powerplayrecords.net/reviews/balancerev.htm.

Word has it that former Bonham singer Daniel Macmaster will appear as vocalist on an EP by unsigned act Emerald Monkey. Keep up to date via: www.emeraldmonkey.com.

Pink Floyd's David Gilmour will release a new solo album titled On An Island worldwide in the week of March 6, 2006.

Lost 80s AOR act Surrender are featured in a new interview at: www.rock-is-life.com/interviews/kennyhamberg.htm.

New pictures from The Staircase Dakota 25th Reunion Show from November 23rd can be viewed at: www.dakotajerrykelly.com.

Journey's Ross Valory is interviewed at: www.classicrockrevisited.com.

The Fuze features a new interview by Todd Seely with the great Jean Beauvoir, who speaks at length about his past with Plasmatics, his work with Ramones and Crown of Thorns and his latest collaboration with Little Steven. www.the-fuze.com.

GINGER UPDATE #2:
An update overnight from the Ginger camp, regarding the solo album Valor Del Corazon:
"Sorry for all the confusion surrounding the release of the new album, a few things have cropped up along the way that have meant making a few changes but we can officially announce the following - Valor Del Corazon is now available to pre-order from HMV online: www.hmv.co.uk.
It will also be available very soon from www.amazon.co.uk and www.play.com. The album is released on 19th December and is available in limited numbers online until January, when you will be able to purchase it from all good record stores.
Additionally, management is looking for UK based people to help with flyering and posters - please email at the usual address - website@thewildhearts.com with contact details / location etc.

STARSHIP PRESENT NEW JAPANESE LIVE ALBUM:
Starship will issue a live album in Japan on January 25. Duo Music Exchange Presents: World Premium Artists Series 100's: Starship Live may be an eyeful for a title, but reflects the popular club where the live show (and others) were recorded. A DVD of the show is already in release.
The track listing is: Wild Again . Jane . Sara . Find Your Way Back . Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now . Winds Of Change . Stranger . Fooled Around And Fell In Love . It`s Not Over . We Built This City . No Way Out . Somebody To Love.

SITE UPDATES:
A quick word about two things - firstly MR-X. To those that joined up over the very first few days of it coming online - your memberships will automatically renew starting Friday (I think). If there are not sufficient funds in your Paypal accounts, one further attempt will be made to renew after 2 days and then the membership will be cancelled! If you do not wish to incur any outage in access to the area, please make sure sufficient funds are available ASAP!

Holiday coming up - And one more reminder that my wife and I are only days away from the arrival of our new baby, so if there are no news updates for a day or two - that's where I am! I will round up all the latest news and supply page updates before going on leave for a couple of weeks (hopefully over the Christmas holiday period!).

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

MTM'S JANUARY RELEASES REVEALED AND PREVIEWED:
The details of MTM Music's January releases are now available. MTM will release new albums from AOR and Faro during the month, with the details as follows:
Faro - Angelost - Released January 27. Line-Up: Lead Vocals - Chitral "Chity" Somapala (Firewind, Avalon); Guitars - Barish Kepic (Jaded Heart); Bass - Michael Müller (Jaded Heart); Drums - Dominik Hülshorst (Bonfire).
Faro is a new musical project that takes it's shape from the collaboration of well-versed musicians. Just like the band ensemble, the music comes disparate. It integrates varied influences and an exotic bouquet of styles and braids them all into the never-aging grand sound of Melodic Hard Rock. The Faro mainman is the charismatic lead singer Chitral "Chity" Somapala who is well known as the lead singer of the melodic progressive metal band Avalon. He was born in Sri Lanka to a famous musicians family and his parents were well respected artists. Track Listing: Desdemona . Desert Moon . World Of Fools . The Forbidden Land . Heavenly Light . Strange Dreams . Damned Eternally . Where Did It Go . The One . Destination . Dancing in the Dark.

AOR - L.A. Attraction - Released January 27. Line-Up: Frédéric Slama – Guitars, Keyboards; Tommy Denander – Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Keyboards, Bass (Radioactive, Prisoner); Joey Heredia - Drums. Guest musicians: Steve Lukather, Philip Bardowell, Rick Riso, J.Lynn Johnston, Dane Donohue, Peter Friestedt, David Diggs and Michael Landau.
Frédéric Slama actually is a music journalist from France and had lived in L.A. for more than 10 years. He was mainly responsible for bringing Westcoast music to his native country in the late 70's by hundreds of interviews, radio shows and several thousand reviews in different music magazines. After having done a couple of solo albums and having produced some French and American artists, Frédéric decided to start a "one man band". This marked the birth of his project AOR, always utilising the cream of US session players.
Track Listing: How Could I Ever Forgive Her . Don't Ever Say Goodbye . One More Chance . Like An Open Book . The House Of Love . Tears In The Rain . I Won't Give Up On You . The Spark Of My Soul . Last Chance At Love . L.A Winds . Give A Little Love . Lost In Your Eyes. LabelLink: MTM Music.

xx

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Blue Tears' Gregg Fulkerson sent in a PS to his Firefest comment from yesterday. He writes: "Andrew...there are a few guys i have to thank with all my heart....that's the new blue tears guys.....Robert Streets, Bryan Wolski, and our special guest musician, Dr. Paul Hodson......I have really never rocked so hard in all my life as with these guys....love you guys, thank you from the bottom of my heart. thanks man, i think that needed to be said." Gregg Fulkerson.

A new e-Card promoting the upcoming release of Whitesnake's live DVD is now available at: whitesnake.com/media/dvdpromo/promo.html.

GUITAR VIRTUOSO ZAKK WYLDE TO BE INDUCTED INTO HOLLYWOOD'S ROCKWALK:
Guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde has played a significant role for Ozzy Osbourne, who handpicked Wylde in 1987 at the age of 19 to be his new axe slinger. In addition to his responsibilities as Ozzy's main axe slinger, Wylde was responsible for co- writing many of Ozzy's best-selling multi-platinum albums including, the albums No Rest for the Wicked, No More Tears, and Ozzmosis. Wylde started his solo career in 1994. In 1998, Wylde formed his own band, Black Label Society, while still maintaining his role as Osbourne's lead guitarist. To date, Black Label Society has released six albums and has sold in excess of one million units worldwide. Wylde's musical mastery has spawned numerous instrument product endorsements. His signature products include four custom Gibson guitars, a custom Epiphone guitar, a limited run Marshall amplifier, EMG Picks-Ups, GHS Strings and Dunlop Pedals. Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Jim Ladd and more celebrity guests to be announced will be in attendance to congratulate Zakk as he is inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk.
Hollywood's RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. Zakk Wylde's handprints and signatures will reside alongside other equally accomplished musicians and innovators such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Lou Reed, Johnny Cash, Aerosmith, B. B. King, Van Halen, James Brown, George Martin, Sonic Youth, Brian Wilson, Carlos Santana, Carl Perkins, John Lee Hooker, The Ramones, Bonnie Raitt and Holland-Dozier-Holland among others.
Where - Hollywood's RockWalk, 7425 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, CA; When - Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at Noon; *This event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

NIGHT RANGER MIX IT UP IN VEGAS:
It's time for Dan Clavadetscher to check in with another concert review - this time Night Ranger at the Boulder Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Setlist: This Boy Needs to Rock . Touch of Madness . Rumours in the Air . Sing Me Away . Seven Wishes . The Secret of My Success / Hey Jude / Lovin , Touchin , Squeezin (Partial) . Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer . Highway To Hell (AC/DC cover) . Eddie's Comin Out Tonight . Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Great White cover) . Night Ranger . Can't Find Me A Thrill . Sentimental Street . Let Him Run (acoustic) . High Enough (acoustic - Damn Yankees cover) . Forever All Over Again (acoustic) . Goodbye (acoustic/electric at end) . Four in the Morning . When You Close Your Eyes . Don't Tell Me You Love Me . Sister Christian . (You Can Still) Rock In America.
"Popular music fans have been trained in recent years to expect the expected when they see a band or performer in concert. Some choose to roll out the same songs, but others, such as Night Ranger, enjoy the spontaneity of the stage. This was evident on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Boulder Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the group thrilled diehard fans by playing six songs that were not listed on the original setlist.
Performing at the venue for the second time this year, Jack Blades opened the show by referring to Boulder Stations as the band's home away from home. Following spirited versions of This Boy Needs to Rock, Touch of Madness, and Rumours in the Air, Blades, Jeff Watson and Brad Gillis stepped off the stage and traversed throughout the crowd during Sing Me Away.
When order was restored, the three guitarists exited and turned over the stage to Kelly Keagy for a short drum solo that led directly into a harder-edged version of the title track from the band's third album, Seven Wishes. After completing the soundtrack hit, Secret of My Success, Blades led the crowd through an a cappella sing along that featured snippets of the Beatles classic, Hey Jude, and Journey hit, Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin.
Inspired by a necklace handed to him from a fan in the front row, Blades then announced that the band was going to sing Christmas carols. True to his word, the Sonoma County, Calif., resident, along with Watson, Gillis, Keagy and keyboardist/Las Vegas resident Michael Lardie (formerly of Great White) launched into a rocking version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
In one of the most bizarre, yet effective transitions in rock history, the band moved from the birth of Jesus to the fires of Hades when they tore through an unbelievable cover of AC/DC's Highway to Hell. Summoning the ghost of Bon Scott, Blades provided one of the evening's many memorable moments by hitting all of the late/great singer's hard-to-reach high notes.
After playing its namesake Night Ranger, Blades looked at his bandmates and said let's play something we don't know.
Keagy, Gillis and Watson then began to play the album track Can't Find Me a Thrill from Dawn Patrol. After completing more than two-thirds of the song, Blades said they should play something that Kelly sings well and went into Sentimental Street.
Straying from the setlist, the group opened a four-song acoustic set with Let Him Run. Gillis, who left the stage for the Midnight Madness tune, returned for a cover of the Damn Yankees hit, High Enough. Following the Beach Boys-like harmonizing of Keagy and Blades, the drummer/vocalist said they should do a Ted Nugent song. Instead, the quintet went off the planned setlist again with an acoustic version of the opening track from Neverland entitled Forever All Over Again. The acoustic portion of the evening then concluded with Blades waxing philosophical on the genesis of the song Goodbye before launching into the live staple.
Two songs later, the evening s Spinal Tap-esque moment occurred when Watson tripped on Keagy's drum riser seconds before his solo on Four in the Morning. Undeterred, Watson collected himself, completed the guitar part, and successfully made the leap on to the riser during the next song, When You Close Your Eyes. True to the playful spirit of the band, Gillis grabbed Watson's hand and helped him down.
All told, the concert managed to satisfy those ticket buyers who were in attendance just to hear Sister Christian for the eight millionth time and the diehards who want to hear deep album tracks.
Of the 22 tunes played, six were from Midnight Madness, and five each were culled from Seven Wishes and Dawn Patrol. The band also included single songs from Big Life and Neverland, as well as four covers.
In addition to ignoring the albums Seven and Man in Motion, the other slight disappointment was that the band made no mention of the recently released collection, Hits, Acoustic & Rarities. Who better to preach to than the converted?"
Thanks for the review Dan!

GINGER TALKS VALOR DEL CORAZON:
This update just in from Wildheart's frontman Ginger: "Hey there, been a while I know. Been waiting for final confirmation of a whole bunch of legal stuff before letting everyone know about the release of Valor Del Corazon.
The release date is set to be January 8th, with a full launch to be exclusively available in HMV stores. There will be a limited run of 1000 copies available, for die hard supporters of my music, to be released December 19th, again exclusively through www.HMV.co.uk This is to thank everyone for being so patient, and supportive throughout the whole year.
To say that I am proud of this album would be to cheapen its profound effect on me. This recording has enabled me to enlist the talents of an amazing array of people, who's support has made this album possible. This is the most adventurous work of mine so far, as well as the most personal.
Challenges like this come from the least expected of circumstances, and the experience ultimately makes us stronger and our lives richer. To be able to finally make available this most musically challenging and lyrically honest set of songs to you all is the final reward.
And I really hope you enjoy the living fuck out of it!
The album Valor Del Corazon, will feature 19 brand new songs, and is released through Round Records. Get out there, December 19th, and treat yourself to an early Christmas.
Thank you for your kindness and faith. Ginger." Courtesy of www.thewildhearts.com.

SPRINGFIELD'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER:
Rick Springfield has tekn up his temporary residency in General Hospital and the following was lifted from the December 4 LA Times.
Brief Encounter - Musical, medical. After more than 20 years, Rick Springfield returns to 'General Hospital.' By Susan King.
A familiar face is roaming the halls of ABC's daytime soap "General Hospital" - Rick Springfield.
The 56-year-old actor-singer is reprising his role as Dr. Noah Drake on the long-running drama. The Australian-born Springfield starred as the hunky Dr. Drake on the series from 1981 to '83. During this stint, Springfield also became a Grammy Award-winning pop star with his best selling album Working Class Dog and its No. 1 hit, Jessie's Girl.
Since leaving "General Hospital," Springfield has continued to act on such series as "The Human Target" and "High Tide" while releasing albums and touring.
His latest CD, The Day After Yesterday, features him performing songs by Human League, Foreigner and Mr Mister. Springfield also took several years off from acting and recording to be with his sons, now 20 and 16.
"It went on and on and on," he says. "I became a house-husband. I went through three years of therapy. There was a lot of stuff I wasn't dealing with when I was on that early rocket ride. My dad died at the very start of it, and I had to push that aside."
Springfield, who began his return engagement on "General Hospital" on Friday, will continue on the series through the first week in January. Word has it, though, that he may return for more episodes.
So they have extended your stay on "General Hospital"?
It was originally for four, and then they called up and said, "The writers are having so much fun, we want to write some more episodes." They asked, "What are you doing the rest of the year?" I said we were going to Japan in December and I'm going to Australia for Christmas and we have a show in New York. We sent them all the dates, and they booked more shows around that. I am written in for about five more shows. I have done seven.
Has "General Hospital" asked you over the years to come back?
No, not at all.
I was looking at alternate ways of getting it known that my record is out because radio is such a mess now. Simply Red had a record out and appeared as Simply Red on a soap, in a club playing a song, and it really sparked record sales. We contacted a couple of soaps to see if there was anything like that.
We heard back from "Days of Our Lives," and I went to meet with them, actually, and they wanted to bring me on as a character. Well, I said, that is the next best thing. But it wouldn't work out because of my schedule.
We had approached "General Hospital" about it, and they said they write so far ahead they didn't have anything that could be in a club. They called back in mid-October and said, "Would Rick be interested in recurring his role for a couple of episodes?" I thought about it, and it seemed like it was too good an opportunity to miss. I don't know if there has ever been a character that re-occurred after 23 years.
But it must have been weird to return after two decades.
The weirdest thing was seeing the clothes hung up in the dressing room with a tag saying "Noah Drake" on them. That was the biggest kind of "wow."
It is at a different studio, and only about eight or nine people who are there I remember from before.
What brings Noah back to "General Hospital"?
There is a main character that needs a neurosurgeon, and one of the doctors who is attached to his case goes looking for this great surgeon who used to be in Port Charles to come back and save this guy. She finds him in a bar. His life has gone to hell. He's in New York.
What happened to him?
They gave me some back story, and I don't know how long I'll be on it to bring it out, but it's interesting stuff. It is all stuff I can relate to, having lived another 23 years.
I have gone through a lot of stuff myself, and as an actor it only helps to bring it to your character. He has a son whom he doesn't have a very good relationship with. He's divorced, and something bad happened to the family. He basically brings his son in to do the operation because he knows he can't do it.
Are you going to sing on the show?
We talked about that originally when I first was on it. I was hired as an actor, and then they found out I was a singer and then the record hit. But it didn't fit with the character.
How many weeks a year do you tour?
We have done as much as 150 shows a year. We go out for four days and then we come home for a week, which is great.
We all have families, and we have homes we like to be in and other things we want to do. We don't want to go out three months to Europe and come back a completely different animal.
Do you try to release a new CD every year?
No, it's hard for me to get writing again every time. I've got to wait until I have something to say, until I am dragged in there.
Do you enjoy playing your old songs in concert?
I love playing the old stuff. I love the attention they get. They are like favorite children, especially since I wrote them I have a deeper connection to them. But [touring] just can't be for that. For me, it's got to be something new that I am excited about.
I am very humbled by my fans. I used to take them so much for granted. Probably the biggest thing that has changed about me since the early days is my attitude toward the people who like my music or are interested in me as an artist.

OZZFEST 10TH ANNIVERSARY DVD:
Press Release / New York, NY (October 13, 2005) Die-hard heavy metal fans (and those who are just plain curious) now have the opportunity to take a behind the scenes glimpse at the longest running rock tour in history with the DVD and bonus live CD release Ozzfest 10th Anniversary. Celebrating its decade anniversary on the road, this DVD brings fans up close and personal to what has become a mosh of togetherness for the artists and fans. Clear Channel Entertainment Home Video and Ventura Entertainment Enterprises proudly present the special DVD premiere of Ozzfest 10th Anniversary for only $19.98 on November 22, 2005.
Filmed at the Donington, UK show which was attended by over 100,000 fans, and the back lots of Camden, NJ where the temperature struck 103 degrees, Ozzfest 10th Anniversary DVD and CD feature radical performances from Black Sabbath, Velvet Revolver, Anthrax, H.I.M., Trivium, and Rob Zombie, among others.
Not only will viewers have a backstage pass to the hair-raising antics at the shows, but they will also get up close and personal with the Osbourne family, as the DVD features interviews with Ozzy, Sharon and Jack. They tell the whole story about the history of Ozzfest with a special walk around tour with behind-the-scene footage of the concert.
Bonus features include exclusive interviews with Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, Slash and Zakk Wylde. Plus concert performances by Alter Bridge The End Is Here Bowling For Soup 1985 and The Mad Capsule Markets Pulse.
The exclusive special LIVE CD features performance songs from the 2005 Ozzfest Tour including Black Sabbath's War Pigs Iron Man and Paranoid; H.I.M.'s Soul On Fire; Rob Zombie's Dragula among others.
As a special extra feature, the DVD offers the whole story or a play performances only feature.
More info at: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B8GTCO/102-8641100-9710512?n=130 and e-Card: www.liveconcertevents.com/ecards/ozzfest/index.htm.

Monday, December 05, 2005

JIM PETERIK ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO ALBUM + KHYMERA TRACK BY TRACK:
Legendary rocker - founding member of Survivor and Ides Of March and now leading force behind Pride Of Lions - Jim Peterik, announces the completion of the recording sessions of his brand new solo album entitled Above The Storm.
"My last solo album came out in the spring of 1976" says Peterik, "It was called Don't Fight The Feeling. I still am very proud of that record, but I felt that 30 years later it was time for another solo record."
In Above The Storm, Peterik expresses many personal views of life and love. The title itself he says, "refers to that place we hope to find in our hearts above the chaos and confusion of this crazy world", adding "I had written some songs lately that did not quite fit into the soaring Pride Of Lions mold or the R&B influenced Ides Of March. Three of these songs are co-written with Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Donnie Van Zant of 38 Special. The rest I pretty much wrote on my own."
Of course this new solo album does not mark the end of the Pride Of Lions chapter of Peterik's career. He explains: "As much as I love writing and performing with Pride Of Lions and World Stage - sometimes I like to go back to the very beginning, just getting into a room and writing from the heart about what really matters most to me. This is where this new solo album comes in. The songs have a really wide range of feelings from sensitive ballads like the title cut, to power ballads such as A Kiss To Remember You By and totally hard rockers like Live Life and Stand and Be Counted."
On Above The Storm, Jim Peterik is backed by the musicians from Pride Of Lions Ed Breckenfeld on drums, Klem Hayes on bass, Mike Aquino on guitar and Christian Cullen on keyboards, with Peterik taking care of most of the lead guitar work, as well as a lot of the piano work. Lisa McClowry (the girl who appeared in Pride Of Lions Sound Of Home video) cares of background vocals work.
On a related note, Jim Peterik and his production partner Larry Millas are also very busy in mixing in 5.1 surround stereo the Pride Of Lions upcoming DVD Live In Belgium and at the same time he is writing songs for the third Pride Of Lions studio album tentatively entitled The Roaring of Dreams.
Frontiers Records will release Above The Storm in March 2006, with King Records taking care of the release in Japan.
Jim Peterik live picture courtesy of Franky Bruyneel - Rock Report Magazine.

xx

Here is a Track By Track comment on the new Khymera album A New Promise out today (Dec 5) by multi-instrumentalist and producer Daniele Liverani.
- A New Promise This is a short instrumental intro that shows the great talent of the new Khymera member Tommy Ermolli on guitars. The melodic expression of this new young talented guitarist shines since the first note of this intense instrumental introduction!
- Alone A straight-ahead uptempo rock song, with a catchy chorus. One of the more direct songs of the albums. Dennis Ward performance is unbelievable here ! Dario Ciccioni delivers some cool drumming here and some passages almost have a progressive feel.
- Let It Burn Great choirs by Dennis Ward on this one. This song is one of the more classic melodic rock tunes of the whole record.
- Looking For You Pure AOR song, with lots of keyboards atmospheres and nice piano arrangements. A song that is very much in the 80's feel, with a touch of modern sound.
- All That I Have A ballad with piano arrangements that explodes in a straight rock mid tempo song, taking off after the first hook.
- The Damage Is Done The most powerful song of the album, with Dennis showing an incredible vocal range. A very heavy guitar riff tuned in D gives this song the right power to satisfy the heavier listeners. This is the heavy side of the new Khymera line up.
- After The Way A mid tempo song that melts elegance and straight rock sound. A very mature guitar arrangement from Tommy gave this track the proper feel and approach. This tune has the best guitar solo of the whole record.
- You Can't Take Me (Away From You) A straight rock 'n roll song of the album, penned from Jeff Scott Soto. This is happier and brightest song of the entire track list.
- Tomorrow Never Comes Another piano rock oriented song, very melodic. I particularly dig the ending of this one, very musical and emotional.
- Fields of Fire An uptempo rock song, with some of the great choirs of the whole record. Another great performance on one this by Dennis.
- If You Dare To Dream A great version of this Judithe and Robin Randall song. Dennis really gave to this one the right mood and the result is really very melodic and strong at the same time.
- Give In To The World Somehow a little more modern sounding than the rest of the material, this song was anyway translated into a more straight rock sound. Some weird guitar and keyboards sounds here.
- All Is Gone The only real ballad of the record, the most intense and atmospheric one. Here Dennis shows all his potential giving a lot of colours to the song with his inspired vocals.


MORE ARTIST FEEDBACK FROM FIREFEST 2:
I've delivered a little Firefest II feedback already - time for a little feedback from a couple of performers on the day! House Of Lords drummer Ken Mary was kind enough to drop me a line and asked that I pass this message on to all:
Ken writes: "I have been reading some of the posts, and wanted to say thank you to all the fans, Kieran and Bruce, the crew, melodicrock.com, and all that were involved in making the Firefest show successful. The band was overwhelmed by the response of the fans, and on a personal note it was awesome to play with brothers that I love after so many years.
We had a great time seeing each other and jamming again as a group, and we made many excellent friends in the other bands that played Firefest as well. There was a great spirit of cooperation between everyone, and I loved hearing so many talented bands. It was an evening we all will remember, I am sure.
Along with the many supportive and glowing posts about our performance, I have read a couple items that I would like to set straight. I am not sure if everyone was aware of just how injured James Christian was and still is. When I met him after coming off the plane in London, I was pretty sure we were going to have to cancel the show. He could barely move, and was wincing in pain with every breath and every step. It was hurtful to see him in that much pain without being able to do anything to help.
Contrary to what has been said, James did not have three cracked ribs, but three completely fractured ribs. He fell off of a second story ladder over 14 feet up and fell directly on his left hand side. How he made the 8 hour flight over to the UK after getting hurt like that two days earlier, I'll never know.
During rehearsal, every time he took a deep breath, he would get a stabbing pain in his chest, so he did have to keep his activity down to a minimum. Again, we contemplated just canceling the show and making it up to everyone at a later date. Knowing that we had fans that had flown in from Australia, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as all the wonderful people in the UK that were coming, we felt we had no other choice than to go ahead. It was for that reason alone we decided to put our tails on the line, and try to make the show work.
Anyway, I had seen an item or two that complained about us not doing an encore, and how James was a little restricted in movement, and how our instrumental jams were a little extended to give him a needed break. Granted, all those things are true, and I will agree with all of them. But what they don't know or say is how much heart it took for James to get up there at all, how much pain he was going through before, during, and especially after the show, when the swelling caused by his movement made it look like someone shoved a grapefruit under his ribcage.
I wanted to cancel our appearance, as well did all the other members of the band. We really felt we could not let all our friends and fans down like that. Fortunately, it seems that everyone agrees it was a very professional show and all we saw were smiles all around. What more can you ask for??
Obviously, the show would have been even better with a James Christian that was 100%, but hopefully at least everyone will now understand exactly what he was up against.
This was not an easy show for him to perform at, and I hope the critics will take a step back and give him, and us, a little bit of a break here.
Thanks so much for all your help and support, and hopefully we ll be playing again in the future!
All my best, Ken Mary.

And this in today from Blue Tears frontman Gregg Fulkerson, who was really blown away by the fan response over the weekend:
"Andrew...just wanted to let all the folks at Firefest know how much fun we had...and how much I appreciate everyone involved...most of all Kieran Dargan....also Tony, you know who you are buddy, incredible job...and to the fans that made the shows.....our first shows in fifteen years were a little rocky, and heavenly....who cares man....we were actually live.....everything was live...I met so many great people....this is the first of many, many shows, new albums...etc from Blue Tears....new album comes out in April on my friend Georg's label, AOR Heaven......take care everyone and thank you again for making it the great experience."
Gregg Fulkerson.

INTRODUCING ANGEL MILK RECORDS - BRAND NEW UK RECORD LABEL:
A new British record label is about to get underway. They have big plans and big ideas, which is always welcomed in this ever shrinking scene. Here's a little about them.


Label owner Andy Bramhall writes:
"Angel Milk is a small new record label. We like to think of ourselves as an alternative to the majors labels, both for artists who are recording, and for listeners who are interested in excellent music and sound. We don't confine ourselves to any particular genre or style-although we do Rock and Roll very well indeed, we have an incredible diversity in taste here at Angel Milk.
We are artist friendly and forward thinking, that means that we don't sucker musicians into "stitch up" recording contracts, we have an open policy regarding contracts.
Angel Milk is not about making mega bucks; it's about recording good music and getting good music out there. We finance the recording process and pay for it by taking a percentage of sales which is far lower than any major label, and much lower than most independents. Our artists will engage in a partnership with us toward the marketing and promotion of their work. That's it.
Why? Because we are artists ourselves and we want to put our energy towards creating art which does not have to bend to the marketing pressures of big money which is financing its production. Because we are all tired of hearing commercial radio, which is becoming increasingly centralised and homogenous, and public radio which is marginalised or indeed unavailable. And because its now possible!!
I am determined to have Angel Milk associated with not only great music but "Sonically profound" Music. We are only to aware these days of how cheapened sonically albums are now sounding. Many released albums sound no better than demo's to me at the moment and that is a shame, a big shame. I can assure you whatever Angel Milk release will sound "Huge Sounding" and have very much of an "Old school" quality about them sonically, for me this is massively important, we must raise the bar again in this department!
The label has just signed Nexx a fantastic Spanish hard rock band that I believe are really going places - and there is some other great news coming within the next few weeks into the AOR community, so please stay tuned.
If there are any artists out there who would like to submit Angel Milk Records material please contact me on info@angelmilkrecords.co.uk or andrew.bramhall2@btinternet.com.
The label new web site is under construction but there is a holding page for the moment which is at www.angelmilkrecords.co.uk and I can be e-mailed from there.
Many Thanks for your time, and I thank Andrew for allowing me the opportunity to bring this great news and what I hope to be a breath of fresh air to the community. Best Regards to you all and have a great Christmas!!
Andy Bramhall / info@angelmilkrecords.co.uk and www.angelmilkrecords.co.uk.

PETE WAY & ROBIN GEORGE IN DAMAGE CONTROL:
Check out Damage Control - the new project from Pete Way (Waysted, UFO) and Robin George (Notorious).
The official website is at www.damage-control.co.uk and has news, soundclips, interviews, photos and a regular progress report from Pete and Robin about how their debut album Raw is coming together.

SWEDEN SET TO ROCK IN 2006:
The first group of acts for the 2006 Sweden Rock Festival have been officially announced. More details at: www.swedenrock.com.
The bands are: Deep Purple (Headliner) . Journey . Celtic Frost . W.A.S.P. . Krokus . Jeff Healey Band . Stryper . Cactus . George Thorogood & The Destroyers . Cathedral . Doro . The Sweet . Easy Action . Nevermore . Metal Church . Lord Belial . Evergrey . Firewind . Jaded Heart . Raise Hell . The Storyteller.

RHINO BUCKET GET UGLY ON NEW STUDIO ALBUM:
Press Release / Rhino Bucket, the Bon Scott-era AC/DC sound-alike band that recorded two albums for Warner Bros/EMI back in '90 and '92 and an independent album in '94 with former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright, have set And Then It Got Ugly as the title of their fourth album, due in March 2006 via Acetate Records. The CD was mixed at Soundface Studios in Hollywood, California and was produced by the band and Stephan Siggurson. Pre-orders will be handled two weeks before the release. More information is available at www.rhinobucket.com or www.acetate.com.
As previously reported, Rhino Bucket have posted a new video for their song Blood, Sweat and Beers at this location. The track appears in the new film "The Outdoorsmen" and will also be included on Rhino Bucket's upcoming CD.

VERSAILLES RECORDS SIGNS RADIO VIPERS, ANNOUNCES MORE TRIBUTES:
Press Release / In late April, 2006, Versailles Records will release Its So Easy - A Millennium Tribute to Guns N' Roses, featuring current/former members of Heart, Guns N' Roses, Ozzy Osbourne Band, Love/Hate, Adler's Appetite, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Riot, Lillian Axe, Warrant, Every Mother's Nightmare, Faster Pussycat, Pretty Boy Floyd, Ratt, LA Guns, Lita Ford Band, Metal Church, Slash's Snakepit, Brides of Destruction, etc, along with tracks by Versailles artists including Richard Kendrick, One Bad Son, Jasy Andrews, and the RadioVipers, as well as Marko Pukkila, Chris Catena, and Chris Heaven among others.
That same month, Versailles will release the debut LPs of Canadian rock act One Bad Son, and Italy's hottest rock act, the RadioVipers. Described by Metal Hammer as "a cross between Motley Crue, AC/DC and Faster Pussycat!... (RadioVipers are) powerful sleaze-rock…a tribute to the hair glam and the alcoholic hard rock of the '80s'." Later that summer, Versailles will issue Three Lock Box - A Millennium Tribute to Sammy Hagar, featuring current/former members of Poison, Hanoi Rocks, Skid Row, Lillian Axe, Dio, Saigon Kick, Richard Kendrick, and others!!! Pre-orders for the Guns N' Roses Tribute may be emailed to a special address at GnRTributepreorders@yahoo.com.

CLOUDSCAPE RETURN TO STUDIO:
Swedish metallers Cloudscape will enter the Roasting House Studios on December the 26th in order to record their second album. The release in Europe is scheduled to June 2006 and in Japan/Asia some time before that. Once again the producers will be Anders "Theo" Theander (Allen/Lande Project, Pain Of Salvation, Last Tribe etc) and Pontus Lindmark. All cover art will be handled by Mattias Norén (ProgArt.com). For more info please visit the Cloudscape at www.cloudscape.se.

RANDY RHOADS BOOK AVAILABLE ON LIMITED BASIS:
Press Release / Once in a while a great project comes along our desks, a project that we just want to help spread the word about or get out to the public and to the fans. That project recently came to us here at Roxx Productions in the form of a book, a biography of a legend.
On December 6, 2006 we mark what would have been the 50th Birthday of a true guitar hero and legend. That legend is Randy Rhoads! Roxx Productions in association with Empire 4 is bringing you the limited edition biography of Randy Rhoads entitled Randy Rhoads ­ A Life.
Throughout the years many people have wondered and looked for a biography on their Guitar hero and the legend that was and is Randy Rhoads! That book never transpired for many reasons, some good, some not so good. Whatever the reason there has not been a successful publication on the life and times of Randy Rhoads, until now.
The author of this book, David A Bene, as well as many others has asked that exact question, "Why has there not been a good biography on the man we all love?" Well David put pen to paper and began to collect information from many sources and eventually pieced it all together to get the book we have before us, 'Randy Rhoads ­ A Life.'
While it is not an officially authorized biography, it comes to us with many contributions from those closest to Randy. Some of these sources include Kevin Dubrow, Kelly Garni and Bob Daisley just to name a few.
When you read this book you will get to know the man that became a legend to millions of faithful fans, and while it paints a picture that may not be as angelic as most would like to think, it paints a real picture of a man that would come out of a world that we all have known at one level or another to become the Legend that we have today!
This book was self-published and only 300 initial copies have been pressed as it has been used as a marketing tool to seek a publishing deal. 150 copies are gone and we have 150 copies left that we are making available to the public for a limited time.
Visit www.roxxproductions.com for all the details.

INTRODUCING JUDGE JACKSON:
Press Release / Judge Jackson - One Diamond - One Diamond is a 41-minute ride through Tesla's backyard with Lynyrd Skynyrd behind the wheel. Tracks such as King and Salvation scream out at you while the CD's first single Amazing and Matt's Song (written in memory of a life long friend of the band who died) hit the listener in the heart with meaningful lyrics and memorable melodies.
Hailing from Los Angeles, the quartet formed in the late 90's when vocalist Todd McTavish met guitarist Lee Jackson through a mutual friend. The duo started writing together immediately and sensing a special musical chemistry, the two began the process of putting Judge Jackson together. The band played the famed LA club circuit for the latter part of the 90's and released their debut in 1998.
The band has appeared on Fox's "30 Seconds to fame" and Ed McMahon's "Next Big Thing" (and won!) and with the addition of new drummer J.J. Garcia (formerly of the Blues/Rock band Stone), they have been touring for the better part of 2005 supporting One Diamond. The band is in pre-production for the next CD which should be out in Spring 2006.
Judge Jackson: Todd McTavish - Vocals, Lee Jackson - Guitars, Ryan Rogers - Bass/B.vocals, J.J. Garcia - Drums.
Soundbytes online at: cdbaby.com/judgejackson.

SISTER HAZEL WORKING ON NEW OPUS FOR 2006:
Gainesville, FL's Sister Hazel is currently recording a new album, due in stores in 2006. The band has offered video clips of their progress to fans, links below:
Sister Hazel In The Studio - Quicktime - Low, Medium or High.
Sister Hazel is best known for their smash hit All For You as well as the hits Happy, Champagne High, Change your Mind and others. The band is also currently headlining a series of destination concerts, including the The Rock Boat VI which is set to ship from Galveston, TX this January.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Guitarist Brain Moritz and vocalist Vince Claps talk Balance II to website Grande-Rock - www.grande-rock.com. More Balance II news soon.

Melodic music website Glory Daze has had a makeover and can be viewed at: www.glory-daze.com.

Rockdetector have a new Glenn Hughes interview online, where the singer talks of his desire for a 2006 project with former Purple band mates Jon Lord and David Coverdale. View the interview at: www.rockdetector.com/interviews/artist,3653.sm?id=75.

Friday, December 02, 2005

Y&T REMASTERS GET OFFICIAL US RELEASE:
Press Release / Y&T is excited to announce the domestic release of both Black Tiger and Mean Streak albums on CD.
Fans have been asking the band for decades to get Y&T's classic records out on CD in the U.S. and now it they are finally available. These new Black Tiger and Mean Streak CDs were carefully digitally re-mastered at a high sampling rate directly from the masters. These new re-releases sounds closer to the actual master tapes than any version available. These are not over compressed, EQ'd and hard sounding products like many re-mastered CDs--they are just loud, clear, dynamic and accurate to the original tapes!
Along with the original songs, there is an additional bonus track on each CD that was taken right from the 24-track master reel from the Black Tiger recording sessions, and finished in 2005 with new lyrics, vocals, and guitar solo, then remixed.
These are currently available exclusively through our web site. Pre-Order yours now! Shipping first week of January.
WebLink: www.meniketti.com/menmerch.html?target=dept_1.html&lang=en-us.

HUBI MEISEL'S NEW CONCEPT DUE IN FEBRUARY:
Hubi Meisel has now finished his new concept album Kailash, which will be released through Lion Music on February 27, 2006. This time the concept story is all about the Himalayas, Tibet & the secrets of ancient Buddhist/Hindu culture and mythology.
Like already on his previous concept disc EmOcean, Hubi Meisel closely cooperated with French keyboardist/composer Vivien Lalu again. The new line-up features top-class musicians from five different countries: Hubi J. Meisel - vocals; Vivien Lalu (Lalu) - keys; Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged) - guitars; Jorge Salán (Mago de Oz) - guitars; Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) - drums; Johan Niemann (Therion) - bass.
Watch out for further news & updates on www.HubiMeisel.com.

RIVERA BOMMA OPEN NEW WEB HOME:
Rivera Bomma has a new home in the world wide web @ riverabomma.net. This site features up to the minute news & tour dates, Rivera Bomma's personal & professional press photos, a web store w/ tons of official Rivera Bomma merch (CDs, DVDs, posters, stickers, t-shirts, buttons etc...) and of course music clips of the upcoming Rivera Bomma CD I Am God, due out on Mausoleum Records in February 2006. www.mausoleum-records.com.

TARA'S SECRET UNVEIL NEW DEMO:
Press Release / UK melodic rockers Tara's Secret have recorded a new 2 song demo at Mad Hat Studios, Wolverhampton, with the aim of sealing a record deal and launching a full blown album in the new year. Drive Me Home and In Movies have already picked up plenty of airplay on www.arfm.co.uk and numerous most favourable comments are coming in from rock journos, rock websites and fans. A number of copies were sold at Firefest without even being on the bill and again the very positive feedback has been most appreciated.
The band has written more than 2 hours of new songs over the last year since releasing a demo album after only 3 months together in July 2004, many of which have gone down so well at the 30+ shows the band has so far played around the UK in 2005. We're big fans of Van Halen, Journey, Styx, Whitesnake etc, and don't deviate far from the script, so if that's your lot, come along and say hello.
Clips of both songs can be heard on www.taras-secret.com and the band can be seen live over the next couple of months...
11th Dec - Coalville Victoria, Leicestershire
7th Jan - The Forresters, Scropton, South Derbyshire
4th Feb - The Alexandra, Wolverhampton
23rd Feb - The Golden Diamond, Sutton In Ashfield, Notts
If anyone wants some big vocals and, big guitars to come rock their nearest rock pub/club, please get in touch and we'll do our best to get there.

RIK EMMETT UPDATES:
From the current Rik Emmett e-Newsletter comes the following updates:
Airtime Update - Mike Shotton has been out west to Winnipeg recently singing some "Queen" shows with orchestra, hot after donning some face paint and singing "Kiss" shows with the orchestra in London - so the project has been waiting for him to get back at the background harmony overdubs on the Airtime project in the studio. Even so, some 5.1 surround sound mixing has begun on a few tracks with Rick Andersen, and Cory McFayden has also taken a track to work on as a mix master. Jim Bullotta in Philadelphia has now got all of the graphic elements he needs to put together the CD package, so the production only really requires the final credits & liner notes, after the mixing gets finished.
Guitar Duet Project - Rik and Dave have got a nice long list of material written, and currently there are four tracks that are up and running and headed for mixing. You'd think a duo thing would be simple to mix, but all that exposure sure does make two musicians get picky about performances, and the subtleties of digital masters. Some early song titles for you Dos Arroyos [two small streams - a gently flowing melodic conversation between two classical guitars], Cross Country [a real hoedown between a strummer [Rik], and a picker [Dave] --- both are grinning], Quintessence [a very modern sounding "hybrid" guitar duo, on nylon strings, but set mostly in 5/4 time, with a lot of "rock" energy in it] there are also a few vocal tunes up now, a ballad that Rik wrote entitled State of Grace, and a jazzy thing called Old Sweet Song. Dave has contributed a funkier groove and mood with a tune called Good Thing, and has a really cool little country song called Light of Day. This project still has a ways to go, but has definitely hit the ground running.
Rik With Orchestra London - Keep your eyes and ears open for the 2nd weekend in April 2006, as Rik will join some other notable Canadian singers to perform with Orchestra London once again on two special nights that will be a Tribute to Abbey Road, performing the entire album.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Glenn Hughes has talked to Undercover News here in Australia regarding his possible February visit. Check it out at: www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/nov05/20051130_glennhughes.html.

Dennis DeYoung has recorded a new Christmas song. When I Hear A Christmas Song will be available from his website as of next week. Order direct from: www.rounderstore.com/retail/product.asp?P=8208700442.

MR-X UPDATE:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is a new Feature Album - Marc LaFrance's 1994 cult Canadian release Out Of Nowhere. The album enlists the help of Loverboy's Paul Dean, Mike Reno and Matt Frenette to get the job done with songwriting help also coming from Dean and Reno and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander.
There is also a 1990 release from American comedian - the late Sam Kinison. On top of a 30 minute stand up routine, Kinison sings lead vocals on 4 quite superb hard rocking cover tunes. Produced by Richie Zito, the tunes feature musical backing from the likes of - Randy Jackson, Lanny Cordola, Kim Bullard, Leslie West, CC DeVille, Billy Trudel, Eddie Money, Dweezil Zappa, Mike Baird, Robert Sarzo, Slash, Jimym Bain, Fred Coury, Tommy Funderburk and Rudy Sarzo!
But this week's biggie is the brand new 2005 radio broadcast concert from The Hooters! This World Cafe Live 25 track show is online now and covers their whole career and adds 4 brand new songs which the guys have written for an upcoming album. Thanks to the mighty Matt for capturing this for me - one of my favourites bands ever. Man, what a show and what truly great musicians with an almost incomparable buzz on stage. This concert RULES!
As per usual, the following new video clips have also been added: Billy Idol - Eyes Without A Face, White Wedding and Rat Race (All acoustic 2005), The Outfield - Everytime You Cry, Graham Bonnet - Night Games, Ken Tamplin - Falling Houses and Gorky Park - Peace In Our Time.
Additionally - this is the last chance for a stack of videos, the rare exclusive House Of Shakira videos and live radio show concerts from Joe Lynn Turner, Foreigner, Survivor and Bad English.
And finally the mega competition has been extended until Monday. Get your entries in for your chance to win the following pack of goodies: CDs - Heaven & Earth Heaven & Earth, Xsavior Caleidoscope, Glenn Hughes Soul Mover, VTR VTR, No Nation Illumine, Balance II Balance II, The VU, House Of Shakira Live+ (with a guitar pick from the band) and a Promo CD from the very cool Bad Way and their debut album From Zero To Hero. Thanks to the participating artists for their CDs!
On top of that little booty, 2 tickets to ANY upcoming Motley Crue show and a copy of the new Double Live Motley Crue DVD Carnival Of Sins! What a prize package!
MR-X Membership Details.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

FIREFEST II - A REPORT, AN ARTISTS REPLY, A MP3 & A FEW PIX:
Firefest 2 has of course just taken place last weekend in Nottingham UK. On location was Powerplay Magazine's Rob Evans, who was kind enough to get this review back to me in speedy time. Thanks Rob! A few pix are also featured - click on them for full size shots. Thanks to Bruce Mee and Fran from Nexx for the pix.
Over to Rob for the report -
"I must admit that when I saw the final, confirmed, bill for Firefest Two I wasn't exactly enamored by the line-up. Balance Of Power, Shy and Vaughn aside, the rest, and this is just my opinion, I could certainly live without. But that's the beauty of festivals.......something for everyone! And this festival was just that, and then some!
The Friday night warm-up was at a delightfully intimate little venue called Via Fosse. Compact and bijou, but if you weren't in the front row then you had a hard job to see much. Tonight's opening band were called Crimes Of Passion. This is basically Deadline with a new singer. I must say that the new look and sound...impressed me. Songs like "Exit Wound", "Pretty In Blood" and the impressive "Die Alone" were solid slabs of Skid Row meets Skin style rock. Chuck in a couple of covers by Skin and Warrant, and they left you impressed.
Nexx, on the other hand, will do nothing but impress you. Having just secured a record deal only days before this gig, they were certainly in the mood to party. Patricia Tapas is a bona-fide star. Whether she's in the small confines of a club, or on the big stage, she shines brightly. A healthy balance of old ("A Good Time Comes") and new ("Hey Dad") material, plus some choice covers ("Sentimental Boulevard"), left you in no doubt of this bands pedigree.
Blue Tears finished the evening with some rousing, but very stereotypical AOR. Gregg Fulkerson's Bruce Springsteen fixation was in full flow as the band played a healthy mix from both of their albums [the debut and the new demos release], with an anthemic "Blue Tears" taking top honours.
Saturday's main event was held in Nottingham's Rock City, what is arguably the home of melodic rock. Hell, there were hair casualties all over this place, which made it an inspired choice of venue, if ya ask me!
The band who had the honour of kicking of the whole day were the Anglo/Italian hotshots, Powerquest. Full of galloping rhythms and choreographed headbanging, they delivered a set of tight, well rehearsed metal that, at times, left you spellbound and at others splitting your sides with laughter at their on-stage antics. As opening bands go, this lot were one of the better ones!


Balance Of Power have been around for nearly ten years and have released several classy albums. Tonight, however - in my opinion - they picked the wrong set and should have dropped the heavier, Heathen Machine, material. Older material such as "Blindman", "Daybreaker" and "Searching For The Truth" saw the band in full flight. New vocalist, Corey, gave a performance that left you in no doubt that he is the best person to ever front this band. Pete Southern and Lionel Hicks are also superb performers and deserve more credit than they get.
After two sets of intense power-metal it was time for a dose of the fluffy, pink stuff - AOR! Shy were late additions to the roster and gave an abject lesson in how to steal a show. I will just state that this was one of the greatest sets of the day. Tony Mills commanded the stage with an arrogant charm as the band belted out the likes of "Breakaway", "Emergency" and "Break Down The Walls". By far and away the band of the day.


After that performance, Blue Tears had a helluva lot to do. Their AOR seemed to pale in comparison to Shy's huge, bombastic approach. They tried their hardest to entertain this predominantly AOR crowd, and in the main they did. But after Shy, most bands would have suffered the same fate. I actually thought they were better on the Friday night.
Danny Vaughn was nothing short of inspirational. Backed by his UK band, Danny stormed through a set of his greatest moments. Songs from the likes of Tyketto, Waysted, Vaughn and Flesh & Blood were given a damn good seeing to, that's in a rock 'n' roll kinda way, of course! Second best band of the day.

xx

What can you say about Danger Danger? What they do, they do well. Ted Poley is still a charismatic frontman who can hold a crowds attention. Their brand of cock-sure melodic rock was just what this crowd wanted and in the song "Rock America", they had the anthem of the day. A fun-time band who delivered a good set, at just the right time.
Harem Scarem may be world class musicians and technically proficient, they have also released some mighty fine albums. It's just a pity that they don't have that fun-time factor that the likes of Danger Danger and Vaughn have in abundance. I personally didn't enjoy them but Rock City welcomed them with open arms. By playing a greatest hits set, they had the audience eating out of their hands.

xx

The last time I saw tonight's headliners, House Of Lords, was way back in 1989, on the Scorpions tour. Boy! Have things moved on since then, or what?! James Christian was hardly recognisable, but luckily for him, he's still got the voice. With Chuck Wright, Ken Mary and Lanny Cordola completing the line-up, they thumped out the likes of "Sahara", "Pleasure Palace", an immense "Love Don't Lie" and "Slip Of The Tongue". They were the perfect band to finish the day.

As Festivals go, and compared to Firefest 1, this one was a damn near perfect event. The sound was crystal clear throughout, and the event ran like a well oiled machine, hell, it even finished early!
Judging by the amount of time and effort that went into this gig, the organisers must have been well and truly impressed with the venue and healthy turnout. As I said earlier, the beauty of festivals is that there is something for everyone, and while I may not have been looking forward to some bands, I will state that none of them were poor, they just weren't my taste. It was good to see House Of Lords prove a lot of people wrong by putting in a strong performance and it was equally as good to see Tony Mills return to his majestic best. It was a fantastic weekend, and I would like to give a huge round of applause to Keiran, Bruce and everyon involved in Firefest. Here's to Firefest Three, next year!"
Rob Evans. Powerplay Magazine.

Now, those were Rob's thoughts - several more reviews have been added to the Noticeboard, which start with this thread: forums.melodicrock.com/phorum33/read.php?f=1&i=183797&t=183797. Harem Scarem, Vaughn & House Of Lords all getting big wraps from fans - but see for yourself and post a new topic should you wish to add your own comments.

Appearing at Firefest II was Vaughn - and Danny Vaughn has e-mailed in after the show with a few thoughts, which I will pass along here in full for you all.
Danny writes:
"It's been a day or two to recover from all of the events that made up Firefest 2. From the Friday night pre-show, to the show itself, to the party in the Rig afterwards, it was a simply fantastic time. I was so glad that I got to see so many friends both on stage and in the audience.
A HUGE thanks goes out to everyone that took the time, saved their money, and turned out, to make sure that this privately funded event was a complete success.
I wanted to rant just quickly about some of the stuff that led up to the weekend. It came to all of our attentions that there were some fools out there that had nothing better to do than spread incorrect rumours, and plain old sour grapes about the whole event. My advice to all of you reading is, don't believe everything that anyone posts on the internet. Try to go to the source if you can. [All Firefest news and facts will be printed here]
I heard rumours that the bands advertised weren't all going to be there, that there were only a couple of hundred tickets sold, that the whole event was going to be crap, blah, blah, blah.
So here's my rant - If you have nothing better to do than grind a personal axe with someone in the very small and intimate world of Melodic rock, if you are so small that you can't find anything better to do than try and shoot down one of the only outlets all of us have, both as players and fans, to hear the music that we love, than please, with all due haste, go and f**k right off!
This is a very small pond we are all swimming in. Both fans and players all know each other and we are all trying to do our best to continue making the music that we love. If we can't ALL work together on this (record companies, bands, magazines, promoters, journalists, radio stations, and fans) then the whole thing is going to go belly up. Let's face it, this is the biggest event we've had so far (over 1,000 tickets sold on the day) and it is privately funded!
No Clear Channel logos to be seen at our gigs. No corporate sponsorships. Just hard working people who love the music. How in the world can we all NOT consider cooperating with one another? So, consider this a plea to all the record companies involved.
Please, drop your egos and get more behind these packages. It's the only way all of us will continue to attempt to thrive. And all the naysayers, just please, find something else to do. There are a lot of people to thank and most of them are already mentioned on the message boards but I'll tip my hat to Kieran and Bruce (of course) along with all of our friends that pitched in to help them, as well as Pete and STS, Everyone from ARFM, and David Herron and Nottingham Rock City, a CLEARLY better choice of venue.
The Rig was great fun (but maybe no more of that "living legend" stuff, eh Dave??? I felt like a WW2 vet! Most of all, thanks to all of you that turned out. It was a great time and so much fun to meet you, sign cds (my hand still hurts) and share a few drinks. This is an event that we all made a success, so good on all of us and let's do it again next year!!!! All the best, Danny Vaughn.

Thanks Danny! Now, to our third point of business - Due to popular demand for the Firefest CD's, Crimes of Passion have decided to place the entirety of the CD online for you to download as MP3's. The last song is Dream of Me which is available right here. For the middle track, Pretty in Blood, and to complete the EP, you need to visit their website www.crimesofpassion.org, create a free user account and you'll find it under *downloads*"
Thanks! Kris Hudson-Lee, Crimes of Passion.

MITCH LAFON TALKS WITH JOURNEY'S NEAL SCHON:
Journey recently passed through Montreal and BW&BK's Mitch Lafon was there to cover the event. Mitch talked to guitarist Neal Schon before the show, the transcript of which appears below - with thanks to Mitch. I have printed this in full - as Neal makes some interesting comments. Comments I think that will require some following up with in due course.
Neal Schon - My Journey, By Mitch Lafon. The last time Journey got to say "Bonjour Montréal" was about 25 years ago. Much has changed, of course, since then with one exception – Journey still delivers a memorable night of brilliant melodic rock and showmanship. With a new album in tow (Generations), Journey's Neal Schon sat down with BW&BK to warm things up on a recent cold Montreal November evening in order to fill in some gaps.
BW&BK: Let's start with you. You started off with Santana and more recently released Soul Sirkus and I On U. Why go outside of Journey?
Neal Schon: "It's just something I started doing back in the '80s with the very first records with Jan Hammer. I miss some of the instrumental type stuff I was doing in Santana and there's no reason to cram in down Journey's throat. Journey is a song oriented band and this is what you have solo records for - to avoid becoming bored and trying to make the band something it isn't."
BW&BK: Soul Sirkus is a vocal album and some songs could have worked for Journey.
NS: "There was a couple songs that did end up on Journey's Generations that I wrote during the same time period that I wrote that material like Faith In The Heartland and Out Of Harm's Way. They were all written in the same month. I wrote about twenty songs that month and it was all going to be for the project that I was doing with Sammy Hagar."
BW&BK: You mean Planet Us. With Van Halen in limbo is Planet Us going to come back?
NS: "I think pretty much Sammy is retired. I saw him in Vegas a couple of weeks ago and we jammed and had some fun. We talked a little bit about doing this and that, but he's hanging out in Cabo and he nets a lot of money off of his tequila every year. He's got a beautiful house down there and he digs hanging out with his kids. I'm not saying he's done playing, but I think he's slowed down a lot his touring and that kind of stuff."
BW&BK: So, it's nothing you're going to revive soon.
NS: "It's nothing that I know about. If he calls me up and says 'Schon – let's go'. I'm gone and it'll be fun."
BW&BK: You just released the Journey: Live in Houston 1981, The Escape Tour DVD and put former vocalist Steve Perry back to work for you. How was that and why would you do that?
NS: "It wasn't me that did it. I okayed it, but only as long as I could hear the end result and have my vote on it. I don't have the time to do something like that. I've been out on tour with these guys and I've never really left touring since last summer. When I got done with the Journey tour. I went in and did the new Journey record Generations, then I went straight into rehearsals with Soul Sirkus did that tour and then straight back into rehearsals for this Journey tour. I've been out for almost two years now."
BW&BK: You never take a vacation, eh?
NS: "I need too (laughs)! I'm a little fried around this point."
BW&BK: Is it just a need to be creative?
NS: "You know, I didn't plan on putting out three CDs in a year. It was a fluke that it happened. The I On U record was sitting in the can and I sent the 8-tracks to Steve Vai. He called me back and said 'this would really work on my label (Favored Nations). Can you go back in the studio and do three new songs?' So, that's what I did, but eight of those songs had been done for three years. The Soul Sirkus thing came about real fast. I'd hooked up with Jeff Scott Soto (who I met at the NAMM show as well as Marco Mendoza) and Dean (Castronovo – Journey's drummer) was playing with us. I wanted to do something with this material that I had written with Planet Us. So, I decided to re-group and put it out with some guys that I think are 'happening'. And that's what I did. I sent Jeff all my material and he wrote all the vocals. When he got eight songs done, we went into the studio and knocked it out in a couple of days."
BW&BK: Is it (Soul Sirkus) a one-off or is it going to go on?
NS: "I would love for it to go on and I've said that it will go on, but something's got to happen for me to make it go on because I'm in the hole right now for about 300 000$. I'm the bank for the project. I set it up as a band and everybody gets an equal share, but everybody wants to get paid and I'm not getting paid. I'm paying to play. I'd love to see something happen with it, but we've had no luck getting it on a label in the States. It's out in Europe and we did well when we toured Europe."


BW&BK: Let's talk Journey. You've been doing this for 30 years and not many bands survive a vocalist change. Why do you think the fans keep coming back? What is it about Journey?
NS: "I don't know. I don't know, man. We refuse to go away, so I guess they keep on coming. They definitely like what they are seeing. Augeri is singing now and he conveys the songs in a positive way to which the audience is responding. As a band, we're kicking a lot of ass right now (musically) and we don't sound as old as we are (laughs). So, the spark is still there. You know guys like Jeff Beck sound like he's still 16, but then you got (Eric) Clapton that sound like he's taking a snooze. I used to love him when he had the fire inside, but now it's like 'man, c'mon play that Goddamn thing."
BW&BK: The band has toured pretty much every summer. Have you decided to go the live route and put out albums less frequently? What is the game plan?
NS: "That's where this band lives – on tour. We've actually done more touring this year than normal. Usually, we only do about three and half months in the summer, but now we're into our fifth month. I'm a little fried with the road right now."
BW&BK: You're also hitting markets you haven't it in ages...
NS: "Well, I went to management and said 'look if we're going to play more dates. Let's go to markets we haven't been.' We're also going to Mexico which we haven't played in about three years. We played Puerto Rico and sold out the Coliseum. I want to get over to Europe and play markets we've never played. It's virgin ground for us."
BW&BK: You really are the "American" band...
NS: "The fact is that we have been an 'American' band all of this time. They've never seen the different incarnations of Journey, so it'll be all brand new to them, but also our new audience in the States is all young kids. So, they never saw anything we were before either and they're checking us out going 'wow, these guys have got it going on.' There's guitar playing, there's drums – it's actually rock 'n roll. It's not what's all over MTV or whatever."
BW&BK: You're not like the other bands of your era that are doing clubs tours. You still play arenas and sheds...
NS: "We completely kicked ass in the sheds this year. In Detroit, we'll do two days in the sheds with 20 000 each night. Journey broke out of Detroit. That was the first city that hit our record (Infinity) really hard and it just spread from there."
BW&BK: Detroit is big for everybody. It broke Alice Cooper, Kiss, Ted Nugent...
NS: "It's a rock city. It's the rock capital. I don't know why it is, but it is."
BW&BK: Detroit Rock City as they say. Now, the new record "Generations" was just released up here...
NS: "We did something real interesting with this one and because of what we did – we actually made money on it. We built it in to the ticket price."
BW&BK: That's right – you gave it away at all the summer shows...
NS: "We tried to keep the ticket prices down, but we got a portion of the ticket price that went right into our pocket for the CD. I saw Prince do it. I went to his show in Minneapolis and I got pulled aside and was told to check this out: when you buy a ticket – you get his new record. So, I was like 'how does that work?' He gets 10$ off the top of every ticket. When you're with a major label... If you get 2$ a record that's a very high royalty and then you split it between five or six guys. So, it's not much and you have to sell millions and millions of copies to make any money. That's why bands tour – because you make more money on tour and selling swag. Everybody needs to make money and as much as we made - inflation hits everybody."


BW&BK: Giving CDs away at the door – is that something you see as the future of rock?
NS: "You know I'm going to try and do it exactly as we did it this time. We've got 350,000 or so copies out there. I have no idea if they're even selling in stores. People come to the concerts and they're singing the new songs without them being on the radio. That's pretty incredible. You give your audience the music. They don't have to go find it..."
BW&BK: Don't have to download it...
NS: "Right, I saw Prince do it and I thought it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen and especially for us because we hadn't been signed in years with a major label. We were free to go, but had a huge built-in audience. It won't work for a lot of bands because they don't have that built-in audience. Then we decided to license it after the biggest portion of the tour was over. So, we still own it and got some money up front for it."
BW&BK: Are you proud of the album? Is it a good Journey album?
NS: "I think it's a great Journey record. I really do. I think it's different, but I think it's better than the one we did before. "Arrival" was a good record, but it was an expensive record to make. It cost us so much money to make that record, some songs were good, but I didn't like the way every thing turned out in the end sound wise. I'm not crazy about my guitar sound on "Arrival" at all. Sounds like a buzz saw."
BW&BK: This one sounds like classic Journey...
NS: "This one is nuts & bolts. Some of it is right back to "Escape" or "Frontiers" with the Motown rock vibe with the blues guitar and only one guitar – no overdubs. I went back to that because that's what I've been a fan of for years. Everything today sounds like there's ten zillion guitars and they're all fuzzy – why all the overdubs?"
BW&BK: Everything now sounds stale. There was a magic to early Aerosmith, early Clapton, early Beatles... there was a vibe and now with digital we've lost "the vibe"...
NS: "The fidelity is not the same and a lot of people critiqued our sound on Generations because we went back to analogue. We went back to the old style."
BW&BK: We're you trying to go back a re-capture the old sound or is this just what comes out of you... your soul?
NS: "That's what the music sounds like. That's the era we come from and we're not trying to be the flavour of the month. We're not trying to re-invent ourselves."
BW&BK: But it wasn't a contrived attempt to be Journey 1981...
NS: "We prefer the sound of our older records. We like analogue as opposed to pro-tools. I think for bass, guitar and drums – you can't beat analogue."
BW&BK: Where does Journey and / or Neal Schon go from here?
NS: "I'm going to go do a blues record with a lot of different female & male singers. I might redo a few Journey tracks in a different way like Walks Like A Lady, Living To Do, I'm Crying and redo some Ray Charles tunes. We also have a ton of old Journey stuff in the can that'll just keep on coming and we (this band) shot a live DVD in Dallas (2005). We went all out - we brought in pyro... we did everything and did our three hour show that we were doing earlier this year and that'll come out next year, but I don't know what I'm doing right now other than I'm moving from the Bay area to Minneapolis. My wife is from there and I love that town musically. All of Prince's ex-boys live there, great clubs to go jam in and great people in general. COLD, but I'll get used to the snow easy. I'm just ready for a change."
For more visit: www.journeymusic.com.

BUTCH WALKER ANNOUNCES NEW LIVE DVD & 2006 PLANS:
Butch Walker has updated his MySpace page with a new post - in reads in part:
"i'm gonna go into the studio this year and bang out 2 new records for you to chew on next spring. one will be a new Butch Walker record, and the other will be a new Band record (i will reveal more on this later). should be a cool thing and you can have your cake and eat it too, cuz they will probably definitely maybe be released at the same time. enjoy that...
also, sooner than that, i will be releasing a DVD of the tour from Japan this past year. Live at Budokan will be released on Dec. 13th, and you can preorder it online at the Sony store right now for pretty cheap at: www.sonymusicstore.com/store/catalog/MerchandiseDetails.jsp?merchId=92556&skuId=92561. this little gift i made for you has the concert from the Budokan arena, as well as some silly, cliche, "ooh look at the band being funny", backstage footage... oh, there's also a cool little bonus! there's the live concert video from '03's This is Me... Justified and Stripped acoustic show at the Variety Playhouse Theatre in Atlanta!!! now you can see it instead of just listen to your little CD you have of it.. yay. i'm nice.
The band Butch refers to is his new side project LSD (Lead Singer's Disease) and the track listing for the DVD is as follows:
Live at Budokan - Intro . Sober . Promise . Race Cars and Goth Rock . Diary Of A San Fernando Sexx Star . Mixtape . Don't Move . Best Thing You Never Had . Cigarette Lighter Love Song . Suburbia . Grant Park . Over Your Head . Every Monday . Freak Of The Week . Let Me Go . Take Tomorrow (One Day at a Time).
Stripped Bonus - Intro . Radio Tokyo . Uncomfortably Numb . #1 Summer Jam . Last Flight Out . Mixtape . Best Thing You Never Had . Lights Out.
ArtistLink: www.butchwalker.com.


STARTING AT SQUARE ONE FOR AUSSIE POWER POP OUTFIT:
Aussie power pop outfit Square One will release their debut album in Japan December 14. Supersonic is the long awaited album which was signed for a European release some time back, but unfortunately that never eventuated. The Japanese release is the world first for the band via the label Stay Gold.
The Track Listing is: Tonight . Sweet September . Wings To Fly . Hazy . Love Struck Melody . Free Flow Feeling . Colour Me Blue . Dizzy Colour Blind . Supersonic . Ups And Downs . Rock N Roll Hysteria . Seven Witches (Bonus Track For Japan) . Always With You (Bonus Track).


BRIAN MAY TACKLES QUEEN'S CONCERT TICKET PRICES:
Yesterday I announced Queen + Paul Rodgers would hit the USA in early 2006. Unbeknown to me, some ticket prices are as high as US$200. Sorry guys, but that's outrageous.
It seems many agree, with guitarist Brian May already posting on his website to defend the high prices. Billboard have picked up on this also, which certainly isn't the best bit of PR for the tour. This from: www.billboard.com -
"Yesterday, guitarist Brian May took to his official Web site to address some fan concerns about the price of tickets for the upcoming shows, which top out at around $200.
"Well, I sympathize, guys, but I know our tickets are nowhere near as expensive as the Stones, or Elton, or whatever (they COULD be!)," he wrote. "People are under no obligation to buy these things! We've made a decision to work indoors rather than outdoors, so that the fans get a better show. Most bands elect to go out and do the 'sheds' in the summer to make money. This is about doing the maximum show that is possible, in arenas, which are conducive to a show of the magnitude of ours. Of course the capacities are less this way, so ticket prices will be higher. But, sound-wise, view-wise and show-wise, I'll personally guarantee it will be worth it!"

CALLING BANDS FOR CRUEFEST 6:
Press Release / The date for the 6th Annual Cruefest Hollywood has been finalized! We are now searching for 8 more great bands to perform at this wonderful Charity Event! All bands must be able to perform at least one complete Motley Crue song!
If your band is interested in playing Cruefest Hollywood 2006 please email mr_inkslinger@yahoo.com All band submissions will be considered! This is an excellent opportunity for you to have your band and music showcased at the World Famous Whisky A Go-Go!
For more information, please check out www.cruefest.com or email mr_inkslinger@yahoo.com.

RELEASE DATES UPDATED:
The CD Release Dates page has been given an update - once again, possibly the last big update of the year before new titles and dates flow through in January. Check it out.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

THE RETURN OF NORWAY:
Former AOR favourites Norway have announced their return. Jim Santos sent in the following update. "Well, we finally have finished recording the new record (Still untitled). I'm busily mixing it right now. I have no doubts that it will be the best Norway record yet.
Recorded at my home studio, we had a great ambiance, a roomful of guitars amps and keyboards, and enough time to get it right. We have a new singer on this outing, former Tradia & Departure vocalist Dave Baldwin."
That's certainly good news for fans and I'll be sure to pass on additional information as it comes to light. Some of the songs lined up for this album include: The Power of Gold, Save Me, American Girl and Only One I Need.


BEAUTIFUL CREATURES TO RELEASE DEUCE IN EUROPE:
Perris Records is proud to announce the signing of Beautiful Creatures for the Europe market. Their new album Deuce will be released in Europe in February 2006. Deuce will contain 4 bonus tracks for the Europe market only. The album was released in Japan in the early spring 2005 and released with different tracks in the US this past summer. Now, It's time to rock Europe! Look for the full page ad coming soon in Classic Rock Magazine. More news shortly.
WebLinks: www.perrisrecords.com and www.beautifulcreatures.net.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
John Waite looks like he will take to the stage in Europe as part of the Arrow Classic Rock Festival in Lichtenvoorde on June 10, 2006.
He wil then play in Holland again on June 11. A little more information at: johnwaitethegreatest.web-log.nl/log/4211599.

Vocalist Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Cry of Love) and Dave Henzerling (a.k.a. David Michael-Philips - King Kobra, Keel, Lizzy Borden) of Big Cock did a hilarious interview on the Hairball John Radio show which airs all this week. Check it out if you get the chance: www.hairballjohn.com.

There is a 15 minute clip of VH1's Metal Mania, Stripped Across America Tour on the video page of the website: psychobabbletv.com.

Passing along some new Journey full length video clips from the new Live In Houston DVD for you! Check out Don't Stop Believin' via - Quicktime, Real Media or Windows Media.

Check out the new web site www.dannytate.com and it will give you a link to CD Baby where you can listen/order Danny Tate's new CD, Destination X.

Daize Shayne will be a featured surfer in a Net Zero national television commercial. The commercial will be shot at SurfRider Beach in Malibu his Dec. 5th and 6th. www.daize.com.

Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers/RockStar: Inxs) has just launched his new website as well as a streaming live audio broadcasts from his home. The radio site has been up for a few days and already has included some appearances from Carmen Electra, Courtney Love and The Start. Tune in to spread radio via his website at: www.6767.com.

Vocalist Keith Slack wants to share some new tunes with you. Check out: www.myspace.com/keithslackband and his other project www.myspace.com/sixftsouth.

LIVING LOUD GETS US RELEASE FINALLY:
The Living Loud CD and DVD is being released in the US on Jan 10 2006 via Capitol EMI -- The tracklisting is the same as the overseas releases but with TWO added bonus tracks: Last Chance . I Don't Know . Every Moment A Lifetime . Crazy Train . In The Name Of God . Flying High Again . Pushed Me Too Hard . Mr Crowley . Tonight . Walk Away . Over The Mountain . Gimme Some Lovin' . Good Times . Bonus Tracks: Crazy Train (live) . Good Times (Live).
DVD Bonus footage - Documentary . In The Name Of God (film clip) . TV Commercials . photo gallery . biographies.

QUEEN RETURN TO ROCK USA - QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS SET 23-DATE TOUR FOR SPRING 2006:
Press Release / Some of rock's greatest anthems are to be heard performed live again across America after more than 20 years, as rock legends Queen, now joined forces with Paul Rodgers, singer and songwriter of Bad Company/Free fame, announce they are to play a 23 date tour of the USA and Canada this coming Spring.
The tour announcement comes only a matter of weeks after Queen and Rodgers ignited sold out box office and strong media attention with two showcase performances at Meadowlands, NJ, and the Hollywood Bowl on a stop-off along the way to their recent sold out Japanese tour.
Away from the North America concert circuit for more than two decades – an enforced retirement brought on by the tragic loss of lead singer Freddie Mercury, Queen with Rodgers will launch into their coast-to-coast tour Friday March 3 in Miami, Fl at the American Airlines Arena.
Spending six weeks on US soil, the band will closely re-route it's triumphant '82 North American tour, bringing it back to the Queen-heartlands Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Seattle, Portland, among other US cities, plus Canadian stops in Toronto and Vancouver, where the tour winds up on April 13, 2006.
Tickets for these much-anticipated shows go on sale earliest December 3 with on sales across the country at different dates up until December 17.
Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster with a Special Presale starting November 30th at, www.queenonline.com, or www.paulrodgers.com.
A little further news on this is available at: www.pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=6483.

INTRODUCING GLASS WOLFE:
Glass Wolfe is a new project featuring vocalist Maria Glass and keyboard player/producer Philip Wolfe (Impellitteri, WASP, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Rox Diamond). The new album features such guests as Ray Schenck (Hellion), Iain Ashley Hersey, Stuart Smith (Heaven and Earth), Paul Daniels (Rox Diamond) and others.
More information can be found at: www.glasswolfe.com.

BACH GIG PIX ONLINE:
Rockstapix.com is proud to announce the posting of exclusive pictures of former Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffman's performance with Sebastian Bach (former Skid Row frontman). The show took place this past weekend in Poughkeepsie, NY @The Mid Hudson Civic Center. This is the one and only performance of Wolf with Sebastian and rockstarpix.com was in "the pit" to catch all the action!
Also on the bill that night was former Dokken/Lynch Mob/LP guitarist George Lynch, Yngwie Malmsteen and Twisted Sister. You can check out the pix from all these performers from this show at: www.rockstarpix.com.

THE REALITY FOR PULSE:
Ok, I have an update on UK melodic rockers Pulse - possibly the most complex and confusing band to ever grace the AOR scene. The final word on these guys is that they have not broken up. However, both Vince & Andy have left the band and there are no real plans in place for a future for the band. Stay tuned from now on via: www.rock2pulse.co.uk.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

THE OUTFIELD TO GIVE AWAY NEW LIVE CD ONLINE:
A little super cool news for fans of The Outfield. The band are preparing to release the The Outfield - Live for free download @ theoutfield.com.
This from the band: "After a slight delay in the release schedule, the Live CD is back on track for release, with one major catch: It will be released over the next 3 months as a free download on "TheOutfield.com". Having spent the past few months working out some publishing issues regarding some of the songs that were to be included on the live album, we felt it wasn't fair to make you fans wait any longer for these songs. So we've decided to make them available for download at no cost!"
The first two tracks on offer are: 1. Intro, 2. This Love Affair. The band will be releasing 2 songs every two weeks along with upcoming cover art so that fans can burn and create their own disc.
The Outfield's very good current studio CD Any Time Now is for sale via CD baby thru theoutfield.com and the guys are also been busy writing and recording material for new release some time in 2006.


OFFICIAL KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! DVD PREVIEW/RELEASE PARTY:
Press Release / On December 13, the forthcoming Kiss double DVD Rock The Nation Live! will get an exclusive preview at the Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam, Holland. About a week before the DVD's official release in Europe, Kiss fans can already get a taste of the DVD as the band's European label SonyBMG in cooperation with Kiss Kollector Fanclub have set up an official release party in Amsterdam. Fans not only will get to see a the double set DVD, the package will also be available for purchase that night whereas in most European countries, the DVD won't be available in stores until December 19.
Also, the Hard Rock Cafe will be serving special Kiss Burger menus on the evening of the event. For more details on the preview/release party, see www.kisskollector.com.

THE RETURN OF BATTLE BRATT:
Press Release / Battle Bratt is proud to announce their new licensing distribution deal on November 28th 2005 for a 2006 re-release of their highly sought after 1988 debut record to be released on Battle Cry Records, Europe.
The reissue will have a newly revised CD insert that will include new photos of the band from that era making this a collector's item to own. The reissue will also contain the four song original Winds Of Change demo tracks; the songs were later to be rerecorded professionally for the record. The bonus tracks will be placed at the end of the CD and will be in their original demo state with no major reproduction. To find out more about the Battle Bratt reissue CD and other great bands on Battle Cry Records logon to their official website at www.battlecryrecords.de.
This is the calm before the storm coming out of the Bratt camp. The band quotes, that the new Battle Bratt record will be nothing you that have ever heard coming out of an eighties American metal band. The new record entitled Seed Of The Universe is in full production right now with a half the songs for the record competed and a compilation of experimental and creative ideas waiting to be recorded. The band feels that Battle Cry Records who has great respect for the band has given the band a great launching pad to let the world know that Eighties Metal Headz can still kick azz in a world made neo-punk, gothic rockers and rebellious college kidz who go by the letter X and Y, we will rock you.

SONY BMG STORM UPDATE:
A little update on the SonyBMG Digital Rights megastorm - from www.hitsdailydouble.com today - The Los Angeles Times keeps its hand in outcry over the ongoing XCP-fueled Sony BMG meltdown today with an editorial declaring that the company shot itself in the foot so badly this month that it may have wounded the entire music industry. While most would argue the music industry's already been badly wounded for years, the Times editorial further points out (with alliterative flourish) that Sony BMG's disastrous dalliance with invasive anti-piracy technology gives music fans yet another reason to view the major record labels as victimizers, not victims. Just that point of view has been expressed by certain industry insiders, who have suggested that, in addition to the lawsuits already brought against Sony BMG in Texas and elsewhere, the company may soon be sued by other labels and even its own artists. Looks like this one won't be going away anytime soon.

Here is that LA Times Editorial - Sony BMG, the world's second-largest record company, shot itself in the foot so badly this month that it may have wounded the entire music industry. Its disastrous dalliance with invasive anti-piracy technology gives music fans yet another reason to view the major record labels as victimizers, not victims. Full story: www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-sony28nov28,1,7355316.story.

And finally - one programmer's detailed expose on the XCP Toolkit Software can ve found at: hack.fi/~muzzy/sony-drm/.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
AOR Dreamzones has a new Balance II interview online now. Check it out.

Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame nominees for 2006 were announced today. No surprises to see bands such as Van Halen and Journey ignored as usual. This year those nominated are: Black Sabbath, Miles Davis, Blondie, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Sex Pistols.

German melodic metallers Edguy have finalized the track listing for their new album, Rocket Ride, due on January 20, 2006 through Nuclear Blast. The tracks are: Sacrifice, Rocket Ride, Wasted Time), Matrix, Return To The Tribe, The Asylum, Save Me, Catch Of The Century, Out Of Vogue, Superheroes, Trinidad, Fucking With Fire.

FEATURE REVIEWS UPDATED:
As promised, the Feature Reviews area has been given a big update in line with the Reviews update of yesterday. You can now add your own CD reviews for these titles: Inxs / Switch, Night Ranger / Hits, Acoustic & Rarities, The Darkness / One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back, 91 Suite / Times They Change, Tony Martin / Scream, Bad Habit / Hear-say, Legs Diamond / Diamonds Are Forever, Mak Spiro / Mighty Blue Ocean, Radioactive / Taken, Khymera / A New Promise, Soul Doctor / For A Fistful Of Dollars, Bruce Turgon / Outside Looking In, The Mob / The Mob, Change Of Heart / Truth Or Dare, Johnny Lima / Version 1.2, Various Artists / Metal Mania Stripped 2, The Anthems, Seventh Key / Live In Atlanta and Primal Fear / Seven Seals.
Get busy - add your reviews!

The Best Of 2005 (So Far) has also been updated after yesterday's Reviews were added. Titles here are in no particular order, but these are the releases in line for the 2005 MelRock Awards. Check it out.

Monday, November 28, 2005

THE HOOTERS TEAR IT UP IN PHILLY:
The magnificent Hooters played a rare US show November 16 in their hometown of Philadelphia. The World Cafe Live show celebrated Hifi House's 50th Anniversary, with some of the ticket proceeds going to cancer-fighting foundation Alex's Lemonade Stand and community-outreach music education program Music Lab.
The gig was broadcast live on WXPN-FM and featured the following set list - Time Stand Still (New Song) . Blood From A Stone . Hanging On A Heartbeat . Day By Day . Fightin' On The Same Side . That's The Way I Will Remember (New Song) . South Ferry Road . Piano Intro / Graveyard Waltz . 500 Miles . Deeper Down (New Song) . Deliver Me . Private Emotion . Deliver Me (Reprise) . Johnny B . Satellite . Karla With A K . And We Danced . Encore 1: All You Zombies . Encore 2: The Boys Of Summer (Don Henley Cover) . Where Do The Children Go (w/ Shamsi Ruhe) . Twenty-Five Hours A Day . Encore 3: Morning Buzz (New Song) . Time After Time (Recorded By Cyndi Lauper) . One Of Us (Recorded By Joan Osbourne).
Even better news - thanks to my good bud Matt - this entire broadcast will be featured this week in MR-X! It is quite simply a superb show highlighting what a classic melodic rock band The Hooters are. Hopefully their long anticipated new studio album will take shape in 2006.

FIREFEST II - A SUCCESS FOR ALL CONCERNED:
Firefest II took place this weekend and from all reports, a bloody good time was had by all. Sorry I couldn't be there! The first reports in suggest that all bands present on the day had great shows, with the early buzz talking favorably about Harem Scarem, Vaughn, House Of Lords and Shy. Blue Tears and Nexx were the talk of the Friday Night pre-show party...but stay tuned for some pictures and reports from those there on the day.
Nottingham RockCity had close to 1000 rock fans packed in to see some of the best melodic rock bands around. Time to start lobbying for a Firefest 3 in 2006 I think!

DON DOKKEN TALKS METAL:
StriglsMusicNews.com has posted episode 22 of their Talking Metal podcast. The episode is the third in a three part series spotlighting the VH1 Classic Metal Mania Stripped Across America Tour 2005. Included in this music driven Dokken special are interviews co-host John Ostronomy conducted with Dokken frontman Don Dokken and Metal Mania tour manager/Adler's Appetite guitarist Craig Bradford. Hosts Mark Strigl and Ostronomy also cover topics including Dokken's history, Adler's Appetite, Axl Rose, and the Guns N Roses forthcoming album, Chinese Democracy. A picture as well as the 30 minute podcast can be downloaded at this location (striglsmusicnews.com/podcasts/talkingmetal/index.htm). iTunes users can also subscribe to "Talking Metal" for free at this location (phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=78833595).

VINDEX SIGNS WITH CHAVIS RECORDS:
Power/Progressive Metal band Vindex signs on for the release of their full length debut Power Forge. Hailing from Slovakia, Vindex delivers their brand of pure power metal laced with progressive elements driven by twin neo classical guitars. What makes Vindex unique is the voice of vocalist Ludek Struhar who could be a dead ringer for Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider. Power Forge contains 11 tracks of brain crushing metal sure to please fans of Grave Digger, Accept, UDO, Edguy, and Stratovarious. Release Date January 2006.
WebLink: www.chavisrecords.net.


REVIEWS UPDATED:
Not a whole lot of news added today, as I have been working all day completing the latest Reviews Update. I have really covered some titles in this update, with only one release of all featured delivering a disappointment. The majority of the titles are all good/very good in their own individual ways, so be sure to read through the reviews to find the titles best suited to your taste.
Tomorrow I will open up the interactive Feature Reviews so you can add your own views on a range of these titles. But for now - check out new reviews for:
Inxs, The Darkness, Night Ranger, 91 Suite, Tony Martin, Bad Habit, Legs Diamond, Flagship, Terra Nova, Line Of Fire, Mark Spiro, Divinefire, Green, Rox Diamond, The Click Five, Urs, Pleasure Maker, XYZ, Shannon Noll, Paul Black's LA Guns, VTR, Gary Schutt, Toyz, Black Majesty, Vulpine, No Nation, Shakra, Bright Horizon, Teenage Casket Co & Daize Shayne. Check them out now!

Friday, November 25, 2005

NEXX SIGN TO ALL NEW UK LABEL "ANGEL MILK RECORDS" FOR NEW ALBUM:
Popular Spanish melodic rock outfit Nexx have finally signed a new label deal for the release of their second album in 2006. The new label is UK based Angel Milk Records.
Label proprietor Andy Bramhall confirms the following: "I am proud and fortunate to be in a position to give these guys a well deserved break in getting this new album out into the market place, these guys are my first signing and there's a genuine "buzz" around the office's with the news. The band are a close knit family, the vibe is great, the band are hardworking and the songs are fantastic! I am truly proud to be associated with the Nexx family. The new album will sound sonically profound and will show the band off to their truest potential. The bands first album Colours sold over 4,500 copies and was well received within the community, this new album we are all hoping will sell many more units, the band really deserve to do well, and I'll say once again that I am very fortunate to be involved in helping these extremely talented and humble people really "Step up a gear "in 2006."
The new album will be mixed and produced by Pete "Peewee" Coleman at the famous "Jellyjam Studios" in the UK. Recording starts early December 2005 for an early Feb/March 2006 release.

UK MELODIC ROCKERS PULSE CALL IT A DAY:
Following the recent demise of British melodic rockers Pride, fellow countrymen Pulse regret to announce that they have also decided to split.
This from the band: "Vince O'Regan & Andy Mills have decided to leave pulse. After 5 years of being let down by certain band members enough is enough. ALL gigs booked by Pulse will be honoured by Alibi playing tracks from their debut album & selected Pulse tracks."

SUNCITY LINE UP NEXT RELEASES:
Suncity Records are back with their two new releases - both due out December 5.
The first title is the archive sequal release from Blue Tears, titled Dancin' On The Back Streets. It is the second CD of unreleased material from the band this year and features the following tracks:
Summer Girl . Loud Guitars, Fast Cars And Wild, Wild Women . Kiss And Tell . Storm In My Heart . Slip And Fall . A Date With Destiny . All Cried Out . Forever Yours . Do You Want Me? . Small Town Dreams . Livin' In The Movies . She's Not Falling In Love . Strong . Touch . Dark Of The Night . Dream Of Me.

The second release is Swingin' Thing - Keep On Swingin'. This one is for fans of the Glam/Sunset Strip scene. The CDs both comes with great artwork and unseen pictures plus lyrics.
Full details can be found at: www.suncityrecords.com.

xx

TONY MARTIN TALKS IN DETAIL ABOUT LATEST PROJECT:
Tony Martin has taken a few minutes to stop and write down his thoughts on his new solo album Scream, out now through MTM Music.
Tony writes: "As a singer Tony Martin has worked on many projects the most famous being Black Sabbath. Now, I have ventured out on my own once again to become a solo artist after 10 years of laying low.
It's an exciting time of course but also a time of uncertainty. The industry I was part of with Black Sabbath is a very different place to the one today. Mostly, the technology has changed and it's had contradicting effects on the way we work with record labels. The download thing has affected the industry heavily, but the positive side is we no longer have to use large expensive studios to make music work. This new album is a product of these conditions.
After leaving Black Sabbath, I didn't much want to be involved in music and only played part time when I wanted to, and though I was writing, It was mostly other styles of music to that of Sabbath. I was convinced that I should leave the Sabbath thing behind and find a new direction. Easier said, than done!!
I had been working in the heavy rock side of music for 30 years previous, and Sabbath was the last 10 years of it, so it was always hiding inside my writing, and usually appeared in some track somewhere. The songs I wrote over the years were never one definite style, I guess my first solo album Back Where I Belong got closest to being a particular style, but it wasn't a comfortable one. I still liked experimenting with music and mixing stuff, and liked the raunchy side that heavy music gives.
The result of all this, is that I moved back toward the dark side!!! Well almost, I still write with every kind of direction, I found it impossible to write any other way, but it mostly now has an undeniably heavy attitude. Trouble is, It's untested. I have no idea how it will be received, what I do know is that there are some great tracks on this new album. Putting them all together is the brave part!
Firstly I called the album Scream and it was originally part of a trilogy called "Clean, Mean & Scream" 3 different albums incorporating all the styles I was interested in as a writer and musician. But the Trilogy idea was too diverse for a solo release so I was forced to rethink the way forward and because of so many people asking for a heavy release, I decided to focus on that and separated "Scream" from the other 2 titles.
The tracks on the album are titled, "Raising Hell" "Bitter Sweet" "Field of lies" "I'm gonna live forever" "Surely love is dead" "Faith in madness" "Scream" "The kids of today" "Wherever you go" and an extra track for Japan titled "Unbearable".
The extra track "Unbearable" that is on the Japanese release is a really important one for me because it was co-written with my eldest son. It is very much more punky than the other tracks and even borders on the "Rap metal" but I love it and I hope it finds a place in the good books!!
The words are very symbolic of being trapped in a situation and not being able to "breathe" and needing a way out. The music is very energetic and contradicting and was great to play, the chords are a REALLY unusual sequence and is typical of the stuff that kids of today play. Great!
"Raising Hell" is also very special to me because it features the playing of Cozy Powell. When I was a member of Cozy Powells Hammer way back in the early 90's, I was working then with Mario Parga (Guitar) and Neil Murray (Bass), and I asked Cozy if he had any drum patterns I could use to write songs around. He said he would record some, and he did! He gave me a tape that he had recorded at home with just drum patterns on it. No music, just Cozy Powell playing drums! Coool!!! After a while I put it aside, and eventually forgot about it. Then when I moved house 4 years ago, I came across the tape and began working with it.
I have 22 tracks that I'm working on, and hope to one day release them. They are all completely new songs, unheard, and mostly written by me although I'm trying to get some of Cozy's previous colleagues to appear too. "Raising Hell" is one of the ideas that I actually rehearsed with Cozy and recorded a demo for at the time. He said "It would be a good track for you to do on your next solo album" .. and here it is. After all those years I finally got it done. It was painstaking work to get this track finished, and it was important to do justice to his name. I decided to keep a Rainbow approach for this track because his drumming on this was very reminiscent of that period.
I have also co-written some of the songs on the album with keyboard player Geoff Nicholls, another Sabbath member of my years in the band. Geoff co-wrote "Bitter Sweet" "Field of lies" "Wherever you go" and "Raising Hell" and is a master at those spooky sounds and chords. This is where the Sabbath sound comes from on this album, his ideas were never really credited on the albums that Sabbath did, and a lot of the chord structures he did were how I came up with melodies, and sometimes the atmosphere of the keyboard sounds made it easier to make my lyrics work. Similarly these tracks have Geoff Nicholls sound all over them. Very atmospheric and moody, and powerful.
"Field of lies" was written about the Iraq war, and I had to build a guitar specially to record this song because we tuned down to A!!! For those of you that understand, that's 5 semitones down from normal concert pitch tuning! The only way we could get a sound that matched the album was to build a guitar! Mad or What!!
"Bitter Sweet" is the "fear of dying" type lyric that appears in a lot of Sabbath type songs. But "Wherever you go" was a complete departure from the rest and originated from a passage of music that Geoff played on keyboards with an acoustic guitar sound! The melody was great but we couldn't use it because it had been recorded partly with an arpeggio generator in the keyboard and we couldn't re-create the passage so I had to learn how to play it on REAL acoustic guitar.
It sounds easy, but It took me a while! The melody and lyrics are very much more acoustic in style but considered and meaningful.
I like these tracks, Geoff and I will team up for a small tour later in 2005 and possibly more songs on future albums. I have great respect for his work. Fantastic!!
I have 4 children, all of them are musical in some way, and my youngest son Joe Harford has also joined me on this album. He played most of the guitar parts and solos and played endlessly through long nights with just bottles of beer and 20 different guitar sounds and instruments!!! I am very proud of them all. The sounds AND the kids!!! Joe will join me on the road for the tour also, bringing past and present together. He also has his own band called Freak Porn Experiment and you can find them on the net. But they are a really interesting modern band. Nice name!!! Some of Joes friends brought guitars and amps and all sorts of stuff to my house so that we could get the right sound for each track. Great kids, They deserve more beer!!!
I am actually really interested in a lot of the music that the younger players make. It's great that rock and variations of it still ROCK!! Thanks dudes!
The other tracks, "Faith in madness" "I'm gonna live forever" "The kids of today" "Surely love is dead" and "Scream" are Written by me but played with the help of other players and friends. I play electric violin on "Scream" which I'm going to try on the road, that should be interesting!!!
It's been a huge journey to put this album together, and I'm really pleased to have MTM records and Avalon in Japan on the team to get it released. They are among the few that I trust to give you the full Tony Martin story. In almost every interview I am asked what my influences have been that make my music work. It's all here in Scream, and it starts here and it starts now!
The album was recorded at my house in, believe it or not Headless Cross!! Yep I actually live in Headless Cross in Worcestershire England, and I have driven the neighbours insane with it so now it's your turn! Turn it up and go for it!!"
WebLink: www.mtm-music.com.

DEF LEPPARD TAKE ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE:
You might recall that Dan Clavadetscher sent in a report from the opening Journey show earlier this year. Dan was kind enough to forward another report on today - Def Leppard appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Here's Dan's report:
I had the chance to watch the soundcheck, see the performance at "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and talk to Rick Allen and Phil Collen afterward. Here are the details:
Soundcheck - Rock of Ages . Foolin' . Rock of Ages . Foolin' - (The band ran through both songs that they would be performing live twice in this order).
Setlist: Rock of Ages . Foolin' . Photograph . Animal . Promises . Let It Go . Pour Some Sugar On Me.
A crowd of more than 600 jammed the concert area in the parking lot behind the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, for the last show of the 2005 Def Leppard tour and a national television appearance on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show.
As the program is taped, Def Leppard took the stage at around 840 p.m. Pacific Time. Following an introduction from the show's host, Jimmy Kimmel, he threw it to a video screen where approximately 20 Marines stationed in Iraq introduced the band. Following a spirited version of Rock of Ages, the show went to a commercial. After the break, they came back and ended the televised portion with Foolin.
At the conclusion of the program, Joe faced the crowd and asked "And now, we will take some requests if you would like. What do you want to hear? Since the cameras are off, you can let your hair down and your tits out." After the crowd threw out a number of requests, the band played Photograph and Animal.
Joe again addressed the fans and said "I don't really know what we will do." Then then launched into Promises. Between each song the five talked about the song they would play next, which added an unrehearsed atmosphere to the evening.
After "Promises," a number of people requested such classics as "Rock Brigade" and "Wasted." Phil played the first few notes of Wasted and the crowd roared with approval. Joe then sang the words Hello America, and looked over at Vivian, who just shook his head and said "No."
Following another discussion, the band played Let It Go and ended the evening and tour with Pour Some Sugar on Me. Rather than end the show with his customary, "Don't forget us and we won't forget you," Joe signed off by saying "Thanks a lot. We'll see you next tour."
Brief Conversation With Phil Collenand Rick Allen - I asked both Phil and Rick when Yeah is expected to be released. Both said in separate conversations that it will hit stores in March or April 2006, to coincide with the next tour.
In addition, Phil said he is heading back to England soon to finish up work on the Man-Raze CD. He said the band has 12 songs ready to go.

MR-X UPDATED:
MR-X has been updated as it is each and every Friday. Online today is two special features and some new videos.
Toto fever is beginning to rise, so today I have a 2 disc, 20 track soundboard show from the band - Live At Budokan, Tokyo Japan May 18, 1982. On top of that - 15 rare Joseph Williams Westcoast demos from June, 1980!
There is also something for Robert Plant fans - a new 2005 Promo Interview CD, sent out to promote Plant's Mighty ReArranger release.
And this week's new video clips are: Billy Idol - Scream and Rebel Yell (Acoustic 2005); UFO - Back Into My Life and Let It Rain; plus Tangier - Southbound Train.
Do not forget the mega-competition in play for a stack of CDs plus Motley Crue live tickets and a DVD. And not only that, but everything else added in recent weeks is online for one last week before some changes need to be made!
Join now - MR-X Membership Details.


Reviews due up Monday and a host of other page updates due next week. Also, it's now less than 4 weeks now until our new baby is due, so if I disappear for a few days...you know what's going on!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

CATENA - RETURN OF THE GALACTIC FREAKBOY:
The latest update from Chris Catena has just arrived in. Chris is still working on his second album Discovery - The Return of the Galactic Freakboy, a spacey concept album.
The album will be really introspective and spiritual. Some song (working) titles are Resurrection, Hot Damn..oh..Mercy Man, Forgive Me, Monkey Bizz, The Flight, Cosmic Girl, The Chosen One, In a New Dimension, The Last Goodbye, The Spacefreak King, Comin' Home, Fallin' For Love, Deeper Underground (Jamiroquai cover), Space Rocket Messiah (instrumental).
Some names featuring in this new project are Uriah Duffy (Chistina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Whitesnake), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Timothy Drury (Melissa Etheridge, Whitesnake, Eagles), Doug Aldrich (Dio, Whitesnake, House of Lords), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Whitesnake, Roy Harper, Blue Murder), Bruce Kulick (Kiss, Grand Funk, Michael Bolton, Meat Loaf), Steve Salas (Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, George Clinton), Tommy Denander (Paul Stanley), Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Soul Sirkus, Ted Nugent, Thin Lizzy, Blue Murder) , Doug Bossi (David Coverdale), Earl Slick (David Bowie), Pat Travers, Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart, Blue Murder, King Kobra, Vanilla Fudge), Victor Indrizzo (Macy Gray, David Gahan, Depeche Mode, Scott Weiland, Paul Stanley), Martyn LeNoble (Porno for Pyros, Jane's Addiction, The Cult), Kee Marcello (Europe), Maurizio Solieri (Vasco Rossi), Ed Mundel (Monster Magnet), Vitalij Kuprij, Janne Stark, Daniel Flores and others.....
As for the debut album Freak Out! the artwork is made by Derek Riggs (Iron Maiden, Stratovarius).
In the meantime Catena signed a deal which will feature the release of his successful debut album Freak Out! throughout Russia in a limited edition digipack, with 4 unreleased bonus tracks, a different booklet and probably a DVD track. The title will be Freak The Hell Out!

Catena on Tommy Denander - Catena's participation to the new album Taken from the all star project Radioactive, is limited to the Japanese market. He features in a duet with Thomas Vikström (Candlemass) on the song The Darkness Inside. "I have felt honoured to take part to this project as well as to work with Tommy Denander who is a brilliant composer and a great guitar player. I am happy he is so busy producing and recording. We had a good time playing a gig together in Rome. Actually many projects of mine are ready to be released and i am even discussing the details for the release of my live album and of my cover album."
Catena on Vitalij Kuprij's forthcoming album Revenge - "5 days ago i had the luck to organize a wonderful party in my house to welcome my longtime friend and great keyboard player, Mr Vitalij Kuprij. We had the chance to listen to his brand new album Revenge. Well, I am proud I cooperated to this album because it is well produced, it is mature and it is full of great songs, Yes! You should listen to the song I sang to realize it. Let the future unfold is a hit, a real masterpiece and I am proud Vitalij chose me to sing it. I feel blessed!"
Check out the release of this incredible project! It's a real band featuring Michael Harris, John Macaluso and Randy Coven. Among the singers I have the honour to share the bill with John Lynn Turner, Goran Edman and Doogie White.
Catena on the Pavic album Taste Some Liberty - "I had a cool time recording with Marko Pavic, co - producing his debut CD and arranging the vocal lines. I think it is an album with a good potential. You can hear few clips goin' on www.markopavic.com. It's a mix of Rainbow, Whitesnake, Journey, Malmsteen. I personally love Summer of '98 because it is autobiographical. I am particularly proud I took the courage to change my style a bit. It was hard but my voice is in development and I am studying new solutions. This album can testify I can sing different ways."
The album will be released on December 12 and will follow by a gig as opener to John Macaluso and Alex Masi band at Stazione Birra on December 16.


SOUNDHOUSE PRESS RELEASE:
Press Release / This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the much vaunted New Wave Of British Heavy Metal...a legacy which still burns brightly today with the likes of Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. The club at the centre of this movement back in 1980 was London's Heavy Metal Soundhouse headed up the Metal Guru and DJ Neal Kay. Highly regarded as the springboard for so many bands of the time, a theory not lost on Iron Maiden when they named their debut recording The Soundhouse Tapes EP after the club. The club also celebrates its 30th anniversary, 1975 being the year the club started playing Rock music, in a world where the London nightlife was dominated by disco.
Saturday 3rd December 2005 sees the 5th annual Soundhouse Reunion party at the Rayners in Harrow, North West London. (Nearest Tube – Rayners Lane) described in Classic Rock magazine recently as "the party to end all parties" this is London's biggest and best Rock night. Again the evergreen Neal Kay will be your host and again you can expect an evening of pure nostalgia featuring the best in Classic Rock & Metal from the 70's & 80's.
Advance tickets are strongly advised as the evening is usually a sell out. Tickets can be obtained via the website, www.hmsoundhouse.com and the venue.

RIP CHRIS WHITLEY:
Sad news posted at Yahoo! News: Houston - Chris Whitley, a chameleon singer-songwriter who oscillated between roots rock 'n' roll, blues and alt-rock, has died. He was 45.
Whitley died Sunday of lung cancer in Houston, according to his record label, Messenger Records.
"I hope you all will mourn my brother's death, but more important, celebrate his life as Chris was all about life and living," read a message on the singer's Web site from his brother, Daniel. "I started the celebration by cranking up `Dirt Floor' in his honor."
Dirt Floor was Whitley's 1998 album. He recorded 11 albums since his 1991 debut, Living with the Law, including this year's Soft Dangerous Shores.
Although born in Houston, Whitley spent time in Germany, New York, Louisiana and other locations. His musical styles also wandered, touching upon everything from rock and blues to electronica and jazz.
Whitley told the Houston Chronicle earlier this year that his eclectic genre mix reflected the myriad, searching themes of his music.
"I'm always looking for something kind of melancholy," Whitley said. "I guess I was trying to mix these things without really knowing it. I write in a way that's more subconscious, just trying to articulate some mystery that's not obvious."

BAD WAY TO GIVE CDS A CHANCE:
Press Release / In the last times, there's been a lot of talk on how downloading and piracy has hurt the music industry. Also, the way to arrive to the masses for newer bands has become more and more difficult, as the music market seems to close the door for them. To try to change this situation, Bad Way will be the first band in the world who will give 2 copies instead of one to everyone who buys their CD, From Zero to Hero. With the second copy, all we want is that you give it away to your best friend, your worst enemy or just sell it on e-bay, we don't care! This will make that another person listen to our music, and this multiplies per 2 the people who reach our music!
With this, we don't want to sell millions records (well, we want but we know we won't!), but we just want to make everyone think that if a band like Bad Way, whose release has been auto produced can set up a thing like this, can give away free copies and make you pay only 12 Euros for 2 CDs, what could do a big record company?
If you want to get a copy (and then another) of From Zero to Hero, you can get it from Bad Way directly at: www.badway.net.
From Zero to Hero has got up incredible reviews throughout the whole world. Some of the said has been:
- Match that attitude with the punk rock vibe of the music and the fact the songs are all of a very good quality means that fans finding their way to this disc are likely to be impressed. There is definitely a chance these guys could get picked up by a bigger label and I expect given half the chance they will cause waves in the modern rock / punk rock world. If they are as half as energetic on stage as they are on record, they are going to win over a lot of fans. (www.melodicrock.com)
- The mix the old school glammy sleazy bands sound with the fresh approach of newer bands about melodic rock creating an explosive result. They sound a bit like Hardcore superstars and the like - but I guess that they are even better. The production is superb - Their singer has charisma and the songs got catchy choruses. (www.metal-invader.com)
- A fantastic voice and great up-beat lyrics, teamed with talented guitar and drum work, make me want to wish it well on its journey to the record shops.Quite heavy in parts, gorgeously mellow in others, there is something to suit almost every mood. (www.glitzine.net)
You can check out Bad Way music at www.badway.net or www.myspace.com/badway.


MELODIC BRIEFS:
You may now visit www.sandmanmuscimanagement.com and check out Sy Klopps Blues Band re-release and sound bytes. Featured is both Herbie Herbert's first and second Sy Klopps Blues Band releases, Walter Ego and Old Blue Eye is Back. Both CDs will be available for purchase at www.rossvalory.com as Neal Schon and Ross Valory - both of Journey - really crank it up.

Check out this clip of Tom Sawyer live from the Rush R30 DVD. Real Media & Windows.

Got a spare US$45K? Good...you can have Nikki Sixx's car then - cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-Chevy-Bel-Air.

Hardrock80.com has a new interview online with current Warrant singer Jamie St James. View it via: www.hardrock80.com/Interview.htm.

MELODIC ROCK XMAS BASH 2005!:
December 4th @ the world famous Ruskin Arms, London. www.ruskinarms.co.uk. Address for Ruskin Arms (for route planners etc) - 386 High Street North, Manor Park, London, E12 6PH, Tel 020 8472 0377.
Bill/times Doors 2pm. ARFM DJ's spinning the tunes between bands!
Escape (acoustic) 2:35pm - 3:10pm. A nice way of starting the event with a few upbeat but stripped down tunes. www.escapeintomusic.com.
The Dregs Of Society 3:25pm - 4:05pm. Sleaze/LA type party rock - get the bash off with a bang!
Crimes Of Passion 4:30pm - 5:25pm. Great to have the guys aboard the new (& old!) tunes sounding great.
Sacred Heart 5:50pm - 6:55pm. Melodic hard rock with a modern touch. www.sacredheartband.com
Mr Paul Hodson (acoustic) 7:10pm - 7:45pm. Talented musician, songwriter and singer, not to be missed. www.hodson.uk.com
Lost Weekend 8:05pm - 9:10pm. Hook laden melodic rock. www.lostweekend.org.uk
Pride 9:30pm - 11pm. The guys LAST show! Top rockers. www.prideofuk.com
And, don't forget Double Cross fans, the guys will be stopping by for a pint or two!
Full MRXB '05 Mini-site @ www.sacredheartband.com. Tickets available for JUST £8 @ www.seetickets.com.

ITUNES PRICE HIKE RUMORS: $2.49?:
From: www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=3&entry_id=1879.
The iTunes Music Store: The major labels' public enemy no. 1. Or is it 14? It's so hard to keep track.
You better buy all those 99 cents songs while you still can. The internet is abuzz with rumors that an iTunes price hike is just around the corner, based on an interview EMI Music's Chief Executive Alain Levy recently gave the Wall Street Journal.
He claimed he discussed the matter with Apple CEO Steve Jobs and is confident that the retailer will change its across-the-board price policy in the near future.
"There is a common understanding that we will have to come to a variable pricing structure. The issue is when," Levy said. "There is a case for superstars to have a higher price."
Which is basically a fancy way of saying the latest singles at the iTunes Music Store by the likes of U2, Gwen Stefani and 50 Cent will most likely go for something like $1.49 or $2.49, while Men At Work's back catalog will stay at the rather reasonable current rate. Apple's unilateral fee of 99 cents per song has annoyed major labels since the launch of its digital music service.
Just how much is Ricky Martin's She Bangs worth to you?
Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr. has gone on record declaring Apple's one-price policy unfair to the industry and artists. He believes the economy should dictate how much music downloads cost, not the Cupertino-based Apple.
"There's no content that I know of that does not have variable pricing," Bronfman said at a Goldman Sachs Communacopia investor conference. "Not all songs are created equal -- not all time periods are created equal. We want, and will insist upon having, variable pricing."
Last month music industry attorney Ken Hertz, who represents Alanis Morrissette among others, called for all labels to withdraw their merchandise from the store: "What if Jobs says 39 cents or 29 cents per download - what then? The industry can say, OK, we'll cut him off."
Jobs has called the music industry "greedy" and said its demands will only encourage piracy. "The labels make more money from selling tracks on iTunes than when they sell a CD," he said. "There are no marketing costs for them. If they want to raise the prices it just means they're getting a little greedy."
We'll contact Apple about the matter and let you know when they don't respond to us.
In the meantime, new research from the NPD Group shows that iTunes sales have exceeded those of brick-and-mortar stores Tower Records, Sam Goody and Borders, making it the seventh largest music retailer in the U.S. In September, Apple revealed it had sold more than 600 million songs to over 10 million iTunes customers.
Here's the Top 10 List of Leading U.S. Music Retailers: 1. Wal-Mart 2. Best Buy 3. Target 4. Amazon.com 5. FYE 6. Circuit City 7. iTunes 8. Tower Records 9. Sam Goody 10. Borders.

ONE WAY TO STREAMING AUDIO HELL:
The new album from The Darkness One Way Ticket to Hell and Back hits stores next week, but you can hear the whole album now on MySpace: myspace.com/thedarkness.
And if that isn't enough you can also check out the video for the first single One Way Ticket and a new flashy e-card.
One Way Ticket - Video - Real, Windows 100k Windows 300k Windows 450k and Quicktime 100k or 450k
The Darkness e-card: atlanticrecords.liquidbuilder.com/darkness_tickettohell.

CRY HAVOC GIVEAWAY FOR FIREFEST THIS WEEKEND:
Scots melodic rock maestros Cry Havoc will be making a wee splash of their own at this weekend's Firefest 2 event at Nottingham Rock City with the giving away of some exclusively signed art work for the Japanese version of the band's stunning Refuel opus. So, how do you win this prized item? Well, if you're in attendance, you'll find out...or you could make your way to the Majestic Rock merchandising stand and ask them. Either way's good...
Firefest 2 Details.

THIS WEEK ON YOUR CLASSIC METAL SHOW:
This week on your Classic Metal Show, we've got an action packed show for you. First off, we'll be debuting the new one from Buckcherry, called 15. Their song Crazy Bitch has fast become a favorite on the CMS, and now is the time to see if the rest of the album can hold up to that one. We'll do a new music listening party for 15 and see what you think of it.
Also on the show, CMS Friend and guitar great Zakk Wylde will check in with the show to let us catch up with all that's going on in his world - Black Label Society, Ozzy, solo, etc. Zakk is always entertaining, so it should be interesting to see what comes out of that.
Next, and shockingly, Neeley has promised to bring VH1 Metal Mania Host Eddie Trunk to The Classic Metal Show this week, and that should be an adventure to say the least. Eddie will be on to address VH1, his commercial radio show, and basically to talk about his stoic career in broadcasting as a "metal guy".
Finally, we'll be announcing a very special show that we will be doing to mark the 10th anniversary of The Classic Metal Show. It's gonna be great, so be sure to tune in for details of that one!
The Classic Metal Show airs live from 9p-3a EST Saturdays, and can be heard online at www.theclassicmetalshow.com.

MR-X UPDATE & COMPETITION REMINDER:
A bonus MR-X update today. Online is 3 cool preview MP3s for upcoming releases and yet another Crappy Covers compilation. Volume Two - The Very Worst Part 2 is online now. Next volume we start getting back into the best classic covers, so for now, enjoy the classic crap!
And don't forget the huge competition! The winner will be chosen by random and this is the very tasty prize pack. Winner gets the following CDs - Heaven & Earth Heaven & Earth, Xsavior Caleidoscope, Glenn Hughes Soul Mover, VTR VTR, No Nation Illumine, Balance II Balance II, The VU, House Of Shakira Live+ (with a guitar pick from the band) and a Promo CD from the very cool Bad Way and their debut album From Zero To Hero. Thanks to the participating artists for their CDs!
On top of that little booty, 2 tickets to ANY upcoming Motley Crue show!!
And in a late breaking update - I'm now adding a copy of the new Double Live Motley Crue DVD! What a prize package!
Join now and enter the competition which opens today. Get Crue tour dates from: www.ticketmaster.com/promo/21391. Competition ends Sunday 27th November.
See you tomorrow for a regular update!
MR-X Membership Details.

SITE UPDATES:
I have immersed myself in Reviews for the best part of 2 weeks now and I'm still going. Three more to go and the update is done. This huge reviews update will likely be online Monday, with some 30 titles to be featured! It will be the last big reviews update for the year, with 2006 and the 2005 MelRock Awards just around the corner.
Speaking of reviews - I have to say that the new Inxs album definitely impresses - especially the monster brooding rocker Hunger. I just can't get enough of that track and love new singer JD Fortune's contribution to the new record. Expect a full review with this coming update. But, checkout this 1 minute sample of Hunger.
Also reviewed is the new 91 Suite album which impresses greatly; The Darkness, who seem to have done everything they can to better their debut and Night Ranger's new record of old classics. All those reviews and a stack more coming up!

MiniBytes have been updated with new MP3 previews of albums from Night Ranger and Inxs. Check them out.

And before signing off for the day - a warm Happy Thanksgiving greeting to my North American friends out there and anyone else celebrating the occasion. Have a safe and happy day!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

FRONTIERS RECORDS NEWS UPDATE:
Frontiers Records is proud to present the new issue of Melodic Rock Fanzine. The eleventh release of their successful magazine is available for free all over the world through record shops, mail-orders and every fine dealer carrying the Frontiers Records releases.
Here are the previews of the two Melodic Rock Fanzine covers:


This new issue includes reviews and interviews of: The Mob, Khymera, Soul Doctor, Legs Diamond, Mark Spiro, Bad Habit, Bruce Turgon, Green, Enemies Swe and many others!
Downloadable version of the magazine can be found here MRF 11

Track By Track with Soul Doctor's Tommy Heart for the new album For A Fistful Of Dollars:
Eating On Me - We thought this is the right opener for "For A Fi$tful Of Dollar$", because nobody would expect this kind of song from Soul Doctor. Drum & Bass groove oriented high class hard rock music with a powerful modern guitar arrangement and a shot of political sung statements against the real men of evil and their fog of lies. This is the first time that we make an political statement. This is a song about all the rules, the family and the government closing in on you. And you have to shut up and you do not have any room for your life and yourself. Another point is how people play along with it. They believe everything they are told. Turn it up and enjoy!
Best Way To Fade - This one is a real rocker. If you are listening to the intro, you would never expect what will follow. This song is starting with acoustic guitar, vocals, drums and blues harp. This is the second time that we asked a good friend of ours to join us on some songs with his blues harp for this album. We did it for the first time on "You're All That I Want" from the first Soul Doctor album. This song is a leg shaker. Best Way To Fade". A rock song a la The Who and AC/DC with a great intro blues harp performance by Igor Flach. Mario proves on Best Way To Fade again what a kind of classy rock drummer he is. And so did Chris and Jogy , they gave me exactly everything what I wanted. This song will kick you out of every mess. If you are in the mess up to your nose and you are fed up, this song will get you out of it easily. I am sure everybody got sometimes this kind of feeling to leave everything and make a new start. When you get fed up, it is like the sky is falling on you and everything is down on you. You just become a slave to all of it. This is a song about just getting up on you feet, kicking out everything and saying "No". Than getting out to something else and somewhere else.
Here you got some good advise and do not forget to tell your friends about the best way to fade.
Under Your Skin - a screaming statement about being a real Rock ´N Roller through and through. If you got Rock n Roll in your blood, this is a hell of a ride for you. You only get older and it starts that nothing works out very well anymore but than you remember your old roots in Rock `N Roll and it starts getting back under your skin. And than you take off again. A song with catchy hook lines and some incredible power which will move your body until you drop. 1A Bass and drums. It really took some time to get this one groovin . Satisfaction guaranteed!!! Soul Doctor at its best I would say.
Remember Here - we got a beautiful ballad about breaking up some time before. Not letting yourself remember again, but it happens over and over. I really love the piano and the Hammond performance on this song. It took us a while to find the right arrangement and the right keyboard player for this one but it was worthwhile. Especially on the second verse. We cancelled the idea to start with the drums for the 2nd verse again. I think it was good to do it like this. With drums in the 2nd verse the song would be so predictable, so typical. Actually we wanted to write a different ballad as we did on the first and on the second album and I think we did it.
Where Do We Go - Everybody waits for the right time or the good time to do something or to get out of a bad situation. The song says just do it and think about the future, like where do we go from here. I nice rock song with a catchy chorus. I am sure all the Melodic Rock fans will love this one.
Ten Seconds Of Love - On Ten seconds of love we worked for the first time with a brass section. Trumpet, Trombone and Tenor Sax. These guys where unbelievable. It was so much fun to work with them. At the beginning I was a bit skeptical but as they started to play, I could feel that this is right way. I hope they can join us someday on tour. We recorded three songs with them. This song is one of my favourite because it was a first take and I love this groove. We played and there was magic in the air. We recorded three versions of the songs and kept the first one, because it was perfect. We caught some kind of 70ties groove and I am really proud about it. I am sure even Elvis Presley would love it. A great guitar solo by Chris!!! About the lyrics You go to work, do everything everybody wants, try to make your girlfriend happy but nobody gives a damn. So at the end of it all, you beg your girlfriend for 10 seconds of love.
She's Mine - This was the first song we wrote for the new album. Chris came up with the intro idea and here we got the brass section for the second time. This is a story about a woman who gets around with all the guy and each one of them thinks she is only for him but at least I know about all the others in the song. This song is really groovy and full of little gimmicks. I think with this song we start changing a lot. Goodbye past.
The Trigger (Goin Downhill) - Soul Doctor was a band who had to fight always for being excepted. After we had these problems in Soul Doctor, many jealous people started talking behind our backs. Words like "You re going down hill" or " You will not make it" we could here a thousand times. And this idea for the song was born. This song is about just taking the step and pulling the trigger to let everything out that has been building up in you, like frustrations and problems. But when you are a fighter, words like these keep you going. Is not it sometimes fun to go down? Again a real rocker.
Give Me A Ride (The Ride) - This is a break out song. You stand at the side of the road and do not care about the direction. You hitchhike out on the first best offer. It is just to get over the next horizon and leave everything behind.
Cheap, Down 'n Dirty - Here is the last song we recorded for the album. We just used acoustic guitars, bass, drums and blues harp. First we had a guitar solo in the middle of this song but than Chris came up with the great idea to let Igor Flach play a solo with his blues harp and it sounded perfect. I think he is one of the best blues harp performer on this planet. The lyrics telling a funny story about falling in love. Love can make so you blind even if good friends of yours trying to warn you about it. This is the reason why the Choir in this verse (you better get out of her way/ you better not look in her face) trying to warn you all the time. Unbelievable, what kind of funny things we are doing if we are falling in love. Especially when it is love at first sight. An old country and western theme, you see the girl and lightning strikes but your friends warn you about her. Than it becomes too late and the warning were all right. Cheers!!!
And if you are a real Rock maniac, listen to the album real close, then you maybe might discover something what will be only available on the next album (the fourth). Not only DVD has hidden tracks!!! Thus the album has got really a lot to offer and all that For A Fi$tful Of Dollar only!!!! Doctor Soul is in!!!!!!
Hopefully we see us soon on one of our concerts. Stay hard!!! - Tommy Heart


BRETT MICHAELS TOUR BUS SHOT AT BEFORE SHOW:
Press Release / (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Poison lead singer Bret Michaels will remain on tour despite being the target of a drive-by shooting last night, November 21, in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
The multi-platinum artist was in town to perform a rare, invitation-only acoustic show, when, prior to the show, shots were fired from a white Ford F-150 while Michaels was still on the tour bus, according to witnesses. Michaels was struck in the face by flying broken glass, but escaped serious injury.
Michaels issued the following statement immediately following the incident. "It is going to take more then a cowardice act like this to make me stop performing or stop my tour. I plan on staying out and finishing the shows as scheduled. I want to thank all of my fans in the Chicopee area for staying out last night, and I will be back. Hopefully, with the help of many people, we will catch the person who did this and they will be brought to justice."
Local police do not feel this was a random drive-by shooting due to the shots being fired directly into the living quarters at the rear of the tour bus. Shell casings from the weapon have not been recovered from the scene at this point. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Chicopee police officers Phil Russ and David Gagnon immediately secured the scene, closed down the street and began interviewing witnesses, including ABC News cameraman John Ticard, who had just arrived to cover the event. Mr. Ticard stated, "I heard a loud bang and then glass shattering. I thought it was a car accident at first, but as I approached the bus I realized that it wasn't an accident, someone had shot at Mr. Michaels' bus, and it was the glass of the window shattering."
A reward has been announced for any information leading to the arrest of the person or persons involved in the abovementioned incident. Information can be given directly to the Chicopee Police Department at 413-592-6341, or tips can be submitted via Michaels' website, www.bretmichaels.com.
According to Michaels' management office, HK Management in Los Angeles, this is not the first police or federal investigation that Michaels has been at the center of. Throughout his career, Michaels has been the target of numerous death threats investigated by the FBI.
A person identifying himself as Mark Kram fired 9 mm bullets through photos of Michaels and mailed them, along with threatening notes to several arenas in which Michaels was scheduled to perform. Investigators believe the suspect in that particular case lives in the Northeastern United States. The police were also called to investigate when a tire came off of the truck that Michaels was driving after attending a concert in California. In that case, someone had loosened the lug nuts on the vehicle, causing Michaels to wreck in the middle of a busy freeway following the event.

FIREHOUSE'S BILL LEVERTY CHECKS IN AFTER TOUR:
Firehouse guitarist Bill Leverty was kind enough to check in with me following the closure of an eventful VH1 Metal Mania Stripped tour. Bill writes:
"The VH1 Metal Mania Stripped tour is over. I had a great time sharing the satge (and bus) with all the artists.
The big gossip seems to be that Jani Lane relapsed. This is mostly second had news to me because I didn't see much of him after this happened. Jani didn't ride on the bus with the rest of us after the 4th show in Detroit. Michael Foster and I flew home the following day and caught up with the tour for the next gig in Maryland, three days later, where I heard stories about Jani's unfortunate situation.
From then on, I didn't have a chance to talk with him since he went onstage first, and he was out of the building by the time we went on. I only hope that everyone will wish him the very best in his recovery. He was singing and performing better than I had ever heard him on the first gigs of this tour. He looked great, and he was more friendly towards me than he had ever been in the 15 years that I have known him.
Thanks to all the fans who came out to the gigs. We hope to see all of you again the next time FireHouse is in your area... Bill"

UNION TO PLAY LONDON:
Press Release / Union, the band that features John Corabi (Motley Crue), Bruce Kulick (Kiss), Fred Coury (Cinderella) and Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper) are performing at Dingwalls in Camden on Monday 28th November. This is surely going to be one of the must see rock gigs of 2005.
Bruce Kulick was the guitarist for Kiss between 1985 and 1996, and he performed on the albums such as Asylum and Carnival of Souls, even contributing lead vocals to the track I Walk Alone.
John Corabi stepped in to fill the shoes of original Motley Crue vocalist Vince Neil between 1992 and 1996, as well as having been a member of Ratt, Brides of Destruction and the Scream.
Union formed in 1996, and have release two studio albums Union and The Blue Room, and one live album Live in The Galaxy. They have recently been touring again, starting off with some shows in Japan, with Kiss drummer Eric Singer standing in.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

FIREWORKS MAGAZINE 22 OUT NEXT WEEK:
Fireworks Magazine #22 will be out next week to coincide with Firefest 2 at Nottingham Rock City. Cover feature on Within Temptation, as well as interview with Deep Purple, Status Quo, Nickelback, Gotthard, TNT, Tony Martin, Johnny Lima, Jizzy Pearl, LA Guns, Forty Deuce, Dug Pinnick and more!!
Available for £4 plus 80p P&P (UK), £1.50 (Europe), £2 (Rest of World) via Paypal to: fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com. In UK, also available at all Borders book stores.


NEWMAN LATEST ALBUM NEWS AND TSUNAMI VICTIM SONG DOWNLOAD:
Newman have completed recordings for the follow up to 2003's Sign Of The Modern Times. The new album, titled Heaven Knows will be released through Escape Music in 2006. Songs set for inclusion are Heaven Knows, Higher, Ain't Gonna Cry Forever and Sport Of Kings - co-written with Anders Rydholm (Grand Illusion).
Steve Newman has also written an acoustic song in remembrance of the terrible events in Asia last year. Entitled On Any Other Sunday it is available for download at www.escape-music.com to raise awareness of the 200,000+ people who lost their lives in the Tsunami tragedy almost 12 months ago this coming December.


NIGHT RANGER RELIVE OLD MEMORIES:
Site regular Mike sent along a link to an interesting recent Night Ranger feature in the San Francisco Chronicle. A few highlights are below, but the full story can be accessed via: www.sfgate.com.

"When word got out that Night Ranger was coming to S.R., as we called it, the campus was electrified. Everyone was talking about it -- the "bleacher creatures" who smoked pot under the football stands, the school's 400 cheerleaders, the lone punk rocker, even the three freshmen who tinkered all day on some contraption called a computer.
...Two decades later, Night Ranger's two lead guitarists [note: Keagy is vocalist/drummer], Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy, reminisced about their brief visit to San Rafael High and the role of the Sister Christian video in their careers. The song turned out to be their biggest hit, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard chart, and the video was an MTV favorite throughout that era.
"The song was getting a lot of radio play, and we needed to get a video shot fast," Blades recalled last week when he and Keagy returned to San Rafael High for an interview. "We were on tour at the time, and they told us, you need to get this done, like last Wednesday.
"We were just a bunch of kids ourselves," he said. "MTV was brand new. It was exciting. But we weren't actors, we were musicians. They just told us, you stand here, you stand there, in this scene you dance. We just wanted to play music. We were sort of old-school that way."
The video director picked San Rafael High because it looked like a quintessential American high school, with its graffiti, diseased oaks, Greek columns and WPA buildings. The band was happy because they all lived in Marin and Sonoma counties and didn't have to drive far.
"I remember this place," Keagy said, looking around the campus, which has not changed one iota since it was built in 1922. "The auditorium, with the pillars. This is where we parked the green Cadillac."
...For those who don't remember every detail about the video, it featured a montage of high school images, such as blond girls in caps and gowns, guys in football uniforms, and an unscripted food fight that actually occurred across the street at Sam's Family Restaurant. The final shot was of the band and a few pretty girls -- two of whom were San Rafael High students -- riding off in a green Cadillac convertible.
In the end, it wasn't even the cheerleaders that generated the most ink, though. It was the nuns riding through campus on roller skates.
"Later, we got all these calls about it," recalled Keagy. "One woman in Wisconsin said, 'Is this a song about nuns selling dope to school kids?' We said, 'Uh, sure.' The song's about not giving it up before you have to, not letting go of innocence, but people can read into it whatever they want."
...Once the video came out, Night Ranger went from playing Warfield-size venues to Oakland Coliseums.
"It was the greatest time, a wonderful time. When you're going through it, you don't realize how much fun you're having," Blades said. The band was touring so much, and partying so much, they were only vaguely aware of how well the song was doing. That spring, "Sister Christian" became an anthem for graduating seniors everywhere, and the album it appeared on, Midnight Madness, became the band's top-selling record.
Night Ranger went on to tour internationally and put out several other records before breaking up in 1989. They reunited in 1996 for a tour of Japan with Ted Nugent and have continued releasing records.
This month, they're releasing a new album called Hits, Acoustic and Rarities, which features an unplugged version of Sister Christian. Universal released a DVD collection of their videos, including Sister Christian, last year. And the band is currently working on an album of new music for release in Japan.
"We're completely blessed that we can still tour and make music," Blades said. "I still get a complete charge when the lights go down on stage, and your adrenaline gets going, and there's all the yelling and screaming. It gets in your blood."
Blades and Keagy added that they might even be better performers now, even though they can't quite jump off amplifiers, dodge flying debris from the audience and party all night like they used to.
"We're not as severely medicated now as we were then," Blades said. "So yeah, we're a lot better musicians."

NEIL PEART TALKS ABOUT THE R30 DVD:
Rush fans should check out this neat little interview with drummer Neil Peart, listed from FMQB.com:
"Rush will release their 30th anniversary CD/DVD set, Rush-R30, next week. The release captures the band's 2004 tour at a stop in Frankfurt, Germany last September. Drummer Neil Peart recently discussed his 30 years with the influential Canadian band in an interview released by publicist Veronique Cordier:
Q: When you started the band 30 plus years ago, did you have aspirations of grandeur? Did you ever imagine you'd reach the heights you have?
Neil Peart: When I joined Rush, in August of 1974, we were already entering into "Fairy Tale Land." The band had just signed a U.S. record deal, and it included an advance to buy all new equipment. I'll never forget how exciting it was to walk into a music store in downtown Toronto and buy our "dream gear." While Alex [Lifeson] and Geddy [Lee] were looking at Gibson guitars, Rickenbacker basses, and Marshall amps, I was picking out a set of chrome Slingerland drums. Driving away from there with all those treasures in the back of our truck was already a dream come true.
The full interview is online at: www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=145257.

SONYBMG CD SOFTWARE UPDATES:
There appears no let up in the fracas surrounding SonyBMG and their anti-piracy software publicity nightmare. Here are the updates from various sources (with links to the full stories where available):
Texas sues Sony BMG for 'spyware' on CDs -
The state of Texas sued Sony BMG, alleging that the company "surreptitiously" installed spyware on personal computers through music CDs with a copy protection program.
"Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers," said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott in a statement after suing under the state's anti-spyware law.
"Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime."
Sony BMG, one of the world's biggest music companies, said last week it was ending the use of the software provided by a third-party vendor and allowing consumers who purchased CDs to exchange them for similar items without the software.
The joint venture of Japan's Sony and German-based BMG recalled the CDs after a firestorm of protests and the threat of legal action over its use of the so-called XCP copy protection software.
Experts say that when one of the CDs is inserted into a PC, the copy-protection software can modify computer settings and expose computers to a variety of malicious software programs.

Sony Sued Over DRM Rootkit By Jim Wagner -
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a class-action lawsuit against Sony BMG on Monday.
Two other legal firms, Green Welling and Lerach, Coughlin, Stoia, Geller, Rudman and Robbins, joined the digital consumer advocacy group in the suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The lawsuit is the EFF's response to the music giant's tepid acknowledgment of the security and privacy issues that came with music released on copy-protected music CDs, lawyers said.
The EFF is seeking compensation for any damages caused by the digital rights management technology and a refund for the copy-protected CDs, lawyers stated.
It's the second legal challenge to Sony BMG in one day. The attorney general for Texas also filed a suit against the music giant for allegedly violating the Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005.
WebLink: www.internetnews.com/security/article.php/3565876.

And this just in - "It looks like Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly could also soon be going after Sony. Sarah Nathan, a spokesperson for the Mass. AG, confirmed that Reilly's office is investigating Sony BMG for possible violations of the state's consumer protection laws, but she declined to comment further."

RIAA Defends Sony BMG As Texas Sues -
In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Sony BMG's copy-protection software, RIAA President Cary Sherman has given his thoughts on the issue of CD protection. In an online chatroom discussion with college journalists last week, Sherman defended the idea of labels using technology to protect their content. He said, "There is nothing unusual about technology being used to protect intellectual property. You can't simply make an extra copy of a Microsoft operating system, or virtually any other commercially-released software program for that matter. Same with videogames. Movies, too, are protected. Why should CDs be any different?"
Sherman said that Sony BMG was "very responsible" in their reaction to the software troubles, once they were made aware of it. "How many times that software applications created the same problem? Lots. I wonder whether they've taken as aggressive steps as Sony BMG has when those vulnerabilities were discovered, or did they just post a patch on the Internet?," he asked.
Sherman continued, saying that the music industry has been far more lenient about allowing copies of its works than other industries. "How many burns are you allowed of a movie? None. How many of a videogame? None. You get the idea," he said. "Even the CDs with content protection allow consumers to burn three copies or so for personal use. The idea is not to inhibit personal use, but to allow personal use but discourage (not prevent, you can never prevent) copying well beyond personal use."
WebLink: www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=146339.

And perhaps you would like to support Sony with a T-Shirt? This from www.firewheeldesign.com: "We don't know about you, but when we buy a music CD we consider it a friendly invitation for complete strangers to come in and make our computer their personal playground. Install hidden software that hijacks basic components of our system? Open us to attack from viruses and hackers? Sounds perfect!" Get the T-Shirt now at: www.firewheeldesign.com/rootkit

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Can't wait until next week to check out the new Inxs album Switch? An audio stream of each track is online now: music.ninemsn.com.au/artistfeature/default.aspx?aid=150.

Toto99's Will has conducted a new interview with Toto's David Paich! Check it out at: www.toto99.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=2987&view=findpost&p=92231.

The Ricky Parent Cancer Fund and the American Cancer Society memorabilia auction has commenced on E-Bay: cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7368659568.
More stuff going up soon includes guitar picks from Eric Martin of Mr. Big and Monty Colvin from the Galactic Cowboys...and backstage laminated passes from top stars.

BUCKCHERRY'S RETURN TO SUNSET STRIP:
Press Release / Classic Band Who Lit Up L.A. Rock Scene Is Back with a Month-long Residency Tour in SoCal.
Los Angeles, Nov. 21, 2005 Buckcherry is back in town. The band who broke onto the national scene in 1999 with their self-titled debut album with Lit Up, Check Your Head and For the Movies, have returned to their L.A. Sunset Strip stomping grounds to the birthplace of legends like Van Halen, Mötley Crüe and Guns N Roses, bringing it all back home.
The band will be back in the States after touring Japan, both opening for Mötley Crüe, and headlining four sold-out dates of their own after the release of their new album in Japan (Universal), Fifteen, where it entered the International charts at #7 and remains on the country¹s Top 20 album chart. The album will be released in Canada (Universal) and the U.S. in early 2006.
Led by original members, vocalist Josh Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson (along with drummer Xavier Muriel, guitarist Steve D and bassist Jimmy Ashhurst), Buckcherry will play month-long December residencies at several area clubs, including the Strip's famed Whisky-A-Go-Go on Tuesdays (12/6, 12/13 and 12/20), Long Beach's Khoury's on Wednesdays (12/7, 12/14 and 12/21), Cane's in San Diego on Thursdays (12/8, 12/15), and the Malibu Inn on Fridays (12/9, 12/16). In addition, the band will perform at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on Dec. 29 and The Viper Room for a special New Years Eve performance on Dec. 31. Support bands for all the shows will be announced soon.
A video for the preview track from the album, Crazy Bitch, directed by Ulf Buddensieck (Nickelback, Bush, Chevelle, Switchfoot), will be featured on Buckcherry's My Space page (music.myspace.com/buckcherryworldwide). The clip was shot at the Key Club and cast primarily through an open call on My Space, resulting in a wild, sexy video that harkens back to the raucous, no-holds-barred Sunset Strip scene at its height.
"It was pretty nuts", says director Buddensieck of the shoot. "Before each take some of the girls would ask me if it was okay for them to take off their clothes, again. What do you say to that when you're only shooting a close-up of the drum pedal?"
An explicit version of the clip will be available for download at a later date.
The band's new album, Fifteen, was co-produced by the band's Keith Nelson with Mike Plotnikoff and Paul DeCarli, and features such soon-to-be anthems as Next 2 You and a pair of songs co-written by Marti Frederickson (Aerosmith), including the power ballad, Sorry.
When asked about the new album, Eddie Trunk (Q104 NYC syndicated radio host and VH1 Classic on-air personality) said, "I am playing the hell out of it, it's my favorite rock record of the year so far. It combines all the best elements of Aerosmith and Guns N Roses in their prime."
Buckcherry's Josh Todd and drummer Xavier Muriel recently joined Neil Young, rapper DMC and members of Aerosmith on-stage in Toronto at Live 8, while Josh is featured on DMC's upcoming solo album.
The excitement is already building for the band's southern California shows, as their fans have waited several years for their return. Check local box office or Ticketmaster for ticket information.
Buckcherry Schedule
Tuesday, Dec. 6 Whisky-A-Go-Go, Hollywood *
Wednesday, Dec. 7 Khoury¹s, Long Beach
Thursday, Dec. 8, Cane¹s, San Diego *
Friday, Dec. 9, Malibu Inn, Malibu
Tuesday, Dec. 13 Whisky-A-Go-Go, Hollywood *
Wednesday, Dec. 14 Khoury¹s, Long Beach
Thursday, Dec. 15 Cane¹s, San Diego *
Friday, Dec. 16 Malibu Inn, Malibu
Tuesday, Dec. 20 Whisky-A-Go-Go, Hollywood *
Wednesday, Dec. 21 Khoury¹s, Long Beach
Thursday, Dec. 29 Canyon Club, Agoura Hills *
Saturday, Dec. 31 Viper Room, West Hollywood
* Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information go to www.Buckcherryworldwide.com.

TODAY'S UPDATES:
MiniBytes have been updated with brand new previews of albums by: The Darkness, A-ha, Razorback, Dreamscape, Danny Tate, Eddie Ojeda, Neal Morse, Helloween, Chalice, Avian, Gun Barrel, Riverside, Frost, Dawn Rider and Gods Of Thunder - The Norwegian Tribute To Kiss. Check them out.

The new album from UK melodic rockers Change Of Heart titled Truth Or Dare is available now from Escape Music. Frontman Alan Clark is featured in a new interview online day. He also comments on each track from the album. Read The Interview.

TNT have a new album in stores now. All The Way To The Sun is another addition to the great TNT legacy. Frontman Tony Harnell talks about the new album and a few other things in a new interview online now. Read The Interview.


Monday, November 21, 2005

THE FINAL ROAR! MIKE TRAMP TO PERMANENTLY RETIRE WHITE LION:
I talked to Mike Tramp this morning and he has passed on this announcement for me to print. More from Mike soon.

"A series of events has led me to the decision that, in today's day and age there seems to be not enough interest to continue exploring possibilities for another tour with Tramp's White Lion. It is a shame that, aside from 30,000 people at this year's Bang Your Head festival, no other European country will see the band. I had put TWL together for a reason. That reason was giving the fans what they had been asking for all these years.
Unfortunately, promoters are not backing this up and no one seems to be confident enough to make a leap of faith to help make this thing happen. This was my final attempt in continuing the legacy of White Lion.
So from now on, there will be no more looking back at the past, this was the final roar. I will now focus only on my solo career and will take my time finishing my new solo album that will be released sometime next year. I will work on other ways of presenting Mike Tramp live, from intimate acoustic settings to a full band and will be touring whenever it feels right but only when all parameters are in order.
Until then, enjoy Tramps White Lion Rocking the USA double album out on Frontiers Records now.
Mike Tramp."
WebLink: www.miketramp.com.


GLENN'S SOUL MOVER DOWNUNDER AND LOOKING FORWARD TO 2006:
I was also fortunate to talk briefly to the great Glenn Hughes this morning to catch up on a couple of things. For local fans good news - Glenn's last solo album Soul Mover is getting a local release in Australia - likely in early January with a couple of bonus tracks (Nights In White Satin being one of those). Glenn is hoping he can finally step back on Aussie soil for the first time in 30 years during 2006. Stay tuned!
You may have heard, but if not, Glenn has been hard at work on plans for a follow-up to Soul Mover and it sounds like something very special is planned for this release.
To quote Glenn, he says of the new album: "I'm going to let everyone know who I am on the new record, more than ever before! This will be a rock record, but in Glenn's World." Glenn says the album won't be too funky or R&B driven, but will be a progression from Soul Mover and will be more melodic.
As we know, Glenn is not one to record the same album twice and he adds that this one will be a true singer's album and he has taken more time than ever before on the songwriting for this album and has more songs than ever to chose from.
Recording starts in January and will run thru middle of February. Glenn sounds truly excited about this process and is looking forward to getting to work! More updates soon.

TWIN JOHN WAITE RELEASES DUE IN 2006:
From Wouter's Unofficial Dutch John Waite website comes a little update. Wouter should know too - he had diner with John in the USA recently.
Tonight's Exit Inn show in Nashville will be recorded for a live album, which will be released next year. Also on the cards for 2006 is a new Greatest Hits compilation from John, which will feature 2 brand new studio songs. More information in the months ahead.

WYCKED SYNN LOCK IN NEW VOCALIST:
Press Release / Wycked Synn are pleased to announce their new vocalist. Ronnie Stixx (ex-Shadowkeep) has officially joined the band and is currently in the studio tracking vocals for their upcoming release In For The Kill. Ronnie's vocal talent's have taken Wycked Synn to the next level and the new record is sure to please every Power metal fan that walk's the Earth! Wycked Synn would once again like to apologize for the delay in the release of In For The Kill. It took month's sorting out over 40 demo's and holding audition's for vocalist's from all over the world. With Ronnie aboard Wycked Synn are now ready to take all the Power metal fan's by storm and release a gut wrenching album that will keep their head's banging and their fist's in the air. Check out the new artwork and a sound clip of their new tune Destiny's Eye's over on the "Audio" page. Stay tuned for lot's more to come! WebLink: wyckedsynn.com

TODAY'S UPDATES:
CD Showcases have been added to the site for the latest Majestic Rock Records releases. They are: Crimsonfire, Cry Havoc, Snowblind and Steeler.
Additionally, a showcase for the rather superb new 91 Suite album Times They Change has been added. Check these new releases out.

Friday, November 18, 2005

TED POLEY JOINS FORCES WITH ADRIANGALE'S VIC RIVERA!:
I am very pleased to announce the new project details for the ever popular Ted Poley. I am very proud to announce an exciting new commitment by Ted Poley and Victor Rivera to a long term project which will be known as Poley / Rivera.
As you already know, Ted has a huge worldwide fanbase and is still actively touring as the singer for Danger Danger, undeniably one of the most popular bands of its genre. He will be continuing to be a part of Danger Danger, but there are many regulars to this site that always look forward to his own projects. Ted hopes to add even more new fans with Poley / Rivera.
Over the past few years, Vic Rivera has also built a solid worldwide fanbase and a great reputation, producing high quality work as the main writer, guitarist and driving force behind the highly acclaimed band Adriangale - none more than the spectacular Crunch record.
Vic's work with Adriangale has clearly defined and showcased his massive writing and production talents as well as his obvious top level musicianship, all of which is again clearly evident to the listener on the first spin. The songs and sounds that will be presented to the world by Poley / Rivera will be nothing less than awesome. I can add that I have heard 2 brand new, fresh out of the studio demos and am happy to report that the boys are right on track!
Any questions or enquiries can be directed to me via e-mail and stay tuned for updates as the guys search for the right home for this anticipated project.

MTM MUSIC SIGNS LIBERTY N` JUSTICE:
MTM Music is pleased to announce the signing of all star band Liberty N' Justice!
Liberty N` Justice was founded in 1991 by Justin Murr and Patrick Marchand. Just out of high school, they recorded their first album, Armed With The Cross, in 1992 on independent label Glory Rock Records. With the music of one and the voice of the other, they embarked on a six month tour to support it. Liberty n' Justice played everywhere churches, youth events, children's homes, concerts, and elderly homes. Armed with the Cross went on to sell very well.
Along the way, Liberty N` Justice added new band members Robert Sliger, Angie Beckett, James Beckett, Sarah Day, Bob Bacon and Kim Todd. The band members thought they were building momentum and decided to go back into the studio in 1994 to record Big Guns.
The album Welcome to the Revolution featured 18 known singers, including Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Michael Sweet of Stryper and was released in 2004.


(Left to right Justin Murr, Tony Harnell (TNT), and producer Mike Layne)

"I have a dream and I know God put this dream in my heart," Justin Murr said. "For this new record, I expanded on the original idea. I thought how cool and what kind of ministry would it be to have 'known' rock singers singing Christian songs."
Murr wanted to go in a new direction with this CD as well. So he hired a producer named Mike Layne best known for his work with Leaderdogs and Mudvayne.
Justin: "I am happy to find a home at MTM and look forward to great success with Mario and Sebastian. As you already know MTM is one of the premier Melodic/Hard Rock labels in Europe and to be on a label that boasts a talent pool like TNT, Stryper, Tony Martin and many others is a dream come true. This CD is a great hard rock record and I am looking forward to the fans of these singers hearing them on new songs! I just want to thank MTM for making this possible."
So here for your listening is a Soundtrack Of A Soul, which is scheduled for February 2006.

Line-Up: Ez Gomer of Jet Circus, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Russell Arcara of Prophet / Arcara, Jamie Rowe of Guardian / Adriangale, Dale & Troy Thompson of Bride, Oni Logan of Lynch Mob, Josh Kramer of Saint, Scott Wenzel of White Cross, Tony Harnell of TNT, Jani Lane of Warrant, Pete Loran of Trixter, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Joe Cerisano of Silver Condor, Ted Poley of Danger Danger, Phil Naro of Talas, Mike Lee of Barren Cross.
More notable guest musicians: Mikkey Dee of Motorhead, Tim Gaines of Stryper, Keri Kelli, Tommy Denander of Radioactive, Harry Hess of Harem Scarem, Tim Bushong of Love War, John "JD" DeServio of Black Label Society, and Charlie Calv of Shotgun Symphony.

xx
Cover & (Left to right: Tommy Denander, Ez Gomer (Jet Circus), Mikkey Dee (Motorhead).

Final tracklist: 01. Intro, 02. Kings Of Hollywood (Ez Gomer), 03. Another Nail (Sebastian Bach) (mp3), 04. State Of Grace (Russell Arcara), 05. Malice In Wonderland (Jamie Rowe), 06. Grenade (Dale & Troy Thompson), 07. Show Me The Way (Oni Logan), 08. Sight Unseen (Leif Garrett), 09. Up That Hill (Josh Kramer), 10. Surreal (Scott Wenzel), 11. Flinch (Tony Harnell) (mp3), 12. Thy Will Be Done (Jani Lane & Pete Loran), 13. Killer Grin (Stephen Pearcy), 14. If The World Could Be Mine (Joe Cerisano), 15. Always Tomorrow (Ted Poley), 16. Hope & Pray (Phil Naro), 17. Make Believe (Mike Lee), 18. Outro.

THIS WEEK ON YOUR CLASSIC METAL SHOW:
This week on your Classic Metal Show, long-running superstar Udo Dirkschneider is back with his great post-Accept project, U.D.O. His latest project, entitled Mission No. X, is just what you would expect from anything that Dirkschneider would appear on - driving guitars, gutteral vocals and as much attitude as you can handle. We'll do a New Music Listening Party for U.D.O. this week, and will see if you like this one as much as the CMS does.
Additionally on the show, we're going to bring you a tribute album of one of the most popular bands on the CMS and ever - Iron Maiden. The rare big label tribute release, Numbers Of The Beast: A Tribute To Iron Maiden features members of Anthrax, Armored Saint and...well...basically all your classic metal favorites. This one is a winner, so we'll bring you a New Music Listening Party for it to see what you think.
Also on the show, we debuted his band's album last week, but were unable to catch up with TNT's Tony Harnell due to his schedule. Tony has contacted us now that he's back in the US and wanted to check in to discuss the new TNT record, Starbreaker and everything else he's involved in right now.
Go to www.theclassicmetalshow.com Saturday from 9pm-3am EST to listen live!

CLASSIC ROCK SOCIETY & MELODIC ROCK XMAS BASH UPDATES:
Saturday 10th December 2005's Winter Rokfest has just been augmented by Northern Ireland band Payola in making the current line-up to 6 bands Vaughn, Pulse, Deadline, Payola, Gaia and The Strangedays.
Tickets are selling very quickly and we would suggest that you buy in advance to guarantee entry to this 250 capacity venue!
Tickets are priced at £14 and are available online now from: www.classicrocksociety.net or from our box office 01709 702575.

There is also an update to the Melodic Rock Xmas Bash at the Ruskin Arms, E. London on December 4th joining the line-up, which features Pride's last live performance is Crimes Of Passion, replacing Double Cross.
Full MRXB '05 mini-site at www.sacredheartband.com or for info please email info@sacredheartband.com and tickets available through www.seetickets.com.

INXS BONUS TRACKS ANNOUNCED ACROSS PLATFORMS:
US digital service providers will sell Inxs's Switch flanked by added exclusives on each. iTunes USA will exclusively carry a non-album cut entitled Let's Ride as well as a digital booklet; MSN will feature a different bonus track entitled Amateur Night; Real/Rhapsody will carry the familiar Easy Easy and Yahoo! Music will host a live version Easy Easy. After each DSP's period of exclusivity, the whole package will be made across all providers.

SHY ANTHOLOGY DUE FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK:
Castle Music/Sanctuary Records are proud to announce the release of the first ever 2-Disc career-spanning anthology by UK premier melodic rockers, Shy. Contains previously unreleased demo's, fan favourites and material from the band's most recent releases. Shy will be undertaking dates to promote the release this Winter.
The Anthology is the first fully comprehensive collection from the Shy canon and covers the band's entire career from their '83 debut album, Once Bitten, Twice Shy right up to the present day. Disc 1 gathers together a selection of tracks from the band's first three albums and also includes the bonus track, All On You which was recorded at the time of the band's debut but only later surfaced on the CD re-issue in '98.
Disc 2 continues with tracks from the Brave The Storm album from '85 before venturing into a selection of demo's and two tracks from the Welcome To The Madhouse album from 1994. Following an acoustic treatment to the track, Young Heart, we round-off the anthology nicely with tracks from Shy's more recent studio albums and include two from 2001's Unfinished Business and two from Sunset And Vine which was released earlier this year.
Tracklist: Disc One - 1. Deep Water, 2. Give Me A Chance, 3. Think Of Me, 4. Chained By Desire, 5. All On You, 6. Once Bitten, Twice Shy, 7. Hold On (To Your Love), 8. Reflections, 9. Keep The Fires Burning, 10. The Hunter, 11. Brave The Storm, 12. Emergency, 13. When The Love Is Over, 14. Can't Fight The Nights, 15. Just Love Me, 16. Break Down The Walls.
Disc Two - 1. Telephone, 2. Don't Wanna Lose Your Love, 3. Young Heart, 4. Devil Woman, 5. Talk To Me, 6. Give It All You've Got (Demo) *, 7. Burnin' Up (Demo) *, 8. Love On The Line (Demo) *, 9. Money, 10. What Love Can Make You Do (Demo) *, 11. Crazy Crazy, 12. Parasite, 13. Young Heart (Acoustic) *, 14. Skydiving, 15. Breakaway, 16. High Time, 17. Soul Searching.
* Previously unreleased.
Shy - Live U.K. Dates:
Saturday 26th November – Firefest II, Rock City, Nottingham
Saturday 3rd December – The Underworld, Camden (as support to Vaughn)
Friday 9th December – The Jailhouse, Coventry
Thursday 26th January 2006 – The Limelight, Crewe
April 2nd – Z Rock Festival, Limelight, Crewe.
WebLink: www.shyonline.co.uk.


MR-X UPDATED:
MR-X has been updated as per usual. Not as big as the last couple of updates, but don't let that put you off joining right now, as I have left online all the updates from the past 5 or 6 weeks. Get in now!
Added today is a third volume of Crappy Covers. This week: Volume Three - The Punk Years. I can't find Volume Two, so we'll have to skip that until next week. Volume One and Six are both still online.
Also added today is 6 38 Special demos from a few years back now - those tracks are: Find My Way, Homeless Guitar, I Fall Back, Saving Grace, The Squeeze and The Story Of My Life.
And there is some new 2005 unplugged tracks from Billy Idol and the usual video clip update featuring: Havana Black - Lone Wolf, Jon Anderson - Far Far Cry and Hold On To Love, Melidian - Ready To Rock, Gentle Giant - Thank You, Killer Dwarfs - Hard Luck Town, Kix - Same Jane, Ozzy Osbourne - Perry Mason and Neal Schon & Jan Hammer - I'm Talking To You.

On top of that I have a new competition starting tonight - open to all members new and old. The winner will be chosen by random and this is the very tasty prize pack. Winner gets the following CDs - Heaven & Earth Heaven & Earth, Xsavior Caleidoscope, Glenn Hughes Soul Mover, VTR VTR, No Nation Illumine, Balance II Balance II, The VU, House Of Shakira Live+ (with a guitar pick from the band) and a Promo CD from the very cool Bad Way and their debut album From Zero To Hero. Thanks to the participating artists for their CDs!
On top of that little booty, 2 tickets to ANY upcoming Motley Crue show!!
Join now and enter the competition which opens today. Get Crue tour dates from: www.ticketmaster.com/promo/21391. Competition ends Sunday 27th November.
MR-X Membership Details.


SITE UPDATES:
Not too many page updates besides the news this week, but plenty of stuff not too far away. I'm halfway through a huge Reviews update which I hope will be online at the end of next week and there is a stack of MiniBytes and a few new CD Showcases ready and waiting to be added.

I also have a couple of brand new Interviews done and ready to be added next week – TNT's Tony Harnell and Change Of Heart's Alan Clark.
It's been a pretty good year for interviews here, but there are 2 more coming (perhaps 3!!) that see two prominent rockers talking for the first time in a long time! Details next week.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

JOE LYNN TURNER JOINS JAPANESE GUITAR WIZ FOR NEW STUDIO RELEASE:
Fire Without Flame is the title of the brand new Akira Kajiyama + Joe Lynn Turner release, due out exclusively in Japan. The famed Japanese guitarist has teamed with the great Joe Lynn Turner for an album of commercial hard rock. Pony Canyon will release the album on December 7, which will feature the following tracks:
One Day Away . Fire Without Flame . Carnivals Of Souls (Nihonban Bonus Track) . Heart Against Heart . End Of The Line . Forever Changed . Bad Feeling . Looking For Trouble . Down And Dirty . License To Kill . Slow Burn.
Joe co-write and sang on the entire album and tells me that he expects it to chart in Japan - his first time in the domestic Japanese charts! Joe will join Akira in Japan on February one for a small tour and further promotion of the album.
Akira last appeared with Joe on the debut Hughes Turner Project album on the track Ride The Storm.
Expect soundbytes and a review in due course. Some other big JLT news coming soon!


LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM IN PARADISE FOR THIRD RELEASE:
Last Autumn's Dream are back with album number three, set for release in Japan December 16. The new album Winter In Paradise features the following songs: Love To Go . Don't Let Our Love Go Down . The Way You Smile . It's Alright . My Heart Keeps Stalling . Echoes From The Past . Winter In Paradise . I Don't Want To Hurt You . All I Want Is Rock N' Roll . If You're The One . 'Till The End Of Time (Bonus Track).
No word yet on the line-up for the band's third album, or any details of a European release. Of interest though, the bonus track Til The End Of Time is an old Rob Moratti/Mladen composition that the band is resurrecting for the occasion.


NEW TED POLEY PROJECT TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW!:
Tune in tomorrow folks for a very exciting announcement regarding Ted Poley's new project! I'm sure the news will bring some smiles to long time fans and also surprise a few!
Ted remains on active duty for Danger Danger, but is also working hard on his own thing in his spare time. Why should fans get excited? Because I have heard a sample of this new project and it is destined to impress!
Tune in Friday for all the details.

INTRODUCING CRIMES OF PASSION:
Crimes Of Passion are playing the Firefest 2 Pre-show party Friday night, November 25. Who are they? Well, you will be able to check them out with their debut album due in 2006, set to be mixed by Gregg Fulkerson. Thanks to the guys, it is time to sample a very rough mix of one of their songs, which will be played on the night.
Download: Crimes Of Passion - Exit Wound.

Speaking of Firefest, which is not too far away, House Of Lords bassist Chuck Wright put this little graphic together. Support live shows and the melodic music scene folks - if you can make this show - BE THERE!

LIVE LIVE LIVE:
There has been a few noteworthy live gigs in recent days and I'd like to cover them in some small way here. So thanks to some reader feedback, here goes:

Eric Martin Band and Y&T - Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, USA. Kevin Cotter writes:
"It was 1983 all over again at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, as Y&T made its annual, two-night pilgrimage. Last year we had a reunion show of sorts with all current previous members of Y&T performing, while this year 415 (aka The Eric Martin Band) regrouped for a short set that included Sucker for a Pretty Face and Don't Stop. Evidently these guys hadn't practiced much if at all together, but you wouldn't have known it. They sounded tight and polished. Eric Martin's voice was still incredible (haven't seen him perform live since the Mr. Big days) and John Nyman pulled doubled duty, as he's also a member of Y&T now.
The Y&T set was great as always. How didn't these guys become one of the biggest bands in the world? What was particularly cool was they took requests from the audience as to what to play. When a fan requested alcohol they actually had to play another song while they rigged up a microphone for Leonard Haze to sing. The set opened with Mean Streak and they closed the night with I Believe In You. Some highlights for me included Midnight in Tokyo, I'll Keep On Believin, and Forever."

The Knack / Marshall Crenshaw / Naked Eyes - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA 11/7/05. Damien DeSimone writes:
"I caught up with Pat Torpey in Philadelphia last week while he was playing with The Knack. I had never met him before, and we talked for quite a while after the show. Super nice guy. I have a review of the show and some pictures up in my blog, which can be found here: damienmusic.blogspot.com."

Span - Final show - Rockefeller Music Hall, Oslo (sold out) 28 October 2005. Mike Hayes writes:
"Setlist: Stay As You Are/Buckle Under Pressure/I'm Nothing/Better Believe It/Room For One/When She Stares/Crash And Burn/Cut Like Diamonds/Dive Motherfucker/Living On The Sun/Little Darling/Thunder Blues/Missing In Stereo/On My Way Down /Papa/The Outside/Mental Surgery/Entitled/Peaceful/Psycho Killer/When I Fall/Don't Think The Way They Do/Found/Baby's Come Back.
This was Span's farewell gig. After four years of incessant touring, during which they had produced some fantastic, varied music and released two excellent albums, the band have finally decided to call it a day.
Never achieving the commercial success their talent deserved, Span nevertheless built up a fiercely loyal fan base during their lifetime. Indeed, the expectant crowd at a packed Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo included many who had travelled from overseas for one last chance to see their heroes.
With video cameras poised to capture the event for posterity, Jarle, Joff, Freddy and Kim took to the stage to rapturous acclaim and crashed into their regular set opener Stay As You Are. The track had started to generate a stir Stateside following its use in a TV commercial, but the band never managed to strike a favourable record deal there, which might have opened up a lucrative new market for their brand of hook-heavy hard rock.
"Stay As You Are" gave way to the powerhouse riff of live tour de force "Buckle Under Pressure". The audience were already at fever pitch by now, as the band kicked into a trio of songs from the "Vs.Time" album. One of many highlights in the opening part of a storming show was "Crash And Burn", a memorable b-side, played live here for the one and only time. "Cut Like Diamonds", the band's last and most successful domestic single, brought the house down. "Dive Motherfucker" was resurrected in great style before the band temporarily left the stage, only to return for an unexpected but unforgettable acoustic set. Airing older material like the stunning "Living On The Sun", "Little Darling" and quirky "Thunder Blues", this was another stark reminder of the band's quality and versatility.
The acoustic set wound up with a marvellous arrangement of hit single "On My Way Down", 1400 voices joining in the chorus.
Part two of the electric set erupted into show stopper and Span anthem "Papa", with band and audience as one. It seemed inconceivable we wouldn't experience a moment like this again.
A stunning light show added to the peerless atmosphere, prophetically spelling out the words "No More" during a rollicking "Entitled".
The two-hours-plus flew by, with classics like "Peaceful", "Don't Think The Way They Do" and "Found" demonstrating what a unique talent Span were.
The final gig climaxed with an unsurpassable "Baby's Come Back" and the place went wild. There could be no encore. This was an unforgettable moment. They saved their best performance to last.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
The band featuring the Serbian guitarist Marko Pavic and the singer Chris Catena will present the debut album called Taste Some Liberty at Stazione Birra in Rome on December 14 as opener band for Alex Masi/John Macaluso (Malmsteen, Ark, TNT) gig.

Yet more from the SonyBMG anti-piracy debacle: www.securitypronews.com/insiderreports/.

Todd Rundgren posted a message on the TRConnection.com at: trconnection.com/news confirming that The New Cars Tour is happening. He also says that the Utopia Reunion Tour will not be going ahead.

Some new studio photos taken during some of the recording sessions for the new Toto CD Falling In Between are now online at the Toto99 web page.

Alice Cooper's guitarist Ryan Roxie invites you to join him online with his new blog & podcasts! Roxie's Big Rawk Show Podcast: feeds.feedburner.com/Roxie77, plus roxie77.blogspot.com; www.roxie77.com and www.myspace.com/ryanroxie.

I asm reliably informed that Steve Conte from Company of Wolves is now a New York Doll (www.new-york-dolls.com). They are currently working on a new CD. More info at: www.thecontes.com.

The soundclip to Sebastian Bach's song on the new Liberty & Justice CD is online at libertynjustice.net plus a new interview with Mike Lee of Barren Cross.

A brand new, exclusive interview is up online featuring original guitarist Michael Bruce of the Alice Cooper Group. Check it out at: rocknrolluniverse.com/rocknrolluniverse_360.htm.

Peter Friestedt is working on a follow up CD to the acclaimed LA Project release at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles. Said to be featured on the new CD is Abraham Laboriel, J.R Robinson, Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams, Lou Pardini, Randy Goodrum and more.

www.ThundergroundRadio.com will be premiering the entire debut Line Of Fire CD this Friday, November 18 at 6pm PST / 9pm EST. Tune in to hear it before it hits stores!


FORMER FUEL DRUMMER ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECT:
Kevin Miller, the drummer who helped Fuel reach superstardom with the multi-platinum hit albums Sunburn (Sony/Epic, 1998) and Something Like Human (Song/Epic, 2000), has announced that his new project Fosterchild is entering the studio this month to record its debut album.
Fosterchild is a four-piece rock band that Miller and guitarist Brian Quinn formed shortly after Miller's departure from Fuel earlier this year. The band is currently in the midst of pre-production and will begin recording with producer du jour Jeff Glixman (Kansas, Black Sabbath, Kiss' Paul Stanley) later this month.
The album is slated for an early 2006 release date however four of the songs are available now for download on their MySpace page at: www.myspace.com/fosterchildmusic.
For more information about Fosterchild, visit www.fosterchildmusic.com or www.myspace.com/fosterchild.

OUT NOW FROM LION MUSIC:
The very latest releases from Lion Music are:
Iain Ashley Hersey – The Holy Grail - Stunning classic hard rock from Iain Ashley Hersey. Iain is joined by vocalists Graham Bonnett (Rainbow/MSG/Alcatrazz), Carsten Lizard Schulz (Domain), David Swan Montgomery (Led ZepAgain – USA's leading Led Zeppelin tribute band) and Randy Williams. The Holy Grail is full of the kind of expressive hard rock that only a handful of artists are able to produce these days.
Lars Eric Mattsson – Earthbound - The first instrumental release in over 14 years from Lars Eric Mattsson. Earthbound sees Mattsson in eclectic mode with open arrangements and playing right from the soul that travel from the melodic to the progressive.
Brave New World – Monsters - 'Brave New World is Melodic Hard Rock at its best with Monsters showcasing power, passion and melody combined into an addictive package.
De Gladas Kapell – Speelar Nilsson - One of the true landmarks of Swedish progressive rock and this vinyl collectors item is now available for the first time on CD thanks to Lion Music.
Check out samples of all four in the CD Showcases.

KISS EXPO 2005, NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY, UK:
It's back, bigger than before, the original, accept no imitations, Kiss Expo - run now for the 3rd year by New World Enterprises. The date, Saturday November 19th 2005, the venue, Nottingham Rock City (Rescue Rooms and Stealth).Very special guest is current member of Kiss - Eric Singer!
Hot from the Alice Cooper UK tour, Eric Singer will be there for a 'Q & A' session, everyone who attends is guaranteed an autograph and photo session, and ya never know, he may just play a little!
There are live performances from the U.K.'s Number 1 Kiss tribute band Dressed to Kill, Adam Bomb and Sack Trick. Along for the ride again, will be Channel 4's Mr. Iain Lee.
Jazan Wild will be coming over from the U.S. to promote his new comic book "Carnival of Souls" Kiss Dealers from around the UK - Europe - USA, mainstream rock dealers are also welcome. Contact Dave Herron (event organiser) dave@kissexpo.co.uk
All the usual competitions, signed memorabilia raffle, face painting etc...and more special guests to be confirmed...price includes entry to "Rock in the Rig" thru til 3.00 am. Children over 14 are welcome until 9pmDoors open at 2.00 pm, VIP early entry 1.00pm
Go to the tickets page for more details, or the forum for information on how to get to Rock City and make the best of your weekend. Well, that's all for now, see you at Kiss Expo III 2005.

TRACII GUNS TALKS BOD & LA GUNS:
In an interview with The Hairball John Radio Show, Brides of Destruction guitarist Tracii Guns discussed their sophomore release Runaway Brides and that even with out founding member Nikki Sixx, this is the disc he has always wanted to make. Tracii also shared several highlights from his illustrious career including his many years as guitarist and founding member of L.A. Guns.
Tracii Guns: "I think getting our first gold record was definitely an achievement and that genuinely made me happy, like I accomplished something. Also headlining arenas, sold out, back in 1990 and 1991, those were also huge achievements. Making it past our second record was a huge achievement. Things like that are things that are really important to me. So I would say the longevity of L.A. Guns, the fact that it is still going and have a new record out, I am very proud of that and those are the achievements that mean the most to me."
The entire 25 minute interview with Tracii Guns is available on demand in full streaming audio at the Hairball John Radio Show: www.hairballjohn.com.

ON-LINE CHARITY AUCTION TO SUPPORT THE STATION FAMILY FUND:
Des Peres, MO, November 14, 2005 - The Mimi Fishman Foundation has announced an on-line charity auction with proceeds not only to benefit the Foundation, but also the Station nightclub fire victims and surviving family members, as well as the Delta Gamma Center for Children.
The auction, which will run today through November 30th at www.mimifishman.org, features over fifty items including signed guitars, New Year's Eve ticket/VIP pass packages, and signed posters. Every item is either signed, or rare. Bands featured include Phish, Phil Lesh, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, Beck, Coldplay, Nickel Creek, Def Leppard, Yonder Mountain String Band, KISS, Jack Johnson, 311, Brian Wilson, Loretta Lynn, and many others.
The Station Family Fund is an all-volunteer, 501 c 3 recognized, tax exempt, nonprofit organization founded to offer assistance and relief to people directly affected by the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. 100 people perished, close to 200 were severely injured, and more than 60 children lost one or both parents in the horrific fire on Feb 20, 2003. Station Family Fund information can be found at: www.stationfamilyfund.org.
Todd King, a survivor himself of the fire, is the President of the Station Family Fund. "It's vital we don't forget the families left behind. The Station Family Fund was formed to help those families, as well as the survivors", said King. "The Mimi Fishman Foundation has been instrumental in helping our organization raise funds through past on-line auctions."
The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments is a 501 c 3 recognized, tax exempt, nonprofit organization. They are committed to helping infants and young children who are blind or visually impaired reach their full potential by providing individualized education, therapy, and support services to them and their families. Center information can be found at: www.dgckids.org.
The Mimi Fishman Foundation is a 501 c 3 recognized, tax exempt, nonprofit organization that was established in 1999 by Miriam "Mimi" Fishman (the late mother of Phish drummer Jon Fishman) and David Shulman as a vehicle to raise funds for various charities. With no paid employees, the Foundation operates solely by the help of volunteers. Foundation information can be found at: www.mimifishman.org.
While past Mimi Fishman Foundation auctions have featured a large percentage of jamband memorabilia, this auction has ventured into other musical tastes as well. While still staying true to our jamband roots, we will continue to expand by including auction items to appeal to other audiences, says David Shulman, Executive Director of the Mimi Fishman Foundation.
For more information, the auction can be viewed at: www.mimifishman.org.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

MTM MUSIC SIGNS FREDERIC SLAMA´S AOR:
AOR is back with a brand new CD called L.A. Attraction, once again featuring the talents of many great AOR / Westcoast stars such as Tommy Denander, Steve Lukather, Philip Bardowell, Rick Riso, J.Lynn Johnston, Dane Donohue, Peter Friestedt, David Diggs and Michael Landau among others. L.A Attraction sounds like a mix between Toto, Survivor, Radioactive and Foreigner and is a real feast for all AOR and melodic rock aficionados! This new album, again produced by Swedish mastermind Tommy Denander, takes Westcoast and AOR music to a new level of perfection!
Line-Up: Frédéric Slama ­ Guitars, Keyboards; Tommy Denander ­ Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Keyboards, Bass; Joey Heredia - Drums.
Guest musicians: Steve Lukather: Guitars, Michael Landau: Guitars, Philip Bardowell: Lead & Backing Vocals, Dane Donohue: Lead & Backing Vocals, Rick Riso: Lead & Backing Vocals, J.Lynn Johnston: Lead & Backing Vocals, David Diggs: Keyboards, Guitars, Peter Friestedt: Guitars, Keyboards, David Williams: Guitars, Marcos Udeba: Keyboards and Tobias Marberger: Keyboards.
Final tracklisting: Don't Ever Say Goodbye . One More Chance . Like An Open Book . The House Of Love . Tears In The Rain . I Won't Give Up On You . The Spark Of My Soul . Last Chance At Love . L.A Winds . Give A Little Love . Lost In Your Eyes.
The band has a new website online now at: www.slamaor.com.

xx

TEN SAMPLES DEBUT ONLINE:
Four preview samples from the new twin Ten release The Essential Collection are now online at the Multimedia/Audio section of the Frontiers Records website. Samples of the newly re-recorded tracks Fear The Force, The Name Of The Rose, Till The End Of Time and You're In My Heart can be checked out at: www.frontiers.it.
The Essential Collection is released January 23.


MORE PRAISE FOR BALANCE II:
The good reviews continue to come in for Balance II. Word of mouth is selling this one and I'm very pleased to promote another good review from the much respected Phil Ashcroft of Fireworks Magazine in the UK.
Phil's full review will be in the upcoming issue, but to briefly quote him: "In these days of similar sounding AOR bands with similar sounding albums full of sonic bluster and little else, Balance II have made a record that dates back to the late 70s in style, but with the warm and appealing sound associated with the analogue recordings of those days...the result being a sound not a million miles from early Toto, Ambrosia, or the more eclectic Toy Matinee (there s that Trillion connection again!)"
And "...if you're into westcoast-aor-rock-jazz-progressive-funk-country-pop-rock n roll-R&B-fusion, then this'll be your favourite album of the year, and like a third of all albums released these days, Tommy Denander's on this too. Good stuff."
You can purchase the album directly from the band at: www.balanceweb.com, or via these fabulous retailers: www.nehrecords.com, www.wishingwellonline.com and www.perrisrecords.com.


STEVE PERRY ANSWERS THE FANS AS JOURNEY DVD HITS STORES:
Steve Perry is talking again. This time he has posted answers to questions submitted by fans on his Fan Asylum webpage. There are a number of questions answered, so check it out now at: www.fanasylum.com/steveperry/index.shtml.
In answer to one question, I did love this reply - "I love the power of certain heavy metal acts. I went to a Rob Zombie / Anthrax concert the other night and they were great. If it's good - I like it."
Steve Perry at a Rob Zombie gig? I like that too!

Steve has been on the campaign trail promoting the new Journey Live In Houston DVD, which is officially released now.
Select audio streams have been made available by the record label. They are:
Open Arms - Windows Media; Real Player and Quicktime.
Don't Stop Believin' - Windows Media; Real Player and Quicktime.
Wheel In The Sky - Windows Media; Real Player and Quicktime.
Anyway You Want It - Windows Media; Real Player and Quicktime.
At Journey's Sony page, click on Extras for various buddy icons, wallpapers and banners.
The DVD track listing is:
Live In Houston 1981 - Escape Tour DVD + CD Collectors Edition (Columbia/ Legacy C2D 54153)
1. Escape · 2.  Line Of Fire · 3.  Lights · 4.  Stay Awhile · 5.  Open Arms (*) · 6.  Mother, Father · 7.  Jonathan Cain Solo · 8.  Who's Cryin' Now (*) · 9.  Where Were You · 10.  Steve Smith Solo · 11.  Dead Or Alive · 12.  Don't Stop Believin' (*) · 13.  Stone In Love (*) · 14.  Keep On Runnin' · 15.  Neal Schon Solo · 16.  Wheel In The Sky · 17.  Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' · 18.  Anyway You Want It (*) · CD-only bonus track: 19.  The Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love). Recorded November 6, 1981, in Houston, TX.
Note: All tracks previously unreleased, except (*) indicates previously released.


MORE ON SONY'S BATTLE WITH PIRACY SOFTWARE:
Spekaing of Sonybmg - it goes from bad to worse. This from: Boston — The fallout from a hidden copy-protection program that Sony BMG Music Entertainment put on some CDs is only getting worse. Sony's suggested method for removing the program widened the security hole the original software created, researchers say.
Sony has moved to recall the discs in question. But music fans who have listened to them on their computers or tried to remove the dangerous software they deposited could still be vulnerable.
Full story at: www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,175649,00.html.

LA GUNS FRONTMAN PHIL LEWIS TALKS:
Mitch Lafon caught up with LA Guns frontman Phil Lewis recently. I expect a full transcript will be online shortly at: www.bravewords.com.
But I found a couple of comments regarding the new and next album particularily interesting. Those comments are:
BW&BK: More touring in January or back to the studio?
Phil Lewis: "This record, we think of, as a demo and we're not going to do another indie record. We did our cover record and then we put out Tales. It's in the hand of our management to find us a real deal with a Virgin or reputable label. Instead of doing it thru Perris (records) or Spitfire. We've done that and there's only so much they can do for us. We don't want to waste another record. We've proved with this one that we're rock solid, we've got the chops and we can write. We'd have no problem doing another record, but not just for the sake of putting another record out. So, until we do get a decent deal (which I'm sure we will) we're just going to concentrate on playing live."
BW&BK: Did the album (Tales From The Strip) come out the way you wanted?
PL: "I'm glad everybody likes it and it's been really positive for us, but honestly we needed a bit more time. There are songs on Tales that really suffered due to a short mixing schedule. We tracked, over dubbed and mixed in a month. Some of the songs suffered like Crazy Motorcycle... there are a couple of songs that didn't get the time and attention. I wanted Crazy Motorcycle to be like Jesus Built My Hot Rod (Ministry) hard-rock techno with all the bells and whistles. Just that song alone I could have spent a week mixing, but it hints at what we trying to get at. We were mixing two, three, four songs a day and that's just crazy. I don't want to do that again. I want to spend, at least, a day on each song. It is what it is, but I think it still sounds better than records we spent almost a year and half a million dollars recording."

ANOTHER NEWS CARS UPDATE:
An update on Second Hand, sorry...The New Cars - from Kasim Sulton (www.KasimSulton.com): "It seems I made a premature announcement in my recent newsletter...The fact is, there are currently no definite plans for The New Cars to be touring next year. We did record some new material, but beyond that, things are still being worked out. I apologize for any confusion my misstatement caused."

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

THE NEW CARS ROLL OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE:
And The New Cars are officially born. This was confirmed in a recent e-mail from Kasim Sulton to his mailing list. It reads:
"I guess it's safe to tell you all about the 'big announcement' now as most of you have put two and two together. I've accepted a position as the Bassist for a new incarnation of an old band ... The Cars! Currently being billed as "The New Cars". I know most of you are aware that Todd Rundgren has also signed on as the lead singer. Pretty cool huh? We've already recorded some new songs and are scheduled to be touring all next year (2006).
The line up is as follows, Todd, myself, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawks and Prairie Prince. We're planning to record a live CD/DVD sometime after the new year and a possible TV appearance before Christmas. So, thats what I've been alluding to for the past month or so and I'm really excited to be involved in this new project with a great bunch of guys. I'm sure we'll be doing shows near you and this is one show you really don't want to miss. I mean come on ... Todd and ME? Playing Cars songs? Hee hee!!!! It'll be like hearing them for the first time!
As soon as the publicity shots from the photo session we did are approved, I'll be putting them up here - www.KasimSulton.com."
The full line-up is: Todd Rundgren vocals, guitar; Kasim Sulton bass, vocals; Elliot Easton guitar, vocals; Greg Hawkes keyboards, vocals; Prairie Prince drums.
That's quite a line-up by anyone's admission. Yes, I'll definitely look forward to new material from these guys, but I'm still not sold on their choice of name. At least they aren't trying to use the original Cars name. Perhaps I could suggest Second Hand Cars as an alternative?

SAMMY HAGAR TALKS OF 2006 ALBUM AND TOURING PLANS:
Sammy Hagar has spoken to DJ Steve Dahl (WCKG Chicago) about his current plans. Of most noteworthy is news that the new Waborita's album is 9 songs out of 12 complete and will be released next year with the title Livin' It Up.
Sammy will tour next year in support of the album, with Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony in tow. Sammy said the show would open with a Waborita's set before moving into a set of Van Halen material.
On the topic of Van Halen, Sammy has not spoken to Eddie since the end of the 2004 tour, but suggests that if Eddie called, he would gladly talk to him.
You can see the full run down of the interview posted by Greenpaw at VHForums.com.

NEW UK ROCKERS EDEN ANNOUNCE DEBUT SHOW:
Eden are pleased to announce details of their debut show. The band that is formed around the talents of Nick Workman & Vince O'Regan are confirmed to play Maymies night club in Cannock on Friday 27th January 2006. Both Nick and Vince will be joined by Dante Fox's bass player and drummer, Alan Mills & Mick Hales. This show will be a special one-off, the band plan to do more shows after their debut album is released (sometime in early / mid 2006). For more information check out the band's official website at www.edentheband.co.uk.
Nick e-mailed me with a little further information. He says: "At this time we dont have any other gigs booked but once we have completed work on our debut album we will be looking in to it."

SONYBMG CONTINUE TO MAKE FRIENDS!:
Well, SonyBMG has taken a PR hit due to their back door anti-piracy tactics, but now they are about stir up some more trouble - they are now unwilling to allow any of their artists or titles to appear on iTunes in Australia or Japan! Talk about driving people to illegal downloading!

UNIVERSAL MUSIC ROLLS OUT NEW BON JOVI SPECIAL EDITION:
Universal Music is set to release a special edition of Bon Jovi's Crossroads album later this month. Looks like another interesting release for Jovi fans. Check it out:
Disc 1: Crossroads (Greatest Hits release from 1995)
Disc 2: (B-Sides) Wild In The Streets . I Wish Every Day Could Be Christmas . Good Guys Don't Wear White . Boys Are Back In Town . Social Disease . Blood On Blood . Let It Rock . Starting All Over Again . Blood Money . Save A Prayer . 99 In The Shade . Roulette . Breakout . Raise Your Hands.
Disc 3: (DVD of Live In London) Livin' On A Prayer . You Give Love A Bad Name . Keep The Faith . Always . Blaze Of Glory . I'll Sleep When I'm Dead/Papa Was A Rolling Stone . Bad Medicine/Shout . Hey God . Wanted Dead Or Alive . This Ain't A Love Song . These Days.

Monday, November 14, 2005

PRINCE TALKS ABOUT NEW DIAMONDS:
Michael Prince has spoken about the songs that make up the new Legs Diamond album Diamonds Are Forever, which has just been released by AOR Heaven. Here are his comments. Tracks can be previewed on the Legs Diamond Showcase.
1) Don't Turn Away - We love playing this song because it has several different riffs in it. It's a rocker about what else a guy trying to get a girl!
2) Time Will Never Change - Lots of keys, a good shuffle feel and great harmonies.
3) Good Time - This song just makes us happy when we play it and it s a true story ;-)
4) King of Speed - Yes, we love Deep Purple check out the organ solo!!!
5) Trouble Hard - Nasty rock don t mess with us!
6) This Time Around - Classic Legs Diamond... keeps building and building and building.
7) Let It Go - Great rocker delivering the eternal message let it go.
8) Will You Remember - Another symphonic rocker that makes you think and wonder how all that sound can come out of your speakers ;-)
9) Rain Down - A guitar rocker begging for your love - come on Let it Rain!!
10) Loneliness - This one is about losing someone you love (my mother died a year earlier and this was what I was feeling and wanted to say)
11) Get You Home - Fire up the Harley, I'm taking you home!!
12) Change - John wrote this one, great riffs and lyrics about moving to LA and changes that come with it our first song with a rap section!!
13) For All We Know - An instrumental inspired by all we don't know, but believe in anyway.


CLASSIC GENESIS LINE-UP CONSIDERS RE-UNION:
From FMQB late last week....cool news for classic rock lovers:
"For years, Peter Gabriel has been the lone hold out in a potential Genesis reunion. But now, Gabriel tells Rolling Stone that a reunion may be imminent. "The odds [of a Genesis reunion] are better now than before," Gabriel said. "We're going to have the conversation."
Aside from a one-off concert in 1982, Gabriel has not stood on stage with the classic five-man lineup of Genesis since the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway tour ended in May of 1975. The band finally called it quits in 1998. "When we got back together in 1982, I don't think we rehearsed," Gabriel said. "To really do it properly, we'd have to take more time. It's quite a commitment."
Phil Collins recently expressed his desire to reunite the band at a Tel Aviv press conference. "I'm happy to sit behind the drums and let Peter [Gabriel] be the singer," Collins said. And just last month, guitarist Steve Hackett told the Chicago Sun-Times that he received a phone call from Genesis management. "There's a movement to put us all together again," he said. "I do think it will happen."

REFURBISHED CARS TO ROAR AGAIN:
From Hitsdailydouble.com: "It's been a rumor for quite some time, but sources tell us that there will be a reunion of The Cars next year, led by the band's guitarist Elliot Easton and newcomer Todd Rundgren (who we've heard of somewhere or other before). The reunited band is currently in the studio recording new tracks. No word yet on who else is in the band or of tour plans. It's expected that singer-guitarist-songwriter Ric Ocasek will not be part of the reunion. Ben Orr, the band's other principal singer-songwriter and bassist, died from cancer in October 2000."
Sorry, but without Ocasek, it just ain't The Cars. Check out Ocasek's new studio album for some pop brilliance.

MR. PERRY TALKS:
It is always good to hear from former Journey vocalist Steve Perry. He has conducted a new interview with Jeb Wright of Classic Rock Revisited. Perry is on the campaign trail, promoting the new Journey Live In Houston DVD, out tomorrow. Check it out.


DON DOKKEN AND GEORGE LYNCH CHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE DOKKEN REUNION:
As he prepared for the Metal Mania Stripped Across America tour, Don Dokken called into The Hairball John Radio Show to discuss his participation in the Metal Mania tour, the upcoming Dokken Holiday dates and the status of his solo disc as well as the new studio release from Dokken titled Lightning Strikes Again. Dokken was also asked to set the record straight, once and for all, regarding the possibility of a Dokken reunion with guitarist George Lynch.
Don Dokken: "No. No possibility. I read all about it on the internet. I read all about what I was doing and getting together with George (Lynch) and I was thought gee everyone knows about the reunion tour but me (laughing) . And actually I talked with George, we hadn't see each other in years, and we actually ran into each other at a store and just chatted about someday doing a reunion but I don't see what s the point to tell you the truth. If there was magic at one point in our careers, but everyone knows that George and I from day one never got along, our personalities are absolutely opposites."
The entire 16 minute interview with Don Dokken is available on demand in full streaming audio at the home site of The Hairball John Radio Show: www.hairballjohn.com.

SONYBMG BACKS DOWN ON SPYWARE:
Following last week's Anti-Piracy software trouble for music giant SonyBMG, the label have been forced into stopping the manufacturing of titles with the troubled software.
Washington - Stung by continuing criticism, the world's second-largest music label, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, promised Friday to temporarily suspend making music CDs with anti-piracy technology that can leave computers vulnerable to hackers.
Sony defended its right to prevent customers from illegally copying music but said it will halt manufacturing CDs with the "XCP" technology as a precautionary measure. "We also intend to re-examine all aspects of our content protection initiative to be sure that it continues to meet our goals of security and ease of consumer use," the company said in a statement.
Full story: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10005667

ANGTORIA SIGNS RECORD DEAL WITH LISTENABLE RECORDS:
Swedish/UK based orchestral metal band Angtoria has as a result of their collaboration with Fortress Music And Artist Management teamed up with Listenable Records and signed a record deal! Formed in July 2004, this female fronted band consist of singer Sarah Jezebel Deva (known from Cradle Of Filth, Therion, Mortiis etc), musician/composer Chris Rehn (Abyssos) and musician/composer Tommy Rehn (Moahni Moahna).
Having already recieved numerous top rated reviews and awards for their demo in magazines all over the world, the collaboration with Listenable Records will reveal their awaited debut album scheduled to be released worldwide in spring 2006.
Visit www.listenable.net or www.angtoria.com for official information and updates.

CHAVIS RECORDS & WYCKED SYNN PART WAYS:
Chavis Records and Wycked Synn have agreed to part ways due to differences of opinion and direction. After much discussion with the band, it is in everyone s best interest to make an amicable split and preserve friendships. Chavis Records would like to wish the band much success and good luck in the future.
For those that preordered the CD refunds are in process and will be received over the next several business days. www.chavisrecords.net.

REVIEWS UPDATED:
A few new Reviews have been added today. A few high class titles and a few not so... Reviews are online for: Radioactive, Khymera, Soul Doctor, John Farnham, Aerosmith, Cherone and Paganini. Check them out.
More to come shortly.

CD Showcases have been updated to reflect three new titles from Atenzia Records - all just released. Check out new titles from The Way, Mark Spiro and Retrograde. Investigate!

Friday, November 11, 2005

ESCAPE MUSIC & AOR HEAVEN ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF PHENOMENA:
Escape Music / AOR Heaven, are pleased to announce the signing of the British Melodic / Hard Rock legends Phenomena. The creator of the album no other than the mastermind himself Mr. Tom Galley.


The new album titled Psycho Fantasy will be released on the 10th February 2006, catalogue number ESM-125, the album includes performances by lead singers such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple / HTP / Trapeze), Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath), Keith Murrell (Mama's Boys / Air Race) plus Mel Galley (Whitesanke / Trapeze) and JJ Marsh (HTP / Glenn Hughes) on the six-string!
WebLinks: www.Escape-Music.com and www.aorheaven.com.


LANNY CORDOLA CHECKS IN AHEAD OF FIREFEST 2 NOV:
House Of Lords guitarist Lanny Cordola has checked in with a taste of what to expect from the band for the upcoming Firefest shows in the UK and Greece (November 26 and 29).
"Lanny Cordola here. I wanted to give you an update on the House Of Lords Firefest situation. As you might know, it will be the first time in 16 years that the four of us have played live together. My first get together with Chuck going over the material was killer. He and I are constantly doing projects together so we always have an immediate groove going. Ken has hired us a lot over the years to do sessions that he's producing plus he and Chuck been hired as a rhythm section many times before.
When the three of us were in the studio doing The Power And The Myth it was like no time had passed at all. James has always been a world class singer, so we are all real confident and excited about everything. These shows are going to awesome and powerful. We'll be doing songs from all four releases with an emphasis on our debut. If any of your readers happen to live in the UK or Greece tell them to come on down to show, they'll be glad they did.
Cheers, Lanny Cordola."
Full Firefest Details at: www.fire-fest.co.uk/

MOTLEY CRUE KEEP THE CIRCUS ON THE ROAD IN 2006:
Coming off the heels of the epic "Red, White and Crue" reunion tour, which turned into one of the biggest concert events of 2005, Motley Crue is poised to continue their assault on North America. Having sold more than 40 million records worldwide and coming off last year's Pollstar Top 10-grossing extravaganza, expect Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, Tommy Lee and Mick Mars to continue their domination in the year to come. The brand-new edition of their acclaimed "Carnival of Sins" will be seen by several million people around the country and the world in 2006, as the band performs all its greatest hits, with the spectacular production and pyrotechnics providing that patented Motley mayhem fans have grown to love.
Tour dates and pre-sale information will be announced via Ticketmaster this Monday, November 14. Pre-sale begins Tuesday, November 15th @ 7am local time and ends Friday, November 18th @ 6pm local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, November 19th @ 10am local time via: www.ticketmaster.com/promo/21391.


UPDATING RADIOACTIVE NEWS:
An update to the Radioactive press release of two days back. The track Carry On was listed as having Kelly Keagy on lead vocals. He is, but his part is only a part of the song. Mikael Erlandsson handles the majority of the lead vocals.
Tommy Denander explains: "Kelly was supposed to sing the whole thing and actually did so but unfortunately he had a throat infection and wasn't sure if he could sing it at all but being the kind human he is he recorded a version anyway....I only had a couple of days to finish the album and could only use 4-6 lines of what he did so I called Mikael who helped me out in the last minute."

TOBY JEPSON & ROADSTAR TO SUPPORT ON THUNDER'S 2006 U.K. TOUR:
Former Little Angels vocalist Toby Jepson will be joining Thunder on tour in the U.K. in Jan/Feb 2006. Also on the bill will be Roadstar who were known as Hurricane Party up until recently. Check out Toby at www.tobyjepson.com. For more in Roadstar visit www.hurricane-party.com
The full list of tour dates is as follows:
Friday 20th January City Hall, Newcastle, England
Saturday 21st January Academy, Glasgow, Scotland
Sunday 22nd January City Hall, Sheffield, England
Tuesday 24th January Solent Hall, Bournemouth, England
Wednesday 25th January St. David's Hall, Cardiff, Wales
Friday 27th January Dome, Brighton, England
Saturday 28th January Corn Exchange, Cambridge, England
Sunday 29th January Coslton Hall, Bristol, England
Tuesday 31st January Academy, Birmingham, England
Wednesday 1st February UEA, Norwich, England
Friday 3rd February Academy, Manchester, England
Saturday 4th February Hammersmith Apollo, London, England

THIS WEEK ON YOUR CLASSIC METAL SHOW:
This week on your Classic Metal Show, we're revisited by an old friend of the show, Terry Ilous of XYZ. As you may remember, we previewed an album called Rainy Days a few months back for XYZ. Well, apparently this album was not sanctioned by Terry or anyone with any standing in the XYZ camp. In order to fight it, Terry has dug deep into the closet and come up with Forgotten Demos 1985-1991. This collection is fantastic, so we'll do a New Music Listening Party for it. Terry is also scheduled to come in and talk about the new record, what's next for XYZ, and anything else that comes up.

EDENBRIDGE'S GRAND DESIGN:
With the forthcoming new album from Edenbridge titled The Grand Design to released in spring 2006, there is a new competition on the official fan site to win Lanvall's first solo guitar album, now remastered and with extended artwork, hop along to www.edenbridgefanclub.org/competitions.htm to have a go and win yourself a free Christmas present.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Word has it that new hard rock tributes are being worked on for both Motley Crue and The Beatles.

UFO's new double live DVD & CD Showtime is out now. Drummer Andy Parker has rejoined replacing Jason Bonham who remains with Foreigner.

XYZ vocalist Terry Ilous has a new solo website online at: www.terryilous.com.

Over at the Nelson website, the AOR twins are promoting a listening session for their "upcoming CD". But what exactly is this upcoming CD? Only members of their online fanclub can access the information and the preview. A minimum membership is $10 for one month.

Tigertailz are to headline Glamfest 06 in Stockholm, Sweden, February 11th, playing alongside Zan Clan, Loud 'N' Nasty and The Vains Of Jenna. WebLinks: www.skrikhult.se and www.TigertailzRockz.Com.

SONY SLIP DEEPER INTO THE POO:
News of Sony Music's backdoor CD anti-piracy antics has been circulating and debated for a couple of weeks now. The importance of this issue just got cranked up. Read on:
First Sony virus found; lawsuit filed - Hackers use anti-copy software to hide in PCs / From: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9991596/
Amsterdam - A computer security firm said on Thursday it had discovered the first virus that uses music publisher Sony BMG's controversial CD copy-protection software to hide on PCs and wreak havoc.
Under a subject line containing the words "Photo approval", a hacker has mass-mailed the so-called Stinx-E trojan virus to British e-mail addresses, said British antivirus firm Sophos. When recipients click on an attachment, they install malware, which may tear down the firewall and gives hackers access to a PC. The malware hides by using Sony software that is also hidden -- the software would have been installed on a computer when consumers played Sony's copy-protected music CDs.
"This leaves Sony in a real tangle. It was already getting bad press about its copy-protection software, and this new hack exploit will make it even worse," said Sophos's Graham Cluley.
Later on Thursday, security software firm Symantec Corp. also discovered the first trojans to abuse the security flaw in Sony BMG's copy-protection software. A trojan is a program that appears desirable but actually contains something harmful. Sony BMG's spokesman John McKay in New York was not immediately available to comment.
The music publishing unit of the Japanese electronics conglomerate is distributing the copy-protection software on a range of recent music compact discs from artists such as Celine Dion and Sarah McLachlan.
When the CD is played on a Windows personal computer, the software first installs itself and then limits the usage rights of a consumer. It only allows playback with Sony software.

MR-X UPDATED:
A huge update for MR-X today and still a waelth of other downloads still available for a short while longer. Added today is a new Feature Album - this time it's 2AM and their long out of print 1987 one-off release When Every Second Counts.
A special Feature Live album is online as of today - a rare one for Loverboy fans: Loverboy Westwood One Live - a rare radio show from the USA on the band's Lovin' Every Minute Of It tour.
Also online today is a new Special Feature - Night Ranger's 7 Wishes Live In Japan Video. It may be nearly 20 years old, but this is a classic concert from the guys.
New video clips are online for: Roxy Blue - Rob The Cradle, Southgang - Tainted Angel and Tug Of War, Whitesnake - Here I Go Again (Stripped), Inxs - Pretty Vegas, Kings X - Freedom and Shooting Star - Straight Ahead.
Still online are the 4 live radio shows from last week (Survivor, Foreigner, Joe Lynn Turner and Bad English) and more. Time for the old titles to go shortly!
MR-X Membership Details.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

BOB CATLEY'S NEW SPIRIT OF MAN:
Magnum singer Bob Catley is prepared to make its impact on the European markets with the release of his highly anticipated new studio album entitled Spirit Of Man.
"Every album is as important to me" says Catley, who adds "the last one, Spirit Of Man took over a year to make, I'm very proud of it and want it to be the very best it can be, it's my 5th solo album but the first one on my new label Frontiers, so that makes it pretty important too."
Nearly 3 years after the successful release of When Empires Burn, Catley comes back with a renewed team of collaborators. "I think my three songwriters this time, Dave Thompson, Paul Uttley and Vince O'Regan have done a wonderful job for me, I'm extremely happy with it", says the legendary British singer.
The final result Spirit of Man is a varied album full of well-crafted, classy great rock music as one would expect from Bob, who explains: "I think the new album has got elements of When Empires Burn and The Tower and some of the older Magnum albums as well. That's what I'm known for, a mixture of hard and heavy, soft and melodic rock."
The final tracklisting shall include the following songs: Heart Of Stone (click to hear an mp3 sample); Moment Of Truth (click to hear an mp3 sample); In The Name Of The Cause (click to hear an mp3 sample); Blinded By A Lie (click to hear an mp3 sample); Last Snows Of Winter; Spirit Of Man; The Fire Within Me; Judgement Day; Lost To The Night; Beautiful Mind; Walk On Water; End Of The Story. Cover art was designed by world renowned artist Ioannis of Dangerous Age Graphics (Deep Purple, Styx, UFO, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc.)
Catley concludes, sending his personal message to the fans: "Thank you to everyone for sticking by me all these years, cheers guys, look forward to seeing you all on tour!"
Release date of the album is set in Europe on Frontiers Records on January 27th 2006 with a release in Japan due out on Marquee / Avalon.

xx

THE DARKNESS SINGER BUYS BACK OWN ALBUM OFF E-BAY:
A cool story in overnight, this from BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4418356.stm.
By Ian Youngs, BBC News entertainment reporter.
The Darkness' comeback album is not released until 28 November - The Darkness singer Justin Hawkins paid £350 for a copy of his own band's new album on eBay a month before its release to stop it being leaked.
"The CD was sent to a small number of record company figures and journalists around the world but found its way onto the auction site in Australia", he said. Hawkins plans to find the culprit by using the CD's unique ID code.
The band's second album, One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back, will be released on 28 November in the UK. "I've bought our own album back off this character who's selling it on eBay," the singer told the BBC News website. "It cost me £350 and it's going to be a tenner when it's in the shops - with artwork. It's encoded so we'll have a name and a number - so we'll know which disc it is, who distributed it and who they distributed it to. And that person is going to go down.
"He is either going to get some sort of legal intervention or he certainly won't receive an album from our record company ever again." Hawkins said the band had been stringent with who they had given the album to in the UK. Drummer Ed Graham added that the culprit "should really be sacked" if it is someone in the music business.
But the appearance of the album on eBay is less damaging than internet leaks where songs are put on file-sharing networks for thousands of fans to download for free. The Darkness have recruited a new bassist, Richie Edwards.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), which represents UK record labels, said the scale of counterfeit and unauthorised selling on eBay had got "out of hand. Time and again, we have seen eBay being abused by individuals seeking to make a quick profit on the back of our members' copyrights," a BPI spokesman said.
An eBay spokesperson said their rules did not "specifically prohibit" the resale of advance CDs. One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back is hotly anticipated after the band's 2003 debut, Permission to Land, sold 3.5 million copies around the world. It will be preceded in the UK by a single, One Way Ticket, on 14 November.
They have scheduled an arena tour of the UK and Ireland for February, kicking off in Dublin. The band sacked bassist Frankie Poullain while recording One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back because he became too "negative" and "suspicious" of Hawkins' relationship with the band's manager Sue Whitehouse, the singer said.
He has been replaced by the group's former guitar technician Richie Edwards. "There's no way that a fan of The Darkness, based on what we did on the last record, is not going to love this record even more than the first one," Hawkins said.

JAMES CHRISTIAN CHECKS IN AFTER HURRICANE OUTAGE:
An update from James Christian: "Well I just got power and internet access restored after the Wrath of Hurricane Wilma. This was not an easy couple of weeks. I really got to appreciate all the simple pleasures of life during that time. The worse part was not being able to communicate with anyone. I really felt detached from the world during that time. My family is fine. As a matter of fact, Olivia had a great time as she had no school for over 14 days. Now that power is restored, I am gearing up for the upcoming House Of Lords shows at Firefest. I am really backed up as I was not able to really do any prep until today. I have heard from all the members and everyone is very excited to do the shows. After 14 years of being off stage, I can honestly say the "Butterflies" are back. This is a good thing as one never want to be to confident. What use to be like breathing air takes a little more time and preparation. I never realized the type of condition I had to be in to do 5 -6 shows a week and still have all the stamina in needed.
I want to thank everyone for sending in their choice of songs for the show. It really helps to know what the fans want to hear. I think we put together a good set from each CD. I don't think there will be anything from the solo CD's I have done as when I discussed it with the band, they felt it was not HOL material so they prefer not to do it.
That is OK with me. I will plan a small club tour where I can get out and play the solo CDs to my hearts content. Robin and I are actually planning something for early next year. Back to House Of Lords - I wanted everyone to know that the HOL DVD is almost completed and will be available in about two months. This DVD will have all the footage of HOL including all MTV Videos, Interviews, A photo montage with some unreleased songs playing in the background, TV Shows and commentary from each of us. I have seen the roughs of the compilation and it brought back such great memories.
Anyone who is a fan of HOL will really love this DVD. I hope to see as many of you as possible at the Firefest shows in England and Greece.
Take Care, James Christian"
WebLink: www.jameschristianmusic.com.

KEVIN DuBROW WORKS WITH GLENN HUGHES FOR NEXT QR CD:
This in from Quiet Riot's Kevin DuBrow, via Mitch Lafon. Kevin says: "I had the honor and privilege of spending my day here in Las Vegas working and vocal melodies and lyrics for the upcoming Quiet Riot CD with the amazingly talented Glenn Hughes. I was a long time fan of Glenn's before we were close friends it was really cool and kinda weird to have Glenn in my home singing the most amazing and sometimes off the wall vocals. Now it's my job to try and try to recreate his parts in my style. It looks like Glenn will be joining us in the studio to sing a duet with me and play Bass on the Spooky Tooth classic Evil Woman. We plan on recording in Los Angeles in January 2006."

Q PRIME LAUNCHES LABEL:
I picked up this article from www.anrworldwide.com and thought it would be of interest to some here. Q Prime were recently dumped by Def Leppard after managing the band for some 20 years.
"Influential US management company Q Prime whose roster includes Metallica, Muse, Shania Twain, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Garbage, Dead 60s and numerous others have signed British band Mohair to their new record label. The management team of Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch are looking build upon their success with the launch of this newly formed (yet–to–be named) label. Burnstein and Mensch previously launched Volcano Records and subsequently sold their stake to Clive Calder.
"We've been in the music business for over 25 years and have a pretty good idea as to how this business works," says Peter Mensch. He adds, "With all that experience and the great staff we already have in place, we feel we can compete with any other label, big or small."
Mohair hails from Watford, England and are the first band signed to this newly formed Q Prime label and recorded their debut album with producers Mark Wallis (U2, Travis, The La's) and David Ruffy (from the legendary punk band The Ruts as well as Aztec Camera and The Waterboys). Mohair's album, Small Talk, will be released around Spring 2006.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

TOMMY'S TAKEN WITH NEW RADIOACTIVE RELEASE:
Tommy Denander's new Radioactive album Taken is released via MTM Music November 11. Here Tommy talks about the tracks on the new album, as well as detailing the individual musician credits for each track. Samples of the new album can be heard on the Taken Showcase.
The new album is available in a regular version and a limited edition with a bonus DVD.
1. C.O.W
Tommy Denander - Guitars & keyboards
"I've had the idea of doing something like this since i was about 16 years old but over the years it just felt silly and totally out of fashion....i recently reminded myself that I've never cared about fashion before so why start now!!!"
2. Taken
Bobby Kimball - Lead vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, keyboards & bass
Vinny Heter - Drums
Thomas Vikström - Backing vocals
"This was the first song i wrote for the album and the one that made me decide what kind of album it would be. The first Radioactive album is a bit westcoast and the second is more hard rock, i wanted to make a more pure AOR album this time that mixes westcoast, melodic rock and pop. I heard my buddy Bobby singing from the start and as always he delivers in a way only he can"
3. Stronger Than Yesterday
Andreas Carlsson - Lead & backing vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, piano & bass
Jeff Porcaro - Drums
Dean Parks - Guitars
Steve Porcaro - Keyboards, strings & effects
Greg Phillinganes - Keyboard fills
"This is one of the best songs I've written in a long time and to do it with this line up is fantastic.
This song comes from an idea I had with the great Jeff Porcaro back in 1991, I had a little time left during the sessions we did and he asked me what i wanted to do, I told him I had another idea so we gave it a shot but never finished it.
We recorded a one take version of guitars and drums but I never finished it then....so with the creative use of Pro Tools I cut the drum parts into a new arrangement and wrote this new song to the drums!!! Andreas Carlsson has been a friend for several years and he was so kind to come down and sing it for me and I had some unused samples from Dean and Greg that fit perfect by magic as well.
Since I had Jeff on it I thought it would be nice to ask Steve Porcaro to play something small on it as well and he ended up doing this amazing classic Toto sounding arrangement of horns, strings, hammonds and Moog's....brilliant"
4. Hit Her Where It Hurts
Gary Barden - Lead vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, keyboards & bass
Vinny Heter - Drums
Michael Voss - backing vocals
"I've had the pleasure of being a guest player on the last 3 Silver albums with Gary Barden and Michael Voss so it was about time for them to pay me back HAHA. They both do a great job on this song and I'm proud to call them friends"
5. Easy's Getting Harder
Robin Beck - Lead vocals
James Christian - Lead vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars & keyboards
Al V Dohn - Bass
Vinny Heter - Drums
Thomas Vikström - Backing vocals
"My friend Kai at Rock It magazine kept telling me that i should do something with James Christian so he hooked us up.
I didn't know he was married to the great Robin Beck who I've been a fan of for a long time so with little hope of them saying yes I asked them if they would do a duet for me and they agreed!!! hey sing it very good and my buddy Björn wrote the perfect lyrics for this song."
6. This I Promise You
Mikael Erlandsson - Lead & backing vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, keyboards & loops
Al V Dohn - Bass
Vinny Heter - Drums
"I wasn't sure that I wanted a ballad on this album...until i wrote this song!!! And I had to have the amazing Mikael Erlandsson sing it cause it had a Bryan Adams vibe to it and what a perfect job he did....as always!!!"
7. Forgivness
Christian Ingebrigtsen - Lead vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, keyboards & bass
Bruce Gaitsch - Acoustic guitars
Vinny Heter - Drums
Thomas Vikström - backing vocals
"This is a really good song that I'm sure will be recorded by a pop artist soon. I recently started to write with American top writer Marjorie Maye (Celine Dion, Destiny's Child) and Christian Ingebrigtsen who's not only a big pop star in Norway but also a great writer. I had the music for this ready and we finished the melody and lyrics in an afternoon, Christian then nailed the whole vocal in less than 20 minutes....and I'm in love with the song since then!
It had such a Richard Marx vibe to it that i had to get my friend Bruce Gaitsch to play some of that classic Marx type of guitars he's know for."
8. Shattered
Philip Bardowell - Lead & backing vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, keyboards & bass
Yngwie Malmsteen - solo
Vinny Heter - Drum
"Philip Bardowell is one of the best singers I've worked with and someone I will do lots of music with in the future...I'm really happy to have him on my album. I've known Yngwie Malmsteen for a long time even though I wouldn't say we're close, a couple of years ago he played on a big charity song I was doing and at the same time he played on this song, I didn't know then it would end up on this album!"
9. Premonition
Fergie Frederiksen - Lead vocals
Thomas Vikström - Lead & backing vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, keyboards & bass
Bruce Kulick - Guitar solo
Vinny Heter - Drums
"How do I describe a person as nice and funny as Fergie Frederiksen?.....well, ya gotta meet him HAHA.
This song was written for the Frederiksen - Denander album we're doing but rejected by the label so i decided to give it a home here. Fergie and I wrote this with the legendary Jim Peterik (Survivor) and it was the last song recorded when i worked with Fergie in Los Angeles in February so his voice was hurting a little, i decided to redo a few parts with my old pal Thomas Vikström who as always does a perfect job. Thomas help with backing vocals on this album is also beyond words...thanks guys!!!"
10. Carry On
Kelly Keagy - Lead vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars & keyboards
John "jr" Robinson - Drums
Abe Laboriel - Bass
Tom Keane - Keyboards
Neal Schon - Talk box intro
Michael Landau - Guitars
Michael Thompson - Guitars
Frederic Slama - Guitars
Steve George - Backing vocals
"Kelly Keagy is also one of those guys who is so nice that i hope everybody in the world gets to meet him! We got to know each other through our mutual friend Bruce Gaitsch, who btw is also one of the nicest and funniest guys in the world-), I was asked to play several songs on Kelly's forthcoming great new solo album so in return I asked him to sing a song for me...he was sick in his throat and didn't feel he could give it his best shot but it's still a really good job.
This song was co-written by my close friend Frederic Slama and features a dream cast of musicians including Neal Schon from Journey, Steve George from Mr. Mister and guitar legends Michael Landau and Michael Thompson etc...."
11. Love Is On Your Mind
Thomas Vikström - Lead & backing vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars & keyboards
Al V Dohn - Bass
Vinny Heter - Drums
"A really good uptempo rocker that i co wrote with one of my oldest friends Kristoffer Lagerström from Spin Gallery. This song was written for a project we had called Cinema that eventually became Spin Gallery and my crazy buddy Thomas Vikström sings it really good."
12. Sinner
Johan Fahlberg - Lead vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars & keyboards
Al V Dohn - Bass
Vinny Heter - Drums
Thomas Vikström - Backing vocals
"I recently did a guest solo for German rockers Jaded Heart's new album and when I got the album I was blown away...because the album was brilliant and their new singer Johan was stunning.....payback time again HAHAHA. Johan did a great job and even though you're way too tall dude I really dig ya so thanks HAHA"
13. Never Gonna Let Her Go
Tommy Denander - Rhythm & lead guitars
Steve Lukather - Solos (3:09 - 3:33 & end solo)
Michael Landau - Rhythm guitars
Peter Friestedt - Guitar fills
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums
David Diggs - Keyboards
Hussain Jiffry - Bass
Tom Saviano - Sax
"I don't do many instrumentals these days but I was asked a while ago to do a couple of instrumental versions of AOR songs for my buddy Frederic Slama and with the line up's being so incredible I felt honored. I've spoken with Steve Lukather a lot of being a part of a Radioactive album but we never seem to find the time so I though for two reasons that it would be great to include this one here...first because I had an instrumental on my first album and second cause Luke appears....and playing great as always."


FIREFEST PRESS RELEASE NOV 8:
The Aftershow - For those that can't possibly imagine going home at 10.30 after Firefest, we along with Rock City have something that just may appeal to you.
Immediately after the House of Lords set at Firefest, anybody that feels like rocking into the wee small hours can enter the Rig for a feast of melodic, AOR and classic hard rock for free!!!!! Yes, Free. All you have to do when you come down stairs is make your way directly to the Rig and enjoy another few hours of classic melodic hard rock. Please note if you do go outside the Rock City complex you will have to pay on your way back in, so once again, make your way straight into the Rig where the resident do will be more than happy to play exactly what you want. They also have promised the emphasis will be on melodic hard rock and aor for the night so be prepared for even more great music!
Firefest Competition - Regarding the Competition currently running re House of Lords meet and greet, please not the last day for purchase of tickets to Firefest 2, which will get you an automatic entry into this draw is November 13. That is just 6 days away, so if you have not already purchased your tickets and you want to have the chance of a personal meet and greet with one of the greatest melodic hard rock acts ever, please purchase now . A full list of ticketing options is available from: friml.com/projects/firefest/index.php?view=tickets&lang=en.
Simply choose the method that suits you best, order your tickets and you are in. Simple as that.
E-Mail And Reserve - Once again, just to remind you that you can also E-Mail And Reserve your tickets for collection on the morning of the show. Simply e-mail us with your name, address and contact details and you can collect your tickets from the box office at Rock City on Nov 26 from 12 noon onwards. The advantage here is your tickets will be available to you at the advance ticket rate, which is cheaper than the on the day entry rate.
Merchandise - Firefest are delighted to offer new festival shirts for Firefest 2, different styles, including the much requested baseball style as well as plain black short sleeve tees. All shirts are festival specific and feature back print with full list of bands appearing on the day. We hope to have a photo of the finished article on the site as soon as possible so you can see for yourself. We think they look great, but please note, there are a limited number only available, so if you want one please make your way to the merchandise stall inside Rock City when you enter. For those of you attending the pre show party at Via Fossa on Friday night, you will have the opportunity to get hold of these shirts first, we will have them available on the night so you can wear the shirt at Firefest 2 on the day.
Site Update - www.fire-fest.co.uk is currently updated with brand new interviews with Ted Poley (Danger Danger) and Steve Williams (Power Quest) on their thoughts relating to their forthcoming Firefest appearance. Both of these interviews can be found under the Interviews section.
Please also make sure to check out what the artists that played Firefest 1 thought about the festival. Apparently we didn't suck and everybody had a great time!! Checkout the artist comments section.
Also, for those unfamiliar with Nottingham there is a Directions section including a map of Nottingham city centre with details of how to get to Rock City and Via Fossa as well as useful links to local transport, taxis, hotels and more.

HEAVEN & EARTH WIN AT THE LOS ANGELES ALL ACCESS MUSIC AWARDS SHOW:
Heaven & Earth had a good night at the All Access Music Awards Show on Saturday night. Stuart Smith won the award for "Best Guitarist" for the second year running. Richie Onori won the "Best Drummer" award, Stu Simone won "Best Keyboard Player" and Joe Petro won the award for "Best Bass Player"
Kelly Hansen from Foreigner also won the "Best Male Singer" award.
The band headlined the night with a short set and were joined onstage by Joe Lynn Turner, Kelly Hansen and Bobby Kimball of Toto, for the encores.
Heaven & Earth would like to thank all of you who took the trouble to cast in their votes.


MINIBYTES UPDATED:
MiniBytes have been updated with new soundbytes online for Hedley, Shannon Noll, The Click Five, John Farnham, Michael Men Project, Soul Relic, Rox Diamond, Pallas, Hellfire, Highland Glory, The Storyteller, Griffin, Phil Vincent, John 5 and Marc Rizzo. Check them all out.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

A HOMEGROWN MUSIC CONCERT WITH THE DAKOTA DUO AND JORDAN CHASSAN:
WVIA's unique series of monthly live two-hour concert-broadcasts continues with the reunion of the principal members of one of the region's most popular national rock bands, as well as a performance by an often witty singer-songwriter.
Jerry Hludzik and Bill Kelly were the key members of the Buoys in the early 1970s, one of the first rock bands from Northeastern Pennsylvania to achieve a national reputation, mainly on their strength of the unusual song Timothy. In the mid 1970s, Kelly and Hludzik were creating some new original music as a side-project to the Buoys, turned to Homegrown Music as an outlet for their music, recording their first songs at WVIA for the series. That grew into first the Jerry-Kelly Band and then Dakota, who also went on to achieve national popularity.
Dakota's Bill Kelly has been based in Nashville for the past few years, but after old Dakota recordings unexpectedly found popularity in Europe, Kelly and Hludzik decided to try a reunion. And now they are returning to Homegrown Music where it all started more than a quarter century ago, for a performance of their classic material, along with some new songs.
Jordan Chassan can probably not be accused of being overly prolific in his album releases. He has just released his second CD after a 12-year hiatus, full of the witty, laconic songs that won him praise on his eponymous debut in 1993. His style is somewhere between country and jazz, with a lot of originality thrown in. He makes his Homegrown Music debut.
As usual, WVIA's members and listeners are invited to attend the show to the station's Public Broadcasting Center studios. Admission is free by advance reservation. Phone 570-655-2808 to place reservations. (Note: Start time 8:00 PM )

INTRODUCING EIDSIVATING:
Eidsivating is the new band featuring former Da Vinci members Dag Selboskar (keys) and Gunnar Westlie (guitar) and Sons Of Angels drummer Geir Digernes. Their music is AOR/progressive hard rock and samples can now be found online at: www.eidsivating.com.
Vote for Eidsivating to become one of the acts at byLarm, Norway's major music business event. Follow this link to vote: www.bylarm.no/mp3catalog.php?letter=e#browse.

DREAMSCAPE REVOICED ON NEW OPUS:
Dreamscape will release their new album Revoiced November 18 via Massacre Records in Europe. US distribution is taking place through CD Inzane.
The track listing is: Thorn In My Mind, Fateful Silence, Alone, She's Flying, Changes, Fearing The Daylight, Unvoiced (Lost Parts), Reborn, Face Your Fears, Winter Dreams, Loneliness and When Shadows Are Gone.


UNION IN EUROPE:
Union's European tour dates are listed here: www.bravewords.com/news/34832.
Further to that, the line-up for this tour is: Bruce Kulick (guitar), John Corabi (guitar & vocals), Fred Coury (from Cinderella on drums) and Chuck Garric (from Alice Cooper on bass).

A MESSAGE FOR ALL:
Now might be a good time to remind folks that my wife and I are expecting our second child in mid-December.
It doesn't seem that long since I posted news of Nicholas' arrival, but he turned 3 last month – amazing.
Anyway, I'm posting advance warning that I will be taking time off as soon as the baby arrives. I'm doing my best to bust my butt getting everything possible up to date before that times arrives, but you can never tell with these things!
With any luck, all will happen over the upcoming holiday period when many people are away from work and not too much news is taking place and you won't miss me for a couple of weeks. If all goes to plan!

Still to do in the meanwhile is work on more Reviews, MelodicRock.com CD3, some cracking Interviews planned and start preparations for the 2005 MelRock Awards - and boy, do I have a lot to cover this year...

Monday, November 07, 2005

STEVE PERRY TALKS TO THE BOSTON GLOBE:
One of the Journey message board regulars posted this very cool interview with Steve Perry on the forums, which appeared Saturday in The Boston Globe. The full interview is available via this link: www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2005/11/05/he_never_stopped_believin.
The majority of the interview is featured here:

How did it feel having the White Sox adopt your song? You are a San Francisco Giants fan, right?
If they love you, I don't think it's wrong to go where you're loved. The second night, I was sitting in the clubhouse with Crede and Rowand and [relief pitcher Bobby] Jenks and I said, ''Congrats, that's 2 for 2 now." I told them I had to head out and do some work on the disc. Crede looked at me and said, ''Dude, you've got to go to Houston. This may never happen again."
So you changed your plans?
They played five hours and 45 minutes in Game 3, which took me to the edge of insanity. We won that one. Here we are the next day in Game 4, I'm standing near the warning track near the line and the White Sox are doing their stretches and busting my chops. I felt like I was one of the guys.
Like being in a band again.
When I was in Journey, there was a camaraderie. It had a purpose, it had a mission. We scrapped and had difficult times with each other and battles over musical differences but that never stopped us from being the best we could be....

...What do you mean a normal life? You're Steve Perry.
I make my own bed when I'm at my house. I wash my own dishes every day. And when they pile up it's because I don't wash them.
Do you miss those days?
Terribly. When I heard the raw tapes and I started mixing it, there were times I had to keep my head down on the console. Those were some magical times. It was too hard to watch. And it was 24 years ago and it s