2006 News Archive


Friday, December 29, 2006

TALISMAN EUROPEAN TOUR POSTPONED AGAIN:
Jeff Scott Soto comments: "Hello everyone, I speak for myself & the rest of Talisman regarding the recent tour dates announced.

I regret to inform you that the planned Farewell Tour for Talisman has had to be postponed. The team had done everything they could to ensure that the whole band be 100% available and, having waited for the various announcements we pressed the send button. However some of the dates were awaiting full confirmation and there were still one or two pending questions whether the timing worked alongside myself and one other band member. If we're to do this tour, it is imperative to us & you the fans to get the lineup you're expecting on a farewell tour, it wouldn't make sense to bring in a former member or even new player in closing this chapter of one of the most important entities of my career & life.

I hope you do realize it's nothing further than simple timing preventing us moving forward with the existing dates, I do hope & plan to readdress this whole thing, possibly adding more dates than were posted, later this year when some of us are freed up of prior commitments. My apologies to all our fans & friends alike, we are all disappointed now but know this is for the better so we can do it properly later... & potentially longer!
JSS /Talisman."

Friday, December 22, 2006

FRONTIERS ANNOUNCE WINGER RELEASE + NEWS ROUND-UP:
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Winger Demo Anthology on March 23, 2007.
Comprising of all the demos recorded by Winger during the 80s and early 90s, in preparation of their multi million selling albums Winger, In The Heart of The Young and Pull, the Demo Anthology will be a very special 2CD release that includes the following track listing:
CD1 - Madalaine; Hungry; Seventeen, State Of Emergency; Time To Surrender; Hangin On; Headed For A Heartbreak; Only Love (*); Can t Get Enough; Loosen Up; Easy Come Easy Go; Rainbow In The Rose; In The Day We ll Never See; Under One Condition; Little Dirty Blonde; Star Tripper (*); You Are The Saint I Am The Sinner; In The Heart of The Young.

CD2 - All I Ever Wanted (*); Skin Tight (*); Never (*); Someday Someway (*); Blind Revolution Mad; Down Incognito; Spell I m Under; Hour Of Need; Junkyard Dog; The Lucky One; In For The Kill; No Man s Land; Like A Ritual; Who s The One; Written In The Wind (*); Until There Was You (*); Without Warning (*); Give Me More (*).
(*) denotes a song which is unavailable on album.


The Pull line-up (1993)

"I think this is a very interesting release from a fan s perspective" says Kip Winger, "it shows how much the songs progressed from the early stages and also gives the fans the possibility to discover some hidden gems never released on any album, but that I thought was time to somehow release officially."

Winger have in the meanwhile announced the US tour dates in support of the recently released IV album.
Dec 31 2006 - Station Square Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Feb 1 2007 - Mulcahy's Long Island, New York
Feb 2 2007 - Harper's Ferry Boston, Massachusetts
Feb 3 2007 - Stone Pony Asbury Park, New Jersey
Feb 5 2007 - Webster Theatre Hartford, Connecticut
Feb 7 2007 - Amos' Southend Charlotte, North Carolina
Feb 10 2007 - The Culture Room Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Feb 11 2007 - State Theater St. Petersburg, Florida
Feb 12 2007 - Mojo Room Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 15 2007 - House of Blues Cleveland, Ohio
Feb 16 2007 - Alrosa Villa Columbus, Ohio
Feb 17 2007 - Harpo's Detroit, Michigan
Feb 18 2007 - House Of Blues Chicago, Illinois
Feb 22 2007 - The Yukon Loveland, Colorado
Feb 23 2007 - Jake's Tavern Gilette, Wyoming
Feb 24 2007 - Hubba's House of Rock & Roll Denver, Colorado
Feb 25 2007 - Mesa Theater Grand Junction, Colorado
Mar 2 2007 - Velvet Jones Santa Barbara, California
Mar 3 2007 - Galaxy Anaheim, California
Mar 5 2007 - Metal Skool @ Key Club Los Angeles, California
Mar 8 2007 - The Palladium Dallas, Texas
Mar 9 2007 - Scout Bar Houston, Texas
More dates will be added soon with possible spring concerts in Europe as well.


Frontiers Records is happy to introduce one of the most exciting new signings ever! Places Of Power is a new moniker behind which two familiar faces are hiding the beginning of their newest collaboration.
Bruce Turgon (ex-Foreigner, Shadow King, Lou Gramm, Atomic Playboys) and Philip Bardowell (ex-Unruly Child, Magdalen) have started working together on a blistering set of new songs and have christened this new partnership as Places Of Power a name which, according to Turgon, "is very strong and meaningful to this project".

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"Philip and I have a great working relationship and we have both a personal and shared inner vision" comments Turgon about this new venture, adding "we've spoken a lot about the kind of record we wanted to make and we found out we were exactly on the same page musically".
The fans can expect a magnificent melodic Hard Rock release, set to blend the best elements of Turgon's songwriting and musicianship together with the acclaimed powerful vocals from Bardowell, in order to create a real musical milestone akin to the best Foreigner and Shadow King albums. Something to get very excited about and that is planned to be released at the end of the Summer 07.
Both Philip Bardowell and Bruce Turgon are Frontiers Records recording artists. Bardowell released his album In The Cut in September 2005 while Turgon debuted as a solo artist with Outside Looking In in the November of the same year. Both albums gathered rave reviews from the press, including"
So many albums are released and reviewed, yet this one stands out as something a little different and something a little special. 2005 has been a year for the lesser known names and the surprise releases. Add Bruce Turgon to that list - Melodicrock.com
The music on Turgon's classy solo album reminds a lot of the albums he's been involved in the past so all fans of Foreigner will have a feast for sure. High quality AOR at your service! - Melodic.net
Bruce has crafted one of the best AOR/melodic hard rock albums of the year! Especially the fans of Foreigner will be pleased by this release! - Rock Report
Philip Bardowell released a mighty fine album filled with glorious AOR that will appeal to both fans of the old-school traditional sound of this genre and fans of more current releases - Melodicrock.com
I consider Philip Bardowell a true asset in these rather meager times for our beloved AOR/melodic rock genre - Rock Report

Thunder announced the European tour dates for their 2007 Spring tour in support of the newly released album Robert Johnson's Tombstone. Those are:
Thursday 1 March - SPAIN, Madrid, Heneken
Friday 2 March - SPAIN, Barcelona, Razzmatazz 2
Saturday 3 March - SPAIN, Bergara, Sala Jam
Monday 5 March - FRANCE, Paris, La Boule Noire
Tuesday 6 March - BELGIUM, Vosselar, Biebob
Wednesday 7 March - HOLLAND, Zoetemeer, Boerderij
Friday 9 March - DENMARK, Copenhagen, The Rock
Saturday 10 March - DENMARK, Frederikshavn, Det Musiske Hus
Sunday 11 March - NORWAY, Oslo, Rockefeller
Tuesday 13 March - FINLAND, Tampere, Pakkahoune
Friday 16 March - POLAND, Warsaw, TBA
Saturday 17 March CZECH REP., Prague, Retro Music Hall
Sunday 18 march - AUSTRIA, Vienna, Szene Wien
Tuesday 20 March - AUSTRIA, Salzburg, Rockhouse
Wednesday 21 March - GERMANY, Munich, Metropolis
Thursday 22 March - GERMANY, Hannover, Capitol
Saturday 24 March - GERMANY, Bochum, Matrix
Sunday 25 March - GERMANY, Stuttgart, LKA
Tuesday 27 March - ITALY, Milan, Rainbow
Wednesday 28 March - SWITZERLAND, Pratteln, Z7
It is also now possible to enjoy Thunder's brand new video The Devil Made Me Do It on Youtube.com following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z9fb98jgDc.

Kingdom Come launched the video for the title track of their brand new album Ain't Crying For The Moon on Youtube.com. You can watch it following any of these links: www.youtube.com/user/KingdomCome2006 and www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRxx6sTpDU4.

Frontiers Records wishes to extend to everyone artists, music fans, journalists, customers and their families their heartfelt best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year 2007 and a relaxing and joyful Christmas. The office will be closed until the 8th of January so all communications will be resumed from that date onwards.
As a special Christmas present, Frontiers decided to allow the fans the possibility to stream previews of not one but four upcoming releases from exciting newcomers on its new myspace page www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords.
Fans will be able to discover Indigo Dying, Two Of A Kind, Los Angeles and one track from the upcoming Dante Fox new album.

The new Indigo Dying album, due in April/May 2007 was produced, recorded and mixed by Fabrizio Grossi at Noize Factor in Canyon Country, California with additional recording at The Studio in Huntington, New York by Don Chaffin. The lineup is formed by Gisa Vatcky (vocals), Mordechai "Mordy" Hauser (guitar), Fabrizio Grossi (bass, orchestrations, programming) of Glenn Hughes / Starbreaker fame, John Macaluso (drums) ex-Yngwie Malmsteen / Riot / TNT, Jamie Teramo (keyboards, piano) with special appearances of Michael Kiske and Mark Boals (ex Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire) who will both appear singing duets with the female singer.


Two Of A Kind is a new Melodic Rock combo masterminded by Terra Nova's Fred Hendrix together with not one, but two female singers Esther Brouns and Anita Craenmehr. After a few writing sessions, Fred submitted the plan for his new band with a great melodic rock edge in Boston meets Heart style to Frontiers Records, who immediately loved the material and signed the band! The self-titled debut album will be released in March 2007. Lookout for live dates in the summertime!


Dante Fox are coming back after a 7-years hiatus with their third studio album entitled Under The Seven Skies. Together with founding members Sue Willetts (vocals) and Tim Manford (guitars), we have now three new faces onboard Mick Hales on drums (a veteran of the midlands rock scene), bass player Mike Dagnall and keyboard player / guitarist Roman Wieckowski. Recorded at the Mad Hat Studios (used by Magnum), the band has considerably gained maturity with their songwriting and offers a blazing new release which will please the existing fans and will gather new ones. The first track recorded Breakin Me Down has already had heavy rotation on Steve Price's show on ARFM, with great reaction and support. Dante Fox are looking forward to the release of the album scheduled for March 2007.


Los Angeles presents the shining talents of Michele Luppi an Italian amazing singer that cut his teeth in Los Angeles with Robin Randall (co-writer of hits for FM, Mark Free, James Christian etc) as his musical coach. Upon his return to Italy, he gathered considerable experience playing live with his band Mr Pig and later joining Prog Metal heroes Vision Divine. Los Angeles is Luppi's personal tribute to the AOR greats that shaped his singing and songwriting abilities and also features Fabrizio Grossi, Tommy Denander and Frankie De Grasso. While Luppi's astounding vocals can be described as Mark Free meets Eric Martin, Los Angeles is a true AOR beauty not to be missed when it will be released in the Spring 07!


ESCAPE MUSIC ANNOUNCE A NEW ATTRACTION AND 2007 LINE-UP:
Escape Music are pleased to announce the signing of Swedish melodic rock outfit Union Mac for their debut album Lost In Attraction.
This new Melodic Rock outfit is centered around Mikael Klevengård and Kristoffer Lagerström who will be familiar to some from their work with bands such as Spin Gallery, Radioactive, Prisioner & Sayit. The album is due for release February 19.
Line-Up: Kristoffer Lagerstrom – Lead and Backing vocals, Keyboards; Mikael Klevengard – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards; With Imre Daue (Drums). Mixed by Martin Kronlund at JM Recording Studio.
Track List: Bring Me In / A Live / Lost In Attraction / I Am / Fake / Left To Need / I Can't Believe / Marias Grace / Fading / Pain / Make Pretend / Outside / The Whale.
Here is an exclusive track full download Bring Me In for melodicrock.com! Download: Union Mac - Bring Me In (.wma file)

The label bio for the band states: "This is truly a wonderful album and the unusual thing is it sounds more American / Canadian than it does Swedish. Those eighties influences have definitely made an indelible mark with these two talented guys as they have made an album which is very much worth talking about. Strong melodies, catchy riffs and a plethora of keyboards. Just check out "Bring me in" the album opener, a classic start with haunting vocals, strutting guitars and a grand wall of keyboards. The chorus is instant and crescendo's into a majestic masterpiece. The title track itself smacks of Journey mixed with Survivor and there are many other eighties vibes along the way. Can't Believe is worthy of special mention, with its huge choruses and melodic guitars."
Union Mac are simply a breath of fresh air and they hit you hard with their own style of melodic rock, certainly a band to watch for in 2007.


More titles to follow for Escape Music in 2007!
Code The Enemy Within Jan 2007; Stormzone Caught In The Act Jan 2007; Last Autumn's Dream Saturn Skyline Feb 2007; Union Mac Lost In Attraction 2007; The Ladder new album title Sacred Mar 2007; Neverland Schizophrenia Mar 2007.

Coming soon - Heartland new album, White Wolf new album, Day Dreamer, Jet Trail, Pleasure Dome with Ted Poley and Shotgun Symphony boys, Mass, WildKard, Cloven Hoof - Dominator and A Sultans Ransom, plus bonus tracks re-issue in a double CD digipak....and more!
Escape Music would like to wish everyone A Wonderful Christmas and A very Happy New year!
WebLink: www.Escape-Music.com.

TALISMAN HITS THE ROAD FOR ONE FINAL TIME:
Swedish based melodic rock band Talisman is taking to the road across Europe for one last time to give the many fans who bought 7 the opportunity to hear the band live. This classic line-up represents one of the best hard rock bands in the business and it will, most likely, be the last opportunity for fans to see a live Talisman show before the final curtain descends.
Originally slated for October 2006, the tour was postponed due to Jeff Scott Soto being drafted in to cover for Steve Augeri on Journey's recent US tour and April 2007 will follow on from the Journey dates recently released for the UK and mainland Europe.
All in all Talisman will hit eight countries on a whirlwind tour comprising 14 dates plus a couple of 'warm-up' gigs in Sweden.
The final schedule is still awaiting detailed confirmation of all the venues but looks like this:
Sunday 8 April UK Sheffield The Corporation
Monday 9 April UK London Camden Underworld
Wednesday 11 April Belgium Vosselar Biebob
Friday 13 April Greece Athens Oxygono
Saturday 14 April Greece Thessaloniki Ksilourgeio Club
Monday 16 April Holland Zootermeer De Boerderij
Tuesday 17 April Germany Munich Elser Halle
Thursday 19 April Spain Barcelona (2) Apolo
Friday 20 April Spain Madrid Heineken
Saturday 21 April Spain Barcelona Cafe Antzokia
Tuesday 24 April Spain Las Palmas (GC) TBA
Thursday 26 April Italy Milan TBA
Friday 27 April Italy Turin TBA
Sunday 29 April Italy Bologna TBA
Dates and Venues maybe subject to change - please check websites for details.
For Press Information, Booking Details, Press, Photo Passes and Interviews please contact Frank Tunney at Hillock Productions hillockprod@clara.co.uk Tel +44 (0) 7860 917446.
For further information - finalised venue details will be posted on: www.melodicrock.com, www.talismanworld.com, www.jeffscottsoto.com and www.hillockproductions.com.
As soon as ticketing details are available they will be posted on the above sites.

JSS commenting on the tour on www.melodicrock.com: "The latest T-man album was discussed as our last before the Journey gig came about. Even when I was there as a 'fill- in', Talisman has basically run it's course as most of us are pursuing other areas. It's not to say we'll never address this band again or that my working relationship is done with Marcel, but as we speak today, '7' is our swan song as are the tour dates being booked through Europe after the short Journey run in the Spring."
Audio samples of Talisman's latest album 7 can be found at: www.jeffscottsoto.com.

In related (sort of..) news - Press Release / American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will reign as the Krewe of Endymion's grand marshal for the 2007 Carnival season. The gray-haired, 30-year-old soul singer from Birmingham, Ala., won over audiences this year with his vocal performances and curious dancing style on the hit reality TV show.
Al Green and the musical groups Journey and Styx will also ride in the parade. Hicks was in New Orleans for a wedding just before Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005. With his flight out of town canceled, he took a cab to West Monroe and turned his free plane ticket into an Idol audition trip to Las Vegas.
Before ousting fellow Idol finalist Katherine McPhee in May, Hicks was a struggling musician unknown outside the small Southern clubs where he performed. His first single "Do I Make You Proud" sold more than 190,000 copies in the first week of release, according to Billboard magazine.

SINNER & VENGEANCE ON TOUR:
Just like the headline says - the dates for Sinner & Vengeance are:
07.03.07 Hamburg - Markthalle
08.03.07 Bochum - Matrix
09.03.07 NL-Helmond - Plato
10.03.07 Merchweiler - Sport- & Kulturhalle
14.03.07 Ingolstadt - Ohrakel
15.03.07 Augsburg - Spectrum
16.03.07 Muenchen - Elser Halle
17.03.07 CH-Chur - Palazzo
18.03.07 Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
Kontakt M&S Promotion: www.mspromo.de.
The tour is presented by Rock Hard, Musix, Rock It, MusicBuyMail.eu
MTM Music wishes merry Christmas and a happy new year to everybody out in the world! Enjoy your holidays and see you next year!

S.I.N. - MERRY X-MAS - FREE DOWNLOAD:
Update from German rockers S.I.N.: "Now 2006 is almost gone and quite some things happened. We had to guide our ship through some rough waters, but we finally succeeded. Searching for a new singer soon became a real challenge, but ending up with Patrick Simonsen (Hush) fronting S.I.N. was probably one of the best things to become reality.
The recordings of our new album are growing step by step, and we are pretty happy with the things WE hear so far. We hope you're feeling the same when you get to hear the new one ;)
We want to thank everyone who supported us the last years with a little X-Mas present from us to you. Visit us online on www.sin-band.com to download the song So Blind. The song is dedicated to T.K. (r.i.p.) and a special webpage-feature you won't here on the upcoming record... Leave some footprints in our guestbook to tell us what you think.
We wish you and your families a merry x-mas and all the best for 2007!"
pOwEr To ThE mUsIc! ALex, Deddy, Jan, Pat, Wolfgang / www.sin-band.com.

DESTINY DRUMMER TO PLAY ON MAGNUS ROSÉN'S (HAMMERFALL) NEW SOLO ALBUM:
Starting on December 20th and finishing on the 22nd, Birger Löfman is laying down the drums on eleven tracks together with Magnus Rosén for Magnus´ forthcoming solo album (his fifth). The recordings take place in Los Angered Recording studio, Gothenburg, Sweden, and is engineered by the great Andy La Rocque. The music will be Funky / Rocky in straight and odd time signatures. Birger´s job during the rehearsals has been to come up with interesting rhythms to fit Magnus´ bass pieces. The dynamic duo will have some interesting musicians guesting on the record, so look out for it! It's planned to be released in late spring 2007.
WebLink: www.destinymetal.com.

SITE UPDATES:
Reviews have been updated with a host of In Brief Reviews for albums by: Saidian, Biss, Dawn Of Silence, Bang Tango, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Billy Idol, John Farnham, My Chemical Romance, Royal Hunt, Hotwire, Suzi Rawn, BLS, Bombay Black, Tribe Of Gypsies, MSG, Anarion, December Radio, Bob Seger and Donnie Iris. Read the Reviews In Brief.

One last CD Showcase update for the year! Added today are: Norway Rising Up From The Ashes, Sinner Mask Of Sanity (both MTM Music, due January 19); Harem Scarem Human Nature (Vespa Music, out now); Phenomena The Complete Works (Escape Music, out now) and Code The Enemy Within (Escape Music, January 21). Check them out now.

MR-X has been updated - online today is something cool. It's traded all over e-bay, but right now it's here - the original Fire Makes Steel Demos from Survivor and a new Feature Album - Icon Right Between The Eyes.
And the following new Video Clips are featured: Aerosmith - Hole In My Soul and Jaded; Hall & Oates - One On One and Kiss On My List; Icehouse - Electric Blue; Duran Duran - Notorious and Power Station - Bang A Gong.
MR-X Membership Details.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - IT'S HOLIDAY TIME!:
I'd like to use the occasion of my last update for 2006 (unless someone does something really crazy, then I'll think about it!!) to wish every single reader – regular and occasional visitor – a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Please take things as easy as possible during the festive holiday and I hope that I'll see you all back here Tuesday, January 2 for resumption of regular service.

It has been an interesting year – the most challenging to date in some ways and the most rewarding to date in other areas.
My 2006 MelRock Awards will cover all that in due course, but I would like to say thank you for all the warm and welcomed support of the site from all – including everyday readers, MR-X Members, sponsors, labels and artists that help make the site what it is.

Anyway, I hope that Santa stuff's all your stockings with appropriately melodic goodies and once again, Merry Christmas to all!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

JOURNEY PRESS RELEASE

Jeff Scott Soto has been formally announced as the new vocalist for Journey and Steve Augeri has stepped down after 8 years fronting the band. Here is the long awaited official press release from band management:


JOURNEY NAMES JEFF SCOTT SOTO OFFICIAL NEW LEAD SINGER


December 19, 2006 -- Jeff Scott Soto has been officially named the new lead singer of Journey. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the U.S. tour with Def Leppard shortly after it began on June 23 due to illness.

"We are so grateful to Steve for all the years he dedicated to Journey," says Journey in a joint statement. "We thank Steve for all his hard work and we wish him only the best in his future endeavors. Over the past few months, we've come to realize that Jeff has proven himself above and beyond that he can sing the hell out of our songs and we're happy to officially welcome him as part of the family. We're excited to start a new chapter with Jeff and we're excited about what the future may bring."

Steve Augeri states: "Singing for Journey these last eight years have been the most challenging and the most rewarding of my career. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the band, and especially the fans, for the privilege of being part of a musical legacy that has touched so many hearts and souls. I wish my fellow bandmates success and happiness as they continue to make great music in the future, as I will strive to do the same myself."

Jeff Soto also adds, "With delight & pleasure, I am accepting the offer to continue my tenure with Journey now as their permanent vocalist after the amazing past months we've spent together on tour. I also pay high respect to Steve Augeri for coming in and helping Journey continue their legacy for nearly the last decade and to Steve Perry for co-creating this legacy. I hope to now add and help drive Journey into the next stage of this band's future."

Since Soto's first appearance with Journey on July 7 in Bristow, VA, his performances have been garnering rave reviews. To wit:

"Right off the bat, Journey's new lead singer is fantastic. Jeff Scott Soto is a supremely talented vocalist who handled with ease the many sky-high notes and the mile-long range in Journey's repertoire. Steve Perry fans have never gotten over the original lead singer's departure from the band, but I'm here to tell you this guy rocks the role. And yes, if you close your eyes he sounds just like Perry, but -- dare I say it? -- maybe even more passionate and full of verve. Hits such as 'I'll Be Alright Without You' and 'Wheel in the Sky' showcased his mighty voice." --Lorilee Craker, Grand Rapids Press

"The one-time Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist channeled (Steve) Perry flawlessly, nailing all the high notes and then some…Soto's got it going on." --Christopher John Treacy, Boston Herald

"Could Soto cut it? Yes. And then some. His vocals and stage presence were impressive." --Dave Ferman, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

"Soto is a really strong vocalist, so instead of struggling to emulate (Steve) Perry's laser-beam vibrato, he can get away with a style that mixes grainy power with effortless key changes." --Johnny Loftus, Metro Times Detroit

Steve Augeri is currently recording his debut solo album, In The Moment, due out the summer of 2007. He's also putting the finishing touches on the much-anticipated follow-up to the AOR classic Tall Stories album, launching early next year. For more info, visit www.steveaugeri.com.

Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals)—are currently mapping out plans for 2007.
WebLink: www.journeymusic.com.

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Jeff Scott Soto commenced his role with the band on July 7 in Bristow, VA. Following the July 6 announcement, I posted a detailed statement summing up the situation and introducing JSS to Journey fans. He has since done that himself, in person and in impressive fashion over this long US tour, but for a recap of my comments, click to: Journey - JSS Flies In.

The feature on my trip to Los Angeles in October to see the band live and interview the new line-up has been held up pending this announcement as the contents of the feature and the interviews within all contained details of what the band plans to do from here as well as various references to those plans in my diary. I'm sorry folks had to wait so long to read this and it is my hope that it was worth the wait!
The link to read the feature is below - take some time to read through everything and do let me know what you think!


Journey Live In Los Angeles 2006 Special Feature - online now!

Journey - Highlights from the LA Feature:

- A brand new Journey album featuring Jeff Scott Soto is planned for writing/recording in 2007, with a release due by early 2008, but in the words of Neal Schon - 'earlier if possible'.

- Journey will concentrating on UK/Europe for 2007, playing the announced dates and returning in the summer to play select festivals. US dates in 2007 will be limited at this stage to a few special shows and/or benefits.

- A major tour is planned for the USA 2008 to support a new studio album.

- The band wants to do live video clips and live TV appearances.

- Azoff Management are very much behind the band's new line-up.

- Guitarist Neal Schon writing "very melodic stuff" for Jeff "something to sing on" for the new album.

- Jonathan Cain describes Jeff Scott Soto as "fearless".

- A biography is currently being written on Neal Schon's life and career.

- Neal Schon will release a new solo album in 2007 featuring a more experimental sound.

- There are no plans for the Journey 30th Anniversary Concert (filmed in 2005) to be released to DVD at this stage.

- There is also no ETA for the Soul SirkUS Fillmore DVD at this stage. JSS comments: "So far, no plans. We bring it up regularly & someday we will address this DVD, 1st we must gather the data, go through the footage & the recordings as everything must be mixed properly 1st. 2nd, because last we discussed anything SS was ages ago, we were still in the red financially...if that has changed enough & there is interest to someday release it, we will go into it."

- Talisman's current album 7 looks like being their last, as will be the tour dates to be announced soon. JSS comments: "The latest T-man album was discussed as our last before the Journey gig came about. Even when I was there as a 'fill-in', Talisman has basically run it's course as most of us are pursuing other arenas. It's not to say we'll never address this band again or that my working relationship is done with Marcel, but as we speak today, 7 is our swan song as are the tour dates being booked through Europe after the short Journey run in the Spring."


Read the full feature: Journey Live In Los Angeles 2006


Tuesday, December 19, 2006

CINDERELLA / NAKED BEGGARS BASSIST SUFFERS MILD HEART ATTACK:
Eric Brittingham suffered a mild heart attack last week. He is apparently recovering well, as the rest of the Naked Beggars work on their third album. As a result they also had to cancel there show on New Years Eve.
This from James LeBar: "He's fine! He's just relaxing upstairs while the rest of us write in his & Inga's house. Since he is also our producer, he hears everything that's going on. So, when he rejoins us to work, he'll probably already know what arrangement changes he wants to make. It won't be long, hell he threw a Christmas party last night & by the looks of it, he must have been in the kitchen all day (Inga worked & Eric's a great cook) 'cause he loves to cook."

NEW AVRIL LAVIGNE ALBUM DUE IN APRIL:
Some modern rock news from Billboard: Jonathan Cohen, N.Y. / Avril Lavigne's third studio album has been christened The Best Dam Thing and will be released in April via RCA. First single Girlfriend will hit U.S. radio outlets in February. "I promise you guys will LOVE this record -- it is my favorite one," she writes on her MySpace.com site. "And I can't wait! It is really fast, fun, young, bratty, aggressive, confident [and] cocky in a playful way ... all the good stuff."
Lavigne says she was inspired to make a more up-tempo album after spending "so much of my time playing live shows. I wanted to make sure the songs were fun -- fun for the fans and myself. I will only have like three slow songs on the record."
The Best Dam Thing will be the follow-up to 2004's Under My Skin, which debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and launched the Hot 100 hits My Happy Ending (No. 9) and Don't Tell Me (No. 22). The album has sold 2.93 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Lavigne also contributed the new song Keep Holding On to the RCA soundtrack for "Eragon," which just opened in U.S. theaters.

GODYVA INTERVIEWED:
Razar Ice recording artist Godyva checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about their new CD, In Good and Evil; the shooting of their first video; future tour plans; the message their lyrics really convey; and a whole lot more.
Here is an excerpt from the interview:
HRH - Is it fair to say that the Godyva sound is somewhat similar to bands like Evanescence and Lacuna Coil?
Godyva - I think that people have the power! I say this because many reviews and other persons speak about our similarities with Lacuna and Evanescence. I'm glad for this, but we are sure our sound is different. First off, for the voice. (Yes, I'm a woman, I know, but I don't like to sing every song with the same interpretation). And then, for the way of composing music. Every musician has a personal way to play and compose music; no one artist feels the need to live and create simulating others. The artist feels only the need to live a unique life and to create a unique opera!
To read the interview in its entirety, go here: www.hardrockhaven.net/interviews2006/godyva06.php.

POP/ROCK MUSICIAN ED JAMES WELCOMES YOU TO THE 21ST CENTURY:
Press Release / What do you get you mix 70's rock influences (like Styx, Toto, Kansas, Journey and Rush) with pop music's greatest bands (like Cheap Trick, The Beatles, Fountains Of Wayne, XTC and Jellyfish)? The answer is - pop/rock singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ed James. Michigan-based label Jam Recordings, in association with Jealousy Records and Ed James Music, has just released Ed's latest record, entitled ...In The 21st Century, featuring thirteen brand-new melodic, harmony-drenched tunes. The new CD, which is Ed's fourth, is already being called the strongest of his career.
...In The 21st Century can be previewed and purchased at the following locations: cdbaby.com/jamesed3 / jamrecordings.com / www.koolkatmusik.com.
Mr. James began his music career at the age of two, beating the crap out of pots and pans on his parents' kitchen floor. He became the drummer of his first rock band when he was in the fifth grade. Fast forward to the present...and somewhere along the way, Ed earned degree in music, performed with several other rock bands, released four solo records, and has been featured on more than two dozen compilation and tribute CDs. You may have also recently heard Ed's songs on NBC, VH1, and MTV.
For further information, contact Ed James at meetedjames@yahoo.com or visit: myspace.com/meetedjames and edjames.net.


TALKING METAL UPDATE:
TalkingMetal.com has posted episode 116 of their Talking Metal podcast. In this episode, host Mark Strigl interviews Swashbuckle, a Pirate Metal band discovered by Guns N Roses guitarist, Bumblefoot. Also interviewed is Q*Ball, president of Swashbuckle's label, Bald Freak Records, and Bumblefoot's musical collaborator. Additional topics covered by co-host John Ostronomy and Strigl include Martin Popoff, Johnny Goldman, and Talking Metal's new streaming radio show on Live365.com's Bionic Radio. Photos as well as the 30-minute podcast can be downloaded at this location (www.talkingmetal.com). iTunes users can also subscribe to Talking Metal for free at this location (phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=78833595).

Monday, December 18, 2006

NEW RUSH IN 2007:
A new Rush album - and before mid-2007! Great news for fans, with drummer Neal Peart talking at great length about his year in a new update posted to his website. Towards the end of the update Neal writes:
"The important thing is that all of that energy, excitement, and activity have sped the project along, and now it looks as though the recording will be finished by the end of the year—far ahead of schedule. We are planning on doing the final mixing early in the New Year, but have made no commitments beyond that. No doubt our manager, Ray, has plans of his own, but we simply haven't gotten to that yet. We all know by now that you can't take anything for granted, or be truly sure what's going to happen—in news, weather, or sports."
Like I said - great news - and perhaps the band can deliver a killer album with a killer production this time around and set straight the mixed response Vapor Trails recieved.
WebLink & Full Story: www.neilpeart.net/news/index.html.

NEW WHITESNAKE IN 2007:
From DeepPurple.net: www.deep-purple.net/related-news/david-coverdale.htm
"David Coverdale says there will be a special twentieth anniversary release to mark the mega-selling album 1987. Due in the new year (provisionally April), and titled Live 1987, this will be a dual CD / DVD release. The album, which finally broke Whitesnake big-time in America will be remastered along with a host of bonus material (details to follow) and the live DVD."
David Coverdale is saying that a new Whitesnake studio album, tentatively titled Good To Be Bad, is planned for next June time. It will appear on SPV."

JLT AND KARL KOCHRAN ON NEW YORK ROCKS TV SHOW:
Press Release / Hey New York City area Joe Lynn Turner fans! Joe and "usual suspect" Karl Cochran recently taped the New York Rocks TV show. It's a popular entertainment scene variety cable show based in Staten Island but shown all over the New York City area. You will have to check local listings to find out exactly when the show will air on your cable system and on what channel. It also streams on the internet via Manhattan Neighborhood Network. Check out these websites for more information: MNN and NY Rocks TV.

MASTERPLAN PREVIEW ONLINE:
The first taste of the new MASTERPLAN line-up, featuringnew vocalist Mike DiMeo (Riot) has been posted on the band's record label website. AFM Records' Masterplan page now hosts the song entitled Lost And Gone. Check it out at: www.afm-records.de/de/bands/bands-Masterplan.html

GUNS N ROSES MANAGER MERCK SPEAKS:
Round 2 in the latest Guns N Roses great type-off. This time just fired manager Merck Mercuriadis responds to Axl Rose's letter from Friday:
"An Open Letter To Guns N' Roses Fans From Merck Mercuriadis
Along with all of the other Guns N' Roses fans around the world I read "An Open Letter To The Fans From Axl" this evening with much interest. About half way through it occurred to me that I had read much of this before. In fact, I had written the blueprint for it in an email for Axl's attention two days ago which I have copied below.
The reality is all of this year's touring was planned and agreed between Axl and myself, with a view to the album being in the stores before the 31st of December '06. This was confirmed by Axl in numerous interviews - most famously at the MTV Video Music Awards. We planned the tour in February, just after Axl's birthday and we were supposed to finish the album in May, before it started. We sent our engineers to New York, where we all waited, for over a month, for the muse to come but she never arrived. We then scheduled sessions in London in August and had our engineers meet us there at the end of the English tour. August came and went and once again the muse did not show. We postponed our proposed radio date of Labour Day for the first single and we came back to LA and tried to finish before the San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles shows but yet again she eluded us. Axl then asked me to postpone the North American tour which was due to start on 24th of September by a month and finally, early in that period after the euphoria of Inland Invasion, Axl made a break through and got two or three very productive days under his belt.
At this point we were very excited as Axl's feeling was that we had two or three days of work left to tidy things up and we still had three weeks before the tour started, so we were in good shape. Unfortunately the muse disappeared just as fast as she came and the tour started with no single at radio to support it and the album still needing two or three days of work. Despite this, it was a break through period as Robin, Bumblefoot and Frank had all made important contributions to the album that made it even stronger. By the way none of the above is meant as a criticism of Axl. It is the reality of trying to create something special under incredible pressure from the public - that wants and DEMANDS the record - and the record industry - that NEEDS it. The creative process is not something you can dictate and Axl is a true artist.
At this time I seriously considered postponing the start of the tour, again, as the album was of paramount importance but the reality was that our historic track record left us with very little good will with you, the fans, and we needed the money to be able to complete the album and keep the band alive. We scheduled sessions in New York and once again sent the engineers there for the first two weeks of November while the tour was based there - but the hectic touring schedule meant nothing got done. The record company refused to conclude the renegotiation until we were ready to hand over the finished album and refused to prepare a marketing campaign or commission video treatments until they had it in their hands. This is still their position as of this week.
At this point despite the success of many of the dates on the tour the pressure on all of us became unbearable. While some of Axl's letter is disappointing - As John Lennon once asked Paul McCartney "How Do You Sleep?" - until you have walked a mile in his shoes you cannot begin to comprehend the pressure he is under. I know I sleep well at night in the knowledge that when Chinese Democracy hits the streets in March that it is in large part down to my efforts over the last almost 5 years. I found the money and the motivation to keep Axl and the band alive and get the record made when everyone else had given up and walked away. We worked as a team united to make Chinese Democracy a reality. In the end the album will speak for itself but our relationship could not survive the pressure.
I have no regrets. I believe Chinese Democracy is one of the best albums ever made, Axl Rose is one of the greatest vocalists and front men and the new Guns N' Roses (which kicks the shit out of the old) is one of the greatest bands. What we accomplished in 2006 only hints at what is to come.
I believe in Axl Rose. I am the artist's manager and it is my responsibility and job to take the heat. I promise you Chinese Democracy is worth it and you should keep the faith. I will walk away knowing I have done my best and that next year will see Axl recognized not only as a great singer and rock icon but as one of the greatest artists of all time.
Merry Christmas and all the best to you for 2007!
Merck Mercuriadis
PS I apologize to all the fans irked by my facetious comments regarding the release date to Rolling Stone magazine. They were meant to poke fun at a magazine that had announced a definitive release date, causing us all lots of grief, when none had been set. Unfortunately many of you took them to heart and for that I am sorry.

HUGE MP3 UPDATE:
A big CD Showcase update is online tonight, with new showcase previews of the following upcoming albums: Jorn - Unlocking The Past & The Gathering (special double showcase), Hartmann - Home, Kelly Keagy - I'm Alive, House Of Lords - Live In The UK (all Frontiers Records, due January 26); Stormzone - Caught In The Act (Escape Music, due January 21); Patrik Carlsson - Melodic Travel, Satyrian - The Dark Gift EP (Lion Music, out now).
Check out CD Showcases now.

An even bigger MiniBytes MP3 preview update, featuring the following artists: Fair Ground, Helix, 7th dB, Starz, Jesse Damon, Steelheart, Outworld, Battle Brat II, Kingcrow, Chris Francis, Accomplice, Dirty Rhythm, Sweet Teaze, Daniel MacMaster, Wild Turkey, Angra, Dollhouse, Joseph Lee Wood, Radio Radio, Crow 7, Backwash, 3 Legged Dogg, Blindman, Baltimoore and Soulcage! Check them all out!

Friday, December 15, 2006

CULT ART - NEW RELEASES:
In association with Ross Halfin, Top UK artist George Ioannou releases, exclusively to Cult Art, his painting of the legendary guitarist Keith Richards 'The Human Riff'. Part of his 'Rock Idols and Icons Collection'. Limited to only 295 world wide. Also, brand new, is a Classic photograph of Jimmy Page 'The Lord Of the Strings!!' and our incredible collection of Jimi Hendrix photographs 'Live At Monterey' by Bruce Fleming. the man who shot the front cover of 'Are You Experienced'.
All our art and photography is available as box frame canvas prints, in various sizes. These Special limited editions are numbered and accompanied with a signed certificate of authenticity. All our products are printed by members of the Fine Art Trade Guild and are ready to hang. We ship world wide via Fed Ex and can take your details over the phone or by e-mail. See the full range of fantastic art and photography at www.cultart.com / e-mail: info@cultart.com / Tel 0044 (0) 20 8 406 5870.
Special deals for all www.melodicrock.com customers!


MORE ON THE VAN HALEN RE-UNION FROM ROSS HALFIN:
This just in from photographer Ross Halfin's website diary: www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/december-2006/diary-december-2006.php.
"Head off to meet up (for photo shoot) with Edward Van Halen. It is hot today and I'm in black which doesn't help my thumping head. I feel like I'm being cooked in the sun - tortured...
Edward is in a great mood, he's easy to work with. And I'm not saying who or what I shot, but I will tell you Edward played a couple of cds which I thought were from 1978 (it was from two days ago) of Van Halen rehearsing with Wolfgang Van Halen on bass. It was jaw-droppingly amazing. They played On Fire, I'm The One, Atomic Punk. I'm not listing the rest, but I will tell you the band sounded untouchable. On Jamie's Crying they did a long bass-lead jam on the intro - the band rocked. I don't like that word (too American) but the band rock - really rock. It was as exciting as the first time I saw them. They will come back and destroy the world. One of the tightest, freshest sounding groups ever. I want to go and play the first album as soon as I get home. Had a blast listening to them, it made me remember why I liked music in the first place. Having Edward's son on bass has rejuvenated them.
They were rehearsing later that afternoon. I was invited - I wish I was staying...Got to LAX and got moved to the front of the plane. I was going to shoot the night sky, but couldn't get motivated. I'm still feeling ill - I should have stayed and watched Van Halen."
Interesting!

THE GUNS N ROSES SAGA CONTINUES:
As the headline states - the Guns N Roses saga continues with this message just posted to the GNR fansite message board by the site administrator: www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=41209.0.

Thursday, December 14th 2006
An open letter to our fans:
Guns N' Roses regrets to announce that the following concert tour dates have been cancelled:
January 10th Sacramento
January 11th Bakersfield
January 13th Reno
January 16th San Diego
Due to the schedule of these particular shows valuable time needed by the band and record company for the proper setup and release of the album Chinese Democracy would be lost. Rather than delay the album yet again all involved have decided to remove these shows from GNR's schedule. We sincerely hope our fans understand and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone. Tickets may be refunded at local point of purchase.
To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement. Overcoming the endless and seemingly insanity of the obstacles faced by all involved, not withstanding the emotional challenges endured by everyone: the fans, the band, our road crew and business team has at many times seemed for all like a bad dream where one wakes up only to find they are still in the nightmare and unfortunately this time it has been played out for over a decade in real life.
The true ongoing behind-the-scenes triumphs and casualties are much more complicated than any negative speculation that media or otherwise has managed to hit upon. For much of the time some form or another of legalities have been taking place that really the best way to deal with publicly was to keep our mouths shut in an attempt to ensure the best outcome and especially one that wouldn't jeopardize the band or the album. One can easily point to how others have done things or how they themselves feel that they would were they in the same situations but without full knowledge of the various dynamics and circumstances involved, again these types of comments or commentary are uninformed, outside, generally useless and often hindering speculation.
When I agreed to do our recent North American tour I agreed with the understanding that I and my manager Merck Mercuriadis were in full agreement as to our strategy, touring plans and most importantly that any and all things needed to release the album at the latest by Dec. 26th were to be in place. Unfortunately this turned out not to be the case and not only do I regret to say that again the album will not be released by the end of the year but that though many things went extremely well and were very exciting there were in our opinion unnecessary and avoidable complications on our tour having to do with the tour routing, scheduling and album and video plans that played hell on all involved especially our crew. This was compounded by an overall sense of a lack of respect by management for the band and crew and each individual's particular expertise that has resulted unfortunately in the end of both Guns and my relationship in having a management or sense of band involvement with Merck Mercuriadis.
In regard to a release date for the album itself certain minor and by that I do mean minor things and or additions as well as contract negotiations need to be completed and barring any unforeseen complications these things have now been adequately scheduled. Both the band and I along with our record company feel that this record deserves the proper setup and promotion not the "13 Tuesdays left" and "it may just appear in your record store" approach offered by management. We believe this strategy may have been used in order for management to sell this latest tour to the various promoters. We feel that if this was so, this was obviously unfair to them. The stress of dealing with this situation has been considerable for everyone as well as to the band themselves as a whole but that this was more importantly in our opinion something utterly insane to do to our fans. Our apologies and please know we have been laboring over this with management for the entire North American tour.
It takes approximately 8 weeks for an album to hit the shelves once it has been turned in to the record company. For whatever reasons it appears it may have been mistakenly inferred by management that this could be condensed to three. That being said this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6th. This is the first time we have done this publicly for this album. Any and all other dates have been made up by others for their own reasons. We would like to assure the fans that though tentative everything in our power will be done to meet this date. Once it is finalized and official you will be notified. If we are delayed for unseen reasons you will also be notified as soon as possible in regard to a new date and the album will be released as shortly thereafter as is possible. We thank you for your patience.
In the end it's just an album and one that I, the band, our record company and all involved believe and feel is a true Guns N' Roses album. Ultimately the public will decide and regardless of the outcome our hearts, lives and our passion has been put into this project every step of the way. If for no other reason we feel those elements alone merit your consideration. We do hope you can hold on just a bit longer and if not we hope you would please feel free to take a break and we'll be more than glad (if you so choose) to see you again later.
Once again, our sincere apologies and our deepest thanks, Guns N' Roses would also like to thank all the fans who attended the 70 concerts in 21 different countries for their support in 2006. All the best to each and every one of you over this holiday season, thank-you and God bless.
Sincerely, Axl Rose.

MEATLOAF GOES 3 TIMES BATTY:
Grammy® Award winner and one of the top-selling artists of all time, Meat Loaf, brings his wildly successful performances from Broadway and Royal Albert Hall in London to the locals with his critically acclaimed live concert featuring songs from all three Bat Out of Hell albums with dates beginning early 2007. Thirteen years in the making, Bat Out of Hell III The Monster is Loose unleashed to a hungry public on October 31st with a debut at #8 on the Billboard charts and a top 5 debut in more than 10 countries. Meat Loaf is now ready to take the epic trilogy on tour beginning Friday, February 23 in Pala, California.
The three act performance includes smash hits from each of the Bat Out Of Hell installments, including Two Out of Three Ain't Bad, You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, and the show-stopping Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. Act II features more favorites you know by heart including the classic international chart-topper I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won t Do That), which earned Meat Loaf a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Solo Performance. Finally, Act III brings the franchise full circle with the powerful, It s All Coming Back to Me Now, Blind as a Bat and a finale spanning the entire Bat series.
"[Meat Loaf] didn't stray from the Bat flight path once during this two-hour performance during which he offered up all of the bombast, affectation and unreconstructed lung power he s come to embody over the years." - Daily Variety (New York Broadway Performance).
It's All Coming Back to Me Now - video
Preferred ticket purchase link: www.ticketmaster.com/artist/735624.
Official Site: www.meatloaf.net and www.myspace.com/meatloaf.
Tickets On Sale Saturday, December 16 / Bat Out Of Hell III Tour Dates
February
FRI 23 Pala, CA Pala Casino
WED 28 Victoria, BC Save-On Food Centre
March
FRI 2 Vancouver, BC Pacific Coliseum
SUN 4 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
TUE 6 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
THU 8 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome
SUN 11 Winnipeg, AB MTS Centre
WED 14 Toronto, ONT Hummingbird Centre
FRI 16 Ottowa, ONT Scotiabank Place
SUN 18 London, ONT John Labatt Centre
TUE 20 Hamilton, ONT Copps Coliseum
THU 22 Syracuse, NY On Center
SAT 24 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theater
MON 26 Poughkeepsie, NY Mid Hudson Civic Ctr.
WED 28 Binghamton, NY Broome County Arena
FRI 30 Hershey, PA Giant Center
April
SUN 1 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
TUE 3 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
THU 5 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Amphitheater
SAT 7 Orlando, FL Hard Rock
TUE 10 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre
THU 12 New York, NY Theater @ MSG

MR-X UPDATED:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is a few general updates: a new full live concert - Impellitteri Live In Japan 1994, an assortment of various Journey related rarities from Neal Schon (live w/Paul Rodgers) and even a few old duets from Steve Perry; another assortment of live tracks from Whitesnake, plus 2 archive audio interviews with David Coverdale.
Also online is some quality melodic rock to help you celebrate Christmas! A Melodic Rock-ing Christmas CD is a 19 track collection of rocked up carols, Christmas covers and originals by the likes of Danger Danger, Bon Jovi, Jimi Jamison, Ted Poley, Warrant, Icon, Brighton Rock and more.
Also online are the following new Video Clips: Bryan Adams - Run To You and Cuts Like A Knife, Glass Tiger - Someday, Loverboy - Lucky Ones, Toto - Pamela and a Whitesnake 3-Play - The Deeper The Love, Now You're Gone, Slide It In (Live Donnington 1990).
MR-X Membership Details.

SITE HOLIDAY UPDATE:
Friday again - where the hell does time go? I hope everyone is starting to ease into holiday mode. By the noticeable decrease in news and press releases about, it seems the industry is definitely winding down.
Me, I still have a stack of things to do. Next week - a big CD Showcase update, a bigger Mini-Bytes update and we still have the issue of that certain other special feature that needs to be dealt with once and for all.
I will also add a stack of Reviews - In Brief next week. I realise that each and every release deserves as much time spent on it as any other, but that isn't always possible - there are only so many hours in each day/week. In order to get through as many titles still needing review as possible, the In Brief format has to come into play.

Speaking of holidays, next week will be the final update for the year, as I take a few days off. I really need a break from the site and from business for a few days so from Friday December 22 until Tuesday January 2, there will be no site updates.
I will watch my main e-mail account for any breaking news or issues and if such happens, there will be an appropriate update.

On my return it will be full on into getting the 2006 MelRock Awards and Year End Recap written and ready to get online towards the end of next month.
I might also add that while I launched a very small website in October 1996, it was January 5, 1997 when this site went officially live, meaning MelodicRock.com and it's various early incarnations is about to celebrate 10 years of operation. Not too shabby!
Once the 2006 MelRock Awards feature is complete, I will start work on a feature to commemorate the 10 years online with a Decade Of MelodicRock feature, pretty much doing what I do with the Annual Awards page, except based over my 10 years online thus far. That might take a year to write tough...stay tuned!
Thanks as always for al the support and continued e-mails and messages...

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Feature Interview: Tim Pierce
Another exclusive interview with an industry great! Legendary session guitarist Tim Pierce talks about his life as a session guitarist for hire as well as many insights into the music industry from his perspective and his time as Rick Springfield's guitarist in the 80s.

Tim Pierce on Springfield's classic Living In Oz record and it's hard edge sound: "Well it was probably the first time I actually got to… that I knew I had gotten to do what I was capable of doing as a soloist and that it was going to be without compromise. Something I was going to be very proud of. [The label] probably felt like they had gotten enough out of him at that point (laughing). He was going to go platinum anyway and he wanted to do his own thing, and it was a different time. You could actually, kind of; you could take those kind of risks a little more in the record business at that time."
Tim on today's labels: "I think that independent music companies will be justifiable as the record companies that we've known all our lives. That's the great thing. And I think that bands who sell their own records, it's a much more level playing field in some ways. In other ways, because there is so much less money being spent, it has weeded out a lot of the people who are in it for the wrong reasons. So people who are in music these days are in it because they really love music. Or, they're the other side of the record business is where they just get an actor. Apparently Disney was this way in the '50s where you sold records by recording people who were already famous."
Tim on pop music today: "I don't know that pop music was meant to last this long. I don't know that it was meant to be good in 2006. I don't know how many times you can redo something that was absolutely amazing in 1969.
So you have to be a little bit forgiving about the actual domain. It's an amazing thing but who says it's supposed to be good in 2006? That being said, what you have to do, I believe, is you have to work hard to listen to a hundred things to find one thing that you love. And maybe it was easier 30 years ago."
And Tim Pierce on working on Michael Jackson's Black & White single: "They wanted to promote Slash as the guitar player on that song. So what they did is, they had him do an intro to the song that appears before the song on the record and it is in the video before the song actually starts so they could actually tie his name to the song. So that's probably the best story I have, and a good one, where, because Eddie Van Halen had been the rock star guitar player on the previous record, they needed a new rock star guitar player and that was Slash because he was the biggest name around at that time. And he was not on the song, so they actually created a little intro piece of music that allowed them to market him as the kind of guitar player on the song."

All that and more... Read the full interview now!

EDDIE VAN HALEN IN GUITAR WORLD:
Eddie Van Halen will be featured in both the March (out Jan. 26) and April issues of Guitar World Magazine. I know folks are looking for further Van Halen updates beyond the various rumors posted to VH/Roth message boards - I'll post any updates when they come to hand. Safe to say that the 2007 tour plans (with Roth and also Wolfgang, but without Michael Anthony) are coming along ok.

CRAZY BUCKCHERRY GRAMMY NOMINATION:
Press Release / Buckcherry's smash hit single Crazy Bitch has earned a Grammy nomination from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in the category of Best Hard Rock Performance. The lead single from the gold certified release, 15 (Eleven Seven Music/Atlantic Records), Crazy Bitch is currently the most played song at Rock radio along with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dani California.
15 is the band's first studio album in four years released in the U.S. in April 2006 with a debut at #2 on the Independent Album Chart. The out-of-the-box success of 15 gained the attention of Atlantic Records who immediately brought them up in the ranks adding them to the roster.
Buckcherry lead singer and co-founder Josh Todd reacted to the news: "Who would have thought you could record an album in fifteen days, release it independently, have it go gold and get nominated for a Grammy in less than a year? When we started this project, no one believed in it except us and our management company. It's exciting and shows that if you're passionate and work hard anything can happen."
Buckcherry just announced a national co-headlining tour with 3 Days Grace kicking off in January. Details available at www.buckcherry.com.

PETE'S HAREM SCAREM PODCAST:
A new Podcast interview with Pete Lesperance from Harem Scarem has been posted at: www.therighttorock.com. From the website: "Join Genghis and Ragman while they explore their past to find the ultimate concert venue. Then stay tuned for an in depth interview with Harem Scarem guitar God, Pete Lesperance. Pete takes the boys on a ride and discusses all that is Harem Scarem and beyond. The bad impressions on this Podcast were not meant to hurt or offend, just laugh if off."

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Those who wish to buy the ultimate Christmas present for all their friends and family should immediately place your orders for MelodicRock.com CD 3. Yes, if you want the amazing gift of MRCD3 to arrive in time, it must be shipped this week (ie. tomorrow!). Order Now!

Twisted Sister recently hit Toronto and their performance has been covered by: www.glammetal.com.

Lucas Aykroyd has posted an online consumer shopping guide to 80s metal, which is a good read located at: www.productsifter.com/Products/EightiesHeavyMetalLPs/review.aspx.

The Eagles have repackaged their Farewell tour DVD with a bonus CD of three new songs (No More Cloudy Days, Fast Company and Do Something) - available in Wal-Mart only: www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5367809.

More Firefest 3 reviews at: www.metalsymphony.com/index.php?name=News&catid=14.

Eric Bazilian recently stated on air that they [the band] wanted to get the new Hooter's CD released by March 10. Cool news...

BLACK MAJESTY INTO THE CZECH REPUBLIC:
Australian melodic power metal band Black Majesty have been added to the 2007 Masters of Rock Czech Republic Open Air Festival. Other already confirmed bands on the bill include Motorhead, Rage, Stratovarius, Die Happy, Pink Cream 69, After Forever, Epica, The Tommys, Divokej Bill and Silent Stream of Godless Elegy. The festival is set to take place 13 ­ 15th July 2007. Black Majesty is currently working on the follow up to their 2005 Silent Company album which was released through their German label Limb Music Products. The new album is slated for a mid-2007 release. Black Majesty are also confirmed for next years 2007 Wacken Open Air festival. www.blackmajesty.com.

50 FREE RATS EP'S ON OFFER:
New UK band The Vaseline Rats are giving away 50 copies of their new EP as a thank you to fans. The EP features Vince O'Regan (Eden, Alibi, Bob Catley) on All The Ones. It was recorded at Magnums UK studios and paves the way for The V-Rats first album.
There is a return to Los Angeles in January with Pete MZ Emms conducting Bass Guitar workshops for Spector Bass Guitars at the industries prestigious NAMM show. The V-Rats more recently picked up sponsorship deal with Moser Custom Shop Guitars in California. For more information on the V-Rats visit: www.thevaselinerats.com.

MIKEY JONES CD SPECIAL:
Press Release / As it is the festive month, E-Z Sounds and www.mikey-jones.co.uk are offering copies of Mikey's solo debut album for £6 (incl. P&P). This offer is open until Friday 15th December and both parties will honour the exclusive deal for any purchase across the Globe. So if you've yet to purchase a copy, now is an ideal time.
To order, just log onto www.paypal.co.uk and make a payment of 6GBP to "shop@mikey-jones.co.uk". If you don't have a paypal account please email us at shop@mikey-jones.co.uk with the subject "Xmas Offer" and we will forward on details for orders via cheque, etc. All orders will be shipped before Saturday 16th December so that you should have you CD before Christmas (depending on The Royal Mail).
Don't forget you can hear 3 complete songs from The Light Of Day at www.myspace.com/ezsoundsartist, which also includes the free downloadable single - Swear Blind.
We would like to thank all who have supported Mikey and E-Z Sounds in 2006. It is has been a great year for us and we look forward to an exciting New Year.
E-Z Sounds and www.mikey-jones.co.uk will be taking a well deserved break from Monday 18th December and will return to action on Monday 8th January 2007.
Also check out the Reviews section on the site for new reviews added...Merry Christmas & A Happy New, from Mikey & All At E-Z Sounds.
WebLinks: www.myspace.com/ezsoundsuk and www.punchlinepromotions.co.uk.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

FIREFEST 3 - REPORT ONLINE:
My Firefest 3 Report is now online. Firefest 3 took place on the last weekend of October in Nottingham, UK. Appearing at the festival were: Alibi, Bad Habit, Bombay Black, Newman, Nexx, Treat, Wig Wam, Fair Warning, Bonfire, Gotthard and Winger. Read The Report Now.


GENIUS ROCK OPERA REACHES IT'S CONCLUSION:
After two long years the wait is over. The third and final episode of the Genius Rock Opera, written and performed by the Italian multitalented musician Daniele Liverani, is now ready to be unleashed to its devoted fans on February 16.
This last chapter of the trilogy entitled The Final Surprise will reveal what happened to Genius and his guide Twinspirits 32 at the end of their long journey into dreams' world.
We left the two main characters on the threshold of the Asian fantasies warehouse, in front of a dark underworld. They were aware that the little prince was there, hidden in one of those warehouses, but they soon realised they were in front of a huge maze, full of an infinite number of fantasy warehouses.
Now...which one was the toy warehouse where the prince was hidden? Running through almost 80 minutes of various music styles, the listener will be led by the storyteller (Philip Bynoe) through the final events of the saga and discover what happened to Genius once he woke up to go back to reality world.
You will finally learn if the little prince will be saved, and if the dreams world will be safe forever. Lots of titanic vocal duels are featured in this episode including the amazing duet performed by characters Twinspirits 32 (Daniel Gildenlow of Pain Of Salvation) and Apikor (Jorn Lande, ex Masterplan) and between Twinspirits 32 (Daniel Gildenlow) and Genius (this time performed by a majestic DC Cooper of Silent Force).
Other great singers give their interpretation of the characters in this final episode Eric Martin as Mr. Niko, Toby Hitchcock (of Pride Of Lions) as Senator Jeramus and Andrea Dätwyler (of Lunatica) as Kokeshi Doll. This breathtaking episode of Genius' is the final act and an amazing mind trip into the unknown parallel dimension where dreams are created. The dream is over but don t miss the surprises this Opera still has in store!
Drum tracks for the album were laid as usual by Dario Ciccioni, while Oliver Hartmann took care of the monster chorus vocal work.
Tracklisting of the album includes the following songs: Toy Warehouse; No More Chances; Save Me From My Destiny; Alive and Safe; Jump Off This Train; Let Me Live; Inside These Memories; I Die; Back To Life Again; Dream In Liberty; The Final Surprise.
Release date of the album has been set on February 16 on Frontiers Records, with a release in Japan scheduled on King Records.

xx

ANOTHER AWARD NOMINATION FOR TOUR PACKAGE:
Touring web-portal Pollstar have announced nominees for their 18th Annual Concert Industry Awards. In the running for Most Creative Tour Package is the Journey / Def Leppard double-bill that just finished their acclaimed US tour.
The full list of nominees in this category: Aerosmith / Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi / Nickelback, Def Leppard / Journey, Fall Out Boy / All American Rejects, Sheryl Crow / John Mayer and Tim McGraw / Faith Hill.
The awards ceremony will be held February 8 at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles. For more information about the awards show, including details on how to get tickets, please go to Pollstar Online.

RICK SPRINGFIELD REFLECTS ON BENEFIT GIG:
Rick Springfield comments on the recent benefit concert for Sahara Aldridge: "Everyone goes to Heaven! Everyone goes to Heaven! To all of you who were at the Sahara Benefit this past week in body or in spirit, my love to you and the deep thanks from Miss S's family too. She was a champ herself, staying up way past her bedtime to have photos taken with you and meet as many people as she could. What an amazing show for all of us too. The feeling in the arena was unique to say the least: kind of like a family gathering for several thousand. And to everyone who stepped up bigtime at the auction and spoke with your hard earned money: XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOX! I know a lot of you who were there and I saw who you were that night.
I think all together we all will raise about $70,000 from that night, maybe more.
Right now, if you read her blog you know that they are back in Houston, this time at Dr. Bryzinski's Clinic and will start alternative treatment there soon.
Keep the faith, prayers, meditations coming. Again, from me, thank you so much and my love to you all."
View some footage of Rick and Sahara onstage at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jpIEO_HUmI and www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0aFOuuHRuM.

ROB ROCK TO BEGIN WORK ON NEW ALBUM:
Update from Rob Rock's website: "In January 2007, Rob Rock will begin new studio production for his fourth solo album! No album title has been decided yet but we are definitely planning a 2007 worldwide release. The song writing process is well underway already and the album promises to be another scorcher! Again, Rob is collaborating with songmaster Roy Z and mixmaster Jacob Hansen so be prepared for a strong follow-up to the Holy Hell album."

NEWS FROM AFM RECORDS:
News from AFM Records on two fronts:
Press Release / When musicians of the quality of Angra, Nightwish, Kamelot and Stratovarius bring their united talents to the table, something great is ensured, but you'll be in for a real treat on March 2nd when you get your hands on the debut album from Almah, the new band from Angra singer Edu Falaschi, Nightwish and Brother Firetribe guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, Lauri Porra (bassist of Stratovarius) and drummer Casey Grillo (Kamelot). The limited edition digi-pak will include two bonus tracks!

The new Silent Force album Walk The Earth (their first for AFM) will be available from February 16th.
This record is exactly how melodic Power Metal should sound in 2007! Honest, down to earth, powerful, cleverly arranged but not completely melodic. Silent Force once again utilised the services of producer Dennis Ward, so prepare for February. The Gods of Power Metal will "Walk The Earth" once again…!


A SECOND GIG FOR OZ FOX:
The following update appears on Christian metal outfit Bloodgood's website: "The following mind-blowing announcement comes from Michael Bloodgood: "Oz Fox has just agreed to be in Bloodgood along with Paul Jackson!! It's something I've been thinking and praying about for years (ever since Oz and I were in England together back in 2000). Of course, he has not left Stryper and Stryper will always be the priority, but, be that as it may, he is excited about becoming a member of our band. And it gets better: We're going to be doing shows with Stryper in April '07 in Seattle, Portland and Boise — right before GMA."

DUE IN JAPAN:
Ian Gillan & David Coverdale are part of a DVD release due in Japan February 2. It is of course a DVD release of the famous In The Butterfly Ball Live 1975 concert, described as: "First ever DVD release of live footage from Deep Purple members Ian Gillan and David Coverdale performing at a special performance on October 16, 1975. Also features Roger Glover and John Lord."

Also coming out in Japan, this time in January 24 is Lordi - The Arockalypse Special Edition [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]: "Japanese release of the new album from Finish hard rock/heavy metal band Lordi featuring guest vocals from Dee Snyder and JJ French! This special edition also includes a bonus DVD with live footage recorded at the Helsinki Market Square of the songs Who's Your Daddy, Hard Rock Hallelujah, Wood You Love a Monster Man? and Hello Athena plus behind the scenes footage of the Eurovision Song Contest."

MISS CRAZY INTERVIEWED:
Miss Crazy's Markus Allen Christopher and Kim Racer checked in with Hardrock Haven to catch us up on all the … crazy stuff happening with the band. Here's an excerpt from the interview:
Hardrock Haven - Alright, Miss Crazy has recently re-released your debut self titled CD, and added on three bonus tracks. Why did you decide to re-release this CD now instead of waiting until you had a full, new CD ready to go?
Markus - The reason is that the band's popularity didn't happen right out of the gate. We were with Metal Mayhem then, and we now own the masters outright. It's basically ours now, so we have a whole new beginning. People, you know, after people started catching on to it, we had 70,000 MySpace fans and a lot of fans hitting our Web site, we realized we had a pretty big underground following. The recognition the band is getting is more substantial than before, so we decided to let everyone feel the band for the first time. So, we remastered the 10 songs and we recorded the three new songs to let the people who had it already that they could get something a little bit different.
Hardrock Haven - I know Miss Crazy is really exploding right now. Why don't you tell us about the role Miss Crazy is playing in the cartoon Rock Dogs.
Kim - Miss Crazy's music will be the music the cartoon characters play. Basically when you see the Rock Dogs do their thing, you are going to hear Miss Crazy music.
Markus - We are negotiating with Fox right now, and they might be picking up this project. You know, Rudy Sarzo from Whitesnake, it was his whole idea. There was a big meeting with a bunch of big-wigs, like 12 guys sitting around a table, and one of them stood up and said, "Hey, everything sounds good, but who is going to be the band. Who are we going to get?" Before he was even finished talking, Rudy stood up and said, "Miss Crazy is going to be the band." And he looked over at the guy who is helping us behind the scenes, Robbie Robfogel, really behind the band. Robbie asked if he was serious, and Rudy and said, "You call Markus and tell him Miss Crazy is the band. I love those guys, I've been listening to them a lot, they are one of my favorite bands of the year." So, it's pretty much etched in stone — we got that gig.
To check out the interview in its entirety, head to: www.hardrockhaven.net/interviews2006/misscrazy_06.php.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

STAN BUSH SUBMITS TRACK FOR NEW TRANSFORMERS FILM:
Stan Bush has just completed work on his new solo album, which will be released through Frontiers Records in April. I had the privilege of hearing one track so far, which I thought was outstanding and classic Stan Bush. Stan dropped me a line to update fans on this and on another project of his.
Over to Stan: "I'm recording a new album for Frontiers which will be released in April '07. Also I've just completed recording and mixing a track to present for the new Transformers movie. The song sounds amazing, with over 70 tracks and is perfect for the film. You might remember I had two tracks in original film (Transformers The Movie), including the end-title track, The Touch, which was also in Boogie Nights.
We began a major internet campaign to announce the fact that I'll be submitting a track for consideration for the new Transformers movie. I got the lead story on seibertron.com, which is the most important of the Transformers websites, and did an interview with them. Plus I did an interview with tformers.com, also one of the top Transformers websites."
To read these interviews, check out: www.seibertron.com/people/interviews/view.php?interview_id=29 and tformers.com/Interview-Stan-Bush-Rocking-Transformers-Again/6697/news.html.
Melodicrock readers can show their support for a new Transformers themed Stan Bush song on the message boards at the following websites:
www.donmurphy.net (one of the producer's website) and www.transformersmovie.com (official Paramount website).

QUIET RIOT LIVE ON ROCKLINE:
Press Release / Quiet Riot will perform live in the studio on the Wednesday, January 10, 2007 edition of the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline". The live show begins at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET, and fans are encouraged to call in with questions during the program at (800) 344-Rock (7625). To find a station near you, check out www.rocklineradio.com.
Quiet Riot's latest album Rehab, is receiving high praise and phenomenal feedback worldwide. Rehab is available nationwide via the independent label Chavis Records.
Visit www.chavisrecords.net, www.frankie-banali.com or www.kevindubrow.com for more information.

New Jersey rockers American Angel stopped in to The Tour Bus show Saturday night and talked with Ralph & Stacey X about their up coming new release Vanity. The Tour Bus also aired the new Christmas All The Time tunes and the new title track Vanity. Vanity will be released worldwide through the independent label Chavis Records in early 2007.
Tune into The Tour Bus at: www.stickman-radio.com.
For a limited time only you can still pick up the American Angel Christmas All The Time maxi-single for just $5.00. All proceeds are being donated to help Christine Pawelcyzk-Dowd with her medical expenses.
Visit www.chavisrecords.net for more information.

TRACK LIST REVEALED FOR CHINESE HYPOCRISY:
Press Release / As the world waits with baited breath for the long awaited follow-up to 1993's The Spaghetti Incident?, TributeAlbums.com delivers a lethal dose of Guns N' Roses. Chinese Hypocrisy - N' International Tribute to Guns N' Roses is slated for release on December 16th, 2006.
Chinese Hypocrisy Track List - Get in the Ring - Dust N' Bones, November Rain - Alex Grossi, Zoli Teglas, Marko Pukkila, Sweet Child O' Mine - Hollywood Rose (Italy), You Could Be Mine - Dust N' Bones, Don't Cry - Hollywood Rose (Hungary), Welcome to the Jungle - Emerald Monkey, Estranged - Dust N' Bones, Move to the City - Emerald Monkey, Mr. Brownstone - Hollywood Rose (Hungary), Paradise City - Dust N' Bones, Night Train (live) - Hollywood Rose (Canada).
WebLink: www.tributealbums.com.

FIREFEST 3:
Full Firefest 3 report and pictures will be online tomorrow.

Monday, December 11, 2006

ESCAPE MUSIC ANNOUNCE LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM EUROPEAN RELEASE:
Escape Music are so delighted to announce the release date for Last Autumns Dream brand new album Saturn Skyline on February 19.
Last Autumns Dream are Mikael Erlandsson on Lead Vocals, Andy Malecek (Fair Warning) on Guitars, Marcel Jacob (Talisman) on bass, and Jamie Borger (Talisman) on drums.
Track listening: 1. For The Young & The Wild, 2. After Tomorrows Gone, 3. Pages, 4. Rock´n Roll Is Saving My Soul, 5. I Know A Lot About Love, 6. Critical, 7. Supersonic, 8. Frozen Heart, 9. American Girl, 10. Domino 11. Still On The Run, 12. Rocket Of Love (European bonus).
And here is an exclusive full track download to melodicrock.com - After Tomorrows Gone.
WebLink: www.Escape-Music.com.

xx

And from the Mass website, with more details coming shortly, is the following update: Mass is pleased to announce the signing of a five-year, three-album record contract with European Label, Escape Music of England. The first album is scheduled for a 2007 release which will consist of earlier demos that will be re-mixed and produced by Markus Teske in Germany. The albums will primarily be released in all European territories along with Japan and South Asia. More information to follow.

STEVE PERRY TALKS TO JOE BENSON:
Steve Perry has appeared on the Uncle Joe Benson radio show, talking about the recent re-issues and solo album re-masters. Unfortunately for his ever patient fans, there was no real insight as to when or if we might hear from Steve again, or if he is working on any new music.
Steve did say that in relation to music, he was "rediscovering" [the love for] things he thought "he had let go of..." and also that he misses performing terribly.
There were the usual hints that he would like to sing again and Joe did ask when Steve would be auditioning band members. Steve's reply - "soon", but he followed that up with a chuckle.
So aside from that - not much to go on. The future plans of Steve Perry remain as much a mystery as ever!

MIKE TRAMP CANCELS UK WHITE LION GIGS:
With great regret, Mike Tramp must announce that all UK White Lion shows have been cancelled. Mike and the band extend their apologies but quite simply he has lost his voice. All shows will be re-arranged.
I'm waiting to hear from Mike, but as expect I am told that he is "gutted". His voice went 8 songs into the band's Belgium appearance late last week.
Stay tuned...

RIK EMMETT TALKS TRIUMPH HALL OF FAME INDUCTION:
News of Triumph being inducted into the Canadian Hall Of Fame certainly turned some heads last month, even more so that estranged guitarist Rik Emmett would accept the award on stage with the band.
Following that news, several questions from fans have been answered by Rik on his message board, the details reprinted in his latest newsletter. Here are those Q&A's:

Question: Will this induction be open to the public?
Rik's reply: I don't know. I think people buy tickets to different events during CMW I think you can buy different levels of passes that qualify you for different events during CMW. I think the luncheon is an industry kind of event, but I don't know if they sell some luncheon passes to the public.
Question: Will you be attending the event?
Rik's reply: Yes. That's the whole idea. The invitation was predicated on me being a part of it, along with my former partners.
Question: Can you share any of the events leading up to this recognition and how it was bestowed upon you and your former band members?
Rik's reply I don't know for sure what led to the invitation. The guy who owns & runs the Canadian Music Week franchise, Neill Dixon, is a guy who used to manage T. for a while in its development days [early Canadian success and the inking of the RCA deal]. And he used to manage me for a while back when I was in Act III, before I even joined T. So I think it's fair to say that he's a supporter, and it was his idea. He also acted as the diplomat that brokered the 'peace' talks [and he also has his own interests at heart, obviously. It gives him a legit kind of p.r. headliner for his event, I think it's fair to say.]
The honour hasn't been "bestowed" yet. That officially happens on March 10.
Question: Does this mean you can associate your name with the name "Triumph" again?
Rik's reply: As part of the reconciliation, I am now legally clear to associate myself with the name. I now have the freedom to refer to myself as a former member of Triumph, and as "formerly of Triumph", in association with my own promotional activities. It doesn't necessarily mean that I want to go hog-wild about it, but at least a dark cloud has been lifted.
Question: Have you or will you be talking to your former partners before the event?
Rik's reply: I went to a meeting earlier today (November 20th), yes. There was paperwork that got signed and exchanged last week, including official apologies. But that was the first face to face, which cleared the way for me to go public with you people here first, then with the general public in the "What's New" feature on the homepage.
I'm not sure that another meeting is even necessary, but I guess it could happen. We are on speaking terms, and we shook hands at the beginning and the end of today's meeting.
Question: I know you said it will not lead to a reunion, but will you finally be able to use the T name and benefit from all that is attached to the name?
Rik's reply: As I said above - yes. I have entered into an agreement whereby I am making myself available to my former partners, to help them promote their Triumph brand and products, for a 24 month window of potential industry awards. I'm not sure what you mean by "benefit from all that is attached to the name" I am deriving benefit, yes, but I think my answer "benefit from all that is attached" would have to be no. I am not in a position where I benefit from everything. I did not seek to be reinstated as a partner, and that's not what's happened.
I've agreed to go to an award luncheon. If some other awards and recognition for the past history of the band arise in the next two years, I'm obligated. Other than that, the only other result is that I am free to associate myself for the rest of my life as a guy who was formerly in T. Officially, there are no plans for any reunion gigs, and I have no interest in that.

FIREFEST GUITAR WINNERS:
Press Release / ARfm, in conjunction with GuitarStoreUK.com are pleased to announce the winners of the Shine Guitar and Bass for attendees at the recent Firefest IV gig at Nottingham Rock City. The draw took place today (Saturday December 9) in front of independent witnesses.
The Guitar has been won by Christian White from York.
The Bass has been won by Martin Howse from Ruislip.
Both items will be dispatched on Monday December 11 by courier and should be delivered with 48 hours. ARfm and GSUK would like to thank everyone who entered and we look forward to the next Firefest when we can give some more goodies away.
Steve Price, ARfm.

KOLLMAN'S GUITAR SCREAMS ON NEW SOLO RELEASE:
Press Release / Fresh off his inaugural European tour with the 'Voice of Rock', Glenn Hughes guitarist Jeff Kollman has just released his latest solo outing, Guitar Screams Live, on Marmaduke Records.
Guitar Screams Live contains 9 songs from Kollman's vast solo, JKB and Cosmosquad catalog as well renditions of Clap Hands ($Ign Of $4, Tom Waits), Jerusalem (Mogg/Way), and Fool For Your Stockings (ZZ Top).
The full tracklist reads as follows: Epapo Funk . Shedding Skin . 3 AM . Clap Hands . Jerusalem . Creepy Spider Part II . Out 'O Tune Bruez . Fool For Your Stockings . Jam For Jason . By Myself . Slowburn . Creepy Spider.
In other news, Jeff has just signed on to endorse Fender Guitars and Amps and will be performing at the 2007 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA January 18, 19 and 20th with his trio and help unveil Fender's "new secret weapon", which will be introduced at the show. Additional Southern California December Kollman live appearances are set for:
Dec. 13 - Forty Deuce, Hollywood CA
Dec. 15 - Spaghettini, Seal Beach CA
Dec. 30 - The Baked Potato, Universal City, CA
Part 2 of Glenn Hughes Music For The Divine tour, featuring Jeff Kollman on guitar, Anders Olinder on keyboards, and the drummer Mark Mondesir, is set to convene February 20 in Russia and will continue throughout April all across Europe. Exact dates will be announced before the end of the year.
For more info visit: www.jeffkollman.com.

Friday, December 08, 2006

THE ROARING NEW PRIDE OF LIONS RELEASE:
Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of Pride Of Lions brand new studio album entitled The Roaring of Dreams on February 16.
"With this album", says guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Jim Peterik "we strove to emphasize all the elements that we are best noted for: big hooks, soaring melodies, clever modulations, inspiring messages, the rock-solid Pride Of Lions band and of course Toby Hitchcock's amazing vocal range and talent".
And indeed Toby seems to have hit his stride this time out. With vocal tour de forces such as the classic style power ballad Faithful Heart and the all-stops-out rocker Heaven On Earth, his development can be clearly heard.
"We knew this was a make or break album for Pride of Lions. We put it all out there on the Live Album/DVD: the past and the present. This album is what our future is all about", Peterik adds: "When we sat down with Serafino (President of Frontiers Records) last year, he suggested that Pride of Lions return to the more commercial and hook-oriented music of our first album and the Vital Signs album. I must say I was ready to do just that!"
You will hear the fruits of that conversation on melodic nuggets such as the City Boy inspired Let Me Let You Go and the non-stop drive of Defying Gravity. Another standout is Language Of The Heart: "I must admit I was thinking of the song we used as our opener in my Survivor years, Feels Like Love when I wrote this one. It has the same energy and drive" says Jim.
In this and every other track, the power of Ed Breckenfeld on drums, Klem Hayes on bass, Mike Aquino on guitar and Christian Cullen on keyboards is stronger than ever. Also, the production team of Jim Peterik and Larry Millas is back in force and the sound is clearer than ever.
The themes that Jim's songs are noted for are all present and accounted for. The title track, The Roaring of Dreams traces the lives of two frustrated people whose only escape from their humdrum lives is the dreams that they hold sacred in their hearts - the hope for a better future. Book of Life challenges us to be all that we can be, "Are you just a footnote, or will you rise to fill it's pages, you were born to rock the ages, write a brand new chapter in the Book Of Life".
And to find the definitive song on a man dealing with infidelity, you need to look no farther than the album's closing track, Turnaround featuring a cameo vocal by Tori Hitchcock, Toby's gifted 21 year old sister. The song plays out like a mini operetta complete with vocal counterpoint and soaring guitar leads shared by Mike Aquino and Jim Peterik.
With The Roaring of Dreams, this band is finally destined to outrun their individual pasts and take their place as a force to be reckoned with on their own terms. Their terms are great Melodic Rock and their name is Pride Of Lions!
Final tracklisting of The Roaring of Dreams includes the following songs (click on the song title to hear an MP3 sample): Heaven of Earth; Book Of Life; Love's Eternal Flame; Language of The Heart; Let Me You Go; Faithful Heart; Defying Gravity; Secret of The Way; Astonish You; Tall Ships; Turnaround; The Roaring of Dreams.
Release is scheduled on February 16 on Frontiers Records in Europe, with King Records handling Japan.

WebLinks: www.frontiers.it, www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords, www.aprideoflions.com.

xx

CRYSTAL BALL FINDS A NEW HOME WITH MTM MUSIC:
MTM MUSIC is proud to announce the signing of Swiss hardrock band Crystal Ball!
Swiss like to rock! With acts like Gotthard, Krokus and Crystal Ball, the Swiss scene is among the finest and healthiest around.
Crystal Ball started as a cover band but soon began to create their own sound by performing more than one hundred concerts in their first two years as a unit. CRYSTAL BALL have been rising to fame amongst the fans of hard and melodic sounds with their trademark mixture of melodic Hard Rock and Power Metal.
After recording 4 studio albums and touring through Europe as support of well known bands like Gotthard, Krokus, Dokken, Doro, U.D.O., Pretty Maids, Bonfire, Pink Cream 69 and others with 450 shows almost in a row, they now come back with a dynamic and melodic hard rock album of finest quality.
TimeWalker was their last release, the fifth full length in the band's still brief yet intense history. The album was a concept album with a journey through different historical events and was produced by Stefan Kaufmann (ex-Accept, U.D.O.).
Now Crystal Ball is back and already entered the studio for a brand new studio album. The line-up is as strong and tight as ever with long-time singer Mark Sweeney, guitar player Scott Leach and Marcel Sardella on drums.
The album is scheduled for spring 2007 and the band have already announced some festivals, while a proper tour will follow later the year.
Mark Sweeney: "We are ready to rock and you can a expect a great piece of Swiss Hardrock!"
The release is scheduled for April / May 2007. More details coming soon!
WebLink: www.mtm-music.com.

xx

CULT ART - CLASSIC GUITAR LEGENDS BY ROSS HALFIN:
Cult Art are proud to announce a collection of 'Classic Rock Guitar Legends' by Rock Photographer Ross Halfin. Featuring Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Angus Young, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Clark and Michael Schenker.
Available as a box frame canvas print, three sizes up to 40''x30'' (101cm x 76cm). Limited to only 195 of each worldwide. Numbered and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity. All our products are printed by members of the Fine Art Trade Guild and are ready to hang. We ship world wide via Fed Ex and can take your details over the phone or by e-mail.
See the full range of fantastic art and photography at: www.cultart.com / e-mail. info@cultart.com / Tel: 0044 (0) 20 8 406 5870.


MR-X AND SITE UPDATES:
MR-X has been updated as usual. Online this week is yet another Feature DVD - this time it's Journey's Raised On Radio Documentary that was broadcast on TV back in 1986/7. Also online is a new Feature Live recording - a radio broadcast of Icehouse Live In NYC 1986.
And the following new Video Clips are online: Pat Benatar - Love Is A Battlefield (Live, Craig Kilborn Unplugged 1992),