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), Nexx - Critical and Like A Poet; a Journey 3-Play - Any Way You Want It, Chain Reaction and Wheel In The Sky; and a Goo Goo Dolls 3-Play - Long Way Down, Here Is Gone (Live, Leno 1992) and Only One.
MR-X Membership Details.

A quick not for all those that joined MR-X on the very first week that it was launched. This coming week is original subscription renewal time, so the fee will be deducted from Paypal accounts this week! To ensure uninterrupted use of MR-X, please check your Paypal account balances.
And of course, a huge thank you to all that support the site via their membership. This is an essential part of keeping this site going and without it I would have no way to survive - especially when major sponsors go awol (no mentioning names at this point!).

Speaking of next week - due to the Reviews update taking longer than expected, the Firefest 3 report and review will now be online next week, as will another major feature I have been working on!

Thursday, December 07, 2006

SITE UPDATES - YOUR REVIEWS & 2006 BEST OF:
Updated today is the Best Of 2006 (So Far) list - one of the last updates before the end of the year. Check it out.

Also updated is Feature Reviews. You have read my reviews, now add your's! Add reviews now for the following albums: Harem Scarem / Human Nature, Zion / Zion, Cosmo / Alien, Tom Cochrane / No Stranger, Paul Stanley / Live To Win, RockStar Supernova / Supernova, Rain / Stronger, Final Frontier / Freelight, Richie Kotzen / Into The Black, GPS / Window To The Soul, Zeno / Runway To The Gods. Add Your Reviews Now.

RICK SPRINGFIELD TALKS BENEFIT CONCERT:
A recent Rick Springfield interview (talking about Rick's benefit concert raise money for Sahara Aldridge and her treatment for brain stem cancer) was posted online at: www.semissourian.com/story/1179511.html.
I like this one question and especially the answer given by Rick:
Q: Were you ever a classic sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll type of guy?
A: "I was very much into that in my 20s and early 30s. I lived in Hollywood, you know, and it was parties every night. On the road, of course, especially when you get some success, it's pretty easy to fall into that muddle. So you know, as a young guy, that was my focus. When I had kids that changed my focus completely, and you know, once you get older your focus just keeps changing. If you're evolving it does.
I know some guys my age who are still stuck in the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, and I think there's a time for that and there's a time for other things. Right now, I've been taking, taking, taking all my life, and it's about time I try and give something back. So this is, doing this thing for Sahara is kind of part of that."

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Paul Stanley looks like booking a solo tour for Australia for early-mid 2007. Stay tuned...

John Waite is set to release 3 new songs on i-Tunes. Details to follow. But, my question - why? When he is just about to release the Downtown - Jouney Of A Heart album in the USA next month, why not add those tracks to that release? Make it something special....

Norway have created a press & media page at their website for breaking news, photos, press releases etc. to be posted. See it at: www.norwayrocks.com/press.htm.

Check out a video from progressive melodic rockers Cryptic Vison at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSgWmzSw5io.

HEART PROFILED IN NEW BOOK:
Press Release / Continuing with its 'In the Studio' series, Rock n' Roll Books will release Heart - In the Studio in June, 2007. Featuring a chapter-by-chapter account of the recording of the entire Heart catalog, including the making of hits like 'Magic Man', 'Crazy On You', 'Barracuda', 'These Dreams', 'Alone', 'All I Wanna Do (Is Make Love To You)', and others Ann and Nancy Wilson made famous over their 25+ year career, the book will feature exclusive interviews with all of the band's producers, including Mike Flicker, Keith Olsen, Ron Nevison, Ritchie Zito, Duane Baron, and others, as well as interviews with band members chronicling the recording of the band's catalog of multi-platinum albums. Authored by biographer Jake Brown, the publishing house will also release 'Rick Rubin In the Studio' in June, 2007."

FREE METAL ALBUM FOR DOWNLOAD:
On December 1st, Stormental has officially released their debut album. After a successful European tour they are finally releasing it in an unusual way, entirely FREE. That's right, all the songs, front cover, booklet and videos, can be downloaded from their official website.
Singer and producer Alexei Leão explains the attitude taken: ''It was the best way found in order to satisfy the greatest number of fans that we have conquered throughout this year. What the band is doing is not novelty; it is only the acceptance of the World Wide Web as the greatest tool to expand the advertisement of the band's great work.''
Download it now at: www.stormental.com.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

CULT ART - GET READY TO ROCK THE ART WORLD:
Cult Art Limited (www.cultart.com) is brand new company with some of the most exciting art and photography the Rock and Movie world has ever seen.
It has taken over 12 months to gather together the world best artists and photographers to launch collections for you. This is your 'one stop shop' for the best licensed art and photography and will be fast growing to cater for all fans of any genre.
Kicking off with the George Ioannou 'Rock Idols and Icons' collection featuring 'Wanted - Jon Bon Jovi', 'Dude - Steven Tyler' and 'Hey Jimi - Hendrix'. All these paintings were commissioned with the full approval from the original photographers.
Where so many have copied him, George Ioannou was the original pioneer of this style. He is one of the most collectable artists in the UK and was voted into the Top 10 best selling artists in 2005/2006. His celebrity collectors say it all, movie stars, rock stars, professional footballers, prolific business men, all have his work up on their walls.
All our products are printed by members of the Fine Art Trade Guild and are available as a box framed canvas, ready to hang. We ship world wide via Fed Ex and can take your details over the phone or by e-mail.
Cult Art is fully LOADED so check it out!
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
And this is just the beginning.......


LION MUSIC ANNOUNCE DECEMBER RELEASES:
Lion Music have announced the details of their two Decmeber releases - both due out on the 15th. The details of which are as follows:
Satyrian - The Dark Gift EP - The release of the internationally acclaimed Eternitas album saw Satyrian gain a solid fan base. Now to round out the year the band have put together a special EP entitled "The Dark Gift" which shows a different side to the classy Gothic metal exploits of the debut, with The Dark Gift presenting another face of the band.
"The Dark Gift" EP gives an alternative look for the fans to the music of Satyrian and also breaks musical borders with its remixes made by TmV from the Finnish gothic and Electro band "Shade Factory" and by Roman Schoensee of The Dreamside, as well as Satyrian's own Jan Yrlund during the last six months. Satyrian guitarist Jan Yrlund describes the EP as "an add on to the Eternitas album" which will delight gothic fans with its new remixes.
The Dark Gift is presented as a limited edition digi-pack package with stunning artwork.
Track Listing: 1. Invictus (Master of Fate ReMix) Remix by The Dreamside, 2. The Dark Gift (The Lygophilia ReMix) Remix by The Dreamside, 3. Eternitas (Infinite Synthesis) Remix by TmV (The Shade Factory), 4. Fall From Grace (The Fallen Remix) Remix by Örkki (SinMasters), 5. The Dark Gift (TimV Fused Radio Edit) Remix by TmV (The Shade Factory), 6. No Tears, No Embrace (The Satyr's Cave Club Remix) Remix by Örkki (SinMasters), 7. Ewigkeit (Ikuisuus Chill Out ReMix) Remix by Örkki (SinMasters) + The Dark Gift Album version.

Patrik Carlsson - Melodic Travel - Patrik Carlsson is one of a hot new generation of exciting instrumental guitarists to have come out of Sweden in the new millennium. His debut release Phraseology (LMC107) was released in 2004 on Lion Music and now his follow up Melodic Travel sees Patrik take a turn into more traditional music waters to produce a very visual and melodic instrumental release that combines Patrik's guitar flash with some folk and jazz inflections.
On the new music's nature Patrik comments, "This was first meant to be a folk/jazz-inspired trip to the heart of Swedish traditional music. But then I change my mind and started to explore various sidetracks and musical solutions. The final result was a lot of different alternatives and in the search for the melodic treasures new discoveries were made". "The melodic travel begins in the deep forests of the northern mountains. You will hear the sound of ancient workers with their tools and the melody once created with the violins celebrating their lifestyle. Having passed through different environments and landscapes the adventure will end up in a red cottage on a small island far away from modern civilisation, where the water and the winds are quiet and the sunset soon will pass into darkness."
Each song on Melodic Travel has its own story, and to accompany the release Patrik's official website (www.figstamper.com) will have illustrations to visualise each song's story and mood.
Track Listing: 1. Settler's Pleasure, 2. Battlefield, 3. Kristiina's Song, 4. Caribbean Uptempo, 5. Gate to Heaven, 6. Liberty City, 7. Luxian Minor, 8. Archipelago Blues, 9. Night Vision, 10. the Great A, 11. Hip `n Melodic, 12. Desederia, 13. Happy Quarter, 14. Naboo, 15. Spanish Vaganza, 16. Silence.

Upcoming releases in January 2007 -
Engine Of Pain - I Am Your Enemy - A very heavy release in the vein of Testament, Pantera and The Haunted. Engine of Pain are one of the hottest metal bands to have hailed from the Netherlands in the last few years and with their debut full length debut "I Am Your Enemy" the band have produced an album that is a non compromising sonic statement from start to finish.
Massimo Izzizzari - Unstable Balance - Great guitar instrumental with great songs.
WebLink: www.lionmusic.com.

xx

BILL WARD SPEAKS ABOUT HEAVEN & HELL RUMOR:
Webmaster for Black-Sabbath.com Joe Siegler has posted a response from drummer Bill Ward in regards to a statement regarding the Heaven & Hell project that is circulating attributed to him. I won't bother to print the original statement, but Bill's response reads:
"It's Bill. I have been expecting negative letters, rumors, and general gossip mongering over my not participating in the "Heaven & Hell" project. It's not unusual, as yet I've made only one brief statement to confirm that I would not be involved.
It has been brought to our attention that there is a posting on a few web sites which discloses a supposed statement I made to a Clear Channel personnel. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE. Every piece of verbiage therein that posting - supposedly quoting me - is FALSE also.
OK. I'm off to get on with my life. Hopefully there won't be too many shite letters floating around, as I don't think anyone out there - myself included - wants to waste anymore time on complete falsehoods.
Sincerely, Bill Ward."

THE POODLES SIGN DEAL WITH AFM RECORDS:
Great news for Poodles fans! Their classic hard rock album from earlier this year is getting a wider release. This press release just in from AFM Records:
The Poodles, the band around some of Sweden's most experienced metal musicians signed a contract with AFM Records. The musicians worked in different contexts with international celebrities like Motörhead, Whitesnake, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy and Swedish colleagues like Europe and Candlemass. The album features songs by some of the most well known songwriters in the world such as Holly Knight (Tina Turner, Aerosmith, Kiss etc) and others. The album Metal Will Stand Tall was already released in Sweden & Finland in May 2006 and it will be released through AFM Records in all the other European countries. The release date will be January 19.
Metal Will Stand Tall has already topped the Swedish sales-charts. Until now the record already reached gold status in their home country. The debut single Night Of Passion went gold in Sweden after just three weeks and has now sold platinum!
From January 18, the band will go on tour with Hammerfall and Krokus to bring their metal also to your town!

TINDRUM BOOTLEG'S ON EBAY:
TNT drummer Diesel Dahl dropped me a line regarding the unfortunate bootlegging of the out of print Tindrum album on E-Bay. Here's Diesel's message:
"There is a bootleg re-release of Drums of War with my former band Tindrum - Available on E-bay thru VegasCDs, imported from Rock It Records, Italy. (Link).
This is not accepted! This is a copy of a copy and this must be stopped. The official version will must likely be released on MTM early 2007. Please warn people about these companies who have no rights to release my album."
Consider that done Diesel.
At the same time, I could not help but ask about the TNT album recording progress. Diesel's reply: "Done 6 tracks on new album - next session late January, early February. I think people will be surprised!"

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Tom Cochrane and his band will be touring Canada in support of the new album No Stranger in early 2007. Tour dates will be announced on his web site shortly.

The Rasmus performed a secret gig last week in NYC and Piercing Metal was there to cover it. Check it out at: www.piercingmetal.com/concert_rasmus_112106.htm. Incidentally, producer/songwriter Desmond Child is interested in working with the band on their next album.

Glen Burtnik is pleased to announce the grand opening of his brand new Audio Gallery! Downloads and details at: www.glenburtnik.com.

Rockpages Web Magazine has an exclusive interview with Desmond Child online at: www.rockpages.gr/interviews/desmondchild2006-en.htm) and also Joey Tempest of Europe (who comments on the band's commitment to carry on with their contemporary new sound): www.rockpages.gr/interviews/europe2006-en.htm.

MICHAEL ANTHONY UPDATES HIS BLOG:
Bassist Michael Anthony has posted an update to his personal Blog, which reads: "Happy holidays to everybody!!
Well, the holidays are already here and it seems like the year just flew by!! First of all I would like to say..."Thank-You" to everyone who came out and supported us on tour this past summer!! You guys are the reason I still love to go on tour, and as long as you want to hear the songs, I'll be out there bashing away and having a great time...
I don't know exactly what the new year will bring, but whatever happens, I 'll keep all of you posted as to what is going on in my world. Have a safe and rockin' holiday season, and don't "BASH IT UP" too hard!! I'll definitely see you all in 2007!!......Michael."

MORE GUFF FROM STEVE PERRY:
American modern rocker outfit Guff recently had a chance meeting with former Journey vocalist Steve Perry. It lead to them covering Journey's Trial By Fire Japanese bonus track I Can See It In Your Eyes.
Here's what the band had to say about it on their MySpace page: "While we were in LA, we had the chance to meet Steve Perry from Journey! He happened to drop by the studio while we were recording and dug the groove! And if that isn't cool enough, he asked us to cover a previously unreleased Journey song!! [Not quite correct that bit...] So, expect a new kick-ass Rock 'n' Roll cover song to be on the new record as well. (and the best part is what Steve Perry served up for the track himself...) Steve is great guy, and we love the cover. Thanks Steve! It may be getting the first bit of radio exposure of the record, so more on that when it develops."
And this is what Steve himself had to say about it in his recent Fan Asylum Q&A: "I just co-produced, along with their Producer Noha Shain, one track for a punk band named Guff. They're from Athens Georgia and a very cool band. They re-cut an old Journey track called I Can See It In Your Eyes. They rocked it seriously. I also enjoyed doing some backing vocals with their lead singer Ash. What fun we had. In two days it was done. Joe Benson from "Off the Record" fame loves it so much he wants to play it on his interview show I recently did."
The Joe Benson radio show broadcast date is this Sunday (US PST 9pm).
WebLinks: myspace.com/guff and www.unclejoebenson.com.

DESTINY PARTS WAYS WITH SINGER, SEEKS REPLACEMENT:
Kristoffer joined Destiny in 2001 and has recorded two albums (Future Of The Past and Beyond All Sense) with the band. For some time it has been clear that Kristoffer wanted to leave the band. The last gig he played with Destiny was at the Gothenburg Metal Festival last spring. The split is amicable and Destiny wishes Kristoffer good luck with his future projects.
This will, of course, delay the completion of the new Destiny album Cold Fire, but hopefully not for long. Any one that is interested in the position as lead singer for DESTINY should contact the band via info@destinymetal.com.
2007 will be the 25th anniversary for Destiny and apart from the release of the new album, Cold Fire, there will be re mastered and re-recorded double album releases of Nothing Left To Fear and Atomic Winter. Both double albums will feature never-before-released bonus tracks.
WebLink: www.myspace.com/destinymetal.

A TRIBUTE TO JIM CAPALDI:
Billboard Reports: "Steve Winwood, Pete Townshend, Paul Weller and Bill Wyman are among those taking part in an all-star celebration of the late Jim Capaldi, a former member of Traffic.
The show will take place January 21, close to the second anniversary of his death, at London's Roundhouse. Tickets go on sale December 18.
The Dear Mr. Fantasy concert, named for one of Traffic's best-known albums, will celebrate the life and work of Capaldi, who died of cancer January 28, 2005, at the age of 60. The event will raise funds for the Jubilee Action Street Children Appeal, a charity in which Capaldi and his wife Anina were active.
Also confirmed to appear are Joe Walsh, former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord, Gary Moore, Simon Kirke, Dennis Locorriere, the Storys, Andy Newmark, Ray Cooper and keyboardist Paul "Wix" Wickens."

BEST BOX KISS BOX SET FIX:
A Universal rep e-mailed bud Mitch Lafon about the Best Buy Kiss Box set bonus tracks cock-up. The response was: "Here's the solution that weve come up with to remedy the KISS Alive! box set issue - We are manufacturing replacement disks for Best Buy for customers that purchased the set without the bonus tracks. All they will need to do is bring their receipt in to Best Buy for the free replacement CD. If they bought it on bestbuy.com there will be instructions there as well. Some stores will have discs on 12/7, some on 12/8, etc., depending on the UPS ground transit times."

WINGER US DATES ANNOUNCED:
An update at Reb Beach's website was posted late last week. It reads: "Reb was overseas with Winger playing Firefest (among other venues), but now he's back!! Winger is getting set to take the show on the road here in the US. Below are a few dates and locations:
Dec 31 2006 8:00P Station square Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Feb 1 2007 8:00P Mulcahy's Long Island, New York
Feb 2 2007 8:00P Harper"s Ferry Boston, Massachusetts
Feb 7 2007 8:00P Amos' Southend Charlotte, North Carolina
Be sure to check out www.myspace.com/kipwingermusic and www.myspace.com/rebbeach (for more info).

REVIEWS UPDATED:
A big Reviews update today. More still to come, but onlien today is full reviews of albums from: Harem Scarem, Zion, Riot, Cosmo, Paul Stanley, Final Frontier, RockStar Supernova, Tom Cochrane, Richie Kotzen, GPS, Andersson Mills Project, Zeno, Big Cock, Billy Falcon, Fraze Gang, Fatal Smile, Ruffians, Kevin Lee and Martin Briley.
Read The Reviews now and tune in tomorrow to add your own views when Feature Reviews will be updated.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

FRONTIERS ANNOUNCE SIGNING NIGHT RANGER + JOURNEY TOUR DATES:
Frontiers Records is immensely proud to officially announce the signing of Night Ranger for the release of their brand new studio album Hole in the Sun!
Like no other band formed in the 80s, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the sound and style of that decade. Since original members Jack Blades, Jeff Watson, Kelly Keagy and Brad Gillis reunited in 1996, they have brought their guitar-crunching, melodic brand of hard rock into the 21st century with unparalleled talent, energy and creativity.
Night Ranger left an indelible mark with a string of best-selling albums that sold more than 16 million copies worldwide. The band's popularity was fueled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including Sister Christian, (You Can Still) Rock In America, When You Close Your Eyes, Sentimental Street, Goodbye and Don't Tell Me You Love Me. Harnessing the frenetic drive of heavy metal to hook-laden rockers, a stunning twin lead guitar team, and melodious, radio-friendly power ballads, Night Ranger inspired new descriptive phrases such as melodic metal and metal power pop, and became the standard-bearer of a new sound.
Following a seven-year absence, Night Ranger reunited in 1996 for a World tour. The overwhelming response proved the continued love for the music and the band. That year also garnered the Ron Nevison produced album Neverland, featuring the radio friendly single Forever All Over Again.
In 1997, the three-time Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights spotlighted Sister Christian as one of the songs that defined the previous decade. Also that year, the band released Seven, a studio album that helped set the standard for the 80s rock revival.
Since then Night Ranger members have been busy individually in several solo projects, while the band kept active touring across the USA and Japan. Writing and recording sessions for a brand new studio album started at the end of 2005, with progresses in between the busy schedules of the band members. "I can't believe it is almost 2007!" admits bass player and singer Jack Blades. "Most of the songs were written at the end of 2005 and recording happened at my Barn Studio (The Cock and Bottle studio) and Jeff's studio (Camp Watson)."
"I think you just keep making records and writing the songs that are in your heart", continues Blades. "As long as we continue to write and record with passion and integrity, (which we have done) I believe the fans will enjoy the ride. I personally am very proud of all the records Night Ranger has made over the 20 plus years of our career. This record reflects the years of touring so it rocks pretty hard. It also speaks to where the band is musically in 2006. Lots of split vocals and dual guitars."

With song titles as There Is Life, Tell your Vision, Drama Queen, Rock Star, White Knuckle Ride and Whatever Happened, Night Ranger music and attitude has now come full circle. Great melodies, blazing guitars and fun crazy rocking live shows..."it is all we know how to do", admits Blades.
We know we all can look forward to the release of Hole in the Sun during the spring of 2007!

xx

Journey have recently confirmed the addition of a new tour date in Europe after the UK shows. The updated list for the confirmed spring 07 includes now the following shows:
Thu 01-march Sheffield, UK - Sheffield City Hall
Fri 02-march Newcastle, UK - Newcastle City Hall
Sat 03-march Glasgow, Scotland - Clyde Auditorium
Mon 05-march Nottingham, UK - Royal Centre
Tue 06-march Manchester, UK - Manchester Apollo
Wed 07-march Manchester, UK - Manchester Apollo
Fri 09-march Cardiff, UK - Cardiff International Centre
Sat 10-march Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Tue 13-march Birmingham, UK - National Indoor Arena
Wed 14-march London, UK - Hammersmith Apollo
Thu 15-march Newcastle, UK - Newcastle City Hall
Sat 17- march Karlsruhe, Germany Europahalle
Mon 19- march Cologne, Germany E-work
Tue 20- march Amsterdam, Netherlands Paradiso
Thu 22- march Pratteln, Switzerland Z7
Sat 24- march Madrid, Spain La Riviera

HAREM SCAREM'S HUMAN NATURE SET TO DROP THIS SIDE OF CHRISTMAS:
Harem Scarem's new album Human Nature may have an official European release date of January 12, 2007, but it is about to hit stores any day now.
The CD will be available to buy online at the following locations: AOR Heaven, Music Buy Mail, NEH Distribution, Wishing Well Entertainment, CD Baby.com and haremscarem.net, with additional retail distributors: NL Distribution, Cargo Records, Bullseye Records, Magada International helping the band reach record stores.
This development, coupled with the fact that the Japanese release is already in stores means that Human Nature will be added to the list of albums set to be included in the 2006 MelRock Awards.


JIZZY DEPARTS RATT:
Jizzy Pearl has announced his departure from Ratt. Via his message board Jizzy posted: "Its time to go. Thanks to all the Ratt fans for all the good times and good luck to the guys for the future."
So, does that make way for the planned re-union (Stephen Pearcy, Juan Croucier, Warren DeMartini & Bobby Blotzer), which has been in development since mid-year? Likely, as it was planned for June/July 2007, but don't count on anything until you are lined up outside the concert venue. Strange world this rock n roll universe...

GLENN HUGHES THANKS EUROPEAN FANS:
Glenn Hughes posted the following message on his website following his return from Europe: "Just got back last night to LA. I am really looking forward to the Christmas holiday. In my opinion this tour was an extremely vibrant experience. Mark, Anders and Jeff were all complete revelations to me. It has been such a long time since I felt such emotion singing with my band. The Groove, the Funk... the Soul... all extremely passionate and I love my new band both on and off stage. I will have great memories from this tour. For those of you were there, I hope you felt the vibe. The band really inspired me to new heights. The musicianship on stage deeply spoke to me, and I look forward to the next leg of the tour in February."

DEMON LIVE IN EUROPE:
Demon have 3 live shows coming up, which are:
December 6th The Limelight, Crewe, UK
December 14th, The Queens Hall, Nuneaton, UK / With Tygers Of Pan Tang And The Handsome Beasts.
December 30th, Metal Forever Festival, Boblingen, Germany, A Charity Event For Children In Need In Germany.
WebLink: www.the-demon.com.

THE FIRST 21 BANDS CONFIRMED FOR SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2007:
Press Release / We can now proudly present the first 21 bands confirmed to play Sweden Rock Festival in June 2007. We have, after this, another 50 bands to present before the final line-up is ready. We look forward to our most impressive line-up ever!
We are of course very proud to present Heaven & Hell as one of our headliners at the 2007 festival. The band that should have been called Black Sabbath but for some reasons don't. The band contains all four members from the albums Mob Rules, Dehumanizer and Live Evil and three of the members (Bill Ward was still the drummer back then) were also involved in the album Heaven & Hell. So we look forward to see Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice at Sweden Rock Festival 2007!
Line-Up: Heaven & Hell, Blind Guardian, Motörhead, Reo Speedwagon, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Trouble, Kreator, Udo, Suzi Quatro, Gov't Mule, Hardcore Superstar, Black Oak Arkansas, Thunder, The Answer, Axel Rudi Pell, Circus Maximus, Randy Piper's Animal, Tokyo Dragons, Eldritch, Lion's Share, Falconer.
WebLink: www.swedenrock.com.

TALKING METAL UPDATE:
TalkingMetal.com has posted episode 114 of their Talking Metal podcast. In this special episode, titled "Guns N' Roses Summit Countdown to Chinese Democracy Part VI," hosts Mark Strigl and John Ostronomy discuss such topics as Axl Rose, Heaven and Hell, Jeff Scott Soto's Talisman, and Overloaded. Podcast features include an interview with Sebastian Bach Band members Metal Mike Chlasciak, Bobby Jarzombek, and Johnny Chromatic as well as new music from Halford. Multiple listeners can win a copy of Children of Bodom's new DVD Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm Knockout Live. The 60-minute podcast can be downloaded at this location ( http//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). The Talking Metal hosts will also take their show to Live365.com s Bionic Radio channel on Tuesday, December 4 at 8 PM. More information can be found at this location (www.live365.com/stations/bionictv).

LIBERTY & JUSTICE ANNOUNCE LATEST SINGERS:
Liberty N' Justice is proud to announce at this time two more singers for there 2007 release Independence Day. Now added is Kelly Keeling of Baton Rouge/Michael Schenker Group fame singing the title track (which BTW is a remake of a White Heart song and features Tommy Denander on guitar) and Mark and Shannon Hovland of Hovland. As always we love to hear your input and for a limited time you can check the songs out at: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 and post your comments at our web-site www.libertynjustice.net.

Monday, December 04, 2006

DOUBLE JOY FOR NIGHT RANGER FANS:
Details are still developing, but the track details for the 2 new 2007 Night Ranger releases have been announced.
The band recently completed work on their new studio album, their first since 1998's Seven release. It looks like the album will be titled Hole In The Sun and will feature the following tracks: Tell Your Vision . Drama Queen . Whatever Happened . There is Life . Rock Star . You're Gonna Hear From Me . Fool in Me . White Knuckle Ride . Revelation 4am . Hole In The Sun . Being . Wrap it Up.
In addition to that release, there is the Live In Japan 2003 release lined up, which will feature the following tracks: Don't Tell Me You Love Me . Four In The Morning . Goodbye . Rumours In The Air . Sentimental Street . Seven Wishes . Sing Me Away . Sister Christian . When You Close Your Eyes . You Can Still Rock In America.
More news and hopefully some comments from the guys soon!

REO SPEEDWAGON DELIVER NEW ALBUM PREVIEW:
REO Speedwagon have delivered an early Christmas present for fans in the form of previews of 3 new songs from the band's upcoming album. The previews are of: Smilin' In The End (a stadium rocker), Find Your Way Home (a mid-tempo melodic rock song) and I Needed To Fall (a mid-tempo ballad).
Check out these songs and a free Christmas download I Believe In Santa Claus at: www.speedwagon.com.

STEVE PERRY RESPONDS TO FAN QUESTIONS:
Former Journey frontman Steve Perry has once again answered the call of fans and has posted replies to questions submitted to him via the web-portal Fan Asylum. Steve preempts his answers with the following message:
"I want to thank all the fans who so quickly sent in over 2000 questions in two days. I tried to get to as many as possible. I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year. All the very best to you and yours, Steve Perry."

I'm certainly glad to hear from Steve on any occasion and he answers a lot of questions, which will no doubt give fans plenty to be happy about. Unfortunately the big questions about new material and any possible return to singing are again deflected. The responses are best left for fans to read through themselves, as there are no major announcements or statements within. Check out the Q&A at: fanasylum.com/steveperry.

MTM MUSIC NEWS - SINNER AND NORWAY:
News from MTM Music: Three Norway pre-listening samples are available now. Check them out - Save Me, Anything At All and Only One I Need.

Sinner is confirmed for the following festivals:
30.12.2006 Metal Forever Festival / Böblingen, Germany
14.07.2007 Headbangers Open Air / Hamburg, Germany
01.09.2007 Bloodstock Festival / UK
A European tour is scheduled for March / April 2006. Press comments about the forthcoming album Mask Of Sanity:
"The best Sinner album since the royal 80´s!" (Metal Hammer)
"No matter if you are a Saint or a Sinner put on this "Mask Of Sanity" and prepare to get completely addicted and blown away by a full force metal sound!!!!! And you'll certainly beg for more...." (Rock Hard Italy)
"Sinner back to the roots! The first hardrock-highlight in 2007!" (Rock It!)
"With this album Sinner rediscover their roots and strengths. 'Mask Of Sanity' is purest Sinner." (Heavy)

MORE ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA FIGURES:
Some more RockStar Supernova sales information has come to light. In Canada the album made a healthier debut than in the USA - buoyed by the fact singer Lukas Rossi hails from Toronto. The album made it's debut at #4 with close to 20,000 units sold. I might mention that the album in Canada has officially been deemed Gold, as it shipped 50,000 units.
A less rosy picture here in Australia - where the TV show actually broke new records for PayTV (cable) viewers. The album will debut at #87 with a very poor 981 units sold across the entire country.
There is now some cloud over the band's March 2007 Australian tour plans, although interest remains stronger than the actual record as support for the tour is from local boy and finalist Toby Rand's band Juke Kartel.

HALFORD RADIO SHOW BROADCAST:
The Classic Metal Show, heard live weekly on Saturdays from 9p-3a EST at www.theclassicmetalshow.com, has posted their interview with legendary Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford. Halford called into the show to discuss the reissues of Resurrection and Crucible, as well as Fight K5 War Of Words Demos on ITunes. The entire 26 minute interview is available for streaming at THE Classic Metal Show's Myspace page at www.myspace.com/theclassicmetalshow, or for free download via iTunes at phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=175951893.

WIN A TRIP TO METALLICA'S STUDIO:
Metallica release their DVD on Warner Bros. Records, December 5th. To celebrate the release, one lucky fan and a friend will get to hang out with Metallica at their HQ in San Francisco. You will win 2 nights hotel and airfare to San Francisco, a special tour of Metallica HQ, and get to meet the band. 10 other lucky fans will win copies of the new DVD. The collection — which includes all 21 of Metallica's videos, plus bonus features — spans the years from 1989's ….And Justice For All to 2003's St. Anger, and features pioneering videos such as the muted color toned, film noir-classic One, Metallica's ground-breaking first foray in music video.
Enter now (sorry, US residents only for this one...not my choice folks...): www.totalassault.com/contests/?contest=00777.

Friday, December 01, 2006

ALL-STAR EVENT AT WALNUT CREEK:
Press Release / Rock away the night at ARF Rocks! on Friday, January 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California. Join Tony La Russa along with Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain from Journey with friends Jeff Scott Soto & Marco Mendoza, guitarist Ronnie Montrose and Marty Casey (Rock Star Inxs) & Lovehammers. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this memorable evening! Tickets, priced at $100, $50 and $35 will go on sale Tuesday, December 5, 2006 and will be available by calling 925-943-SHOW.

NEW SIGNINGS FOR PERRIS RECORDS:
Sequel is proud to announce that they have recently signed with Texas based Perris Records. Their new CD, entitled Back, is scheduled for release in January of 2007 and will enjoy a worldwide release and distribution.
Back, the third full length album from Sequel, is hard rock n'& radio friendly. Packed with melody and guitars, the CD showcases the shared lead vocals of bassist Todd Jensen (David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Steve Perry, Paul Rodgers, Neal Schon, Hardline) and guitarist/songwriter Greg Georgeson (Tommy TuTone). Additional original members include David Wall (guitar) and Grant Roholt (drums).

Perris signs Sweden's own Blind Alley - Destination Destiny for 2007 worldwide release!
Blind Alley had managed to gather the best pieces from the melodic field and also some of the best written songs to come out of Sweden in a long time. Some of you might be familiar with these boys from before, they have released one album in 2003 called Infinity Ends. Destination Destiny is for fans of Giant, Journey and Survivor.

WHITE LION UK DATES:
A final update/reminder for the upcoming UK White Lion shows. All shows feature support from Crimes Of Passion.
December 2006
Sun 10th - JB's Dudley
Mon 11th - Camden Underworld
Tue 12th - Sheffield Corporation
Wed 13th - Barfly Liverpool
White Lion plays 2 hours of all the classics.

TESLA TALK COVERS ALBUM AND UPCOMING BOX SET:
Airing December 4, Tesla's 8th "3 Guys Pickin" episode features all 5 members, including new guitarist Dave Rude, and they sit down with the 3 Guys to discuss their upcoming covers album & box set, the funny story behind Free For All, departed guitarist Tommy Skeoch, how Dave Rude joined and who the other candidates were.
Live performance clips from their Beloit, Wisconsin, show include:
Modern Day Cowboy, Cumin Atcha Live, Into The Now, Time, Free For All (Nugent), I Just Want To Make Love To You (Foghat), While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Beatles).
The deleted scenes episode will air February 4th, and it features an original music video for Look @ Me (taken from Tesla's live show), and Tyler playing guitar onstage with the Frank Hannon Band, performing Signs and The Way It Is.
Upcoming new interviews include Queensryche vocalist Geoff Tate, Zakk Wylde, Black Stone Cherry, "All My Children" star Walt Willey, comedian Wendy Liebman, Hank Williams III, the Avett Brothers, Anthony Gomes & the Larkin Brothers.
"3 Guys Pickin", the most electrifying cable access show IN Chicago (& also the world), features Tyler, Brodie & Dave the Extra waxing philosophical about today's pop culture, with celeb interviews, skits, live music & lots of bravado.
"3 Guys Pickin" Mondays, 10:30pm Cable channel 19 / Chicago city limits only / www.myspace.com/3guyspickin.

TNT MAKE IT HALF WAY:
The legendary Norwegian hard rockers TNT are currently in the studio working on their new studio album, number ten in the row and the first to feature the new singer, ex-Shy vocalist Tony Mills.
In an interview with TV2 Ronni and Diesel said they are about halfway in the recording process. The yet untitled album is planned for a May 2007 release.

HINDER & EDDIE MONEY TO JOIN FORCES:
Billboard reports: Upstart rockers Hinder will be giving new life to an Eddie Money hit -- and helping the veteran singer with a hoped-for comeback in 2007.
The Oklahoma City quintet is planning to record a version of Money's Take Me Home Tonight, a No. 4 pop hit in 1986 that Hinder has been performing in its live shows. Money's management says the group has also invited him to appear on its version of the song.
"We all love it," guitarist Joe "Blower" Garvey says of "Take Me Home Tonight," whose original version features Ronnie Spector. "I think we kinda put our own little touch on it."
There's no word yet on where or when Hinder's version of the song will appear, but Money is planning to perform it with the group on Dec. 18 at the Roxy in Los Angeles.
Money, meanwhile, has set a March 13 release date for Wanna Go Back, a collection of '60s covers that features Ray Charles' You Don't Know Me as the first single and also includes renditions of Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels' "Jenny Take a Ride," the Young Rascals' "Good Lovin'," Wilson Pickett's "Land of 1000 Dances," the Soul Survivors' "Expressway (To Your Heart)," the Foundation's "Build Me Up Buttercup," Inex Foxx's "Mockingbird" and the Motown staple "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," on which he duets with his daughter, Jesse.
Wanna Go Back -- Money's first set of fresh studio recordings since Ready Eddie in 1999 -- was produced by Randy Forrester, who plays keyboards in Money's band the Grapes of Wrath. It will be released by Big Deal Productions/Warrior Records and distributed by the Universal Music Group.
WebLink: billboard.com/bbcom/news.

ARTCH TO PLAY IN GREECE:
During Wig Wam's pause Bernt grabbed the opportunity to do a mini-tour with his old band Artch.
As reported on www.wigwam.no, Wig Wam recently ended their Wig Wamania Tour in Norway and have now taken a pause from the glam rock life to create new material for their third studio album. Inspiration can also be found outside the world of Wig Wam, and the band members are using different methods to get new inspiration.
Bass player Flash (his real name is Bernt), grabs the opportunity to play a little with his previous band Artch. In January Artch is heading for Greece to play in the Athens (Jan 20) and Thessaloniki (jan 21). This will be Artch's first foreign performance since 2002 when they played in the USA.
"The background for this tour is because of Wig Wam's visit to Greece in May", Bernt says, who, along with the rest of the Wig Wam guys was overwhelmed by the response they got in Greece and the fact that the Greeks knew their musical past.
"The Greeks knew everything about our background and because of that Artch got an inquiry on this early this summer" says Bern, who never believed this tour would happen. But the Artch-guys took the challenge and said yes to do these concerts. "I'm really looking forward to get back as Wig Wam had a really great time there in May".
WebLink: www.wigwam.no.

MR-X UPDATE & ONLINE NEXT WEEK:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is a new Feature Album - Bystander Stranger Things Have Happened and a new Feature DVD - a Japanese TV broadcast of Mr. Big Live In Japan 1999, in support of their Get Over It release.
Also online is a collection of 20 various Poison demos and a few new Video Clips: Henry Lee Summer - Hands On The Radio, Twisted Sister - O Come All Ye Faithful (good grief!) and Iron Maiden - Different World.
MR-X Membership Details.

Next week - Reviews! I have been preoccupied with writng reviews all week and am up to 15 so far! There are a few more to write before I start editing, formatting and finalizing for upload by mid-next week.
Also online next week - my Review and Feature on Firefest 3.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

FRONTIERS RECORDS ANNOUNCES NEW DANNY VAUGHN ALBUM:
Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of Danny Vaughn's new album Traveller on February 16, 2007.
"Traveller is the best album of my career", proudly states Danny Vaughn. And that's quite a challenge if you consider the high caliber of his musical output over the years.
Coming out of nowhere, he became the lead singer of Waysted in 1986 and released the band's most highly acclaimed album, Save Your Prayers. He learned his trade by opening up for Iron Maiden in stadiums and arenas around the world. From there, Danny formed the now legendary group, Tyketto, in 1990 and released Don't Come Easy, still regarded today as a benchmark in the Melodic Rock genre. Moving from strength to Strength In Numbers was a powerful follow up, but even with 150,000 albums sold, 3 videos and countless tours under his belt, the disappointing changes in the music industry in the mid 90's soon led Danny to, unhappily, leave the band.
In 1999 Danny reunited with former Tyketto companions Michael Clayton Arbeeny and Jaimie Scott, to release two very well received albums, Soldiers And Sailors On Riverside and Fearless, under the band name Vaughn. These were Danny's songs, done in his own style and he was writing better than ever.
In 2003, Danny was approached by Frontiers Records with the idea of releasing a project-record more in the classic Melodic Rock vein, using songs from other writers as well as some of his own. Produced by Fabrizio Grossi, the album From The Inside was heralded as a major triumph and a return to the style for which Danny is best known.
So, with all of that, and more to his credit, how could he be so confident in the new album, Traveller?

Best to hear it from the man himself: "After several meetings with Frontiers, we all agreed that my next album had to be not only a classic melodic sound, but also a step forward, and it had to be very special. By this time, I had done a couple of years of touring with an all English band, which featured a twin guitar attack, and much heavier sound than I had been known for before. This was well received by audiences all over the UK and Europe, so I had the task of working on songs that reflected that new, live attitude. The band, Tony Marshall (Contagious) and Pat Heath (Brave New World) on guitars, Steve McKenna (Ten) on bass and Lee Morris (Paradise Lost) on drums, took up the challenge of not only recreating our on stage fire, but recording an album with a very layered and full production. So many of these songs allowed me, as singer, writer and producer to try a lot of ideas that I always had in mind and the result is a monster! While all the elements of my usual song writing style are there, there is much less of a reliance on acoustic instruments than on previous albums. Yes, there are still a couple of acoustic songs (it wouldn't be me without them) but, the number of fast paced rockers is much higher than I have done before. I can't wait to play these songs live as they are born to be performed on stage! Clocking in at an hour long, it has a little bit of everything that has come before, and some brand new ideas all in one package. It takes you from place to place, from mood to mood, seamlessly, and we are all extremely excited to have our fans hear it."

Traveller is set for release on February 16 on Frontiers Records with a Japanese release to happen on King Records.
Final track listing of the album will include the following songs: Miracle Days; Badlands Rain; Traveller; Restless Blood; That s What She Says; The Touch of Your Hand; Lifted; The Warrior s Way; The Measure of a Man; Think of Me In The Fall; Death of The Tiger; Better By Far.
Under the new name, Danny Vaughn, the new line-up recently played a storming performance at the United Forces Of Rock Festival in Ludwigsburg, Germany in October 2006 and introduced 3 of the new songs to a wildly receptive audience. Judging by the crowd's reaction, and the reaction of the 30 or so journalists that got a 5 song sneak preview before the show, this album is going to be on a lot of people's "Best of" list for 2007. Watch out for Danny Vaughn live, to come crashing into a town near you!

xx

Frontiers Records is proud to present the new issue of Melodic Rock Fanzine. The 17th release of our successful magazine is available for free all over the world through record shops, mail orders and every fine dealer carrying the Frontiers Records releases.
This new issue includes reviews and interviews of Pretty Maids, Thunder, Richie Kotzen, Styx, Royal Hunt, Final Frontier, Biss, Zion, Cosmo, Wetton / Downes... and more!!! Downloadable version of the magazine can be found here MRF 17.
Here are the previews of the two Melodic Rock Fanzine covers:


A few recent Frontiers releases are now available through the major on line digital shops such as iTunes, eMusic, Napster, MusicNet, iMusic, 24/7, Virgin France etc.
The list includes: Winger IV , Talisman 7, Pretty Maids Wake Up to the Real World, Slamer Nowhere Land, Sunstorm and Avalon - The Richie Zito Project.
So far 94 releases of the Frontiers Records catalogue have been made available through online digital shops!

It is now possible to purchase Frontiers Records items with just one click on the official www.frontiers.it website! Just go to the product information for each record and click on the add to cart button at the bottom of the text. We also remind everyone that it is possible to subscribe to the Frontiers Records website and get our newsletters in real time in your mailbox! Special sales will be made available shortly exclusively to the newsletter subscribers. Stay tuned!

TOMMY DENANDER WALKS TOWARDS MECCA:
This just in from Mecca frontman Joe Vana:
"Tommy Denander is one of the most hired and sought after writers, producers and guitar players today, and has turned down many offers from known bands to join them. Even though he will keep making Radioactive albums, they are only a project and Mecca is a band, and as Tommy puts it "Not just any band!"
Tommy has accepted becoming a full member of the Mecca family. His track record of more than 1,000 albums and working almost every known name in rock speaks for itself, but as Tommy says "In some ways it's also what's required to become a member of Mecca, anything less just won't cut it, I take pride in the task of creating another dimension to my work together with Joe and the guys in Mecca."
Alongside of the great Bobby Kimball and Joe Vana on Lead Vocals, the Mecca line-up consists of Shannon Forrest (Drums), David Hungate (Bass), Gordon Mote (Keys) and Christian Wolff (guitar) with Steve Lukather and Steve Farris making an appearance as guest players on the album. The line-up is complete and stronger than ever.
That is not to diminish the great contribution that Fergie Frederiksen and Jim Peterik gave to Mecca 1 - Joe Vana adds "I can never repay those guys enough for their talent and contribution to making my dream a reality with Mecca 1. Sitting around Jim's piano writing songs for Mecca was a dream realized....I will never forget it."
"As far as the new album Catharsis goes, the writing synergy between Tommy and I so far has been amazing, we think so much alike in terms of melody and space but sounds very different melodically than what we both have done separately, so it truly is a union of ideas.....this album will be a mix between Peter Gabriel and Mecca....I am going to push the Hell out of myself and Tommy to play and sing better than we ever have. Plus, I have the one of my closest friends Bobby singing next to me....not to mention that he is the single greatest Rock singer ever IMO.
There is no 'almost good enough' for this album. We have four tunes that Richard Page gave us to record and 8 that we wrote...I waited three years to assemble the needed material to do this album....Every song had to be good enough to be on Mecca 1 or better, or it didn't make it...Bobby will push me vocally to the edge, I'm not playing it safe this time."
Bobby Kimball comments about the songs: "I'm not going to be nice about it, because that's not how great songs get written. We mortals have to put aside our feelings and go for what's best for the song....". Enough said.
Visit www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic to hear samples of the first two created by this new writing duo. Mecca will be completed first quarter of 2007 and released on Frontiers Records.

xx

SUPER FLOP:
The RockStar Supernova album made its US debut at #101, with a mere 16,679 units sold across the country. I'm waiting to hear back about Canadian figures for those interested.

CRYSTAL BALL SIGN TO MTM MUSIC:
Press Release from Crystal Ball: "We're proud to announce that Crystal Ball has signed a new contract with the well know Label MTM Music from Munich. www.mtm-music.com. Therefore Crystal Ball is ready to take off in 2007 with their 6th record.
When and from whom the new CD will be produced is going to be published on this page soon. The songwriting team Scott Leach and Mark Sweeney is already at work. For sure they will come up with something special also this time - stay tuned."

MORE 707 NEWS:
More updates from 707's Kevin Russell: "Well sorry to report that the "Let It Rock" project must go on hold for now (for me anyway...) I've gotten some offers to do some other projects and so I am not able to join the guys at this time.
707 has a new record The Fourth Decade out worldwide next week! I have been asked to oversee a Best Of 707 record for a spring release. I am remixing & re mastering songs from the bands 5 CDs and some very cool "live" stuff from the famed Starwood, Whiskey A Go Go, The Roxy and The Greek Theater ( all L.A. Shows).
Also coming in December is my new rockin' guitar instrumental CD titled Run For Your Life. It's the follow up to Invasion Of Privacy… it rocks!
We are going over touring plans for this coming spring & summer for 707 as special guest to a few different headline acts. We are currently talking to our record label Renaissance Records and a couple of interested booking agencies.
For any further scoop visit: www.myspace.com/707theoriginal.

SPREAD EAGLE GUITARIST ROB DeLUCA ISSUES UPDATE:
Rob De Luca (Sebastian Bach Band/Spread Eagle) reporting in from the Gn'R/Bach Tour: "The crowd responses have been amazing! The show in Quebec City was beyond my wildest dreams. The audience was deafening for the entire hour. There's far too many great shows to list. Both bands are sharp and consistently delivering powerful sets! We're now making our way to the West coast. On Guns' off nights, Baz headlines the local theatre/club. On those shows we open for ourselves... Metal Mike Chlasciak (Bach, Halford), Bobby Jarzombek (Bach, Halford) and myself do an extreme metal set of PainmuseuM and Halford tunes. It's so much fun doing two sets."
This year Spread Eagle's Debut Album was recently reissued by Lovember Records: www.lovemberrecords.com.

EX-HELIX GUITARIST RELEASES NEW CD:
Brent Doerner was the guitarist in Canadian Hard Rock Legends Helix for many years. After leaving the music scene in the early 90's to pursue another careear he has finally made a recording comeback. This debut release finds Brent and band in fine form and ready to take on the world. This Blue Collar Rock is music for the people made for the love of music. Brent Doerner's Decibel is available now!!
WebLink: www.bdecibel.com.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

NEW ARCHIVE SIGNINGS FOR SUNCITY RECORDS:
An update from Suncity Records as forwarded to me by the label. Edited update below and posted on their website in full:

"Finally we have got the update that you have all been waiting for. It's taken a while, I know, but as they say "better late than never".
First off the following three CD's are officially available for purchase - Daniel MacMaster, Sweet Teaze and Dirty Rhythm.
Next up, the news only gets better with two more A-grade signings. We have been lucky enough to secure Canada's finest two hard rock bands Slash Puppet and Ana Black and we are all so excited that these great bands have joined the Suncity family in the pursuit of keeping the flame alight.
Starting first with Slash Puppet.
Most people know Slash Puppet for their stunning 1993 self-titled release but what a lot of people don't know is that they had an awesome debut album they released in 1989 as a cassette only issue. Suncity Records will be presenting their classic debut with all the typical Suncity perks.
After well over a year trying to hunt down the masters, with many leads from many people, we have finally got lucky big time!! These classic recordings will be presented in their full glory and believe me, they sound better than ever. Better news yet, this CD will be released early 2007.
Make sure to check out lead vocalist, Mif's awesome My Space site at - www.myspace.com/mifmaster.
Check out the track Evil Woman off the upcoming Self Titled album for a great idea of how good these guys really are.

The other signing we have for you is wait for it….the signing of my favorite Canadian band ever in the excellent Hollywood legends, Ana Black.
Just when you thought the hard rock heights of Motley Crue's Dr. Feelgood would never be matched again, well every hard rock fan will be overwhelmed with how good this band are. To me, they are Canada's answer to Motley.
Ana Black had a massive following in the late 80's, early 90's not only in their hometown of Kingston, Ottawa, Canada but they were one of the biggest hits on the world famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California. So much so they attracted interest from Sony/Epic Records. On the back of the major international success of Motley Crue's Dr. Feelgood, Sony thought these guys may just be the next big thing and therefore they were signed. Gearing up to push the album Who Killed Hollywood? with all the money and backing Sony could throw at them, it was only 21 days before the dream was over.
Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Sprit hit the charts and the rest is history. The music scene was changed forever. Sony then did what every other record label did in the change over period and dropped Ana Black like a ton of bricks.
When I got in contact with Dizzy from Ana Black, he told me that they had a bunch of un-released material, probably around 50-60 tracks. I than had him send them to me thinking I would pick through them to get out 1 or 2 CD's worth of material but there wasn't a dud track to be heard. I then said to him "stuff it, lets release them all".
At this stage we just don't know exactly how many tracks are in the vault but we are thinking from 4-6 Ana Black CD's!! Now that's exciting.
I have never been more excited about the signing a band in Suncity Records's brief history, I say that with the true belief that Ana Black is the epitome of what the late 80's, early 90's sleaze/hard rock was and is all about.
We have flown the original masters for Ana Black's debut album, She's A Tease from Canada over to Los Angeles to have the entire album re-mixed and e-mastered. She's A Tease sounds 100 times better than the original LP released in 1987.
This is pure sleazed up attitude driven hard rock executed to perfection. These guys truly should have been huge!! Ana Black's first album with Suncity Records will be the Who Killed Hollywood album that Sony had ready to go, this should be in every hard rock collector's collection right next to Dr. Feelgood, Black In Black, Slippery When Wet, Hysteria, etc…
Dizzy and Dave are still heavily locked in the music industry, owning their very own studio out of Los Angeles and currently ripping it up in their new modern rock band, Nero Zero. This time Dizzy has put down the sticks and picked up the guitar and mic. I strongly recommend everyone who likes to dabble in hard rock with a modern twist to check out their My Space site at - www.myspace.com/nerozeromusic.

We will be announcing the signings of another 2 stunning bands in a couple of weeks. The next 2 bands to be announced have a more AOR flavor to them, this should keep everybody happy going into the new year.
WebLink for samples and purchases: www.suncityrecords.com.

xx

TWO TALES OF A NEW RECORD FROM CORNERSTONE:
Cornerstone are completing work on their new studio album, titled Two Tales Of One Tomorrow. Featuring ex-Rainbow and current Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist Doogie White and ex-Royal Hunt bass player Steen Morgensen, the album will be released in Europe February 23 via Massacre Records for Europe and Fono for Russia, CIS and the Baltic States.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Another Journey European date - this time German fans get lucky - Karlsruhe, Germany March 17.

Congratulations to American Idol finaist Chirs Daughtry for his Daughtry release making it's US Billboard debut at #2 with 301,089 units sold. Commiserations to RockStar Supernova for failing to make the Top 50. I'll get the exact number sold overnight.

Pete Lesperance's 'other' band Fair Ground have their debut album Down In It now available at iTunes worldwide.

Meanwhile, 3 promotional clips of Harem Scarem in support of the upcoming Human Nature release are available now on YouTube:
Caught Up In Your World - www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2O5N04VlEg
Human Nature - www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8r4nhBDVF0
Going Under - www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8HbqPb9gnY

LOST WEEKEND TO HEADLINE SHOW IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Lost Weekend have been asked to headline a show at The Burgess Hall in Cambridgeshire. The bill will also include DRYAD plus one other, doors will be open from 7:30pm and the event will close at 12am. Tickets are priced at 8GBP and can be purchased from St. Ivo Leisure Centre, Terrys Heel Bar, Foundry Walk, St.Ives, Cambs.
Simply Music, Chequers Court, Huntingdon, Cambs. or Tel 01480 493768. The whole event is Promoted by Liquid Metal Promotions with backing from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
More dates will be added for next year, so keep checking out the 'shows' section of www.lostweekend.org.uk for more information!
Current Dates are:
2nd December 2006 - Turkey & Tinsel Xmas Show @ The Sportman's Hotel, Halifax
3rd February 2007 - Mexborough Civic, nr Sheffield
10th February 2007 - Gasworks Bar, Bradford
16th February 2007 - The Burgess Hall, Cambridgeshire
27th May 2007 - ZRock '07, Maximes, Wigan

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

LIFE AS NORMAL IN THE DOKKEN CAMP:
There's been a little conjecture surrounding Dokken this week. The annual 'George Lynch is about to re-join' rumor popped up again, but there appears little substance to substantiate this once again, especially in light of this update posted at the Dokken site by guitarist Jon Levin just this week:
"I know it's been a while since I have posted so I thought I would wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and give you the latest.
We have signed with Rhino Records for the US and Frontier Records for Europe. Don and I have been working hard writing for Lightening Strikes Again and all I can say is that you are gonna f'n freak! We have a long way to go still but I believe that this is and will be the vintage Dokken album you have all been waiting for.
I will try and check in from time to time. In the meantime, Rock on you SMF's!"
And bassist Barry Sparks weighed in also: "...Mick [Brown] and I worked together today...killer stuff! Don is working really close with Jon on new album..."

MORE GUNS N ROSES FOR THOSE THAT NEED TO KNOW:
An unauthorized portrait of the history of Guns N Roses is coming to DVD in the USA January 30. The 2DVD Guns N Roses Collectors Box "tells the complete and extraordinary story of Guns N Roses using never-before-seen performance and interview footage, interviews with close friends, fellow band mates, family members, music biz colleagues, and close collaborators who know them best. It features numerous location shoots, unpublished photographs and a whole host of other features. Extras include digital interactive discography, interactive quiz and did you know section. Guns N Roses created a unique sound and image that nobody has matched since. Contains Axl Rose - The Prettiest Star & Guns N Roses - Sex N' Drugs N' Rock N' Roll."

A little more on that December 19 release date for Chinese Democracy. An update from my original source: "...GNR mgmt is wavering on that date and that they (Universal) don't even know if it's solid anymore...they told me they don't expect it anymore in 2006..."
Ok, see you back here in May for the next GNR album update!

MELODIC BRIEFS:
There is still a day's worth of figure to be counted, but at this stage, it looks as if RockStar Supernova's debut album released last week won't even crack the Billboard Top 50 for it's debut in the USA. Stay tuned...

The Way is a great trio who may not have come to the attention of all that should know about them. The modern melodic rock band features Russell Arcara, Stephen DeAcutis and Charlie Calv and their debut album is now available digitally via iTunes and other outlets. Details at: www.the-way.biz.

Singer/songwriter Russ Ballard has a new studio album available via his website: www.russ-ballard.com.
Book Of Love features the following tracks: It's My Life (Stand In My Shoes) . Crazy World . In The Dark . When You Sleep . Love Works In Strange Ways . Like Father Like Son . Is There Anybody Out There . I'm Just Not Made For This World . Just Like Me . On To The Next . This Is Not A Love Song . The Road Has No Turning . In My Darkest Hour . Book Of Love . In To The Light . Wonderful World.

SWEDISH DRUMMER MAGNUS ULFSTEDT LEAVES ECLIPSE:
Press Release / "After five years behind the drums in melodic hard rock band Eclipse I have decided to leave the band. Musically it's been a pleasure playing with Eclipse. The guys are all very good musicians and I love the music we created together. I am proud of my contributions on the album Second To None but the time has come for me to move on.
I wish all of the guys in and around the Eclipse-camp the best of good luck for the future. The fans I've met during my time in Eclipse have always been marvellous and loyal. I hope to see you in the future as well.
I will continue to co-operate with manager Andreas Nyström and his Nyström Management. Check out my own webpage on www.magnusulfstedt.com for regular updates on my future projects."
Best regards, Magnus Ulfstedt.

INXS FRONTMAN PENS NEW ALBUM:
Found this interesting piece over at Canadian entertanmet portal Jam! Posted in part here and the rest of the article linked below:
By Karen Bliss -- For JAM! Music
Canadian Inxs frontman J.D. Fortune, who only got three co-writes on the band's 2005's album, Switch, because of time constraints, has been busy writing the follow-up after he had a dream about going to Hell.
"It sparked an entire concept record and I wrote 11 songs about this journey that I took to Hell and back," says Fortune, laughing. Fortune says the first song is called Angel Skin about a man descending to the depths of hell with another man and telling him what brought him there.
"It turns out it's actually the Devil that he's telling the story to," says Fortune. "The Devil is so moved by how the guy ended up going to Hell that he says, 'You don't really belong here,' and sends him to Heaven." Fortune then recites a lyric: "Underneath this burning suit, you're made of angel skin."
It's going to be pretty intense. It's going to make Pretty Vegas look like a walk in a park," says Fortune, referring to the first single from "Switch," which he co-wrote on the "Rock Star: Inxs" TV talent show, seeking a replacement for the Australian band's original singer Michael Hutchence, who died in 1997.
Fortune says another one of his new songs is called Death Of An Elephant about how your heroes can fall, but they're still the same people. "Sometimes meeting your heroes isn't all it's cracked up to be or sometimes you're more impressed (by them)," says Fortune.
"But it's not just heroes," he adds. "It's the guy or girl that acts selflessly and does not expect to be rewarded. Heroes never know that they are; they just are. It's that dichotomy between good and evil within all of us. We are all God and we are all the Devil."
Other songs are untitled or have working titles such as Lullaby, Everybody Says Goodbye and Product Of The System.
Fortune says these songs are for a new Inxs album and not for a solo album.
He wrote them on acoustic guitar and then played them into a small recorder and "kind of beatbox the beats that I hear with it and hum the bass lines," he explains.
Because of the nature of the subject matter, he's asked if he envisions that the music will go from dark to light, ending with some kind of glorious gospel number? "Kind of (my) 'Hallelujah?' Definitely - and then I plan on dying," he jokes.
Fortune has already played the rough demos to his Inxs bandmates - guitarist/saxophonist Kirk Pengilly, guitarist/keyboardist Andrew Farriss, guitarist Tim Farris, drummer Jon Farriss, and bassist Garry Beers. "They're loving it, absolutely loving it," says Fortune.
Fortune doesn't know when the band will get in the studio and this entire concept might change by then.
Inxs is touring right through to next summer, including Europe and the U.K. in June ("I think we're playing Wembley in London") and a big concert in Australia in August. "So right now, it's still full-on," Fortune says, although he does get a break in January and February.
Fortune has also auditioned for a part in "The Dirt," based on Mötley Crüe's self-penned book, "The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band." The film will be directed by Larry Charles ("Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"), and is due out in 2008.
"I'm up for a role of a heroin addict, which could be interesting for me considering I don't really party anymore. A needle has never touched my arms I'm glad to say, so it will be acting," says Fortune.

Fortune also sees it as a good thing that Inxs is no longer signed to Burnett/Epic. The band can work on getting a more attractive deal, since Burnett Productions - which owns the Rock Star reality television property - does get a significant piece of the pie, which lessons the financial appeal for Epic and worldwide distributor Sony BMG Music.
"There's something to be said for sticking to your artists and believing in them, and right now, we're taking Europe and Asian by storm, and we've had offers to go back to India and play to like a hundred thousand people.
"We're working with some really great people right now and we're just in the middle of doing our own label with a company out of the U.K., so that's going to be really huge for us," says Fortune, not able to name the company just yet.

"By the way, Sony BMG Canada has been our biggest champion. Love them to death. It has nothing to do with Sony worldwide and Sony in Australia, Denis (Handlin), the president there, I'm his biggest fan."
Switch has scanned just under 170,000 units in Canada, according to Nielsen SoundScan Canada. Worldwide sales are under one million.
Inxs has played some great gigs the past year, including to 70,000 people in India, according to Fortune, but there's one gig that will top them all, if it goes through - in space.
Virgin Group entrepreneur Sir Richard has formed Virgin Galactic, a space tourism company, which aims to send civilian passengers into suborbital space by late 2007 (for $200,000 U.S. a seat), and Branson wants some live music onboard.
"He's looking to put a band up in space to do a 45-minute set, going around the world doing six orbits around the planet and then coming back down, but, man, I'm afraid to fly," says Fortune. "I'd be on so much Xanax, I don't even think I'd be able to speak (laughs)."
WebLink: jam.canoe.ca/Music/Lowdown/2006/11/27/2516748-ca.html.

RELEASE DATES UPDATED:
A big overhaul of the Release Dates page has taken place - so check out the updated and newly added listings right now - CD Release Dates.

And don't forget to add Your CD Reviews for a whole range of various titles.

Monday, November 27, 2006

MORE WIGWAMANIA SET FOR 2007:
Glam rockers Wig Wam have posted an update on their website about 2007 plans. Highlights from the update read:
"One of the biggest concert organizers in Japan CreativeMan have signed up with ArtistPartner (the Norwegian Wig Wam Management) and King Records.
So far Wig Wam will do three headline shows in Japan:
Feb. 26 Tokyo – O-East
Feb. 28 Nagoya – Nagoya Club Quattro
Mar. 1 Osaka – Big Cat
The release of Hard To Be A Rock'n'Roller...in Tokyo and Wig Wamania have been warmed welcomed in Japan and the sales number are good according to King Records. The first week Wig Wamania was available in the record shops, the album reached no. 24 on the list of most selling foreign artists in Japan (No. 69 of the most selling albums in total).
King Records see a bright future for Wig Wam in the East and they are very pleased with the beginning of the Japanese Wig Wam adventure.
King Records have further focus on Wig Wam and are now releasing a Japanese version of the Wig Wam DVD Rock'n'Roll Revolution 2005.

After ending the Norwegian part of the Wig Wamania Tour, the band members are now having a break from the glam rock life. Writing songs for the next studio album is now the first priority for Wig Wam, but a tour in England is also in the planning. This will most probably happen after the Japan Tour.
Wig Wam gave the audience a great & memorable concert at the FireFest III festival in Nottingham last month and the response woke up the concert organizers in England. The FireFest organizers saw people coming over from different European countries and even from Brazil to see Wig Wam live on stage.
A DVD from the concert in Nottingham will probably be released early next year with the title Wig Wam – Live In Nottingham Rock City.
WebLink: www.wigwam.no.

GUNS N ROSES - THE QUESTIONS REMAIN:
I have had a lot of enquires on how solid the December 19 release date for Guns N Roses' Chinese Democracy might be. Answer - who the hell knows! It is only as good as the other 27 release dates that have come to pass thus far. One rumor suggests that the release is now planned for June or July 2007, while HMV Canada also lists the December 19 date.
Where did I get that date from? A long time source informed me he saw it printed on an internal memo while visiting a Universal Records office a week or two back. But even that doesn't mean much in the world of Axl Rose. Believe it has been released only when you are holding the CD in your hands.

Speaking of Guns N Roses, a good buddy was at a recent GNR show to cover the event, but was told by organisers to: "...take no pictures, to not look at him or not talk to him because he'd cancel the show..."

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Michael Schenker failed to appear for the last show of his Asian tour - after severely screwing up during a couple of other appearances. Seriously - who is giving this guy money to play live? He needs to check into a clinic and get healthy first and foremost. Read updates and recent reviews at: www.rbaraki.com/notice2-e.htm.

It looks like Bill Ward has bailed from the Heaven & Hell tour and recording sessions. A replacement? Vinny Appice.

David Ragsdale has just reissued his solo CD, David & Goliath, which needed all new artwork to conform with copyright licensing. The CDs are in stock now. Details at: www.davidragsdale.com.

Just who was singing the American National Anthem last week in Nashville (at the Nashville Predators hockey game)? The new trio of Mark Slaughter, Kelly Keagy and Gunnar Nelson - who have been playing select shows together around the area.

LOST WEEKEND UPDATE:
Updates from the newsletter of British rockers Lost Weekend:
Celebrate Christmas in style and join Lost Weekend at the Sportmans Hotel in Halifax on Saturday 2nd December. Entry is free and the band are due on stage at 9pm.

Lost Weekend have also been added to the bill for ZRock 2007, which is to be headlined by House Of Lords. The show is set to take place on Sunday 27th May at Maximes in Wigan.
Also there is additional dates for February with more to be announced. See the SHOWS section at www.lostweekend.org.uk for more information.
Check out the band's one and only official myspace account, www.myspace.com/lostweekenduk to hear some songs from the band's forthcoming fourth CD - Forever Moving On.

SWEDENS CLOUDSCAPE OFFER UP VIDEO CLIP:
Swedish melodic metallers Cloudscape have completed a brand new promotional video for the song Demon Tears which is taken from their latest album (Crimson Skies) that was released in June, 2006 through German label Metal Heaven. You can watch the video by entering: vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1479396384.
The Demon Tears video is filmed, edited and directed by Rainer Holmgren who previously has worked with "Clark, Swedish Erotica, Pain Of Salvation, John Norum etc etc etc."

ANOTHER NOTCH IN BRAD GILLIS' BELT:
From: Mix Online: "Brad Gillis has joined Slate Run Productions, a post-production facility in Oakland, Calif., as a composer. Gillis' original music compositions—which vary in style from heavy metal to hip hop—have been featured in television and feature film productions.
Gillis has been composing and recording original music for more than 30 years, contributing to 20 Gold and Platinum albums. Gillis has also written and produced original music for ESPN, Fox Sports, Fuse.tv music channel and Electronic Arts (Tiger Woods PGA Tour games for PlayStation), and has written and produced songs for several up and coming artists.
Gillis is a veteran guitarist who is a member of Night Ranger and has recorded and toured with Ozzy Osbourne.
For more information, visit: www.slaterunpro.com and www.bradgillis.com.

CHRISTMAS GUITAR TABS ON OFFER:
The MJS Christmas Guitar and Vocal Carol Book is being offered as a free download for a limited time. The press release reads: "This book is very unique because it is written specifically for guitar. It features traditional notation, TAB, chord charts, and lyrics of 13 Christmas classics.
This free download will be available online from November 10th through January 10th. As a big added bonus, recorded versions of each song are also available for download. Each recording accompanies the book, and also doubles as an "all guitar" Christmas Album.
The book is in PDF and can be printed. The Audio files can be burned to CD and played on any MP3 player."
To order a hard copy of the audio CD please use the link: mjspublications.com/low_band/page.php?table=products&page_id=20.

PHIL LEWIS CONTINUES TO SCOFF AT THE OTHER LA GUNS:
L.A. Guns vocalist Phil Lewis recently spoke with The Hairball John Radio Show about their latest release Loud and Dangerous, and his excitement about the future of L.A. Guns which includes a new studio album in 2007. Lewis also expressed his opinion on the controversy of two different versions of L.A. Guns touring at the same time and the confusion and frustration that it creates.
Phil Lewis: "You know my opinion of it is that it's terrible. I've heard and seen some tapes on Youtube of some the shows they have done and the saddest thing about it is that Tracii Guns, as good as he is, has had to pretty much lower himself to playing with these guys that if they were going to do anything they would have done it in the past twenty years, but they have done nothing. And it's a good opportunity for these guys to leach onto Tracii and convince them that they have a band. And it's an annoyance, a temporary annoyance, it won't last long, I can't see him putting up with it for too long."
The entire 14 minute conversation with Phil Lewis is available in full streaming audio at the home site of The Hairball John Radio Show: www.hairballjohn.com.

Friday, November 24, 2006

TOMMY SHAW AND JACK BLADES EXTEND THEIR INFLUENCE TO EUROPE:
Frontiers Records have signed Shaw/Blades and their new covers album Influence for release in Europe.
What happens with two of today's most successful classic rockers join forces to create an album of songs that have been a source of inspiration for their respective multi-Platinum careers?
The result is Influence, the sophomore album by Shaw Blades, led by Styx/Damn Yankees guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw and Night Ranger/Damn Yankees bassist/vocalist Jack Blades, which is set for release February 20, 2007 on VH1 Classic Records.
The self-produced album was mixed by Noel Golden (Matchbox Twenty, Willie Nelson) and Great White keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie. The first single, Your Move, will be serviced to radio in January.
Influence is the duo's first album since their recently re-released 1995 debut, Hallucination. Like the debut--and unlike their history-carving decades as icons in the more hard-rock minded Styx, Night Ranger and Damn Yankees--the latest release is rooted in acoustic guitar and organic production, harvesting a decade of musical influences into 11 tracks (on which Blades and Shaw played all the music except for drums and the occasional keyboards). With classics from the '60s and '70s including the Mamas and the Papas' 'California Dreamin',' Buffalo Springfield's 'For What It's Worth' and Steely Dan's 'Dirty Work,' Influence offers a track-by-track chronology of the musical era that helped define modern rock. Whether the songs are delivered in faithful tribute, as is the case with Simon & Garfunkel's epic masterpiece 'Sounds of Silence,' or given a modern rock transfusion, as in the duo's 1966 folk anthem 'I Am a Rock,' the results are the same, sparkling like a beacon illuminating the mainstream roots of rock and roll's formative years.
"I cringe at the thought of Paul Simon hearing our stuff," laughs Blades, only half-jokingly. "I honor his spirit so much, and I'm such a huge fan. As far as I'm concerned, they invented the word genius to go along with him, and we just wanted to make sure that we did their songs justice. Tommy and I have that special symbiotic relationship that doesn't come along a lot. Simon & Garfunkel also had it, we have a reverence to it, and it was something that we just wanted to dig into."
"As writers, we're like two old friends who finish each other's sentences," adds Shaw. "We became best friends as a result of the music and the experiences we've had because of it."
But Influence isn't about the experiences of Shaw Blades, it's about the inspiration that helped create the experiences. "This album has been years in the making," continues the Styx/Damn Yankees guitarist. "The recording process didn't take years, but the concept had been looming in our conversations for a long time. We'd always sit around with a couple of guitars and play songs we both knew from or younger days, spontaneous harmonizing and all that, and we slowly eased into the idea of making this record".
One of the most prolific duos in the history of hard rock, Shaw and Blades have sold more than 50 million albums amongst their three bands, scored 12 Top 10 singles on the Billboard 'Hot 100' chart, debuted 16 albums in the Billboard 'Top 200' albums chart, and share joint songwriting credits for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Cher and Alice Cooper.
Even so, Influence offered the pair an invigorating musical freedom. "With Shaw Blades," offers Blades, "we're able to take liberties that our respective bands couldn't do. We need to be Styx-sounding, we need to fit in that Night Ranger world, and we even need to think about Damn Yankees, so that's what's fun about Shaw Blades--we get to be our alter-egos when we want to be, yet we can truly be ourselves. We grew up singing harmonies and songs with massive vocals, so it's a wonderful thing to have that freedom here. This was a complete labor of love."
In touring news, a U.S. trek is currently in the works and Shaw Blades hope to bring their music to their fans closer to the album release date. "You can always tell a brilliant song, whether it was written 30 years ago or yesterday," says Blades. "Every song we picked is identifiable in its own right, and they're all immediately recognizable. What does that tell you? That the songs are the stars. That's what we wanted to do on this record; we wanted the songs to be the stars. I think that's what we accomplished."
The complete track listing is as follows: Summer Breeze . Time of the Season . Your Move . I Am A Rock . Lucky Man . Sounds of Silence . California Dreamin' . On a Carousel . Dirty Work . For What It's Worth . Dance With Me.
Shaw/Blades Influence will be released in Europe on February 16.

xx

MAGNUM ANNOUNCE ALBUM TRACK LIST:
The new Magnum album Princess Alice & The Broken Arrow will be released in Europe on March 26, 2007. Magnum's website has been updated with news and pictures from the band's meeting with artist Rodney Matthews for the album artwork.
The song titles from the album have also been announced. They are: Out Of The Shadows . When We Were Younger . You'll Never Sleep . Eyes Wide Open . Desperate Times . Your Lies . The Gates Of Hell . Be Strong . Inside Your Head . Thank You For The Day . Dragons Are Real . Like Brothers We Stand.
WebLink: www.magnumonline.co.uk.

TALKING METAL UPDATE:
TakingMetal.com has posted episode 110 of their Talking Metal podcast. This special episode reports on Queensryche's VH1 Save The Music Benefit Concert at the New York City Hard Rock Café this September. Features include an interview with guitarist Jack Frost (Seven Witches, Bronx Casket Company) and the rebroadcast of an interview hosts Mark Strigl and John Ostronomy conducted earlier this year with Queensryche vocalist Geoff Tate. Additional podcast topics include a Gene Simmons vs. Ronnie James Dio devil-horns-origin debate, Martin Popoff, and Paul Shortino. A photo gallery as well as the 60-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).

MR-X AND SITE UPDATES:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is a 7 track FM broadcast of Toto Live March 1988; 10 assorted old Winger/Kip Winger demos; Telsa Blinded By Science - Live Milwaukee USA June 27, 1987 and the following new Video Clips:
Belinda Carlisle - Mad About You, Hall & Oates - Say It Isn't So, Huey Lewis & The News - Power Of Love, Jefferson Starship - Find Your Way Back and a Chicago 4-Play - Along Comes A Woman, Hard Habit To Break, Stay The Night and You're The Inspiration.
MR-X Membership Details.

Time to add even more of your own reviews. Feature Reviews online today include: Wetton Downes / Icon 2 - Rubicon, Thunder / Robert Johnson's Tombstone, Pretty Maids / Wake Up To The Real World, Michael Bormann / Conspiracy, Styx & The CYO / One With Everything, Iron Maiden / A Matter Of Life And Death and importantly MelodicRock.com CD Volume 3 / V3 - realy looking forward to the feedback on this one!
Add Your Reviews Now.

A new e-Interview with Slamer's very own Mike Slamer is online now. Read the Interview.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

70 SHOWS LATER - HOME TIME:
The cast and crew of Journey have headed home for a well deserved rest after completing their mammoth US tour with Def Leppard. Some 70 shows to the bands name (and 67 for singer Jeff Scott Soto) saw the guys play to an audience new and old and receive some of the best reviews and critical acclaim in 20 years.
Singer Soto posted a short message to the official website forum which read: "Thank you for the many votes of confidence & acceptance to what I brought to the table this summer. It has been a hell of a ride & I am still high on the experience along with meeting the many new people I have along the way. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving & send my love out to each & everyone of you who supported not me but all of Journey this summer."
Journey have just added 3 more dates to their March 2007 jaunt to the UK and Europe. They are:
3/17/07 Europahalle Karlsruhe, Germany
3/20/07 Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3/24/07 La Riviera, Madrid, Spain
Expect more dates to be added shortly.

VELVET REVOLVER UPDATE FROM DRUMMER SORUM:
Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum has updated his website with the following message for fans:
"Hello all, very good news to report. Have officially started pre-production with Producer Brendan O'Brien. Who has produced many hit records - Incubus, STP , Pearl Jam and The Boss Bruce Springsteen.
Things are moving quick now. And we are all very excited. Rome was not built in a day so I believe everyone will be very happy when its finished."
A release is expect by mid-2007.

CHAVIS RECORDS ARTIST UPDATE:
Chavis Records / Da Records were informed on Tuesday 11/21/06 by Billboard, that Hydrogyn's Bombshell has begun to chart in the U.S. Billboard could not comment as to what position Bombshell sits at because information has not yet been made public, but congratulated the label and the band on our success. Bombshell is currently charting in the TOP 200 on the Top Heatseekers, Top Heatseekers (Northeast), and Internet just missing the Independent chart.
A quick call to Hydrogyn to share the great news...Jeff Westlake: "Totally amazing...We are very excited and surprised! Thank you to all of our fans and radio for your support."
Hydrogyn - Bombshell was released in April 2006 and was produced by the legendary Michael Wagener. Bombshell continues to attract new fans around the globe and is receiving positive feedback worldwide. Hydrogyn successfully executed a U.S. tour in support of Bombshell and will be heading to the U.K. in February 2007 and then to France in March.
In other Chavis news:

Quiet Riot's new release Rehab continues to do very well and is creating quite a stir for fans old and new. Rehab continues to receive high praise for being some of the best work since Metal Health. Quiet Riot is currently planning a tour in 2007 in support of Rehab. Rehab is in stores in time for the holiday season and continues to get picked up by radio.

American Angel is finishing up their new release entitled Vanity for an early 2007 release. The new album was recorded at Sound Spa in New Jersey by Stevie D. We're just wrapping up the final mixes, mastering and package design. Track listing: Pantomind, Vanity, On The Hunt, Seven, Warm Inside, Don't Wait Up, Breath, In Perfection, End Of The Night, Another Day, Turns To Grey, Permanent Pause.

A new signing for 2007 - Snake Eyes Seven from Canada. Snake Eyes Seven features Victor Langen (Kick Axe), Daniel Nargang (ex-Into Eternity), Cole Stevens and Johnny Bland. Snake Eyes Seven delivers some of the most brutal heavy metal available today. Snake Eyes Seven has just wrapped up in the studio. Packaging will be handled by Orphan X Graphics. Track listing: Comin' Down, Hell Or High Water, Love For A Moment, Bitter Pill, Be Leaving, Bullets & Booze, Breakdown, Devil With A Rosary, You're To Blame, Photos Of The Dead ** Bonus Track - David & Goliath.

2007 is setting up to be a great year for hard rock and heavy metal and Chavis Records is gearing up to deliver the goods. Look for new additional music from Vanity Blvd, Triggersoul, Vindex, and Wycked Synn. Look for tours from Quiet Riot, American Angel, Snake Eyes Seven and Hydrogyn.
Checkout www.chavisrecords.net for more information and details.
Happy Holidays from Chavis Records!

NEW STEVIE SALAS ALBUM IS WHAT IT IS:
The new Stevie Salas CD, Be What It Is is now available from R&C Ltd (Japan). Visit Stevie's Site for details, and to check out some samples. While there, don't forget to check out the store where some rarities featuring the likes of Glenn Hughes, Richie Kotzen, Bernard Fowler and more are available for only 99 cents apiece.
The usual cast of characters played on Be What It Is, including Richie Kotzen, Brian Tichy, Matt Sorum, Jara Slapbak, Dorean Heartsong, Dave Abbruzzese, Gina Gershon (yes, the actress!@#?) and Carmine Rojas, among others.
I'm told that the vibe of this new album is: "a classic power trio thing...though the funk is still present, it's also got somewhat of a raw straight forward rock sound for Stevie, which is a little different from his last few records."
The track list: 1) What It Was To Be What It Is, 2) Get Out Alive, 3) Head On Collision, 4) Two Souls War'n In A Bag Of Skin, 5) Bring It Easy, 6) Long Way To Roll, 7) Are The Gods Smiling On Me (Or Are They Laughing), 8) My Girl Is Gone, 9) To Surf With The Angels, 10) Cherokee Girl, 11) To Begin Again, 12) Worn Out Rooster (Japan Only Bonus Track).
WebLink: www.steviesalas.com.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO AMERICAN READERS:
As some tune in to read today's update, they will be celebrating Thanksgiving. No such holiday here in Australia and in some other parts of the world, but lucky for some! I do want to take this opportunity to reach out to my American friends and readers and wish everyone a great Thanksgiving holiday.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

TRIUMPH TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE CANADIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME:
This Triumph news in today - quoted from two sources:
1 - Canadian hard-rock trio Triumph will be inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame during Rogers Wireless Canadian Music Week. Music veterans Gil Moore (drums/vocals), Mike Levine (bass/keyboards) and Rik Emmett (guitar/vocals) will accept the honour Saturday, March 10th during the Canadian Radio Music Awards at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

2 - Arrangements have been finalized to have Rik Emmett participate along with his former partners in Triumph as the band is inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame at a luncheon on March 10, 2007, during CMW, Canadian Music Week.
"This is about honouring good memories of the past, and respecting the spirit of fans and industry friends", Rik says.
There are no plans for a reunion, and the former members will not perform together at the event. A video montage retrospective will cover highlights of Rik's 13 years in the band, from 1975 to 1988.
A good first step I think!

STEELHEART ON DVD:
Steelheart have released their first ever DVD - Still Hard (2 DVD set). The contents of the DVDs are as follows:
DVD 1 - Japan Tour '90 - 1 - Love Ain't Easy, 2 - Like Never Before, 3- Gimme Gimme, 4 - Girl Gone Crazy, 5 - I'll Never Let You Go, 6 - Can't Stop Me Lovin' You, 7 - Drum / Guitar Solo, 8 - Rock N Roll (I Just Wanna).
Videos - 1 - I'll Never Let You Go, 2 - Can't Stop Me Lovin' You, 3 - She's Gone, 4 - Everybody Loves Eileen, 5 - Sticky Side Up, 6 - Wait.
Acoustic Show (From Hong Kong) - 1 - She's Gone, 2 - Sheila, 3 - Mama Don't You Cry, 4 - Electric Chair, 5 - Shangrila.
DVD 2 - Bootleg Concert - Toad's Place '91 - 1 - Backstage, 2 - Like Never Before, 3- Everybody Loves Eileen, 4 - Instrumental Jam, 5 - Sheila, 6- I'll Never Let You Go, 7- She's Gone, 8 - Down 'N Dirty.
Extras - 1 - I'll Never Let You Go (TV), 2- She's Gone (TV), 3 - The Making Of Everybody Loves Eileen, 4 - She's Gone (Alt. Version), 5 - Beore Steelheart There Was 'Red Alert', 6 - Photo Gallery, 7 - Interview London 90, 8. Int. New Haven 91, 9. Int. Hollywood 92, 10 - The Making Of Tangled In Reins, 11. Soundcheck, 12. The Accident In Denver.
DVD Is In 4.3 NTSC / All Regions / Dolby Digital 2.0, total 222 minutes.
Now available at: www.steelheart.com.

xx

GET SOME NEW HELIX:
Canadian Rock legends Helix return to the public's eye with a disc of 6 hard driving brand new originals as well as a bonus of a newly re-recorded cover of their 1983 classic Heavy Metal Love. The re-recording coincides perfectly with the new Trailer Park Boys movie that prominently features the original version of the song in one of its key scenes.
With over 30 years in the business Brian Vollmer shows no sign of slowing down. Like a fine wine Brian's vocals get stronger and stronger as time goes on. His classically trained voice creates a unique rock and roll package. The combination of the classical singing applied to heavy rock and roll is truly original and unmatched. This release brings Brian together with Gord Prior (Blu Bones) as a co-writer and producer as well as Steve Georgakopoulos as co-writer and guitarist. The cd credits are rounded out with Helix's Jeff "Stan" Fountain on bass and Rob MacEachern (Blu Bones) on drums. Together they have made an amazing new product for public consumption.
The Helix live band consists of Brian Vollmer (vocals), Jeff "Stan" Fountain (bass), Jim Lawson (guitar), Rick Van Dyke (guitar) and Brent "Ned" Niemi (drums). These talented and experienced musician's are sure to please any crowd with their energetic live show. They create a good time party atmosphere weather they are in front of 30 people or 30,000. They deliver the ultimate rock and roll show.
WebLink: www.planethelix.com and www.myspace.com/helixonmyspace.


MARTIE PETERS ONLINE DEBUT OF NEW TRACK:
The new single from The Martie Peters Group, Shallow is now available exclusively through the band's MySpace page - www.myspace.com/martiepetersgroup and is a perfect testimonial to the band's new direction and sound…Hard rock with a modern twist.
A new Martie Peters Group CD, Road To Salvation is scheduled for release in 2007. Produced by Martie Peters and mixed by veteran producer Tommy Hansen.
Influences include but are not limited to Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Def Leppard, Donnie Vie/Chip Z´Nuff, John Waite, Kip Winger, Mike Tramp and Rod Stewart.
WebLink: www.myspace.com/martiepetersgroup.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
A little more information on the Andy Taylor re-issue mentioned Monday. It seems it is only available via E-Bay and is NOT an official Japanese retail release. It is being credited to the Duran Duran Japanese Fan Club, so who knows where the legalities lay there. Either way, it is still a pro-manufactured CD and is a pretty fine looking package and gathers up all Andy's solo and soundtrack material of the era surrounding the Thunder album.

Air Raid vocalist Arthur Offen's web site open with a detailed insight to the history of Air Raid and links to buy the band's debut album on CD. WebLink: www.arthuroffen.com and cdbaby.com/cd/airraid.

I was sent this statement yesterday that comes from Femme Fatale's Lorraine Lewis. Don't hold your breath for that unreleased 2nd Femme Fatale album anytime soon. She says: "Z Records is a JOKE! There are no plans to re release with them....also Bill D' Angelo passed away last November so it hasn't been on the fore front of my mind to release the Femme music, but I have been approached by another company so we will see if we can get things off the ground..."
Right now Lorraine is working with Roxy Petrucci (Vixen) and can be found at - www.myspace.com/roktopuss.

GRAND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
News from Grand Entertainment in California: "Check out our new website and look forward to our new record company on-line in early 2007. www.grandentertainment.info.
Steve Fister Band (Lita Ford, Pat Travers) will play Lavelee in Studio City CA. on Thursday Dec 7th. Also playing with Steve will be Phil Bynoe (Steve Vai) and Sandro Feliciano (P-funk). This is a Holiday Xmas concert with lots of special guests. More information is at www.laveleejazzclub.com. Also Marco Mendoza will be on tour with Thin Lizzy in December. Check out www.marcomendoza.com."

THE CHANCE TO SEE SRF EVENT LIVE ON THE INTERNET:
What about the opportunity to see bands and artists like David Coverdale, Udo Dirkschneider, Hardcore Superstar, Wolf, Harms Way etc etc. 6 hours live on the internet and be one of the first to know the first 20 bands confirmed for Sweden Rock Festival 2007!
In order to sign up for an electronic ticket for the Kick Off broadcast from Nalen in Stockholm the 2nd of December 2006 you need to follow the instructions below. The cost for the ticket will only be one SMS.
The broadcast will start at 17.45 and end at midnight CET. Fill in the form on our homepage. It is important that you supply us with your real e-mail address and phone number!! First come first served. We only have 5 000 tickets.
During the broadcast there will be an SMS-forum. A SMS to the forum will cost 5 SEK + your standard operators fee. Once you have filled in the form, press register, then you will receive an activation code and a phone number. Send the code as an SMS to the phone number stated on the screen. This will generate a response-SMS that will provide you with a ticket number that you need to log in to the broadcast.
The ticket number is unique, so do not share it with anyone. A link to the broadcast will be posted on our homepage on the 2nd of December.
In order to be able to see our broadcast you need to have Windows Media Player installed on your computer and at least an ADSL connection with a minimum of 0.5 Mbit.
Welcome to Sweden Rock Kick Off 2006! www.swedenrock.com.

MP3 UPDATES ONLINE TODAY:
MiniBytes have been updated with new MP3 previews of albums from: Harem Scarem, Suzi Rawn (featuring Harem Scarem), Tara's Secret, Bombay Black, Bang Tango, Shiva, Tribe Of Gypsies and Gary Schutt's Palisade. Check them out now.

CD Showcase has been updated with new feature previews of: Zion Zion (featuring Freddy Curci)(Frontiers Records, due December 8); Kevin Lee Flip The Switch (Indie, out now) and Wizards' Hymn Hymnal (Majestic Rock Records, out now). Check them out.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

FRONTIERS RECORDS ARTIST UPDATE:
Frontiers Records is proud to announce the signing Pink Cream 69 to its roster of artists!
Pink Cream 69 are a legendary German Melodic Hard Rock outfit who released nine studio albums from 1989. Consisting of David Readman (vocals), Alfred Koffler (guitar), Dennis Ward (bass), Kosta Zafiriou (drums), the band recently added to the line-up a new guitarist, Uwe Reitenauer, who was already part of the band's live shows since 2003. His unique style and the possibilities of dual lead and rhythm guitars will enrich the songwriting and recordings as much as they did the live shows in the last 3 years.
The band is currently working on the follow up of the successful 2004 release Thunderdome. The record has the working title of In10sity with reference to the fact that this is PC 69's tenth regular studio album.
"The new song material is definitely more powerful with the two guitars attack, but still keeping the trademark of catchy melodies and strong choruses", says drummer Kosta Zafiriou. "Fans of melodic Hard Rock can expect a mixture of the strongest elements in the PC69 style, combined with a state-of-the-art production by Dennis Ward."
The new album is scheduled to be released in March 2007. Stay tuned for more details!


Former Deep Purple and Rainbow singer Joe Lynn Turner is busy writing and recording the up and coming studio album. The direction will be again in the Melodic Hard Rock vein that characterized the latest studio effort The Usual Suspects. Release date is not yet scheduled but Frontiers Records hopes to release it before the summer 2007.

Fair Warning have recently completed their first Japanese tour in 6 years with successful concerts in Hiroshima, Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo. The band was overwhelmed with the warm acceptance from the cheerful fans. Fair Warning also performed on their return to Europe a cool show at the Firefest in Notthingham on October 28. This was the band s first ever performance in the UK and was greeted with a great success. The band is also currently planning more shows for early 2007 and is looking for promoters in European countries. Anyone interested can email info@show-tops.de or info@frontiers.it.
Fair Warning's successful come-back album Brother's Keeper, released on August 25 is gathering excellent responses from critics and fans and is now also downloadable via i-Tunes and Napster European shops, E-Music UK, Musicload and Virgin France.

xx

The amazing AOR singer Robin Beck has recently revealed her plans for the upcoming start of the work for her new solo album. Here's her message for the fans:
"For the last few months I've been flying around Europe enjoying my renewed success. My lucky stars that so many loyal fans of Melodic Rock have stood by me through the years! I am totally committed to giving them the strongest and most passionate album of my life. I have received so many requests over the years for me to do more of my own songwriting and that is exactly what I'm doing.
Now, I am back home and putting together my next CD. It will be produced by James Christian and myself. All you House of Lords fans will be happy to learn that I will be benefiting from the great musicians from the House Of Lords for this CD. I am a Lucky Girl. What luck to be married to lead singer of the greatest band on earth! James, Jimi Bell, Chris Pelcer and I have been busy busy writing and I must say we are coming up with what will amount to be a great record. Get ready to Rock& Get ready to shiver through my eyes and through my heart!"

Josh Ramos (Hardline, The Storm) is busy writing and recording his forthcoming album, following the successful release of his debut Living In The Light. Here is a picture that shows him together with drummer-maestro John Macaluso (TNT, Riot, Strabreaker), who, together with Don Chaffin on vocals and Eric Ragno on keyboards completes the recording lineup. Release date is foreseen for Spring 07.


TONY MILLS AND TNT STORMING INTO 2007:
TNT will be back in 2007 with a new studio album, their first to feature British vocalist Tony Mills (Shy). Who better to get an update from that Tony himself. The following is what he had to say about the upcoming album:
"The new album is pretty much half finished with the producer H.P.Gundersen from Bergen. It's quite a commercial product with all the arty leanings of Mr. Le Tekro and it's a very special album. Probably the most exciting product I've been involved in throughout my career. As I see it, it's the future of melodic rock music from Europe. I don't say that lightly.
In fact, I think it's the perfect crossover for all the people that have been looking for the hook and the balls of the rock fraternity. It's a lot of work, but every minute will be a savoured memory, even if -28 has been forecast in Oslo for the completion of the recording."

When asked for further comment on working with the guys from TNT and how he is enjoying it, Tony was kind enough to add this:
"The TNT machine really is a Scandinavian monster and it's opened my eyes to another world to get outside the stigma of the UK. Playing to audiences of 2000 - 20,000 on a regular basis makes you wonder what the hell you've been doing all your life!
Everywhere you look in this country, rock is a prevalent entity and I'm just so sad that it doesn't happen to this extent in the British isles. Bands are being exported out of Norway and Sweden like there's no tomorrow and maybe that's why I got sucked in to such a remarkable outfit as TNT. With press and live TV at such a premium in the UK and yet it's so readily available in Norway, it's hardly surprising that great rock acts get the exposure they deserve in this country.
After 23 years, TNT still exude the hunger that you would expect from much younger bands and if they didn't, then I wouldn't be spending my life skipping through Copenhagen airport. Mind you, I only stop there because the band have to pay four times the price for the scotch whisky at the government shop in Oslo and they all have their tongues hangin' out when I land at Gardemoen!
I don't think there's any doubt that TNT are an awesome band to contend with; I really never felt this with Shy and maybe that's just because we're a different mixture of people.
Excited about the new album? 'Frantic' would probably be a better description ! Written in Spain, recorded in Norway, probably mixed in Denmark and ultimately toured in Europe and more than likely Japan, it's a project that really is undeniable and could well be the pinnacle of my vocal career. There aint much else to say."
Thanks Tony!

TOTO WILL BE ROCKING THE CITY OF DUBAI
The legendary rock group, Toto, have confirmed their participation in the 5th edition of the Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007 on March 9. This leg is the band's first gig in any Arab world.
A band like Toto, has become a worldwide household name, with at least a disc or two on every music rack that includes songs dating back to the late 70s, songs we grew up listening to, songs we've heard on every radio station, hits that lived on and on and no matter how much we think that music evolved, we keep coming back and humming Toto's songs unwillingly.
Toto is one of the rare gems of rock music, a band with its front man guitar player, Steve Lukather who have influenced generations of rock stars and other inspiring artists just like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix did.
But the band doesn't fall short of a legendary line up besides Lukather, stars whom each have also their own independent work and have played with other legendary artists, the likes of Simon Philips on drums, Mike Porcaro on Bass, Bobby Kimball on Vocals, Greg Phillinganes on keyboards and vocals and David Paich on Keyboards and vocals too.
Anthony Younes, Managing Director Of Chillout Productions, the founders and Organizers of the Dubai International Jazz Festival, said: "I am so excited to have arranged this leg for the Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007. I have a clear vision of the audience watching Toto live, yes I can see endless waves of fans stoned immaculate while witnessing how Steve Lukather and Toto are continuing to hone their chops and progress musically, up to perfection."
And by the time Toto reach Dubai, they will be celebrating their 30th anniversary with songs that defy taste or musical back ground, hits such as Rosana, Stop Loving you, Hold the Line and Africa to name a few.
And with the release of their new album, Falling In Between, nothing short of excellence and genius, Toto will not only be playing their classical repertoire but also some new and fresh material that includes Toto's most innovative sounds, songs in which Toto have upped and revamped their musical tastes and ideas and retooled them for a new generation.
Yes after 7 years of original studio inactivity one of the world's most favorite bands returns with a dynamic illustration of why this group of 6 can be considered the most talented rock group ever assembled and lucky Dubai will be the eye witness to why Toto won 4 Grammy Awards and why each member has played on most of our best songs ever recorded.
"If anything, the band is stronger and vital than ever and they're flying to Dubai to show a definite resurgence in their live musical powers. Toto live at the Dubai International Jazz Festival is already a divine memory written down in the chapters of history before their arrival here. And who knows maybe next year we'll be resurrecting Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix or Jim Morrison." Said Anthony laughing.
In almost 30 years, with some of the most skillful, interesting, and great music ever recorded, Toto who have already received their own star on Vienna's Walk Of Stars at the Gasometer on August 17th 2006, is not to be missed live at The Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007.


MELODIC BRIEFS:
German bass player Martin Motnik has finished his solo CD Bass Invader with Gregg Bissonette on drums and guests Mattias Eklundh (guitar). Details: www.martinmotnik.com/englishsite.html.

The Right To Rock website features a new podcast interview with Kevin Dubrow from Quiet Riot. They have also posted a new written interview with Frankie Banali. Log on at: www.therighttorock.com.

Dennis Ward's website has been updated with news from him on completed works and samples from the new Angra, Krokus, Sunstorm and House of Lords albums! Log On: www.dennis-ward.com.

UPDATE FROM NL DISTRIBUTION:
A little artist press from European distributor NL Distribution:
January 12, 2007 the wait is over Harem Scarem Human Nature hits the stores around the world. This record really takes us back to what Harem Scarem was all about in the beginning, big vocals and lots of melodic songs. Early reviews of Human Nature have confirmed the bands claims that this is one the best Harem Scarem records ever. After selling over 1 million records worldwide there seems to be no end in sight for Harem Scarem.

Miss Behaviour was originally formed in 2003 just to be a fun weekend project. But when the band launched their first demo Give Us The World on their website in 2004, they received such great reviews that they decided to get a lot more serious and recorded a full length album. The result is Heart Of Midwinter. The all trough melodic rock/metal/AOR album took the band 8 months to complete in the studio.
The main influences of the music come from 80s rock acts like Journey, Magnum and Europe, which the production surely never makes any big secret of. The concept of Heart of Midwinter tells the story of one man's faith in a cold and unpleasant society, the society of Midwinter.
Heart of Midwinter was recorded in Realtime Recording Studio in Norrkaping, Sweden 2005 and mastered in the Cutting Room, Stockholm 2006. It was produced by Henrik Sproge and Erik Heikne and mixed and engineered by Daniel Dante Gese.

CHEAP TRICK & THIN LIZZY IN OZ - CANCELLED:
Press Release / It's with much disappointment we announce that your next dose of Double Trouble featuring Cheap Trick and Thin Lizzy has been cancelled. Both Cheap Trick & AMP apologize for any inconvenience caused and look forward to announcing a new tour by Cheap Trick in the not too distant future. Please stay tuned for news of a future tour in 2007.
For shows scheduled as follows please refer to point of purchase for a full ticket refund.

SITE NEWS AND UPDATES:
I simply cannot believe it's getting into late November. Where the hell did the last 3 months go? I'm still catching up with October and soon I have to face the prospect or tackling another Year End Review and the annual MelRock Awards. Bloody hell!
Any...a small update. I *think* I am up to date with e-mail. Only took 3 weeks. If you have not heard back from me now, then I have either screwed up, lost your mail or simply convinced myself I had already replied :)
If you have not heard from me, but needed to - please drop me a line ASAP and I will get back to you straight away!

I have a big backlog of News to post - that can be done now that I have trawled through my in-box for all the updates sent recently. Watch for that this week.

I'm also working through a ton of Reviews - expect some full feature reviews and also a bunch of in-brief reviews as I get through all the titles I need to over the next 3 weeks so I can move onto those 2006 MelRock Awards.
And I still have to add some CD Showcases and a stack of Mini-Bytes for albums released over the last 4-6 weeks that are still vying for your hard earnt dollar.
So expect lots of updates to come, including a Release Dates update plus an e-Interview with Mike Slamer and a Feature Interview with Tim Pierce and two very special features - Firefest 3 and Journey Live In Los Angeles 2006.

One other thing - all the artists that contributed to MRCD3 will have their CDs mailed out to them this week. Anyone interested in participating in MRCD4 - drop me a line.

Monday, November 20, 2006

DOMAIN WITH NEW LINE-UP:
Press Release / New line-up and new drive at the Domain base. The band around guitarist and producer Axel Ritt announces the exit of bass player Jochen Mayer and singer Carsten Schulz by their own request, shortly after the release of the new album Stardawn (LMP / SPV). Domain wish Jochen and Carsten all the best for their future projects.
Without hesitation, the band is raring to go for the next round. Domain proudly presents Chity Somapala (Ex-Firewind, Avalon, Faro) on vocals and Steven Wussow (Shylock) on bass-guitar as the new line-up. For the first time, the new band will perform Dec. 30th at the End Of Dayz - Festival in Pratteln / Switzerland. Some of the new songs of the Stardawn album will be played as well.
Additionally, the tour plans for spring 2007 commenced to advance the well started sales of the new album. In the run-up, an extraordinary meeting has been arranged. Original composer Chris de Burgh and his management were that enthused about the cover version of Don't Pay The Ferryman (contained at the album Stardawn) that they invited the band for a personal meeting / photo shoot at the Festhalle Frankfurt show November 24.
The Domain – cover version of the hit in 1982, which has been commended by fans and critics, turned the pop title into a hard driving rock hymn and has been placed on many turntables at miscellaneous rock clubs and radio stations.
For more information about Domain's current activities check: www.domainband.net.

THUNDER RETURNS FOR ANDY TAYLOR:
There has been talk on and off about a re-issue of Andy Taylor's classic Thunder album. It seems that talk is back on, with a Japanese re-issue planned. I have yet to find a Japanese listing or release date for the title, but I can confirm the track listing. The set features the album's original 9 tracks (no word of whether this is remastered) and adds 8 bonus tracks - featuring re-mixes and Andy's various soundtrack appearances.
Unfortunately there are no unreleased studio tracks, something Andy spoke of as available when I interviewed him in 2004. The track listing details are as follows:
I Might Lie . Don't Let Me Die Young . Life Goes On . Thunder . Night Train . Tremblin' . Bringin' Me Down . Broken Window . French Guitar. Bonus Tracks: Take It Easy . Wings Of Love . Angel Eyes (All from American Anthem soundtrack) . When The Rain Comes Down (From Miami Vice II) . Dead On The Money (From Tequila Sunrise) . Take It Easy (Vocal / Rock Mix) . When The Rain Comes Down (Long Version) . Take It Easy (Extended Dance Version).


UNOFFICIAL NEW BABYS RELEASE:
A new archive release from The Babys is due. Titled The Official Unofficial Album and due out from UK re-issue label Cherry Red, the details are as follows:
"This is the collection of Manager and Producer Adrian Millar's recordings made with an evolving line up of the 70's power rockers The Babys, from the time he put them together around original leader Michael Corby to their first record label deal. Before The Babys signed their legendary seven figure deal with Chrysalis, and released their first album in 1977, Millar had been working up original material, honing their looks and preparing for an assault on the music industry. Touting these early recordings and an early promo video film got Millar the deal, but the recordings were left on the shelf as a new producer and eventually new management ousted Millar from the picture. An edited version of the tracks escaped, unbeknownst to Millar, in the early 1980's but since then they've disappeared. That is until the inevitable no.1 Babys fan emerged and persuaded Millar to dig up the original tapes for a chance to release the unedited takes of the recordings. Thus we present those unedited tapes enhanced through careful remastering, in a package with contributions from Millar and a cache of previously unpublished photos from those early days. The Babys were a massive act in the US during the late 70's, and spawned the solo career of bassist and vocalist John Waite who's 1984 no.1 chart hit Missing You remains an AOR staple on US and international radio playlists. New digital remaster from producers unedited tapes. Coordination from original manager and producer Adrian Millar. Previously unpublished photos. First recordings of US solo star John Waite.
Track Listing: Bitch Or Angel / I Wear Your Ring / I'm Falling / Time On My Hands / You'll Get Yours / Do It Nice / Step In Line / Rainy Day / Jack The Lad / If You Could See Me Fly.
WebLink: www.cherryred.co.uk/rpm/new_releases.php.

KROKUS INTERVIEWS ONLINE:
News from the Krokus camp: Mark Carras interviews Marc Storace for the US web-zine RockMyMonkey. His knowledge about Marc's extra-curricular activities outside of Krokus musically and artistically is incredible and took Marc by surprise. You also may click the MP3 version of the interview and listen to Mark and Marc. Our web master Tom will list this interview as well under "NEWS" in the next couple of days. www.RockMyMonkey.com.
And lead guitarist Mandy Meyer is interviewed by web-zine www.metal-rules.com and as with Marc the interviewer gets into detail about Mandy's musical past: www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=693.

REO SPEEDWAGON UPDATE:
More REO Speedwagon updates - this time from the webmaster of Kevincronin.com: "I received a little note from kC this afternoon. He told me that there were rumors going around and he wanted to make sure everybody heard them. Yes folks, kC is spreading rumors.... I'll let his note explain...
"Rumor has it that something special will be coming to Speedwagon.com soon after Thanksgiving. Let's just say that the three opening songs from the new CD are in the can...final mixes completed. And with the Holidays at hand, we feel like our loyal peeps deserve some treats. Stay tuned.
Rumor number two is that we finally named this bad boy, as well...the official announcement is coming very soon. Plenty of good things happening here in our camp...I have to wear shades. KC "

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Press Release / Rock cover artist Ioannis (Deep Purple, Fates Warning, Biohazard, King Crimson, Blue Oyster Cult) has just entered into a multiyear world wide merchandise deal that will bring his art in the form of t-shirts, posters, calendars, cell phone images and much more internationally. To coincide he created a limited edition series of postcards, T-Shirts and 2007 calendars some only limited to sets of 300 with his signature featuring some of his most well known images that are available only through his newly launched merch store: www.cafepress.com/dangerousage.

Big Cock has secured national retail distribution in the U.S. and Canada with Oarfin/Navarre. The second, self-titled CD Big Cock will be released Tuesday, November 21 followed by the re-release of Year of the Cock on January 9, 2007. Year of the Cock contains a new 8-page insert and a bonus track Rock 'n Roll Aholic in standard jewel-case packaging (instead of the cardboard sleeve).

Bret Michaels DVD news: "Dec. 02 Pottsville PA - Goodfellas - Five camera DVD shoot taking place at Goodfellas in Pottsville on December 2nd. Come be part of this exciting event and part of Bret Michaels history. DVD will be released at a later date with more information to follow soon."

GREG KIHN: ROCKER, RADIO PERSONALITY, NOVELIST AND AN INDUSTRY UNTO HIMSELF:
Press Release / Greg Kihn, the inimitable Beserkley Records recording artist of the 1980's, is known for his chart-topping songs and MTV videos, Jeopardy, and The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em Like That), from his records featuring titles based on inane puns of his name, such as Next of Kihn, Kihnspiracy, Citizen Kihn, Kihntinued, and Unkihntrollable. In the years since his last hit record, Greg has reigned supreme as San Jose's leading morning man on Clear Channel's KFOX 98.5 FM Classic Rock radio, with a daily listening audience that includes greater San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley.
Greg Kihn has turned out to be much more than just the hit-making songster he started out to be. In fact, Greg can easily be called the hardest working man in Northern California Show Business.
While Greg feeds his creative passions as radio personality, a prolific award-nominated author of six novels, spoken-word artist, screenwriter, fundraiser, investor and most of all, husband and father, he's soon to launch a new nationally syndicated radio program at the end of 2006. His new program, Greg Kihn's Big Rock Beat, is best described as the riveting Rock history of VH1's Behind the Music meets Spinal Tap's comical take on the music industry's real-world absurdities. Greg states, "It's an amalgamation of rollicking interviews, never-heard stories, and jam sessions with iconic Rock and Roll personalities. The listener not only gets to be a fly-on-the-wall, but also a participant in conversations with legendary rockers in a loose, non-scripted setting, as if we were all at the bar reminiscing."
Greg also recently released a new live musical performance CD, entitled Greg Kihn Featuring Ry Kihn, part of the Sony/BMG Extended Versions series (Sony/BMG, A688915), which is now available at Walmart, Target, Kmart, Best Buy, and other big-box stores around the country. Greg's son, Ry, following in the family tradition with a music career of his own, handles all of the lead guitar parts on the ten blistering tracks.
Greg also performs in a Rock and Roll all-star band with friends Eddie Money and John Waite, also featuring Ry on lead guitar. Aptly named Money Kihn Waite and Friends, the band performs select upscale engagements with other leading rockers joining Greg and company on-stage, such as lead vocalist Mike Reno of Loverboy and Chuck Negron from Three Dog Night, to name only a few.
In October, Greg was a special presenter at the Technical Excellence and Creativity (TEC) Awards, also taking place in San Francisco. Considered the Academy Awards of the professional recording industry, the TEC Awards honors the best record producers and engineers in the world.
Hollywood has taken a liking to Greg not just for his music, but for his writing skills, as well. In 2007, Greg's novel "Horror Show," (Tor Books, ISBN: 0312860455), which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award, is in the process of being optioned to a Hollywood production company. Additionally, his short story "Olivia in the Graveyard with Pablo," published in Hot Blood X, which is part of the Hot Blood Series of short erotic horror stories, (Kensington Publishing Corporation, ISBN: 0786016515), soon goes into pre-production in Hollywood.
What else is on the horizon for Greg Kihn? "I think I have my work cut out for me… at least for the time being," he quips. "But should another interesting idea materialize with the potential of it developing into a project, I have a feeling I'll find the time to make it happen."

WHITESNAKE PICK UP 2 AWARDS IN LONDON:
Last night at the prestigious Classic Rock Awards in London, Whitesnake won two awards. Voted for Best Band Of The Year and Best DVD Of The Year.
David Coverdale in person picked up the two awards and thanked everybody in his speech. One remarkable point was that the award for band of the year was given by Glenn Hughes with whom Coverdale was in Deep Purple.
The new Whitesnake Double Live Album Live.....In The Shadow Of The Blues (incl. 4 new studio tracks) will be released in Germany on November 24th and in Europe on November 27th. A promo tour will happen directly to the release date.
David Coverdale and Doug Aldrich will do acoustic-sets and signing sessions in Germany:
Friday, November 24th - Saturn Cologne, Hansaring 97, 05.00 pm
Saturday, November 25th - Saturn Munich, Schwanthaler Strasse 115, 04.00 pm
Both will also appear at the Sweden Rock Festival Kick off Party in Stockholm on December 2nd.
The new studio song Ready To Rock can be heard as a stream here: www.spv.de/eng/whitesnake.

THE COUNTDOWN SPECTACULAR LIVE IN YOUR LOUNGEROOM:
This press release is for Aussie fans or truly die hard fans of classic Oz Rock!
Press Release / Earlier this year 156 performers and crew hit the road on a tour that was five years in the making and saw some of Australia's favourite rock 'n roll outfits reform and play to almost 100,000 people nationally. That tour was The Frontier Touring Countdown Spectacular Live and comprised a 3½ hour show jam packed with 70 classic Australian songs from the soundtrack of so many of our lives.
It was 19 years ago that Countdown first became "must see TV" for a generation and introduced us to bands like Sherbet, Hush, Mondo Rock, Pseudo Echo, The Choirboys, Models, Kids in the Kitchen and Uncanny X-Men to name a few. It also introduced a nation to the man in the hat, Molly Meldrum, who was the, umm, glue who kept it all together.
Now its time to relive all those moments on The Countdown Spectacular Live CD and DVD being released on Liberation Music / ABC Music on Saturday, 25 November. The 3 disc CD set and 2 disc DVD set features the classic live performances as well as behind the scenes interviews and never before seen footage (DVD only).
Michael Gudinski, CEO of Liberation Music and The Countdown Spectacular's Producer points out that, notwithstanding the logistical nightmare of putting a production like this on the road, "... it all went smoothly! No one slapped Molly, we got to see Sherbet, Hush, Mondo Rock & lots more and we played to almost 100,000 people all across the country."
Added Molly Meldrum, "The Countdown years at our home, Studio 31, ABC Studios, Melbourne, was a fantastic ride. The Countdown Spectacular with all those artists coming together for the show and becoming one big happy family, and I might add who just delivered hit after hit and laugh after laugh, was an absolute hoot."
Leo Sayer, the Countdown Spectacular's only international performer said "I was a thrilled to be invited to take part in the tour. Countdown played a major part in my success in Australia in the 70's, so it was great to be reminding people of those wonderful times again. Everyone turned out to be so talented and friendly on the tour, so I had a ball. If I didn't know that much about the music scene here when I started the tour, I guess I'm an expert on Aussie Rock now!"
On a local level, John Paul Young summed it up by saying "We had a ball!! It was great to meet up & tour with old friends, meet some new ones & have the time to get to know them really well & some a little too well … I even managed to get in another practical joke on Molly! Can't wait to do it all again - We won't lie down."
Countdown was broadcast on ABC TV from 1974 to 1987, and to its huge family audience it was more than a TV Show. On Saturday, 2 December, 2006, at 8.30pm, ABC TV will screen a 1½ hour special concert screening featuring highlights from the DVD.
The Countdown Spectacular CD and The Countdown Spectacular DVD are released on Saturday, 25 November, 2006, on Liberation Music / ABC Music thru Warner Music Australia.
WebLink: www.countdown.com.au.

REVIEWS UPDATED:
New Reviews online today - just a few to get the ball rolling again. More underway. Online today are new reviews for: Wetton/Downes, Pretty Maids, Thunder, Styx, Iron Maiden, Love Child and Michael Bormann. Read The Reviews.

Friday, November 17, 2006

MTM ANNOUNCE SINNER & NORWAY RELEASES:
MTM Music can reveal the cover artwork and final details for the forthcoming Sinner album Mask Of Sanity.
Since the mid-80s, the band Sinner belongs to the big names of hard & heavy scene. Sinner went back to their roots and will satisfy fans of all their creative periods. Compared to the Execution album, Mask Of Sanity is more melodic and features dozens of guitar harmonies in the tradition of handmade and honest rock!
In the glory 80s and with classics such as Touch Of Sin, Comin Out Fighting, Bottom Line and Judgement Day, Sinner became one German's leading rock bands alongside Accept and Helloween and toured with Mr. Big, Savatage, Dio and Deep Purple. The albums The Nature Of Evil and The End of Sanctuary even hit the German charts!
On the new album Mask Of Sanity, produced by Mat Sinner himself and engineered by Achim Köhler, the band presents itself with guitarist Tom Naumann and keyboard player Frank Rössler. Former Primal Fear drummer Klaus Sperling, who has already joined Sinner on tours and festivals, is now a fixed member of the line up accompanied by Traceelords guitarist Christof Leim. In addition, the album features guest appearances by Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) and Martin Grimm (Mystic Prophecy).
The new album impresses by Tom Naumann's fantastic guitar work and Mat Sinner's pounding bass and his expressive voice.
The first pressing will appear in a ltd.ed. with two bonus tracks a video clip was shot for the song Diary Of Evil written by Mat Sinner together with Roy Z and the Thin Lizzy cover version Baby Please Don't Go.
Final tracklist: 01. The Other Side (MP3 on MySpace) . 02. Diary Of Evil . 03. Badlands . 04. Black . 05. Thunder Roar . 06. The Sign (MP3) . 07. Revenge . 08. Under The Gun . 09. Cant Stand The Heat . 10. No Return . 11. Last Man Standing . 12. Baby Please Don't Go (Bonus Track) . 13. Diary Of Evil (Bonus Video Track).
The release date is scheduled for January 19, 2007.


MTM are also happy to announce the signing of US AOR band Norway.
Norway, a rock band from New Jersey, was formed in 1986 by four local club musicians. Night Dreams, the band's first output, became a surprise smash hit in the European and Japanese AOR and Melodic Hard Rock scene. It was a top "CD of the Year" by rock magazines worldwide.
Because of the variety of musical influences and the band members experience in cover bands, Night Dreams show-cased a diverse style that drew comparisons to bands such as Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Journey, Bonfire, Scorpions, Night Ranger and many more, while instilling an own signature songwriting style and sound on each song.
Due to the success of Night Dreams the band recorded their label debut Arrival, which was released in March 2000.
On the new album Rising Up From The Ashes, classic rock songs like American Girl, the amazing ballad Only One I Need and stunning new stuff such as Anything At All and Save Me portend great things to come for the band. The record never lets up and features songs in the vein of Rainbow, Journey and Firehouse plus a 7 ½ minute Def Leppard / Led Zeppelin-esque rock epic called Haunted.
Appropriately titled Rising Up From The Ashes - Norway has finally risen again.
Final tracklist: 01. Save Me . 02. Anything At All . 03. Only One I Need . 04. American Girl . 05. The Power of Gold . 06. Since You've Been Gone . 07. Tell Me (is that the way that it is) . 08. Won't Let You Down . 09. Haunted.
The release date is scheduled for January 19, 2007.

xx

MTM Music on myspace.com - MTM Music is now part of the big MySpace family! Check out the site www.myspace.com/mtmmusicmunich.
Listen to one more Sinner Song on Myspace! We would like to thank our MySpace webmaster Yücel who is supporting rock and metal in his local area! Baden Metal.
WebLink: www.mtm-music.com.

AS THE VAN HALEN WORLD TURNS:
A bunch of little tidbits from the Van Halen family of artists today. First up - a report from today's Boston Globe on the Van Halen 2007 tour:

"Right now Van Halen is contemplating going on tour in 2007.
And in an interesting twist it is neither Sammy Hagar nor David Lee Roth that's got fans buzzing about the potential outing but Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son Wolfgang.
It seems that Michael Anthony is out on bass and Wolfgang is in, according to VH's spokesperson. The band is also reportedly passing on Sammy, Dave, and presumably homeboy Gary Cherone, and considering using another family member, a nephew, in the lead vocal spot. (It's unclear if the nephew is drummer Alex Van Halen's son, but if he is, then it would truly be Van Halen, no?)
One way or another the original VH will undoubtedly be back in the news soon when the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are announced. The seminal Cali metallers should be shoo-in.

What do I think of this? Baloney really. Sure, something like this might be contemplated, but I can absolutely confirm without any doubt whatsoever that a Van Halen 2007 tour continues to be pitched to promoters and that tour includes frontman David Lee Roth.
The asking price per show is not something that anyone is going to pay if it ain't Roth up front. There are already issues getting around that fact that it is not a true re-union of the original band now that Michael Anthony is confirmed as a non-starter. If EVH wants to do a club tour sometime, then the above idea might fly.
Where are things currently in regards to this 2007 tour with Roth? Still early days...

Something else was sent to me today - posted over at the Roth Army forums. It was a reply from Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame president Terry Stewart in regards to who was under consideration for inclusion in the Van Halen listing, should they receive enough votes from members. It reads: "Sammy [Hagar] is included in the list of band members to be inducted if they are successful in getting enough votes. Gary [Cherone] is not."
Fair or not fair? Tough call that and my guess is that opinions will be divided. But in all seriousness, is the RNR Hall Of Fame at all credible in this day and age? Does anyone still care?
The process of getting listed then inducted is so political and has proven unjust in the past. Kiss still not nominated? The original Santana inducted, except for guitarist Neal Schon? And no sign of Journey while speaking of Neal - after selling 40 million albums for Columbia? That's just a couple of examples that don't make sense.

And lastly - some Sammy Hagar concert news:
From Sammy's redrocker.com website - "Be looking for the latest 5.1 sound mix which is a 2 hour show & 2 hour DVD with a bonus!! Coming in February! It's awesome! It may be the best concert footage I've ever seen. The St. Louis fans were unbelievable!!! Let's talk about seeing Red in the audience! Sammy & the Wabo's Livin It Up St. Louis, featuring special guests, Michael Anthony and the Other Half. (Don't you love the long titles). And if you aren't having any fun yet you certainly will when you see this!! We'll give you more information as we get it...Sammy."

And this from updated TV listings - see it before it arrives on DVD: "Sun, Dec 3 - 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT Sammy Hagar And The Wabos - Livin' It Up Live! - Premiere
Caught live in St Louis on their sold out 2006 US tour, Sammy And The Wabos bring down the house with songs from their new album, Livin' It Up as well as some of Sammy's famed solo work. Joined on stage for the second half of the show by legendary Van Halen bassist, Michael Anthony, the band rips through some of rock radio's classic tunes. From "I Can't Drive 55" and "Mas Tequila" to "Finish What You Started" and "Right Now", it's one big Cabo party with the "Red Rocker"!"

JEFF NORTHRUP'S MASTERFUL UPDATE:
Guitarist/songwriter/producer Jeff Northrup did a fantastic job mastering my recent compilation V3 and I thought it high time I got an update from the man himself on what he is working on. Over to Jeff:
"There are so many great things happening right now. I've been recording and producing many different and diverse bands and artists through my production company "Alien Productions" www.alien1111.com. I am also getting close to finally finishing my new CD, JK Northrup Wired In My Skin! I began recording it almost a year ago, but there was an accident resulting in the loss of many of the tracks I had nearly finished. At least I had some great mixes of some of the best tracks that I was able to work with. One of which is on V3 called So Long with Terry Ilous on vocal.
After the loss of all the work put into something I felt so good about (not to mention the blood, sweat and beers), I had to simply stop and walk away from it for a few months. In the meantime, I have been so slammed with the other studio biz that it worked out just fine.
Now I'm back to it and it actually worked out for the best that I put things off until now! After mastering Melodicrock V3, I have met up with a more few awesome singers and other artists. The result is that Ted Poley (Danger Danger) and I got together and wrote a couple of new songs for my CD with Ted singing that are awesome. Terry Ilous has sang on 4 songs. Kelly Keeling will be on one song (if our schedules allow), and there will be a reunion that I am extremely excited about! Johnny Edwards (Foreigner, JK Northrup, Royal Jelly) is singing the title track. All I can say is this CD will be by far the best I've ever done. All of the singers and other artists are amazing on it.
The scheduled release is realistically February 2007. At this time, I am planning to release it through new Label, Alien Records. However, things may change between now and then).
I have too many other great things coming up and won't bore you or anyone else further (until next time). If anyone is looking for mastering, production. mixing etc., I can be contacted through the www.alien1111.com website, or at www.jknorthrup.com. Peace, JK."


ROBIN McAULEY TALKS SURVIVOR:
New Survivor vocalist Robin McAuley has posted a note at the official Survivor website. It reads:
"With some dozen or so shows behind me I'm beginning to get a feel for all that is Survivor and having a great time doing it. I have met some awesome people on these shows who completely opened their arms to me and let me be myself. I'm amazed at the response to these songs and the more we perform the more I feel that they become my own. From Woodstock in Canada, to DeKalb in the Chicago area, to the Epcot Centre in Florida, no pun intended but it was all magical. Six shows in two days at Epcot really put us through our paces as a band and if you were in the crowd on either of those days you know how much fun we had with you. To the wonderful lady up-front who brought a real tear to my eye, this was as real as it gets. My heartful wishes to the two guys from Argentina who were so crazy on both days, your spirit and support was so uplifting to me and the band.
Speaking of the band, what an awesome bunch of guys they are. I'm honored to be on stage with them and they treat me like I've been there forever. Thank you Denise Martin for the gallery of photo's on the site from Epcot. Thank you all for taking me in and allowing me to express myself in these songs.
Frankie and I have already been in the studio cutting some tracks which was a blast. My first time behind the glass with him since the Business As Usual CD. It brought back great memories and once again goes to show that what is meant to be will be.
That's it my friends. I promise to be more in the front line and would like to have names next time so I can mention you on here if that's ok? I met Denise already and she has about 80 shows under her belt. She keeps me on my toes as she knows every word and every syllable of every song, it's like having a monitor right in front of me. Thanks for the acceptance.
I luv you guys and we promise a great 2007. It's a whole new beginning, please come along for the ride.
We'll see you soon "Somewhere In America".


SCHULZ AND MAYER QUIT DOMAIN:
Due to personal differences and differences of opinion on many business related issues singer Carsten Lizard Schulz and bass player Jochen Mayer have jointly left German band Domain.

MR-X MEMBERSHIP DETAILS:
MR-X has been updated with some classic old demos rolled out for good measure. Online today is 7 demos from Cobra (featuring Jimi Jamison); 10 demos from a project featuring Harry Parress and Curt Cuomo and finally no less than 19 tracks from the demos for the unreleased second Joe Lynn Turner solo album from the 80s.
No new Video Clips this week - they'll return next week. Last chance for recent updates also, as everything must be cleaned out for fresh content.
MR-X Membership Details.

Next week - a few Reviews up Monday, Mike Slamer interview, maybe my interview with guitarist/session great Tim Pierce towards the end of the week and plenty more...
BTW - I am still seriously behind with e-mails...all replies will hopefully get done next week too.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

JOURNEY LIVE IN THE UK PRESS UPDATE:
Press Release / Journey, the legendary San Francisco rock band, has just announced 11 UK concerts, kicking off at the Sheffield City Hall on 1st March and ending at Newcastle City Hall on 15th March.
Tickets are now on sale from the following box office telephone number - 0870 444 5556 and 0870 735 5000. Online booking can be accessed from www.ticketlinenews.co.uk or www.seetickets.com.
With a career spanning over 30 years and album sales in excess of 75 million worldwide, Journey is the twenty-ninth best selling music group of all time! Journey is just finishing up a six month tour of North America with Def Leppard. The tour was hugely successful.
The band is now poised to take the UK by storm. The 2007 tour sees founding members, Neal Schon (Guitar) and Ross Valory (Bass) performing with long time member Jonathan Cain (Keyboards), Deen Castronovo (Drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (lead vocals).
The 2007 Tour will include the band's signature hits as well as tracks from Journey's latest studio release, Generations.
The new album Generations is available now on Frontiers Records.

Journey March 2007 UK Tour Dates:
1st March Sheffield City Hall
2nd March Newcastle City Hall
3rd March Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
5th March Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
6th March Manchester Carling Apollo
7th March Manchester Carling Apollo
9th March Cardiff International Arena
10th March Bournemouth International Centre
13th March Birmingham Nia Academy
14th March London Hammersmith Apollo
15th March Newcastle City Hall
Download Tour Flyer.

xx

Jeff Scott Soto fans can now add another DVD to their collection - Yngwie Malmsteen Far Beyond The Sun, which will be released by Universal Music next week. The newly mastered DVD features original concerts from Japan 1985 (featuring JSS) and Leningrad 1989 (featuring Joe Lynn Turner), plus video clips and a new 2006 interview. Details at: www.universalmusiconline.com/yngwie-malmsteen/far-beyond-the-sun.

DECEMBER FOR GUNS N ROSES?:
Watch this date - Tuesday December 19. That is the new/current supposed release date for the Guns N Roses Chinese Democracy album. I'm told that the plan is still to try and surprise fans with the release, but the November 21 date for this has been scrapped. The guys are definitely running out of time for that 2006 release date. Advance warning or not, the release of this album will surprise many!

IAN GILLAN DOWNUNDER IN JANUARY:
DeepPurple frontman Ian Gillan will hit Australian shores in January for the following solo tour dates:
Jan. 19 Melbourne, The Palace
Jan. 20 Sydney, Salinas
Jan. 21 Sydney, Revesby Workers
Jan. 23 Newcastle, Panthers
Jan. 25 Wollongong, Shelly's
Jan. 26 Brisbane, The Arena
Jan. 27 Tweed Heads, Twin Towns Services
Jan. 28 Penrith, Evan Theater

MELODIC BRIEFS:
The Herning, Denmark date for the Genesis Turn It On Again Tour sold out 30,000 tickets in just 42 minutes last night local time. Impressive.

Rudy Sarzo has just released an in depth book of his time with The Ozzy Osbourne Band titled Off The Rails. It is now available at Amazon.com.

The new Funny Money release is titled Stick It. Featuring Kix frontman Steve Whiteman, details can be found at: www.funnymoneyband.com or www.myspace.com/funnymoneyband.

Updating a previous news item - LA Guns, Bullet Boys, Bombay Black and Sharpe Dunaway & The Blue Meanies will play at The Hall Of Industry in Little Rock, AR on Sunday, November 26...not the 25th as previously mentioned.

Artwork for Australian artist Ofsoski upcoming album Later Than Never is complete. The album is expected to be released independently via Verbal Cannon in December. The music is described as diverse in style with classical, Progressive, Goth and rock elements fused together with a varying heavy metal backbone creating a unique style. To hear some of the tracks visit: www.myspace.com/ofsoski.

Kip Winger has given exclusive rights to selling the Day and Night Soldier art versions of the Winger IV CD artwork to Slippingintofiction.net. The guys will be giving a percentage of sales to a charity for Military families. If you dig the album artwork, check out: slippingintofiction.net.

Blind Guardian will play two shows in Australia in February 2007. They will both be at The Forum in Melbourne. Friday 16th February 2007 and Saturday 17th February 2007.

METALLICA TO RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO RETROSPECTIVE DVD DECEMBER 5:
Press Release / Multi-platinum hard rock band and seven-time Grammy-winning artists Metallica will release The Videos 1989-2004 the first-ever music video retrospective DVD on Warner Bros. Records, December 5.
The collection which includes all 21 of Metallica's videos, plus bonus features spans the years from 1989's And Justice For All to 2003's St. Anger, and features pioneering videos such as the muted color toned, film noir-classic One, Metallica's ground-breaking first foray in music video.
With the 1991 release of Metallica (The Black Album) came the Wayne Isham-directed clips Enter Sandman, which peppered performance clips alongside a nightmarish dreamscape, Wherever I May Roam, featuring clips from a 1992 San Diego performance, and Sad But True. Metallica went on to sell 14 million copies in the US.
The Videos 1989-2004 also features additional esteemed directors who have contributed to Metallica's video legacy such as Anton Corbijn, Jonas Akerlund, Samuel Bayer and The Malloys. Both Enter Sandman and Until It Sleeps won MTV Video Music Awards for Best Metal Video.
The DVD also includes the 1989 release of the home video 2 of One, (previously only available on VHS), "Mama Said," which never aired in North America, and several extras such as the 11+ minute Theatrical Version of "The Unforgiven" and the film trailer for Metallica s critically acclaimed 2004 documentary Some Kind Of Monster. All audio on the DVD has been re-mixed in 5.1 surround sound.
The Videos 1989-2004 showcases what made Metallica hard rock s most highly influential and celebrated band. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide, they are one of the most commercially successful rock bands in history, and are currently ranked 18th on the RIAA's list of top-selling acts in the U.S.
Summer of 2006 saw Metallica performing sold-out shows across Europe, and making their first-ever appearance in South Africa. The band is currently at their Northern California home-base writing material for their upcoming Warner Bros. release due in 2007.
The full track-listing for The Videos 1989-2004 is as follows: One . Enter Sandman . The Unforgiven . Nothing Else Matters . Wherever I May Roam . Sad But True . Until It Sleeps . Hero of the Day . Mama Said . King Nothing . The Memory Remains . The Unforgiven II . Fuel . Turn The Page . Whiskey in the Jar . No Leaf Clover . I Disappear . St. Anger . Frantic . The Unnamed Feeling . Some Kind of Monster. Bonus - 2 of One [Intro, One (Jammin Version)] . The Unforgiven (Theatrical Version) . Metallica Some Kind of Monster (Film Trailer).
WebLink: www.metallica.com.


CHINESE HYPOCRISY - N' INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE TO GUNS N' ROSES:
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 16.
Much like it's official GN'R counterpart, Chinese Hypocrisy features very few members of the original Guns N' Roses...No Slash. No Duff. No Izzy. No Sleepy, Dopey, or Doc. Not even Axl! Instead, it's lineup consists of a host of GN'R junkies from around the world, including members of Quiet Riot (USA), Ignite (USA), Altaria (Finland), Dust N' Bones (Hungary), Hollywood Rose (Italy), Peanut M (Canada), Emerald Monkey (USA), and more!
Chinese Hypocrisy - N' International Tribute to Guns N' Roses is available for pre-order exclusively at TributeAlbums.com! All advance orders will include a free surprise gift!! Advance orders will ship on or before the official release date of Dec. 16th to insure delivery for the holidays!! For more information on Chinese Hypocrisy, please visit TributeAlbums.com!
WebLink: www.tributealbums.com.

STYX ONE WITH EVERYTHING DVD SET TO RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 21:
Press Release / Eagle Rock Entertainment, through its wholly-owned Eagle Vision subsidiary, will release One With Everything on DVD by Styx with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra on November 21. The accompanying CD, is now available on New Door Records/A&M/UMe and was released on November 7, 2006. [via Frontiers Records in Europe]
All musicians in the Orchestra are between 13 and 19 years of age, 115 musicians plus 56 voices in the chorus, under the direction of Liza Grossman. This magic night was taped in Cleveland on May 26, 2006 and included many of the band s well-worn and most beloved material such as Too Much Time On My Hands, Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) and Renegade as well as newly written originals as well with Just Be and Everything, All The Time.
One With Everything is the first all-new Styx concert video in over five years. Its release will be timed with an HD-Net broadcast on Nov. 19 at 900 pm and a full-scale stateside tour. Thirty minutes of extras include drummer Todd Sucherman s Quake Cam, two new Styx Christmas songs filmed at the same concert (All I Want and Ring The Bells ), an interview with the band, and a photo gallery. The 140-minute show is in 5.1 Dolby Stereo.
The 2006 Styx lineup consists of singer/songwriter guitarists Tommy Shaw/James Young, drummer Todd Sucherman, singer/keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, bassist/guitarist Ricky Phillips and for this special concert, a guest appearance by founding member/bassist Chuck Panozzo.
Track Listing: 1) Blue Collar Man . 2) Lorelei . 3) One With Everything . 4) It Don t Make Sense (You Can t Make Peace) . 5) I Am The Walrus . 6) Just Be . 7) Everything All The Time . 8) Crystal Ball . 9) Miss America . 10) Criminal Mind . 11) Too Much Time On My Hands . 12) Boat On The River . 13) I Don t Need No Doctor . 14) CYO Medley . 15) Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) . 16) Renegade.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

LION MUSIC'S NOVEMBER RELEASES:
Lion Music have announced details of their two November releases - both due out November 24. Those details are:

Michael Harris - Orchestrate. "Orchestrate" sees world acclaimed guitarist Michael Harris back with the most ambitious album of his career. With a style best described as "Neo Orchestral Metal" the album is a modern day masterpiece. One listen reveals the unique combination of electric guitar playing a very "classical meets metal" style with an orchestra and metal drumming complete with stunning guitar virtuosity.
On the album Michael comments: "My original vision was to go back to my "Defense Mechanizms" roots, yet to focus on one style, neo classical metal. As the record developed, I realized "Orchestral" was a better term, so I consider the record to be my one & only neo-orchestral record. My previous instrumental records have had some "classical meets metal" compositions, but this record is focused exclusively on that style. I recorded all the backing strings, etc on my keyboard, and rather than playing chords, most of the time I treated it like scoring an orchestra, recording one "voice" at a time. There is still plenty of guitar of course, and drummer Matt Thompson did an outstanding job. My focus compositionally was to create strong themes first and foremost, before the musicianship & full arrangements came into play".

Book Of Reflections - Chapter II : Unfold The Future. Book Of Reflections – Chapter II: Unfold The Future is a potent musically accomplished mix of progressive metal and classic hard rock, showcasing strong melodic sensibilities. Lyrically the album is varied focusing on topics from distrust in the political world to a celebration of life along with a couple of sad love songs.
The album is home to a number of top class musicians from the Lion Music roster such as vocalists Bjorn Jansson (Tears Of Anger) and Martin LeMar (Tomorrow's Eve) who handle 3 songs each. In addition to Lars Eric Mattsson's fiery fretwork is the guitar talent of Anand Mahangoe (Sphere Of Souls, Solo). Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson) contributes keyboard solos on 4 tracks whilst long time Mattsson collaborator Eddie Sledgehammer plays drums. Mattsson himself handles all other guitars, bass, keyboards and additional vocals.

Checkout saples from both album's in today's CD Showcase update.

xx

NORWAY RISE FROM THE ASHES:
Popular melodic rockers Norway are finally set to release their new album Rising Up From The Ashes. A European release via MTM Music will be announced shortly, but the Japanese date has been set at December 20.
The track listing for Japan is: Save Me . Anything At All . Only One I Need . American Girl . The Power Of Gold . Since You've Been Gone . Tell Me (Is That The Way That It Is?) . Won't Let You Down . Haunted . Bridge Of Faith (Bonus Track).


BLACK SABBATH ART HISTORY EXPO:
Press Release / The true history, art and commerce of the legendary heavy metal band, Black Sabbath will finally be disclosed at the premiere of Black Sabbath Resurrection, a dark post-Apocalyptic world sparked by the music of the legendary band.
Opening Friday, November 17, 2006 at 181 N. Martel, Los Angeles, Black Sabbath Resurrection is a highly unique collaboration of music, storytelling, and fashion inspired by a singular event in the history of Black Sabbath.
The opening night reception promises to bring together a mix of VIPs and celebrities and invited guests. Beginning Monday, November 19th, the Black Sabbath Resurrection showcase will be open to the public from Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is the true story..... On January 24th, 1972 -- Black Sabbath were performing in their hometown, at the Birmingham Town Hall venue -- unknowingly on the brink of an earth-scorching fracture in space-time. At 0 hours, 29 minutes, 43 seconds into the show, as they ripped into the opening bars of Iron Man , it happened... And with it, all recorded history of that night was cut off.
Black Sabbath Resurrection is a mind-blowing chronicle of that event and the mystery that has continued to surround it, birthed from the music of Black Sabbath.
That story will finally be told through video montage on display at 181 Martel. Through early 2007 181 Martell will be transformed into Black Sabbath Resurrection surrounded by the music of Black Sabbath and renowned graffiti artist Axis. Simultaneously, a band retrospective at the connected Naked Gallery/Boutique will showcase vintage posters and other archival band items (with limited run reproductions of photographs available for purchase).
The BSR exhibit will also offer other an eclectic mix of limited edition for-sale items including the BSR jewelry collection (Instruments of Death), athletic shoes (Chuck Taylors from Converse), high-tech sunglasses (Dita) and denim jeans (Anachronorm), plus the showcasing of a unique leather jacket collection designed by Maya Yogev. In addition, the locale s Lone Ones shop will exhibit its limited edition for-sale high-end Black Sabbath Resurrection jewelry line. Most of the items are seen in or have been inspired by the Black Sabbath Resurrection story.
"Black Sabbath is the defining force and catalyst for heavy metal. Through BSR the Band's stamp now encompass' the world of fashion, art and media " says Dell Furano CEO of Signatures Network.
Black Sabbath Resurrection was created by Black Sabbath in collaboration with Romanberg Heritage Collections (Darren Romanelli and John Stalberg) in partnership with Signatures Network. We wanted to pay tribute to one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, says Romanelli, and also create products that capture the authenticity and impact of the band that will attract both a new generation and long-time fans.
Signatures Network has enjoyed a decades-long relationship with the Black Sabbath. For Black Sabbath Resurrection, Signatures and Romanberg worked closely with Black Sabbath in gathering stories, relics, and ideas for the project.
Visit the event's Web site, www.blacksabbathresurrection.com and www.signaturesnetwork.com.

QUEENSRYCHE CONQUERS THE PAVEMENT FOR THE VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC FOUNDATION:
Press Release / In a ride that traveled throughout twelve states and saw speeds of up to 135 miles per hour, Queensryche singer Geoff Tate and guitarist Mike Stone rode over 2000 miles on their custom Buell Ulysses bikes for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. The Rock and Ride Across America occurred at various locations during their current tour with thousands of fans joining Tate and Stone along the way. Those who donated to the cause got a chance to ride with the pack. After the performances in their hometown of Seattle, Queensryche auctioned off both custom Buell motorcycles to the highest bidders. Sure, they squashed a few bugs along the way but the donation was true "road kill" as the band and their fans raised over $80,000 for the Foundation. According to Geoff Tate, "Everyone in the band got their musical start from school music programs. If we hadn't had those opportunities, we wouldn't be where we are today. I felt really lucky to be involved in such a fun set of events for such a worthy cause." "We are so thankful to Queensryche for their support and generosity," said Paul Cothran, Executive Director, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "Their support will ensure that hundreds of public school students receive the benefits of music education."
Queensryche will be on the road -- in support of Operation Mindcrime II on Rhino Records -- until early December.
WebSites: www.queensryche.com and www.vh1savethemusic.com.
Since it was established in 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has donated $34 million worth of new musical instruments to 1,400 public schools in 80 cities, improving the lives of more than 800,000 children.

MANILA THRILLS MATERIAL RE-ISSUED:
Press Release from Retrospect Records / "We are excited to announce the much-awaited re-issue of Manila Thrills Tomorrow's Waiting. Originally released in 1990 on cassette only, this melodic hard rock collector's edition has been digitally re-mastered for cd and beefed up with an addition of four previously unreleased bonus tracks.
Manila Thrills features a powerful vocal performance, stunning razor-sharp axework, and hi-octane hooks that signify the pinnacle of 80s Hair Metal / Hard Rock. Here's what people are saying...
TC Record Review - "This is a guitar band that rocks with the attitude of early Sammy Hagar. The track "Just Gotta Go" deserves regular rotation on any station. If you only have time for one song, skip to this cut immediately. I guarantee you will play this song again."
City Limits - "All the natural ingredients for hook & line are apparent. The opening off the wall guitar arpeggio takes you by surprise with curiosity of what lies ahead. A very solid release indeed."
The Note - "Vocal, guitar driven & overall very mid-western stylistically with elements of Queensryche, Warrant & even the same things that made Reo Speedwagon a household name."
Go to www.retrospectrecords.com today, listen to sound clips, and be one of the first to own a copy of this melodic hard rock treasure!"

CD SHOWCASE UPDATED:
The CD Showcase has been updated again. Today there are new previews of the following: Cosmo - Alien, Richie Kotzen - Into The Black and Royal Hunt - 2006 Live (all Frontiers Records, December 8 release); Michael Harris Orchestrate and Book Of Reflections - Chapter II Unfold The Future (both Lion Music, November 24 release). Check them out now.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

SOUL DOCTOR SIGN MULTI-ALBUM DEAL WITH METAL HEAVEN:
Berlin based hard rock band Soul Doctor has inked a long-term record deal with Munich based label Metal Heaven. The band is currently in the studio working on their yet untitled upcoming album which will see the light of day around Summer next year. Until then, don't miss them live at the following dates:
09.12.2006 (I) Bologna, Der Kindergarten
10.12.2006 (I) Rome, Stazione della Birra
25.12.2006 (D) Berlin, JWD
01.02.2007 (D) Aschaffenburg, Colossaal - with Oliver Hartmann.
Soul Doctor have released three successful studio albums since 2001 and gained themselves a massive fan base both in Europe & Japan due to their astonishing live performances with Dio, Kingdom Come, Axel Rudi Pell, Alice Cooper & Bob Catley and at various festivals such as Wacken Open Air and own headlining shows.
The band is: Tommy Heart (vocals), Chris Lyne (guitars), Jogy Rautenberg (bass), Michael Wolpers (drums).
For more info, please check out www.souldoctorrocks.com.

LAST AUTUMNS DREAM BACK FOR ROUND 4:
Swedish AOR band Last Autums Dream hit back on December 20 with their 4th album, due out in Japan on Avalon/Marquee. Saturn Skyline will feature the following tracks: For The Young And The Wild . After Tomorrow's' Gone . Pages . Rock 'N Roll Is Saving My Soul . I Know A Lot About Love . Critical . Supersonic . Frozen Heart . American Girl . Domino . Still On The Run . Skyscraper (Bonus Track).


POWER QUEST ANNOUNCES FIRST SHOWS IN EUROPE FOR 2007:
Power Quest are proud to announce that they will be special guests of Brazilian Metal Masters Angra on the first leg of their upcoming European tour. Confirmed dates for France are as follows, more countries to be confirmed soon:
Angra - Tour 2007, Special Guests: Firewind, Power Quest
• 16.02.07 Fri Nancy / Pagney - Chez Paulette
• 17.02.07 Sat Strasbourg - La Laiterie
• 18.02.07 Sun Reims - La Cartonnerie
• 22.02.07 Thu Lyon - Ninkasi Kao
• 23.02.07 Fri Paris - Elysee Montmartre
• 24.02.07 Sat Bordeaux - Barbey Theatre
• 25.02.07 Sun Toulouse - Havana Café
Watch out for more exciting news coming from the Power Quest camp soon. Check out: www.myspace.com/powerquest or www.power-quest.co.uk.

MORE SALIVA:
Saliva is back with Blood Stained Love Story set to hit stores on January 23. Ladies and Gentlemen is the first single and has taken no time in burning up the radio airwaves. If two straight weeks of the #1 most added track at Active Rock Radio is an indication of what the rest of the album is like, we will see a lot of Saliva in 2007. If that is not enough, you will soon hear the track on TV running during spots for CBS s #1 police drama, CSI. Saliva hits the road this week headlining a tour starting in Rockford, IL, 11/16.
Check out the stream of Ladies and Gentlemen here: Windows Media.


MELODIC BRIEFS:
A new interview with keyboardist Michael T Ross (Terry Illous, Hardline, Angel, Accomplice) is online at: www.rock-is-life.com/2006interviews/michaeltross.htm.

Winger IV will be released in the USA November 21 via Shrapnel Records - www.shrapnelrecords.com.

Vinnie Moore's new solo album is due out in early 2007, details at the Official Web Site: www.vinniemoore.com.

Never rely on Russian concert promoters! Case in point this example involving rockers Nazareth: dmme.net.

More Paul Stanley live in NYC at: www.piercingmetal.com/concert_paulstanley_102806.htm.

A monthly AOR radio show Podcast by Marshall Rees can be downloaded here: www.mininova.org/tor/475436.

News from Kevin Russell: "The New 707 The Fourth Decade will be released November 28, 2006 on Renaissance Records. Founding member Kevin Russell has an all new lineup. Denny Carmassi (drums) plays on about half of the record. Billy Lee Lewis plays drums on the rest. Many of the songs are classic 707. Tour plans are in the works for 2007. Stay tuned for 707 in 07!" www.kevinrussell.com.

FIREFEST GUITAR PRIZE DRAWS:
As advertised, ARfm in conjunction with GuitarStoreUK.com (GSUK) had 2 draws at Firefest for a Guitar and a Bass.
Regrettably, neither prize was claimed, although we since understand that there may have been a small problem with some of the tickets not being numbered correctly.
ARfm and GSUK really want to give these Guitars (with Hardcases) away and we want to ensure that they go to people who paid for and supported Firefest. With this in mind we want to offer all Firefest fans a second chance to win.
So, if you want to win a free Guitar or Bass then here's your chance.
Send your Name & Address along with your Firefest Ticket, or a copy of your Firefest Ticket (photocopy / jpeg / scan) or any proof of purchase of a Firefest ticket to ARfm and you will be entered into a free draw to win. We will close the entries on 30th November 2006 to give you enough time to get your entries in. (Only one entry per person allowed) Just think you could win a nice Xmas Pressie!
Post your entries to: GSUK Draw, ARfm, P O Box 200, Hailsham, BN27 9AX, United Kingdom E-Mail : studio@arfm.co.uk putting GSUK Draw in the Subject line.

ANOTHER VAN HALEN TRIBUTE ALBUM:
On November 21st, 2006, Versailles Records will release Panama - A Millennium Tribute to Van Halen, featuring current/former members of Hanoi Rocks, Skid Row, Lillian Axe, Dio, Saigon Kick, Aerosmith, Rough Cutt, Zebra, Riot, The Ace Frehley Band, Rat Race Choir, Dangerous Toys, Lillian Axe, Derringer, Axis, Black Sabbath, Near Life Experience, and World War III among others, as well as Richard Kendrick, Brad Stemple, Hot for Teacher, 5150, Jet Black Joy, Marko Pukkila, The Slashtones, Randy Cantor, American Dog, Reckless Fortune, and Chris Heaven.


JUST FOR LAUGHS:
"Never Not Funny" is a party conversation with one of the funniest men on the planet comedian and TV personality Jimmy Pardo ("The Tonight Show," "That '70s Show," "The Surreal Life"). Every week, he sits down with comic Mike Schmidt, producer Matt Belknap and the occasional guest to shoot the breeze, share stories and laugh at life. The free-flowing discussion can lead anywhere, but whether Jimmy's talking about growing up in the '70s and '80s, his unbridled love of classic rock or facing the trials of modern life, it's bound to strike a chord with listeners of all ages, and it's guaranteed to make you laugh.
Download via: phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZstore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=142348028 or www.pardcast.com.

LIBERTY N' JUSTICE ANNOUNCE 2 MORE SINGERS:
LNJ's upcoming 2007 release, Independence Day will feature 15 guest vocalists on 14 songs .They have already announced Jamie Rowe of Guardian as one of the singers on the new CD and at this time they are proud to announce 2 more singers and songs.
Monkey Dance will feature none other than Jack Russell of Great White on vocals and Snake Eat Snake will feature vocals by David Raymond Reeves and guitarist Don Webster, both of Neon Cross.
The CD will be an acoustic rock project and on Sunday Nov 12. They will post both songs and unveil the front cover artwork for a limited time at there myspace page (www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2). Make sure to check them out and post your comments and suggestions at our message board (www.libertynjustice.net).
If songs are not working go to: www.soundclick.com/libertynjustice.

Monday, November 13, 2006

ESCAPE MUSIC PREVIEW THE ENEMY WITHIN FROM CODE:
Escape Music are pleased to announce Code's much anticipated album title The Enemy Within. Code featuring the multi talented musician and producer Anders Rydholm on bass, guitars, and keyboards (ex-Grand Illusion); on lead vocals Sherwood Ball (Jay Graydon, Gumbo, Guitar god tours/gigs with Albert Lee, Steve Morse,Steve Lukather & Edward Van Halen) ; guitars Ola af Trampe (ex-Grand Illusion), with very special guest on the drums, none other than Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, Toto, Gino Vannelli, Counting Crows).
The album release date will be January 21, 2007.
And here is an exclusive track to melodicrock.com - Download: Sign Up For Love.
Track Listing: The Enemy Within . Sign Up For Love . Home Away From Home . In The Shadows . How Do We Stay In Love . My Time . Lucky Town . Alive . Uninvited Guest . Change The World . Flying High . Sworn To Silence.
WebLink: www.Escape-Music.com.


TRAVELLER NEWS FROM VAUGHN:
A little update from Danny Vaughn, sent through over the weekend:
"Hi everyone. It's official! We have the release date for our new Vaughn album, Traveller set for February 16, 2007. We were very happy to hear the positive reactions from those of you that heard some of the new songs at UFOR2 and Firefest.
I really think that this is my best recording yet. The saintly Chris Galler is going to be revamping our web site in time for the release with lots of new photos, info, and formal introductions to the blokes in the band.
It's time to put the past behind us and head into the future like a horde of Norse invaders cutting through the ice in one of those, well, Viking boat thingies. (apologies to all of my Nordic friends).
I will be putting some snippets from the CD onto the web site and onto the myspace site around about Christmas time, because you've all been so very good this year. Keep your eyes on this site, as there will be lots more to come. Thanks for all of your patience and your support for our latest effort. It means a lot to all of us.
Cheers, Danny Vaughn."

I have been fortunate enough to be checking out a preview of the album right now in the form of 5 tracks. Miracle Days is a crunchy riff drive song with a Celtic influence; Badlands Rain is one of the harder rocking tunes I have heard from Danny since the Tyketto debut; Traveller features some killer lead vocals and melodies and a classic Tyketto style chorus; Restless Blood is catchy Tyketto-esque commercial rocker; and Lifted is another catchy, feel good mid-tempo rocker with some cool piano passages.
More Vaughn news shortly!

TOTO BACK IN THE UK:
Toto, who shaped the sound of eighties rock with the classics Hold The Line, Rosanna and Africa, have just announced three rare UK concerts in March 2007:
* Bristol Colston Hall - March 12th
* Newcastle City Hall - March 13th
* Manchester Carling Apollo - March 14th.
Credit Card Hotline 0870 444 5556, Book Online www.ticketlinenews.co.uk.
Full Details and Venue links: www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/kennedy_street/toto.htm.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
The Sammy Hagar & the Wabos Livin It Up tour stop in St. Louis on July 22 was filmed by HDNet and is scheduled for broadcast on December 3rd.

Bassist Chuck Wright has been replaced by Robbie Crane in the line-up of Saints Of The Underground, the band featuring Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper) on guitar, Bobby Blotzer (Ratt) on drums and Jani Lane on vocals.
The band's debut was recently mixed by Andy Johns. No release date as yet.

Steve Newman has updated his website with some pictures from Firefest 3. Details: www.newmansound.com.

Steelheart are booked to play the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany next June and are looking to confirm more festival appearances over the coming months.

Bassist Johnny Colt, who was with the Black Crowes in their early days, will reportedly be filling in for Voivod/Ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted on Rock Star Supernova's upcoming North American tour, which kicks off New Year's Eve.

ESP LIVE ON DVD:
The ESP Live At The Marquee (from Sydney , Australia) DVD will be release in time for Christmas. The track listing is as follows:
Do You Own Thing . Watchin' You . Unholy . Love (I Don't Need It Anymore) . Four Day Creep . Jungle . Nothin' To Lose . War Machine . Jump The Shark . Born To Raise Hell . Free Ride . Power To The Music . Black Diamond (Eric Singer on vocals) . We're An American Band . I Love It Loud . Domino . Smokin' In The Boys Room.
For more information visit: www.ericsingerproject.com.

LEATHERWOLF LOOKING FOR NEW VOCALIST:
Press Release / Orange County metal stalwarts Leatherwolf are currently looking for a new vocalist following the departure Wade Black who fronted the band on their critically acclaimed comeback album, World Asylum, released last June on N.I.L.8 Records.
"We would like to thank Wade for his contributions to Leatherwolf and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors," commented the group on the split. "There are no hard feelings between both parties. Unfortunately, certain economic realities and the geographical distance between Wade and the rest of the band turned out to be an obstacle too hard to overcome and made working as a unit that much more difficult."
"We are now looking for someone closer to home, preferably based right here in Southern California. Potential candidates must be able to sing both the Michael Olivieri and Wade Black era songs (guitar abilities a huge plus!), have a valid passport, and be able to go on the road as we have a European tour in the works for spring 2007."
WebLinks: www.leatherwolfmusic.com and www.myspace.com/leatherwolfmusic.

GARY SCHUTT "LOVE ME FOR ME" MUSIC VIDEO IS NOW ON FUSE TV:
More news from Gary Schutt: "Steven's Untitled Rock Show is having an unsigned band competition. Many bands have uploaded videos to the site. PLEASE go to: fuse.tv/videos/index.php?p=category5, then click on "SURS Unsigned Band Search".
Click on my video, rate, refresh, vote, comment!! Help keep it on the first page!! (wait for the ad to play first). The more hits, the higher the rating, the better chance I have at winning this thing!"

Friday, November 10, 2006

HOUSE OF LORDS LIVE IN THE UK:
The fans asked for it and they are getting it! House Of Lords last ever live recording with the original line-up, mirroring the show held at Firefest in Nottingham, England on November 26, 2005 will be released worldwide on Frontiers Records on January 26, 2006.
House Of Lords is a legendary arena-rock band born on the ashes of Giuffria. With three studio albums recorded between 1989 and 1992, this group became a milestone in Melodic Hard Rock music. Mixing influences from Journey, Whitesnake and Van Halen, House Of Lords music has become a staple in Rock fans collections and playlists.
House Of Lords reunited in the year 2000, after a seven years hiatus, with the classic line-up featuring James Christian, Gregg Giuffria, Chuck Wright, Lanny Cordola and Ken Mary with Giuffria who opted out of the recording at the last minute. Following the release of the come back album The Power & The Myth, House Of Lords decided on a reunion tour that took the band to England & Greece for two outstanding shows in the fall of 2005.
The release of Live in the UK reflects the entire show held at Firefest in Nottingham, by the line-up featuring Christian, Wright, Cordola and Mary. A testament to a glorious line-up before House Of Lords decided to move forward with new members with their successful new record World Upside Down.
A special studio track, Havana (written by Christian and Giuffria together with Tim Pierce and Mark Spiro originally the Japan-only bonus track of The Power & The Myth album) has been added as a special gift to the fans. Enjoy!
Live In The UK includes the following tracks: Sahara; Chains Of Love; Love Don't Lie; Pleasure Palace; Talkin Bout Love; The Edge Of Your Life; Mind Trip; All Is Gone; The Rapture; I Wanna Be Loved; Can t Find My Way Home; Slip Of The Tongue; Havana (studio bonus track).

xx

MORE ON THE VAN HALEN 2007 TOUR:
This in over night from Billboard.com, adding to the recent Van Halen news:
November 09, 2006, Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
"Eddie Van Halen has tapped his 15-year-old son, Wolfgang, as the replacement for Michael Anthony in Van Halen, a spokesperson confirms to Billboard.com. Father and son, along with Eddie's drummer brother Alex, have been rehearsing for a 2007 tour, but it is unknown who will serve as the band's vocalist.
Rumors continue to swirl that David Lee Roth will be back in the fold for the first time in more than 20 years. Roth told Billboard.com in May that he hadn't seen Eddie Van Halen in "a couple of years" but that he was up for reuniting with his old mate.
"I see it absolutely as an inevitability," said Roth. "To me, it's not rocket surgery. It's very simple to put together. And as far as hurt feelings and water under the dam, like what's-her-name says to what's-her-name at the end of the movie 'Chicago' -- 'So what? It's showbiz!' So I definitely see it happening."
No details have been provided about Anthony's departure, although Van Halen knocked the bassist for aligning himself with Sammy Hagar during a September appearance on "The Howard Stern Show."
"I got no problem with these guys, but they're billing themselves as the other half of Van Halen," he said. "My brother is the other half of Van Halen. They're out there selling hot sauce and tequila and playing all my songs. It doesn't bother me. It just makes them a cover band."
As for the musical acumen of Wolfgang, he enthused, "If I excel at the speed of sound, he excels at the speed of light. This kid is just a natural."
As previously reported, Van Halen is one of nine acts on the ballot for the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

There is also talk of Van Halen playing the 2007 UK Monsters Of Rock festival, but I'm no so sure about that. Early days...but it does look like Dio and the Sabbath boys will perform at the MOR festival as their new Heaven & Hell project.

LANCE KING EXITS PYRAMAZE:
Due to irreconcilable differences, Lance King will no longer be singing with Pyramaze.
Quote from Lance: "I would like to thank the Pyramaze guys for many wonderful memories, I'm very proud of the music we created together! I wish each and every member of the band success in their careers and personal lives, as well as their search for a new vocalist. I look forward to hearing their new music."

MEATLOAF'S HEALTHY CHART DEBUT:
Press Release / Culminating thirteen years of pent-up demand, Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell III The Monster is Loose, crashed into the Billboard Top 200 national album sales chart at No. 8. The album was released last week in the U.S. and Canada by Virgin Records America. The album was the highest charting debut in Canada this week at #3.
The album, the epic third installment of rock's greatest franchise, was also released throughout Europe last week, racking up a trail of chart-busting sales statistics it entered national charts as the No. 2-selling album in Germany and holds it s position this week, No. 3 in the UK, No. 3 in Canada, No. 4 in Switzerland, No. 5 in Austria, No. 5 in Denmark, No. 6 in Norway, No. 8 in Holland, No. 9 in Australia, No. 10 in Sweden and No. 5 in New Zealand. The album is to be released in Southern Europe, Southeast Asia and Japan early next year.
Predicting the fan and critical mania that greeted the release of the album and his recent trans-Atlantic theatrical presentation of his Bat Out of Hell trilogy, Meat Loaf said recently "The Bat just has a life of its own, so you can't say you're gonna top it or you're gonna beat it, you just have to try to do something special."
The album's release was preceded by a lavish, evocative video clip of It's All Coming Back to Me Now, co-starring Marion Raven, who is featured with Meat Loaf on the album track, written originally by Jim Steinman for him at the time of the first Bat Out of Hell album.
U.S. critics agreed universally that Meat delivered an album fully worthy of the three-album, three-decade Bat franchise. Raves in the trade and consumer press included &Meat Loaf delivers his most impassioned vocals since the original Bat in 1977. (Entertainment Weekly, 11/3/06, Chris Willman); Thirty years after the original "Bat" made Loaf a star, he returns with Bat III, a disc that recalls the original's theatrical bombast, anthemic melodies and guitar shred. (New York Post, 10/29/06, Dan Aquillante); and Loaf delivers an album that fans are going to love. (Billboard, 11/4/06)
Coinciding with the album's release, Meat Loaf starred in a series of sold-out one-night shows staged at London's Royal Albert Hall, New York s Palace Theater and Toronto s Elgin Theatre. Two additional shows are now scheduled, at Estes Theater in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and at Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, Connecticut. Each of the show's three acts is devoted to the songs of the albums, in sequence, with the third act debuting the new songs of Bat Out Of Hell III The Monster is Loose.
When Meat Loaf rocked London in October, two national British newspapers, The Independent and The Guardian, awarded the show 4 stars out of 4, observing that Bat out of Hell is as close as rock music has got to a Hollywood Blockbuster (The Independent), and that ...parents are now bringing their children along to gigs, the Bat franchise shows no sign of abating. Metro praised the show s grandiose...imposing splendor, adding that Meat Loaf's lungs remain mighty enough to raise the roof.

MR-X UPDATE:
MR-X has been updated after a couple of weeks off due to my travelling around. Back to normal as of today, with a new Feature Album (Silent Rage - Don't Touch Me There, produced by Paul Sabu) an new Live Feature (Ten - Live In Japan Spellbound Tour, good audience recording), a new Feature DVD (Skid Row - Live At Wembley UK 1991) and a new Special Feature (Y Kant Tori Read - the first ever album from Tori Amos, except this is high-tech 80s AOR).
And the usual update of new Video Clips, featuring: Valensia - Gaia, Icon - On Your Feet, Joe Walsh - In My Car, Molly Hatchet - Satisfied Man, Pete Townshend - Second Hand Love.

CD SHOWCASE UPDATE:
One more CD Showcase to close out the week - check out samples of the new Styx & The Contemporary Youth Orchestra live album One With Everything. Online now.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Feature Interview: Richie Zito

Legendary record producer and session guitarist Richie Zito on Bad English: "I got in early so as we made that record I went through the growing pains and the band went through growing pains of becoming a band. It's sort of like growing up on TV as it were. So they were becoming that band. Even though some of them had those previous relationships, 3 of them having been in The Babys, and Jon and Neal being in Journey together. It was very difficult working out the sociological aspects of that relationship because they're all very strong guys, very talented, came from… it's almost like they were all in situations where they had a degree of autonomy and now they were… having to sort of compromise, not compromise artistically by any means, compromise wasn't the best word, a better word is, finding a way to work together in that particular environment. It was a challenging record. Everyone was on their toes the entire time."
Richie on the Grunge era: "You can't get mad at anything post 1990. The tide had already changed. Even the Poison record I made, there were times where we felt that we were going to be the ones that showed that bands that came out in the '80s were still viable in the public's eyes. That was one of the biggest disappointments. There were a couple of songs on there that I could have probably maybe showed a more mature Poison and a growth with Richie Kotzen involved. So again, some of those records like Poison's Native Tongue, good, bad, or indifferent, or Tyketto or White Lion's record that I made, again, the dye was already cast.."

Richie on his Avalon record: "It's something that's very special to me, very close to my heart. Most of the stuff that I've done that people would know about through your web site and Serafino's company and lots of other things out there, pretty much is me producing other artists and at the time I produced a lot of those records, those bands contained very talented musicians so I was pretty much, my role was my role. This record, I got a chance to play guitar, I played bass on everything, the keyboards, so it was a very good time for me as a musician."
Read the full interview now!

SITE UPDATES - FEATURE REVIEWS AND NEW STREET TALK INTERVIEW:
There is also a new e-Interview online with Street Talk and Bloodbound founding member Frederik Bergh. Frederik talks about the current StreetTalk classic V and the upcoming second Bloodbound record. Read The Interview.

After a fair break, Feature Reviews have been updated so readers can add their own reviews and comments on a whole range of new and recently released melodic rock records.
There are a lot of titles here, so get ready to type and add all your reviews. This is an important feature to the site - with your reviews you can support the artist if desired, or perhaps send them a message in regards to what you think could have been done a little better.
Right now you can follow the Feature Reviews link and add your reviews for the following titles:
Talisman / 7, Winger / 4, Meatloaf / Bat Out Of Hell 3, Europe / Secret Society, Skid Row / Revolutions Per Minute, Nexx / Another Dawn, Kingdom Come / Ain't Cryin' For The Moon, Leverage / Tides, TNT / Live In Madrid, UFO / The Monkey Puzzle, Eden / Open Minds, Planet Alliance / Planet Alliance, Moonstone Project / Time To Take A Stand, Slamer / Nowhere Land, Sunstorm / Sunstorm, Avalon / Avalon, Taz Taylor Band / Welcome To America, Sammy Hagar / Living It Up, Ten / The Twilight Chronicles, Fair Warning / Brother's Keeper, Axel Rudi Pell / Mystica, Lunatica / Edge Of Infinity and Saracen / Vox In Excelso.
Add Your Reviews Now.

RICHIE ZITO LAUNCHES NEW RECORD LABEL:
He may be the new Feature Interview, but Richie Zito is also in the news for another reason - the launch of a new record label he is a partner in.
Press Release / Music Industry Vet Larry Lee and Former Producer of the Year Richie Zito to Helm with Backing from $12 Billion WMC Mortgage President and CEO Amy Brandt.
Burbank, Calif.--(Business Wire)--A newly formed west-coast based label, Your Music America has opened its doors for business with industry veteran Larry Lee and former Producer of the Year and creator of 40 chart hits, Richie Zito at the helm. YMA will seek out and sign fresh, new talent and develop a rock oriented roster backed with the extensive marketing promotion, production resources enjoyed by major labels.
For funding, Lee and Zito have partnered with the President and CEO of a $12 Billion company, WMC Mortgage topper, Amy Brandt, one of the top female executives in the business world. In 2004, after building WMC into a $12 Billion Mortgage Originator, Brandt, along with her partners, a well-known New York based investment fund, sold WMC to affiliates of General Electric. Under her leadership WMC's monthly production volume soared from $12 million to over $1 billion a month in 2004 and to $3 billion a month in 2006.
The company simultaneously announced its distribution duties will be handled by ADA via Adrenaline (Kevin Day, Fred Croshal and Bob Divney). In other news, a joint venture with Andrew McMahon has also been inked. Lee and Zito are pleased to announce the formation of Airport Tapes and Records ("ATR"). Headed by Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate, Jacks Mannequin) and Your Music America.
Legal matters will be handled by Scott Bradford, who represents a variety of music clients such as Panic! At the Disco, The Shins, and Plain White T's. Your Music America's first artist signing is the band Kessler, a diverse, upbeat group from Dallas who have already delivered a hit track, "Outside Your Window." Selling out clubs from Texas to Louisiana, YMA's Kessler will be produced by Jim Wirt whose credits include Incubus, Hoobastank, Fiona Apple, Live, Something Corporate, and many more. The Kessler album is slated for a February 2007 release.
WebLink: www.yourmusicamerica.com.

Richie had this to say to me about the company: "I'm very proud of the fact that we're starting this new company Your Music America, YMA, and again it's going to be primarily young developing artists but those are the ones that need a place to be creative.
Someone to help them because the bigger companies more or less say, "Look guys, we'd love to help you," it's not that they don't want to help, it's not economically feasible until they get to a certain level. So we're there to pick up the slack. And it's happening. A lot of the new rock bands that are selling a million records, either got their start or quite frankly more than their start are more than happy being with independent record companies. I think that could be a very and already positive thing for rock."

FAIR GROUND AND HAREM SCAREM NEWS:
News from haremscarem.net on both the new Harem Scarem album and guitarist Pete Lesperance's Fair Ground release:
"Fair Ground debut album Down In It is out now and available at CD Baby! Go ahead and order your copy! The brand new Fair Ground website will be up very soon!
Don't forget about Free digital single download of the [Harem Scarem] Human Nature title track, which will be available for the Gold Fan Club members! It's scheduled for December 6th and, last but not least, Harem Scarem website is getting a new look on that day as well.
The song called Be The One that Pete co-wrote with his brother Jason has found its way into a movie called Simple Things. You can hear the track on the movie soundtrack MySpace page, further info is available at MySpace page for the movie itself and you can also download the poster or the movie press release."

Coincidently, Pete dropped me a line yesterday regarding the Fair Ground release. In his own words: "Just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that the Fair Ground record is finally available on cdbaby.com. Also we will be doing a short radio/promo tour in western Canada the week of the 19th...I'll have more info on the cities and dates soon."


TOMMY SHAW AND JACK BLADES SPREAD THEIR INFLUENCE:
Press Release / What happens with two of today's most successful classic rockers join forces to create an album of songs that have been a source of inspiration for their respective multi-Platinum careers?
The result is Influence, the sophomore album by Shaw Blades, led by Styx/Damn Yankees guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw and Night Ranger/Damn Yankees bassist/vocalist Jack Blades, which is set for release February 20, 2007 on VH1 Classic Records.
The self-produced album was mixed by Noel Golden (Matchbox Twenty, Willie Nelson) and Great White keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie. The first single, Your Move, will be serviced to radio in January.
Influence is the duo's first album since their recently re-released 1995 debut, Hallucination. Like the debut--and unlike their history-carving decades as icons in the more hard-rock minded Styx, Night Ranger and Damn Yankees--the latest release is rooted in acoustic guitar and organic production, harvesting a decade of musical influences into 11 tracks (on which Blades and Shaw played all the music except for drums and the occasional keyboards). With classics from the '60s and '70s including the Mamas and the Papas' 'California Dreamin',' Buffalo Springfield's 'For What It's Worth' and Steely Dan's 'Dirty Work,' Influence offers a track-by-track chronology of the musical era that helped define modern rock. Whether the songs are delivered in faithful tribute, as is the case with Simon & Garfunkel's epic masterpiece 'Sounds of Silence,' or given a modern rock transfusion, as in the duo's 1966 folk anthem 'I Am a Rock,' the results are the same, sparkling like a beacon illuminating the mainstream roots of rock and roll's formative years.
"I cringe at the thought of Paul Simon hearing our stuff," laughs Blades, only half-jokingly. "I honor his spirit so much, and I'm such a huge fan. As far as I'm concerned, they invented the word genius to go along with him, and we just wanted to make sure that we did their songs justice. Tommy and I have that special symbiotic relationship that doesn't come along a lot. Simon & Garfunkel also had it, we have a reverence to it, and it was something that we just wanted to dig into."
"As writers, we're like two old friends who finish each other's sentences," adds Shaw. "We became best friends as a result of the music and the experiences we've had because of it."
But Influence isn't about the experiences of Shaw Blades, it's about the inspiration that helped create the experiences. "This album has been years in the making," continues the Styx/Damn Yankees guitarist. "The recording process didn't take years, but the concept had been looming in our conversations for a long time. We'd always sit around with a couple of guitars and play songs we both knew from or younger days, spontaneous harmonizing and all that, and we slowly eased into the idea of making this record".
One of the most prolific duos in the history of hard rock, Shaw and Blades have sold more than 50 million albums amongst their three bands, scored 12 Top 10 singles on the Billboard 'Hot 100' chart, debuted 16 albums in the Billboard 'Top 200' albums chart, and share joint songwriting credits for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Cher and Alice Cooper.
Even so, Influence offered the pair an invigorating musical freedom. "With Shaw Blades," offers Blades, "we're able to take liberties that our respective bands couldn't do. We need to be Styx-sounding, we need to fit in that Night Ranger world, and we even need to think about Damn Yankees, so that's what's fun about Shaw Blades--we get to be our alter-egos when we want to be, yet we can truly be ourselves. We grew up singing harmonies and songs with massive vocals, so it's a wonderful thing to have that freedom here. This was a complete labor of love."
In touring news, a U.S. trek is currently in the works and Shaw Blades hope to bring their music to their fans closer to the album release date. "You can always tell a brilliant song, whether it was written 30 years ago or yesterday," says Blades. "Every song we picked is identifiable in its own right, and they're all immediately recognizable. What does that tell you? That the songs are the stars. That's what we wanted to do on this record; we wanted the songs to be the stars. I think that's what we accomplished."
The complete track listing is as follows: Summer Breeze . Time of the Season . Your Move . I Am A Rock . Lucky Man . Sounds of Silence . California Dreamin' . On a Carousel . Dirty Work . For What It's Worth . Dance With Me.
WebLink: www.shawblades.com.

Classics record label to include new recordings, By Phil Gallo.
VH1 Classic is betting that the artistic well has not run dry for the 1970s and '80s artists that fill the channel's video rotation The MTV Network is expanding its VH1 Classics record label to include new recordings.
The first disc of all-new material will come from Shaw/Blades, a band led by Tommy Shaw of Styx and Jack Blades of Night Ranger. Release is slated for the first quarter.
Prior to that release, label will issue a Twisted Sister holiday album with indie imprint Razor & Tie. Today, VH1 Classics is releasing on DVD Kissology, featuring TV appearances in 1974 and 1975 and concert footage from 1976 and '77. Second and third volumes will be released next year.
All VH1 Classic releases will be distributed by Universal Music's Fontana arm. Their deal commences with the Kiss set.
"We're not necessarily saying we're getting in the record business. It's that a lot of artists tell us 'look, we've got a finished album sitting on the shelf and we'd like to get it released'," VH1 general manager Tom Calderone told Daily Variety. "We're already in business with them and they do so much work for us, hosting shows or doing performances, that this is an extension of that relationship. Nobody says 'you have to sell X amount.' This is a goodwill gesture."
MTV Networks has also struck a deal with Wal-Mart to have branded sections in the stores' CD departments. The VH1 Classic area will promote albums on the label, catalog recordings and new albums from so-called "heritage" artists.
Eric Sherman, senior VP and general manager of VH1 Classic, said the label came together after studying the health of catalog sales and after talking to managers about artists such as Shaw and Blade who were still touring regularly. VH1 Classic was already a steady presence in tour sponsorship.
"We have the marketing ability and really have no limits when it comes to marketing an artist or an album," Sherman said.
For the Twisted Sister and Shaw/Blades releases, hourlong specials have already been shot, they have done "Hanging With" specials and their videos will be added to the "Classic Current" program. The acts' songs will be featured on VH1classics.com. Acts are also part of the channel's "Hear Music First" program.
VH1 Classic will continue to release its "Decades Live" shows as CD/DVD packages on the label. Heart is up next; a show featuring the Pretenders and guests is in negotiations. Bonnie Raitt's "Decades Live" album was released jointly by VH1 Classic and her label, Capitol.
Read the full article at: www.variety.com/article/VR1117952949.html.

RONNIE DIO UPDATES FANS:
Ronnie James Dio has posted a brief update to his website, as follows: "Ronnie has been hard at work with Tony Iommi creating new tracks for the forthcoming box set due tentatively in February 2007. The Tenacious D movie "The Pick of Destiny", which marks Ronnie James Dio's acting debut, hits theatres November 22, and Ronnie recently attended the London premiere, followed by a stop at the Classic Rock Awards in London, where Ronnie was awarded the 2006 Metal Guru Award. Finally, Dio ends the year on a high note (go Ronnie!) as the band brings in the new year with a show at Kavarna City Center in Bulgaria."

UPDATE FROM KIVEL RECORDS:
It's been a while since we've had a Kivel Records artist update. Here's the latest:
"So far 2006 has been a blast for us. Now that the fall is upon us we are gearing up for a new onslaught of rockin releases. What better way to start off the fall then with possibly one of the BEST unsung bands of the IL area....Smash Alley!!
We are ecstatic over the addition of Smash Alley to the Kivel line up. The bands long overdue release Too Late To Say No will satisfy fans of good time fun hard rock. The bands album picks up right where the band left off during their IL club days, with such fan faves as Too Late To Say No, Bedroom Window and Died a Thousand Times.
The CD is due to be in stock Nov 13. We have uploaded two sample MP3 at www.myspace.com/kivelrecords. We are now taking pre-orders.

Also in other label news....Bombay Black just kicked ass in the UK at this years Firefest 3 pre-show. The crowd response was great. Look out for the bands Junk Food release also due Nov 13. Take advantage of our buy two get the third half off automatically offer when buying CDs! So here's a chance to catch up on some past release you may have missed from us! Soon after the rest of the bands shows, and the upcoming holidays, Bombay Black will head into the studio to work on studio album three! Not before cleaning out the vaults though. Everyone felt it would be good to go into album three with a clean slate. So a lil "Junk Food" to hold everyone over til the bands next offering is what we have here! 15 blistering Bombay tracks!
Including unreleased material from both albums and live recordings from the bands recent tour through Spain and Arkansas!

Nov 25 BB will be playing with LA Guns and The Bullet Boys. Check the bands site for more details at www.bombayblackmusic.com.
WebLinks: www.kivelrecords.com and www.myspace.com/kivelrecords.

RON KEEL TALKS RE-ISSUES AND LIVE APPEARANCES:
Here is a couple of updates for Ron Keel, taken from Ron's message board:
"I met with Mike Varney (the president of Shrapnel Records, and the man behind the Steeler album and Keel's Lay Down The Law) this evening - actually, we got up on stage together and jammed at a club here in Vegas called the Tailspin. Sang some ZZ Top & Zeppelin...had a great time hanging together.
We finalized our plans to release the digitally re-mastered CD of Lay Down The Law - a state-of-the-art digi-pak with rare photos, the story behind the band and the album, and enhanced video concert footage from Keel's debut performance at The Country Club in Reseda/L.A. from May 27 1984.
We have worked for years to make this happen, and I think it's safe to say that there's a light at the end of the tunnel - no confirmed release date yet, but I'd bet we're looking at early '07.

I am excited to be back in Hollywood this Saturday night, November 11, when I return there for the first time in almost 15 years to participate in an incredible night of Rock N Roll.
I will bring the solo acoustic "Alone At Last" show with me as I open up for Exile Social Club, a new all star LA Supergroup consisting of Chuck Wright, Pat Torpey, Jason Hook, and David Victor - all current or former members of Quiet Riot, Mr. Big, the Vince Neil band, Alice Cooper, Montrose, and many others.
The evening will be hosted by ex-Skid Row drummer-turned-stand up comic Phil Varone, and feature many special guests from the rock and metal circle, concluding with an all-star jam.
For tickets and other info visit: theexilesocialclub.com and www.vinestreetlounge.com.

STEVE HACKETT COMMENTS ON GENESIS REUNION:
Original Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett commented about the forthcoming Genesis reunion tour:
"First of all I would like to congratulate Tony, Mike and Phil for flying the flag once again. Good luck to them and I really hope they have a very successful tour.
I was originally approached to discuss the possibility of a five piece which would have included Peter Gabriel and yours truly but since Peter's schedule precludes this, it makes sense for the other three to celebrate the band in their 'own special way' as it were ...."
Steve's new solo record is titled Wild Orchids.

MELODIC BRIEFS:
Tom Cochrane's new album No Stranger made its debut on the Canadian Album Chart at No. 25 this week.

VH1 have started work on Metal Mania Stripped Vol III for release early next year.

According to April Wine singer Myles G. the new album Roughly Speaking will be out November 15.

GlamMetal.com just posted an interview with Nikki Sixx, an Alice Cooper Halloween review and also a review of Paul Stanley's NYC solo tour performance. Check it all out at www.glammetal.com.

Rockpages web magazine have posted 2 new interviews - one with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band members Clarence Clemons & Little Steven and the other with Twisted Sister - Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Mark Mendoza and Eddie Ojeda. The respective links are: Twisted Sister and E Street Band.

UPDATING GUSN N ROSES IN PORTLAND:
Some adverse publicity following Guns N Roses' Portland concert cancellaton have seen Axl Rose and his manager both comment publicly.
First - this from: news.mainetoday.com/updates/007865.html.
"Axl Rose took the brunt of the criticism for the decision, but said his management team cancelled the show because it was concerned about fire inspectors' decision to enforce alcohol regulations.
The band and fire inspectors had a dispute over alcohol regulations hours before the show was scheduled to begin. The band's tour producer felt the band was targeted for stricter alcohol rules than other acts and was worried the dispute would escalate to a level that fans would be affected.
A state fire marshal denied that claim, saying state regulations that prohibit entertainers and their support crews from drinking alcohol during performances is applied across-the-board.
In an e-mail sent to the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram early Wednesday, Rose mentioned concert cancelations and disputes that triggered riots in the past.
"The professionals around me felt that Portland was a potentially explosive situation that could have had a somewhat similar result," Rose said.
The manager, Merck Mercuriadis, added in the e-mail the decision cost the band approximately $200,000."

The band's manager had this to say on the fan site Here Today & Gone To Hell:
"I [Merck] normally do not respond on [Here Today & Gone To Hell!] but a number of your posts have been brought to my attention today and I feel it is right to take the time to dispel the negative speculation through a statement of facts.
1. The show in Portland was cancelled last night because the fire marshall made it impossible for us to believe we could do our show without putting at risk the safety of the fans and the band. They made it clear that they intended to harrass our fans, crew and the band through enforcing rules and regulations that are 200 years old to an extent that has not been applied to other artists and that we believed would make the gig a potential time bomb that would explode. Our production manager Chris Gratton is a seasoned pro who has worked with everyone from Korn to R Kelly and has terrific relationships with fire marshalls and authorities all over the world. This is the first time he has ever come to us and said this is a dangerous situation and these people intend to use their authority in a negative way against our fans, our band and our crew and I need you to do something about it.
"The cancellation had nothing to do with pyro or ticket sales. Putting our fans, band and crew first cost $200,000 [Monday] night so we did not make the decision without great thought and care and it was made in consultation with our agents and our promoter both of whom lost money as a result and both of whom supported our decision 100% as they too could see that the authorities were more than overzealous in their approach. For all of you to be speculating without any knowledge or credible information that the responsibility for this is Axl's or the band's is nonsense. This band has performed more than 50 shows this year without incident and had every intention of performing last night. They did not perform because we the professionals around the band stopped them as we did not feel it was safe for them or for the fans. We take our responsibility to the band seriously and we take our responsibility to the fans seriously. Now if you want to vent your spleens about this do it to the people responsible i.e. the fire marshalls. We named them for a reason. They are the reason why the Cumberland County Civic Center did not rock [Monday] night.
2. I see a number of people flaming [online site] moderators for removing posts at our request. I understand that you feel that we are using our influence to censor you. We are not. If someone wants to express their opinion or critique the band and its performances, recordings, actions etc. that does not bother us but when you spread lies and disinformation about everything from ticket sales to release dates to how Pollstar calculate their chart we will use our relationship with Jarmo [moderator] to shut you down because you cause chaos and confusion and you try to take something good and turn it into something ugly. When GN'R gets on stage every night for two and a half hours, it is a positive force. The thousands of fans who are there every night lose themselves and have a great time. That is what rock 'n' roll is all about but unfortunately the 300 of you that aren t even at the gigs spread a negativity that does not reflect the reality at all as evidenced by the original thread on the Meadowlands show. We were there. We saw 11,000 fans having a great time. We had a great time. For the people in the room it was a great night but it wasn't to be for those of you at home sitting around your computers.
3. Ticket sales. Guns N' Roses have sold almost 200,000 tickets already for this run and we still have 7 weeks to go. We have sold almost 50,000 tickets in the New York area alone this year between Hammerstein Ballroom, the Meadowlands and Madison Square Garden on the back of one interview with Ed Trunk and before the album has come out. Most bands do not go to Portland, Maine because it is what the music business calls a 'soft market' but we had a lot of letters from fans in the area and we were determined to play there regardless of whether it was 'only' 3500 people. We are doing something positive in a negative world. If you are with us fantastic. If you want to live your live in an adverse way stay at home.
4. This is from Axl: "I would like to apologise to all of the fans in Maine for the show not happening last night. It was important for us to play there and it is a shame that what should have been a great night for all of us was not possible due to the actions of two people. I agree with and ultimately take responsibility for the end decision not to jeopardise the safety of the fans, the crews, the bands and myself as a result of the methods of these particularly draconian authorities. We are not trying to get away or get out of anything or pull a fast one by combining ticket sales as has been speculated. There are reasons that I have not spoken more about Montreal and Philadelphia that have been extremely complicated and are not legally resolved behind the scenes to this day and could have possibly jeopardized the future of Guns N' Roses.
"We have chosen to take the public heat for these events in order to have another shot at the future today with a new album. The professionals around me felt that Portland was a potentially explosive situation that could have had a somewhat similar result based on the behaviour of the two aforementioned fire marshals (it's not my 1st barbeque!) had the fans been given entry to the building and the show started. In respect of these opinions, our fans, the people of Portland, and the bands scheduled to play with us that night, unfortunately the only sensible decision was not to take that chance. We hope to find another way to play for you in the future. Thanks for even trying to see us. It sincerely is much more than appreciated."

Now, that said and posted, I also have word from someone working on this show that: "It was really more that once the band found out they couldn't have open beer bottles on stage (a safety issue an town ordinance), they then pulled out of the show."

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

KELLY KEAGY DECLARES THAT HE IS ALIVE:
Frontiers Records is excited to launch the release of the forthcoming Kelly Keagy new solo album entitled I'm Alive on January 26, 2007.
Kelly Keagy is better known as drummer / singer with the US Melodic Rock heroes Night Ranger. Night Ranger's first album Dawn Patrol (1982), reached number 38 on the U.S. charts, yet it was 1983's Midnight Madness that established the band as a commercial force. Featuring the hits (You Can Still) Rock in America and Sister Christian, the record peaked at number 15 and sold over 1 million copies. 1985's 7 Wishes was even more successful, reaching number 10 on the charts. The band reformed in the mid-90s and have since released 4 more albums.
In 2001, Kelly took a turn down the solo album trail. Time Passes saw Kelly handling drums and vocals and collaborating with such artists as Jim Peterik, Kevin Chalfant, Brian Bart with obvious features from his band mates Brad Gillis, Jack Blades and Jeff Watson.
To date, Kelly and Night Ranger are busy working on a new studio album. But in the meanwhile he found the time and the inspiration to finish his second solo work entitled I'm Alive. The new record was written and produced by Keagy in cooperation with Jim Peterik (Pride Of Lions, ex-Survivor) and also features contributions from Kelly's The Mob band mate Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Mike Aquino (Pride Of Lions, Mecca), Brian Bart, Bruce Gaitsch, Tommy Denander on guitar and Michael Lardie (Great White, Night Ranger) on keyboards among others.
The new album sees Keagy exploring a slightly rougher edge compared to his debut album with a more live feel in the mix. "I look forward to playing these songs live, as they were written to be played live", says Kelly and the joyful ride that this record offers, proves just that!
Final tracklisting of I'm Alive is as follows: I'm Alive; Stolen; Blink of an Eye; When Nobody's Looking; Back of Your Mind; Life Worth Remembering; Re-Imagine; World Before and After; Where Are We Now; Where the Road Ends; Everything I Need in a Woman; Call In Another Day; Half a World Away.
Release is scheduled on Frontiers Records in Europe on January 26, 2007 and in Japan on King Records.

xx

GENESIS ANNOUNCE THEIR 'TURN IT ON AGAIN' TOUR:
Press Release / Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford of the iconic band Genesis unveiled the dates for their first tour in 15 years. Turn It On Again - the tour, will see the band play a series of stadium concerts in Europe in the summer of 2007. Kicking off in the Olympic Stadium, Helsinki on 11 June, the tour will hit twelve different European countries, ending in Rome on 14 July. At a Pan-European press conference staged today at London's exclusive Mayfair hotel and hosted by comedian and lifelong Genesis fan, David Baddiel, the band took questions from international media about their reasons for reforming and thoughts on the tour.
European tour promoter, John Giddings, commented: "It is a privilege to work with one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and to see their musical talent together again onstage will be incredible. The live shows are as famous as their music."
The "Turn It On Again" tour will be travelling to all the biggest stadiums as it treks across Europe in 2007 through Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany, France, Holland, UK, Monte Carlo and Italy.
Tickets will be on sale for UK dates on 24 November and for dates in Germany on 10 November. Other on-sale dates to be announced.
Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford will be joined on stage by long time Genesis sidemen, Chester Thompson on drums and Daryl Steurmer on guitar. Two of the world's greatest show technicians, award-winning lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe and acclaimed set designer Mark Fisher are working on plans for the 2007 Genesis tour.
To coincide with the Genesis tour, EMI Records will be re-issuing 14 Genesis studio albums in three stages during 2007. All the releases will be SACD/DVD double disc sets featuring newly re-mastered 5.1 surround sound and stereo mixes. The release schedule is as follows:
March 2007: A Trick Of The Tail (1976), Wind & Wuthering (1977), …And Then There Were Three…(1978), Duke (1980) Abacab (1981)
June/July 2007: Genesis (1983), Invisible Touch (1986), We Can't Dance (1991), Calling All Stations(1997)
Late 2007/Early 2008: Trespass (1970), Nursery Cryme (1971), Foxtrot (1972 ), Selling England By The Pound (1973), The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974).
From the Genesis Website: www.genesis-music.com.

CATCH MORE SPRINGFIELD 70s TUNES:
Rick Springfield is the subject of yet another archive compilation, this one concentrating on material from his 70's recordings. Catch Me If You Can (horrid artwork below) features the following tracks:
We're Gonna Have A Good Time . It's Driving Me Crazy . Free And Easy . You Can Really Do It (If You Try) . On The Other Side . You Can't Judge A Book . Love Is The Key . You'd Better Think Twice . Welcome To The Rodeo . I Want You . Just Gotta Sing . If We Help One Another . Starlight, Starbright . Catch Me If You Can . I Know That It's Magic . Theme From Mission Magic . Speak To The Sky.
Recording Line-Up: Rick Springfield (vocals, guitar, banjo, electric piano, organ, synthesizer, percussion); Lee Sklar, Barry Sullivan, Carol Kaye (bass guitar); Jim Keltner, Russ Kunkel, Barry Morgan (drums). Recording information: Armstrong's Studio, Melbourne, Australia (1973 - 1974); Crystal Studios, Hollywood, California (1973 - 1974).


GUNS N ROSES UP TO OLD TRICKS:
What happens when you mix an unreliable artist with fan apathy? Guns N Roses on tour, that's what. The band have cancelled one of their shows already, it seems not because of any cobbled together excuse, but really because the venue was less than half sold for the show.
This from the Portland Press Herald:
"The rock band Guns N' Roses, which helped define an era with songs like "Welcome to the Jungle,"   canceled its concert at the Cumberland County Civic Center Monday, 2 1/2 hours before the event was scheduled to begin.
The unexplained cancellation angered fans, many of whom pinned the decision on Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose, who has a reputation for calling off shows. "I got all dressed up; I went all out for this concert,"   said 17-year-old Misty McAuliffe of Rockland, standing across the street from the civic center in a tight black outfit and a Guns N' Roses belt buckle.
Fans like McAuliffe turned a section of Free Street behind the civic center into ground zero for Rose-bashing Monday night.
While fans griped outside, a crew of dozens worked inside the civic center to take apart the stage, which was show-ready - lighting, amplifiers and all - by 5:30 p.m., when Guns N' Roses' promoter told the venue's manager the show was off.
Steve Crane, the civic center's general manager, said the band's promoter, AEG Live, did not give a reason for the decision.
Crane, who has worked at the venue for 29 years, said he could remember only one or two other times when a show was called off so close to the scheduled starting time."
Full Story: pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/local/061107gnr.html.

In related news, rumor has November 21 as the long delayed release date for the band's Chinese Democracy album.

CD SHOWCASE UPDATED:
The CD Showcase has been updated today with the following new titles: Final Frontier Freelight and Lovechild Soul Collector (both Escape Music); Biss X-Tension and Dawn Of Silence Moment Of Weakness (both Metal Heaven) and Da Vinci Back In Business and AOR LA Concession (both MTM Classix).
Check them all out now.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

WOLFGANG JOINS HIS DAD IN VAN HALEN:
A lot of speculation and a lot of new updates are now appearing in relation to the Van Halen alive again in 2007 news started here a couple of weeks back.
Late last week celeb gossip site TMZ.com posted news of the band and who would play bass. Today G4TV ran a quote from band publicist Janie Liszewski confirming that news.
I called Liszewski for a confirmation of these comments. She happily obliged, stating that yes, Wolfgang Van Halen was the band's new bassist, suggesting that this wasn't news, as it was stated as such on Howard Stern by Eddie Van Halen in September.
She also confirmed that the Van Halen trio - Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang were 'busy in the studio, rehearsing and writing'. The rehearsing of course is for the aforementioned 2007 tour that the band's management are currently shopping to prospective promoters.
No confirmation as yet of the vocalist for next year's Van Halen tour - but as stated in my original report, David Lee Roth is the singer that is being included in the package offered to concert promoters. I'm told Roth has not yet visited the Van Halen's in the studio.

GENESIS TO ANNOUNCE 2007 TOUR LATER TODAY:
Genesis make their anticipated press conference today (overnight local time) and are expected to announce a 2007 tour. This from Billboard.com today:
Mega-selling pop trio Genesis is reuniting with Phil Collins for its first tour with him since the summer of 1992. An official announcement will be made Monday (Nov. 7) in London. Genesis hasn't toured since 1998, during which Ray Wilson replaced Collins on lead vocals alongside principal members Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford.
Former frontman Peter Gabriel will not be participating in the reunion with the group he exited in 1975. "Tony, Mike and Phil are rehearsing now," he said in a recent video message on his Web site. "I'm not involved in this round or this year. I haven't ruled out the possibility of doing something in the future, but right now I'm going to focus on my own work."
Also apparently not involved is guitarist Steve Hackett, who played with the band in the Gabriel era but left in 1977.
Full story: www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003352302.

AN IDOL ROCKER MAKES HIS DEBUT:
Popular modern rocker Chris Daughtry of American Idol fame has launched his website and announced details of his debut album, to be released in the USA November 21.
The track listing will be: 1. It's Not Over, 2. Used To, 3. Home, 4. Over You, 5. Crashed, 6. Feels Like Tonight, 7. What I Want, 8. Breakdown, 9. Gone, 10. There And Back Again, 11. All These Lives, 12. What About Now.
More information, artwork and soundclips are available at: www.daughtryofficial.com/index.php.

SITE UPDATES:
Just an update on some pending updates. I am well into work on the Journey in LA 2006 Feature, which will be complete this week. It will be online shortly, just waiting for a couple of things to fall into place before launching it.
I am also working on the Firefest 3 Feature and full review, plus some pictures from the concert last week. Online soon...
MR-X will return this week with normal updates each and every Friday back as normal.
Reviews need updating, but they need writing firstly, so that has to be done as well as new CD Showcases, MiniBytes, Release Dates updates and the need for me to reply to about 1000 e-mails. Lots of work to do, lots of things to catch up with, but all of it underway. Thanks for your patience.
Additionally, those that ordered MRCD3 over the last 10 days will see their CDs shipped tomorrow. All future orders will be shipped without delay as I am back to my usual duties now the 2 overseas trips are behind me.

Monday, November 06, 2006

ESCAPE MUSIC STORMING INTO THE ZONE:
Escape Music are pleased to announce the latest signing of Stormzone from Northern Ireland, the album title Caught In The Act, Featuring on the lead vocals the much loved vocalist John Harv Harbinson, former lead singer Sweet Savage, Emerald, No Sweat and Den Of Thieves.
And here is an exclusive track Spellbound for melodicrock.com readers: Stormzone - Spellbound (.wma file).
Release Date: January 21, 2007.
Track Listing: Spellbound . Hold Onto Her Love . Stranger Things Have Happened . Nervous Breakdown . Crying In The Rain . Call Of The Wild . Beating Of A Heart . New World . Tuggin' At My Heartstrings . Sky High . Rock On Through The Night.
Stormzone are: John Harv Harbinson - Lead Vocals; Keith Harris - Guitars; Stephen Prosser - Keyboards; Peter Rondo Macken - Bass; Julian Watson - Drums. Album recorded in Homestead Studios Northern Ireland June / July 2006.
Produced by Mudd Wallace (who has also produced albums for Therapy, Van Morrison And Mamas Boys amongst many other Irish artists). Album cover art and interior design Rodney Matthews (Magnum, Allen/Lande, Diamond Head, Thin Lizzy, Asia, Praying Mantis).

Stormzone are a five piece rock band who play powerful melodic rock very reminiscent of classic bands such as Deep Purple, Rainbow, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy. The band comes from Belfast in Ireland and the five members have all played in various Irish rock bands, vocalist John Harv Harbinson having played in Sweet Savage, Emerald, No Sweat and Den Of Thieves before forming Stormzone in 2004 with other musicians who shared his love of hard-hitting melodic rock. The main aim of the band was to keep heavy rock alive and kicking, and all the five members of Stormzone have a shared belief in the music of the following artists Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Dio, Journey and Queensryche.
Having toured with Danger Danger, Danny Vaughn and Jeff Scott Soto amongst many others over the last couple of years they have developed a lasting relationship with rock audiences which has culminated in the release of the debut album from the Irish rockers. With the new recording, Stormzone aim to pay homage to their great influences by maintaining the classic rock sounds of the Eighties and NWOBHM whilst delivering their songs with modern high class recording studio sound and power.
WebLink: www.escape-music.com.


NEWS FROM MTM MUSIC:
Sinner just finished the recordings of forthcoming album Mask Of Sanity and the mixing session is in full swing. Achim Koehler is mixing the tracks of "Mask Of Sanity" and first sound clips will be online very soon!
We can also announce, that Christof Leim of The Traceelords officially joined the new Sinner line up as the bands second guitarist! Welcome Christof, we're proud to have you on board and let's have some metal & fun in the future!

Lars Forseth and Michael Bormann about Rain - Lars Forseth "We started the recordings for this album in February 2005. Michael had a bunch of suggestions ready by the time we arrived, and we kicked some stuff around for a while and then went for it. It came together pretty easily and we made more or less all the songs in the studio. In two weeks time we had 12 Songs recorded.
We all think the songs are "stronger" than the first album, as they are a little bit more edgy. We put some more balls and attitude into all the sessions, and we think it came across pretty good. The mixture of groovy & modern elements in songs like "Do You Like It" & "Get Over It", pop rock songs like "Deserve It" , "Crazy", "Flesh & Blood", "Love Is By Your Side" heavy rockers like "Insobriety" & "Let Me Be Your Favorite" and great ballads like "Id Die For You", "The Other Side" & "Lovesong", make "Stronger" such a great album.
We had a blast during the making of Stronger and we hope, that everybody else will dig it as much as we do! It's only Rock & Roll!"

Michael Bormann: "Well, at the time, when Jaded Heart and me went separate ways, I was of course disappointed and shocked. Life teaches you again and again, that nothing is really predictable. Anyway, this little slap in the face couldn't hold me back from what I was born for. Music!
Right now it might look like, that I am dancing on 4 different weddings, which is more or less a matter of a bad timing. All three records (Zeno, Rain & Redrum) were done, way before I started with my solo record "conspiracy". By the time, that I'd set a release date for it, I still had no clue about all the other release dates. As I was already for too long out of the scene, I couldn't wait any longer. After setting my release date, everybody else followed. As we see, almost at the same time ;-). Weather good or not, it is like it is. So, I hope the best for each record. I will try now to let you be part of my impressions to each project. Let's start with Rain:
Rain -
It was a very side project, or better a studio job for me in the very beginning. It turned out to become a real band. Nobody knew this back then. We just connected in all ways. As this came clear, I didn't want to be just a hired singer. We all decided to bring me in as a songwriter. That was the time, that we also decided to produce a record like a band. That means TOGETHER! So we all took 2 weeks of to meet in my studio to write and record songs. The first record was nothing else than 5 or 6 sessions in different studios, where we recorded about 3 to 4 songs.
So, finally we grew as a band and the result you can hear. We had so much fun making it! Musically we also had no limits, so that we were able to use even modern elements. That´s great, as it opens a wider range in the songwriting. Fantastic Album!
Zeno -
Well, I can't really tell you so much. Zeno, no it was Naoko, called me up after listening to the song samples on my homepage. We talked a couple of times and I also thought, that his music fits my voice. It was funny, as he didn't know nothing about me and the other way around ;-), ha ha.. He first wanted me to sing only 5 songs on "runway to the gods", as he still planned to also have Tommy or Michael on the record. Both rejected then during my vocal session, as they were too busy. So it turned out to be just me! I really like the songs and basically Zeno´s songwriting. He is a great musician. I didn't really like, that I couldn't bring myself into his songs. I sang 100% the way, he wanted me to. No matter what. It is a great album!
Redrum -
It was pretty much the same story like with Zeno. First I received an e-mail, asking if I would sing in a project and the rest then via telephone. The only difference was, that these guys knew me from Jaded Heart. They sent me some songs later, basically unfinished. So, here I had the chance to co-write, as some songs already had vocal-lines, some didn't. I worked on most of the stuff in my studio and sent the files back to Thessaloniki, where I also sang 3 songs. That's, when I had to find out, that these guys are just great and totally on my wave ;-). We also played a couple of shows last year, but due to some line up changes, we rerecorded some stuff, that I will mix now in my studio. By the end of 2006 it will be finally finished. A release date could be February/March 2007. Great stuff, great guys ;-). Great Country!
Conspiracy -
What to say about my own music. Here goes my baby ;-). I have all the freedom to do whatever I want, which is the greatest thing. As people know me, I always needed a good mixture of rock songs and ballads. You know, I never wanted to sing, or write, just for one direction. My songs are made for everybody. For young and old, for Woman and man. I want them all. Some say too many slow songs. Yeah, that's fine with me. Others say Oh, these ballads are sooo fantastic. Please more.. Tastes are different and this is great. I write for what ever people like.
Everybody picks, what he likes. I do the same, when I buy me a record. And believe me. Not so many records are filled with only great songs... Anyway. Make a long story short. I think, if I like/love my music, a lotta people do also. I stand for what I am. Great songs with great lyrics and I think, that I can also sing a little bit ;-)... Michael
WebLink: www.mtm-music.com.

METAL HEAVEN PRESS RELEASE:
January releases revealed - The year 2007 on Metal Heaven will be kicked off with the release of the astonishing album Accelerator by US Hard Rockers Faith And Fire feat. none other than Riot guitarist Mike Flyntz and former Riot singer Tony Moore on top of the gang.
Completed by Danny Miranda (current touring bassist with Queen) and drummer John Miceli (Blackmore's Rainbow, Meat Loaf), the release date of this CD - a musically essential album for all Riot fans out there: www.faith-and-fire.com.
Finnish Heavy Metal band Burning Point's new release Burned Down The Enemy will hit the stores in January as well. This third release of the band was recorded at Helgate Studios in their hometown of Oulu, Finland and undoubtfully will please any fan of Melodic, slighty Progressive Metal. www.brnpoint.com.
Both albums will be released on January 19, 2007.

Metal Heaven Records has inked a deal with Road To Ruin, the Swedish band consisting of Matti Alfonzetti (vocals; Jagged Edge, The Poodles, Skintrade), Lars Chriss (guitar; Lion's Share); Sampo Axelsson (bass and keyboards; Glenn Hughes, Lion's Share), and Thomas Broman (drums; Great King Rat, John Norum, Glenn Hughes).
Road To Ruin was founded in the year 2005 when guitarist Chriss and Axelsson started to write some material which didn't fit their melodic metal band Lion's Share. The group is currently putting the finishing touches on its self-titled debut album, which will follow a classic '70s and '80s hard rock vein (ala Whitesnake, Rainbow, Thin Lizzy). The recordings were produced by Chriss, Axelsson and Alfonzetti and will be released in the spring.
Official site www.roadtoruin.org.

It's Metal time! Goddess Shiva will unleash their debut album in February 2007. Originally founded in Spring 1977 (!) under the banner of Shiva, this trio feat. original members Armin Sabol (g., v., ex Rage) and Mat Sinner (b., v., Primal Fear & Sinner) plus new drummer Martin Schmidt (ex Leaves Eyes, ex Atrocity) in the line-up, delivers a high class Hard Rock/ Metal album which partly was inspired by classic hard rocker's Thin Lizzy and other bands from this era - Shiva have been an opening act for both Colosseum II (feat. Gary Moore) and Whitesnake during the late 70's.
Goddess Shiva will be out in February 16th, 2007 and marks the first ever release of recordings by this German pioneer band from Stuttgart.

US Metal band Ruffians are ready for their 2006 European tour. Here comes a reminder on the dates:
16.11.2006 (D) Lübeck, Sounds
17.11.2006 (D) Hamburg, Headbanger s Ballroom
18.11.2006 (NL) Leuwaarden, Gloppe
19.11.2006 (NL) Tilburg, Bat Cave
20.11.2006 (B) Aalst, Negasonic 22.11.2006 (CH) Zürich, Rock City 23.11.2006 (D) Heidelberg, Schwimmbad
24.11.2006 (D) Frankfurt, Die Halle 25.11.2006 (D) Metal Forces Festival X - Sak- Altes Wasserwerk, Lörrach
Current album Desert Of Tears out now via Metal Heaven.
WebLink: www.ruffians.org. For more info www.metalheaven.net.

LIGHTSPEED MAKE WAVES WITH MAJESTIC ROCK:
Toronto, Canada's Lightspeed belatedly release their third album Waves internationally through Majestic Rock Records on November 13th. The original release Date was unavoidably pushed back due to art work issues but, with these issues resolved, Lightspeed's hybrid brand of classic North American pomp rock will be readily available in a store near you soon. Track lasting for Waves is as follows:
1. Peak Fires . 2. Things To Come . 3. Young At Heart . 4-7 Waves Of Emotion: a. Waves b. Breathe Away c. One Last Time d. Innocence Of Life . 8. Bridges . 9. Let Me In . 10. Razor's Edge . 11. Fly Away.
For lovers of Classic Styx, Zon, Roadmaster and the like, this band is essential listening. The pomp revival begins here! Form an orderly queue...
WebLinks: www.lightspeedmusic.com and www.majesticrock.com.


GLENN HUGHES LIVE AT BASEMENT ON CD & DVD:
Early 2006 Glenn Hughes gave a phenomenal show in Sydney, Australia with JJ Marsh on guitar and Lachlan Doley on keys. The performance was captured and will be released on CD and DVD in 2007. Both will be for sale through the e-store button above. The setlist (full of gems): Coast to Coast / I Found a Woman / This Time Around / Nights in White Satin / Last Mistake / This House / Frail / The Divine / This is How I Feel / Whiter Shade of Pale / Mistreated / Soulmover / Gettin' Tighter / You Keep on Moving.

TALKING METAL UPDATE:
TalkingMetal.com has posted episode 107 of their Talking Metal podcast. This special episode features red carpet interviews host John Ostronomy conducted at the Motley Crue/Hard Rock Cafe 35th Anniversary Party in New York City. Guests include Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford, and Joey Kramer, Anthrax members Scott Ian and Frankie Bello, Velvet Revolver's Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielson, Evan Seinfeld and Tera Patrick, Vinnie Paul, Paul Crook, Pearl Aday, Jim Breuer, Jean Beauvoir, The Bravery, and Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC. Motley Crue's Tommy Lee also makes a quick appearance. In addition, co-host Mark Strigl and Ostronomy also discuss topics including Lonn Friend, Chris Cornell, and the new KISS DVD, "KISSology Vol. 1 1974-1977." Photos as well as the 40-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).

ROY Z & TRIBE OF GYPSIES UPDATE:
Press Release / Guitarist/producer Roy Z (Tribe Of Gypsies, Bruce Dickinson, Halford) has scheduled a special clinic-meets-show workshow this coming Sunday, November 5 at Manifesto Bar, Rua Iguatemi N° 36 in São Paulo, Brazil. The event is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. and price of admission is R$20.00. Visit www.manifestobar.com.br for more info.
Z is currently in Brazil mixing the forthcoming Tribuzy live DVD, recorded at Credicard Hall in São Paulo in November 2005 and featuring special guest appearances by Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura), Roland Grapow (Masterplan), Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Kiko Loureiro (Angra), and Chris Dale (Bruce Dickinson).
Z will be back in Los Angeles for the Tribe Of Gypsies' November 18 headline show at Paladino's, 6101 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana in support of their latest album, Dweller On The Threshold, which is now available domestically via the band's website.
For more info visit www.tribeofgypsies.com.

Y&T DVD UPDATE:
News from the Y&T newsletter: "A huge thanks to everyone who braved the extreme heat of the venue and had their faces melted for the DVD shoot on October 8 in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands. People came from all over Europe, the UK (and even the States!) to be a part of the first-ever Y&T DVD! Thank you for making it a Fantastic show!
The DVD will be released in late spring/early summer 2007. Check the web site often for "sneak preview" clips of the upcoming DVD. And be sure to check out the Discussion Forum from time to time for updated DVD information posted by Dave Meniketti.

BON JOVI INTO THE UK HALL OF FAME:
Dave Stewart and Kara DioGuardi of Platinum Weird will be in London week commencing Monday 13th November to present Bon Jovi an award at this year's UK Music Hall of Fame Awards, held at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday November 14th (aired on Channel 4 on 16th November). Other inductees include James Brown, Led Zeppelin, Brian Wilson, Rod Stewart, Dusty Springfield and Sir George Martin.
UK Music Hall of Fame Awards: www.channel4.com/music/features/U/ukmhof.html.

STERLING WHITAKER'S STYX BOOK:
Press Release / Nashville-based music journalist Sterling Whitaker has announced the upcoming release of his second book, The Grand Delusion - The Unauthorized True Story of Styx. The self-published book is set for publication December 12, 2006 and will be available through Amazon.com, as well as the books own website at www.thegranddelusion.com. It is the first-ever biography of the superstar rock group Styx. "This is one of the most beloved groups of its generation", Whitaker said. "It's about time the story is told properly."
Culled from the authors exclusive interviews with many of the principal players in the career of Styx, including guitarist/bassist/vocalist Glen Burtnik, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, and drummer Todd Sucherman, as well as management, record company executives, crew members and fans, The Grand Delusion is the definitive portrait of the Chicago-based rock ensemble that has sold more than thirty-five million records in a career spanning three decades. Beginning with 1977's The Grand Illusion, followed by Pieces Of Eight in 1978, Cornerstone in 1979 and Paradise Theatre in 1980, Styx was the first rock group ever to earn four Triple Platinum albums in a row, selling three million copies each. The groups #1 hit Babe was Song of the Year at the 1980 Peoples Choice Awards, and the 1979 Gallup poll named the group the most popular in America. Styx other hits include Lady, Come Sail Away, Renegade, Blue Collar Man, The Best Of Times, Too Much Times On My Hands, and, of course, the ubiquitous pop culture reference Mr. Roboto.
The Grand Delusion is more than just another sleazy biography about the excesses of rock stars, Whitaker maintains. "It's about hard work and sacrifice, success and failure, fame and fortune, love and hatred, friendship and betrayal, and hopefully redemption. Its the true story of how a group of people who have very little in common outside of music struggled to overcome their differences and their limitations to create a body of work that is beloved by millions of people. Its also about the business side of the bands career, the behind-the-scenes work that greased the rails for the band to succeed. Its not so much a story about rich rock stars. The story of Styx is a very human story, good and bad."
Fans who purchase the book through Amazon.com or through www.thegranddelusion.com between December 12th and December 25th will receive a free download of the authors first book Unsung Heroes of Rock Guitar, featuring Whitakers exclusive interviews with rock guitarists such as Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Craig Chaquico (Jefferson Starship), Howard Leese (Heart) and Richard Williams (Kansas), as well as a free download of Behind The Grand Delusion, comprised of the authors project notes and his exclusive interviews with some of the principal players in Styx career which form the backbone of the project.
Styx will release a live album, One With Everything, on November 7th accompanied by a DVD. The band will tour abroad with Deep Purple in early 2007. Former Styx singer Dennis DeYoung is working on a new studio record, the follow-up to Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx Live With Symphony Orchestra, which has been certified Triple Platinum in Canada.
WebLink: www.thegranddelusion.com.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

HARTMANN COMING HOME IN JANUARY:
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce all details surrounding the release of the highly anticipated new album from Hartmann - Home on January 26, 2007.
Oliver Hartmann is one of the blossoming talents of the New Wave of Reborn Melodic Rock coming from Europe. Former singer of the Metal band At Vance, his stunning debut album Out In The Cold made a strong impact on the fans during 2005 and he was awarded as #4 Best Album and #1 Song of The Year on the popular website www.melodicrock.com. His new album entitled Home, offers again an irresistible mix of melodies, emotion and powerful rock, with exquisite arrangements and a voice that will stand in the years to come.
Produced once again by Sascha Paeth (Kamelot, Angra etc.) and Oliver Hartmann, Home was recorded from January through to August 2006. "I'm very satisfied with the new album Home cause for me it's one step forward concerning the songwriting and production", says Oliver. "Due to the fact that the main part of the album was recorded with the same line up touring this summer with Toto, everything has developed more and more into a band's sound, which is a little rougher than Out in the Cold."
The band's line up featured on the album is as follows Oliver Hartmann (vocals& guitar), Mario Reck (guitar), Armin Donderer (bass), Juergen Wuest (keys), Dario Ciccioni (drums).
Final tracklisting of Home is: Coming Home To You; The Sun's Still Rising; My Everything is You; Somewhere Someday; Just For You; I Don't Want To Know; Higher Than Me; Why Do I; Millionaire; Crying; Lay All Your Love On Me.
Release in Japan is scheduled on King Records.

xx

INTO THE VOID WITH JOHN MACALUSO:
Press Release / The Void is in preproduction for their upcoming debut to be released in the spring of 2007. Tracking will begin in November at DCity Studios in Long Island with John Macaluso, formerly of Yngwie Malmsteen and Ark on drums.
John recently completed basic tracks there for his first solo CD featuring James Labrie, Tony Harnell and Mike DiMeo on vocals and many other guests that he has worked with over the years.
The Void features members from the Chris Caffery Band, Zandelle and October Thorns. Their sound has been described as aggressive prog-metal with a focus on stripped down song-writing.
One exception will be an epic, classically inspired piece that borrows from the traditions of symphonic music while incorporating modern instruments and recording techniques. David Z from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and ZO2 will be providing a 2 handed 6 string bass section with Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and Vitalij Kuprij (Artension) under consideration for their own separate contributions.
Demo tracks are available at myspace.com/seekthevoid. The Void's first live performance will be opening for Zero Hour at the Hook in Brooklyn on November 12th.

SPOCK'S BEARD AND GUILTY PLEASURES:
Press Release / Join Spock's Beard band members Alan Morse, Ryo Okumoto, Dave Meros, and Nick D'Virgilio as they appear Live on Guilty Pleasures with Gruno to World Premiere their latest CD. All members will be live in-studio to answer questions and chat live with fans and listeners. As an added bonus, Spock's Beard will be giving a special in-studio performance. Other surprise musicians and guests are scheduled to appear. All members will be present in the interactive chat room, so make sure to log in during the broadcast. There will also be ways to win unique autographed prizes from Spock's Beard by being present in the chat room. This is definitely a musical journey you will not want to miss.
Spock's Beard on "Guilty Pleasures with Gruno" / 7pm (PST) Monday, November 6, 2006 / www.StudioGruno.com.
Listening/Chat instructions You can listen to "Guilty Pleasures with Gruno" on any computer via an internet connection. Go to www.StudioGruno.com, then click on "Guilty". Join the audio stream during any broadcast by clicking "Listen." Join the interactive chat by clicking "Chat," then "Chat Now" from the "Guilty" page.

BUCKCHERRY'S "15" STRIKES GOLD:
Press Release / (Los Angeles, CA) - Making this the rock come back story of the year, Los Angeles' Buckcherry's latest album, 15 (Eleven Seven Music/Atlantic Records), has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The band's first studio effort in four years was released in the U.S. in April 2006 with an explosive debut at #2 on the Independent Album Chart, #9 on Top Alternative Albums, as well as #48 on the Billboard 200. The out-of-the-box success of15 gained the attention of Atlantic Records who immediately added them to the roster.
Fifteen's sizzling first single, Crazy Bitch, bulleted to the top of the rock charts and remains one of the most played rock songs of the year. "Crazy Bitch" is the #1 most downloaded rock ring tone (and has been for more than a month according to Billboard). The current single, "Next 2 You," is now climbing the active rock charts and the fan inspired video directed by P.R. Brown has just been added at VH1.
For more information visit www.buckcherry.com.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

FRONTIERS RECORDS ARTIST UPDATE:
Frontiers Records is very proud to announce the signing of Dokken for the release of a brand new studio album in 2007!
Dokken is a legendary US metal band formed originally in 1977. With such albums as Tooth And Nail, Under Lock And Key, Back For the Attack and later Dysfunctional and Erase The Slate they have characterized a musical style made of technical guitars and soaring melodic vocals backed by a heavy thumping bass.
Currently the band consists of Don Dokken on vocals, Jon Levin on guitar, Barry Sparks on bass, and Mick Brown on drums.
"The new record will be a classic Dokken style release, something that all the fans have been asking for", says Don Dokken. "We hope to be done with the production of the record within January 07, so that we can plan a full European tour for the summer time!"


Toto have announced a new stream of tour dates during the spring 2007.
12 March 2007 Colston Hall , Bristol (United Kingdom)
13 March 2007 City Hall , Newcastle (United Kingdom)
14 March 2007 Apollo , Manchester (United Kingdom)
17 March 2007 Porsche Arena , Stuttgart (Germany)
18 March 2007 Philipshalle , Düsseldorf (Germany)
19 March 2007 Heineken Music Hall , Amsterdam (Holland)
21 March 2007 Olympiahalle , Munich (Germany)
22 March 2007 Olympia Halla , Innsbruck (Austria)
24 March 2007 Galaxie , Metz (France)
26 March 2007 Zenith , Paris (France)
27 March 2007 Zenith , Dijon (France)
28 March 2007 Zenith , Nantes (France)
30 March 2007 Palaruffini , Turin (Italy)
01 April 2007 Palabam , Mantova (Italy)

Josh Ramos (Hardline, The Storm) has started to write songs for the follow-up release to the acclaimed Living In The Light album. The music style will be once again "straight-ahead melodic rock with great uptempos, ballads and melodies" says Josh. He also confirmed that the extraordinary new talent Don Chaffin will handle all lead vocals. Frontiers hopes to release the album before the summer 07.

Stan Bush is putting finishing touches to the recording of his brand new studio album. According to Stan the mix will start next week and the album will be delivered sometime in November 06. "This is definitely my best album ever!" says Stan and judging from the demos he's been working on we can believe him!

Popular singer Michael Kiske has confirmed his desire to work on a new recording of old Helloween hits in acoustic / unplugged mode. All in all around 11 songs will be re-arranged but also one brand new song will find its way on this album. In the meanwhile Michael will also appear as a guest singing a duet with Gisa Vatcky, the female singer of the band Indigo Dying for the song Breathe In Water. The coming winter will be very busy for Michael!

Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchock are busy putting finishing touches to the recording of the third Pride Of Lions album entitled The Roaring of Dreams. According to Peterik, "It is a return to the more commercial and hooky sounds of the first album and actually takes much of its inspiration from the Vital Signs album by Survivor. Keep in mind though that it is pure Pride Of Lions and adds the drama of Toby's voice and the counterpoint vocals of yours truly."
"The songs are mostly shorter form and more to the point", continues Peterik, "there are still some grand messages though the title track is about the massive sound that we hear in our head when a dream is taking shape - even when you are working a 9 to 5 shift or even if you are an unhappy house wife - you still can hear the dream in your head. There is a song about the The Book of Life we are all writing - "are you just a footnote - or will you rise to fill it's pages - you were born to rock the ages - just take your pen and write the book of life" - you can shape your own destiny if you really try.
Toby has a field day with the Hagar-esque rocker Heaven on Earth, inspired on the night my wife's brother Andy passed away - "I'm not gonna wait till I'm six feet under - we can find heaven on earth". There's a classic pop song called Language of the Heart that really rocks, there something for everyone and I am sure this will please all."
Once again the band's line-up in the recording features Ed Breckenfeld on drums, Klem Hayes on bass, Mike Aquino on guitar and Christian Cullen on keyboards apart from Jim Peterik (keyboards, guitar and vocals) and Toby Hitchcock on lead vocals. Frontiers Records plans to release the album in early 2007.

Following the successful release of the Slamer debut album Nowhere Land, the official Slamer website was launched ! Go to mikeslamer.ke0.eu and enjoy everything about british guitarist Mike Slamer!

Former Toto singer Fergie Fredriksen is putting his finishing touches to the recording of the long awaited Fredriksen / Denander project. There will be 12 songs included on the album and according to guitar player Tommy Denander "This stuff is killer!" Frontiers hopes to receive the finished master within the end of 06 in order to schedule the release for the first half of 2007.

The third album of the Khymera project (featuring Daniele Liverani on keyboards, Dario Ciccioni on drums, Tommy Ermolli on guitar and Dennis Ward of Pink Cream 69 on vocals) has started to take shape. This time the songwriting has been completely handled by the British brothers Tom & James Martin (who did also heavily contribute to the second record and penned the beautiful Ghost of Time on the latest House Of Lords album World Upside Down). The recording will start in early 2007 and the label plans a release after the summer.

Unfortunately the planned John Waite UK / European tour got cancelled. No other details are available at the moment, but it is hoped that John will be able to play in Europe during the spring 07.

Guitarist/Singer Richie Kotzen was kind enough to send his personal comments on the tracks that will appear on his forthcoming album Into The Black to be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on December 8! Enjoy the read!
1. You Can't Save Me - This is the first song I recorded for the CD... the first 3 songs were this one, "Fear" and "The Shadow"... "You Can t Save Me" sets the tone for the entire record... I m not sure where the inspiration came from, but obviously I was a bit pissed at something... It was one of those songs that really wrote itself... I started with the riff and then just began to sing...
2. Misunderstood - This was the 4th song I wrote for the CD... it is really about the effects substances have on your mind... When you're high, you tend to talk about things and say things you would never say... You begin to believe in things that to a sober mind would have no bearing whatsoever ...
3. Fear - This song is about running out of options... Losing site of goals and surrendering to defeat... It's sort of a sad song lyrically but it's a place that I'm sure many people come to in life if even only for a moment.
4. The Shadow - This song is about inner voices... Also about feeling alone... Living in a bit of a fantasy world and feeling misunderstood on all levels...
5. Doin' What The Devil Says To Do - This song is about mistakes... Also about knowing what the right choice is but for whatever reason you keep on making the same mistake over and over again even though you know your doing it...
6. Till You Put Me Down - This is a break up song... basically says that I m going to stay with you even though I know it's bad... Saying I won't leave until you leave me sort of thing.
7. Sacred Ground - This song is about being lost whenever you are without the one you love... I suppose it's a bit of a love song even though it sounds sort of creepy.
8. Your Lies - This song is another sort of desperate love song... More or less saying that you surrender to whatever the other person gives you.
9. Living In Bliss - I wrote this song a long time ago... There were several different versions of this song until I settled on the version on the CD... It is another break up song... Basically talking about how bad the relationship was and how much better off you are without.
10. My Angel - This is one of those dysfunctional love songs where you are admitting fault in how you are, but also admitting you can't change.


PREVIEWING VAUGHN AND JORN:
Halfway home...this update comes from Singapore's Changi International Airport - one of the best airports there is I reckon...anyway, on the flight here I took some time to check out 5 brand new tracks from the new Vaughn album Traveller, due out via Frontiers Records in February 2007.
From what I can tell, it looks like Danny Vaughn is on a real winner with this album. The earthy tones of previous Vaughn albums is still there, but these tunes step back towards the classic Tyketto sound, which I know will excite fans. I'll comment individually on the 5 tracks when I get back to business next week.

Also getting a spin is the 2 new Jorn albums - the all covers affair Unlocking the Past and the Best Of The Gathering. Both albums feature new recordings and remixed tracks from past releases. And both will be essential for Jorn fans. I'm totally sold on Jorn Lande as one of the greatest rock vocalists in the business. The 16 track retrospective is a perfect starting point for those yet to be introduced to this 'metal David Coverdale' and the covers album looks like being a rare commodity - a credible and enjoyable salute to some classic rock songs from the likes of Deep Purple, Bad Company and Black Sabbath. More detailed comments to follow. Both Jorn albums are released on Frontiers in January.

NEW STORM FROM MICK CERVINO:
Violent Storm, the new band formed by ex-Yngwie Malmsteen/Blackmore's Night bassist Mick Cervino, has posted the song War No More, featuring K.K. Downing of Judas Priest on lead guitar, at www.violentstorm.net. The track comes off the group's new album, Storm Warning, which was released October 23 in Europe. The CD, which was released in Japan in June, was produced by K.K. Downing (his first production credit outside of Judas Priest), and features guest appearances by Downing, Yngwie Malmsteen and Roy Z (Halford, Bruce Dickinson).

HUGHESTHRALL.COM & MYSPACE ONLINE NOW!:
Just ahead of the November release (via Rock Candy Records) of the newly re-mastered edition of the classic Hughes/Thrall album, both Glenn Hughes and Pat Thrall have debuted their brand new accompanying website - www.hughesthrall.com - and also their new space over at MySpace.com - www.myspace.com/hughesthrall.
Be sure and check'em both out!
The remaster is now available for pre-order from Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) worldwide, NEH Records (www.nehrecords.com) in the USA, Play.com (www.play.com) in the UK and HMV (www.hmv.co.jp) in Japan.

MORE ESSENTIAL SCHUTT:
Get a taste of the brand new Gary Schutt CD due out in 2007!! See the video for the song Love Me For Me by clicking: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxUQAaqr3MA.
Also the other 2 CD's Gary's has been working on this year (Palisade Lost In Paradise and Gary Schutt Loss 4 Words) are due for release in December. The Palisade CD is a collection of songs Gary wrote back in his High School and College days. If you are a fan of Journey, Styx, Van Halen and anything 80's pop rock, you will love this album. The Loss 4 Words album is Gary's first guitar instrumental release, and the first to have guest appearances from other people since his debut with Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen).

MANDRAKE TO SUPPORT CHEAP TRICK/THIN LIZZY & IAN GILLAN IN OZ:
Premier Aussie power trio Mandrake (www.mandrake.com.au) will join Cheap Trick and Thin Lizzy on their upcoming Sydney dates Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December. They will also be joining Ian Gillan on the New South Wales leg of his much anticipated Gillan's Inn solo tour kicking off on the 20th January 2007.
This coming Saturday (4th November) will also see Mandrake play a one-off Sydney show at The Pine Inn (Concord) in support of their newly released, self-titled EP. $10 admission also scores you a free copy of the EP as well as the chance to see the band stretch out with a spectacular 2.5+ hour show.
Mandrake have enjoyed a blaze of success since their Deep Purple/Status Quo tour last April, winning the praises of many Top Shelf promoters who find them the perfect choice as openers for the growing number of Classic Rock acts coming to tour in Australia.
Said Bassist George Passas: "It takes a rare breed of band to be able to say it all in the mere 30-40 minutes you re given on stage as support act to world renowned artists with a cult-like following of very devoted fans AND consistently walk off stage at the end of your set to incredible applause, AND on top of all this sell dozens of CD's and T-shirts after your show when an hour ago you were unknowns. This band is chuffed at the interest we ve generated in such a short time, and blessed to be awarded such top line gigs. We're having a ball and it must be showing!"
Mandrake are also finalists in Tony Iommi's Black Sunday Radio Show unsigned band competition featured on Planet Rock.
Mandrake sound clips as well as CD and merchandise purchases available at www.mandrake.com.au.

SUNCITY RECORDS OFFERS NEW CD PREVIEWS:
More news from Australia - retro hard rock label Suncity Records has this update for you:
"Just a quick update to keep everybody posted on how things are coming along with our next few releases. Below are the upcoming CD's to be released before the end of the year. To preview a track off each album, click on the link below.
Dirty Rhythm, Daniel MacMaster and Sweet Teaze will be released on the 31/10/06. Kidd Havok, Blackboard Jungle and Pretty Vacant won't be too much longer, we are just tweaking a few things in order to get the production spot on. Enjoy."
A preview of each album mentioned there (via a full length MP3 download) and all album artwork is available at: www.suncityrecords.com.

METAL MIND GOES TO ROADRUNNER:
Metal Mind Productions is very proud to announce a multi-record licensing deal signed with Roadrunner Records for their fantastic back-catalogue.
MMP will re-issue over 25 albums from the late 80 s/early 90 s, taken from the wide Roadrunner Records archives. The selection of bands includes Solitude Aeturnus, Crimson Glory, Atrophy, Heaten, Realm, Xentrix, Disincarnate, Pestilence, Last Crack, Znowhite, Sadus, Toxik, Bulldozer & Gorguts. This is a must-have offer for fans of good music - re-issues of classic material in new digipack editions, each title limited to 2000 copies, digitally re-mastered using 24-Bit process with bonus features like audio or video material, biography, liner notes from Artists and more.
Tomasz Dziubinski, President of Metal Mind Productions: "It took us over 2 years to finalize this fantastic deal. When we first started to work with Roadrunner Records back in 1990 we were selling vinyl copies of those titles. Albums unavailable for over 15 years were sold in places like Ebay for 100s of dollars! This is a wonderful occasion to refresh those classic albums and present them to fans of good metal music in a new, improved version. We worked very hard with Roadrunner Records and the Artists on achieving the best possible results."
First batch of those titles is scheduled for 13th November.

KEITH SEMPLE JOINS 7TH HEAVEN:
Press Release / Keith was born and raised in Northern Ireland and was voted "Best Male Singer" on the hit TV show PopStars (the predecessor to our American Idol) in the UK by over 6 million viewers. After that, he joined the band One True Voice (Jive Records) and promptly sold over 400,000 CD's, which earned him a Gold Record for the song Sacred Trust - written by the Bee-Gees. MTV-UK still plays One True Voice videos today.
During this time Keith also worked with Pete Waterman (of Stock Aitken Waterman) - who wrote over 200 top 40 UK hits. Keith still works with Pete today. After "One True Voice" Keith went back to Northern Ireland to play with his rock band Alibi, where he got rave reviews and was considered as "someone to watch" & "the next Robbie Williams" by the UK press. During this time Keith was invited to play some shows in the UK to packed 10,000 - 20,000 seat arenas. Keith found out 7th Heaven was looking for a singer and contacted the band about the job. After realizing the perfect fit, plans were set in place to get Keith to Chicago (his first time ever). So after waiting patiently, Keith is now in Chicago and in 7th Heaven. Dan, Mark and I know you will be amazed with his voice and talents, just as we are. We are happy to welcome him to the 7th Heaven family. Check out the promo video of Keith on our website (www.7thheavenband.com).
Yes, we have alot of new products in the works. We have about 150 songs to work with for our next CD and we'll be recording them over the next few months - so look for a new 7th Heaven CD coming early 2007. We also will be finishing the Pop Medley CD that many of you have been asking for. We will also be releasing an Unplugged acoustic CD of our unplugged set.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

GREETINGS FROM THE UK:
Greetings from London, UK. I'm awaiting my flight home after a killer weekend in Nottingham at Firefest 3. I must apologise for the lack of site updates. Firstly I over-estimated the availability of easy online access, so I have hardly been online at all. Secondly, I really needed the time to just enjoy the weekend. I don't get out and about too often, so forgive this indulgence.
I fly home tomorrow morning, but the flight back takes 30 hours and then I can't wait to spend some time with the family.
So - business as usual from Monday November 6.
That said - here's an update below and I hope to present a review of the Firefest 3 show shortly, plus more news and updates from my in-box.
To state briefly - Firefest 3 was another fabulous weekend for all. This event goes beyond the music...it's a great atmosphere of friendly, like-minded people, just hanging out and enjoying the experience, the company, the alcohol (!!) and yes...of course, the bands.
Nottingham Rock City was packed with some 1200 melodic rock hungry fans and judging by the merch sales - all went away happy and content with the events of the weekend.
Firefest 3 saw a solid line-up deliver some highly enjoyable and very professional sets. I'll expand on my comments with the full show review, but I think all bands delivered good strong performances.
There were some technical difficulties throughout the day - something these festivals are prone too, as the bands don't get time to soundcheck as they would regularly do. Talking to the many gathered during and after the show, all bands scored votes as favourites for the day but there was a clear majority for 3 bands - Gotthard, Wig Wam and Treat.
My call - I think Wig Wam delivered the most high energy and crowd pleasing set of the day and clearly had the whole audience involved in their highly entertaining set. And Gotthard were consummate professionals and did their thing perfectly to the crowd's delight.
Nexx got the day off to a perfect start and I think their set (filmed for DVD release) got the crowd warmed up nicely. Treat had a great sound and friendly crown behind them. Wig Wam were simply outstanding - just great fun to watch, high energy at all times and completely over the top old-school glam rock. The crowd ate them up and at a later signing session, the band sold out of all merch brought along for the show.
Fair Warning had a big job of following Wig Wam and like Gotthard, delivered a professional and tight set. Same for Bonfire, who also filmed their set for a DVD release.
I imagine there will be some differing opinions on Winger - call it the curse of the Festival Headliner. Besieged with technical difficulties that hindered their own enjoyment of the show and not to mention having to cut their set list a little due to the event running a little behind - I for one think they showed those attending what phenomenal musicians they all are and Kip Winger providing lead vocals, bass, keyboards and acoustic guitar parts was something pretty amazing to watch.

Most of all I'd just like to give a big thank you to everyone that I met this weekend, old faces and new. That was a highlight of the trip for me. The good time, the conversation and the awesome comments from all will last me the next 12 months. It really is great to get out and meet users of the site and great to hear that the site is appreciated and going in the right direction.
Cheers!
Firefest 3 report online soon.

PS. Talk of Firefest was of course all things Journey! I have never seen so many Journey T-Shirts in one place (aside from the actual Journey gigs!). I just want to mention that work continues on the Journey 2006 Feature and I'm on track for it all being online sometime during the week commencing November 6.

PHENOMENA ARTWORK REVEALED:
Escape Music have released the cover art for the Phenomena release The Complete Works. The limited edition triple CD digipak contains all the three albums - Phenomena, Dream Runner and Innervision. All digitally re-mastered, with a new front cover plus 6 bonus tracks, and the booklet shall feature the full story of Phenomena!
Release date November 20.


TOM COCHRANE NO LONGER A STRANGER AS OF THIS WEEK:
Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane finally returns to active duty on Tuesday with his new album No Stranger. The track listing is as follows:
The Party's Not Over . Glide . While You Are Young . White Horse . Didn't Mean . Rough And Tumble . Out Of My Head . Deep Breath . Northern Star . Since You Left Me . Colour Blue . Spirit In The Sky.
Some details of the album have been released by Universal Music:
"Self-produced and recorded at Toronto's Metalworks as well as Cochrane's own Layastone studio on Georgian Bay, No Stranger features a mix of passionate anthems and stirring ballads from an artist still clearly in his prime. Cochrane kicks things off with "The Party's Not Over," a driving rocker full of hope and faith that recalls the joyfulness of his mega-hit "Life is a Highway." The robust, inspirational "Rough and Tumble," meanwhile, pays tribute to both the courage of Canadian hockey heroes and small-town soldiers fighting overseas. There are also bluesy numbers like "Since You Left Me" and a fuzzed-out psych cover of Norman Greenbaum's 1969 gospel-rock gem "Spirit in the Sky." But the album also contains gentler moments like "Deep Breath" and "Out of My Head," which rank among the most intimate and mellifluous songs that Cochrane has ever recorded.
The album heralds a new chapter in Cochrane's acclaimed career: it's his first for Universal Music Canada, after releasing all of his previous recordings through EMI. "It was time for a change," he says simply, "and change is always good." Indeed, Cochrane sounds positively revitalized throughout the album, summoning a youthful vigor on the soaring choruses to "Glide" and "White Horse" and a fresh urgency on "Didn't Mean." But No Stranger also represents a return to familiar partnerships. After years of what Cochrane calls "estrangement," he and guitarist Ken Greer, his longtime comrade from Red Rider days, reunited to rework their studio magic. Greer's signature slide guitar sound can be heard most prominently on the first single, "Didn't Mean" and "Out of My Head." "It's great to be playing with Kenny again," says Cochrane. "He understands music's cinematic potential and weaves wonderful colors that always enhance the lyrics."
In producing the new album himself, Cochrane ignored commercial considerations and eschewed polish in favor of a more stripped-down sound. "A big part of this record was deciding how much to leave raw," he says. "For one thing, we didn't AutoTune the tracks to death." The result is that his falsetto vocals on "Deep Breath" track sound fittingly fragile and honest. Asked why it took him so long to release a follow up 1998's XRay Sierra album, Cochrane says candidly, "I could've put out a record every year after that, but if they're no good and not from your heart, what's the point. Sometimes it just takes a while to get there."


DOM STANDS IN FOR ANDY IN DURAN DURAN:
Duran Duran have announced that Dom Brown will play guitar on the upcoming American shows which are slated to run from October 26 to November 11, 2006. After these dates, the band will return to the studio to continue recording.

ONE FINAL BILOXI RELEASE FOR THE FANS:
Mark Allen Lanoue, guitarist of Biloxi sent in a cool update for fans of the band. Mark says: "I just wanted to let you know that the remaining members of Biloxi are plan on finishing Biloxi III. We will begin work on the final pieces, mixing etc in the coming weeks. This will be our final honor to Clyde. Rob Gronkoski, Dave Melton, Stephen Prescott and myself will be putting on the finishing touches. If you would like a preview of a couple of the Lead Solos that will be on Biloxi III, you can check them out on my myspace page: myspace.com/markallenlanoue."
Also check out: www.markallenlanoue.com and www.biloximusic.com.

ROB HALFORD TO DEBUT FIRST NEW 'HALFORD' TRACK IN FOUR YEARS:
Press Release / This November will see a flurry of release from one of heavy metal's all-time great voices, Judas Priest's Rob Halford. Rob's solo band Halford make an unforgettable and exclusive return to Apple's iTunes Music Store this fall. On November 21, 2006 Halford will debut its first new track in more than four years 'Forgotten Generation' exclusively @ Apple.com/iTunes/store - keyword Halford.
One week later - on November 28, 2006 - three (3) full-length Halford albums 'Resurrection' with bonus material (2000/2006), 'Live Insurrection' (2001/2006), and 'Crucible' with bonus material (2002/2006) will re-release after being re-acquired earlier this year. 'Resurrection' signaled Halford's glorious metallic return, and featured a duet with Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, 'The One You Love To Hate.' The ensuing tour was faithfully documented on 'Live Insurrection,' which combined new Halford and Fight tracks with such Priest classics as 'Stained Class,' 'Genocide,' and 'Breaking the Law.' Halford's sophomore studio set, 'Crucible,' showed the group continuing to gel as one of metal's fiercest outfits, before the singer returned to front the classic Judas Priest line-up once more. All titles are available exclusively @ Apple.com/iTunes/store - keyword Halford.
The new 'Halford Metal God Essentials - Volume 1' (2006) release features fifteen (15) outstanding tracks from Rob's early solo days right up to the inclusion of two new Halford tracks from the current 'Halford IV' writing sessions 'Forgotten Generation' and 'Drop Out.'
The first Halford Expanded Singles EP 'Silent Screams' (2006) is the fifth Halford title to release on November 28, 2006. Rob Halford's original 1999 demonstration recording of 'Silent Screams;' is bundled with three additional Halford versions. Bonus 'Silent Screams' film footage previewing next year's 'Halford - Live at Rock In Rio III (2001/2007) film release is included with your full-EP digital download purchase. Exclusively available @ Apple.com/iTunes/store - keyword Halford.
MGE's sixth release is a very rare, full-length 'Fight' demonstration recording 'K5 The War Of Words Demos' (1992/2006). K5 features The Metal God's first written material and recorded performances as a solo artist (1992); PLUS, five (5) previously unreleased Rob Halford songs; reflecting Rob's original vision of his first solo effort. Available exclusively @ Apple.com/iTunes/store - keyword Fight.
Each Halford and Fight K5 iTunes full album and EP digital pack features mastered audio, new & enhanced art, expanded liner notes and exclusive media @ RobHalford.com with your iTunes order number, PLUS exclusive, bonus film footage of The Metal God & band is packaged with your full-album and EP iTunes digital download purchase.
Halford's new video 'Forgotten Generation' debuts November 28, 2006 @ Apple.com/iTunes/store - keyword Halford.
Save on your own early purchase and gift Halford and Fight to your family and friends; 'The Halford and Fight iTunes pre-sale' begins November 21, 2006 - November 27, 2006.
Halford are Rob Halford - vox, Metal Mike Chlasciak and Roy Z. - Guitars, Bobby Jarzombek - Drums, and Mike Davis - Bass.
Tracklisting for 'Halford Metal God Essentials - Volume 1' includes:
1) Resurrection (Resurrection 2000/2006), 2) Made In Hell (Resurrection 2000/2006), 3) Screaming In The Dark (Live Insurrection 2001/2006), 4) Golgotha (Crucible 2002/2006), 5) Silent Screams 1999 Demo (1999/2006), 6) Crystal (Crucible 2002/2006), 7) Into The Pit (New K5 - 1992/2006), 8) Nailed To The Gun (New K5 - 1992/2006), 9) Slow Down (Resurrection 2000/2006), 10) Forgotten Generation (New - 2006), 11) Drop Out (New - 2006), 12) Locked and Loaded (Resurrection 2000/2006), 13) War Of Words (New K5 - 1992/2006), 14) Sun (Crucible 2002/2006), 15) Trail Of Tears (Crucible 2002/2006).
Additional details available at www.RobHalford.com.

US DOMESTIC RELEASE FOR NEW TRIBE OF GYPSIES:
Press Release / A rare, never released promotional video of the Tribe Of Gypsies' epic We All Bleed Red has been posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dFG6raqWwQ. It was filmed in London, England in the fall of 1993 as the band were in town to record the 'Balls to Picasso' album with Bruce Dickinson and features the same line-up assembled for the TRIBE's eponymous 1996 debut, guitarist Roy Z, vocalist Dean Ortega (ex-Neverland), bassist Eddie Casillas, drummer David Ingraham, and percussionists Doug Van Booven and Mario Aguilar.
A domestic version of the Tribe Of Gypsies' latest album, Dweller On The Threshold, which was released July 20 on JVC/Victor in Japan and September 26 on Seoul Records in Korea, can currently be obtained through the band's website www.tribeofgypsies.com/news/index.html. Co-produced by Roy Z and L.A. studio legend Richard Podolor, it is the Tribe's first album to feature the group's current live line-up consisting of Z on lead guitar, former Jason Bonham Band vocalist Chas West, keyboardist Ray Rodriguez, percussionist Elvis Balladares, drummer David Moreno (Bruce Dickinson, Earshot), bassist Juan Perez (Bruce Dickinson, Zach De La Rocha), and second guitarist Christian Byrne. Several "Dweller..." tracks are available in streaming audio on the band's MySpace page.
Tribe Of Gypsies have also announced another L.A. area show and will be making a headline appearance Saturday, November 18 at Paladino's, 6101 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana CA 91335. Visit www.jimmydproductions.com for more info.
Tribe of Gypsies online: www.tribeofgypsies.com.

Thursday, October 26, 2006 :pm update

VAN HALEN AND ROTH - FINALLY IN 2007:
No more teasing. Never tease where Van Halen is concerned...I have information from a highly placed source that Van Halen will likely tour in 2007 with David Lee Roth as frontman.

Negotiations are currently underway to re-unite Van Halen with their original frontman for a tour in 2007 that will take in Amercia and possibly other territories. While nothing in the world of Van Halen is set until the band walk out on stage, I can confirm that negotiations between all parties have been underway for some time, trying to put together a big 2007 re-union tour.

One would presume the tour will feature classic VH era songs only. What I do not yet know is whether this plan includes exiled bass player Michael Anthony. Perhaps Wolfgang will play bass? I'm told these questions will be answered shortly.
Van Halen last toured in 2004 with Sammy Hagar, but the tour ended on a sour note and Hagar has not talked to Eddie Van Halen since.
What I also know is that there will be no new Van Halen release to go with the tour, such as The Best Of Both World's in 2004. There is no plans for a new compilation or a new studio album - just the tour.
More details when available.

UNLOCKING TWO NEW ALBUMS FROM VOCAL GOD JORN LANDE:
Frontiers Records is very pleased to announce the release of two separate Jorn records entitled Unlocking The Past and The Gathering on January 27, 2007.
The concept behind this dual release is to encounter the fans request for more material and to make some of Jorn's earlier work more available.
With The Gathering, Jorn says, "I'm removing dust from some of my earlier recordings because I believe some of these songs deserve a second chance in history . Some tracks have been rerecorded from scratch, simply because I felt they would sound better with new arrangements and approach continues the Norwegian singer, adding Others have been remixed and have this way been given a face lift due to the fact that the original recordings didn t sound that great productionwise. All songs have been digitally mastered by my good friend Tommy Hansen and I hope that this album will please my old as well as my newer fans."

Unlocking the Past includes some previously unreleased cover songs that were originally considered to be leftovers or additional bonus tracks for previous Jorn albums. Many of them were never included on any official release. Some brand new covers were also recorded specifically for this release. Dust has been brushed from these recordings; the remix of Burn, The day the earth caught fire (which originally appeared on Jorn's solo debut album Starfire), and the remastered version of On and On (which was supposed to appear on a Millennium covers album a few years back), complete the tracklisting of the album.
"I'm very excited about releasing these songs from the treasure chest" Jorn says and surely this is nothing less than a nice present for the numerous fans of one of the greatest Rock singers today.

xx

The tracklisting on the two albums will be as follows:
Unlocking the Past - On And On (originally recorded by MSG); Fool For Your Loving (originally recorded by Whitesnake); Cold Sweat (originally recorded by Thin Lizzy); Lonely Is The Word/Letters From Earth (originally recorded by Black Sabbath); Burn (originally recorded by Deep Purple); Feel Like Making Love (originally recorded by Bad Company); Kill The King (originally recorded by Rainbow); Perfect Strangers (originally recorded by Deep Purple); Naked City (originally recorded by KISS); The Day The Earth Caught Fire (originally recorded by City Boy).
The Gathering - Something Real; Gonna Find The Sun; Bridges Will Burn; Young Forever; Tungur Knivur; One Day We Will Put Out The Sun; Sunset Station; Hourglass; Gate Of Tears; House Of Cards; My Own Way; Worldchanger; Abyss Of Evil; Where The Winds Blow; Christine; Big.
Release date for both records will be January 26, 2007 in Europe, with Japanese release on Marquee/Avalon. Watch out for JORN touring Europe in a city near you during Spring 07!

xx

GENESIS - OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 7TH NOVEMBER 2006:
News from Genesis - "An official announcement about the band's plans for 2007 will be made on Tuesday, 7th November. Full details will be made available first on this site at a time to be confirmed.
No further information will be supplied until that date and we respectfully ask that people desist from sending emails, letters and making phone calls for advance information - this will NOT be provided until the official date. Thank you for your patience until then"
WebLink: www.genesis-music.com.
What they are referring to is of course the news that the popular band will tour in 2007 (Collins, Banks & Rutherford), but without Peter Gabriel (at this stage).

BLACK SABBATH MEMBERS REUNITE WITHOUT OZZY:
Press Story / By Dean Goodman, Los Angeles (Reuters) - Ozzy Osbourne's bandmates in British heavy metal group Black Sabbath have reunited without the singer for a planned tour early near year, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
The threesome have joined forces with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who sang in the band during two stints in the 1980s and 1990s after Osbourne was ousted for his prodigious drug abuse, but will bill themselves as Heaven and Hell.
Lest anyone think that Osbourne has been ostracized again, representatives for the so-called "Prince of Darkness" issued a separate statement, announcing "there is only one Black Sabbath," and that he would join forces with his old Birmingham buddies for a tour and new album late next year.
Original Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and Dio "are working on a project together which has nothing to do with Black Sabbath," the statement said. "However, Ozzy wishes Tony and Ronnie much success in their project together."
The members of Heaven and Hell -- Dio, Iommi, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward -- were not available for comment. The group's spokeswoman said Dio and Iommi were in England writing songs together.
The combo takes its name from the first album Dio recorded with Black Sabbath in 1980. This lineup recorded another studio album in 1981 and a live album in 1982, after which Dio quit. He reportedly complained there were not enough photos of him in the live album artwork, while Iommi reportedly referred to the diminutive head-banger as a "little Hitler."
After a stint at the helm of a successful 1980s metal band bearing his last name, Dio briefly rejoined Black Sabbath a decade later, by which time Iommi was the only original member left and the group had lost most of its fans.
The founding foursome, famed for such jarring metal anthems as "Paranoid" and "War Pigs," buried their various hatchets in the mid-1990s for a successful series of tours, although plans for a new album never came to fruition. After years of being snubbed, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Osbourne concurrently found mainstream notoriety as a reality TV star, thanks to his role as the perpetually confused paterfamilias in MTV's "The Osbournes."

TAYLOR STEALS DURAN'S THUNDER:
Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor has once again left the band, leaving the original line-up without a guitarist while trying to record their new studio album. This statement comes from the band:
"To Our Fans
We know that there has been a tremendous amount of speculation over the past few weeks regarding Andy Taylor's continued involvement with the band and we are sorry that we've been unable to provide you with more information until now. The past five years have been an incredible journey for us all - and having the original five back together was something that we had wanted to see happen for some time. As of last weekend, however, the four of us have dissolved our partnership and will be continuing as Duran Duran without Andy, as we have reached a point in our relationship with him where there is an unworkable gulf between us and we can no longer effectively function together. Although obviously disappointed and saddened about this, we are excited about the next chapter of the Duran Duran story and look forward to seeing you all soon.
Simon, John, Nick and Roger."
Where Andy goes from here is anyone's guess. He recorded two popular solo albums before becoming an acclaimed producer. There were plans for a re-issue of his classic Thunder album, with an antire album of unreleased material as a bonus disc. Hopefully he might consider getting that plan going again - at least for starters.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

FIREWORKS MAGAZINE & MELODICROCK.COM PROMOTIONAL TIE-UP:
For several years now, Fireworks Magazine has been featuring the best in new melodic hard rock on its free CD, and now the perfect method of promoting your band has just got even better as Fireworks teams up with melodicrock.com to offer the absolute best value for promotion yet!
The price for a song on our Fireworks CD remains constant at £75 ($135) but now all bands paying for themselves will also get a promotional blurb published on a dedicated Fireworks Magazine page within melodicrock.com. Plus for an optional further mere £50 ($90) melodicrock.com will feature TWO MP3 tracks to accompany this feature. This represents amazing value for money and gives the opportunity to reach thousands of dedicated melodic hard rock fans.
The next issue of Fireworks will be out in December, with cut-off date for CD tracks being mid-November. Anyone interested should contact Bruce Mee at fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com.
The newest issue of Fireworks Magazine, issue 25, is out this week and contains interviews with Meat Loaf, Tony Mills on TNT, Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Hanoi Rocks, Roger Glover, Richie Kotzen, Steve Hacket, Souper Groupies and much, much more packed into an amazing 88 pages!! Also comes with free CD featuring the following tracks:
1. Taz Taylor Band (with Graham Bonnet) – Radio Luxembourg From the album 'Welcome to America'; 2. Planet Alliance – Remember Me From the album 'Planet Alliance'; 3. Wet Desert – Without You From the album 'Kiss the Past Goodbye'; 4. Star of David – Seventh Wonder From the album 'Waiting in the Wings'; 5. Nexx – Like the Poet From the album 'Another Dawn'; 6. Felony – Say Goodbye From the album 'First Works'; 7. GPS – Take Dreams From the album 'Window to the Soul'; 8. Sora – Highway to Nowhere From the album 'Demented Honour'; 9. Saracen – The Power and the Glory From the album 'Vox in Excelso'; 10. Smash Alley – Died a Thousand Times From the album 'Too Late to Say No'; 11. Alibi – No Reason From the album 'Misdemeanours'; 12. Sphere of Souls – Room 9 From the album 'From the Ashes'; 13. Walk the Sky – Lay it on the Line From the album 'Walk the Sky'; 14. Cryptic Vision – I am the Energy From the album 'In a World'; 15. Tomorrow's Eve – Irreversible From the album 'Mirror of Creation 2 – Genesis II'; 16. Hammers of Misfortune – We Are the Widows From the album 'The Locust Years'; 17. Love Child – Perfect Day From the album 'Soul Protector'.
Magazine is available directly for £4 plus £1 P&P (£1.50 Europe, £2.50 rest of world) by Paypal to fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com or check/PO payable to 'Bruce Mee' and sent to: Fireworks Magazine, 10 Dunnock Close, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5XD.

THE DEATH OF ROCKER ADAM RANDALL:
It is with considerable sadness that I must report the untimely death of a melodicrock regular, Adam Randall of US modern rockers Sixty-10. Adam was an enthusiastic and engaging guy, who regularly posted on the site Noticeboard, relentless in his passion for the band he fronted. Adam and I have swapped e-mails over a number of years and he was on every occasion, a sweet, polite and sincere guy. My person best wishes go out to his family and friends and I trust all will join in remembering Adam as someone who shared our love of this great music. R.I.P. Adam.
This in overnight Monday from his record label:
"Dear brothers and sisters,
It is with great and deep sadness that 34 West Records announces the loss of one of our own. Adam Randall from the Ft. Lauderdale based band Sixty-10 was killed on Saturday.
Adam was my friend and brother. We fought like brothers, we laughed like