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0 OZZY OSBOURNE SPEAKS ABOUT BLACK SABBATH TRADEMARK ISSUE LAWSUIT
Below is a statement and press release from Ozzy on the official Black Sabbath trademark lawsuit:
I am very saddened that I’ve had to take legal action against Tony. This is something that I’ve tried to avoid for years. I am not Geezer or Bill’s voice. However, till the day I die I will not change my mind on this issue. The Black Sabbath trademark should be equally owned by Geezer, Bill, Tony and I as the true Black Sabbath lineup is Tony, Geezer, Bill and I. We’ve all been mates since school. I’ve always said there is an invisible thread that holds us together. Tony, lets get this ridiculous issue sorted and move on with our lives. You’re 61, I’m 60. I hope that we’ve got a good 20 years left in us. But if not, God forbid something happens to you. What’s going to happen to the Black Sabbath trademark? Who’s going to oversee it? Don’t you think after we’re long gone the rights should stay in your family, my family, Bill’s family and Geezer’s family?
Statement from OZZY OSBOURNE:
“It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action against my long term partner, Tony Iommi, but after three years of trying to resolve this issue amicably, I feel I have no other recourse. As of the mid-1990’s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of ‘Black Sabbath’ was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi (touring under the name Black Sabbath) was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world. We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name ‘Black Sabbath’ which lead to the band being inducted into the UK and US Rock & Roll Hall of Fames in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the ‘Black Sabbath’ brand through OZZFEST, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name ‘Black Sabbath’ now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour. Tony, I am so sorry it’s had to get to this point by me having to take this action against you. I don’t have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill, but I feel that morally and ethically the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally. I hope that by me taking this first step that it will ultimately end up that way. We’ve all worked too hard and long in our careers to allow you to sell merchandise that features all our faces, old Black Sabbath album covers and band logos, and then you tell us that you own the copyright. We’re all in our 60’s now. The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.”
0 Badmouth’s “Rivethead” E.P. now available
Swedish rockers Badmouth have released a 3 song e.p. “Rivethead”, available from CDbaby.com, tracks included are “Rivethead” ,which is an amazing song, along with the band covering two classics Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker” that Badmouth recorded and released earlier this year, and a very cool cover of the Beatles “Hey Bulldog”. Badmouth was recently selected as one of six winners to play at the Arvika Festival this summer. You can keep up to date with all things Badmouth by visiting them at www.myspace.com/badmouthswe
0 New Video – “One Out of Ten” – the Poodles
“One Out of Ten” is the newest release from Swedish rockers the Poodles latest album titled “Clash of the Elements”, which was released on May 20th in Europe. You can order “Clash of the Elements” by visiting the Poodles website at www.poodles.se or their myspace page at www.myspace.com/thepoodles
“Clash Of The Elements” track listing:
01. Too Much Of Everything
02. Caroline
03. Like No Tomorrow
04. One Out Of Ten
05. I Rule The Night
06. Give Me A Sign
07. Sweet Enemy
08. 7 Days & 7 Nights
09. Pilot Of The Storm
10. Can’t Let You Go
11. Don’t Rescue Me
12. Heart Of Gold
13. Dream To Follow
14. Wings Of Destiny
2 FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, BANG TANGO To Team Up For ‘Summer Rock Fest’ Tour
FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS and BANG TANGO will team up for the Summer Rock Fest tour in July/August. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.
FASTER PUSSYCAT‘s current lineup is as follows:
Taime Downe – Vocals
Michael Thomas – Guitar
Danny Nordahl – Bass
Xristian Simon – Guitar
Chad Stewart – Drums
BULLETBOYS‘ long-awaited new album, “10c Billionaire”, was recently mixed and mastered by producer/guitarist Brent Woods (VINCE NEIL,WILDSIDE). A summer release via Chavis Records is expected.
“10c Billionaire” was written by original founding member and flamboyant frontman Marq Torien. Having reinvented the band and composed one of the most sonically superb and relevant rock and roll records to date, the revitalized BULLETBOYS — featuring Torien, Ryche Green, Stephen Allan, and Tory S. — are a hard rock force majeure delivering non-stopmusic mayhem that is winning over new audiences with every performance.
BANG TANGO‘s latest album, “From the Hip”, was released in October 2006 via Perris Records. The CD was engineered by Scott “Goody” Goodwine (HATEBREED, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) and was mixed by Taz(CHERRY ST., THE ADDICTIONS, SPINNING CHAIN).
0 Hard Rock Nights Radio Show on ClassXradio.com
It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for Hard Rock Nights on ClassX! Tonight we delve into classics from Van Halen, Cinderella, Twisted Sister, and Ratt, along with some deep cuts from Poison, Mötley Crüe, Tora Tora, and Guns N’ Roses. New music from Coldspell, Freakshow, and Heaven and Hell as well! We also have a very special new track from Paul Gilbert and Freddie Nelson which may just be the greatest rock song of 2009…listen and decide for yourself!
Hard Rock Nights airs every Saturday night on classxradio.com beginning at 9 pm EDT.
You can also connect with Hard Rock Nights on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter!
1 M3 Rock Festival Mini Video Concert
Here is a taste of some of the bands that will be on stage today at Columbia, Maryland’s Merriweather Post Pavilion for the M3 Rock Festival. Other bands scheduled to appear include Dokken, Keel, Bulletboys, and L.A. Guns among others. The festival will be headlined by Extreme, Ratt, and Twisted Sister.
0 Europe To Release New Single “Last Look At Eden” In June
Swedish hard rockers EUROPE will release a new single, “Last Look At Eden” — the title track from the band’s forthcoming album — in June. It will be made available as a three-track CD single (released in Scandinavia on June 10) and limited-edition collector’s five-track digipack (European release scheduled for June 26).
EUROPE fans living outside Europe who wish to download the single can do so by visiting the EUROPE MP3 store.
The “Last Look At Eden” full-length album is tentatively due in September.
EUROPE recently shot a video for “Last Look At Eden” with director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES) of Revolver Film Company. The band says, “We chose to work with Patric after seeing his work with IN FLAMES, amongst others.”
EUROPE has just released its “Almost Unplugged” live album in the U.S. The CD features a recording of the band’s January 26, 2008 concert at Nalen in Stockholm. The band performed songs from its latest album,“Secret Society”, along with some of its classic hits.
The three-song CD single will feature the following track listing:
01. Last Look At Eden (4:11)
02. U Devil U (3:52)
03. Last Look At Eden (radio edit) (3:59)
Source: Blabbermouth.net
0 ROB HALFORD LAUNCHES METAL GOD RECORDS
Metal God Entertainment and Rob Halford are pleased to announce the launch of Metal God Records – a new music label providing global physical and digital distribution services for the world’s Rock and Metal performers.
‘It’s been a long desire of mine to be a co-owner and participate in the operation of a label focused on supporting the Rock and Metal communities,’ explains Rob Halford. ‘The infrastructure we have been assembling at Metal God Entertainment now allows myself and other artists to benefit from Metal God Records global physical and digital distribution networks, promotion and marketing services, apparel products and a broad range of Artist & Repertoire services.’
Metal God Entertainment and Rob Halford are also pleased to announce several new strategic relationships aligned with Metal God Records beginning with – ADA Global / Warner Music Group for the world excluding Japan; which is under license with Sony Music Japan; Canada operating under license with Conveyor / Universal Music Canada and beginning July 2009 in the USA Metal God Records is pleased to begin a new relationship with Fontana / Universal Music Group.
Metal God Records will debut Halford Crucible World Tour – Live In Anaheim DVD & Blu Ray Fall 2009.
Rob Halford will be appearing in Los Angeles, CA at the E-3 Electronic Entertainment Expo June 2 & 3.
Rob Halford will also be appearing in San Diego, CA at the NARM (The National Association of Recording Merchandisers) Convention June 7, 2009.
Please visit: www.MetalGodRecords.com and www.RobHalford.com for additional Halford news and release details.
Source: www.robhalford.com
0 Zippo Rocks on Music-themed Website
ZippoEncore.com is newest connection for lighters and music
Hold your lighter high and get ready to rock at ZippoEncore.com. The site celebrates the lighter’s longstanding connection with rock music. Since the late 70s, the Zippo pocket lighter has been the ultimate accessory for making a bold statement in music. In fact, the sea of flames cascading across an arena from the chimneys of Zippo lighters has been coined the Zippo Encore Moment.
The new site, created in partnership with Rolling Stone Magazine, features exclusive content including two rising acts selected by the magazine. Shinedown is the first band to appear on the site with four original music videos and a free, never-before-heard downloadable track. A second up-and-coming band will be introduced later this summer.
ZippoEncore.com also gives visitors the ability to interact on the site by creating their own unique rock-and-roll avatar. By scrolling through distinct body types and Zippo lighters, users marry the two with the chosen lighter serving as an avatar’s head. Once the avatar is complete, it will dance and follow the visitors through the site. The avatar can be shared with friends, used as a profile pic on a social network or purchased by clicking the “buy lighter” button.
Additional content includes:
- Backstage area including Shinedown photo gallery, bios, exclusive interviews and band member playlists.
- Download section containing cell phone wallpaper, screensavers, desktop wallpapers and Windows skins.
- Tours and Events section with information about “Zippo Live”- a Zippo sponsorship at Live Nation music venues.
- Message boards.
- Artist’s blog.
- Catalog of rock-themed Zippo pocket lighters, linked to the Zippo online store.
- Debut of two Harley-Davidson lighters exclusively available via this site.
- Chance to win a Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Motorcycle (sorry employees are not eligible).
From inspiring rock legends to bringing fans exclusive music from their favorite artists, the Zippo lighter’s storied history with music continues to write new chapters.
1 Heavy Metal band Avigal, featuring singer Shmoulik Avigal, has just posted 2 new songs online.
Legendary Heavy Metal Vocalist, Shmoulik Avigal (THE RODS, JACK STARR, PICTURE) is currently mixing “GATES OF HELL,” the debut AVIGAL album.
The album also features Dick Reome on guitar, Carl Canedy (THE RODS) on drums, Mark Denson on bass, and Rich Ackerman on guitar.
A few months ago, Shmoulik broke his foot, which delayed the recording of the album. Shmoulik is now taking his time with the mixing process, because he wants it to be as perfect as it can be.
Two songs from the forthcoming CD – “Unbroken,” and the title track, “Gates of Hell,” are available for streaming at: www.myspace.com/avigaltheband
1 New Video – The Last Vegas – Loose Lips
Check out the hot new video, “Loose Lips” by The Last Vegas! Why on earth isn’t this band playing on the Cruefest tour this year?! This CD kicks ass!
1 T.T. Quick – Metal of Honor (Release Year – 1986)
With the recent announcement of T.T. Quick front man joining Accept, I wanted to break my copy of T.T. Quick’s Debut CD, Metal of Honor. After a couple of listens to this CD, I could definitely hear Tornillo fronting Accept. He can scream with the best of them. Not to lose focus, the music on “Metal of Honor” is definitely worth talking about.
This music on this CD is crazy good in my opinion. Mark Tornillo’s vocals are awesome, and David Dipietro (who is known for teaching Zakk Wylde and Dave “The Snake” Sabo how to play guitar) dishes out some awesome metal licks on his guitar. I really like his guitar tone a lot.
Metal of Honor if full of heavy anthems that will appeal to fans of classic metal. Every time I listen to this disc, I like it a little bit more. I can’t figure out why a band with music this good is so tragically under rated. There are elements in their music that remind me of bands like Krokus, Lizzy Borden and Whitesnake. The bottom line is, it is all good. Regardless if the band slows it down, or rocks out, they deliver the goods on “Metal of Honor”. This CD is highly recommended for all fans of hard rock and metal music.
You can still score copies of this CD in the HRH music store.
For more information on T.T. Quick, check out the band’s myspace page.
Rating: Out of 10
The video below isn’t a real music video, but at least it will give you taste of the T.T. Quick song, “Front Burner”.
Track Listing:
1. Metal of Honor
2. Front Burner
3. Hard as a Rock
4. Child of Sin
5. Asleep at the Wheel
6. Come Beat the Band
7. Hell to Pay
8. Queen of the Scene
9. Glad All Over
10. Siren Song
T.T. Quick is:
Mark Tornillo – Vocals
David DiPietro – Guitars
Walt Fortune – Bass
Eric Ferro – Drums
0 Pop Evil Teaser Video
Pop Evil has posted a teaser of their new video, “100 In A 55” online. Check it out below!
0 Steve Vai To Release “Naked Tracks”!
Steve Vai is set to release his famed Naked Tracks on CD for the first time. Previously only
sold on www.vai.com and iTunes as downloads only, Vai wanted to give his fans and players of all ages something special – An excellent practice tool for any guitarist. “Through the years, whenever I would mix my records I would usually do a mix of specific songs without the lead guitar. This allowed me to play along with the track or make loops to jam to, and because I figured perhaps someday maybe others would like to do the same,” explains Vai. “Voila! We have arrived at someday!”
Naked Tracks is housed in a special limited edition digi-pack box set. This series of play-along CDs is designed to help create an atmosphere of focus so you can shred yourself into a personally-induced inspirational nirvana. Included in the set are 5 CD’s featuring backing tracks from the following albums:
• Passion And Warfare
• Sex & Religion
• Alien Love Secrets
• Fire Garden
• The Ultra Zone
• Alive In An Ultra World
• Real Illusions: Reflections
You can download the liner notes, transcripts, tab, lead sheet and scores all available soon at www.vai.com/nakedtracks. Here Vai will give the various parameters regarding the key, scale, time signature and more of each track as well as guitar solo transcripts and tabs.
Steve Vai is one of the most influential guitarists of our time. The Naked Tracks box-set is a testament to his vanguard approach and creative mind-set. This box set is a must-have for the aspiring guitarist, the seasoned guitarist and for all Steve Vai collectors.
For more information click on www.vai.com or call the Guitar Center nearest you and find out your stores date of arrival for the Naked Tracks box-set! For outside of the USA go to your nearest retail store or if you want it NOW download the full version from www.vai.com or iTunes~
0 VH1 Classic Presents a New Slate of Summer 2009 Programming With Iconic Roc Docs, Music Countdowns and Rarely Seen Concert Footage
“Roc Doc: Iron Maiden: Flight 666,” “100 Concerts in 100 Days,” “Roc Doc: Lords of the Revolution,” “Rock Across America,” “Download Festival,” and “Hard Rock Calling Festival”
VH1 Classic and Live Nation Invite Fans on Tour for the “I’m With the Band” Sweepstakes
This Summer VH1 Classic is bringing its viewers more of their favorite classic artists with all-new exclusive series and specials. The new slate of programming begins on June 6th with “Roc Doc: Iron Maiden: Flight 666.” The network’s summer lineup also includes premieres of “Rock Across America,” “VH1 Classic’s 100 Concerts in 100 Days,” “Roc Doc: Lords of the Revolution,” “Roc Doc: Woodstock 40 Years Later,” “Download Festival,” and “Hard Rock Calling Festival.”
“Roc Doc: Iron Maiden: Flight 666” simulcast on VH1 and VH1 Classic Saturday June 6, at 9PM*
VH1 Classic is celebrating British heavy rock legends Iron Maiden in a big way for the premiere of “Roc Doc: Iron Maiden: Flight 666” on Saturday, June 6 at 9PM*.” Iron Maiden: Flight 666″ is an inspirational account of the chaotic and often humorous world of a band touring the four corners of the world, giving a behind-the-scenes look at what happens on and off stage. For the first time ever the band gave full access to a film crew to document their journey for their Somewhere Back in Time World Tour and this resulted in the critically acclaimed, full-length documentary film. Delivering some of the most spectacular live footage ever seen of the band, the film takes viewers from Mumbai to Santiago, L.A. to Sydney, Tokyo to Sao Paolo and many major cities between. Through drama, excitement and fan pandemonium, the film is an honest and revealing portrait of one of the world’s most successful rock bands.
VH1 Classic kicks off Fourth of July Weekend with “Rock Across America” on Thursday, July 2 thru Monday, July 6
VH1 Classic is celebrating some of America’s most influential music icons from each region of the United States over July 4th weekend. Beginning on Thursday, July 2nd through Monday, July 6 the network will “Rock Across America” and dedicate one day to each region of the country including the East, Midwest, South and West. The 4-day marathon, hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine, and Don Jamieson from “That Metal Show” will include some of the greatest concerts known to the rock ‘n’ roll world and will give an all-access look into the lives of these American music greats that helped shape the classic rock culture. “Rock Across America” caps off with two amazing premieres, “VH1 Storytellers: ZZ Top” on Saturday, July 4th at 9PM* and “VH1 Classic in Concert: Creedence Clearwater Revival Live at Royal Albert Hall” on Sunday, July 5th at 8PM*.
VH1 Classic’s “100 Concerts in 100 Days” kicks off Monday, July 6
Hold on to your seats as VH1 Classic takes you behind the scenes and gives you VIP access to some of the most legendary, classic concerts with “100 Concerts in 100 Days” kicking off on Monday, July 6th. VH1 is taking you through rock history with “Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same,” “Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band: Live in NYC,” “Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon,” “Iron Maiden: Somewhere Back in Time,” and “Live Aid: The Day the Music Changed the World.”
VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” hosts bring you the “Download Festival” on Friday, July 17 at 8PM*.
VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” hosts Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine, and Don Jamieson head to Donnington, England to give you an exclusive behind the scenes of the Download Festival. The two-day festival features some of the hottest metal acts out now including, Faith No More, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, and ZZ Top to name a few. The “Download Festival” will be aired in two parts on Friday, July 17th at 8PM*. The first part will feature a special edition of “That Metal Show” where Jim, Don, and Eddie will deliver exclusive backstage interviews and the second show will feature performances by some of the top headliners of the festival.
“Roc Doc: Lords of the Revolution” simulcast on VH1 and VH1 Classic on Monday, August 10th – Friday, August 14 at 8PM*
Beginning on Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14 at 8PM*, VH1 Classic will air the five-part one-hour series “Lords of the Revolution,” a new documentary series from VH1 Rock Docs. The series celebrates the counterculture icons of the ’60s and ’70s – the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time. From political heavyweights like the Black Panthers to cutting-edge cultural trendsetters like Andy Warhol. This documentary series profiles the nonconformist heroes – and anti-heroes – of the 60s and 70s, telling the dangerous, subversive stories of a cultural revolution. Edgy, colorful, visually dynamic, the docs will feature new first-hand interviews, plenty of archive photos and footage, an unconventional graphic treatment, and a hip rock soundtrack.
“Roc Doc: Woodstock: 40 Years Later” simulcast on VH1 and VH1 Classic on Friday, August 14 at 9PM*
In the summer of 1969, on a farm about 90 miles north of New York City, more than 500,000 people gathered for a three day music festival that in an instant, defined a generation and changed popular culture forever…Woodstock. Now, 40 years after that historic moment, VH1 Rock Docs and History have joined forces for a unique television collaboration: the definitive two-hour documentary, “Roc Doc: Woodstock: 40 Years Later,” which will premiere on VH1 Classic on Friday, August 14 at 9PM*. Directed by two-time Academy Award winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple and Executive Produced by Michael Lang, the original festival organizer, the film examines Woodstock from the perspectives of not only the musicians who graced the stage, but the fans who gathered in mass, the concert promoters who risked everything and countless others whose unique experiences help paint a tapestry of Woodstock that hasn’t been seen in recent years.
VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” hosts bring you the “Hard Rock Calling Festival” simulcast on VH1 and VH1 Classic on Friday, August 21 at 9PM*
The hosts of VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” are taking you back stage and giving you true VIP treatment to one of the hottest festivals in England during the summer. Join Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson, and Eddie Trunk for an unforgettable behind the scenes look at the “Hard Rock Calling Festival” on Friday, August 21 at 9PM*. The two-day festival which was filmed live on June 12-14th in London’s legendary Hyde Park features headliners Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Neil Young, and The Killers along with Dave Matthews Band, The Kooks, and Ben Harper and the Relentless 7.
VH1 Classic is also teaming up with Live Nation to invite fans on tour with some of the most legendary artists of all time with the “I’m With the Band” sweepstakes. Fans who sign up to receive the VH1 Classic Newsletter at VH1Classic.com through August 2009 will be entered to receive specific details for each giveaway and instructions on how to enter to win 2 tickets to classic tours including: Def Leppard with Poison and Cheap Trick, Aerosmith & ZZ Top and Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynrd.
Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Madonna and many more. Learn more at VH1Classic.com.
1 Airbourne Ebay Insanity Part V
The holy grail of music CD’s turned up on Ebay once again. One lucky, or unlucky bidder depending on how you look at it, won a copy of Airbourne’s debut EP for a mere $335.94. That is $41.99 per song!
I love Airbourne, but that price is far too steep for me! Insanity!!
0 Chickenfoot prepares for release of debut album
The anticipation is growing as the release date for Chickenfoot’s eponymous debut grows nearer, several rock magazines are hailing the band as a breath of fresh air. Chickenfoot, which consists of drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani and vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen) will release their debut, which will be packaged in exclusive “heat sensitive” artwork, www.chickenfoot.us/album on earMUSIC in Europe on Friday June 5th followed by the North American release on Tuesday June 9th. It will also be available online at iTunes and Napster. The band has also scheduled an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”, Friday June 5th.
With the album currently at No. 6 in the Amazon.co.uk pre-order chart, the album will coincide with a European tour in June and July that will take in a number of outdoor festivals and intimate indoor dates, including a rare concert at the London 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Thursday June 25th.
The band has also posted on their website a video serial titled “12 Days of the Foot”, where Joe, Chad, Mike, Sammy share some background on each song of the new album. Also included are clips of each song so you can get a listen in advance of the release date. One episode, one song per day. You can check it out by visiting www.chickenfoot.us/12days
Full “Chickenfoot” Track Listing:
- Avenida Revolution
- Soap On A Rope
- Sexy Little Thing
- Oh Yeah
- Runnin’ Out
- Get It Up
- Down The Drain
- My Kinda Girl
- Learning To Fall
- Turnin’ Left
- Future In The Past
0 SINK or SWIM Video – Sugar Red Drive – One More Time
4 Rockitt Rant – Are Fan Clubs Really Worth the Money?
The other day I received an email from Motley Crue, or whoever runs the Crue website. The email told me that my Membership in the Motley Crue fan club was about to expire and that I needed to do nothing. It would automatically be renewed, and the credit card I used the first time around would be charged $40.00. I immediately said HELL NO, and canceled what was left of my fan club membership. It made me ask the question, are fan club memberships really worth it? What did I get for my $40.00 that I spent in 2008 for the Motley Crue S.I.N. club? I was able to get really good seats for Cruefest 2008, and that was about it. I got a pre-sale password for tickets and was able to order my tickets before most folks….was that worth the money? Probably not. When I ordered tickets for Cruefest 2009, it didn’t really help at all. My seats this year are far worse than they wore in 2008. That is pretty disappointing in my opinion. I won’t even mention the lineup for Cruefest 2009, that is a subject for another discussion.
Ok, so I could get access to their password protected forum. Big Deal! No meet & greet, or any other benefits except a discount to purchase the bands’ overpriced merchandise online. Oh, if I were to renew, I would get a the following:
This year's member gift is an EXCLUSIVE, S.I.N. Club only
Live EP from Cruefest 2008, and a S.I.N. patch!
An EP and patch? Seriously?! I am not seeing a whole lot of bang for my buck, at least not with Motley Crue anyway. If it gave me the ability to get a backstage pass, meet the band or some other cool benefits, then I could totally see the value.
Fan Club Memberships are nothing new of course. AC/DC has one, so does Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Tesla, Buckcherry, Nickelback and a slew of other rock bands. The average fan club rate is typically $40.00, some are less but that is about the normal price. I probably wont be joining any more of these clubs anytime in the near future, however it does make me wonder which band is taking care of their fans the best.
Do you have a good experience with your fan club membership? Do you have a bad experience? Tell us about it!
0 DROWNING POOL RETURNS HOME FROM PLAYING FOR THE TROOPS AT GUANTANAMO BAY
Drowning Pool returns home today after playing a private show for the troops at Guantanamo Bay on Memorial Day, May 25th. The invitation from the U.S. Navy comes two-years after the start of the “Soldiers” campaign. Through commitment and perseverance, the band have played over 300 shows and are geared up to release the 4th single from their CD, Full Circle.
“Anytime we get the chance to play in front of the troops, it is a great honor and they’re always the best crowds. When we got the call we were like – hell yeah, let’s go rock Guantanamo Bay. It’s a once in a lifetime chance and I don’t know of many artists that get an invitation like this,” says Drowning Pool frontman Ryan McCombs.
Drowning Pool are set to release the follow-up to the biggest hit of their career, “37 Stitches” — which reached #4 at Active Rock — with their next single “Shame” off of their triumphant album, Full Circle. The band recently finished the high-energy video for “Shame,” giving fans yet another look at the depth and consistency Drowning Pool has shown throughout their impressive career.
After two years on the road in support of their album Full Circle, Drowning Pool will be bringing their brand of Texas rock and roll to the highly anticipated Crüe Fest 2 Tour which stars Mötley Crüe and features support from Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and introduces Charm City Devils. The sequel to last summer’s most successful touring festival begins its North American trek in Camden, NJ on July 19th and comes to an end on September 5th in Darien Lake, NY.
Source: http://www.drowningpool.com
0 KISS ANNOUNCES BUCKCHERRY AS OPENING ACT
Legendary band KISS made headlines last month when they announced their U.S. and Canadian tour will be the world’s first to put fans in charge of where a tour is routed. Now, KISS is adding even more excitement to their tour as they announce the selection of Buckcherry as opening act. This is destined to be the most explosive show of the year; and by partnering with Web site Eventful, fans will “Demand” exactly where KISS will perform in (top-voted) North American markets beginning this September.
Buckcherry fans can now join the hundreds of thousands of KISS fans that have voted to date at www.eventful.com/KISS. They have just six more weeks—until voting ends on June 30th— to “Demand” what cities they want to see the tour hit. No matter where the fans say—“from stadiums to cornfields”–if there are enough votes, the KISS tour will be there! And in order to keep the competition fair for smaller cities, final site selection will weigh population size versus total votes. More than 8,000 cities and towns are already represented on the fan-submitted list.
Just for voting for their town, all KISS and now Buckcherry fans will have the opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets prior to the general on-sale and will also receive KISS merchandise discounts and more. In addition to joining in on the major campaigns launched by rock radio in each city, fans are also incentivized to create their own viral videos online, motivating their fellow residents to participate in casting votes for a KISS show in their city. City-specific “best-of” compilation reels of these videos will be shown on jumbo screens at venues before each concert.
KISS just wrapped up an astonishing trek through South America, where fans hailed the band at sold-out stadium shows across the continent. From the Hipodroma la Rinconada in Caracas, Venezuela to the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, KISS treated fans to a set of some of rock’s greatest hits, including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” “God Gave Rock & Roll to You” and “Shout It Out Loud,” and more. The group’s 2009 South American tour also included sold-out dates in Santiago, Chile; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil; Bogota, Columbia and Lima, Peru.
An official video announcement by the band’s Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer and Gene Simmons (see video at www.KISSonline.com), shot in front of a capacity crowd in Santiago, kicked off this first-ever tour promotion. With tens of thousands of their Chilean counterparts cheering in the background, North American fans were astonished to learn that they were being put in charge of routing their favorite band’s upcoming tour.
KISS, which has garnered more than 30 gold and platinum records and sold in excess of 90 million albums worldwide, is currently recording its first new studio album in 11 years. The band will release exciting news about the album (produced by Paul Stanley) at www.KISSonline.com in June.
Source: kissonline.com
0 Rhino Bucket’s “The Hardest Town” Now Streaming Online!
Rhino Bucket’s new CD, “The Hardest Town” is now streaming online! You can listen to the whole CD at the following location on myspace. Check it out!!
0 Hardcore Superstar’s New CD “Beg For It” Now Streaming on Myspace!
Head over to Hardcore Superstar’s Myspace page to listen to their new album “Beg For It” in its entirety!
0 An Update From Krokus!!
After 25 years hiatus of the “originals”, KROKUS is totally committed to write and produce an album that seamlessly fits into the groove of their work of the early eighties (Metal Rendez-Vous. Hardware, One Vice, Headhunter). They feel they owe this to their faithful fan base. And good things do take time!
In order to get a break from song writing and recording with a well-deserved change of scenery, KROKUS will play one exclusive summer festival in 2009 on August 5th in Zofingen, Switzerland.
Says Chris Von Rohr: “It’s always good to stop working in the studio for a moment and lose some sweat on stage. We most likely will play one or two new songs “live” and compare how they stand up against the best we already have from our back catalogue. The fans reaction at the concert will tell us. We call that the “Platinum-Stage-Test-Son-Of-A-Gun”.
And Marc Storace adds: “We shall perform on the eve of a full moon summer sky, when the spirit is naturally high. Open-air festivals are very special because they vibrate warm human feelings combined with a mystical touch. The promoters did well to call it the *Magic Night*.”
We “bridged” the long pause of the “originals” from the rocking ‘80s to last year’s reunion performance with GLOBE CLUB interviews of all members of the band. Chris Von Rohr asked us for the time being to also feature those video interviews on our HOME web page, as a reminder for fans to take in one or the other at their leisure between now and August. The interviews fill the gap and explain his view as the original founder of KROKUS with the events that took place then and now as well as Marc Storace’s thoughts on why he believed the reunion was the best for band and fans. Many fans waited patiently to hear from Fernando Von Arb, who kept on going steadily until recently. And the interviews with Mark “Koki” Kohler and Freddy Steady round out “the story told by the originals”. These interviews, in Chris’ mind, are a strong base to catch up for old fans and getting new fans “up to speed”.
0 Video – Junkyard – Hollywood
One of the bands I am looking forward to seeing at Rock Gone Wild is Junkyard. Sure the lineup of the band may not be the same, but I never got a chance to see them back in the early 90’s.
“Hollywood” is one kick ass rock tune, and is easily one of favorites by this band. It will be interesting to see if Junkyard can still deliver the goods in 2009. Check out “Hollywood” below!
9 The Lou Gramm Band – S/T (Release Year – 2009)
Where have you been Lou Gramm? The heralded singer of such great classics as Juke Box Hero, Double Vision, Hot Blooded, and Midnight Blue has been stunningly silent this decade. That has now changed with the formation of The Lou Gramm Band. Teamed up with brothers Ben and Richard, The Lou Gramm Band self-titled debut disc will be released this June.
One thing that surprised me about this disc is that Lou Gramm has turned into a Christian rocker. Most of the songs center on God, the Lord, and Lou’s relationship with Him. Songs such as Willing To Forgive, So Great, Redeemer, and That’s The Way God Planned It, all focus on redemption, forgiveness, and loving the Lord. This may explain where Lou’s been for the past few years, he was off finding religion.
The disc kicks off with Baptized By Fire which sounds like a typical Lou Gramm/Foreigner rocker. The guitar work by Don Mancuso sets the tone and pace. The rock & roll vibe is definitely apparent. Lou’s voice still sounds great. Although he may not be able to scream like it was the early 80s, he can still bring the rock as a front man.
Made To Be Broken is the best song on the disc, and shows that Lou can still deliver the goods like the days of old. A touch of the Foreigner sound creeps into this song. It would fit in nicely with any of their 80s releases. The guitar work is tight, the chorus memorable, and Lou’s voice sounds like 1985 all over again.
That’s The Way God Planned It is a song that really surprised me. It plays like a church hymn with a chorus that would get a lot of airplay on the Christian Lite FM radio stations. Complete with pipe organ and preacher’s lyrics, this song is without a doubt, the biggest disappointment of the disc.
Single Vision is not a follow up to the huge Foreigner hit Double Vision. Rather, it is a song that speaks about life without God, and how the teachings of the Lord should be in the classroom and that God should still be in the pledge of allegiance. It may be slightly controversial subject matter, but it certainly is a catchy tune.
The disc closes with You Saved Me, a slow, melodic, clunker of an ending. The piano intro is a nice touch, and the guitar solo is brilliantly performed, but the vocals don’t match the music, and once again, the heavy theme of reconnecting with God paints the entire song. This is another tune that is more church hymn than rock song.
So, is The Lou Gramm Band worth the price? Well, if you’re a fan of Foreigner and miss the vocal stylings of Lou, then yes. If you’re only a casual fan, you may want to download Made To Be Broken on ITunes, and skip the rest.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Baptized By Fire
- Made To Be Broken
- Willing To Forgive
- That’s The Way God Planned It
- (I Wanna) Testify
- So Great
- Redeemer
- Single Vision
- Rattle Yer Bones
- You Saved Me
The Lou Gramm Band Is
Lou Gramm – Lead vocals
Ben Gramm – Drums
Richard Gramm – Bass
Andy Knoll – Keyboards
Don Mancuso – Guitars
Reviewed by Ryo Vie
0 Judas Priest to Release “A Touch of Evil: Live” in July!
Judas Priest has chosen 10 songs not previously released in live album form for its next concert set — “A Touch of Evil: Live,” which is due out July 14, in the midst of the band’s U.S. summer tour.
“A Touch of Evil” includes live renderings of longtime fan favorites such as “Painkiller,” “Dissident Aggressor, “Riding on the Wind,” “Between the Hammer & the Anvil” and “Eat Me Alive,” as well as “Hellrider” from “Angel of Retribution,” the group’s 2004 reunion album with frontman Rob Halford, and two tracks — “Death” and “Prophecy” — from last year’s rock opera “Nostradamus.”
“I love those songs,” Halford tells Billboard.com. “All of those songs just crush. Because they’ve never been recorded live in this way, it’s just something fresh to put out. And when you listen to it and think this band has been around for three decades, with a combined age of 250-something years…I mean, how cool is that? It’s a very fierce record and just captures the band’s attitude and feeling in a very strong, determined way.
“I mean, we could’ve put ‘Living After Midnight’ or ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’ out — again. But why? This is just something great to give our fans.”
The full track listing for “A Touch of Evil: Live” includes: “Hellrider,” “Between the Hammer & the Anvil,” “Riding on the Wind,” “Death,” “Beyond the Realms of Death,” “Dissident Aggressor,” “Eat Me Alive,” “Prophecy” and “Painkiller.”
Priest, meanwhile, is preparing for its summer tour, during which the band will play its 1980 album “British Steel” — which includes “Living After Midnight” — in its entirety from front to back. “All of us around the world have our respective headphones on, ready to dive into the deep end together,” Halford says of preparations for the tour. “It’s very bare-bones in terms of production, which in essence makes it a lot easier to re-learn in rehearsals.
“We’re all very excited about it. ‘British Steel’ means a lot to everybody in Priest. I listened to it for the first time recently and I thought, ‘Man, this is gonna be so cool to play this stuff live.'”
The Priest tour, with Whitesnake opening, kicks off June 29 in Indianapolis and wraps up Aug. 23 in Gilford, N.H. Halford says the band still plans to play “Nostradamus” in its entirety later this year or in 2010.
Courtesy of Billboard.com
0 Speaking of Freedoms,Twisted Sister Reissues one of PMRC’s Filthy 15:Stay Hungry
Rhino Re-masters 1984 Top 20 Smash Album With A Bonus Disc Of Unreleased Studio Recordings, Plus A New Track By The Original Lineup For 25TH Anniversary Edition
Limited Edition Pink Vinyl Package Accompanies CD and Digital Release
Available From Rhino June 30
After rocking clubs from Los Angeles to New York City for more than a decade, Twisted Sister made its bones in 1984 with the quintet’s second Atlantic Records release, a Top 20 album that stormed the charts with a string of hit singles and genre-bending videos. Rhino proudly wears a Twisted Sister pin on its uniform, celebrating the album’s multi-platinum success with a 25th Anniversary Edition that includes a bonus disc of unreleased outtakes and early demos from the original sessions, as well as a new track recorded especially for this collection by the 1984 lineup: Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Mark Mendoza, and A.J. Pero. STAY HUNGRY 25th Anniversary Edition will be available June 30
from Rhino Records at all retail outlets, including www.rhino.com, for a suggested list price of $19.98 (CD), $12.99 (digital).
A limited edition pink vinyl package with the original “Stay Hungry” album art and bonus poster will also be released this summer at the suggested retail price of $24.98.
The first disc contains remastered versions of the nine tracks from the May 1984 original. The album was a smash thanks to a pair of fist-pumping anthems of youthful rebellion “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” that went Top 40. The band balanced those catchy songs with the harder edge of metal classics like “Burn In Hell” and “Horror-Teria,” a macabre song that would later serve as the inspiration for Strangeland, a 1998 horror film written by Snider, who also starred as the sadistic Captain Howdy.
The bonus disc uncovers 15 unreleased recordings that range from alternate versions of album tracks–including “We’re Not Gonna Take It”–to several non-album tracks such as “Death From Above,” “Prime Motivator,” and “Pay The Price,” a song from the band’s earlier club days. Along with the vintage tracks, the collection includes “30,” Twisted’s first new song in 11 years recorded by the band for the 25th Anniversary Edition.
“30” was originally written by Dee Snider with Marc Beeman and Sharon Lawson for the reality series Gone Country. Dee says, “While ’30’ was my attempt at a country song for the show, the realization was that rock ‘n’ roll is a direct outgrowth of country music. Since ’30’ was written about my Twisted Sister experience, it seemed only natural for us to record it and rock it out.”
More than a decade after Twisted Sister’s last show, the band reformed in 2001 for a benefit and continued playing together, including an astonishing run of over 50 headline festival dates performing in front of two million people in over 23 countries. In 2006, the band returned to the charts with Twisted Christmas, a holiday album that buzzsaws through yuletide classics such as, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silver Bells.” That same year, the Long Island Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Twisted Sister. The band is
currently at work on a new album and a Broadway musical based on Twisted Christmas. Twisted Sister will headline the annual Rocklahoma music festival July 9-12 in Pryor, Oklahoma. Rock of Ages, Broadway’s latest musical hit with five Tony® nominations, features Twisted Sister prominently in its story line and with the band’s aforementioned iconic anthems, “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
Were you there? Be sure to check out Twisted Sister’s 1978 debut tour and more at www.twistedsister.com and www.myspace.com/twistedsister
STAY HUNGRY 25th Anniversary Edition
Track Listing
Disc 1
1. “Stay Hungry”
2. “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
3. “Burn In Hell”
4. “Horror-Teria (The Beginning)”
a. “Captain Howdy”
b. “Street Justice”
5. “I Wanna Rock”
6. “The Price”
7. “Don’t Let Me Down”
8. “The Beast”
9. “S.M.F.”
Disc 2
1. “Death From Above”
2. “Prime Motivator”
3. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” Early Demo
4. “Death Run”
5. “This One’s For You”
6. “S.M.F.” Early Demo
7. “We’re Coming On”
8. “Call My Name”
9. “Burn In Hell” Early Demo
10. “Pay The Price”
11. “What’s Love Without You”
12. “Our Voice Will Be Heard”
13. “You Got To Fight”
14. “The Price” Early Demo
15. “Stay Hungry” Early Demo
16. Radio Spot
17. “30” (New Track)
2009 TOUR DATES
May 30 – THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia MD
June 4 – Sweden Rock Festival, Solvesborg SWEDEN
June 26 – Metalway Festival, Zaragoza SPAIN
July 10 – Midnattsrocken Lakselv, NORWAY
July 12 – ROCKLAHOMA, Pryor OK
July 18 – Three Rivers Festival, Fort Wayne IN
Aug 22 – ROCK GONE WILD, Algona IA
Sept 12 – Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA
0 Michigan Rockers Pop Evil To Release Album Lipstick On A Mirror On Universal Republic Records On May 26
Michigan rockers Pop Evil To Release Album Lipstick On A Mirror
On Universal Republic Records On May 26
National Summer Tour with Judas Priest Ushers in the Major Label Debut
Fabled Michigan rockers Pop Evil has signed with Universal Republic Records and will be re-releasing their 2008 acclaimed indie album Lipstick On A Mirror, on May 26th. The album will be re-mixed and re-mastered, with a brand new song, “Rolling Stone,” and a riveting acoustic rendition of their signature song “100 In A 55,” which is already gaining traction online and via radio’s underground radar even before its officially release to multiple radio formats.
In support of the re-release, Pop Evil will sweep the nation on a two month long tour supporting Judas Priest and Whitesnake beginning July 5th in Wallingford, CT.
Led by larger-than-life frontman Leigh Kakaty, the band is already the stuff of legend in their native Michigan and throughout the Midwest for its pull-no-punches brand of searing rock. Billed as post-grunge and pre-revival of authentic-to-the core alternative hard rock (the group has barnstormed tours with such alt-rock luminaries as Puddle Of Mud, Tesla, Saving Abel and others,) the fierce fivesome has earned their stripes as rigorous, crowd pleasing live rockers, criss-crossing the U.S. for years, rallying fans at dyed-in-the- wool rock vestiges such as the Intersection in their home turf of Grand Rapids, MI, and the Rumble Rally in Mason, Ohio.
Pop Evil has sustained a formidable grassroots following thanks to their constant touring, and an intricately timed scattering of releases refining their trademark sound. Lipstick On A Mirror also features Pop Evil signature songs such as “Another Romeo & Juliet,” “Hero,” “Stepping Stone,” And “Somebody Like You,” among others.
The band has released a really cool video in support of the CD called “Hero” (See below).
Check out Hard Rock Hideout’s live footage of Pop Evil from the Rumble Rally at this link.
You can also check out some behind the scenes footage from the Rock at The Range Music Festival in the video below.
Check out this awesome picture featured in Rolling Stone Magazine of Matt tearing it up on the stage at Rock on the Range.
Enter the Pop Evil Guitar Giveaway contest for a chance to win a Dean Z-X electric guitar signed by the band. Click here!
Make sure you check out the re-release of Pop Evil’s Lipstick on the Mirror on iTunes. Click here to purchase directly from iTunes!
Pop Evil is:
Leigh Kakaty (vocals)
Dylan Allison (drums)
Dave Grahs (guitar)
Tony Greve (guitar)
Matt DiRito (bass)
The following tour dates are confirmed:
Jul. 05 – Chevrolet Theatre – Wallingford, CT
Jul. 07 – Comcast Center – Mansfield, MA
Jul. 08 – CMAC – Canandaigua, NY
Jul. 09 – Molson Amphitheatre – Toronto, ON
Jul. 11 – PNC Banks Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Jul. 12 – Nikon At Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
Jul. 15 – DTE Energy Music Theater – Clarkston, MI
Jul. 19 – Charter One Pavilion – Chicago, IL
Jul. 21 – PNC Pavilion (Riverbend Music) – Cincinnati, OH
Jul. 22 – Nashville Municipal Auditorium – Nashville, TN
Jul. 25 – Freeman Coliseum – San Antonio, TX
Jul. 26 – Concrete Street Amphitheatre – Corpus Christi, TX
Jul. 31 – Sleep Train Pavilion – Concord, CA
Aug. 01 – Sleep Train Amphitheatre – Marysville, CA
Aug. 02 – Gibson Amphitheatre – Universal City, CA
Aug. 04 – SDSU Open Air Theatre – San Diego, CA
Aug. 05 – Pacific Amphitheatre – Oc Fair – Costa Mesa, CA
Aug. 07 – Dodge Theater – Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 08 – Thomas & Mack Center – Las Vegas, NV
Aug. 11 – Red Rock Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
Aug. 13 – Nokia Live Theater – Grand Prairie, TX
Aug. 15 – St Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
Aug. 16 – St. Pete Times Forum – Tampa, FL
Aug. 22 – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD
For more information on Pop Evil, please visit:
0 Guitar Icon VINNIE MOORE releases LONG AWAITED STUDIO ALBUM OUT TODAY – MAY 26TH, 2009
TO THE CORE – On MASCOT RECORDS U.S.A.
Almost a decade has passed as the much anticipated Vinnie Moore’s solo release is about to invade the world – TO THE CORE releases May 26th on Mascot Records U.S.A.
Moore’s spent the last several years out on tour with British rock/metal band UFO. Once off tour, Moore spent time orchestrating his new album meticulously laying down the tracks to his newest guitar instrumental masterpiece.
Choosing a very retro-contemporary rock style mixed with many other styles and influences, Moore decided he would make it a good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll instrumental album. It’s just Vinnie Moore, his guitar, and his raw guitar talent – all the ingredients that make’s this album a work of art.
TO THE CORE boasts such tracks as “Fly”, “Panic Attack” and “Off The Hook.” All the songs take on unique tones has Moore takes you on a journey track after track. “The only plan I had when making this record was to do some things I have never done before,” explains Moore. I am into many types of music and wanted to make a record where I could just let it all pour out without limitations. I am basically a rock guy but all these other influences that filter into my music. You can hear many styles from an R&B/Hip Hop vibe to one that is heavy but has an indian vibe with lots of exotic percussion. I even have a couple tunes with techno elements, some funk, some blues and some bepop. Hell, there is even some motorcycles on it and I even played slide guitar on “Jigsaw” which is fairly new for me. The common thread that ties it all together is probably the fact that it’s me playing guitar through it all.”
TO THE CORE was recorded at The Core. John “JD” Deservio (Black Label Society/Bass) plays bass, Van Romaine on drums and Tim Lehner on keyboards.
For more information please go to www.vinniemoore.com or www.mascotrecordsusa.com