MUSIC NEWS

Updated: Saturday, June 27, 2009

09/02/08 The Gothenburg based brand new glitterrock band XXX has revealed the cover artwork and tracklist for their upcoming CD "Heaven,Hell Or Hollywood?" on their MySpace site The cover artwork contains Superhero illustrations, done by Al Rio of Marvel Comics. Al Rio has previously drawn Batman, The Incredible Hulk and more ...
XXX - is pronounced Triple X and these 3 X-men behind the fitting moniker are: SNOWY SHAW ( drums and vocals ), ROB NASTY ( bass and vocals ) and X ( guitars and vocals ). "Heaven, Hell or Hollywood? " was mixed by Andy La Roque in Sonic Train Studios. And produced by Snowy Shaw and X.
The album is scheduled for an October 22, 2008 release by King Records for Japan and the band is currently looking for proper deals for Europe, America and so forth. Tracklist "Heaven, Hell Or Hollywood? " :

• HELLO!
• IT'S SUICIDE
• WE'RE GONNA ROCK,..
• WALL OF FAME
• I WANT YOU TO WANT ME
• SINGALONGSONG
• SO FXXXING YOU!
• TOMBOY
• MISS MISERY
• HEAVEN, HELL OR HOLLYWOOD?
----------
• BONUS TRACK : REAL MEN WEAR PINK AND SUXXX HARD !

08/16/08

ROCKNATION TV now airing in 234 cities nationwide

Rocknation makes Public Access TV history being the first and only music video show to be aired nationwide on Time Warner, Comcast, Service Electric and Charter Communications. Some of the cities airing the show include Manhattan-NY, Houston-TX, Anaheim-CA, Chicago-IL, Austin-TX, Denver-CO, Atlanta-GA, Cleveland-OH, Dallas-TX and Sacramento-CA.

Rocknation TV is a weekly 30-minute metal program featuring videos such as HALFORD, DEVIL DRIVER, LAMB OF GOD, JETBOY & MEGADETH. The TV show has video ID's from legendary KISS frontman Paul Stanley and members of SHADOWSFALL, DIO, BLACK SABBATH, WARRANT, Ozzy, QUIET RIOT, SALIVA & DOKKEN.

Rocknation is looking for VJ's to interview national touring bands for more information contact Rocknation@comcast.net

For more info, check out the Rocknation at: www.myspace.com/rocknationtv or www.rocknation.us

07/21/08 The greatest guitar hero of all time finally will rock Guitar Hero. The animated likeness of Jimi Hendrix and the late axeman's songs "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary" will be featured in the Guitar Hero: World Tour video game, due out this fall. "Jimi was a kid at heart -- he definitely would have played these games," says Hendrix's adopted stepsister, Janie. Meanwhile, a city park recently was dedicated to Hendrix in his hometown of Seattle.
AP/MSNBC

07/21/08 METALLICA'S James Hetfield discussed the meaning of the title of his band's upcoming album, "Death Magnetic", in a recent interview. "It started out as a tribute to people who have fallen in our business, like [late ALICE IN CHAINS front man] Layne Stayley," explains the singer-guitarist. "Some people are drawn towards [death], just like a magnet, and other people are afraid of it and push away." Click here to check out "Death Magnetic's" provocative cover art.
VG TV

07/21/08 Ex-GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler was arrested early Friday in Los Angeles. The stickman was suspected of narcotics possession and being under the influence, and also had an outstanding warrant. Adler -- who has long struggled with substance abuse -- is participating in the second season of VH1's Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew, scheduled to premiere in October. He also revealed recently that he's agreed to appear in a spin-off series called Sober Living.
MTV.com

07/21/08 Perry Farrell says the original members of JANE'S ADDICTION will convene shortly to discuss a full-scale reunion. "There's a lot of very strong personalities," admits the singer. "But I still think it would be worth it to get Jane's Addiction together." The four band mates performed in April at the NME Awards USA in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Farrell was joined onstage by guitarist Dave Navarro at a July 12 gig in Las Vegas (watch YouTube clips here and here).
NME.com

07/21/08 Susan Ray Tallarico, the mother of AEROSMITH front man Steven Tyler, died July 14 at her home in Nashua, N.H. She was 84. In addition to Tyler, Tallarico is survived by her husband, Victor, a daughter named Lynda, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In other Tyler-related news, the singer was part of a jaw-dropping bill of guests who performed with Billy Joel on Friday at the last concert that will ever be held at New York's Shea Stadium.
NashuaTelegraph.com

07/21/08 U2's 1983 live effort, "Under a Blood Red Sky", will be reissued Sept. 23. The collection will be made available as a single CD and in a CD/DVD package. The re-release will precede the band's 12th studio effort, which is due in November.
Billboard.com

07/21/08 A new ENUFF Z'NUFF track titled "High" has been posted on the band's MySpace page. The track, which features an appearance by former OZZY OSBOURNE/BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee, will be included on ENUFF Z'NUFF's new album, "Dissonance", due later in the year. Another track from the CD, "Altered States", is available for streaming on ENUFF Z'NUFF front man Donnie Vie's MySpace page.
According to antiMUSIC, Jake E. Lee appears on the entire "Dissonance" CD, which was issued in a special collector's edition at the Rocklahoma festival earlier in the month. Also making a guest appearance on the album is original GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler. It is not know yet if Jake E. Lee will join ENUFF Z'NUFF on the road when they tour to support the effort. Vie recently returned to the band full-time after he quit touring with them seven years ago.

07/21/08 British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have set "Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder" as the title of their new album, due in October via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Thornography" is a 72-minute concept record about a legendary serial killer from the 15th Century, Gilles De Rais, a French nobleman who fought alongside Joan of Arc and accumulated great wealth before becoming a satanist, sexual deviant and a murderer.
"Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder" track listing:

1. In Grandeur And Frankincense Devilment Stirs
2. Shat Out Of Hell
3. The Death Of Love
4. The 13th Caesar
5. Tiffauges
6. Tragic Kingdom
7. Sweetest Maleficia
8. Honey And Sulphur
9. Midnight Shadows Crawl To Darken Counsel With Life
10. Darkness Incarnate
11. Ten Leagues Beneath Contempt
12. Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder
13. Corpseflower

07/15/08 Today, FOREIGNER and Rhino Records are releasing "NO END IN SIGHT: THE VERY BEST OF FOREIGNER", a comprehensive hits collection (32-song, two-disc set) that includes both live songs and a previously unreleased track called ‘Too Late’ (link to stream below). The band will follow the release of their album with a co-headlining summer tour with Bryan Adams beginning in July.

A constant fixture on the radio and the charts throughout the '70s and '80s, Foreigner has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. This new compilation will include hits such as ‘Cold As Ice’, ‘Juke Box Hero’, ‘Double Vision’, ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’, and many more. Please see the official press release (below) for a complete track listing, tour dates and more information.

Official Site
Official mySpace
Widget

Real
QT
WMA

07/07/08 BUCKCHERRY have set Black Butterfly as the title of the forthcoming follow-up to their platinum-certified 2006 release, 15. The new album tentatively is expected to hit stores Sept. 23. Meanwhile, BUCKCHERRY'S management company has authorized the "leak" of a tune named "Too Drunk . . ." that's expected to be included on Butterfly. BUCKCHERRY currently are touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE, PAPA ROACH and TRAPT on the Crüe Fest trek, which runs through an Aug. 31 show in Pittsburgh.
Blabbermouth.net

07/07/08 The SMASHING PUMPKINS have confirmed plans to play a series of special concerts in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and some as-yet-unannounced cities this November to mark the 20th anniversary of the band's formation. "The 20th Anniversary shows will be magical," Billy Corgan writes online. "We are already working on lots of surprises." Dates for the performances will be announced shortly, while a separate U.S. tour also is being planned for August and September.
Smashing Pumpkins -- Official Site

07/07/08 Natasha Shneider, former singer-keyboardist of the '90s alt-rock act ELEVEN, died July 1 of cancer. The 52-year-old Moscow native also had played keys with QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and collaborated with Chris Cornell on his 1999 solo debut, "Euphoria Morning". "She was a brilliant, beautiful and ballsy woman who will be missed deeply by all those who knew her," writes her ex-QOTSA band mate Troy Van Leeuwen. A memorial fund has been set up to help with medical expenses.
Billboard.com

07/07/08 Two new LED ZEPPELIN vinyl box sets featuring 180-gram, audiophile-quality discs will be released this summer. A four-LP edition of the recently expanded soundtrack to ZEP'S 1976 concert film, "The Song Remains the Same", will be issued July 22. Like the album's 2007 CD release, the vinyl package will include new sleeve notes and six extra tracks. The second collection is a deluxe four-disc version of the ZEP'S 2007 "Mothership" retrospective, which is due out Aug. 26.
Led Zeppelin -- Official Site

07/07/08 A recently organized Guitar Hero: Aerosmith video-game contest will offer competitions at various Hard Rock Cafes around the United States in July and August. The four highest-scoring contestants at each event will travel to Boston's Hard Rock Cafe for the Aug. 24 finale. AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler will be on hand to give away the grand prize -- a custom-designed Guitar Hero: AEROSMITH Red Wing motorcycle. The Boston bash will raise money for the Forge charity.
Aero Force One

07/07/08 PEARL JAM front man Eddie Vedder has mapped out a new series of solo dates in August. The singer's trek will launch with an Aug. 1-2 stand in Boston and is scheduled to continue through an Aug. 21-22 engagement in Chicago. In other news, PEARL JAM raised around $3 million for New York-based anti-poverty charity the Robin Hood Foundation with their private benefit gig at the city's Beacon Theater Tuesday.
Pearl Jam -- Official Site

07/07/08 SLIPKNOT have unveiled their new collection of "evolved" stage outfits and masks in advance of their forthcoming fourth effort, All Hope Is Gone, which hits stores Aug. 26. Click below to check out the updated masks and the disc's first single, "Psychosocial." In addition, listen to "All Hope's" title track here. Meanwhile, click here to watch a clip of guitarist Jim Root talking about the upcoming "Psychosocial" video, which will premiere July 18 on MTV.
Spinner

07/05/08 Tony Mills and Siv-Anita Strickert have co-written a track with Joe Basketts from UK rockers SHY in support of the Foundation of Autism in Norway. The track is the title track of an album called 'KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE ', which is due for release in August. The album includes many famous Norwegian artists and hopes to develop and maintain the awareness and profile of the issue of autism and the constant need for the support of this cause.

Siv-Anita Strickert is currently number # 8 in the Norwegian charts. Tony and Siv-Anita will be actively promoting the album during August in support of the charity.

KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE !!!!

07/05/08 RockEyez.com would like to congratulate our good friends Vic Rivera and Ted Poley on their signing to Angelmilk Records. These guys are some of the true stars in music. We wish them only the best and RockEyez.com will give them complete support.
Poley/Rivera announcing their signing to Angelmilk Records –
The record launches in September...
Check some tracks on these links
www.myspace.com/vicrivera
www.myspace.com/poleyrivera
www.myspace.com/tedpoley

07/03/08 Please find attached hereto a news release by PHENOMENA´s management and the 2 Phenomena Producers Tom Galley and Wilfried Rimensberger on the passing away of founding PHENOMENA musician, WHITESNAKE and TRAPEZE member Mel Galley. He will be missed by the whole PHENOMENA team: Mel Galley R..I.P.

07/02/08 Go to either the WILLOW WISP Myspace site or www.willowwisp.org and leave a statement in the guestbook as to why you detest or support WILLOW WISP. You may also call 818 377 4571 and leave a message!! Whoever is chosen gets a FREE WILLOW WISP 'FUCK ALL RELIGION' Shirt!!
Watch for new Willow Wisp CD 'AntiHuman Manifesto' coming September 2008
WILLOW WISP also Headlines in Canada at The North West Metal Fest this August 29-31

07/01/08 Phoenix Books and Gene Simmons, the New York Times best-selling author, reality TV star, and KISS bassist/vocalist, present an entertaining mix of narrative history and Simmons' own unique philosophy about the inception and legacy of prostitution with his enlightening new book, "Ladies of the Night", poised to hit bookstores on July 8, 2008. Beautifully illustrated in lush, velvety binding, "Ladies of the Night" is an entirely new take on a traditionally taboo topic and promises to spark debate.

Simmons will celebrate the release of "Ladies of the Night" with a July 8 appearance at Borders Books (1360 Westwood Blvd.) in Westwood, California beginning at 7:00 p.m.

07/01/08 Guitar Center has announced the next installment of Guitar Center Sessions: An evening of dialogue and insight with Dave Mustaine. This exclusive event is powered by Marshall amps and will be taking place on July 10 at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, CA and is free and open to the public.

Since forming MEGADETH in 1983, Dave Mustaine's career has been one of the most thrilling and musically innovative in the history of heavy metal, selling over 20 million albums with seven Grammy nominations. Under his extraordinary vision and leadership as guitarist, songwriter and singer, MEGADETH has helped pioneer the thrash and speed metal movements and has influenced and inspired a generation.

Designed to provide informative, provocative conversation and hands-on tutorials, GC Sessions serves as an incubator for musicians, providing them an opportunity to network with their peers in an intimate setting and gain career-fostering advice from their heroes. For this evening's event, Dave Mustaine will offer guitar techniques, discuss his favorite gear (including his signature guitars and Marshall amps), and provide advice on marketing, monetizing and touring in today’s music business.

July 10, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
Guitar Center Hollywood
7425 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

06/30/08 AEROSMITH's five members were on hand Friday at New York's Hard Rock Cafe for an event celebrating the launch of the Guitar Hero: Aerosmith video game. "[Working on the game] was just the best experience of our lives," front man Steven Tyler said during a Q&A session. "It lets people outside play along with all the AEROSMITH songs and dance between the notes." Meanwhile, in another interview Friday, Tyler admitted that he addressed a narcotics dependency during his recent rehab stint.
Reuters

06/30/08 RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello has scheduled a Sept. 30 release date for "The Fabled City", his second solo album under the NIGHTWATCHMAN moniker. "My goal was to capture the energy and emotion of the NIGHTWATCHMAN live shows," Morello says of the disc, which will feature a guest appearance from SYSTEM OF A DOWN'S Serj Tankian. "There is a much more rocking quality to this record." Check out " City's" complete track listing here:
Billboard.com

06/30/08 BON JOVI will perform a free concert July 12 in New York's Central Park as one of the events being staged in conjunction with Major League Baseball's 2008 All-Star Game. Tickets for the show, appropriately dubbed the All-Star Concert in Central Park, will be distributed starting Wednesday at several local ballparks -- including Yankee Stadium, where the big game will be held July 15. Additional passes will be given out via various promotions.

06/30/08 STAIND are asking fans to help them promote their music during their upcoming U.S. tour. People willing to distribute advertising materials for the band -- as well as photograph and write about their efforts -- can receive a ticket to one of STAIND'S concerts. The trek kicks off Friday in Muskegon, Mich. Meanwhile, click here to watch STAIND performing an acoustic version of "Believe," the first single off their forthcoming album, "The Illusion of Progress":
Blabbermouth.net

06/30/08 METALLICA have recorded a song for an album of IRON MAIDEN covers that will be available with the July 19 issue of U.K. metal magazine Kerrang. 'TALLICA picked the early MAIDEN tune "Remember Tomorrow" for the tribute disc, titled Maiden Heaven. "It was basically the blueprint for songs like 'Fade to Black' and 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium),'" says drummer Lars Ulrich of the track. Other contributors to the collection include AVENGED SEVENFOLD, COHEED AND CAMBRIA and DEVILDRIVER.
Metallica -- Official Site

06/28/08 HOLLYWOOD, CA (June 2008) – Starting now you can purchase a special limited Bumblefoot/The Gibson Foundation t-shirt in support of Rock Against Diabetes. Every time you purchase this t-shirt you get a chance to win a huge package of rock n roll treats. The package includes a Gibson Les Paul BFG w/ hard case, a 3 hour lesson with Bumblefoot at the NYC Gibson Showroom and much, much more. This prize package values at about $4,000 currently and growing weekly. The more shirts that sell, the bigger the prize will be! Other sponsors for this promotion are Spectraflex, DiMarzio and Atari.
This promotion runs from June 22 to August 23rd, where Bumblefoot will announce the winner live at the show in Las Vegas. Price of this special edition t-shirt is $20.00 and all proceeds go to R.A.D.
To see Bumblefoot talk about this special promotion, go to rockagainstdiabetes.org or their Myspace.

06/28/08 This summer, EXTREME will release Saudades de Rock (pronounced "sow-dodge"), their first studio album in thirteen years which will coincide with their first world tour in over twelve years. Saudades de Rock will be released on August 12th on Open E Records and distributed by Fontana.

06/28/08 Scottish rockers SIMPLE MINDS have been busy writing new songs for their next eagerly anticipated new studio album, and have enough material for two new albums. The band released their last studio album 'Black and White 050505', three years ago but have been so inspired by recent writing sessions in their native Glasgow, they've got more than enough quality material for a double header.

06/28/08 Locomotive Records will release the third album of Norway’s Communic, Payment Of Existence, in the U.S. on July 29. Guitarist/Vocalist Oddleif Stensland, bassist Erik Mortensen and drummer Tor Atle Andersen are excited about stateside audiences getting to experience the kind of power, melody, intelligent lyrics and highly progressive musical approach that this dynamic trio is capable of.

06/28/08 Canada’s technical extreme metallers NEURAXIS have launched an online e-card featuring three new tracks from the band’s forthcoming record, ‘The Thin Line Between’ online here . Slated for release July 22, through Prosthetic Records.

06/28/08 BLACK TIDE have just unleashed the second single from their debut album Light From Above. "Let Me" evokes the sounds of late 80’s flavored MOTLEY CRUE and SKID ROW and has been a staple of BLACK TIDE’s live set since their now infamous Ozzfest stint.

BLACK TIDE can be seen this summer as part of the inaugural Mayhem Festival which also features SLIPKNOT, DISTURBED, DRAGONFORCE and MASTODON.
Mp3 Download link

06/28/08 PRYOR, OK— POISON Front Man and star of VH-1’s "Rock of Love" Bret Michaels will hold an exclusive Private Cocktail Party following his performance at Rocklahoma Thursday, July 10, 2008. For only $100 plus tax per person, fans can enjoy a rare treat as Michaels spends quality time with each and every person, including pictures and autographs. This intimate affair is being sold on a limited basis, as only one hundred tickets will be available; The price includes free drinks and hors d’ oeuvres. The Bret Michael’s Cocktail Party tickets can be purchased by all three-day ticket holders by calling the Catch the Fever Music Festival’s office at 1-866-310-2288. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a rare moment with one of Rock’s Living Legends.

06/23/08 CHIMAIRA members Matt DeVries (rhythm guitar), Rob Arnold (lead guitar) and Jim LaMarca (bass) will take part in a signing session and meet-and-greet on July 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sam Ash music store in Cleveland. There will be ticket giveaways for the band's 10th anniversary show and guitar giveaways. Matt and Rob's signature series ESPs will be on display and for sale.
Sam Ash
5700 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44124-2918
Phone: (440) 446-0850
CHIMAIRA will play a one-time celebratory show to honor its 10th anniversary as a band on July 12 at Peabody's Down Under in Cleveland. The group will perform "a unique blend of songs from the first 10 years of our career," according to a press release.

06/23/08 Nine songs reported to be from GUNS N' ROSES' absurdly overdue Chinese Democracy album were leaked briefly online Wednesday. Lawyers for front man Axl Rose quickly issued a cease-and-desist order and the tracks were soon pulled off the offending website. Earlier versions of most of the tunes apparently had been posted before on the Internet, but three of the songs are said to be previously unheard. A release date for Chinese Democracy still has not been announced.
Billboard.com

06/23/08 KID ROCK says one reason he hasn't made his music available on iTunes yet is that the "old system" doesn't give enough money to artists. "I will be on iTunes eventually because I can't avoid it," he explains. "But I like to always stick to my guns and prove a point and do something original." Along those lines, Rock has filmed a video in which he humorously advocates stealing from various wealthy companies.
BBC News

06/23/08 MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx says the band is looking for new producing partners to back its forthcoming autobiographical film, The Dirt, after edging MTV Films and Paramount out of the picture. "We signed with [MTV in 2006] because we believed they were right, but they haven't come to the table," Sixx explains. The movie is based on the group's best-selling 2001 book of the same name. Meanwhile, read a new interview with Sixx here.
Reuters

06/23/08 LINKIN PARK and MTV2 are giving local music acts a chance to perform at select shows on the Projekt Revolution tour via an online contest. Bands close to Atlanta, Philadelphia, Denver, St. Louis, San Francisco and the Ohio region can create a profile -- through next Wednesday -- on which fans will be able to vote from Thursday until July 9. MTV2 will review the top 12 vote-getters for each market and pick three to play.
Linkin Park -- Official Site

06/23/08 STAIND have announced that their forthcoming album, The Illusion of Progress, will be issued on Aug. 19. The collection's first single, "Believe," will be available at iTunes starting Tuesday. "We went into the studio with the mind-set of making our heaviest record yet," explains front man Aaron Lewis, "but the record that came out has flavors of PINK FLOYD and straight-up blues." STAIND will support Illusion with a tour that kicks off July 4 in Muskegon, Mich. Staind -- Official Site

06/20/08 TICKLE ME PINK are streaming their debut album, Madeline, in its entirety on Purevolume. – purevolume.com/ticklemepink. You can also preview four live videos from the live DVD that will be included with the album. Madeline will hit stores on July 1st. TICKLE ME PINK will hit the road this summer with FINCH and SCARY KID SCARY KIDS, as well as play select dates on this summer’s Warped Tour. Check out the dates below.

06/20/08 France’s metal titans GOJIRA are currently finishing the band’s forthcoming album, ‘The Way of All Flesh,’ which is currently slated for an October 14 release in North America through Prosthetic Records. The follow-up to the critically-acclaimed ‘From Mars To Sirius, ’ the album will be available throughout Europe one day earlier through Listenable Records.

06/20/08 Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of the Tasmanian technical death metal band PSYCROPTIC.

Nuclear Blast's U.S. A&R representative Gerardo Martinez stated about the signing: "We are beyond excited to be working with one of the BEST technical death metal bands in the world right now. We feel the band will reach the status they deserve in a short period of time."

06/20/08 EX-DIO, RAINBOW AND DEEP PURPLE MEMBERS INTRODUCE "PURPLE RAINBOW" Line-Up: Joe Lynn Turner -- RAINBOW / DEEP PURPLE/ Yngwie Malmsteen Bobby Rondinelli -- RAINBOW / BLACK SABBATH; Tony Carey -- RAINBOW / PLANET P. PROJECT; Craig Goldy -- DIO / Yngwie Malmsteen; PURPLE RAINBOW features a line-up of musicians who were part of several of the most influential bands in hard/classic rock: From DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW to BLACK SABBATH and DIO.

Tony Carey explains, "Now, the members of PURPLE RAINBOW have fulfilled a personal and professional dream and stepped into the spotlight to present the music that is our passion. Driven by our love of performing and their desire to revive the golden years of hard rock, we're staging a return to authentic music that comes from the heart and soul." The list of memorable songs from their collective Discographies is never-ending and includes: "Man on the Silver Mountain," "Stone Cold," "Stargazer," "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll," "Street of Dreams," "Smoke on the Water," "Highway Star," "Burn" and many more. The band is currently looking to book concerts in 2009.

06/16/08 New TARA’S SECRET track available at last (slow studio) Natural High
Tara's Secret

06/16/08 New Guitarist! After months of searching, CRAZY LIXX have found their new guitarist in 19-year old Andy Dawson (Ex- SHARP). "We are very satisfied with our new member. He was our first choice after having gone through all the applications that we received and we're completely confident that he will be a worthy successor to Vic Zino. Andy is a very talented guitar player and despite his young age he has a mature style of playing combined with lots of experience of performing live on stage from his last band SHARP. In addition, and this is probably one of the most important aspects for us, he fits perfectly in the group on a personal level; He shares the same visions for CRAZY LIXX and will contribute with the same energy and commitment as the rest of us in order to push the band forward. - Danny, Joey & Luke

06/11/08 JUDAS PRIEST is offering fans free lawn tickets to select shows on the band's upcoming Metal Masters package tour. Individual passes will be available via a code printed in specially marked copies of the rockers' upcoming concept album, Nostradamus, which hits stores June 17. The Metal Masters trek, which also features HEAVEN AND HELL, TESTAMENT and MOTÖRHEAD, kicks off Aug. 6 in Camden, N.J., and runs through an Aug. 31 stop in Mountain View, Calif.
Business Wire

06/11/08 A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reports that AC/DC's much-anticipated follow-up album to 2000's "Stiff Upper Lip" will be sold exclusively through the Wal-Mart chain. The as-yet-untitled collection, which is being produced by Brendan O'Brien, is expected to be released sometime in the fall. Other major artists who have issued their albums via exclusive deals with Wal-Mart include the EAGLES, Bryan Adams and JOURNEY.
Billboard.com

06/11/08 Former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler has signed up to appear in the upcoming second season of VH1 reality series Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew. Among the other notables involved in the show, which follows participants' attempts to kick various addictions at a Los Angeles rehabilitation facility, is actress Tawny Kitaen -- the ex-wife of WHITESNAKE front man David Coverdale. The eight-part program will debut in October.
PR Newswire

06/11/08 PEARL JAM have announced plans to revive their official bootleg series for their just-launched U.S. headlining tour, which is scheduled through a June 30 gig in Mansfield, Mass. Complete recordings will be available for purchase as made-to-order CDs through the band's official website and in MP3 and FLAC digital formats here. Verizon Wireless subscribers also will be able to buy select songs and ringtones through the cell phone company's V Cast service.
Pearl Jam -- Official Site

06/11/08 Members of AEROSMITH, CHEAP TRICK and ZZ TOP participated in "Save the Planet Invitational", a star-studded celebrity golf tournament presented by Olsen Family Vineyards and hosted by PGA Tour professional Peter Jacobsen.
The tournament took place on Monday, June 2 at the private Members Club at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as part of a grand opening celebration of Hard Rock Park. It may become an annual event, according to Ed Kiernan, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Peter Jacobsen Sports, and there's a chance the public may be invited in the future.
Read the entire press release at this location.

06/11/08 According to the Daily Mail, a 13-year-old British fan of BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE hanged himself after being bullied on Internet social networking sites for his clothes and love of "emo" music and punk rock, his parents believe. Sam Leeson killed himself in his bedroom after suffering months of "sickening" abuse from cruel youngsters who bombarded his home page with offensive emails.
The schoolboy was tormented about his love of heavy metal, "thrash" metal and "emo" music — a style of hardcore punk whose fans wear dark clothes and have long hair. His devastated parents and siblings believe he was driven to take his own life by the abuse and name-calling he received on the sites. Read the entire article from the Daily Mail.

06/11/08 VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has told Spinner that he is keeping himself busy putting together a solo album. "I'm working on it pretty aggressively right now while I have the time 'cause as soon as VELVET finds its singer [to replace the recently departed Scott Weiland], then it's going to be off the races with that," he told Spinner. "I'm using this little period to be able to do as much on my solo record as possible. I'm not sure exactly when it will come out, but hopefully it will come out before the [next] VELVET record."
"It'll be my first solo record," he continued. All the other ones were just me putting other bands together and going out and just jamming. This will actually be a little bit more personal." Read more from Spinner.

06/03/08 FINGER ELEVEN has nixed their scheduled European tour because lead singer Scott Anderson recently sprained his neck. "I can't really do much other than look like a hunchback and putter around my house looking for painkillers," the front man writes online. Anderson adds that F11 "will make good on our promise to invade Europe and the [United Kingdom] in October." The trek was to have kicked off Tuesday in Zurich, Switzerland.
MySpace: Finger Eleven

06/03/08 Kurt Cobain's ashes reportedly have been stolen from the late NIRVANA singer's widow, Courtney Love. The former HOLE front woman claims that the remains were lifted from a pink teddy bear-shaped bag hidden in her Hollywood home. "I can't believe anyone would take Kurt's ashes from me," she says. "I find it disgusting and right now I'm suicidal." Meanwhile, Love has posted an open call seeking a bassist who can "play brilliantly" for her backing band.
The Observer

06/03/08 FOO FIGHTERS front man Dave Grohl joined Paul McCartney onstage as THE BEATLES legend rocked his hometown of Liverpool, England, on Sunday at the Liverpool Sound concert. Grohl played guitar on the WINGS hit "Band on the Run," and pounded the drums on THE BEATLES classics "Back in the U.S.S.R." and "I Saw Her Standing There." The show was one of the events celebrating the city's being named a 2008 European Capital of Culture.
NME.com

06/03/08 VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen says he and his band mates are considering hitting the studio after their current comeback tour ends. "We'll probably take a little break and then sit down and discuss what we want to do," explains the axe man. "It's always based around music." Meanwhile, watch behind-the-scenes video of Eddie, B.B. King and others during the cover shoot for Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time" issue here.
RollingStone.com

06/03/08 AEROSMITH front man Steven Tyler says he checked himself into a rehab facility this month to recover from the agony he was experiencing after his recent foot surgeries. "The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic," he explains. "I really needed a safe environment to recuperate." The singer also insists that there are "no plans to stop rocking" for AEROSMITH. "There's a new album to record, then another tour," he adds. Mitch Schneider Organization

06/03/08 RADIOHEAD front man Thom Yorke thought it was "hilarious" that Prince covered the band's hit "Creep" at this year's Coachella festival, but Yorke wasn't laughing when he found out fan footage from the performance had been removed from YouTube because of alleged copyright issues. "Really? He's blocked it?" Yorke commented to Ed O'Brien when the RADIOHEAD guitarist informed him that the clip couldn't be accessed online. "Well, tell him to unblock it. It's our . . . song." AP/Jam! Music

06/03/08 British extreme epic power metallers DRAGONFORCE will release their new album, "Ultra Beatdown", on August 25 via Roadrunner Records.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:

Heroes Of Our Time

The Fire Still Burns

Reasons To Live

Scars Of Yesterday

Heartbreak Armageddon

The Last Journey Home

Inside The Winter Storm

The Warrior Inside

06/03/08

For the first time ever, fans will have the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in rock together on one stage as tickets go on sale for VH1's's third annual "VH1 Rock Honors" event paying homage to legendary British rock band THE WHO. "VH1 Rock Honors: The Who" will be taped on Saturday, July 12 from the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles and will premiere on VH1 on Thursday, July 17 at 9:00 p.m. with tribute performances by PEARL JAM, FOO FIGHTERS and THE FLAMING LIPS.

On Friday, June 6, tickets will go on sale to Wholigans, members of THE WHO fan club. On Saturday, June 7, tickets will be available to members of The Ten club, PEARL JAM's fan club and to the FOO FIGHTERS fan club. The general public on-sale will begin on Sunday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). Tickets will be priced at $300, $125 and $65, not including applicable service charges, via www.ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 213-480-3232. Ticket sales are limited to four (4) per person and tickets will remain on sale until sold out.

VIP ticket packages will be available via Ticketmaster.com and Deluxe Travel packages will be available via email or by calling 415-318-7007. THE WHO pre-sale will have a VIP package limit of two (2); the VIP package limit for the general public on-sale will be four (4). This year's event will deliver a night of high-voltage tribute performances by PEARL JAM, FOO FIGHTERS and THE FLAMING LIPS all leading up to the spectacular grand finale performance by THE WHO as they rock the stage. Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed. As a result of THE WHO's revolutionary and era-defining influence on rock music, this will be the first "VH1 Rock Honors" that salutes just one band.

Taping in Los Angeles at the Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA on July 12, "VH1 Rock Honors: The Who" will premiere on Thursday, July 17 at 9:00 p.m. on VH1, VH1 Classic and MHD. VH1.com will also offer select performances from the show leading up to and following the on-air premiere at Rock.VH1.com. THE WHO's monumental legacy will be celebrated with a two-hour tribute that will salute the music and the lasting impact of this groundbreaking band. The influence of THE WHO will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today's premier rock acts as well as the legends themselves.

06/01/08

DANGER EP Release "First Touch " Pushed Back To June 27

The Swedish glam / hard rock band DANGER has just announced that the release date of their new promotional EP " First Touch " has to be pushed back to June 27 due to technical problems in the studio. " We were working day and night to have the mixing and mastering process of the songs done, before the Sweden Rock Festival would start. As you all know, we always hand out free copies to the audience there and that was also the plan for this year. Our time-schedule was very tight to make it and when the equipment failed on us, there was nothing more for us to do than to accept it and to wait till all equipment has been fixed, so we can move on ", Rob Paris said. He continues " But at the end, it's even better to do it this way. We have more time now to give the fans the best job possible. The rough versions of the songs sound already killer, it's the best we have recorded so far. It's the most exciting period in the band's career, we cannot wait to let the world hear the songs ! "

While the fans are waiting for the new material, more cool stuff will be uploaded on the website www.danger.se, to make the wait easier.

At Friday June 27th, " First Touch " will be officially launched with a big MySpace online release party at www.myspace.com/bestdanger where all EP songs will be streaming from 20.00 till 24.00 CET !

06/01/08

Revelation Generation
Invites Tri-State Area Businesses, Civic Groups
to Join in the Fun at Labor Day Weekend Festival

Local Exhibitors and Vendors Invited to Promote and Provide On-Site Goods and Services to Thousands of Concert-Goers

Sponsor Opportunities Still Available For Companies to Become a Meaningful Part of the RevGen Mission

FRENCHTOWN, NJ – May 29, 2008 – Revelation Generation (www.revelationgeneration.org), the annual outdoor Labor Day Weekend music festival at Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, NJ, is now accepting applications from regional businesses and organizations seeking to showcase their goods and services to concert-goers, nearly 20,000 of which attended last year’s event. The festival’s organizers welcome all types of businesses to apply for exhibitor and vendor opportunities, especially local merchandisers, caterers and restaurateurs, youth ministries, non-profit service organizations, educational institutions and local churches. The festival has already secured many returning exhibitors and expects the remaining slots to fill quickly. Interested exhibitors or vendors are encouraged to email exhbitors@revelatongeneration.org to request an application or call (908) 483-2203 for more information.

"The exhibitors and vendors are an essential part of what makes Revelation Generation a success. And it’s a great way to get in front of a youthful and energetic audience," said Sean Grom of Revelation Generation Steering Committee. "The exponential growth in the festival’s popularity over the last few years is due in large part to the important role musicians, volunteers, organizers, exhibitors and vendors all play in delivering a moving and unforgettable experience for each and every concert-goer."

Exhibitors and vendors from last year’s Revelation Generation included various ministries and retailers of books, athletic wear and sports equipment, jewelry and accessories, and apparel. Additional exhibitors will include educational groups from area academies and colleges. The festival also plans to feature an even larger selection of food and beverages, offering concert-goers a greater quantity of meal, treat, and refreshment choices throughout the two-day event.

Revelation Generation also offers several levels of sponsorship to organizations and businesses who want to share in the mission of the festival. Sponsors benefit from the ability to reach the event’s passionate, youthful attendees with their brand or message throughout the two-days of festivities and months-long promotional effort leading up to Labor Day Weekend. Sponsor opportunities include: co-branding, event logo usage, VIP hospitality, and signage at various music stages and on festival grounds. For more information, email sponsors@revelatiogeneration.org or call (908) 483-2203.

Now in its fourth year, Revelation Generation will again be held at Revelation Farms, a 140-plus acre property in Hunterdon County. The family-friendly event will feature performances on multiple stages by top-notch artists including NEWSBOYS, SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, TOBYMAC, FLYLEAF, Matt Wertz, SKILLET, KUTLESS, NORMA JEAN, AS I LAY DYING, THE MYRIAD, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and many more. The two-day festival will also feature an all-star lineup of special guests including legendary speaker Justin Lookadoo, Boarders for Christ skate team, and more. In addition to the star-studded musical acts and special guests, the event will also feature long-standing festival favorites such as children’s activities, games, and extreme sports.

Vendor & Sponsor Applications
Those interested in an exhibition booth may visit the official concert web site at http://www.revelationgeneration.org or email exhibitors@revelationgeneration.org or sponsors@revelationgeneration.orgfor applications. There are a limited number of exhibitor booths available and the deadline to apply is August 1st (or until all vacancies are filled). Revelation Generation reserves the right to select vendors and sponsors based on their offering’s benefit to concert attendees and their compatibility with its mission statement and that of its partners. Feel free to call (908) 483-2203 for additional information.

About Revelation Generation
Revelation Generation is an annual music festival which takes place on Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, N.J., a 140-plus acre property owned by Robert and Kim Grom – original founders of the Christian non-profit organization who have dedicated their farm to many youth events and to raising money for youth-oriented charities. Revelation Generation is a first-rate entertainment event that calls today’s youth to live positive lifestyles—free of depression, peer pressure, and addiction—by using their influence and talents to serve others. Revelation Generation brings together a unique mix of emerging and award-winning musical artists spanning rock, pop, alternative, and punk, along with inspiring speakers, demonstrations, activities, and games that the whole family can enjoy. For more information, visit www.revelationgeneration.org or MySpace at www.myspace.com/revelationgenerationorg.

05/23/08 "We regret to inform that EUROPE is cancelling the appearance at the Kopevik Festival in Norway on the 31st May.
The reason is that John Norum's wife, Michelle Meldrum, suddenly passed away as a result of a cystic growth on her brain that had restricted oxygen and blood flow to her brain rendering her brain-dead.
The band sends their love and support to the couples son and Michelle's family and friends.

Rest in peace.
EUROPE"

05/19/08 Brazilian thrashers SEPULTURA have just entered the studio to begin recording their new album, which is based on the Anthony Burgess novel "A Clockwork Orange" (later turned into the classic film by Stanley Kubrick). An October release via SPV is expected.
(Thanks: Markus Krispler / www.sepularmy.net)

05/19/08 According to Slashgear.com, TED NUGENT confirmed his appearance on the Guitar Hero IV video game during a recent interview with a Detroit rock station. However, it won't just be his music that's included — he's actually being featured in the game, similar to Slash and Tom Morello in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Activision, the producer of Guitar Hero, will introduce a new level of activity for IV. Drums, bass, vocals and guitar will be able to be played separately in the new game.
DEF LEPPARD will also be one of the featured artists on Guitar Hero IV when it is released later this year. The songs expected to be included are as follows: "Photograph", "Rock of Ages" and "Animal". The Guitar Hero franchise has become a phenomenon, making many appearances in popular culture, and the games have become extremely popular as party games and hobbies. The series has sold over 14 million games, earning over $1 billion.

05/19/08 MÖTLEY CRÜE's Tommy Lee and rapper Ludacris will headline a May 28 benefit concert in Los Angeles that will be showcased on the season finale of the upcoming reality series Battleground Earth. The gig, which also will include members of Velvet Revolver and Twisted Sister, will raise money for the Griffith Park Recovery Fund. Battleground Earth, a show that follows Lee and Ludacris on competing, "eco-friendly" tours, will premiere Aug. 3 on the soon-to-launch Planet Green channel.
The Greek Theatre

05/15/08 A new book by KISS bassist-singer Gene Simmons titled Ladies of the Night, which explores the history of prostitution, will be published on July 8. To promote the 182-page volume, an essay contest has been launched offering the grand-prize winner a personalized voice-mail greeting from the rocker, a signed copy of the book and more. Meanwhile, KISS was inducted into the Munich Olympic Walk of Stars on Sunday, prior to their concert in the German city.
Phoenix Books & Audio

05/15/08 METALLICA are prepared to kick off a tour in October to support their upcoming, not-yet-named ninth album. Drummer Lars Ulrich revealed the band's plans Wednesday in Los Angeles during a benefit concert for the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a school co-founded by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea. METALLICA played a hit-filled set at the event, during which Flea joined the group on a rendition of its 1984 track "Fight Fire With Fire."
Billboard.com

05/15/08 WHITESNAKE's David Coverdale insists that he was misquoted with regard to a recent tabloid report in which he appeared to suggest that he was expecting his band to be asked to support LED ZEPPELIN on an as-yet-unconfirmed world tour. "What f**king world tour, we ask ourselves?" writes Coverdale in an e-mail to U.K. magazine Classic Rock. "I have no idea where this started . . . [But] I assure you there is no . . . foundation in this."
Classic Rock

05/15/08 VAN HALEN is documenting shows on their ongoing reunion tour for release as a concert DVD, front man David Lee Roth reportedly has revealed. The group's Tuesday performance in East Rutherford, N.J., apparently was the first gig of the trek to be filmed. Meanwhile, ex-VH bassist Michael Anthony and singer Sammy Hagar have teamed up with two unnamed musicians on a new musical project. "It is going to be totally kick-ass," writes Anthony online.
Blabbermouth.net

05/08/08 DISTURBED will be performing to a global audience on May 29 at 7 p.m. ET when they play an online show as part of the Pepsi Free Concert Series. Fans will be able to interact and communicate with the nü-metal act during the gig, which won't cost anything but will require a ticket that can be acquired here. Disturbed will release their fourth album, Indestructible, on July 3.
Disturbed -- Official Site

05/08/08 Kid Rock and Southern rockers LYNYRD SKYNYRD have unveiled dates for a joint North American summer tour. The Rock and Rebels trek will kick off Aug. 8 in Oklahoma City and is mapped out through an Aug. 31 stop in Hartford, Conn. A third, as-yet-unnamed act will serve as the jaunt's opener. SKYNYRD also will be among the special guests at Rock's May 15 concert at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Kid Rock -- Official Site

05/08/08 Tunes by STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, NINE INCH NAILS and the SMASHING PUMPKINS are among the 20 songs featured in an upcoming accessory package for the Rock Band video game. Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1, which will be available for the Wii and PlayStation2 systems, hits stores July 15. Other artists contributing tunes to the booster pack include WOLFMOTHER, FAITH NO MORE, KISS, THE RAMONES, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and WEEZER.
PR Newswire

05/02/08 Gary Graff of Billboard.com reports: BOSTON leader Tom Scholz tells Billboard.com he hopes to finish recording the band's next studio album after its summer tour and have it out "just after the first of the year." Scholz says the album — BOSTON's first since 2002's "Corporate America" — is a mix of "really straightforward rock 'n' roll songs and some things that are pretty esoteric. "When I first started," he continues, "I was doing music that had pretty simple themes. Then as I got into 'Third Stage' and 'Walk On' I got a little more technical and a little more involved, more complicated. In this one I'm trying to do both."
Read the entire article at Billboard.com.

05/02/08 MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx will be among the honorees at Covenant House California's ninth annual Awards Gala, scheduled for May 9 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sixx is being recognized in part for helping to launch Running Wild in the Night, a fundraising initiative for the youth homelessness charity. Meanwhile, the release date of the Crüe's upcoming album, Saints of Los Angeles reportedly has been pushed back from June 17 to June 24.
Blabbermouth.net

05/02/08 Billy Idol's upcoming hits compilation is due out June 24. "The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself" will feature 18 tracks, including two new songs, and will be available as a standard CD, a digital download and a deluxe set packaged with a DVD offering 13 music videos. Idol will perform on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! the night of Idolize Yourself's irelease. He also has announced that kicks off June 22 in San Diego. dates for a summer tour
PR Newswire

05/02/08 Scott Weiland has revealed that his previously announced sophomore solo effort will be a double album that's slated to arrive in November. "It's gonna be awesome," the STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer writes. "[It will feature] many different musical influences like rock, punk [and] R&B, as well as an eclectic blend that we've come up with over the years." In addition, Weiland reports that the autobiography he's been writing also is due out later this year. MySpace: Scott Weiland

04/22/08 STAIND front man Aaron Lewis says the band's upcoming album is tentatively titled The Illusion of Progress, and is likely to come out around July. The singer also confirms that STAIND will be touring with 3 DOORS DOWN this summer. "We're good friends with them," he says of 3DD. "And it'll be fun." Meanwhile, Lewis is planning to release an acoustic-based solo disc once STAIND finish touring in support of their album.
Blabbermouth.net

04/22/08 AC/DC front man Brian Johnson announced in an interview Tuesday that the band is done recording its upcoming studio effort, which is expected out in late 2008. He also reports that the group's sibling guitarists, Malcolm and Angus Young, currently are mixing the album in Vancouver, Canada, with producer Brendan O'Brien and engineer Mike Fraser. The disc will be the follow-up to AC/DC's 2000 release, Stiff Upper Lip.
AC/DC -- Official Site

04/22/08 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' Robert DeLeo says the band's upcoming reunion trek will help prepare the members for recording a possible new album. "After this tour finishes, I think we're gonna be in a position where we've gotten to know each other again," explains the bassist. "And I think it's gonna be time to hit the studio." Meanwhile, STP plan to release a DVD documenting the private comeback show they played April 7 in Los Angeles.
Billboard.com

04/22/08 METALLICA members revealed some details about their forthcoming ninth studio album Saturday during their Record Store Day appearance at the Rasputin Music shop in Mountain View, Calif. Bassist Robert Trujillo says the disc will be out "this fall," while front man James Hetfield reveals that U.S. tour dates are planned for September. View pictures from the event here. Meanwhile, METALLICA have launched a new website that apparently will allow fans to preview the album.
RollingStone.com

04/22/08 VAN HALEN performed Saturday in Las Vegas at Tiger Woods' annual Tiger Jam charity event, which raised around $1.5 million. "I cannot play golf for s**t," quipped front man David Lee Roth from the stage. "But I can ruin my knee with the pros." The benefit gig followed a VH show Thursday in Reno, Nev., that marked the rockers' return to live action after Eddie Van Halen's unspecified medical problems forced a month-plus hiatus from touring.
RollingStone.com

04/19/08 FOO FIGHTERS and LED ZEPPELIN front man Robert Plant (with collaborative partner Alison Krauss) are among the acts set to perform at the 2008 Austin City Limits Music Festival, scheduled for Sept. 26-28 in the Texas capital. The three-day event's lineup also features Beck, THE RACONTEURS, BLUES TRAVELER,FLYLEAF and dozens of other acts. Tickets for the extravaganza are available here.
Austin City Limits Music Festival

04/19/08 JUDAS PRIEST will issue their much-anticipated concept album, Nostradamus, on June 17. The 23-track collection will feature eight instrumental interludes, and finds the band incorporating orchestration and a choir into its music. Three versions of the release will be available -- a standard two-CD set, a deluxe hardbound edition and a special package that will include three vinyl discs. In other news, PRIEST have announced a handful of July dates for their upcoming North American tour.
Billboard.com

04/19/08 GODSMACK'S Sully Erna has mapped out a four-gig solo acoustic tour scheduled from a May 1 stop in Niagara Falls, N.Y., through a May 30 show in Albany, N.Y. More concerts may be added to the trek, which will feature the singer playing 'SMACK tunes and his own new compositions. "My goal doing these shows is that fans get to experience me as I see myself," explains Erna. "Not filtered through the fame and the hype."
Godsmack -- Official Site

04/19/08 CANDLEBOXis scheduled to release its new studio album, "Into the Sun", mid-July via the independent music label Silent Majority Group, headed by Jeff Hanson, who has managed groups such as CREED and SEVENDUST. The group's new single, "Stand", will go for radio ads in mid-to-late May. Silent Majority Group offered CANDLEBOX a 50/50 deal, which vocalist Kevin Martin said means the band gets equal say on its music and input on album production and artwork. Fan-filmed video footage of CANDLEBOX performing one of the new songs during the band's March 25, 2008 concert at The Roxy in West Hollywood, California can be viewed here. Rhino Records in May 2006 released "The Best of Candlebox", featuring all of the single releases from CANDLEBOX's previous three albums as well as a few additional album tracks and the song "Glowing Soul", which was featured on the soundtrack for the movie "The Waterboy".

04/13/08

Revelation Generation Music Festival Announces All-Star Lineup and Ticket Availability

Pre-Sales Discounted Tickets Now Available at www.iTickets.com for Labor Day Weekend Concert featuring NEWSBOYS, SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, TOBYMAC, AS I LAY DYING, FLYLEAF, NORMA JEAN, and More

FRENCHTOWN, NJ – April 11, 2008 –4 (www.revelationgeneration.org), the annual outdoor Labor Day Weekend music festival at Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, NJ, today announced a powerhouse lineup for the fourth consecutive year of the concert, taking place August 29-30, 2008. This year’s acts span a host of genres including rock, pop, hip hop, alternative, and acoustic. Revelation Generation 2008 will feature three stages named for cities that have produced countless musical talents: the New York Stage which perennial fan-favorite, NEWSBOYS, returns to headline; the Philadelphia Stage headlined by metalcore juggernaut AS I LAY DYING; and the newly-named Nashville Stage featuring Bethany Dillon. Steeply-discounted pre-sale tickets are also now available to fans at www.iTickets.com

Revelation Generation kicks off on Friday night, August 29, with a trio of impressive acts including singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin, progressive rock band LEELAND, and former American Idol finalist, Mandisa. To top off that lineup, NEWSBOYS front man, Paul Coleman, will emcee opening night.

Performing with AS I LAY DYING on the Philadelphia Stage will be the powerfully infectious FLYLEAF; gnarly rock quintet NORMA JEAN; MTV2’s Breakout contest champions, THE MYRIAD; the metal-rock blend sound of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA; the talented-beyond-their-years AUGUST BURNS RED; and the fan-favorite, genre-fusing SKILLET returns for a second-straight year.

The new tented Nashville Stage will feature some of the Music City’s finest acoustic group and solo acts as well as local bands and performers in an intimate, club-like setting. Eighteen-year-old Bethany Dillon will showcase her acoustic roots rock talents, pulling songs from all three of her albums, including her latest, Waking Up. Singer-songwriter Shawn MacDonald will captivate Nashville Stage audiences with his mesmerizing blend of folk and soul, and returning for a second year, Phil Keaggy will delight young and old with his mastery of the guitar. With this new stage, concert-goers will experience up-close-and-personal performances by their favorite artists, allowing for totally unique concert experience.

The three stages – spread over 140-plus acres – will aim to provide festival attendees with a variety of fun and exciting experiences – not to mention one of the hottest lineups of musical acts to anchor the summer concert season.

"We are thrilled to have such talented, high-profile musical performers on this year’s Revelation Generation bill," said Robert Grom, co-founder of Revelation Generation with wife Kim Grom. "Showcasing artists that bring a positive message to fans through their music truly helps us spread the mission of Revelation Generation – and that is something we can all find inspiring."

About Revelation Generation

Revelation Generation is an annual music festival which takes place on Revelation Farms in Frenchtown, N.J., a 140-plus acre property owned by Robert and Kim Grom – original founders of the Christian non-profit organization who have dedicated their farm to many youth events and to raising money for youth-oriented charities. Revelation Generation is a first-rate entertainment event that calls today’s youth to live positive lifestyles—free of depression, peer pressure, and addiction—by using their influence and talents to serve others. Revelation Generation brings together a unique mix of emerging and award-winning musical artists spanning rock, pop, alternative, and punk, along with inspiring speakers, demonstrations, activities, and games that the whole family can enjoy. For more information, visit www.revelationgeneration.org.

04/08/08Brand new clip of 3 DOORS DOWN at the NCAA FINAL FOUR Championship pre-game show. The video features the new single, "Its Not My Time" from their upcoming self-titled album out MAY 20TH 2008!
Check out the clip here:

04/01/08 Tom Morello will embark on a seven-show trek under his Nightwatchman alias. The RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist's Justice Tour will kick off April 15 in Los Angeles and is scheduled through a May 1 date in Chicago. Each gig will focus on a different social cause, such as homelessness, affordable housing and veterans care. Guests on the jaunt will include Slash, Perry Farrell, ALICE IN CHAINS' Jerry Cantrell, TOOL's Maynard James Keenan and INCUBUS' Mike Einziger.
MySpace: Tom Morello

04/01/08 Ex-Bush front man Gavin Rossdale is set to release his debut solo album, WanderLust, on June 3. The disc's first single, "Love Remains the Same," is available now at iTunes and other digital outlets. A dramatic video teaser trailer for WanderLust has been posted here. Meanwhile, Rossdale will perform a benefit show Thursday in Orlando, Fla., for the nonprofit organization Musicians on Call. Gavin Rossdale -- Official Site | iTunes

04/01/08 Chris Cornell says he's perplexed by the American Idol judges' reaction to contestant David Cook's recent performance of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," which he based on the ex-SOUNDGARDEN/AUDIOSLAVE singer's own rendition. "I came up with this arrangement and reinvented the song," maintains Cornell. "You can clearly see that the judges are giving this guy credit for it on national television." Despite host Ryan Seacrest introducing the tune as Cornell's version, the judges still praised Cook for his originality. Billboard.com

04/01/08 VAN HALEN will be back in action two days earlier than initially announced. The rockers, who recently postponed a series of concerts because guitarist Eddie Van Halen needed to undergo unspecified medical tests, now will return to the road with a newly scheduled April 17 show in Reno, Nev. -- the band's first gig in the city since 1992. Meanwhile, Eddie's son, VH bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, says, "Don't listen to the rumors -- [my father is] doing great -- seriously." Van Halen -- Official Site

04/01/08 AVENGED SEVENFOLD will film its April 10 concert at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California on the current Taste of Chaos tour for a live CD/DVD package the band expects to make available by Christmas. Singer M. Shadows recently told The Pulse of Radio that the combined audio-video package will also include some of the band's B-sides. In addition, the group will be utilizing the live footage shot at the Long Beach concert to put together a video for the song "Dear God" The Taste of Chaos tour also includes BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and ATREYU, and others. The tour will continue until April 15, when it wraps up in Seattle.

04/01/08 Des Moines, Iowa-based metal giants SLIPKNOT have offered the first glimpse (sort of) at the new series of masks which the band will don on the upcoming Rockstar Energy Mayhem festival, set to kick off July 9 at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle.

Check out the new "shadowy" photo on the splash page of the band's official web site. When asked if the oversized, Easter Island–looking masks were in fact an April Fools' Day joke, an unnamed executive at the band's record label, Roadrunner Records, assured BLABBERMOUTH.NET that it is "100% real." According to HMV.co.uk, Roadrunner Records has set an August 11 UK release date (one day later in the U.S.) for the much-anticipated new SLIPKNOT album. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2004's "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)" is being recorded with producer Dave Fortman, who has previously worked with MUDVAYNE and EVANESCENCE.

04/01/08 Rhino Records will release the new DOKKEN studio album, "Lightning Strikes Again", in the U.S. on May 13. Anyone who pre-orders the CD from Rhino will receive a free poster signed by Don Dokken. In addition to the regular European version of "Lightning Strikes Again", Frontiers Records will release a special limited edition of the CD on April 11 in a glossy slipcase. The limited-edition version will include an exclusive bonus track for Europe, entitled "Sunset Superstar".

"Lightning Strikes Again" is DOKKEN's tenth studio album and it "marks a true and definite return" to the band's classic sound, according to a press release. 'We have been more focused on this project than any we've done in years," says Don Dokken. "Yes, it has taken a long time but in the end the fans will have a DOKKEN CD that is as good as any we did in the '80s. Our goal is to deliver a CD that will shake up the rock world... and so far everyone says it is the best DOKKEN CD since '86. It's time that a band from our era did something special and prove that our brand of music is still valid. And I think we're close. If it does not have success, it won't be because we didn't give it a thousand percent effort."

04/01/08 After much speculation, VELVET REVOLVER has officially parted ways with singer Scott Weiland. "This band is all about its fans and its music and Scott Weiland isn't 100 percent committed to either," says guitarist Slash in a statement. "Among other things, his increasingly erratic onstage behavior and personal problems have forced us to move on." Meanwhile, Weiland's regrouped STONE TEMPLE PILOTS are expected to announce details of an extensive tour on Monday.
Business Wire

03/27/08 PEARL JAM's Eddie Vedder played two surprise gigs, on Monday and Tuesday, at Seattle's Kenyon Hall. The lucky attendees had thought they purchased tickets to a screening of Into the Wild, the recent film for which Vedder provided the soundtrack. The singer played a few PEARL JAM tunes along with solo material and songs by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Vedder officially kicks off his http://pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Artist&Content=EDDVED&PSKey=Y> solo tour April 2 in Vancouver, Canada.
Billboard.com

03/27/08 BON JOVI guitarist Richie Sambora was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence late Tuesday in Laguna Beach, Calif. According to reports, the axe man was pulled over after being observed maneuvering a black Hummer erratically and subsequently failed a number of field sobriety tests. Three passengers reportedly also were in the vehicle, including the rocker's 10-year-old daughter, Ava. Sambora was released from custody early Wednesday, and has a court appearance scheduled for May 7.
TMZ.com

03/27/08 VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash is refuting recent statements by front man Scott Weiland that appear to suggest the band is about to call it quits. "Let's put it this way, this is not VELVET REVOLVER's last tour," says the axe man. Slash also is downplaying rumors that VR will be a support act on an as-yet-unconfirmed LED ZEPPELIN reunion trek. "We've got another record to do and we're not even thinking about that," he maintains.
BBC News

03/27/08 SLAYER guitarist Kerry King will hold an exclusive clinic on Saturday, March 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the West L.A. Music Amphitheater (11345 Santa Monica Blvd.) in Los Angeles, California. A press release states: "Come see Kerry give a special live demonstration of his amazing guitar, showcasing his brand new signature Marshall 2203KK all-tube head and MG10KK. You could also win a Kerry King signature amp!" For more information, click here.

03/15/08 Hollywood's legendary Eclectic/Avant Garde/Black Metal Miscreants WILLOW WISP? discomforts and confuses in a special 5 PM showcase at the Murder Fest Version 4.0!!! Contact toekneefcorpse for tickets!!! (818)377-4571 or email toekneefcorpse@mail.com

03/15/08 Actress Valerie Bertinelli insists that ex-husband Eddie Van Halen has not relapsed in his struggle against substance abuse. "The reports about him being in rehab are wrong. Eddie is sober," Bertinelli said at a New York luncheon Wednesday. "He's being proactive about his illness." VAN HALEN's namesake band recently postponed a series of tour dates because the guitarist reportedly needed treatment for an unidentified ailment. The group is scheduled to return to the road April 19.
People

03/15/08 A CD featuring solo recordings made by late singer Bon Scott during his pre-AC/DC days is scheduled for a July 8 release. Bon Scott -- The Early Years includes three previously unreleased tracks recorded by the rocker a month before he was hired by the legendary Australian band in 1974. Also on the 10-tune disc are a handful of songs by FRATERNITY, the band Scott performed with from 1970 through 1973.
MVD Entertainment Group

03/15/08 LINKIN PARK has launched an interesting new remix contest. After choosing from a selection of two LP tracks paired together, entrants can use an online program to separate the tunes into their component parts and mash them up into a new creation. All individual participants are eligible for a $4,000 grand prize, while a winning college student will be awarded a LINKIN PARK gig at his or her school's campus in the fall.
MySpace: Linkin Park

03/15/08 A website has been launched where fans can buy or listen to live BLACK CROWES performances. LiveBlackCrowes.com will sell CDs and digital recordings of all the gigs on the group's 2008 tour, while many previous CROWES concerts already are available. In addition, free streams of select individual tracks are offered. Also, the first 10,000 people to register at the site will receive free MP3s of tunes from the CROWES' current dates showcasing new album Warpaint.
Black Crowes -- Official Site | iTunes

03/14/08

Keyboardist Bobby Williamson of the Texas metal band OUTWORLD has issued the following update:

"Due to overwhelming and stressful tasks that I took on, rehearsal schedule problems, sleep deprivation and damage to my hearing (tinnitus), I have made the decision to leave OUTWORLD. This was a hard decision to make, but I feel it’s best for me.

"Rusty Cooley[guitar] and I, the founding members of this band, began OUTWORLD years ago with the vision of putting together an amazing metal band that could measure up with the quality of bands like SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER, etc., and I think we conquered that vision to a degree. However, things have changed for me, it became not fun anymore and too hard to persevere with little positive return.

"But I’m not done with music! And I look forward to writing music of my own...not sure which direction I will take yet as far as a project or a band.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those devoted fans we have gathered over the years that truly believed in us. You helped us win the Famecast video competition, an amazing and glorious accomplishment that each of us will never forget. Cheers to you!

Carlos is leaving because of family issues back home.

A note from Rusty:

Matt, Shawn and I will continue with a second guitarist no more keys we are going for a much heavier sound. We are also going for a different style singer we are not looking to replace Kelly or Carlos we are just looking for a badass metal voice and that could be a lot of things.

We will let you all know what’s up when more details arise.

03/08/08

"2008 ROCKLAHOMA LINEUP ANNOUNCED

HOLLYWOOD, CA - The line up for 2008’s Rocklahoma was announced by Catch the Fever Music Festivals at a press conference held at the historic Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood.

Hosted by nationally syndicated DJ and VJ Eddie Trunk, the press conference was attended by Bret Michaels, front man of POISON, all of WARRANTfeaturing Jani Lane, along with members of CINDERELLA, LA GUNS, ENUF Z NUFF, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, XYZ, PRETTY BOY FLOYD, VAIN, and LYNCH MOB. Trunk, who is heard nationally and on XM Satellite Radio’s channel 41 The Boneyard and is seen as the VH on VH-1 Classic, invited rock fans worldwide to attend Rocklahoma, July 10-13, 2008, at the Catch the Fever Festival grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma. The press conference was broadcasted live on XM’s Boneyard Channel 41, as well as streamed on Wyldside Radio.

Over 80 bands will be performing on three giant stages over July 10 through July 13th. As announced, Rocklahoma’s initial lineup on the main stage is:

Thursday
(Pre Party for those who have bought three day tickets) Bret Michaels, LA GUNS featuring Tracii Guns, ENUF Z NUFF, VAIN, HOUSE OF LORDS andJET BOY.

Friday:
XYZ, ARMORED SAINT, KINGDOM COME, NIGHT RANGER, EXTREME, TRIUMPH and TBA.

Saturday:
PRETTY BOY FLOYD, EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE, TORA TORA, BLACK N BLUE, TRIXTER, KIX, WARRANT FEATURING Janie Lane and CINDERELLA.

Sunday:
AXE, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, ZEBRA, LYNCH MOB, TBA, TESLA and TBA.

Additional bands on the main stage will be added in the upcoming weeks. The initial lineup and bands are subject to change as bands are added and the exact schedule is arranged.

Two side stages adjacent to the main stage feature over twenty-eight regional artists on each stage.

The Retrospect Records stage includes the following bands: JESTER, SIDEKIXX, PAIR-A-DICE, FRONT RUNNER, TOMMY HAD A VISION, VALOR, GYPSY BLUE, WHITEFOXX, BLUE TIGER, WILD AUGUST, MESSANG, PAUL SHORTINO, MARIAH, WARRYOR, BAD CANDY, LORRAINE, NASTY NASTY, REAL STEEL, CUTTLASS, VYPER, MASS, BAD CANDY, ONEY, STRIKEFORCE, HERAZZ, RECKLESS, HEARTLESS, RON KEEL, WARRYOR and ALIBI. On the Tri-Label Group stage has TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, KARNEVIL FEATURING DARIO LORINA, DIRTY PENNY, CROOKED X, GYPSY PISTOLEROS, SWEET FA, BANSHEE, GODS OF KANSAS, LIPSTICK MAGAZINE, POWND, SHADOWSIDE, MINDFLOW, WARMACHINE, ASPHALT VALENTINE, KRUCIBLE FEATURING LANCE KING, and DEATH RIDERS.

Rocklahoma is the world’s largest Rock Festival of its type featuring bands from the eighties. Attendance is expected from all fifty states, every Province in Canada and every country in Europe.

03/06/08 KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer has unveiled details about a new side-project band called FEAR AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. The group's lineup also includes ex-LIMP BIZKIT axe man Wes Borland, former Faith No More bassist Billy Gould and BAD RELIGION DRUMMER Brooks Wackerman. The super group is working on its as-yet-untitled debut album in Los Angeles. The disc is slated for an Aug. 8 release on Shaffer's own Emotional Syphon Recordings imprint.
Fear and the Nervous System -- Official Site

03/06/08 AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry is in need of knee surgery and has canceled his scheduled April 5, gig at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, N.Y. The operation reportedly is forcing the rocker to nix other as-yet-unspecified dates, as well. Meanwhile, click here to check out a recent TV interview conducted with Perry and his sons Tony and Adrian from the group TAB THE BAND.
Blabbermouth.net

03/06/08 Kid Roc will interact with customers and sign autographs Tuesday at a Waffle House restaurant in Duluth, Ga., to raise money for the local Nicholas House homeless shelter. The singer is facing a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an October altercation at an Atlanta branch of the food chain. In other news, Rock will perform April 4 at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., as part of the Gridiron Bash spring football event.
Kid Rock -- Official Site

03/06/08 Scott Weiland exited a rehab facility Monday after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed substance problem. The STONE TEMPLE PILOTS/VELVET REVOLVER singer is due in court Wednesday in connection with his November arrest for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs. Meanwhile, STP recently added several dates to their upcoming reunion tour, including a May 23 performance in Indianapolis as part of festivities leading up to this year's Indianapolis 500.
TMZ.com

03/06/08 EVERCLEAR have recorded an album of 14 eclectic covers titled The Vegas Years. Hits by Tom Petty, THIN LIZZY and Hall and Oates are among the tunes tackled by Art Alexaki and his band on the disc, which drops April 15. Check out EVERCLEAR‘s current live itinerary here. Meanwhile, fellow Pacific Northwest rockers CANDLEBOX will release a live disc titled Alive in Seattle on April 1.
PR Newswire

03/06/08 LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia joined MEGADETH on stage in her hometown of Milan, Italy earlier tonight (Tuesday, March 4) for a rendition of the song "A Tout Le Monde ". Watch fan-filmed footage of the performance below (courtesy of the Italian news blog Musica Metal). Photos of the concert can be found at this location. More pictures are available at Long Live Rock N Roll.

03/06/08 According to Kansas.com, ALICE COOPER, POISON and STYX are among the confirmed artists that will perform at this year's Kansas State Fair.
The details are as follows:

STYX - Friday, September 5

POISON - Sunday, September 7

ALICE COOPER - Friday, September 12

03/06/08 SEPULTURA founding members and current CAVALERA CONSPIRACY collaborators Max Cavalera (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavalera (drums) will take part in a signing session on Monday, March 17 at Zia Records in Phoenix, Arizona. Pre-order the album from Zia Records today and get a wristband (while they last) that gives you front of the line privileges.

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Where:
Zia Records
2510 W. Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Store Phone: 602-866-7867

03/06/08 MTV.com reports that the reunited VAN HALEN have been forced to postpone four upcoming dates of their U.S. tour due to an unspecified medical condition affecting guitarist Eddie Van Halen. A statement issued by tour promoter Live Nation on Monday afternoon (March 3) explained that concerts in Dallas, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Raleigh, North Carolina, have been postponed and rescheduled for April.
"According to Eddie Van Halen‘s physician, he is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures," read the release.
The March 3 show at American Airlines Arena in Dallas has been rescheduled for April 24; the March 5 show at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati has been moved to April 22; the March 7 show at RBC Center in Raleigh was shifted to April 13 and the March 9 show at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore will now take place April 15, according to Pollstar.
Fans should retain their tickets as they will be honored at the rescheduled concerts or ticket refunds will be issued at the original point of purchase.
The Live Nation spokesperson said the tour is expected to pick up the previously scheduled dates beginning on March 11 in Charlottesville, Virginia, and, for now, no other dates have been affected.

03/05/08 FIREFEST 2008 is coming!

We think it's our strongest bill to date and a conscious effort was made to try to balance the bands that people wanted to see again with some surprises that few could possibly expect. As our core audience seem to be mostly AOR/melodic hard rock fans we've tried to cater specifically for them, and despite some of the bigger names in the genre we approached being out of our price range, we think we've put together a line-up that's strong from top to bottom.
So without further ado, here are the details of the 20 artists appearing…
Venues -

Firefest V will take place in Nottingham on the weekend of Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October. Five bands will play at the Trent University Students Union on Friday 24th, with seven bands in the main room at Rock City on both Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th.

Friday 24th (Top to bottom)

VALENTINE

One of the stars of last year’s event, New York AOR heroes VALENTINE enjoyed it so much that they've asked us if they can play again. Hugo, Adam, Gerard, Craig and Joe will headline the Friday night and promise a different set list to the one they played at Firefest IV. Expect a very large helping of their self-titled debut and another classy performance to go down in Firefest history.

PAUL LAINE

Making his first solo appearance in the UK since THE GODS in 1993, Paul will be playing material from his debut album 'Stick It In Your Ear' exclusively, including some of the bonus tracks from the re-issue. The Bruce Fairbairn- produced melodic rock gem has become a cult classic and songs like 'Step Over The Line' and the ultra-catchy 'Dorianna' will surely bring the house down. For his set Vancouver-based Paul will be joined by his DANGER DANGER buddies Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello.

DAVID READMAN

Better known as the voice of PINK CREAM 69, UK-born David Readman will be making his first solo appearance playing songs from last year’s well received solo album. David will be putting together an all-German band to start rehearsals for the first of his two vocal master classes over the weekend.

BURN

The UK melodic rockers returned to duty last year after too long in the wilderness. Their long-awaited third album, 'Global Warning', has been met with ecstatic reviews the world over and the band should make quite a few converts with their classy material.

DREAMLAND

Probably a new name to some, DREAMLAND are a Swedish melodic metal band with an E.P. and two great albums to their name. The band has some catchy songs in their repertoire so make sure you get there early and check them out.

CRIMES OF PASSION

The hardest working band in the UK are working even harder this year. With an excellent new album produced by It Bites/Arena guitarist John Mitchell to promote, the Yorkshire lads, complete with a new bass player, will open proceedings in the own inimitable way.

Saturday 25th October (Top to Bottom)

TYKETTO

As most will already know, TYKETTO had already decided that last year's Firefest appearance and mini-tour was going to be their last. However, the band enjoyed playing and hanging out together more than they had for many, many years. The reception they got at Rock City reminded them why they got into music in the first place, and after a little bit of arm-twisting from drummer Michael Clayton the original line-up have decided to continue. Not content to do things in a half-assed manner it's hoped that there will be an all new TYKES album to promote by the time Firefest comes around. The band's set will be filmed for a DVD.

PINK CREAM 69

Not really a surprise this one (Thanks David!), but PC 69 caused a major stir with their inaugural Firefest appearance and have appeared on many a message board wanted list. One of the most consistent live and recording bands of the last decade, the multi-national German-based band never fail to deliver. With producer/mixer/bassist extraordinaire Dennis Ward, singer David Readman, guitarists Alfred Koffler & Uwe Reitenauer and drummer Kosta Zafiriou in the ranks, they have all bases covered.

JEFF SCOTT SOTO

Another no-brainer when trying to put together an entertaining line-up is the one and only Mr. Jeff Scott Soto. With his multi-talented band of Howie Simon, Gary Schutt and Dave Dzaliak in tow, the former Malmsteen, EYES, TALISMAN and JOURNEY singer is sometimes at his best being the underdog. By the time Firefest comes around Jeff will be another artist with a new album to promote.

TONY HARNELL

The legendary ex-TNT singer makes a welcome return to the UK to play one of his very first solo shows. Tony will be bringing an all Swedish solo band and his set list will contain a mixture of TNT, WESTWORLD, STARBREAKER and MORNING WOOD. The Firefest crew are very happy to add another vocal giant to the line-up and special thanks go out to Tony for making an immediate commitment to the festival and making this announcement possible.

MITCH MALLOY

No stranger to UK stages, US singer songwriter Mitch Malloy is a proven talent. On this occasion Mitch will play a full electric set with a UK based band that will include former DARE/ASIA/TEN guitarist Vinny Burns and DANGER DANGER bassist Bruno Ravel. With a set that features his classic debut album in its entirety, this is another performance not to be missed.

LOUD & CLEAR

One of our biggest surprises, L.A. rockers Loud & Clear were one of Kieran Dargan's pie-in-the-sky fanboy choices that we never expected to get. Somehow, he pulled it off and original members Jess Harnell (vocals), Chuck Duran (guitars) and Mark Allardyce (bass) will take the stage with latter-day drummer Alex Track to play songs from their amazing self-titled demo release and the 2002 comeback album 'Disc-Connected'.

TALON

TALON is back in business with a new deal with Kivel Records and will have a new album to promote by October. Featuring the same line-up that recorded their much underrated debut back in 2002, Firefest are proud to host the UK re-launch of an L.A. band that we think deserve another shot at success.

Sunday 26th October (Top to Bottom)

FIREHOUSE

A perennial favorite, US rockers Firehouse will return to the Firefest stage for a timely reminder of their show-stopping set at the first Firefest in Bradford. C.J. Snare, Bill Leverty, Michael Foster and Allen McKenzie are certified crowd pleasers and their brand of catchy multi-platinum selling pop-metal also has many fans in Europe. The Firefest team looks forward to working again with one of the nicest and most professional outfits around.

DANGER DANGER

In terms of sheer enjoyment and melody DANGER DANGER are the perfect soundtrack to any melodic rock festival. As much as they've been no strangers to the UK in the last few years, this will be their first show in many years to showcase songs from a brand new D2 album. Ted, Bruno, Steve and Rob are another proven party on eight legs and always a highlight wherever they appear.

TALL STORIES

The surprises just keep on coming, none more than TALL STORIES – the legendary US troupe that marked the recording debut of ex-Journey singer Steve Augeri. Steve will be joined by fellow founder members Jack Morer (guitars) and Kevin Totoian (bass) to play songs from their superb 1991 debut as well as new songs from their soon to be released second album.

PRETTY MAIDS

When putting together a wants list for the festival, Denmark's premier hard rockers PRETTY MAIDS have always secured a few votes. A much-travelled band with an impressive back catalogue and a reputation for being a tight and powerful live act, the MAIDS haven't played in the UK for quite some time. Ronnie Atkins, Ken Hammer and company intend to put that right and show everyone just what they've been missing.

WHITE SISTER

Pulling off one of our biggest coups, convincing WHITE SISTER to come over and play is a dream come true for all fans of pompy hard rock. Despite the tragic death recently of drummer Richard Wright, band mates Rick Chaddock (guitars) and Dennis Churchill-Dries (vocals/bass) have re-united with original keyboard player and vocalist Garri Brandon, and intend to deliver an hour’s worth of material from their two classic albums. The trio are currently looking for a new drummer and maybe a second guitarist and also plan to record a new album.

ROX DIAMOND

ROX DIAMOND's self-titled debut album is a bit of a closet classic in the AOR world. Interest in the band was renewed by a re-issue of the album and a second album of outtakes and live tracks. Anyone who's seen their 'Live In Japan' laserdisc can attest to their abilities as a live band, and the Firefest team are proud to welcome the original line up of Paul Danniels (vocals/keys), Kevin Bach (guitars), Ricky Falco (bass) and ex-KEEL drummer Dwain Miller. We think ROX DIAMOND will be a band not to be missed.

EDEN'S CURSE

While many complain about the lack of quality melodic rock in the current scene, EDEN'S CURSE bucked the trend with a classy and powerful album that was one of the success stories of 2007. Another multi-national act brought together by the internet, EC are one band that everybody is curious to see.

Tickets & Prices

We've tried to keep ticket prices as low as we can but a show which is made up almost completely of international bands isn't cheap to put on. The ticket prices are as follows:

Friday 24th - £25

Saturday 25th - £49

Saturday 26th - £49

Because we're using two different venues the Friday is a standalone show with no special price, however if you attend both Saturday and Sunday you get a saving of £4 per day and get both for £90. Tickets will be available direct from Monday 3rd March, but please allow 28 days for the tickets to arrive!

Payments Accepted: Cash (at sender's risk), postal order, or bank draft in Pounds Sterling made payable to:
Bruce Mee c/o Fireworks Magazine
10 Dunnock Close
Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5XD, England.

Payment can also be made through Paypal to fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com. Please be sure to include your name and address in the message box.

A full list of other tickets agents will be made available shortly.

Other quick mentions -
Firefest V is an age 14 and over show. A press and guest list accreditation system will be implemented soon at our website – www.thefirefest.com – could anyone wishing to apply please refrain from contacting any member of the Firefest team about accreditation at this time. Instructions will be given in a future update. All that's left to say is that we'd like to see as many of you there as possible and we hope that you're looking forward to seeing this great line-up as much as we are. See you all in October – Kieran, Bruce and the Firefest team.

03/03/08 A life size bronze statue of Bon Scott was unveiled in Perth this past weekend. Scott was just 33 when found dead in February 1980 from acute alcohol poisoning after a night out in London.

Bon Scott Fan Club president pushed for almost a decade to have a permanent tribute to the Scottish-born hard rock hero. BonScott.com

03/03/08 Oakland, California-based band HIGH ON FIRE (Relapse Records) invited the film crew of the new music social networking site Woozyfly.com to film their Europa Night Club show in Brooklyn, NY.

Watching their show you will see why HIGH ON FIRE puts the "power" in power trio with the distinctive guitar playing and throaty war cry of Matt Pike, Des Kensel's massive drumming and George Rice's thundering bass lines. This is a must see concert.

You can enjoy the concert on Woozyfly.com by clicking on the following link.

Watch The Entire GREAT KAT music video for "The Flight of the Bubble Bee" on BLENDER.COM VIDEOS

03/01/08 Australian hard rock icons AC/DC are getting closer to ending an eight-year drought of new music. "God, I'm ready," bassist Cliff Williams, who was in L.A. to participate at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, tells Spinner. To that end, the group will hit the studio March 1.

Almost as long as the wait for new music is the band's absence from the stage. Tour plans, however, aren't as firm. "If we go out again or when we go out again," Williams said. "You just never know. We've been around a long time, so we're going to get together and get in the studio and I fully expect we will [tour.]. I don't mean to be so negative about that. [When] the last tour ended in early '01, you'd see kids on their dads' shoulders. And these kids were like 10, 12 years old. It will be tremendous to see that again. And it's very cool -- younger kids getting into older music."

Williams admits that he doesn't listen to his own stuff very often, but on hand at the Rock Camp, the bassist did get a new perspective on some of the band's classics. And what's standing out for him lately? "'Down Payment Blues,' 'Live Wire' -- I dig a lot of the old stuff," he says. "It's amazing. We look back on old albums -- look at tracks -- and I don't remember the tracks from the title. But those two songs I would love to play."

02/25/08 MÖTLEY CRÜE'S ninth studio album, The Dirt, reportedly is slated for a July 8 release. The rockers also are rumored to be plotting a world tour that would kick off in June or July to promote the disc, which is named for the CRÜE'S infamous 2001 biography. A lead single is expected to hit radio airwaves in early May. In other news, CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has booked another handful of DJing gigs.
Blabbermouth.net

02/25/08 The complete track listing has been revealed for the companion album to the recent Body of War documentary. The two-CD set will feature songs by PEARL JAM, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and Roger Waters, in addition to tracks from previously announced contributors including PJ's Eddie Vedder, SYSTEM'S Serj Tankian and RAGE'S Tom Morello. Proceeds from the album, which is due March 18, will benefit Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Marketwire

02/25/08 RADIOHEAD have signed on to headline the http://www.apwfestival.com/event/lineup>first two nights of the inaugural All Points West Music & Arts Festival, scheduled for Aug. 8-10 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. Single-day and three-day tickets will go on sale Feb. 29. In other news, RADIOHEAD are among the high-profile acts that reportedly will perform at the new Outside Lands Festival, which is expected to take place Aug. 22-24 at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
All Points West Music & Arts Festival

02/25/08 The first two shows of VAN HALEN's 2008 U.S. tour leg have been postponed. The gigs -- which were to have taken place Friday in Charlottesville, Va., and Monday in Duluth, Ga. -- will be rescheduled soon. The trek now will launch March 3 in Dallas. VH also have added two late-April gigs to their itinerary. Meanwhile, guitarist Eddie Van Halen's ex-wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli, will discuss their troubled marriage Monday on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Blabbermouth.net

02/25/08 A biopic about late ALICE IN CHAINS singer Layne Staley titled Get Born Again is in the works. The flick, which is based on the Adriana Rubio-penned biography of the same name, will feature actor Lathan McKay in the starring role. "Lathan is very passionate about portraying Layne as the beautiful, talented soul that he was," Rubio writes of McKay, who is a dead ringer for Staley. "He is . . . definitely the man for the part." MySpace: Get Born Again

02/25/08 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith reports that his band is on temporary hiatus. "We worked really hard on [2006's Stadium Arcadium album] and we toured for a year and a half," explains the drummer. "In September [of 2007 we decided,] 'We all kinda need a break . . . let's reconvene in one year.'" Smith currently is working with all-star group CHICKENFOOT, which features ex-VAN HALEN members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony plus guitarist Joe Satriani. Billboard.com

02/25/08 KISS bassist-singer Gene Simmons has commented about a pornographic video in which he allegedly "stars" that's being sold online. The flick purportedly features Simmons and a promotional model for an energy drink he once endorsed having sex. "You may have heard or seen garbage that has sprung up from my past," the rocker writes in an Internet post. "Rest assured the proper legal team is looking at all ramifications and options."
Gene Simmons -- Official Site

02/25/08 A two-year prison sentence was handed down Wednesday to Devon Townsend, a New Mexican woman who had pleaded guilty to stalking and harassing LINKIN PARK'S Chester Bennington and his wife. Townsend used her work computer to obtain personal information about the couple, and even traveled to Arizona to track down the singer. She was arrested in November 2006. In other news, LINKIN PARK played a surprise gig Wednesday night at an Apple Store in New York.
AP/MSNBC

02/20/08 AEROSMITH will be the stars of an upcoming version of the popular Guitar Hero video game franchise. Scheduled for release in June, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith will be the first edition in the series centered on a single band. "We've put a lot of ideas into the game so that fans can have fun interacting with our music, getting inside our body of work and learning about the band's history," says axe man Joe Perry.
Aero Force One

02/20/08 The follow-up to 3 DOORS DOWN's platinum-certified 2005 album, "Seventeen Days", is due to be issued on May 6. The Mississippi rockers' fourth studio effort will be self-titled, and will be preceded by the single "It's Not My Time." Click here to listen to the track, which will officially be released to radio Tuesday. 3DD front man Brad Arnold reports that the group is planning to support the disc with a world tour this summer.
Business Wire/Yahoo!

02/20/08 PEARL JAM singer Eddie Vedder will embark on a brief solo trek in April to promote the Into the Wild soundtrack. The tour, which consists of seven West Coast appearances, is scheduled from an April 2 show in Vancouver, Canada, through an April 15 concert in San Diego. Special ticket packages for each gig will be auctioned Feb. 22 online to raise money for the defense of the incarcerated men involved in the West Memphis Three case.
Pearl Jam -- Official Site iTunes

02/20/08 WHITESNAKE'S upcoming studio album, "Good To Be Bad", will get its U.S. release on April 22. "[The disc has] all the ingredients that I enjoy about

02/20/08 TOOL front man Maynard James Keenan gave an update about his group's plans for a fifth studio album while attending the Grammy Awards last Sunday. "We're going to start writing the new Tool record right away," reveals the singer. He also discussed Tool's creative process, explaining that the band members "all get in a room, shut out all the extra noises from the other people . . . and just focus on the four of us." MTV.com

02/20/08 VAN HALEN will perform at golf superstar Tiger Woods' Tiger Jam XI benefit event, which will take place April 19 in Las Vegas. The bash raises money for the Tiger Woods Foundation -- which provides scholarships and funds for youth education -- and various Vegas-area charities. "VAN HALEN is one of my favorite bands, and I can't wait to see them perform on the Tiger Jam stage," says Woods.
Van Halen -- Official Site

02/19/08

ROCKLAHOMA 2008 TO ANNOUNCE LINEUP AT PRESS CONFERENCE

PRYOR, OKLA—Catch the Fever Music Festivals will host a press conference Tuesday, March 4th, in Hollywood, California, to announce the official lineup of artists for the Second Annual Rocklahoma, July 10-13, 2008.

The press conference will take place at 1:00 p.m. P.S.T. at the historical Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Whisky A Go-Go, located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. Artists will be available at the press conference to discuss this historic event. .

Master of Ceremonies of the Press Conference and the event itself will be Host of VH-1 Classic, Eddie Trunk, who can also be heard on XM Satellite’s Boneyard and is syndicated across the nation. .

Rocklahoma 2007 was the largest Rock Festival of its type featuring bands from the eighties. Attendance came from all fifty states, every Province in Canada, every country in Europe. A total of thirty-two different countries from throughout the world representing every continent with the exception of Antarctica. .

Located four miles north of Pryor, OK, off Highway 69, the Catch the Fever facilities include over 6,200 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 50,000 people. The grounds also feature over 4,000 campsites, on-site parking, bathroom facilities, a convenience store, and overnight security provided by Mayes County Sheriff’s Department. Rocklahoma also has a Picture Alley that allows anyone in attendance to approach the stage during any performance and take photographs of a favorite artist at close range. .

There are a limited amount of V.I.P. tickets available to Rocklahoma, which includes free beer and food for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a special pre-party on Thursday July 10th for all three day and V.I.P. ticket holders at no extra cost. Through February 29th, prices for V.I.P. tickets are $325 and three day general admission tickets for just $110. They can be purchased by calling toll free 866-310-2288 or by going online at www.rockfeverfest.

02/09/08 Hardlyweird’s Eclectic/Avant Garde/Black Metal Miscreant's WILLOW WISP? shall be interviewed Live on Saturday February 16, 2008 at 10 pm EST 9 pm CST 8 pm MST 7 pm PST on www.wflmradio.com Listen in to hear the band expouse their twisted philosophies and dark idealism......Oh, and talk shit about their new music too LOL!! www.myspace.com/willowwispband

02/09/08 Guitarist Ace Frehley, who got sober after leaving KISSagain in 2002, is in the midst of recording his first solo album since 1990, with a planned April release, he tells Billboard.com. Frehley, who is recording the as-yet-untitled album at his home studio in Westchester, N.Y., aims to have it finished by Feb. 20, when he starts a North American concert tour. He reports he is currently negotiating with "two or three record labels" to put it out but says he'll release it first through his official web site, which is currently being revamped, and perhaps also via iTunes.

"Basically, I'm trying to get back into the mindset I was in when I did my first solo record [1978's 'Ace Frehley']," Frehley says. "That record seemed to have all the elements everybody liked -- a real cool instrumental, a hit single, some real heavy rockers, a nice variety of different genres of music." Among his favorite new tracks are "A Little Below the Angels," hard rocking "Pain in the Neck," and an instrumental called "Fractured Quantum" which is a follow-up to his previous instrumentals "Fractured Mirror," "Fractured Too" and "Fractured III." Another favorite is "groove song" titled "Genghis Khan," which he likens in tone to LED ZEPPELIN'S "Kashmir." Don't expect to hear any of the new songs at his concerts, however.

"Every show's on YouTube, every song," explains Frehley, who used 12-step programs and a personal physician and therapist care to clean up after he left KISS for a second time in 2002. "I don't want to play any of the new songs 'cause I don't want to give away anything. I want that magic and mystique of hearing something for the first time when you're supposed to, so I don't think I'm going to play any of [the new songs] until the CD's released."

Instead, Frehley will play a set filled with KISS favorites he wrote, plus material from his previous solo releases. He admits some ambivalence about doing "Cold Gin," " 'cause I don't drink anymore and I don't promote it. But it's such a kick-ass song... I think that me talking about the fact I'm clean and sober and I'm not a party animal anymore is plenty. I can still get away with playing it."

02/03/08 Fifteen orchestral musicians have been chosen via the My Grammy Moment contest to perform onstage with FOO FIGHTERS during Feb. 10's 50th annual Grammy Awards. Beginning Monday, three of the musicians will compete to be showcased as a featured performer during the Grammys gig. For information on how to vote for the featured musician, click here:
CBS Press Express

02/03/08 A full lineup has been revealed for the inaugural Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival summer tour, set to kick off July 9 in Auburn, Wash. previously announced headliners DISTURBED and SLIPKNOT will be joined on the main stage by DRAGONFORCE and MASTODON, while two separate second stages will feature SEVENDUST, AIRBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, MACHINE HEAD and others. "It's a great lineup," says DISTURBED singer David Draiman. An unconfirmed 30-city itinerary has been posted here. Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival

02/03/08 Former SPREAD EAGLE front man Ray West has launched his new band HOSTEL INC. Rounded out with members from two of New Jersey's more popular bands — guitarist Ladd, bassist Chigger (both formerly of SMOKE STAR) and drummer Jeff Hardee (formerly of SYNDROME 8) — the group has a clear intention of making a massive impact in 2008. With an East and West Coast tour already under its belts in 2007, HOSTEL INC. has already started out strong in 2008 with dates supporting GREAT WHITE and JOE LYNN TURNER. The next live date for HOSTEL INC. is February 22nd at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ.
HOSTEL INC. has three un-mastered songs posted on its official MySpace profile.

02/03/08 Former VAN HALEN singer Sammy Hagar and guitar legend Pat Travers are the first two confirmed artists the Rock The Park festival, set to take place July 24-26 at Harris Park in London, Ontario, Canada. More acts will be announced soon. Rock the Park is an annual classic rock music festival that is currently in its fifth year. Its primary sponsor is classic rock radio station 103.9 The Hawk. The purpose of the event is to raise money for Bethanys Hope Foundation for MLD research. The first Rock the Park was held July 22-24, 2004. For more information, visit www.rockthepark.ca.

02/03/08 British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN kicked off their Somewhere Back In Time - World Tour '08 with a headlining performance Friday night (February 1) in front of nearly 100,000 fans at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, India. The group's set list was as follows:

1. Intro - Churchill's Speech
2. Aces High
3. 2 Minutes to Midnight
4. Revelations
5. The Trooper
6. Wasted Years
7. The Number of the Beast
8. Run to the Hills
9. Rime of the Ancient Mariner
10. Powerslave
11. Heaven Can Wait
12. Can I Play With Madness?
13. Fear of the Dark
14. Iron Maiden
    -----------------------------
15. Moonchild
16. The Clairvoyant
17. Hallowed Be Thy Name
    

02/03/08 According to HardDrive Radio, the reunited STONE TEMPLE PILOTS will perform at the Rock on the Range on May 17 in Columbus, Ohio. VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash recently confirmed to Billboard.com that VELVET singer Scott Weiland will reunite with his previous band, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, for a short series of shows this summer. Slash did not offer any other details and there has yet to be official word from STONE TEMPLE PILOTS themselves. Weiland broke the news last month at a benefit in Florida, telling the Miami Herald to watch out for an STP reunion in the months ahead. VELVET REVOLVER is touring now in support of last year's "Libertad" album and plans to begin work on its third record this spring.

Although STONE TEMPLE PILOTS broke up in 2002 under less than friendly circumstances, both Weiland and guitarist Dean DeLeo have said that the band members are all on good terms now. Weiland even told The Pulse of Radio he could envision making another STP album. "We were never a band that felt like we needed to lean too hard onto our muscle," he said. "We always felt like we had enough beauty and enough finesse in our music, you know, while we were together, that could carry us into a long career. So for us to make a record at an older age doesn't seem like a stretch, you know, 'cause we were never all about brawn."

The last STP album, "Shangri-La-Dee-Da", came out in 2001. The band's initial success in the early and mid-'90s was derailed in the latter part of the decade by Weiland's well-documented drug problems and arrests.

01/25/08 GREEN DAY front man Billie Joe Armstrong will hit the stage with his long-running side band Pinhead Gunpowder for two California club shows next month. The gigs are set for Feb. 3 in Anaheim and Feb. 4 in Los Angeles. PINHEAD GUNPOWDER is a San Francisco-area punk quartet that also features Cometbus zine editor Aaron Cometbus, as well as GREEN DAY guitar tech Bill Schneider and touring guitarist Jason White. Green Day -- Official Site

01/25/08 AEROSMITH bassist Tom Hamilton will visit the Hard Rock Cafe Boston on Jan. 31 to donate a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and other memorabilia to the eatery. In return, the Hard Rock Company will present $30,000 to Massachusetts General Hospital's http://www.massgeneral.org/youthcare/ >YouthCare behavioral-therapy program, which the rocker and his wife support. "We've wanted to use the bike to raise funds for the program, and we're excited and grateful [for] such a fat check," says Hamilton. Aero Force One

01/25/08 Dave Navarro says he would be open to a JANE'S ADDICTIONM reunion despite the internal rifts that have doomed the group on multiple occasions. "My love for the music outweighs any old baggage that might have been," the guitarist writes in an online post. "If VAN HALEN and the EAGLES can get over their issues, I don't see why we can't." Navarro says he can envision doing "simply a month or two of theater tour dates to celebrate the music." 6767.com

01/25/08 Fuego Entertainment, the company that announced it recently had secured North American rights to rare Jimi Hendrix live material, has responded to accusations that the recordings are of "inferior quality" and that it's not entitled to sell them. Fuego insists that, contrary to claims made by Experience Hendrix -- the corporation that oversees usage of the late axe man's back catalog -- it has legal documentation proving its right to market the 200-plus Hendrix concert tracks, which it describes as "historic and wonderful." Marketwire

01/25/08 Greg Prato of Billboard.com reports: The recently reborn BLIND MELON will release its first studio album in 13 years this spring. "For My Friends" is due April 22 via Adrenaline and introduces new singer Travis Warren as a replacement for late front man Shannon Hoon, who died in 1995.

Warren joins original members Rogers Stevens (guitar), Christopher Thorn (guitar), Brad Smith (bass) and Glen Graham (drums). "This record's a great rock 'n' roll record," Warren tells Billboard.com. "It's kind of like [1995's] 'Soup' — the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you." Read the entire interview at Billboard.com.

01/20/08 Atlanta, GA based melodic thrashers A LOWER DEEP has inked a recording contract with Turkey Vulture Records. TVR who has struck an association with Nuclear Blast Records is owned and run by Jason Zarnowski. Note: Due to contractual commitments A LOWER DEEP will not be releasing "Black Marys" to wide distribution as previously planned at this time.

01/20/08 NATIONAL PRODUCT, named one of the 'TOP 100 BANDS TO WATCH IN 2008' in an upcoming issue of Alternative Press Magazine, will hit the road next month with JUST SURRENDER and LORENE DRIVE. Dates for the two-week tour, kicking off February 7, will be announced shortly. Platinum recording artist WINGER is releasing their first double live album and live DVD from their successful 2007 world tour for "Winger IV."

01/20/08 RADIOHEAD had to nix plans to play a free gig at London's Rough Trade East record shop Wednesday night after 1,500 fans turned up at the 250-capacity space. Instead, the concert was moved to a nearby club, where the band performed In Rainbows in its entirety. "It's been a very strange day so it's possible I might have to have a drink at the end of this," front man Thom Yorke quipped from the stage. Watch video of the whole show here. NME.com iTunes

01/20/08 THE DEFTONES have chosen "Eros" as the title for their upcoming sixth studio album. Front man Chino Moreno says the new disc will be somewhat reminiscent of 2000's White Pony. "There's a lot of atmosphere and a lot of soundscaping," he tells Kerrang! magazine. "I want the album to be as weird as we can possibly make it without completely alienating people." The singer also reveals that previous tensions between the band members have been ironed out and they are working more closely together on "Eros. "
Deftones in Studio

01/20/08 SALIVA has mapped out a new headlining tour that will kick off in late January. The trek, which will feature support from DROWNING POOL, is set to run from a Jan. 29 stop in Melbourne, Fla., through a March 2 gig in Maplewood, Minn. In other news, DROWNING POOL recently had their equipment stolen for the second time in a month. Among the items taken from the group's Dallas storage facility were bass guitars, amplifiers and a drum kit.
Saliva -- Official Site

01/20/08 SYSTEM OF A DOWN guitarist-singer Daron Malakian says his main focus for the foreseeable future will be SCARS ON BROADWAY, his new group with SOAD drummer John Dolmayan. "SYSTEM is not my band right now. I'll go back and do that someday," Malakian tells Revolver magazine. "I'd expect [a second] SCARS album before I'd expect another SYSTEM album." SCARS currently are working on their as-yet-untitled first disc.
MySpace: Scars on Broadway

01/20/08 The classic TRIUMPH lineup — Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore — could not have selected a better way to reunite after a two-decade absence, with what will undoubtedly be a show-stopping appearance at the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival. Held over a four-day span (June 4-7), the Sweden Rock Festival has been an annual event since 1992, and over the past few years, has been held in Norje, outside of Sölvesborg. This year's festival is featuring one of its strongest lineups ever — in addition to TRIUMPH's highly anticipated appearance, such renowned groups as JUDAS PRIEST, DEF LEPPARD, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, and WHITESNAKE (among others) have also been confirmed.

01/12/08 Nikki Sixx is contemplating taking his SIXX: A.M. project on the road. "It seems that people have been able to really feel that it's a band . . . that it's something that they can get behind," says the MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist. "It's interesting 'cause we never planned on playing live together." The group has performed only one live gig, at a Utah festival last year. Meanwhile, check out the video for SIXX: A.M.'s "Accidents Can Happen" here:
Blabbermouth.net iTunes

01/12/08 North American rights to a slew of Jimi Hendrix concert recordings have been acquired by the Fuego Entertainment company. Fuego plans to make a total of 11 double albums -- encompassing about 200 live tracks -- available as CDs or digital downloads. Currently on sale are downloads of performances from two companion discs, The Rainbow Bridge Concert: The Early Show and The Rainbow Bridge Concert: The Late Show, both recorded in 1971.
Marketwire

01/12/08 DISTURBED and SLIPKNOT have been named the headliners of a new summer package trek being organized by the founders of the Warped and Taste of Chaos jaunts. The inaugural Rockstar Mayhem Tour will take place in July and August, with further acts and a full itinerary to be announced soon. DISTURBED will be promoting their fourth album, Indestructible, which is expected to hit stores in May. SLIPKNOT will be supporting their own fourth studio effort, an as-yet-untitled disc that's tentatively due in August.
Billboard.com

01/12/08 MARILYN MANSON are reuniting with longtime bassist Twiggy Ramirez for the band's upcoming trek, which is dubbed the Rape of the World tour. The outing kicks off Jan. 19 in Orlando, Fla., and currently is scheduled through a Feb. 25 gig in San Diego. Ramirez (aka Jeordie White) split from MANSON in 2002 and has since played with A Perfect Circle and NINE INCH NAILS.
MySpace: Marilyn Manson

01/12/08 BLACK CROWES front man Chris Robinson says the band's upcoming seventh album, Warpaint (due March 4), encompasses the full range of its blues, soul and classic-rock influences. "It's got all the roots," says the singer. "But it's also got a psychedelic feel." Meanwhile, the CROWES will perform March 15 during the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, and also have added a trio of late-April dates to their U.S. itinerary.
RollingStone.com

01/12/08 LED ZEPPELIN'S John Paul Jones reveals that he and his band mates will meet this month to discuss what, if any, future plans there will be for the legendary group. "We'll start talking to each other soon," reports the bassist, who also says, "It could be fun to do more stuff." Speaking about fun, Jones clearly had a blast at ZEPPELIN'S Dec. 10 reunion gig. "The excitement was there onstage, as it was in the old days," he maintains.
RollingStone.com

01/12/08 METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich says the band's fans can expect its upcoming album to be a lot more diverse than its previous few efforts. "There's a lot of light and shade in these songs," the stickman tells Revolver magazine. "There's heavy, fast, nutty stuff, and then there's some slowdowns and musical interludes. It's pretty different from "St. Anger "and . . . from the "Load" stuff." The as-yet-untitled album is tentatively slated for a spring release. Blabbermouth.net

01/12/08 According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gibson will release eight new Slash-branded guitars. The campaign is so important to Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitars, that he is taking the company's exciting Slash guitars off the market to create even more hype around the new ones.
Why eight? "Price points," Juszkiewicz says. "They're going to go from cheap to high-end custom, personally signed by Slash." The Slash series will appear in stores March 15, and the guitarist and Juszkiewicz already are plotting a big stunt around the street date.

01/12/08 Guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) will take part in a signing session at Steve's Music in Montreal on Tuesday, January 15 at 3:00 p.m. According to a poster advertising the event, "Zakk will sign anything bought within one week from Steve's Music store." Wylde will take part in a signing session at Long & McQuade (925 Bloor Street West) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Sunday, January 20, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Please note that wristbands will be limited to the first 150 people in line. The event is free of charge.
For more information, call (416) 588-7886.

01/06/08 Lenny Kravitz is distributing a limited amount of free tickets to shows on his Get on the Bus tour. Fans are instructed to log on to the singer's official MySpace page right before gigs to learn more information about the free passes. Kravitz's trek in support of his upcoming It Is Time for a Love Revolution album is scheduled to kick off Jan. 17 in Santa Monica, Calif. Meanwhile, click here to read a special holiday message from the rocker.
MySpace: Lenny Kravitz

01/06/08 OFFSPRING singer Dexter Holland reports that the band has been "working hard" on its long-awaited follow-up to 2003's Splinter album, and finally is nearing completion on the disc. "I've got two lyrics to do, a couple more to sing, and various musical tweaks and fixes to get done. Then we'll be ready to mix," he wrote in a Dec. 24 post. "We haven't announced a release date yet because we're just not quite close enough to know when we'll be finished."
The Offspring -- Official Site

01/04/08 IRON MAIDEN has authorized limited-edition versions of shoes through Vans, a slip-on and a high-top. Both shoes feature the cover art from the "Killers" album, and the band's name is across the edge of the soles. The slip-on sells for $50 and the high-top for $65 shop.vans.com

01/03/08 TWISTED SISTER has been confirmed as one of the performers at a benefit concert for the victims of the February 20, 2003 nightclub fire, set to take place on Monday, February 25 at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Also scheduled to appear are Tom Scholz (BOSTON), Aaron Lewis (STAIND), TESLA and STRYPER.

The show, which will be hosted by TWISTED SISTER front man Dee Snider, marks the fifth anniversary of Station nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs.

All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station nightclub fire. They are committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by TESLA drummer Troy Luccketta are event organizers. While one hundred thousand dollars was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring TESLA, SHINEDOWN, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing. Additional artists scheduled to perform on February 25 include Carmine Appice's SLAM, Eric Martin, Gary Hoey, CHICAGO drummer Danny Seraphine. Other artists will be announced over the next few weeks.

Organizers would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of the Dunkin' Donuts Center www.dunkindonutscenter.com who has graciously donated the venue free of charge for the charity event as well as East Coast Lighting, WHJY and the many acts who are donating their time in putting together this event. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 4, 2008 at Ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $41.00 to $61.00.

For further information on the Station Family Fund and their work, please visit: www.stationfamilyfund.org.

01/03/08 AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry will perform with TAB THE BAND, which features in its ranks Joe's sons Adrian and Tony Perry, at the Fox Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. For complete information and to purchase tickets, go to this location. TAB THE BAND has opened for DINOSAUR JR. and ROSE HILL DRIVE and continues to earn respect as an energetic and powerful live act. In a recent show review in Music Connection magazine, writer Bernard Baur praised the band's performance, noting, 'raw and intense, with enough raging energy to scorch your skin, TAB's form of rock is unrelenting, uncompromising and irresistible…these guys grasp the irreverent and limitless elements of rock music… TAB is a true original. Adrian has a vocal intensity that is utterly compelling, and plays bass like a lead guitarist. Tileston is a monster drummer with flair and finesse, while Tony fires off pristine chops and killer riffs." TAB THE BAND has released two EPs and is about to release its full-length record, entitled "Pulling Out Just Enough to Win".
For more information, visit www.tabtheband.com.

01/03/08 STAIND'S Aaron Lewis reports that a follow-up to his band's 2005 album, Chapter V, may arrive by the summer. "There'll be some heavy songs, bluesy songs, mid-tempo stuff," the singer says of the forthcoming disc. "It should be out, like, June-ish." He adds that STAIND will return to the road in April, and they also are "putting a big package" tour together for the summer. In the meantime, Lewis has a series of solo acoustic gigs lined up through a Feb. 9 show in Atlantic City, N.J.
New York Daily News Online

01/03/08 Ozzy Osbourne is set to make an appearance at a Nordstrom store in the Washington, D.C., suburb of McClean, Va., on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. The Metal Madman will be promoting a range of T-shirts he has designed for Affliction Clothing's Red Label Premium line. The Osbourne-created garments include black shirts featuring images of the grim reaper and hands holding rosary beads. Osbourne is scheduled to perform in D.C. the following evening.
Blabbermouth.net

01/03/08 P.O.D. have set an April 8 release date for their upcoming album, When Angels & Serpents Dance. The disc marks the San Diego band's first effort since original guitarist Marcos Curiel returned to the fold a year ago. Click here to view what appears to be the album's cover art. Also, check out an audio snippet from Angels & Serpents, along with an accompanying video montage, at the band's newly redesigned website:
P.O.D. -- Official Site

01/03/08 Long-time U2 producer Daniel Lanois says the band's upcoming 12th studio album is "promising to be a fantastically innovative collection of songs." The knob-twiddler adds that he and the Irish rockers have "been referencing Jimi Hendrix records recently," particularly with regard to the drumming. Elsewhere, an image designed by U2 front man Bono adorns a new range of T-shirts from Hard Rock International. Sales of the garments will benefit Wildlife Conservation Society's Conservation Cotton Initiative.
Spinner

01/03/08 An online contest has been launched to find orchestral musicians to perform "The Pretender" with FOO FIGHTERS during the 50th annual Grammy Awards. "We want some string players, we want some horns and we're gonna write a new part that really rocks -- and you're gonna play it," says drummer Taylor Hawkins. Video submissions are due by Jan. 20 and fans will vote via YouTube to pick the winners. CBS will broadcast the Grammys live from Los Angeles on Feb. 10.
Business Wire/Yahoo! iTunes

01/03/08 AEROSMITH and Kid Rock have signed on to perform at a concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Harley Owners Group that's scheduled for Aug. 28 at Milwaukee's Miller Park. The 40,000 tickets for the event, which will go on sale March 12, will be available only to members of the motorcycle organization. The show will be held in conjunction with Harley-Davidson's 150th anniversary festivities, set to take place around Milwaukee during Labor Day weekend.
PR Newswire

01/03/08 Eddie Vedder will make his first video appearance as a solo artist in the clip for "Guaranteed," the PEARL JAM singer's Golden Globe-nominated song from the movie Into the Wild. The clip premieres Monday on VH1 and VH1.com. Meanwhile, Vedder, Serj Tankian and PUSCIFER are included on the"Long List" of finalists being considered for the 2007 Shortlist Music Prize. A winner will be revealed sometime in early 2008.
Pearl Jam -- Official Site iTunes

01/03/08 DEATH ANGEL will release "Killing Season" on February 26, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Studio 606 in Northridge, California with producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has previously worked with FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH, VELVET REVOLVER, SHADOWS FALL and STONE SOUR, among other acts.

01/03/08 Locomotive Records, on February 12, 2008, will release the next chapter of Paul Sabu’s long and illustrious career, "Strange Messiah," which features singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer/arranger Sabu with bassist Matthias Rethmann, drummer Gereon Homann, and four guitarists: Michael Voss, Ralf Heyne, Thorsten Koehne and Angel G. Schleife (Vinnie Appice co-wrote one track, "Jack Of All Trades"). The result is an AOR Dream!

12/29/07 For every DANZIG fan who was dying to know the lyrics to all the DANZIG, MISFITS and SAMHAIN songs — tracks that never had their "dark verses" printed — well, wait no more. Glenn Danzig's song lyrics, illustrated by longtime DANZIG collaborator and friend Simon Bisley, will see the light of day late spring 2008. Each song gets its own illustration by Bisley, who has painted many album covers for DANZIG, including the latest CD, "The Lost Tracks of Danzig", and ex-MISFITS member Doyle Von Frankenstein's solo project GORGEOUS FRANKENSTEIN (which Glenn produced).

Click here to view samples from the book.

DANZIG recently completed a short U.S. tour in support of "The Lost Tracks of Danzig", the two-CD set that was released May 29, as well as Glenn's limited-edition book "Drukija, Contessa of Blood", loosely based on the legend of 17th century vampire Countess Elizabeth Bathory, and illustrated by Simon Bisley.

"The Lost Tracks" is comprised of 26 previously unreleased tracks that span DANZIG's entire career and were originally recorded during the band's seven-album "arc" that began with 1988's "DANZIG".

12/29/07 RADIOHEAD are set to end 2007 on a high note -- the alt-rockers will play their new album, "In Rainbows", in its entirety on a multimedia special that will premiere on New Year's Eve. The hour long, pre-taped concert will be shown on the Current TV cable channel and webcast simultaneously at Current.com beginning at 12 a.m. ET on Jan. 1, the same day the "In Rainbows" CD hits stores. The program will receive additional subsequent airings on the network and also will be archived on the website.
TVWeek

12/29/07 JUDAS PRIEST report that after enjoying some holiday downtime they will "be back in the studio finishing off" their new concept album about Nostradamus. In addition, the Metal Gods reveal that a 2008 world tour is in the planning stages. The group already has lined up a series of European festival appearances that currently run from a performance at the Sweden Rock event in early June through a set at Serbia's Castle Festival in early July. MySpace: Judas Priest

12/29/07 311 have mapped out a North American tour around their annual "3-11 Day" concert, which will take place March 11 in New Orleans. The headlining trek is set to kick off Feb. 22 in Las Vegas, and currently is scheduled to run through a March 31 gig in Seattle. California rockers SLIGHTLY STOOPID have been tapped to open for 311 on most dates. Pollstar

12/29/07 RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello was joined onstage by a bevy of famous musicians during a recent Los Angeles gig he played under his NIGHTWATCHMAN moniker. Ex-JANE'S ADDICTION front man Perry Farrell, SYSTEM OF A DOWN's Serj Tankian, VELVET REVOLVER's Slash, ALICE IN CHAINS' Jerry Cantrell and William DuVall, FILTER's Richard Patrick and MÖTLEY CRÜE's Mick Mars were among the surprise guests.
Check out video highlights from the event here: Blabbermouth.net

12/23/07 President Tom Mathers of Perris Records — whose catalog includes releases from DIRTY LOOKS, 3 LEGGED DOGG and RHINO BUCKET — recently shipped over 8,000 CDs after he heard about Give2TheTroops Inc., a foundation that is supporting our troops. The CDs have a retail value of over $100,000.00.

Since December 2002, Give2TheTroops Inc. has supported hundreds of thousands of deployed U.S. troops with loving care packages and letters from all over the nation. This was made possible only with the help of tens of thousands of generous and patriotic friends in the U.S. and abroad. To date, more than 48,000 enormous boxes and more than 15 million letters and cards from caring citizens have been sent. For more information, visit www.give2thetroops.com.

12/23/07 MARILYN MANSON has initiated a countersuit against his former band mate Stephen Bier -- aka Madonna Wayne Gacy -- alleging that the keyboardist failed to fulfill his obligations in the group. Bier hit Manson with a breach-of-contract lawsuit in August, claiming that the shock rocker had misappropriated band funds for his own use, including paying for drug treatment and buying Nazi memorabilia. Manson, who filed his action Wednesday in Los Angeles, accuses Bier of turning up late for shows and promotional appearances, among other complaints.
AP/MSNBC

12/23/07 Dates have been announced for the Taste of Chaos 2008 tour, which will feature a headlining set BY AVENGED SEVENFOLD to close out each night. The fourth annual winter festival trek will kick off with a Feb. 29 stop in Denver and roll through an April 15 gig in Seattle. ATREYU, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and BLESSTHEFALL are among the other bands on the Chaos bill.

12/19/07 Lenny Kravitz has announced a 10-date series of gigs in support of his upcoming album, "It Is Time for a Love Revolution". The trek begins Jan. 17 in Santa Monica, Calif., and is scheduled to wrap up with a Feb. 1 show in New York. Prior to the tour, Kravitz will rock NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly on Dec. 31." Love Revolution", Kravitz's eighth studio album, will be in stores Feb. 5.
LennyKravitzLoveRevolution.com

12/19/07 MUDVAYNE are planning a mid-2008 release for their as-yet-untitled fourth album. Singer Chad Gray says the band already has given fans a taste of what the new disc will sound like via one of the new tunes featured on the group's "By the People, For the People" compilation CD. "'Dull Boy' [is] kind of [a precursor of] what's to come from the next MUDVAYNE record," explains Gray. "It's all done from the same recording session, the new record and 'Dull Boy.'" Mitch Schneider Organization

12/19/07 FOO FIGHTERS bassist Nate Mendel says his group is pulling out all the stops for its upcoming arena tour behind Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. "We're . . . bringing out a bigger show than we've ever done before," boasts Mendel. "We did this acoustic tour last year with an eight-piece band, and we're bringing that band along for our regular rock show this time." The North American trek kicks off Jan. 16 in Sunrise, Fla.
Billboard.com
iTunes

12/19/07 LED ZEPPELIN drummer Jason Bonham says he's not the guy to ask whether the rock legends' recent reunion show will be followed by a tour. "I'm still the new guy, and I wouldn't know," he maintains. "Is it gonna be again? Don't be greedy. Just take it for what you've done and be proud to be part of that." Meanwhile, representatives from Cardiff, Wales' Millennium Stadium claim that they have spoken with ZEP'S manager about booking a show at the venue.
Billboard.com

12/19/07 Former GRIM REAPER guitarist Nick Bowcott will join ex-ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna for both New York City shows at The Filmore NY @ Irving Plaza on December 20 and December 21 during Joey's opening slot for TWISTED SISTER. Bowcott and Belladonna will reportedly perform a couple of "classic songs" together each night.
Belladonna last year made three full albums' worth of solo material available for paid download via his official web site.
Commented Joey:

"These songs are assorted experiments that I have done and are varied in style. They are sort of 'one-offs,' basically just songs that I wanted to record for fun."

12/13/07 BUCKCHERRY currently are in the studio and have written about 10 tunes for the follow-up to their 2006 gold-certified 15 album. "This past week has produced what may be the most ass-kicking songs we've ever written," raves guitarist Keith Nelson. "I really can't wait for you guys to hear this stuff!" In other news, BUCKCHERRY are scheduled to perform their 300th concert in support of 15 on Dec. 15 in Las Vegas.
Buckcherry -- Official Site

12/13/07 DROWNING POOL bassist Stephen Benton was hospitalized Thursday morning in Eau Claire, Wis., following his band's concert there the previous night. The musician experienced paralysis and was diagnosed with the neurological malady Bell's palsy, a condition that usually is temporary. DROWNING POOL has been forced to cancel the remaining nine gigs on their 2007 tour schedule. "I'm really bummed that . . . we can't perform this last string of shows," laments Benton. "We can't wait to come back and rock out with you all again soon."
Drowning Pool -- Official Site

12/13/07 A few months after the WHITE STRIPES canceled a tour because drummer Meg White was suffering from acute anxiety, front man Jack White isn't certain that the band will ever hit the road again. He says "it's up to her" if and when the hiatus will end, adding that he expects the duo to continue producing music. "Touring is only one component of what we do," explains Jack. "Taking a break from shows isn't going to stop it." Los Angeles Times

12/13/07 An extensive collection of lyrics, notes, drawings, and mementos belonging to late CLASH front man Joe Strummer has been discovered by his widow, Lucinda Mellor. The haul, which had gone overlooked in a storage room in the couple's farmhouse in Somerset, England, includes several tea chests of Clash-era material, along with numerous suitcases from recent solo tours. Mellor says she hopes to turn the find into a glossy multimedia tribute book to Strummer that would incorporate some unreleased music.
The Independent

12/13/07 LED ZEPPELIN tore into a rendition of 1969's "Good Times Bad Times" to kick off their eagerly awaited reunion at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute concert Monday in London. The iconic rockers' set list included such other classics as "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Dog" and "Kashmir," as well as "For Your Life," a tune from ZEP'S 1976 "Presence" album that they had never performed live before. Among the acts preceding ZEPPELIN onstage were FOREIGNER, ex-ROLLING STONES bassist Bill Wyman and founding FREE/BAD COMPANY singer Paul Rodgers.
Billboard.com

12/13/07 AGNOSTIC FRONT is about to embark on their recently announced direct support slot to HATEBREED on Stillborn Records annual Stillborn Fest 2007. The 10-day tour will kick off on December 20 at Jaxx in Springfield, VA and will also include GOD FORBID, NECRO, AT ALL COST and Stillborn's newest signing, THY WILL BE DONE.

12/13/07 MALEVOLENT CREATION has recruited drummer Fabian Aguirre (SYNAPTICIDE, ex-GRINDCRUSHER, MISTY FATE, ANGEL NEGRO) as the replacement for the recently departed Dave Culross. Handling the bass duties for the group on the road will reportedly be Marco Martell, who has already previously toured with the band.

12/13/07 Orange County, CA - THROWDOWN will headline the "Scum Of The Earth Tour" which is set to kick off in February and will cross the United States (and some Canadian cities as well) through early April. It is the band's first headlining tour in support of their new album, "Venom & Tears", which was released in August.

12/13/07 Praised in Revolver Magazine for "creating one of the best albums of their career" with their Nuclear Blast debut, Ithyphallic, South Carolina’s NILE have created an exclusive "Making Of.." video for MTV2, which can be viewed here:

12/13/07 H.E.A.T will be performing at Sweden Rock Festival in June 2008. SRF is by far the largest rock/metal festival in Northern Europe.
Headlining are: JUDAS PRIEST, WHITESNAKE, DEF LEPPARD, SAXON, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, TESLA, Joe Satriani, DERRINGER and on and on... (www.swedenrock.com)
H.E.A.T will also open for HANOI ROCKS in Stockholm on Feb 14, 2008.

12/11/07 The Associated Press reports that the death last month of Kevin DuBrow, lead singer for the 1980s heavy metal band QUIET RIOT, has been ruled an accidental cocaine overdose. Clark County coroner spokeswoman Samantha Charles confirmed the cause Monday after toxicology results were received Monday.
DuBrow was found dead Nov. 25th at his Las Vegas home. He was 52. QUIET RIOT was perhaps best known for its 1983 cover of "Cum on Feel the Noize." The song, featuring DuBrow’s powerful, gravelly voice, appeared on the band's album "Metal Health" — which was the first by a metal band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart.
DuBrow recorded a solo album in 2004, "In for the Kill," and the band's last studio CD, "Rehab," came out in October 2006.

12/10/07 AWSOME NEWS!! CRASHDÏET HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR A SWEDISH GRAMMY FOR THE CATEGORY HARD ROCK!!
YOU CAN VOTE FOR US BEGINNING ON MONDAY at 12:00 SWEDISH TIME, RIGHT HERE
WE HAVE ALSO BEEN NOMINATED FOR A SWEDISH METAL AWARD IN THE CATEGORY "SLEAZE/GLAM" YOU CAN VOTE RIGHT HERE: SWEDISH METAL AWARDS

12/05/07Jonathan Cohen of Billboard.com reports that the organizers of the 2008 Bonnaroo festival have quashed the rumors of LED ZEPPELIN and METALLICA headlining next year's event. "The rumors that are out there about the Bonnaroo 2008 headliners are inaccurate," Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment said in a statement released to Billboard.com. "We're very excited about the lineup that we're putting together for this year's festival. We'll be announcing the confirmed lineup toward the end of January/beginning of February.
The source of the ZEPPELIN/METALLICA rumor was an anonymous email included last week in industry commentator Bob Lefsetz's newsletter. LED ZEPPELIN will play its only planned show Dec. 10 in London as part of a tribute to late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun.

12/05/07Former MUDERDOLLS front man Wednesday 13 is gearing up for the All American Massacre U.S. tour starting in late January and running until the beginning of March. The trek will also include THE VINCENT BLACK SHADOWS, THE AKA'S and CREATURE FEATURE. In other news, Wednesday 13 has announced that the band will remain a five-piece with the addition of ex-MURDERDOLLS/TRASHLIGHT VISION guitarist Acey Slade. Commented Wednesday 13: "Once I realized I couldn't play guitar with my broken collar bone just before the October tour began I knew I really had to push the visual aspect of the show. I really went out of my way to try and bring the songs to life in a more visual way. It was fun to get inside these songs and act them out. The audiences all seemed to enjoy it as well and I was having a blast with it. I decided by the end of the tours that this is what I wanted to do by continuing making the live shows more theatrical and the only way to really do that was to remain a five-piece. The new ideas I have for the New Year’s stage show are all over the place and I'm really excited for the new tour, and the fans to see it."

12/05/07DEEP PURPLE's official web site has been updated with the following message: "DEEP PURPLE has given so much to the fans over the years and now we want to give something back to them. DeepPurple.org is compiling a fan scrapbook and we need your help! We want you to submit a page to be included in the scrapbook. "Get together all of your DEEP PURPLE memories — ticket stubs, photos of the band, newspaper clippings, and — most importantly — pictures of you, the fans! We'll then put together the best pages to be included in the scrapbook, which we will present to the band. "Don't want to give up your most prized possessions? No problem — scan your page into the computer and email it to contests@deeppurple.org Just make sure to put 'Holiday-Scrapbook' in the subject line.

Want to send your page via snail mail? Send it to:
4 Brussels Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Attn: 'Deep Purple Fan Scrapbook'

"Make sure to submit your materials by Friday, December 14th so we have enough time to put everything together. As a thank you for submitting items for the scrapbook, everyone who submits will get a $5 Gift Card to the DeepPurple.org store — just in time for the holidays! Not only that, but the person who submits the coolest page for the scrapbook will win an autographed photo of the band! Now THAT is a good stocking stuffer! "Spread the word to other DEEP PURPLE fans — we want to make this a great gift for the band, but we can't do it without your help!" Click here to see the official rules.

12/05/07Spanglish Outlaw Flamenco Sleaze Rock GYPSY PISTOLEROS are a group of truly unique rocking amigos from the UK. Their sound is flamenco with punk rock riffs, pounding bass and thrashing drums. They have just recorded their debut album 'Para Siempre' the greatest Flamenco Glam Sleaze Rock n Roll Punk album ever! Produced by the legend that is Joe Gibb (CATATONIA, JAYNES ADDICTION, MADONNA, THE CURE, Robbie Williams, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, etc).

12/05/07GODSMACK released their widely anticipated Greatest Hits album, "Good Times Bad Times….Ten Years of GODSMACK". The 16-track collection is loaded with career defining milestones and seminal GODSMACK classics.

12/05/07 "Change!" a new CD/DVD compilation from Hopeless/Sub City Records. Just release in the US on Nov. 20 and will be released worldwide on Jan. 11, has an array of the hottest bands in hardcore and metal today, like CHIODOS, SILVERSTEIN, EVERY TIME I DIE, HORSE THE BAND and more. There are 21 songs and 17 videos in all! The sale of "Change!" also benefits the Hot Topic Foundation, which helps support programs and organizations that encourage and educate youth in the arts. In the US, the comp will be available exclusively through Hot Topic. CHAVIS RECORDS recording artist AMERICAN ANGEL have landed the #1 position on Billboard's Heatseeker (Northeast) chart with the band’s latest release "VANITY".

12/04/07An auction of items belonging to Ozzy Osbourne and his family brought in around $800,000 for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program on Friday and Saturday. Among the high-ticket items were a pair of the BLACK SABBATH front man's glasses ($5,250), a coat embroidered with bats ($3,300) and a pair of sneakers with a skull motif ($2,625). A coffee cup used by the Metal Madman that featured prominently in the family's MTV reality show went for $1,625.
AP/Fox News

12/04/07 Greg Prato of Billboard.com reports: Guitarist Joe Satriani is near completion on his 12th studio album. While an album title and release date are still pending, tickets for an album-supporting U.K. tour are moving briskly.

"Yesterday was a great day — we officially finished recording," Satriani tells Billboard.com . "This is definitely a rocking record. We set out some parameters, and when I say 'we,' I'm working with long-time collaborator John Cuniberti , he's engineering and co-producing with me. Jeff Campitelli is playing drums, Matt Bissonette is back playing bass on eight of the 10 songs, and Eric Caudieux came back to do some digital editing and sound design."

Expectedly, the release will showcase Satriani' s six-string talents, but will also incorporate different approaches for the guitarist. "I decided once again to push the envelope with how expressive we can get the guitar to be. And how unusual we can get the guitar playing from song to song. It's a record that's eclectic — we've got some straight-ahead rocker songs," he says.
Read the entire article at Billboard.com.

12/04/07 "Metal Monday" is being held on December 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Rhino Store (8032 W. Third St.) in Los Angeles, CA. Ronnie James Dio (DIO , HEAVEN AND HELL , BLACK SABBATH , RAINBOW ), Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE ) and Warren DeMartini (RATT ) will be on hand to sign copies of the "Heavy Metal Box " or other items purchased at the Rhino Store . THE DONNAS will DJ the event.

"Heavy Metal Box " was released on October 2 via Rhino Records . The four-disc, 70-song set boasts classic tracks from IRON MAIDEN , JUDAS PRIEST , MOTÖRHEAD and SLAYER , among dozens of others. Arranged chronologically from 1968 to 1991, the compilation also boasts hits from bands like DEEP PURPLE , METALLICA , BLACK SABBATH , IRON BUTTERFLY , PANTERA , ALICE COOPER , VENOM , TESTAMENT , RUSH and MEGADETH . True to its name, the project is literally packaged in a metal box resembling a Marshall guitar amp. The liner notes include extensive photos, track commentary, interviews with Ronnie James Dio and Lita Ford and an essay by METALLICA 's Lars Ulrich on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). For more information, click here.

12/04/07 According to HardDrive Radio, a source at Q Prime Management — which represents METALLICA — "flat-out denied" a report that surfaced over the weekend that METALLICA will headline the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee next June. The information, which was based on an an email published in industry commentator Bob Lefsetz's newsletter, also stated that LED ZEPPELIN would play its first U.S. show since July 24, 1977 at the event.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich told Examiner.com in an October 2007 interview that the band's upcoming album will be "heavier" yet more "melodic" than 2003's controversial "St. Anger". Ulrich explained, "Whereas 'St. Anger' was an exercise in over-pummeling the listener, these new songs echo some of our stuff from the '80s — long, epic journeys through different musical landscapes, heavier, but a lot more melodic." When asked whether the new songs will be shorter, in the four-to-five minute range, Ulrich said, "Well, the most of the intros are four to five minutes. I don't know — METALLICA and short songs just don't go that well together."

Although none of the songs have official titles yet, Ulrich revealed that some of the "silly" working titles included "19", "10", "German Soup", "Glass Cow" and "Black Squirrel". Ulrich said the names "relate to where the idea came from, like Glasgow, Scotland became 'Glass Cow'. And when we don't have anything clever to call it, we just call it a number." The new METALLICA album is tentatively due in the spring.

12/04/07 According to TMZ.com, VELVET REVOLVER singer Scott Weiland was arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) late last month. The former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS front man was driving on an L.A. highway around 6:15 PM on November 21 when he crashed his car. While the California Highway Patrol was investigating the non-injury wreck, they noticed Weiland appeared to be impaired. According to the police report, Weiland failed sobriety tests and refused to take a blood or urine test. He was booked for "driving under the influence of a drug." He was released on $40,000 bail and will be back in court on December 13. Check out the police report at this location (PDF file). Weiland is no stranger to run-ins with the law. He was busted for buying crack in 1995, domestic violence in 2001, DUI on his birthday in 2003, and as TMZ.com first reported, allegedly trashed a hotel room while brawling with his wife. His wife later issued a statement saying her hubby was "simply trying to help calm me down."

12/04/07 AFP reports that the world's first self-tuning guitar — which is already being used by Billy Corgan from the SMASHING PUMPKINS, among other musicians — was unveiled to the public in London Monday (Dec. 3) — an instrument that automatically detects when a string has fallen out of pitch and corrects it.

The Gibson Robot Guitar was unveiled to the public in the British capital by Mike Peters, lead singer and guitarist from THE ALARM, the biggest band to come out of Wales in the 1980s and famous for rock anthem "Sixty-Eight Guns". Guitar-maker Gibson, based in Nashville, Tennessee, promise that the instrument, whose technology has been 10 years in the making, will "change the guitar world forever" when it goes on sale around the world on Friday.

It will retail in Britain for 1,400 pounds (1,970 euros, 2,900 dollars). Ten first-run limited editions in the Blue Silverburst Les Paul model will be available in each Gibson store worldwide. Read more at AFP.