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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Rock News for Saturday 2nd January, 2010

Well, time for some updates for everyone, we're now passed the 1st January, 2010 so now we're into the new decade for real, hopefully everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed great, safe celebrations on New Years Eve.
Not too much for you right now ..., just a few stories but of course, check back in case something new breaks!

Soundgarden to reform in 2010 suggests band frontman Chris Cornell

It seems band reunions are certainly up and running for 2010, as many old classic rock bands seem to have agreed to reunite for big festivals already in the summer, the old grunge bands are following suit!
Well, Soundgarden seem to be on track to do so anyway according to Chris Cornell's Twitter posting, that Billboard has clearly played on, this was posted there yesterday:

Soundgarden will reunite for concerts in 2010, according to a Twitter message from frontman Chris Cornell which directs fans to a new Web site, http://www.soundgardenworld.com/. The Seattle rock quartet -- Cornell, guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron -- has not played live since splitting up in the spring of 1997.

Read more on Billboard here: http://www.billboard.com/#/news/soundgarden-reunion-planned-for-2010-1004056149.story
Chris' Twitter location is right here: http://twitter.com/CHRISCORNELL

Classic horror actor Christopher Lee goes metal!

As maybe as insane as it sounds, following on from Stephen King's recently announced plans to make a musical with John Mellencamp - Posted previously in Monday 28th Dec.'s news here: http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2009/12/update-for-monday-28th-december-2009.html - it seems legend of the horror screen Christopher Lee is indeed involved in a metal album project Charlemagne.

The following information and some of the music (?) is available from their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/charlemagnemusical

Charlemagne is a concept album with original words and symphonic metal music.
Composer Marco Sabiu, best known for his collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Take That, Pavarotti, Morricone, has created a truly epic canvas by introducing modern metal symphonies, in a style which resembles a movie score. Marie-Claire Calvet, a graduate from Bristol University, transports the listener into "The Dark Ages", with a very powerful storyline and mesmerising lyrics. A full orchestra, heavy metal musicians, choir and special guest vocalists bring the legend of Charlemagne to life.


Band (Character) Members:
Christopher Lee...Charlemagne (Ghost)

Christina Lee...Narrator
Phil...Pepin the Short
Mauro Conti...Pope Hadrian
Vincent Ricciardi...Charlemagne (Young)
Lydia Salnikova...Hildegard
Christi Ebenhoch...Storytelling singer

Music...Marco Sabiu

Lyrics...Marie-Claire Calvet
Songwriter/Co-Producer... Juan Ramirez
Executive Producer...Corrado Canonici
Producer...Juan Aneiros
Europe competition ... Good if you live close to Stockholm! :) 
 
Sorry, but I just saw this posted on Europe's MySpace page blog, which is all well and good if you don't live too far away from the venue I guess?
 
* WIN VIP TICKETS AND AN EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT STAY! *


IN HONOUR OF OUR FAVOURITE BAND, THE SCANDIC NORRA BANTORGET HOTEL IN STOCKHOLM HAVE PERMANENTLY CONVERTED ONE OF THEIR SUITES INTO A EUROPE-THEMED ROOM! ON JANUARY 9TH 2010 AN EXCLUSIVE VIP "OPENING PARTY" WILL BE HELD AT THE HOTEL TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION, ATTENDED BY SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE BAND! HERE IS HOW YOU AND A FRIEND CAN WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY AND PICK UP VIP TICKETS TO THE PARTY!

SIMPLY CLICK HERE: http://europethebandblog.blogspot.com/

AND HERE: http://europethebandmedia.blogspot.com/

AND BECOME A "FOLLOWER" OF OUR TWO OFFICIAL EUROPE BLOGS, AND THEN EMAIL US THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION, WHOSE ANSWER YOU WILL FIND ON ONE OF THE BLOGS: WHAT WAS THE NUMBER JOHN LEVEN WROTE ON A PIECE OF PAPER WHILST IN THE STUDIO RECORDING "LAST LOOK AT EDEN"? EMAIL YOUR ANSWERS, AND FULL NAME TO:

giveaway(at)europetheband.com
(using the '@' symbol, and without the brackets of course).

THE MAJOR PRIZE INCLUDES ONE NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION IN THE EUROPE-THEMED ROOM FOR 2 PEOPLE ON JAN. 9TH, PLUS 2 VIP TICKETS TO THE PARTY!
FOUR RUNNERS UP WILL ALSO WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE PARTY!
THATS TEN HAPPY CAMPERS IN TOTAL!

PRIZES ARE NON-TRANSFERRABLE, AND WINNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE HOTEL. GET YOUR ENTRIES IN BY JAN 5TH, AND WINNERS NAMES WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON EUROPETHEBAND.COM ON JANUARY 6TH!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! 
 
 

Friday, January 1, 2010

News for January 1st 2010 ....

Well there's nothing new here yet ..., but meantime .....

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE, EVERYONE! :)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Rock News for Wednesday 30th December, 2009

Status Quo duo Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt OBE's in The Queen's New Years Honours!

Status Quo's Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi will go into 2010 having been appointed with OBE's for their services to music and charity over the years.
Congratulations to them both!
This just posted on the BBC's news page - Of course, it's already New Years Eve there!

The band this year celebrated 40 years together, releasing a fantastic live DVD Pictures - Live in Montreux 2009, which I recently reviewed on this blog site. Review can be found here:

Also side note reminder of Francis Rossi's solo stuff.

Francis Rossi 'One Step at a Time' - Solo Tour - May 2010

Live Nation are proud to announce that Francis will undertake his first ever solo tour in May 2010. The "One Step At A Time" tour, that takes the name of his solo album to be released by EarMUSIC, through Edel in April 2010, will take in six UK dates. He will be accompanied by an 8 piece band.

Francis commented, "I never stop writing songs and melodies but there have been many tracks over the years that just weren't right for Quo. These songs have been gathering dust in my mind for too long and now seems the right time to showcase them. It's a big step for me but I hope to see lots of the same faces out there on the road!"

12th May Edinburgh Queens Hall
13th May Birmingham Town Hall
14th May Manchester Academy
16th May London Her Majesty's
18th May Cardiff Glee Club
19th May Sheffield Memorial Hall
Tickets will be available from 10am on Fri 18 Dec from http://www.livenation.co.uk/ or from 0844 576 5483

All Star benefit concert at The Avalon in Hollywood on January 6th - Concert for Sophia



Sophia Stormy Smith was born on April 28th 2009 at 3 lbs 10 oz. She's had a awfully hard time so far on Earth.

She was a premature baby and underwent a critical life saving 6.5 hour operation on the very day she was born. She then spent a month in the Northridge NICU for newborns. Baby Sophia and her parents have bravely gone through so much pain. No one should have to travel this path alone...I remember Sophia came home for the first time on Stuart's birthday. He was overjoyed and thankful. Now things have changed and her parents have been hit with crippling medical bills.
Together WE CAN all help Sophia. In order to pay for a surgery she must obtain by early 2010 we're going to put together a concert to help Stuart & Sophia pay for her medical, surgery & care. A medical trust fund has been set up for her with Chase Banking

Yes, even Rock Stars "need a little help from their friends" & will "get by with a little help from their friends"..."With a little help from OUR friends."

Stuart Smith is known internationally for his amazing Lead guitar and song writing ability. The founder of Heaven & Earth, Stuart has recently joined forces with Steve Priest in the USA version of the band SWEET. Having felt the economic crunch (as most of us here have) Stuart's long time friend Robert Tuozzo has very graciously offered to assist in helping to get aide for his precious daughter Sophia by putting on a benefit concert and setting up this site.

Between Stuart and Robert reaching out as a team to their many friends in the entertainment business, TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE MUSIC & HELP SOPHIA...
TOGETHER WE CAN

Rock out New Years Eve with Kansas and Night Ranger!

Wow I say! Wish I could be there as I'm sure this would be one show, AOR / rock fans would not want to miss for a New Year's Eve party!

December 31, 2009 - 7pm




Rock your way into the New Year with co-headliners Kansas AND Night Ranger in one amazing show at The Island Event Center on December 31! Witness Kansas perform hits such as Carry On Wayward Son, Point of No Return and Dust in the Wind. And Night Ranger’s hits like (You Can Still) Rock in America, Sister Christian and Don't Tell Me You Love Me are sure to bring down the house.

This show’s open to all ages, so grab your friends and don't miss your chance to see these incredible bands both perform in one show! Tickets are only $45 and $55 and are available at the Island Box Office or by calling 1-877-849-1640.

TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

5734 Sturgeon Lake Road
Welch, MN 55089
1-800-222-7077

Aerosmith's Tom Hamilton checks in with an update ...

With so much uncertainty surrounding the band Aerosmith right now, bass player Tom Hamilton has taken the time to post a lengthy message to all the bands fans.

Tom starts by saying, "I know, I know! "What's goin' on with the band?" "What the hell are you guys up to?" Well it all boils down to Steven wanting to go solo for a while and the other four of us wanting to continue. I'm not getting into what and what not's been in the press lately. I'd like a day off from all that if you don't FREAKIN' mind.

Some weeks ago we finished four shows that were still left on the plate for this year. As we're getting close to the end of the year I found myself replaying my mental videos of those gigs."

Anyway, Tom's report is a lengthy one and he closes by saying this to everyone:

"I hope everybody has an awesome New Year. Make those resolutions! Put 'em in your head and let them grow. They'll happen someday!

More later,
TH
The full details are right here:


Pollstar compiles its Top 50 Tours of North America for 2009

Yes, it's now posted, the end of the year results that so many people look out for, to give them pointers for next year! It also obviously pleases management of many of these acts!

U2 surpassed all other tours, grossing $123 million in North America and selling more than 1.3 million tickets overall. Those figures beat its closest competitor, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, by about $30 million!
With U2 and Bruce charting Nos. 1 and 2, the top five were rounded out by Elton John / Billy Joel, Britney Spears and AC/DC. The Top 10 included the inexhaustible Kenny Chesney, headlining newcomers Jonas Brothers, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac and Metallica.
For more details broken down, go to:
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/12/30/703577.aspx

Here's the Top 50 Tours of North America for 2009 though:
Pollstar Top 50 Tours of North America:

1 U2
2 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
3 Elton John / Billy Joel
4 Britney Spears
5 AC/DC
6 Kenny Chesney
7 Jonas Brothers
8 Dave Matthews Band
9 Fleetwood Mac
10 Metallica
11 Nickelback
12 "Walking With Dinosaurs"
13 Miley Cyrus
14 Trans-Siberian Orchestra
15 Eagles
16 Keith Urban
17 Celine Dion
18 Rascal Flatts
19 Coldplay
20 Paul McCartney
21 Phish
22 Brad Paisley
23 Jeff Dunham
24 No Doubt
25 Cher
26 Lil' Wayne
27 KISS
28 "American Idols Live"
29 Bette Midler
30 Dane Cook
31 Blink-182
32 The Dead
33 Beyoncé
34 Il Divo
35 Taylor Swift
36 Def Leppard
37 Cirque du Soleil - "Saltimbanco"
38 Mötley Crüe
39 Depeche Mode
40 George Strait
41 Eric Clapton / Steve Winwood
42 Kings of Leon
43 Leonard Cohen
44 Bob Dylan
45 "So You Think You Can Dance"
46 Jimmy Buffett
47 Luis Miguel
48 The Killers
49 "Vans Warped Tour"
50 Green Day

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Rock News for Tuesday 29th December, 2009

Melodicrock.com 2nd Festival on the cards! Chicago will be the place to be!!!

Andrew McNiece the name behind possibly the best known rock website around - http://www.melodicrock.com/
- that covers of course melodic rock, hard rock, AOR, pop/rock along with a little metal stuff too, is preparing to make his second Melodicrock festival become a reality, the location will be Chicago, but as yet the final venue(s) is (are) not decided.

His first event was a fantastic occasion, where the artists involved including Mr. Big's Eric Martin, Joe Lynn Turner (Ex-Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc), Jim Peterik (Ex-Survivor, World Stage, Pride of Lions), Night Ranger's Kelly Keagy, Jack Blades, Joel Hoekstra and Christian Cullen, the Nelson brothers with their band and the main act Scrap Metal, Kevin Chalfant (The Storm, The Vu, Journey, etc), Mark Slaughter and so many other great musicians and their bands.

Anyway, Andrew has put out a request to rock fans out there and he's looking for suggestions from fans of how they would like the festival to be.
He posted this on his site today:

MELODICROCKFEST 2 - UPDATE:

I'm using the slower time of year to get some additional work done on MelodicRockFest 2 plans. Could really be an amazing event if everyone asked actually gets back to me with an affirmative answer. Stay tuned...

I'm also being approached by a number of smaller bands within this scene who are just hanging out for an outlet to perform at, so the choice is there for me to consider extending the Festival to include full Saturday and Sunday line-ups, as well as the VIP Friday night acoustic show.

The question is - would folks like a 2 day festival in a mainly standing venue (new Chicago venue, w/some seating available at this stage), and can they afford the time away and a weekend ticket price? And with the Monday following the April 30/May 1/May 2 weekend not being any kind of holiday - does that pose problems for those folks that had to be back at work Monday?

There would of course be options for separate tickets for both days for those that could only take in one of the days, but I'd welcome some additional feedback on this if you plan on attending. E-mail me at ajm@melodicrock.com or comment via the MelodicRock Twitter - http://twitter.com/MelodicRock - and / or Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/people/Andrew-McNeice/541722325 - pages.
Cheers folks....stay tuned!
http://www.melodicrock.com/
 
Avenged Sevenfold Drummer found dead at 28.
 
CNN news posted this today:
James Sullivan, the drummer for the Huntington Beach, CA rock band Avenged Sevenfold, died on Monday, according to Orange County authorities.
The cause of death is still under investigation. Sullivan, 28, was found unresponsive inside his home.
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/29/avenged-sevenfold-drummer-james-sullivan-dies-28/
 
Metallica's Lar's claims he struggles with ringing in the ears
 
Well, surprise, surprise, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich is now publicly announces he suffers with ringing in the ears, because of how loud the music has been at shows. 
He said this when CNN spoke to him:
"It's this constant ringing in the ears," Ulrich said. "It never sort of goes away. It never just stops."
Sorry Lars, but you guys play metal and loud ..., erm, what do you expect dude?
 
"I've been playing loud rock music for the better part of 35 years," said Ulrich, 46, drummer for the heavy metal band Metallica. "I never used to play with any kind of protection."
 
The full story is here: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/28/tinnitus.metallica.drummer/index.html#cnnSTCText
 
Former Kansas guitarist and born again Christian Kerry Livgren gives details on his stroke
 
Kerry Livgren the guitarist who made his name with US semi prog / AOR rockers Kansas has just now posted full details on the stroke he suffered earlier this year and how he has been fighting to regain his health since.
He's currently a part of Christian prog rock outfit Numavox and full details of Kerry and his involvement with that project can be found here: http://www.numavox.com/us.htm
 
Details on his full explanation on his stroke and more can be found here:
http://www.numavox.com/mystroke.html
 
Livgren was recently a part of a Kansas reunion that was recorded and released as a DVD earlier this year, Know Place Like Home. My review of that DVD can be found here:
http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2009/12/kansas-live-dvd-theres-no-place-like.html

Monday, December 28, 2009

Update for Monday 28th December, 2009

Hi all, well, have to say it's been very quiet on the news front, in the world of rock over the last few days  ... Maybe that's a sign that it's all going to suddenly hit us, after everyone recovers from the holidays! :-)

LATE UPDATE!!!

Jim Peterik's World Stage 10th Anniversary!

Monday, December 28, 2009 - WORLD STAGE IS 10 YEARS OLD!

Ten years ago, JIM PETERIK had the idea to invite some of his collaborators to town and throw a little concert...
That "little concert" has grown to practically be a local holiday, and one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. And WORLD STAGE 2010 is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

Jan 23rd, 2010 at the McAninch Arts Center on the Campus of The College Of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, JIM PETERIK presents the 10th Anniversary of WORLD STAGE.

The show this year marks the welcoming of a melodic rock giant. From LOVERBOY, MIKE RENO will rock the house.
Re-uniting with Jim once again, JIMI JAMISON's thrilling voice will roll out the hits of SURVIVOR.

It's a NIGHT RANGER trifecta! KELLY KEAGY, CHRISTIAN CULLEN, and direct from "ROCK OF AGES" on Broadway, JOEL HOEKSTRA.

Returning to World Stage after a too-long absence, from the JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and "LOVE, JANIS": CATHY RICHARDSON.
Another fan favorite who has been away too long, MARZETTE GRIFFITH is back.
It wouldn't be World Stage without bluesman ANTHONY GOMES.

It's not a trick, but it sure is magic as the World Stage band turns into PRIDE OF LIONS when TOBY HITCHCOCK grabs the microphone.

COLIN PETERIK continues to bloom as a writer and performer, you'll be surprised at his new direction in music.

We're just getting started. NICK COLIONNE tempers the rock heat with his cool jazz touch, and LISA McCLOWRY will treat us with a taste of the album she's been working on with JP during the past year.
Another great performer coming back to the fold is JEFF BOYLE, singing his unique songs.
And of course, the IDES OF MARCH will open the second set.

All of these tremendous singers need tremendous support and the WORLD STAGE BAND will provide it: Mike Aquino on Guitar, Klem Hayes on Bass, Ed Breckenfeld on Drums, Chris Neville on Keyboards, and Jeff Lantz on Piano will show their wizardry by shifting styles at a moment's notice.

Also in the band: JOEL HOEKSTRA from NIGHT RANGER on Guitar, Chuck Soumar and Scott May from the IDES on Percussion and Hammond Organ, respectively; with Chuck joining JOHN LARSON, Trumpet and DAVE STAHLBERG, Trombone in the IDES horn section "Babushka Brass".

THOM GRIFFIN leads the vocal chorus with Lisa McClowry, Toby Hitchcock and whoever lands up on the vocal stand!

It's going to be a fabulous night, so get your tickets while you can.
Go here for tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase
See you in January!!
http://www.jimpeterik.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jimpeterik

How about a Winger / Dee Snider Contest?
 
Just posted through Winger's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wingertheband a Winger Contest with Dee Snider!

House of Hair with Dee Snider is hosting a Winger Contest starting today, Dec 28th through Jan 13th midnight. Here are some details:

What do you win?
10 Winners each get:
One (1) copy of the new Winger CD “Karma”.

1 Grand Prize Winner also gets:
1 pair of Kip Winger’s autographed and worn boots, and 1 autographed drumhead from Winger’s Rod Morgenstein.

How to Enter:
Fill in the Entry Form: http://houseofhaironline.com/contest-entry-form-win-winger-cd-karma/

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON ONLY, please. Incomplete entries will be tossed out – all address fields, station (or how you heard about the contest) field, and name fields must be 100% complete!

How we choose the winner:
Only entries received by 1/13/10 will be considered. The HOH staff will choose the winners in a random drawing.
Contest Start Date: Monday, December 28, 2009
Contest End Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at midnight

Did I win? Winners will be announced FIRST in the HOH newsletter and then on the website.

ENTER TO WIN: Entry Form: http://houseofhaironline.com/contest-entry-form-win-winger-cd-karma/
The contest is open to residents of the USA and CANADA only.

A musical combining Stephen King and John Mellencamp?

No really, I couldn't believe it myself, but Pollstar have just made this announement:

Any collaboration between John Mellencamp and author Stephen King would be an event worth noting, but adding Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, Will Dailey, Dave Alvin, Phil Alvin, Sheryl Crow, Neko Case and boxing champ Joe Frazier to the mix knocks “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” into the stratosphere.

Go check out the story at Pollstar, right here:
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/12/28/703290.aspx 

Pink Floyd's Division Bell to grace UK's Royal Mail stamps, along with other classic rock album covers ...

On January 7th, 2010, the UK's Royal Mail will launch a batch of new collectable stamps of rock and pop album covers, including Pink Floyd'- The Division Bell.
http://www.pinkfloyd.com/

Other covers will include, Led Zeppelin 4, David Bowie Ziggy Stardust, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, Rolling Stones Let It Bleed, The Clash London's Calling, Coldplay's A Rush Of Blood To The Head, Blur's ParklifePrimal Scream's Screamadelica and New Order's Power, Corruption & Lies.



http://www.royalmail.com/portal/stamps/jump1?catId=32300674&mediaId=112400785
 
Yes US Winter Tour details

Yes US Winter Tour 2010 - http://www.yesworld.com/

For the month of February 2010 Yes will be touring throughout the eastern half of the United States. The lineup will again be Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Alan White joined by Benoit David on vocals and Oliver Wakeman on keyboards. Initial dates and links to purchase tickets can now be found on the Tour page:  http://www.yesworld.com/ywtour.html

Dates are as follows:

Date: Day: City: Venue:
FEBRUARY
2 TUE Poughkeepsie, NY Civic Center
4 THU Concord, NH Capitol Center for the Arts
5 FRI Jim Thorpe, PA Penn's Peak
6 SAT Washington, DC Warner Theatre
8 MON Northampton, MA Calvin Theater
9 TUE Boston, MA House of Blues
10 WED Montclair, NJ Wellmont Theatre
12 FRI Atlantic City, NJ Tropicana Showroom
13 SAT New York, NY The Town Hall
14 SUN New York, NY The Town Hall
17 WED Cleveland, OH House of Blues
18 THU Chicago, IL House of Blues
20 SAT Detroit, MI Sound Board at Motor City Casino
23 TUE Dallas, TX House of Blues
24 WED Houston, TX House of Blues
25 THU New Orleans, LA House of Blues
27 SAT Orlando, FL Sea World Orlando* - * Free with admission

28 SUN Boca Raton, FL Sunset Cove Amphitheater