|
Rock & Blues Festival, Jan 29-31 - Photo: Noel Buckley
FM Launch Party with Mick Ralphs (Photo: Noel Buckley)
JOE BONAMASSA 'Black Rock' Review & Video Interview!!
The new HENDRIX CD: Our Verdict!!
FRONTIERS ANNOUNCES NEW WHITESNAKE ALBUM 
Whitesnake are gearing up for their latest album and have already started composing new material. "We are off to a very good start, with the new songs taking positive shape. It feels good, fresh & exciting," explains David Coverdale.
The next release already feels like a solid, natural progression to their last opus, the successful, critically acclaimed 'Good To Be Bad' album, awarded by the influential Classic Rock magazine as "Best Album of the Year" in 2008.
"As always, we want to take it to the next level," states Coverdale. "I feel that with the last album we achieved a strong Whitesnake 'cocktail' that comfortably embraced and mixed all the previous musical aspects and styles of the band's history, while taking our identity a little further... all on one album..."
Coverdale said the production team for the new album will most likely be the infamous Brutal Brothers, or Los Bros Brutalos, who handled the recording of "Good To Be Bad". "The new songs are in the very familiar and recognizable Whitesnake territory of soulful, bluesy, melodic power rock, with a couple of ballads thrown in for good measure... It can't be a Whitesnake album without ballads, mate!"
FRONTIERS RECORDS TO RELEASE THE NEW ASIA ALBUM 'OMEGA'
Asia, rock's first important super-group of the 80s - featuring members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles - will release Omega, its highly anticipated new album of original material. The record is due April 23 in Europe (May 4 in USA) on Frontiers Records.
Geoffrey Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, the four original Asia members, reunited in 2006, twenty-three years after all four had last played together. The much publicised reunion resulted in highly successful world tours, a double live LP and DVD (entitled Fantasia: Live In Tokyo) and an acclaimed studio album Phoenix in 2008 which debuted at number 73 in the Billboard charts in the USA and entered the top 100 in several European countries.
Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, Asia's first release was the best selling album in the world in 1982 and sat at the number 1 spot in the USA for 9 weeks, powered by the classic rock anthem, 'Heat Of The Moment,' and four other radio hits.
Asia's 1983 sophomore album, Alpha, also went multi-platinum and enjoyed several hit singles, including the #1 smash, 'Don't Cry'. During the recording of its third disc, the band splintered, and by the 1990s, only Geoff Downes remained from the original line-up.
The reunion came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, but morphed itself into an ongoing endeavour. In 2008, they returned with the first new studio album, Phoenix, which had been strongly influenced by the fusion of talents and heritages that the band excited the music world with back in 1982.
Omega shows a new renaissance for this amazing group of musicians, which seem to live up to a joie-de-vivre that stands the test of time.
Begun during the summer 2009, the writing and recording sessions of Omega, immediately showed inspiration and good feelings. 'We were looking to create something different with Omega,' says keyboardist Geoff Downes. 'Of course, the sound of the 4 band members of Asia will always have a certain hallmark when we play together. That's a given. But we approached the song writing with a mind to getting a degree of variety into these compositions. Hence, you will hear areas of textures where arguably we have never gone before.'
Adds lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist John Wetton: 'Asia is an English prog-rock band with a pop edge, always has been, and hopefully always will be. Accessible, melodic, anthemic songs with great playing, luxuriating in a bed of lush orchestration, with lyrics that strike a sympathetic chord in even the most cynical heart. There you have it, Omega is a themed album in Asia's fine tradition, without the millstone of a concept.'
Asdia tour dates
AC/DC CONFIRMED AS HEADLINER FOR DOWNLOAD 2010
DOWNLOAD CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF DONINGTON WITH THEM CROOKED VULTURES, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, DEFTONES, MEGADETH, MOTÖRHEAD
After many rumours, gossip and speculation DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL organisers have confirmed that the world's greatest rock band AC/DC will be one of the headliners for this year's festival, taking place at Donington Park 11-13 June.
There is no better band to help celebrate 30 years at Donington than AC/DC, who with all guns blazing (not to mention bells!) will be appearing at Donington for the fourth time. AC/DC first appeared at the second Monsters of Rock concert in 1981, and then 1984 and 1991. 2010 will mark three decades of AC/DC at Donington Park - and their debut Download performance.
Festival organisers have also announced that they are increasing the arena capacity this year to accommodate even more fans keen to experience Download at Donington Park and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Monsters of Rock. Last year's event sold out at 85,000 per day - the increased arena size this year will make Download the biggest UK music festival after Glastonbury. Established in 1980 by promoter Paul Loasby and the late Maurice Jones who died last year, the event was originally created as a day-long Summer festival dedicated to rock and heavy metal bands. Over the years it was quickly established as the annual event for the UK hard rock fraternity. It was destined to become a British music tradition - 30 years on and Download Festival has become the premiere rock festival.
Andy Copping, Download festival Promoter, commented, "Download 2010 will be one for the history books. It will see the return of the world's greatest rock band to the most legendary and spiritual home of rock. We have been pushing for this moment for many years, but for this to become reality alongside the likes of Them Crooked Vultures, Motörhead and Megadeth is the best 30th Anniversary of the site we could have dreamed of, it's also going to be a fantastic tribute to Maurice Jones who started this all off back in 1980."
John Probyn, COO Live Nation explained, "The Donington site and its continuing flexibility should take some of the credit for the longevity and success of both Monsters of Rock and Download Festival. We are thrilled that our 30-year association with the site will be marked not only with a superb line-up, but also by the expansion of Download 2010 to accommodate more festival-goers than ever."
Joining AC/DC and following two incredible shows at Hammersmith Apollo before Christmas are rock supergroup de jour THEM CROOKED VULTURES, which features rock legends Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones. Incredibly none of the band have ever played at Donington before either - making this Download performance even more exclusive.
Also confirmed will be reformed grunge-rock heroes STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, for their first UK show since getting back together for a massive North American tour in 2008. The band have NEVER played at Donington or Download before, although striking frontman Scott Weiland has of course performed twice, with previous band Velvet Revolver.
One of the 'Big Four' bands of thrash metal, MEGADETH, will be back at Donington for the fourth time, having played Monsters of Rock in 1988, and then two Download Festivals (2005 and 2007), alongside metal behemoths MOTÖRHEAD, also making their fourth appearance with one Monsters of Rock (1986) and two Download's under their studded belts (2005 and 2008).
Returning for the third time will be Sacremento heavy rockers DEFTONES, with a new album slated for April. With an incredible four Download performances already - and with each year moving further and further up the bill - Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE return in 2010 bringing circle pits-a-plenty - lock up your daughters. WOLFMOTHER - also confirmed for London's Hard Rock Calling - will be bringing their Australian rock to the Download stage for the second time and finally, making their second Download appearance will be Danish rockabillies VOLBEAT.
Weekend tickets for Download 2010 go on sale 9am Friday 29 January via www.downloadfestival.co.uk. V.I.P packages also available.
AC/DC'S MUSIC TO BE FEATURED IN IRON MAN 2
BAND TO RELEASE AC/DC: IRON MAN 2 ALBUM ON MONDAY APRIL 19, 2010
Through a unique collaboration between Marvel Studios and Columbia Records, AC/DC's music will be featured in Marvel Studios' IRON MAN 2, the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster film. In addition, Columbia Records will release the album AC/DC: Iron Man 2 on Monday, April 19, 2010.
AC/DC: Iron Man 2, features 15 classic AC/DC songs selected from ten of the band's studio albums, ranging from 1976 to 2008.
The film opens internationally beginning on April 28, 2010 and in the U.S. the film is scheduled for release on May 7, 2010.
The debut video from AC/DC: Iron Man 2 is the AC/DC's classic album cut 'Shoot To Thrill', which was filmed live last month in Buenos Aires during the band's highly acclaimed Black Ice World Tour, the second highest grossing world tour of 2009 according to concert industry trade publication Pollstar.
The video also incorporates exclusive footage from IRON MAN 2. More information: www.acdc.com and www.marvel.com. 'Shoot To Thrill' was originally recorded for the band's 50-million selling album Back In Black, one of the best selling albums of all time.
FIFESTOCK 2010 - Legendary artists to perform at the UK's most intimate music festival
The second annual Fifestock 2010 will again be hosted at The Inn at Lathones, home to the R.A.T.S. (Rocking at The Stables), one of the UK's most intimate music venues with a capacity of just 50.
The music festival kicks off on Thursday 18 February and will see over 20 world-renowned acts perform over 26 days.
Hailed as Britain's smallest rock festival, the notoriety of the performers is huge. Headlining acts include Mick Taylor (formerly of The Rolling Stones), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson's guitarist for 3 world tours/Jeff Beck's for 2 world tours), Henry McCullough (Joe Cocker, Paul McCartney & Wings), Graham Gouldman and Mick Wilson (10cc), Carlene Carter (daughter of June Carter/step-daughter of Johnny Cash) and Deborah Bonham (sister of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, who recently duetted with Paul Rogers) to name a few.
Fifestock organiser, David Mundell, commented: "I decided to set up an annual music festival to inject some much-needed enjoyment in to a very dreich time of the year. Last year's event was a roaring success and feedback was extremely positive. By encompassing many genres, and attracting big names such as Mick Taylor, Jennifer Batten and Carlene Carter we hope to appeal to a broad range of music lovers again this year and to become a permanent fixture on the national music scene for years to come."
Forming part of the Inn at Lathones, Scotland's oldest coaching inn, Rocking at the Stables is a unique venue steeped in history. With a capacity limited to 50, music lovers are never crushed in a crowd, nor do they struggle to see the stage. The venue's intimacy has been described as the 'ultimate living-room gig', with many acts staying behind for a drink and a chat with fans after the gig.
The Stables also houses music promoter David Mundell's huge memorabilia collection including Fender guitar scratch plates, drum skins, posters, photos, and lots of other interesting items signed by the world's most famous musicians.
Fifestock 2010 is supported by the Celebrating Fife 2010 Flagship Fund.
Fifestock takes place from Thursday 18 February until Saturday 13 March at Rocking at the Stables, The Inn at Lathones, Largoward, St Andrews, Fife KY9 1JE.
KISS ADD EXTRA SHOWS
Rock legends KISS have added shows in Sheffield, Newcastle and Liverpool and a 2nd show at London's Wembley Arena to their new 'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From the Beginning To the Boom' tour to Europe in Summer 2010.
With multiple dates across Europe, the 'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom' is set to be THE rock event of 2010, building on the incredible success of the 2009 'Sonic Boom' album.
'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom' will see dates in Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Demark, Holland, France, Spain, Belgium and, not only will the tour feature KISS's first UK arena shows in 11 years, but it will see the band breaking new ground completely with their first ever shows in Slovakia.
Whilst utilizing elements of 'KISS Alive 35', 'Sonic Boom Over Europe: From The Beginning To The Boom' will be a fresh, new show tailored to the bands European fans and showcasing the brand new 'Sonic Boom' album.
2010 UK Dates
Sat 1st May Sheffield Arena (UK)
Sun 2nd May Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (UK)
Tues 4th May Liverpool Arena (UK)
Wed 5th May Birmingham LG Arena (original date 11th)
Fri 7th May Dublin, O2 Arena (Eire)
Sun 9th May Glasgow, SECC (UK) SOLD OUT
Mon 10th May Manchester MEN Arena (UK)
Wed 12th May London, Wembley Arena (UK)
Thu 13th May London, Wembley Arena (UK) SOLD OUT
IRON MAIDEN AND RAMMSTEIN ADDED TO THREE DAY SONISPHERE FESTIVAL
Having established itself as the 'Best New Festival' at the 2009 UK Festival Awards, Sonisphere Festival moves from strength to strength with the announcement of our phenomenal 2010 headliners, as well as the first of many great bands for the three day event over July 30, 31 and Aug 1.
With the power to rock the very foundations of Knebworth Hall itself, the weekend headliners, both renowned for sensational live shows, are British Metal titans Iron Maiden - for whom Sonisphere will be their only UK appearance of 2010 - and German industrial rock monsters Rammstein, who make their first - and only 2010 - UK Festival appearance.
Already confirmed for the event are Alice Cooper, Anthrax, The Cult, Iggy & The Stooges, Slayer and Motley Crue (also making their only UK appearance in 2010).
TOUCHSTONE OPEN PROG STAGE AT HIGH VOLTAGE FESTIVAL
Prog/melodic rockers Touchstone will be opening the Prog stage at the High Voltage Festival on July 24. The festival is being staged at Victoria Park, London and features a reunited ELP, ZZ Top, Asia and Marillion amongst others.
The band recently reissued their 'Mad Hatters' EP. Originally released in 2006 as a limited edition, the four original songs have been remastered with the addition of three live tracks.
Review
Win the EP!!
HEAVEN AND HELL HEADLINE BLOODSTOCK: TWISTED SISTER, ENSIFERUM and EDGUY COMPLETE 10th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Heavy Metal Legends HEAVEN & HELL have been confirmed as headline act for BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2010.
The metal masters have chosen to headline the 10th anniversary of the festival, crowning an already incredible line up, befitting such an important milestone.
Living legend/guitarist TONY IOMMI commented: "Great for Geezer and me to play somewhere near to home, even better to headline a legendary festival. Thanks for the opportunity!"
BLOODSTOCK more than welcomes their appearance. Says founder Paul Gregory: "10 years of bringing the UK a METAL festival that metalheads can be proud of has just been made better with the announcement of Heaven and Hell.
As a fan to say I'm made up with the announcement would be the understatement of the millennium. This year Bloodstock has come of age".
BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR is undoubtedly the UK's most loyal festival to the metal genre. A performance featuring members of BLACK SABBATH - the true pioneers of the genre - at this special 10 year anniversary is an occasion for any metal fan to celebrate, and one the BLOODSTOCK attendees will welcome.
Photo: Ian Pollard/GRTR!
The promise of RONNIE JAMES DIO, TONY IOMMI, GEEZER BUTLER and VINNY APICE performing classic SABBATH songs such as 'The Mob Rules', 'Lady Evil', 'Die Young' and 'Neon Knights' will surely be one of the stand out moments in the 10 year history of BLOODSTOCK, and is not to be missed.
BOA is thrilled to confirm the final headline slot for the 10th anniversary festival will be taken by legendary US metallers TWISTED SISTER. Capturing the spirit of rebellion, the multi-million selling New Yorkers enjoyed a hugely successful career, adored by metal fans and feared by the "moral right", before disbanding in the mid-80's. Re-uniting in 2001 to headline the NEW YORK STEEL benefit concert in the wake of the Sept 11th attacks, the band made their first steps towards returning to the stage after fourteen years, delighting fans across the world.
Now BLOODSTOCK is honoured to have Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda, A. J. Pero, and Mark "The Animal" Mendoza for their first UK outdoor festival performance since 1983's MONSTERS OF ROCK. Never failing to deliver anything short of a spectacular live set, the foundations of Catton Hall are set to shake as classics such as "I Wanna Rock", "Leader Of The Pack", "Burn In Hell" and "We're Not Gonna Take It" have all in attendance singing their hearts out.
Finnish warriors ENSIFERUM bring the battle back to BLOODSTOCK in 2010 making a welcome return to the main stage. These heroic Viking Metallers are no strangers to BOA, having laid waste to the stage in 2006. With four albums worth of aural artillery, these Finns are well-equipped to rally the metal warriors in attendance, ensuring victory at BOA's Decennial celebration, at this exclusive festival appearance.
German power-metallers EDGUY also make a welcome return to the BLOODSTOCK stage, which the band are excited about gracing again. Charismatic frontman/metallic maniac TOBIAS SAMMET is especially looking forward to returning to the UK for EDGUY's only UK Festival appearance:
The BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL 2010 will take place at Catton Hall, Derbyshire from 13th - 15th August.
Weekend tickets are on sale now at www.bloodstock.uk.com
Line up to date: Heaven & Hell/ Children of Bodom/ Fear Factory/ Obituary/ Ross The Boss/ Rage/ Andromeda/ Behemoth/ Devin Townsend/ Doro/ Leaves Eyes/ Suffocation/ Dream Evil/ Cannibal Corpse/ Korpiklaani/ Gwar/ Amorphis/ Gojira/ Sonata Arctica.
Official website
JETHRO TULL ANNOUNCE TOUR IN 2010
Jethro Tull will hit the road in the UK in March for a 23 date tour. These shows will feature an assortment of 'Best of Tull' repertoire with some rare gems thrown in for good measure. Support to be announced.
Ian Anderson says about this tour "Of all the music recorded by Jethro Tull over the years, there are several songs which have rarely, if ever, been performed in public. We look forward to introducing some of this material to the setlist in 2010 along with some of the tried and trusty favourites."
"Martin Barre and I, along with long-standing drummer Doane Perry and old friends David Goodier and John O'Hara will bring variety and depth to the concerts with the aid of a few forgotten musical instruments currently being dug out of the rusty skip and dusted down for action. (I know I put that Sousaphone somewhere safe....)"
Tour dates
Ian Anderson Interview Podcast
Ian Anderson is featured artist on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio in February. More information
Check out latest and breaking news!!
KATATONIA ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES FOR MARCH 2010
Following the release of their critically acclaimed album 'Night Is the New Day' in November 2009, Katatonia are set to tour the UK in 2010.
Full dates are as follows -
Tues 9th March Manchester - Academy 3
Wed 10th March Nottingham - Basement
Thu 11th March London - Garage
Fri 12th March Hammerfest II - Prestatyn
Sat 13th March Cardiff - Barfly
Sun 14th March Wolverhampton - Little Civic
Formed in 1991 by Anders Nyström and Jonas Renkse, their debut album, 'Dance of December Souls', was released in 1993, gaining the band recognition for their eclectic brand of gothic doom/death metal & joining acts such as Paradise Lost & My Dying Bride to become one of the genre's defining bands.
On future albums a newer, sleeker Katatonia sound came to the fore, starting with a streamlined & structured collection of melodic dark rock songs that became the third album 'Discouraged Ones'; the main evolution point for modern day Katatonia.
The band's eighth album 'Night Is The New Day' sees a band at the height of their powers, a continuation of the heaviness, depth and atmosphere of their previous album, 'The Great Cold Distance'. 'Night Is the New Day' is also a more multi-dimensional effort - waltzing between prog moments, doom, folk and the classic melodic anthems that are staple to Katatonia's uncompromising sound. K
Katatonia are completed by the haunting tones of Jonas Renkse's journeys of urban & emotional decay, & now joined by Frank Default on keyboards, notable for his work on the track 'Unfurl' from the 'July' EP - utilising his expertise to the fullest to texture the soundscapes.
The album was recorded throughout July 2009 and was co-produced, engineered and mixed by David Castillo (Opeth, InMe). Recording was divided between Studio Mega (for drums) and Ghost Ward Studios, where most recording took place; this provided a dose of inspiration from the darker corners of life with its choice of location. Mastering was completed at Fascination Street Studios (where 'The Great Cold Distance' was recorded) with Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth and Paradise Lost)
Consummate live performers, Katatonia have just supported Paradise Lost across the UK and performed at the Hellfire festival. The bands have announced a series of headline UK gigs across the UK in March 2010 in addition to performing at Hammerfest II.
Album review
AUSTRALIAN PROG METALLERS KARNIVOOL UK DATES
Karnivool, who have received excellent reviews for their second album 'Sound Awake' play UK dates prior to a US tour in March.
The album is released in the USA on February 16.
Thursday 11 March - Roadhouse, Manchester.
Friday 12 March - King Tuts, Glasgow.
Saturday 13 March - Rock City, Nottingham.
Sunday 14 March - Joiners, Southampton.
Monday 15 March - Relentless Garage, London.
Album review
STEVE HARLEY TOURS IN 2010
Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel have announced a fifteen date tour that takes in all of the Home Nations and Eire in May and June 2010. Tickets go on sale at 9am on 27 November 2009.
Steve Harley is one of the UK's most respected songwriters and performers. Whilst his calling card is the million-selling number one single 'Make Me Smile [Come Up And See Me]', he also had hits with 'Mr. Raffles [Man, It Was Mean]', 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Soft' and many more.
Harley even scored a hit with an enormously successful cover of The Beatles' 'Here Comes The Sun' but is rightly revered for his own compositions, and he'll have some new songs to play on this tour.
This year at the prestigious Classic Rock Awards, he picked up the 'Childline Rocks' Award in front of a room full of his peers.
The May / June tour will come hot on the heels of Steve Harley's hugely anticipated new studio album - his first for five years - 'Stranger Comes To Town'. The album, featuring ten brand new songs, will be released in April 2010. Recorded at a residential studio in East Anglia with members of Harley's longstanding touring band, the album has been a true labour of love and these dates offer the first chance to hear some of the new material.
MAY 2010
Sun 23 Dublin, Academy 0818 719300 R.O.I. / 0844 2774455 N.I.
Mon 24 Belfast, Spring & Airbrake 0818 719300 R.O.I. / 0844 2774455 N.I.
Weds 26 Edinburgh, Queens Hall 0131 668 2019 / seetickets.com
Thurs 27 Newcastle, Journal Theatre 0844 493 9999/ thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk
Fri 28 York, Opera House 0844 847 2322 / grandoperahouseyork.org.uk
Sat 29 Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall 0870 320 7000 / wolvescivic.co.uk
Sun 30 Buxton, Opera House 0845127 2190 / buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
JUNE 2010
Tues 01 Bristol, Colston Hall 0117 922 3686 / livenation.co.uk
Weds 02 Wavendon, The Stables 01908 280 800 / stables.org
Thurs 03 Wavendon, The Stables 01908 280 800 / stables.org
Fri 04 Holmfirth, Picturedrome 0871 230 1101 / picturedrome.net
Sun 06 Ipswich, The Regent 0844 847 2322 / livenation.co.uk
Mon 07 Brighton, Dome 0870 320 700 / livenation.co.uk
Weds 09 Cardiff, St David's Hall 0870 320 700 / livenation.co.uk
Thurs 10 O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000 / livenation.co.uk
RODRIGO y GABRIELA ANNOUNCE FIVE NIGHT RESIDENCY AT 02 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE
Acoustic rockers Rodrigo y Gabriela will be back in London next year for an unprecedented five night stand at one of their favourite venues - the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. The shows will run on November 2nd, 3rd, 5th (yes, expect to see fireworks), 6th and 7th, and will see Rod & Gab play to 10,000 fans during the residency.
Tickets priced at £22.50 (including booking fee) will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 23rd December. The duo played three sold out shows at the venue in May 2007.
Rodrigo y Gabriela are currently on a world tour promoting their new studio album '11:11' which was released to glowing reviews in September 2009. The next leg will see them visit Australia, New Zealand and Japan before an extended jaunt around North America en route to further European dates in the spring.
Rod & Gab's most recent London gig was the triumphant sold out night at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo in November. Shows so far on the first leg of the '11:11' world tour have seen them joined onstage by Robert Trujillo of Metallica in Chicago and guitar legend Al Di Meola in Paris.
'11:11' is Rodrigo y Gabriela's personal tribute to eleven musicians or bands who have inspired them along their musical journey, ranging from household names like Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix to personal favourites such as Le Trio Joubran and Michel Camilo. The album was produced by Rodrigo (with co-production by John Leckie on one track) and mixed by Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Trivium).
Album review
|
PANIC ROOM will be promoting their new album 'Satellite' with Spring dates as follows:
